Ryan EvansA new driver is possibly the most exciting purchase for any golfer. Despite being the hardest club to master, hitting the perfect drive both long and straight is the dream scenario for every golf aficionado. Major manufacturers spend millions every year on research and development and new technology means modern drivers are in higher demand than ever before.
Leading brands now produce versatile ranges of each driver with a model suitable to every golfer. Whether you want maximum forgiveness for bad shots, the ultimate distance for good strikes or maybe control and workability instead, there is a driver on the market to suit you.
These are the best golf drivers on the market right now:
1. TaylorMade SIM2 Max
The overall best driver available in 2022
Last year’s TaylorMade SIM drivers were the most popular worldwide and the SIM2 model takes all that technology and enhances it to increase performance even further. The Speed Injected Twist Face and Inertia Generator technology from the SIM drivers has been carried over, with the new addition of Forged Ring Construction.
Technical jargon aside, all of this technology is designed to maximize forgiveness, whilst maintaining low spin and high ball speed.
Overall, the higher launch and ball speed when compared with the SIM drivers do present upgraded performance on what was already considered one of the best performing drivers.
With the brand backing of top professionals such as Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson it is very likely the SIM2 drivers will be the most popular driver choice again for 2022.
- Excellent distance with high launch and relatively low spin.
- Incredibly forgiving for off-center strikes.
- Great looking driver.
- Might not be worth the upgrade if you already have last year’s SIM model.
The SIM2 Max is a great driver! You can also check out our picks for the best TaylorMade drivers for high to low handicappers.
2. Cobra King F9 Speedback
The best value for money driver
First released in 2019 the King F9 Speedback was a massive success for Cobra. Featuring what they considered revolutionary technology by combining an aerodynamic shape with low CG for maximum club and ball speed.
The club face is CNC milled, which Cobra claims is five times more precise than hand-polished faces and delivers the thinnest hottest possible face. Overall this technology equates to a driver that is definitely long hitting off the tee.
Despite bringing out two newer models, the SpeedZone and RadSpeed, the upgrade in the performance of these models has not been significant. If money is no object, then opting for the RadSpeed will offer you slightly more forgiveness. However, the King F9 Speedback is still an impressive driver that offers exceptional value for money.
- Still one of the longest drivers available.
- Excellent value for money.
- Club face offers impressive forgiveness.
- Lower handicaps may find shaping shots a bit difficult.
3. Callaway Epic Speed
Ultimate confidence booster
For 2022 Callaway have reverted back to the Epic range that brought so much success in 2019. The Epic Speed features a new AI designed version of their Jailbreak technology called Speed Frame, creating a structure for horizontal and torsional stability.
Flash Face from the Epic Flash has also been updated to promote maximum ball speed across a larger portion of the club face. This technology has already been successful in previous Callaway drivers, but now has an additional dimension with more forgiveness for off-center strikes.
The Epic 21 range are the latest Callaway models available and alongside the TaylorMade SIM2 range are likely to be the best-selling drivers of 2022. There is definitely an upgrade in stability and forgiveness from the Epic 19 range, however if you want to save a little bit on your budget the Callaway Epic Flash and Flash Subzero are still a top performing driver.
- Amazing ball speed produced across much of the club face for superb forgiveness.
- Great sounding driver.
- Three different models available to suit range of golfers.
- Golfers with a 2019 Epic model may question if it is worth the upgrade cost.
- Lower handicappers might prefer a bit more feedback for off-center strikes.
4. Titleist TSi3
Helping you maximize your distance
Titleist’s new TSi3 driver uses a unique ATI 425 Aerospace Titanium alloy on its club face, which they say delivers increased ball speed at all points of contact. Meaning, great distance no matter where you strike the ball.
The appearance of the TSi3 driver is a definite improvement on the previous TS3 model, with a nicer shape and more compact aerodynamic feel. Possibly the biggest appeal of the TSi3 is the added SureFit track technology, allowing players to adjust the club head CG position for refined performance-tuning.
The other new offering from Titleist is the TSi2, which should definitely be considered for golfers wanting a higher launch angle and slightly more stability for off-centre strikes. This model does not feature the new SureFit track technology, but this is not something that will bother all golfers. The TSi2 could definitely have more appeal for mid-to-high handicappers.
- Possibly the longest driver available.
- Classic black Titleist appearance and improved look at address over TS models.
- Great amount of adjustability.
- Slightly more expensive than direct high-end competitors.
- Lack of alignment aid may put a few off.
5. Ping G425 Max
Best for straighter drives
Ping have created their highest MOI driver ever with the G425 Max. This has been achieved by adding a 26-gram tungsten weight designed to shift the CG lower and further back. The tungsten weight is moveable into three different settings: neutral, draw or fade for additional forgiveness over shot shapes.
The 26-gram weight has been made possible by Ping’s new ultra-thin Dragonfly technology crown. The G425 continues to use the drag reducing crown turbulators from the G410 range, but they have been toned down for a more appealing visual when addressing the ball.
When compared with other new drivers on the market the G425 is unlikely to be winning any awards for distance, however it will provide unparalleled forgiveness. The Ping G range is renowned amongst golfers for its reliability and user friendliness and the G425 model only enhances this tried and tested design.
- Reduces unwanted curve creating a tighter dispersion.
- Excellent forgiveness as expected with Ping G range.
- Three models of G425 available which should suit all golfers.
- Not one of the longer drivers available.
- Classic loud Ping sound doesn’t appeal to everyone.
6. Mizuno ST200G
Great all-rounder at a decent price point
Mizuno are not a brand known for producing the highest performance drivers, however they have recently started to make their way into Tour golfers bags. The ST200G model offers improved performance across the board when compared with its predecessors, offering more distance, better forgiveness and a nicer sounding impact.
A compact Wave Sole and variable thickness crown create weight savings providing low spin and added forgiveness. Despite not using the same quantity of technology jargon as some leading brands, this Mizuno model will more than compete with all the top selling drivers.
The ST200G has a classic driver appearance and looks good at address. Two weighted tracks offer good tuning of spin characteristics and hosel adjustability allows for up to 4 degrees of loft movement.
It is worth noting that in 2022 Mizuno has released new ST model drivers which do offer a slight upgrade in technology, however the performance of the ST200 drivers will more than match them and offer excellent value for money.
- Offers good amount of adjustability.
- Good value for money.
- Forgiveness and distance competes with some of the more popular driver brands.
- Nice classic look at address.
- Newer ST-Z model does offer slightly more spin consistency if you don’t mind spending a bit more money.
- Alignment aid on the club head could have a slightly cleaner appearance.
Conclusion
There you have it, our list of the best drivers to buy in 2022. You can also check our recommendations for the best, most forgiving drivers for beginners and high handicappers.
