Golf Driver Reviews
 We have recently reviewed Golf Digest's top ranked drivers of 2008. Many characteristics are covered including clubhead volume, clubhead material, moment of inertia as well as many other technological advancements.
For those that are unclear on what type of driver to purchase, these in-depth reviews should help you decide. In addition, we are constantly updating current pricing and list the best deals from online stores so that you don't have to do the work.
Note: if you are not familiar with driver characteristics (such as loft, types of shafts, head material, etc), it might be best to read the
Golf Driver
section of the Gear Guide before returning to read the reviews below.
Adams Insight XTD Driver  Specs:
Clubface: 460cc
Moment of Inertia: Very High
Launch Angle: Medium
Spin: Medium
Standard Shaft Length: 46 in.
Loft Angles: 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5 (a3 model)
a3OS: 9.5, 10.5, 12.5, HL (a3OS model)
There are two Adams Insight XTD driver models currently available: Insight XTD a3 and Insight XTD a3OS. These square-shape models have a 0.5-millimeter crown insert, which helps average players and slicers who swing over the top. The XTD a3 model has a neutral setup that is generally for medium and high speed golfers. It has a lower spin rate than the a3OS and is available in lofts of 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 11.5 degrees. The a3 has a Center of Gravity (CG) close to the clubface. In comparison, the Insight XTD a3OS is a draw bias model. The CG is moved back and towards the heel of the club to help close the face at impact. It is targeted towards golfers with slower swing speeds and helps golfers that are trying to eliminate a slice. The available lofts include 9.5, 10.5, 12.5 and HL lofts.
The primary focus of Adams Golf when constructing both models was more distance. The clubheads have a square design, with high MOI for added forgiveness. Unlike many other square drivers, these sit more flush to the ground. Neither model produces the dreaded clang noise at impact. The standard shaft is an Aldila DVS 55-gram graphite shaft which provides extra kick at impact. This high-performance shaft is a great standard shaft offering by Adams Golf. Both XTD drivers shipped to stores in early February. In case you are wondering if this club really gives extra distance, keep in mind that the industry’s expert authority on distance (Long Drivers of America) endorses the Adams Insight XTD as the official driver of the LDA. A drawback to this club is the limited fitting options available. This might not matter to you though.
For Pricing and Adams Insight Driver Availability, Click Here.
Callaway FT-5 Driver  Specs:
Clubface: 460cc
Moment of Inertia: Very High
Launch Angle: Medium
Spin: Medium
Standard Shaft Length: 45 in.
Loft Angles: 8.5 (tour), 9.0, 9.5 (tour), 10, 10.5 (tour), 11, 13 HT
Improving upon the Fusion FT-3 model, Callaway has come up with the FT-5 driver. The fusion name was derived because the carbon composite body is combined with a titanium face. It has a very high moment of inertia (MOI). Many customers agree that they get increased ball speed, more distance and straighter drives. The clubface is made of titanium.
The Fusion Technology includes a Carbon Composite body material that is used to make the body lighter than titanium. This composite material also increases stability and distance. Designers actually move 50 grams of discretionary weight to provide for a high Moment of Inertia and ideal location of the center of gravity. The lightweight nature of this club head also allows designers to adjust the center of gravity to allow for neutral (provides maximum workability), draw (to reduce slices) and fade (to reduce hooks) versions. This is known as the OptiFit Weighting System and provides the ideal club to players based on how they typically drive the ball. Keep in mind that the fade version is only allowed in the tour (pro) version. Additional benefits of this driver include exceptional stability on off-center hits.
The stock shaft offered is a Fujijura shaft, which is generally highly regarded in the golf industry. For advanced players, there is a “tour” shaft available. Callaway is a great manufacturer when it comes to customization. Their OptiFit system enables golfers to try different head/shaft/loft combinations. For golfers that have used the FT-3 before, you will find that the FT-5 provides more forgiveness and longer drives. The shaft options have greatly improved as well. In addition, designers have provided more discretionary weight in the Callaway FT-5 to allow you to draw and fade the ball significantly. Like most composite clubheads, the sound at impact is not nearly as appealing as a titanium clubhead. Most golfers do not really care too much about this aspect though.
For Pricing and Callaway FT-5 Driver Availability, Click Here.
 
Callaway FT-i Driver  Specs:
Clubface: 460cc
Moment of Inertia: Very High
Launch Angle: High
Spin: Medium-High
Standard Shaft Length: 45.75 in.
Loft Angles: 8.5 (LCG), 9, 9.5 (LCG), 10, 11, 13 HT
The Callaway FT-i driver features a revolutionary square shape clubhead with a 460cc head volume (USGA limit). The square design was implemented due to extreme weight shifting in the club. Callaway is the second manufacturer to come up with a square design (Nike was the first with the Sasquatch Sumo2). The Callaway FT-i is designed to move discretionary weight to the corners of the clubhead. This causes the driver to have a very high Moment of Inertia (MOI). When the MOI is high, the club will have less twisting both horizontally and vertically. In turn, this will limit the damage from off-center shots and also be more forgiving than a low MOI club.
The Fusion Technology of the Callaway FT-i includes a Carbon Composite body material that is used to make the body lighter than titanium. This composite material also increases stability and distance. Designers move discretionary weight to provide for a high Moment of Inertia and ideal location of the center of gravity. The lightweight nature of this club head also allows designers to adjust the center of gravity to allow for neutral (provides maximum workability), draw (to reduce slices) and fade (to reduce hooks) versions. This is known as the OptiFit Weighting System and provides the ideal club to players based on how they typically drive the ball. The Callaway FT-i driver is available in standard and Tour models, for both men and women. The standard model offers 9, 10, 11 and 13 degree loft options. The standard shaft is the highly regarded graphite Fujijura Speeder 586. For left handed players, the 10 and 11 degree models are offered. For advanced players, there is the LCG tour version which provides lower spin, more open face and an interchangeable shaft-head system known as I-Mix. The Tour versions come in 8.5 and 9.5 degree lofts. The left handed Tour version only comes with 9.5 degrees loft.
For Pricing and Callaway FT-i Driver Availability, Click Here.
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Callaway Hyper X Driver  Specs:
Clubface: 460cc
Moment of Inertia: High
Launch Angle: Medium
Spin: Low-Medium
Standard Shaft Length: 45.5 in.
Loft Angles: 8.5 *, 9, 9.5*, 10, 10.5*, 11 (*tour versions only)
Callaway Golf engineers experimented with how to find breakthrough ball speed enhancements of titanium drivers. Eight years into the making, the end result is the Callaway Hyper X Driver, which has a hyperbolic face technology that generates higher ball speed across the clubface. This hyperbolic shaping of the face thickness greatly improves impact efficiency and generates the largest hitting area of any all-titanium Callaway driver. Additionally, the Callaway Hyper X Driver reduces bad effects normally experienced from off-center shots.
The club head of the Callaway Hyper X driver has an X-sole design that helps golfers lineup correctly towards their intended target line. There is a high MOI (though not as high as the Nike Sumo2 5900 driver) which gives increased forgiveness and stability on off-center shots. There is also an incorporated S2HD (Short, Straight, Hollow, Hosel) design that increases discretionary weight by removing it from the hosel so it can be repositioned in the perimeter of the clubhead.
Other things to consider include an advanced Fujikura shaft (standard) that adds to the driver’s performance. For advanced players, the Callaway Hyper X Tour driver is offered in half-degree lofts (8.5°, 9.5° and 10.5°). The tour drivers have face angles that are slightly open. This provides advanced golfers with a more pleasing look at address and increased workability. There are not too many drawbacks of this club. However, there are not higher lofts available (greater than 11 degrees) for slower swing golfers. Also, for some reason, there is no 9 degree loft for left-handed players.
For Pricing and Callaway Hyper X Driver Availability, Click Here.
Cleveland Hibore XLS Driver  Specs:
Clubface: 460cc
Moment of Inertia: Very High
Launch Angle: High
Spin: Medium-High
Standard Shaft Length: 45 in.
Loft Angles: 8.5*, 9.5*, 10.5*, 11.5*; draw version: 9, 10.5, 12; (*also comes in tour version)
The Cleveland Hibore XLS driver is the largest driver that Cleveland has ever made. It has a feature known as Full Face Performance (FFP) to extend the sweet spot across a very large portion of the face. This provides maximum distance on center and off-center (mis-hit) shots. The very high moment of inertia provides maximum stability and control. Actually, I was able to achieve a ridiculous amount of carry with this club.
Like all popular modern driver, the Cleveland Hibore XLS driver features maximum allowed USGA dimensions (460cc). In contrast to the Hibore XL, this driver features an increased MOI that provides straighter drives. An added benefit of this club is a crown plaque and “stability foils” that allow golfers to setup the club easily at address. The top of the clubhead has an indented top that helps to promote a low takeaway. In addition, this club has a loud sound at impact that some people might not like. On the positive side, the head squares easily towards the target.
For Pricing and Cleveland Hibore XLS Driver Availability, Click Here.
Cobra L4V Driver  Specs:
Clubface: 460cc
Moment of Inertia: Extremely High
Launch Angle: Medium-High
Spin: Medium-High
Standard Shaft Length: 45 in.
Loft Angles: 9, 10, 10.5*, 12 (*M version only)
The Cobra L4V driver comes in 3 models: X (extreme speed), F (fast) and M (moderate) models. (F, M, X). “L4V” stands for “Limit 4 Variables”. Cobra designed this driver to hit the maximum specifications allowed by the USGA. The first area is clubhead volume and like most modern drivers, all 3 modes come in the maximum allowed 460cc volume. The next variable is Coefficient of restitution (COR) and once again, this driver pushes the envelope to the max COR. The third variable refers to Clubhead dimensions. A clubhead is allowed by USGA to be a maximum of five inches from heel to toe and less than 5 inches from face to back. Not surprisinglty, the Cobra L4V is designed using these limitations. Finally, this driver reaches the maximum Moment of Inertia (MOI) rating of 5900. As you can see, the designers put a lot of thought into this driver. It has been shown that the Cobra L4V driver is generally intended for golfers who hit straight or slight draw-biased ball flights.
The L4V drivers have an extremely lightweight carbon composite crown and sole. This combines with a high-density tungsten backweighting to shift weight low and back, generating the maximum MOI. For those that don’t know, a higher MOI will equates to less clubhead twisting at impact, giving you more power and forgiveness on off-center hits. This driver is designed for golfers with swing speeds of 87-108 mph (225-275-yard average drives). The F model comes in 9 and 10 degree lofts, with face angles of 1.5 or 2 degrees closed. The F shaft has a balance point that is shifted close to the grip. This moves mass distribution towards the clubhead to help increase MOI while maintaining preferred swing weight. This weight balance provides high launch and low to medium spin.
The L4V M (moderate) driver is similar to the L4V F driver, but it is geared towards golfers with swing speeds of 76-97 (average drives of 210-250 yards). It features a high launch, medium spin and a draw-biased ball flight. Intended for players who have a tendency to slice or fade the ball, this driver also gives you a great deal of distance. The draw-biased clubhead of the L4V M driver helps players keep the clubface square at impact. This characteristic is also provided by the F model. The L4V M model comes in lofts of 10.5 or 12 degrees with face angles of 2 or 2.5 degrees closed.
The last model is the L4V X (extreme) and is recommended for golfers with swing speeds of 104+ mph (average 265-yard-plus drives). The L4V X model is designed for advanced players who prefer a neutral ball flight with low spin and high launch. This allows them with the workability option of shaping their shots. The X model comes in a 9 degree loft with a square face angle.
For Pricing and Cobra L4V Driver Availability, Click Here.
Cobra Speed LD Driver  Specs:
Clubface: 460cc
Moment of Inertia: Very High
Launch Angle: Medium
Spin: Low-Medium
Standard Shaft Length: 45 in.
Loft Angles: F/Speed: 9.5, 10.5; M/Speed: 10.5, 12; M/Speed OS: 9.5, 10.5 ; Speed Pro: 8.5, 9.5, 10.5
The new Cobra Speed LD (stands for “Limit Dimensions”) driver just came out last month. With head dimensions of 5” x 4.9”, it approaches the USGA limit of 5” x 5”. It has a higher moment of inertia, larger sweet spot and lower center of gravity than previous models. It pushes the envelope for USGA limits on clubhead length (front to back) and width (toe to heel) measurements. This driver was designed to produce a distinctive and crisp sound that many golfers prefer to hear after ripping a long drive.
As detailed in the specs above, the F model of the Cobra Speed LD driver comes in 9.5 or 10.5 degrees. As you can probably see, the drawback to this model is the limitation of two loft angles. This model is recommended for medium to fast swings in the range of 87-108 mph. The M model of the Cobra Speed LD model has an overlapping swing speed range from 76-97 mph. This moderate speed-range driver is designed to help golfers who have the tendency to fade or slice the ball. It also has an Offset version, Seniors and Women’s version. Using both models, I found the ball to go flying off the clubface. The feel of the driver was very solid.
For Pricing and Cobra Speed LD Driver Availability, Click Here.
Mizuno MP-600 Driver  Specs:
Clubface: 460cc
Moment of Inertia: High
Launch Angle: Medium
Spin: Medium
Standard Shaft Length: 45 in.
Loft Angles: 8.5, 9.5, 10.5
The Mizuno MP-600 Driver has been in development for years and was recently released. This Titanium driver was designed using what is known as Fast Track Technology. Using two adjustable eight gram weights, golfers can choose from 15 ball flight settings. These adjustments basically alter the Center of Gravity to achieve ideal ball flight for individual golfers. An additional feature is a milled, plasma welded face insert utilizes multiple face thicknesses to increase the Coefficient of Restitution (COR) near the USGA limit. Like most Mizuno drivers, the MP-600 driver has a traditional head shape and sound desired by most golfers. This is a great driver but would not be recommended to golfers with slow swings, simply due to the fact that 10.5 is the maximum loft. It would be much better if they had at least a 12 degree loft for such golfers.
For Pricing and Mizuno MP-600 Driver Availability, Click Here.
Nike SQ Sumo2 5000 & 5900 models Specs:
Clubface: 460cc (Both models)
Moment of Inertia: Extremely High (5900 model); Very High (5000 model)
Launch Angle: Very High (5900 model); Medium (5000 model)
Spin: Medium-High (5900 model); Medium (5000 model)
Standard Shaft Length: 45.75 in (Both models).
Loft Angles: 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5, 13 (Both models have these options); 16 (5900 only)
The Nike SQ Sumo2 5900 is in the line of second generation Sumo drivers. The other second generation driver includes the Sumo2 5000 driver. Both of these drivers came out around early February. The USGA limit for moment of inertia is presently a rating of 5900 gram-centimeters squared. So it is obvious to see that the Nike engineers push the envelope with the 5900 driver. They designed the club to have the maximum MOI using the club’s square geometry and a weighting system to move weight to the corners of the clubhead. The end result is a clubhead with stability on heel-and-toe hits.
As far as the clubface, the new Sumo2 5900 driver has a deeper face, convex crown and a redefined body shape in comparison to the original Sumo Squared clubface. The multi-thickness face is constructed to provide maximum ball speed across the entire clubface. MOI relates to forgiveness and you will definitely get maximum forgiveness at the legal USGA MOI limit.
In comparison, the Nike SQ Sumo 5000 has a clubhead that is not square. This traditionally shaped driver has a deep profile and gives golfers more ability to shape their shots. The MOI is increased by 5 percent over last year’s counterpart. Both versions have the Sasquatch/Diamana shaft as standard. The SQ Sumo 5000 is also available in an offset 13-degree model.
For those of you that hit last year’s model, you will notice two great improvements. These clubs sound much better (clanking noise is gone). Most people prefer a traditional look (i.e. 5000 model) to the square look of the 5900 driver. Does it really matter though? With the performance that you achieve, you can’t go wrong with either driver. The 5900 might be the straightest and most accurate driver that they have ever made.
For Pricing and Nike Sumo Driver Availability, Click Here.
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Ping G10 Driver  Specs:
Clubface: 460cc
Moment of Inertia: High
Launch Angle: Medium
Spin: Low-Medium
Standard Shaft Length: 45.75 in.
Loft Angles: 7.5, 9*, 10.5*, 12*, 13.5* (*also available in draw version)
Ping G10 Engineers use a technology known as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) which optimizes the G10 driver’s crown, sole and face structure to give maximum energy transfer to the ball. This gives the feel of “explosiveness” in terms of the ball coming off the clubface. This driver has a cast body and fully machined 6-4 titanium face. Although it is in the same class as the previous Ping G2/Ping G5 models, the G10 version features a large profile, tall face and deeper (front to back) crown. This produces a higher MOI for increased forgiveness and increased ball velocity. Like many other popular drivers, discretionary weight is positioned in the club head for a lower center of gravity. This reduces spin and gives a higher launch.
For those that need to correct a slice, there is also an available G10 Draw version. This correction is due to an additional quarter-inch more offset. The internal weight pad is also positioned farther back and closer to the heel, in comparison to the standard G10 driver. The Draw version comes with the same loft options. The standard shaft is a Ping-designed TFC 129D shaft. In order to purchase the High Launch model (13.5 degree loft), you will need the Grafalloy ProLaunch shaft option.
For right and left handed players that typically hit the ball high, this driver might be for you. Ping gives a 7.5 degree loft to help you keep the ball low. We found this driver to be much more accurate than the G5 model and also more forgiving. Compared to many other high-end drivers, it seemed that the 9 degree Ping G10 driver hit more like a 10 degree driver. So my advice would be to get one degree less than what you normally hit. Ping has traditionally been a leader in fitting. Unfortunately, they do not currently have an adjustable fitting system. This does not affect most people though and I’m sure they will have this feature in the near future.
This driver is typically hard-to-find. If you are interested in saving quite a bit of money, you might want to look at these
Ping G10 clone drivers.
TaylorMade Burner Driver  Specs:
Clubface: 460cc
Moment of Inertia: Very High
Launch Angle: High
Spin: Medium
Standard Shaft Length: 46 in.
Loft Angles: 8.5 (TP version only), 9.5, 10.5, 13 (standard and draw only)
The TaylorMade Burner driver is one of the most popular drivers in the marketplace today. TaylorMade's SuperFast club technology provides extremely light total weight of 299 grams (compared to average driver with 320 grams) and a longer club length. This results in faster swing speeds and added power. The MOI rating of 5800 approaches the USGA legal limit (5900) to give optimal forgiveness. The TaylorMade Burner driver has a stretched bullet head shape design that achieves this high MOI rating by pushing the Center of Gravity away from the clubface. Also, this driver has distinctive crown markings which promote confidence at address and points you in the right direction.
For people who need even extra right to left ball flight (i.e. people that usually slice), the TaylorMade Burner Draw model moves weight to the heel of the clubhead, which gives golfers some help in squaring the clubface prior to impact.
The other components of the TaylorMade Burner driver that deliver the Superfast technology are the shaft and grip. The SuperFast RE*AX graphite shaft by Fujikura is extremely lightweight (only 50 grams). Also, the grip is 8 grams lighter than a standard grip.
TaylorMade has what is known as SelectFit. This customization features around 180 driver combinations. So you will most definitely find something that works for you.
For Pricing and TaylorMade Burner Driver Availability, Click Here.
TaylorMade r7 CGB Max Driver  Specs:
Clubface: 460cc
Moment of Inertia: Very High (greater than 5800)
Launch Angle: Medium-High
Spin: Medium-High
Standard Shaft Length: 45.5 in.
Loft Angles: 9.5, 10.5, HT (12)
The r7 CGB Max driver by TaylorMade combines previous technologies to give maximum distance, ease of use, forgiveness and adjustability. The shape of the clubhead is triangular and allows golfers to launch the ball high and deep. TaylorMade designers have modified the Center of Gravity (CG) to go back far from the clubface to achieve this flight. Like the TaylorMade r7 Quad driver, the R7 CGB Max driver allows golfers to adjust the ball flight. This Movable Weight Technology with three weights (one 16-gram weight and two one-gram weights) allows changes in trajectory up to 35 yards from a slight fade to a large draw. In addition, this driver is extremely light which promotes a faster swing speed, translating into added power.
Other things to keep in mind include the fact that weights in the neutral position will still move shots from right to left (draw). If you would like to hit a fade to the right, place the 16 gram weight on the right side (toe). Note, I found this club difficult to hit any fade at all. If you desire a slight draw, place the heavier weight in the middle. Finally, if a big draw is desired, place the heavier weight on the left side (heel) of the club head. The SuperFast Technology of TaylorMade is improved upon by offering an ultralight RE*AX shaft, ultralight grip and a shaft that is one inch longer than the standard TaylorMade shaft. Also, this driver seems to be easer to adjust than the TaylorMade r7 Quad because it has one less weight to worry about.
For Pricing and TaylorMade r7 CGB Max Driver Availability, Click Here.
TaylorMade r7 SuperQuad Driver  Specs:
Clubface: 460cc
Moment of Inertia: High
Launch Angle: High
Spin: Medium
Standard Shaft Length: 45 in.
Loft Angles: 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 12* (*not in TP version)
The TaylorMade r7 Superquad driver is another driver that offers Movable Weight Technology. It contains four weight screws to allow you to alter ball flight. The adjustments include 26 grams of movable weight (includes two 12g and two 1g weights) in four ports, providing golfers with 28 yard lateral trajectory change and 1.5 degree launch angle change. This club gives golfers a high amount of forgiveness and long distance as well (due to low and deep Center of Gravity).
This driver comes equipped with the TaylorMade RE*AX 65g shaft by Fujikura. This particular shaft reduces ovaling in the mid-section to promote consistency and stability. Currently, this is most customizable 460cc driver with four movable weights. This driver is very striking with the all-black look and matte face. Unfortunately, the MOI is lower than some of the Extremely High MOI numbers seen in other drivers. Therefore, you will not get the best ball-flight correction if you are the type of golfer that needs that correction. Also, impact does not feel as good as the TaylorMade r7 CGB and sound at impact could be a lot better.
For Pricing and TaylorMade r7 SuperQuad Driver Availability, Click Here.
Titleist 907D1/907D2  Specs:
Clubface: 460cc
Moment of Inertia: Very High (907D1); High (907D2)
Launch Angle: Medium (907D1); Low-Medium (907D2)
Spin: Low-Medium (907D1); Medium (907D2)
Standard Shaft Length: 45 in.
Loft Angles: 7.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5
The Titleist 907 Series (includes 907D1 and 907D2 models) offers a multi-material 460cc driver with a high moment of inertia (MOI) for increased distance and forgiveness. Of course, the high MOI value indicates more resistance to twisting at impact. The 907D1 driver has a triangular shape and at this time, has the highest MOI of any Titleist driver with the Center of Gravity shifted away from the clubface. Titleist Engineers utilized the triangular shape to achieve the maximum geometry limits allowed by the USGA. I would recommend this club to golfers more interested in forgiveness over workability.
In comparison, the 907D2 driver has a traditional shape and look. I believe that people will agree that the head shape will provide confidence at address. This club offers less forgiveness than the 907D1 driver (lower MOI rating). It has less weight in the crown and hosel, which lowers the Center of Gravity. I would recommend this club to low-handicapped golfers (single digits) and those golfers who value workability over forgiveness. It provides workability but has less forgiveness than many other drivers.
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