The best drivers for beginners is the indispensable tool that you need in every golf game. Unfortunately, the first time for a beginner golfer to handpick a good and suitable driver is usually not an easy task.
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It is even harder when you are surrounded by numerous golf accessories and products from multiple brands on the market. If you find yourself in this situation, why don’t you check out this article?
I spent time testing and experiencing some promising options and narrowed them down into this list.
So, let’s start!
Contents
- Why Do Beginners Need Specific Golf Drivers?
- Best Drivers For Beginners Reviews
- TaylorMade SIM MAX Fujikura Ventus Driver
- Callaway Marvik Max Driver
- Cobra Puma Golf F-MAX Airspeed Driver
- Pinemeadow Golf PGX Offset Driver 12357_PARENT
- Cobra Golf F9 Speedback Driver
- Callaway Epic Flash Driver
- Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo Driver
- Corba 2019 F-Max Superlite Fairway
- TaylorMade 2017 M2 460cc Driver B1397-Parent
- Wilson Staff D7 Driver
- How To Know That A Driver Is Intended For Beginners?
- Things to consider when selecting the best driver for beginners
- What driver should a beginner buy?
- FAQs
- The Bottom Line
Why Do Beginners Need Specific Golf Drivers?
A perfect driver is a key factor to a perfect hit for any golfer. When I mention the perfect hit, it also means a further and more accurate hit in some circumstances. Three key aspects for a fantastic option are ball speed, spin, and launch trajectory.
Therefore, amateurs need a specific golf driver at first to suit their current clubhead speed and accuracy. Since you are inexperienced, it will help you enhance that handicap and progress faster.
Best Drivers For Beginners Reviews
Now, take a glance at this range of options and see why they deserve to be the best drivers for beginners!
TaylorMade SIM MAX Fujikura Ventus Driver
With multiple years of experience, TaylorMade has been one of the most innovative golf fields. And the TaylorMade SIM MAX is not an exception with varieties of breakthroughs.
The engineers understand golf beginners’ worry that they will make mistakes and cannot enjoy their golf game. Therefore, in terms of forgiveness, M2 does a great job in minimizing the sidespin.
The confidence will help improve the afterward results.
Equipped with Twist Face technology, it will reduce the golfer’s tendency of making mis-hits and form straighter hits. Meanwhile, you still have a corrective face angle for extra confidence.
This product does not include the adjustable T-track system like some series, but you can still customize this post easily. That is thanks to the 2-degree loft sleeve.
Unfortunately, it costs you an arm and a leg if you want to own this driver. But overall, its quality and excellent performances compared to traditional drivers are worth the price.
Pros:
- Innovative shape with Inertia Generator and Aerodynamic Asymmetric Sole
- Speed Injected technology
- Twist Face technology
- Multi-Material structure
- 2-degree loft sleeve
Con:
- Slightly exorbitant
Callaway Marvik Max Driver
With the updated legendary AI technology, Callaway is, no wonder, one of the leading brands in making premium drivers and woods. And when it comes to performance, Callaway Marvik exceeds other previous Callaway versions.
This technology creates a highly satisfying and deep sound to help you make better and further tee shots. This product is made of an incredibly strong FS2S Titanium, durable but 0.2-ounce lighter than conventional titanium ones.
Therefore, it can still improve ‘MAX’ forgiveness, maximum speed, and spin robustness. The 2 built-in Jailbreak bars connect the sole with the center crown to achieve the maximum ball speed.
The lighter carbon crown plays a vital role in redistributing weight placement for high moments of inertia, or also known as MOI.
If you have used any other driver, you will probably agree that it is sensible to invest in this pick from Callaway. However, the only downside is its high price that is unaffordable for many customers.
Pros:
- Strong and lightweight
- AI technology for deeper sound
- 2 internal Jailbreak bars
- Adjustable loft
- Interchangeable weights
Con:
- Quite expensive
Cobra Puma Golf F-MAX Airspeed Driver
Another standout option for beginners to consider is Cobra Puma Golf F-MAX Airspeed. It comes with a feathery club weight of nearly 10 ounces, making it one of the lightest drivers on this list and also the easiest driver to hit.
The low focus on the inner weights and the heel is designed to turn the balls upside down. If that doesn’t remove your slices, a compensatory method will correct the biases.
With ultralight features, it still can help you increase the club head speed. The carbon fiber crown reduces additional weight up to 10 grams without sacrificing forgiveness.
It lowers the gravity center and pushes the sole weight down to the circumference for more balance when mishits.
The adjustable hosel also adds extra height and helps resist a slice to hit the straighter shots. Thus, even if you are a player with moderate swing speed, don’t worry.
Appreciated as an excellent option by all golfers worldwide, it is, without doubt, a reliable product for beginner golfers. As a result, I can’t recall any drawback from this golf club.
Pros:
- Most lightweight
- Makes further hits
- Lighter carbon fiber crown
- PWR ridges for straighter drives
- Back/heel positions weighting
Con:
- N/A
Pinemeadow Golf PGX Offset Driver 12357_PARENT
If you have just started to participate in this field, spending a large amount of money seems unnecessary. And your solution is nothing but Pinemeadow Golf PGX Offset 12357_PARENT. Offered at a low price, this driver is the best cheap driver with multiple notable features.
The Offset Technology helps you have a square face at larger impact, leading to straighter drives. Customers are also impressed at its clean and sleek look with the matte black finish and green and white colors.
It offers a large sweet spot with 10.5° to give you the maximum forgiveness. For golf beginners, especially those struggling with accuracy, this characteristic will positively affect your performance.
However, it is quite unsuitable when your goal is to master the extra distance. Also, the shaft is quite short for taller than average golfers.
Pros:
- Cheap driver
- Offset technology
- Clean and sleek cover with matte black finish
- Lightweight
- Offers incredible forgiveness
Cons:
- Unsuitable for distant hits
- Relatively short shaft
Cobra Golf F9 Speedback Driver
Being the number 1 favorite driver in 2019, this Golf F9 Speedback is still highly appreciated for its high-quality performance even in 2021.
With the SpeedBack Aero Design, one of the typical features of Cobra, it enhances the airflow for ultimate club head speed and stability. It is also the first driver equipped with this technology to deliver a low center of gravity with an aerodynamic head.
Another amazing feature is its Low CG Speedback Weighting, optimizing the golf ball and club speed. It is a great combination of speed, high launch, and low spin.
Unfortunately, some customers are disappointed that there is no head over despite the high price.
Pros:
- Speedback technology
- Speedback Aero design
- Low CG Speedback weighting
- CNC precision milled face
- Dual Roll technology
Cons:
- No head over
- Quite pricey
Callaway Epic Flash Driver
This Callaway 2019 is not for short-term use. Instead, it is a driver that accompanies you for years to come.
It comes with a discretionary weight, meaning the center of gravity is adjustable to maximize the results. There are also various shaft options, loft, and lie angles you can adjust.
As a newbie, you should set everything in the middle (mid flex, mid-launch, mid torque, etc.) to get used to it. After a few weeks, you can sense and feedback if you need to change anything else.
However, many golfers consider it quite exorbitant as a beginning equipment. It is an ideal driver, but finding another one is a better option in case you have a limited budget.
Pros:
- Long-term use
- Features a variety of adjustments
- New technology “Fash Face” to increase speed
- Great forgiveness thanks to large sweet spot
- Thin and light clubface
Con:
- Quite expensive
Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo Driver
Cleveland makes this driver for beginner golfers and high handicap golfers with new technology upgrades from the previous models. This Launcher Turbo is similar to the Hibore crown released years ago; both are well-known for forgiveness.
Thanks to the lighter club head and the lower center of gravity by 0.09 inches, you can increase the ball speed and launch angles.
They also boost the moment of inertia by making the grip slightly heavier than the clubhead. All of these features turn it into a forgiving and easy-to-hit driver for beginners.
Unlike other manufacturers with different shaft combinations, Cleveland has made this club specifically with a lighter shaft. That means you cannot choose your preferred shaft option.
Pros:
- Faster ball speed and forgiveness
- Available in 3 loft selections
- Deepweighting to boost MOI
- Unique counterbalance shaft
Con:
- Non-adjustable shaft option
Corba 2019 F-Max Superlite Fairway
If you are an amateur golfer and cannot hit the balls straight, Corba F-Max Superlite Fairway is your solution.
Cobra builds this driver with superior construction. Weighing at 10.1 ounces, it ranked second in lightweight among Cobra models due to the adjusted clubhead, grip, and shaft. That makes it also suitable for senior golfers who have slower swing speed.
There is an internal weight pad at the low, back, and heel ward that helps golfers enhance their consistent ball flights and launch.
It features a crown alignment and an offset hosel to deliver a clubface at impact. These 2 components simultaneously optimize the incredible distance and straight, accurate ball flights.
It is so well-constructed with advanced features that the majority of beginners and high handicappers welcome it. There is hardly any negative comment about this product.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- A crown alignment and an offset hostel
- An internal back/heel weights
- Provides straighter ball flights
TaylorMade 2017 M2 460cc Driver B1397-Parent
This TaylorMade M2 was released in 2017, but it is still the best value driver. Its price remains competitive on the market, offering you a product with excellent price-performance ratio.
It offers great forgiveness and high MOI you can perfectly control and swing at impressive distances.
Taylormade includes premium features such as Fujikura XLR8 Pro shaft with 4 different flexes (Regular, Senior, Stiff, and X-Stiff). No matter what you choose, this graphite shaft always gives you consistency in performance.
Nonetheless, the product does not come with any instruction or headcover, making some golfers confused at first.
Pros:
- High value for money
- Forgiving with high MOI
- Adjustable premium shaft
- Huge sweet spot
Con:
- No instruction or headcover included
Wilson Staff D7 Driver
Though Wilson is not a big name in the golf industry, they have made some great clubs; this Wilson Staff D7 is an example.
One of its impressive features is the 6.8-ounce superlight design. It is the result of the perfect combination of advanced materials and crafty engineering.
That lightweight design allows novice golfers and seniors to achieve higher speed and great distance. The letter “D” in the name stands for “distance,” which is what the manufacturer aims at.
Overall, it is easy to hit, thanks to a nice deep face. That means golfers have more forgiveness both up and down the club face. It also offers 3 shaft flexes, including regular, stiff, and senior.
Nevertheless, it may lack some adjustability. Some users regard it as a minus point as they can not change the settings to adapt to their golf swings.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Achieves great distance and speed
- Forgiving
- 3 different shaft options
Cons:
- Less reputable manufacturer
- Lacks adjustability
How To Know That A Driver Is Intended For Beginners?
Making a purchase for a driver is always a difficult decision, especially for amateur players. That is because many manufacturers may mislead buyers with unclear information about their clubs.
Even though the factors may vary upon different individuals, there are some fundamental features you should consider for a perfect beginner’s driver.
Firstly, forgiveness. It plays an important role in off-center hits, something any beginner will encounter in their games.
A forgiving club helps them improve their scores, strengthen their confidence by teaching them how to differentiate well-struck hits and mishits.
Secondly, shaft flexibility. In golf, shafts without a proper amount of flexibility cannot support your swings. Flexibility supports the straightness and the distance a club can carry.
And lastly, clubhead size. The maximum size should be 460cc, and that is the size you are looking for. A bigger clubhead with a bigger sweet spot will certainly deal with the forgiveness, a feature every novice golfer needs.
If the driver you are longing for does not fit these criteria, it may not be suitable for new golfers.
Things to consider when selecting the best driver for beginners
To find out a good driver for beginners, my suggestions below might help.
Outer Designs
Beginners need to have a well-constructed yet forgiving driver. People design them with just one purpose: to maximize the distance.
That is why golf manufacturers always try to experience new ways to lower the drag and increase the swing speed.
A great driver design can impact your entire swings, from hitting the balls at target to drawing the club down. It can then improve your game for long-term growth.
Club Head Size and Weight
When it comes to clubhead, bigger is better. But the current rules on a driver-only allow a 460cc limit on clubhead size.
As a novice, you should take all advantage of keeping the ball straight and long down the way.
Meanwhile, club head weight directly depends on your physical ability.
If you can swing the club fast, some little extra weights on the club is out of your worry. In contrast, if you need more swing speed, a lighter club is more reasonable.
Features’ Adjustability
Adjustable drivers allow you to make some minor changes to the lie, loft, and more. But they are slight adjustments only.
Therefore, I advise you to find one that fits your swings first, then think of an adjustable one later.
Material Requirements
The material here refers to the shaft and head materials, which influence the driver’s performance.
The head material can be titanium, aluminum, zinc, stainless steel, or alloys.
The titanium brings the best performance, but it is also the most expensive. If you have a limited budget and still want to find something suitable to practice, stainless steel is a great alternative.
For the shaft material, you can choose either steel or graphite.
Beginners tend to prefer the graphite as it has more flexibility. Meanwhile, the steel is suitable for low handicappers as it allows them to control and increase the precision better.
Shaft Options
Many beginners usually ignore shaft flex, but it directly connects with the driving distance. Thus, a beginner player like you should choose the flexible shaft to maximize the distance.
A regular shaft flex is ideal, or you can select based on your physical requirements, such as women and senior flex.
You need to pay attention to the length, too. The shaft’s length must correspond with your height. If you are short, a long shaft is never a good option since swinging will be troublesome.
The normal shafts’ length is around 45 inches to produce the best performance. However, sometimes you may find some shafts with a length of up to 48 inches.
Degrees Of Loft
You should carefully examine a proper loft for beginners, which can affect the backspin, trajectory, and distance of the ball.
Its angle is adjustable from 4 to 20 degrees, but the common angle ranges between 8 and 14 degrees.
To get a suitable loft angle, a newbie should calculate based on their average swing speed. The lower your speed is, the higher the loft options you need.
For maximum forgiveness, I recommend the loft for beginners to be between 10.5 and 14 degrees.
Drivers’ Forgiveness
No golfers in the world do not want exceptional forgiveness. It is beneficial to players at all levels, especially beginners. Forgiveness can come from 2 things, either the construction or adjustability.
It is true that sometimes, a highly forgiving model may result in a lack of feel. In this case, professional players or low handicappers can use their feelings to hit the balls on purpose.
Nonetheless, it may take time for newbie players to do the same thing. Thus, purchasing the most forgiving one at first is essential.
Suitable Feel
The feel I want to mention here is the response that the balls send to the clubface. Golfers can accumulate the feel with thousands of center shots they hit during playing.
Experienced players who have played for years may tell if they hit the balls right in the face’s center or not.
While beginners cannot, as they do not have enough trust in their clubs and swings. Hence, they should find equipment that gives them the feel.
Price Range
An affordable driver does not mean it is not high-quality. There must be the best affordable golf drivers that help you excel at your games and fit your budget.
To determine which one, you can compare the prices in sport equipment shops near your place or do online shopping. Do not forget to check all reliable reviews from previous customers.
What driver should a beginner buy?
Each product has advantages and disadvantages. I summarized all the features on the reviews above so that you can refer to them.
I suggest you should consider TaylorMade SIM MAX from TaylorMade, Callaway Marvik Max from Callaway, or Cobra Puma Golf F-MAX Airspeed from Cobra.
If you have investigated the golf field before, you must already know that these brands are reliable for making high-quality drivers. And these options suggested will not let you down.
FAQs
In case you are still confused about driver clubs, check the frequently asked questions I have summarized below. Hope you will find them helpful.
Do I Need The Latest Technology?
Absolutely. Compared to other types of golf clubs, modern drivers regularly have their technologies updated the most.
However, not all new ones are suitable for beginning and average players. You need to figure out whether they are necessary or not.
There are 2 popular new technologies around drivers: center of gravity placement and adjustability. Let me explain to you further.
The center of gravity placement in drivers can affect the spin (hence the distance) and the forgiveness.
As a novice player, you can benefit from a forgiving driver to improve your accuracy with an adequate performance.
In terms of spin, the less spin the driver produces, the less distance it carries. That is better for beginners as you can easily control it.
Adjustability or personalization also supports the center of gravity placement in moveable weight. Using the maximum stability, you can maximize the club’s forgiveness, which is beneficial to you.
As long as you know how to take advantage of the new technologies for improvement, they can benefit you in many ways.
How Many Drivers Should I Own?
Among up to 14 clubs in your golf bag, I recommend you to carry at least one reliable driver. Some professional golfers may carry 2 for different purposes: maximum distance and shot shape.
Nonetheless, beginners may not need such experienced practice. And some new options even allow you to adjust the settings and adapt to both mentioned functions.
How Often Should I Purchase A Driver?
As your skills might develop significantly in a short time, you may be motivated to get another new driver. Also, most companies update and release new types of drivers periodically.
Theoretically, most handicapper drivers are durable and good enough to accompany you from 2 to 4 years. It is unnecessary to purchase another until the new version has any significant upgrade.
However, the time depends much on your budget, skills, and preferences.
Is a higher loft driver easier to hit?
Yes, a higher loft means extra forgiveness to your driver. The lowest loft driver is hard for you to keep straight and hit in the air.
Professionals usually set their loft low as they have incredibly fast swings, approximately 110 mph.
Whereas newbies generally require more loft to compensate for their lower speed, around 80-10 mph. The added loft also helps create more backspin and prevent any left or right movement in the air.
The Bottom Line
This article about the best drivers for beginners is about to come to an end. Choosing the most suitable ones as a beginner is not that hard, right?
All of the options I suggested in the list impressed me, especially the Callaway Marvik Max Driver .
Hopefully, you can find some useful information about your ideal choice and make the final decision.
Thank you for reading!