Best golf drivers for 2023 for every handicap and playing style
In the golf equipment world, drivers are the stars of the show. Everyone wants to hit the ball farther and straighter, and with exotic materials like titanium, carbon fiber and tungsten used to make today’s drivers, the dream of more distance can be a reality for many players.
The best way to discover the driver that is best suited to your swing and game is to work with a good custom fitter who has a launch monitor, try several models (along with different shafts) and see which performs best.
To give you a running start on the process and reveal which new offerings you might want to talk about with your fitter, take a look at this list of the best drivers for 2023 for every playing style and handicap level.
Callaway Paradym
The Callaway Paradym has a moveable weight in the back. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: $599.99 with Aldila Ascent PL Blue shaft, Project X HZRDUS Silver shaft, Project X HZRDUS Black shaft or Mitsubishi Kai’Li White shaft and Golf Pride Tour Velvet grips.
Specs: Forged carbon composite with titanium face, moveable weight and adjustable hosel.
Available: Feb. 24, but available for pre-order now
Who It’s For: Low and mid-handicap golfers who want more ball speed with the ability to create a draw or fade bias.
The Skinny: The standard Paradym has a carbon fiber crown connected to a carbon fiber sole, with and updated Jailbreak system and sliding weight in the back that can shift the center of gravity to encourage a draw or fade. Read full review.
Callaway Paradym X
Callaway Paradym X driver. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: $599.99 with Aldila Ascent PL Blue shaft, Project X HZRDUS Silver shaft, Project X HZRDUS Black shaft or Mitsubishi Kai’Li White shaft and Golf Pride Tour Velvet grips.
Specs: Forged carbon composite with titanium face and adjustable hosel.
Available: Feb. 24, but available for pre-order now
Who It’s For: Mid- and higher-handicap golfers who want more height and a large draw bias to fight a slice.
The Skinny: Of the three Paradym drivers, the Paradym X creates the highest launch angle, the most spin and has the biggest draw bias, which makes it ideal for slower-swinging players who want to maximize carry distance for more overall distance. Read full review.
Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond
The Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond has a weight in the back and in the front of the sole. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: $599.99 with Aldila Ascent PL Blue shaft, Project X HZRDUS Silver shaft, Project X HZRDUS Black shaft or Mitsubishi Kai’Li White shaft and Golf Pride Tour Velvet grips.
Specs: Forged carbon composite with titanium face, forward and back weight ports with adjustable hosel.
Available: Feb. 24, but available for pre-order now
Who It’s For: Single-digit handicap players who create a lot of spin and want to work the ball and create a lower flight.
The Skinny: At 450-cc, the Triple Diamond is slightly smaller than the other Paradym drivers, loaded with carbon fiber and comes with two moveable weights (14 grams and 2 grams) to allow players and fitters to increase or decrease spin and launch angle. Read full review.
Cobra Aerojet
Cobra Aerojet driver. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: $549.99 with Mitsubishi Kai’Li White or Blue, Project X HZRDUS Black GEN4 or UST Mamiya Helium Core shaft and Lamkin Crossline grips.
Specs: Carbon fiber crown and sole pieces with adjustable hosel, moveable weights and internal weight bar.
Available: February 10, but available for pre-order now
Who It’s For: Golfers with a handicap between five and 18 who want more ball speed blended with more stability.
The Skinny: With a 12-gram weight in the back to boost the moment of inertia, the Aerojet also features an internal PWR Bridge bar that shifts the center of gravity down and forward, for increased ball speed and distance. Read full review.
Cobra AeroJet LS
The Cobra Aerojet LS driver creates less spin and has the ability to create a draw or fade bias. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: $549.99 with Mitsubishi Kai’Li White or Blue, Project X HZRDUS Black GEN4 or UST Mamiya Helium Core shaft and Lamkin Crossline grips.
Specs: Carbon fiber crown and sole pieces, two adjustable sole weights and adjustable hosel.
Available: February 10, but available for pre-order now
Who It’s For: Low-handicap, fast-swinging golfers who need to decrease spin and launch angle to maximize distance, but who like to shape shots.
The Skinny: The lowest-spinning of the three Aerojet drivers, the LS model has two forward weight ports and comes with a 12-gram and 3-gram weight to allow players to create a draw or fade bias without sacrificing ball speed or reduced spin. Read full review.
Cobra Aerojet Max
The Cobra Aerojet Max driver can have a significant draw bias or extra stability. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: $549.99 with Mitsubishi Kai’Li White or Blue, Project X HZRDUS Black GEN4 or UST Mamiya Helium Core shaft and Lamkin Crossline grips.
Specs: Carbon fiber crown and sole pieces with adjustable hosel, moveable weights and internal weight bar.
Available: February 10, but available for pre-order now
Who It’s For: Higher-handicap players who need the maximum forgiveness and who battle a slice.
The Skinny: AeroJet Max has two swappable weights that allow golfers to chose between maximizing stability and forgiveness or creating the largest draw bias possible to reduce the effects of a slice. Read full review.
Mizuno ST-Z 230
Mizuno ST-Z 230 driver. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: $499.99 with Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green shaft, Mitsubishi Kai’Li Blue shaft or UST Mamiya LINQ Red shaft and Lamkin Hybrid ST grip.
Specs: Forged SAT 2041 Beta Ti face with titanium chassis, internal steel weight with TPU coating, carbon fiber crown and adjustable hosel.
Available: February, but available for pre-order now
Who It’s For: Golfers who a handicap between five and 20 who want more ball speed and a more-forgiving sweet spot.
The Skinny: Designed with a carbon fiber crown and sole panel, the ST-Z has a TPU insert in the sole that has stainless steel in it to lower the center of gravity and pull it forward for more ball speed. There is no draw or fade bias, but extra stability. Read full review.
Mizuno ST-X 230
Mizuno ST-X 230 driver. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: $499.99 with Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green shaft, Mitsubishi Kai’Li Blue shaft or UST Mamiya LINQ Red shaft and Lamkin Hybrid ST grip.
Specs: Forged SAT 2041 Beta Ti face with titanium chassis, internal steel weight with TPU coating, carbon fiber crown and adjustable hosel.
Available: February, but available for pre-order now
Who It’s For: Golfers with a handicap between 10 and 20 who want help fitting a slice, but who are looking for extra distance too.
The Skinny: The thin Beta Titanium face flexes efficiently at the moment of impact and is complimented by the CorTech Chamber. The ST-X has a draw bias to help golfers who slice. Read full review.
Mizuno ST-X PLTNM 230
Mizuno ST-X Platinum 230. (Mizuno)
Price: $549.99
Specs: Forged SAT 2041 Beta Ti face with titanium chassis, internal steel weight with TPU coating, carbon fiber crown and adjustable hosel.
Available: February, but available for pre-order now
Who It’s For: Slow- and moderate-swinging golfers who need a lightweight club and help generating more carry distance.
The Skinny: Packed with all the technologies and benefits found in the other Mizuno ST 230, but in a club that is longer and lighter, the PLTNM version is designed to create more clubhead speed and a higher launch angle to help golfers who struggle with distance get more yards. Read full review.
Ping G430 Max
Ping G430 Max driver. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: From $549.99 with Ping Alta CB Black 55 shaft, Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red shaft or Mitsubishi Kai’ Li White shaft and Golf Pride 360 Tour Velvet grip.
Specs: Forged titanium face and chassis with adjustable weights and adjustable hosel.
Available: Jan. 26, but available for pre-order now
Who It’s For: Golfers with a handicap between five and 18 who place a premium on stability and forgiveness.
The Skinny: A moveable weight allows the G430 Max to have a draw or fade bias without sacrificing its high MOI and stability. The updated forged face has variable loft to increase spin consistency, an adjustable hosel and internal ribs to improve the sound. Read full review.
Ping G430 LST
Carbon fiber in the crown of the Ping G430 LST driver lowers the center of gravity. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: From $579.99 with Ping Alta CB Black 55 shaft, Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red shaft or Mitsubishi Kai’ Li White shaft and Golf Pride 360 Tour Velvet grip.
Specs: Forged titanium face and chassis with adjustable weights, adjustable hosel. and carbon fiber crown.
Available: Jan. 26, but available for pre-order now
Who It’s For: Single-digit handicappers and fast-swinging players who need spin reduction.
The Skinny: The first Ping driver with a carbon fiber crown since 2006, the G430 LST creates the lowest spin and trajectory in the G430 family. The low and forward center of gravity helps to create more ball speed, less spin and a lower launch angle. Read full review.
Ping G430 SFT
Ping G430 SFT driver. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: From $549.99 with Ping Alta CB Black 55 shaft, Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red shaft or Mitsubishi Kai’ Li White shaft and Golf Pride 360 Tour Velvet grip.
Specs: Forged titanium face and chassis with adjustable weights and adjustable hosel.
Available: Jan. 26, but available for pre-order now
Who It’s For: Mid- and higher-handicap golfers who need a draw-biased driver to fight a slice.
The Skinny: The G430 SFT (straight flight technology) has two settings for its moveable 22-gram weight, Draw and Draw+. Read full review.
PXG 0211
The PXG 0211 driver (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: From $259
Who It’s For: Golfers with a handicap between eight and 20 who love classic-looking gear on a budget.
The Skinny: With an exceptionally-clean look in the address position, this club has an all-titanium club with a Ti811 body and a variable-thickness Ti412 face designed to flex efficiently at impact to boost ball speed and distance. Read full review.
PXG 0311 GEN5
PXG 0311 GEN5 driver (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: $499
Specs: Titanium chassis with aluminum-vapor covered carbon fiber crown, movable weights, and adjustable hosel.
Who it’s for: Single-digit players and golfers who covet distance and want to maximize ball speed.
The Skinny: The thin Ti412 titanium face flexes efficiently at impact to create more ball speed, while aluminum vapor on the top of the club strengthens the carbon fiber crown, and three moveable weights allow players and fitters to shift the center of gravity location to create the desired ball flight. Read full review.
PXG 0311 XF GEN5
Applying aluminum vapor to the carbon fiber crown stiffens it and allows for better energy transfer. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: $499
Specs: Titanium chassis with aluminum-vapor covered carbon fiber crown, movable weights, and adjustable hosel.
Who it’s for: Mid- and higher-handicap golfers who need extra stability and forgiveness.
The Skinny: The weights designed into the sole of the 0311 XF GEN5 are as far to the perimeter of the head as possible to maximize the moment of inertia and make the club twist less on off-center hits. Read full review.
Srixon ZX5 Mk II
The Srixon ZX5 Mk II has a weight in the back to increase stability. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: $499.99 with Project X HZRDUS Black GEN4 shaft or HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX shaft and Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip.
Specs: 460-cubic-centimeter head, carbon fiber crown, titanium chassis and face, moveable weights and adjustable hosel.
Who It’s For: Golfers with a handicap between five and 15 who want extra stability.
The Skinny: The large weight in the back of the ZX5 Mk II’s sole increases stability, while the Rebound Frame head expands the sweet spot and increases forgiveness on drives hit in the heel and toe area. Read full review.
Srixon ZX5 LS Mk II
The Srixon ZX5 LS Mk II has a forward-positioned weight to lower spin. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: $499.99 with Project X HZRDUS Black GEN4 shaft or HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX shaft and Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip.
Specs: 460-cubic-centimeter head, carbon fiber crown, titanium chassis and face, moveable weights and adjustable hosel.
Who It’s For: High-spin players with a handicap between eight and 18 who need a lower ball flight.
The Skinny: With the same general shape as the ZX5 Mk II, but with a weight behind the leading edge, this driver’s center of gravity is down and forward, to reduce spin. It produces shots that fly lower than the ZX5 Mk II but slightly higher than the ZX7 Mk II, but with less spin. Read full review.
Srixon ZX7 Mk II
The Srixon ZX7 Mk II has weights in the heel and toe that can be adjusted. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: $499.99 with Project X HZRDUS Black GEN4 shaft or HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX shaft and Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip.
Specs: 460-cubic-centimeter head, carbon fiber crown, titanium chassis and face, moveable weights and adjustable hosel.
Who It’s For: Scratch players to 12-handicap golfers who want to shape shots.
The Skinny: The ZX7 Mk II comes standard with 4-gram and 8-gram weights that go into ports in the toe and heel. When the 8-gram weight is in the heel port, the club has a draw bias, while putting it in the toe port encourages a fade. Srixon said the left and right adjustability is as much as 20 yards. Read full review.
TaylorMade Stealth 2
TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Gear: TaylorMade Stealth 2
Price: $599 with Fujikura Ventus Red shaft or Mitsubishi Diamana S+ shaft and Golf Pride Z-Grip Plus 2 grips.
Specs: 60-layer carbon fiber face with carbon fiber crown, carbon fiber sole, adjustable hosel and slot in the sole.
Available: Feb. 17, but available for pre-order now
Who It’s For: Designed for elite golfers to 18-handicap players who want more ball speed and forgiveness.
The Skinny: The Stealth 2 has a lighter 60-layer carbon fiber crown, more carbon fiber in the sole and a 25-gram weight in the back of the sole to increase the moment of inertia and make the club twist less on mis-hits. Read full review.
TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus+
TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus+ driver. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: $629.99 with Mitsubishi Kai’li Red shaft or Project X HZRDUS Black GEN4 shaft.
Specs: 60-layer carbon fiber face with carbon fiber crown, carbon fiber sole, moveable weight, adjustable hosel and slot in the sole.
Available: Feb. 17, but available for pre-order now
Who It’s For: Pros to 15-handicap players who want more ball speed with shot-shaping potential.
The Skinny: The lowest-spinning and lowest-launching Stealth 2 driver, the Plus+ edition also has a sliding weight that allows players and fitters to create a draw or fade bias. Read full review.
TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD
TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD driver. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: $599 with Fujikura Ventus Red shaft or Mitsubishi Diamana S+ shaft and Golf Pride Z-Grip Plus 2 grips.
Specs: 60-layer carbon fiber face with carbon fiber crown, carbon fiber sole, adjustable hosel and slot in the sole.
Available: Feb. 17, but available for pre-order now
Who It’s For: Moderate and slower-swinging golfers who need help getting more carry distance.
The Skinny: The highest-launching and highest-spinning Stealth 2 driver, the HD version has a weight in the heel area that helps to give it a draw bias, while a 30-gram back weight makes this the most-stable of TaylorMade’s new drivers as well. Read full review.
Titleist TSR1
Titleist TSR1 driver. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: $599.99 with MCA MMT SpeedMesh 40 graphite shaft and Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 Lite grip
Specs: All-titanium head with an adjustable hosel. 45.75 inches long, with lofts of 9, 10 or 12 degrees
Available: Feb. 23, but available for pre-order on Feb. 2
Who It’s For: Mid- and higher-handicap players with moderate clubhead speed who need more speed and height on their drivers.
The Skinny: The TSR1 creates more spin and is the highest-launching TSR driver, so moderate-speed players should be able to get the ball up quickly and maximize carry distance. A 9-gram weight in the back helps boost the stability, which can be a challenge in lightweight drivers. Read full review.
Titleist TSR2
Titleist TSR driver. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: From $599.99 each with Project X HZRDUS Red CB, Project X HZRDUS Black 4G, Mitsubishi Tensei AV Blue or Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Black shaft and Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grip
Specs: 460-cubic-centimeter volume with an all-titanium body and head
Who It’s For: Scratch players to 15 handicap golfers who want a blend of speed and stability.
The Skinny: Titleist has given the TSR2 an updated variable-thickness face design and a more aerodynamic shape to make the club quicker through the air. A 9-gram back weight boosts the moment of inertia, however the center of gravity is slightly more forward to increase ball speed. Read full review.
Titleist TSR3
Titleist TSR3 driver. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: From $599.99 each with Project X HZRDUS Red CB, Project X HZRDUS Black 4G, Mitsubishi Tensei AV Blue or Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Black shaft and Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grip.
Specs: 460-cubic-centimeter volume with all-titanium body and head with an 8-gram adjustable sole weight
Who It’s For: Pros to 12-handicap golfers who want more ball speed and the ability to shape shots.
The Skinny: Titleist gave the TSR3 a five-position moveable weight in the sole to allow players to create a draw or fade bias, and added a new variable thickness face that makes center strikes more efficient for increased ball speed. Read full review.
Titleist TSR4
Titleist TSR4 driver (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Price: $599.99 each with Project X HZRDUS Red CB, Project X HZRDUS Black 4G, Mitsubishi Tensei AV Blue or Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Black shaft and Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grip.
Specs: All-titanium body and head with an adjustable hosel for loft and lie angles and two adjustable weights.
Who It’s For: Pros and single-digit handicap golfers who swing hard and create excessive spin.
The Skinny: Two moveable weights allow golfers and fitters to shift the center of gravity forward and back to create the lowest-spinning, lowest-launching TSR driver or one that is close to the performance of the TSR3. Read full review.
Wilson Dynapower Carbon
The Wilson DynaPWR Carbon has a carbon fiber crown and toe piece in the sole. (Wilson)
Price: $499.99 with Fujikura Ventus Blue shaft or Project X HZRDUS Red shaft and Lamkin Crossline 360 grips.
Specs: Titanium chassis with carbon fiber crown and toe panel with adjustable hosel
Available: March 1, but available for pre-order on Feb. 22
Who It’s For: Fast-swinging single-digit handicappers who want a blend of distance and control.
The Skinny: The Dynapower Carbon driver was made for golfers who want a low-spin option with a low-to-mid launch that allows players to hit both draws and fades. It has a large carbon fiber crown that reduces weight on the club’s top and lowers the center of gravity, along with a carbon fiber panel in the toe portion of the sole. Read full review.
Wilson Dynapower Titanium
Wilson DynaPWR Titanium driver. (Wilson)
Price: $429.99 with Fujikura Ventus Blue shaft or Project X HZRDUS Red shaft and Lamkin Crossline 360 grips.
Specs: All titanium head with adjustable hosel for the Dynapower Titanium in 9-, 10.5- and 13-degree versions. Titanium chassis with carbon fiber crown and toe panel with adjustable hosel for the Dynapower Carbon in 8-, 9-, 10.5- and 12-degree versions.
Available: March 1, but available for pre-order on Feb. 22
Who It’s For: Eight to 18-handicap players who want a blend of distance and forgiveness.
The Skinny: The Dynapower Titanium driver is an all-titanium construction with a 16-gram weight in the back of the head that pulls the center of gravity down and away from the hitting area. The club produces about 250 rpm more spin than the Carbon version, which gives it a slightly higher ball flight. Read full review.
