Best Drivers for Beginners and High Handicappers

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Getting started in playing golf can be a daunting experience. It is necessary to understand all the equipment you need to play the game, knowledge suitable for your game, and practice your swing. Mind you, this will not happen over time. You have to work hard for it.

Golf equipment manufacturers are heavily competing with one another, convincing the customers that their equipment is the best and is what you need to improve your game, especially for beginners. That’s why it’s tough to choose the right equipment for you. Choosing the right equipment can help you up your game.

The common problems and what most beginners wanted to improve is their swing. Practice and hard work is the best way to enhance but selecting the right, and a suitable driver can also be the key to help you improve.

This review will provide you a list of the best equipment for beginners you can choose from. But first, we will give you some tips on selecting the best-suited driver for you.

Last update on 2024-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Things to Consider when Choosing the Best Suited Driver

Head

Almost all drivers in today’s market are between 440 and 460cc. Generally, 440cc drivers are designed for players who like to shape the ball in the air. These produce different launch conditions compared to 460cc heads that usually provide more forgiveness.

The larger clubhead size can provide the greatest range of impact and help enhance the power of the shot, while the small head mainly provides a firm swing. Therefore, if you need more control without involving distortion, a small size is best. Besides the size, the shape of the head is also critical. The driver has four forms – square, round, pear, and extended. A round shape is a better choice for beginners because it is not as bulky as a square shape and is less likely to be hit before hitting the grass. And for the colors, you can choose any based on your liking.

Loft

What Loft driver should you use? It varies from one person to another. Beginners require more assistance as they have low swing speed. That is also why selecting the right loft can be crucial. Determine your average swing speed to pick the ideal and suitable loft for you, especially for beginners.

For those with speeds of less than 85 miles per hour, the recommended loft is between 14 and 20 degrees, for those who speed between 85 and 94 miles per hour, a loft between 12 and 13 degrees is recommended, and for speeds 95 to 104 miles per hour, it is recommended to use a loft between 10 and 11 degrees.

Shaft

The selection of shaft that suits your swing is also important. Choosing the right shaft can help you maximize your drive distance. For beginners, better to choose a flexible one.

Most beginners and high handicappers choose to start with the regular (R) flex; this is suitable for swing speed between 77 to 92 miles per hour. With swing speeds laying below 62 miles per hour, ladies (L) flex would be appropriate. Swing speeds between 63 to 76 miles per hour, senior (A) flex would be suitable. For those with swing speeds above 93 miles per hour, Stiff (s) flex would be suitable.

What about the weight and its length? It is common knowledge that the lighter the shaft is, the faster you can swing, and it is whippier than the heavier shaft. But still, choose one that is suitable to your physical strength, capability, and style. It’s the same thing when it comes to choosing the head.

While for the length, you must also take into consideration your height. Using a shorter shaft when you’re tall would not be suitable and will affect your performance. To determine the proper size, measure your arm’s length and your swinging style, too.

Materials

You need to pay attention to the materials used for the head and shaft as they impact the price and your performance. The materials used varied, but the best materials used on clubhead for beginners is titanium, although expensive.

You can still opt for stainless, most entry-level drivers opt for this, and not expensive, but this may not be quite as forgiving. For a more forgiving one, you can also choose those that are made of composite alloys, and the budget is still manageable.

Budget

One thing to consider is also your budget. Don’t force yourself to compromise and opt for low-quality drivers. Some affordable drivers are also high quality, and better to choose one that is comfortable for you. Choosing the right and suitable driver is essential.

Below is the list of the top 6 best drivers available on the market that you can choose from.

10 Best Golf Drivers for Beginners and High Handicappers in 2020

CALLAWAY GOLD 2017 MEN’S GREAT BERTHA EPIC DRIVER

Callaway Golf 2017 Great Big Bertha Men's Epic Fairway, Right Hand, Project X HZRDUS, 60G, 42" Length, Regular, 5 Wood, 18 Degrees
  • Weight saved by the ultra-light triaxle carbon crown (78% lighter than steel) is repositioned to increase MOI and lower the CG for easy launch and added power
  • The latest generation of our hyper speed face cup is more efficient at delivering fast ball speed across the face, especially on mis-hits, for increased average distance
  • Fast head speed from speed step technology - developed with Direct Input from aerospace experts to improve aerodynamics for fast swing speed and distance without extra effort
  • Wide loft selection including 3+ and heaven wood - six models - 3+, 3, 5, 7, 9, heaven wood - gives golfers multiple opportunities to put epic performance in their bag

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Are you looking for a more forgiving driver? Then this is the right pick for you. This is one of Callaway’s latest creations featuring Jailbreak technology. The two slender, parallel, and 3-gram titanium rods give stability and flexibility, and the driver’s face is 20% thinner than the previous model.

This driver is ideal for beginners, especially for those looking for many flexible options for their driver. The redesigned track and sliding 17 g weight in the club’s rear allow you to fit the club and create your desired shot shape. It also has four high-performance Stock shafts to choose from that can enhance speed, power, stability, feel, and control.  It offers more adjustability and more forgiveness on off-center hits.

Pros
  • Features Jailbreak Technology
  • With exceptional forgiveness due to its thin and stabilized face
  • Four high-performance stock shaft options
  • 8-way adjustability for loft and lie angle
  • More adjustability options
Cons
  • Length is quite a bit long

TAYLORMADE M4 DRIVER

TaylorMade M4 Women's Fairway (3HL, Ladies Flex, Right Hand)
  • Speed pocket creates more ball speed across the clubface for more distance & forgiveness. Split-weight mass pads provide increased MOI & perimeter weight distribution
  • Ultra-strong ni-co 300 steel face insert allows for optimized ball speed
  • 5-Layer carbon crown creates a lower CG by saving 8 grams vs a steel crown, driving higher launch while reducing spin
  • Fluted hostel provides superior sound and feel without compromising CG location
  • PLAYABILITY THROUGH GEOCOUSTIC TECHNOLOGY: A large footprint and low-profile shape makes it easy to launch and easy to play. The sole is shaped for optimal playability and improved sound & feel.

Last update on 2024-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The M4 Club Set is one of the popular clubs known to many golfers. M4 driver’s hammerhead slot is very innovative.

It reduces the unwanted spin of the ball, improves ball speed and performance low on the face, and at the same time expands the sweet spot of the clubface, allowing the ball to fly straight in a long distance with less effort.

It weighs 9.5 ounces, and the loft can be set to 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, or 12 degrees. You select your flex from ladies, regular, stiff, extra stiff, and senior flex.

Pros
  • Deliver plenty of distance and forgiveness
  • Larger Hammerhead slot
  • Lightweight
  • Better sound and feel
Cons
  • Difficult to control for players with high swing speeds
  • It runs a bit short

CALLAWAY MEN’S XR 16 DRIVER

CALLAWAY MEN'S XR 16 DRIVER

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This one is suitable for high handicappers and mid-high handicappers who are looking for more forgiveness with sacrificing distance.

The Speed Step Crown design combined with aerodynamic head shape increases the head speed with less drag and ball speed for added distance. The “R•MOTO” technology used in this driver reduced the face’s weight and made it thinner. Whether you’re hitting the center of the face, off the heel, or off the toes, this new technology can bring a faster face, more forgiveness, and faster ball speed.

Pros
  • Advanced aerodynamics
  • Gives extreme forgiveness
  • Ideal for high and mid handicappers
  • Crown has an attractive matte black finish that can help you focus more
  • Reasonable distance even on mishits
Cons
  • Large clubhead that you may not like
  • You may find the shaft too long
  • Unadjustable as other drivers

SRIXON GOLF 2017 MEN’S Z 756 DRIVER

SRIXON GOLF 2017 MENS Z 756 DRIVER

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Are you looking for a driver with plenty of flex and extremely forgiving? Then this one is for you.

It is also lightweight and equipped with the new Power Wave Sole, an advanced multi-step design that allows the entire sole to flex.

But one thing to note is that this driver has a slightly smaller head (445 cc), which is aimed at players with faster swing speed and those who have a natural tendency to hit shots below the center. Its smaller size allows for easier shape shots with a new power wave sole enhancing the spring back, particularly when shots are hit low in the face.

Pros
  • Can enhance your swing
  • Lightweight
  • Ideal for those who tend to hit shots low in the face
Cons
  • Not best for overall distance
  • It needs to be adjusted after a few swings

TAYLORMADE MEN’S RBZ BLACK DRIVER

TaylorMade Men's RBZ Black Driver, Black
  • Ultralite titanium core strategically places mass to achieve higher launch and greater trajectory control
  • Legendary Speed Pocket in the sole of the club to promote higher launch and reduce spin for even more distance
  • New satin black finish with details on crown to improve alignment
  • Adjustable loft sleeve lets you customize launch and trajectory to your preference
  • Includes head cover

Last update on 2024-03-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This driver is equipped with several technologies to increase performance. The Black large, 460cc titanium head comes with an adjustable loft sleeve that allows for customization of launch according to your preference. The Ultralite titanium core helps for higher launch angles and trajectory control and gives the club additional forgiveness. The Speed Pocket in the sole of the club reduces spin to provide the player with more distance.

Pros
  • High launch and projected control
  • Low spin for increased distance
  • New satin black finish with details on the crown to improve alignment
Cons
  • Not for players with a slow swing speed
  • Smaller sweet spot than other drivers

Cobra Men’s Fly Z Driver

Cobra Men's Fly Z Driver, Senior, Graphite, Red, Right Hand
  • Speed Channel Face: An engineered trench around the perimeter of the face thins the wall structure around the perimeter to increase Speed
  • Crown Zone Weighting Technology removes weight from the crown to reposition low and back in the head for a Low deep CG
  • Forged E9 Zone Face Structure removes weight from key areas around the face and hosel areas to increase the size and speed of the sweet zone for more speed on off center hits
  • Available lofts thru MyFly8 adjustability: 9.0/9.5/9.5D/10.5/10.5D/11.5/11.5D/12.0
  • SmartPad Technology delivers a square face at address regardless of loft setting

Last update on 2024-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is one of the best drivers for distance. Its cool design is also one factor that attracts the golfers, but how about its performance? This product is receiving a lot of positive feedbacks, especially from beginners and intermediates.

The 460cc titanium head of the Fly Z also comes with an adjustable loft. In addition to that, SmartPad Technology is used (this is what really makes this product unique among others), allowing you to customize its trajectory.

The sole positioned low and back enhance the forgiveness and the MOI size through a deeper center of gravity location. And adjusting the weight in the center of the gravity (CG) area will help provide you better balance and greater impact, which will help in increasing the distance. It provides a naturally mid-high trajectory with an extremely low spin, perfect for distance.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Comes with adjustable loft and weight
  • Equipped with SmartPad technology
  • Brings better sound
Cons
  • Large clubhead which you may not like

Best Drivers for Beginners and High Handicappers – Wrapping Things Up

There you have it—our recommendations and buying guide of the best drivers for beginners and high handicappers. All of the drivers we’ve recommended will do a brilliant job. Ultimately it comes down to your playstyle and what you like best. As these are some of the most popular, they tend to sell out fairly quickly, so if you’re looking to replace your old drivers, act soon!