Best Golf Drivers
Top 10 Golf Drivers 2013
By S. Dee Davis
We tested many of the drivers that are out there in the market today and came up with our top 10 list. There are a couple holdovers from last year. Testing and consideration were given based on distance and accuracy with the same neutral swing speed (110) in a controlled distance environment (testing facility). Otherwise the golf drivers were rated based on the following factors:
1 Comfort on setup
2 Grip comfort and control
3 Shaft response and control (stiff shafts were used)
4 Distance at 110 swing speed
5 Ball trajectory
6 Accuracy to center line
7 Ball control in flight (indicating a spinning or no spin ball flight)
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Ultra-light Fujikura RocketFuel 50 graphite shaft |
Taylor Made’s new RBZ driver has surpassed my expectations in many areas. The stiff shaft version I feel provides a little more stability and control than last years RBZ model. I like the design on the non-glare club crown better…read more
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Head Material: Titanium |
We reviewed the 460cc size head in this excellent driver from Titleist. It has a classic pear shape design that reminds you of real wood drivers. But don’t let the design fool you, the ball speeds off the club face very well…read more
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Aldila RIP Phenom 55-gram shaft |
One difference between this club and the RBZ Stage 2 also mentioned on this list is that this club in addition to the 7 standard loft angle adjustments feature also has 7 face angle options as well…read more
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Project X Velocity Shaft (proprietary) |
The Callaway X Hot drivers weight configuration is designed to help you draw the ball from the start. It has some new features for this year like an ultra thin… read more
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Lofts 8.5,9.5,10.5,11.5 |
First of all what is with the $419 price tag on this driver? OK, now that we are past that stirring fact, this driver has 32 possible head positions – that’s right 32. Driving… read more
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Length: 45.5” |
This driver is a good solid performer at a nice $199 price. It has an Aldila Wasabi shaft of that cool green color that Aldila is known for and a matte finish black head. The club head is designed for very fast… read more
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Material: Titanium 6-4 body with Ti 8-1-1 Low Density face |
This driver derives its moniker from its 4 foot length. It’s the maximum length allowed by the USGA. This gives it a high length to weight ratio which in theory should… read more
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Material: Titanium 6-4 Head with semi forged milled titanium face |
This new for 2012 model driver from Cobra has lots of new and interesting features. One of the aspects of this driver we like most is the offset head which allows the player to … read more
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Face: Titanium 6-4 |
This is a great driver for those who struggle with fading and slicing the ball. The head is very slightly offset which helps you get around on the ball more than usual… read more
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Face: Titanium 6-4 |
ZL is Cobra’s “zero limits” driver. We tested the 10.5 degree loft version of this impressive and beautiful driver from Cobra, but it also comes in 8.5, 9.5, and 11.5. It is truly a pro-style driver in performance… read more
Golf Driver Buying Guide
Choosing the Right Driver
Steps for Finding the Right Driver to put in your bag
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A) First Narrow your Choices by knowing your handicap or level. Obviously, the best driver on the market for top tour pros may be different than the driver a high handicap golfer needs. If you are a high handicap golfer consider drivers that have:
- A larger sweet spot
- Drivers designed with high handicap golfers in mind
If you are a low handicap golfer consider:
- The shaft flex and control for your swing speed (have your swing speed tested)
- The club head position at set up and whether you need an adjustable face and loft
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B) If possible test clubs at a course, golf shop, or golf testing center to determine what club feels best to you. This is really one of the only ways to find out which club you like best.
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C) Play with various shaft combinations, lengths and grips to determine what is best for you. For example, to avoid hooking the ball, I elongated my shaft with a plug and changed out my grip for a bigger more full feel. Some hit a graphite shaft better and some an aluminum composite shaft.
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D) Consider whether you have a tendency to hook or slice the ball off the tee and purchase your driver to avoid this outcome. Makes common sense, but worth pointing out, do not purchase a driver that promotes the same bad shot shape.
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As an avid golfer and tennis player for most of his life, he enjoys researching the latest in golf and tennis technology as well as analyzing his own game. He has been a writer and reviewer for a dozen years and his work has appeared in numerous publications including CBS, the San Fransisco Chronicle… See more about S. Dee Davis |
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Filed Under: Drivers • Featured • Golf • Top 10 Lists
