Everyone needs a driver they can rely on. What that looks like depends entirely on the wants and needs of the golfer wielding the club. For some, that could mean less spin and a lower launch. Others might need one that can hit a fade on command.
If there’s one thing all golfers crave, it’s a driver that doesn’t penalize the big miss. Over the last few years, we’ve seen several drivers ace the robotic portion of ClubTest with designs that all but allow you to hit it almost anywhere and not sweat a massive drop in distance.
Based on what we saw during the latest round of robotic testing, the 2023 crop features several drivers with carry distance consistency. With the help of Golf Laboratories’ swing-robot, we tested 2023 driver models at 95 mph and recorded how they performed from nine different locations on the face.
We then compared the geometric center carry distance to the other eight mishit locations on the face to determine distance loss. Below are the five models with the smallest carry distance delta.
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1. Callaway Paradym X (6.6 yards of distance dropoff between geometric center and other 8 strike locations)
2. Ping G430 Max (8.3 yards)
PING G430 Max Custom Driver
The PING G430 Max Driver remains the most forgiving and fits the widest range of golfers. A 25-gram, high-density tungsten moveable backweight influences shot shape +/- 10 yards between the Draw, Neutral and Fade settings. Available in 9°, 10.5° and 12° lofts. Loft is adjustable +/- 1.5° and lie up to 3° flat from standard using the 8-setting Trajectory Tuning 2.0 hosel.
THE DISTANCE DIFFERENCE. MORE BALL SPEED.
A shallower, variable-thickness face is thinner to create more face deflection for generating faster ball speed for our biggest distance gains to date.
THE SOUND SOLUTION
A new integral rib structure and increased curvature of the crown, skirt and sole fine tunes clubhead frequencies to produce a desirable sound and impact experience.
SPINSISTENCY
A variable roll radius, with less loft low on the face, enhances spin consistency and carry distance.
MOVEABLE BACK WEIGHT
A 25-gram, high-density tungsten moveable backweight influences shot shape +/-10 yards between the Draw, Neutral and Fade settings.
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3. TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD (9.6 yards)
4. Ping G430 LST (9.7 yards)
PING G430 LST Custom Driver
The PING G430 LST Driver features an exclusive Low Spin Technology (LST) Carbonfly Wrap, a lightweight composite that covers the crown and wraps into the heel/toe sections of the skirt to save weight and lower the CG for more ball speed, less spin and higher MOI. The 8-layer, one-piece composite saves four grams and weighs 11.5g fully installed. A moveable 22-gram, high-density tungsten backweight influences shot shape ±7 yards between the Draw, Neutral and Fade settings. At 440cc, the smaller tour-style LST is available in 9° and 10.5° lofts (adjustable +/-1.5° and lie up to 3° flat from standard) and best fits faster swing speeds.
THE DISTANCE DIFFERENCE. MORE BALL SPEED.
A shallower, variable-thickness face is thinner to create more face deflection for generating faster ball speed for our biggest distance gains to date.
THE SOUND SOLUTION
A new integral rib structure and increased curvature of the crown, skirt and sole fine tunes clubhead frequencies to produce a desirable sound and impact experience.
SPINSISTENCY
A variable roll radius, with less loft low on the face, enhances spin consistency and carry distance.
CARBONFLY WRAP
Lightweight composite crown wraps into the heel and toe of the skirt to save weight and lower the CG for more ball speed with higher MOI.
MOVEABLE BACK WEIGHT
A 25-gram, high-density tungsten moveable backweight influences shot shape +/-10 yards between the Draw, Neutral and Fade settings.
View Product
5. Titleist TSR4 (10 yards)
Want to overhaul your bag for 2023? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.
