Instead of waiting for someone to utter the phrase, I’m going to beat everyone to the punch: It’s not the arrow, it’s the archer. Indeed, golf equipment can’t turn you into a world-beater overnight, especially if it’s straight off the rack.
It takes time to track down the best driver head and shaft setup — and you still need to put in work on the range to get the most out of the newest addition.
So what’s the benefit of buying new gear? If you’ve been following along with the release of GOLF.com’s robotic insights, many of the newest drivers on the market cater to certain misses, be it off the heel or toe. The goal is to minimize the big misses and keep the ball in play, something that’s possible with many of these offerings.
In the latest ClubTest insights report, we’re showcasing 5 drivers that produced the tightest dispersion patterns on the Golf Laboratories swing robot. If fairways are in short supply, consider testing several of these models to see if there’s a good fit.
(How we calculate: Each driver is robot tested using a 9-point face mapping. We hit 6 balls at 95 mph from each location on the face — high, low and middle quadrants — to determine how far the ball deviated from the center line. The smaller the number, the tighter the dispersion pattern.)
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Cleveland Launcher XL2 (10.5 degrees) | 5.1 yards
Cleveland Launcher XL2 Custom Driver
It’s BIG and built for one thing: sending bombs down the middle. The all-new Launcher XL 2 Driver delivers more distance, forgiveness, and consistency than ever, thanks to new MainFrame technology, an improved XL design, and more. Step up and swing BIG. With Launcher XL 2, bigger just got better.
MAINFRAME XL FACE
MainFrame XL Face Technology uses a variable thickness pattern that maximizes flex at impact to boost distance. It also repositions weight low and deep in the clubhead for added forgiveness and consistency.
XL HEAD DESIGN
With an improved XL Head Design packing even more MOI than last generation, plus a low-and-deep weighting profile, players can enjoy long, high-launching ball flight with plenty of forgiveness.
REBOUND FRAME
Instead of giving it one flex zone, we’ve got two. With alternating flex zones acting in-sync, Rebound Frame directs more energy into the ball for speed and distance on every shot.
ACTION MASS CB
An 8-gram weight tucked into the end of the shaft counterbalances the club for more control without extra effort. This counterweight helps the club feel lighter on takeaway and stay stable through impact.
ADJUSTABLE HOSEL
With an adjustable hosel, you can fine-tune your launch angle, distance, and shot shape. Adjust your loft, face angle, and lie angle with 12 different positions. The wrench is sold separately.
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Cobra Darkspeed Max (10.5 and 9 degrees) | 6.7 and 7.4 yards
Cobra DarkSpeed Max Custom Driver
The Cobra Darkspeed MAX model delivers draw-bias and unrivaled stability in a low-mid spin design for ultimate distance and accuracy.
REFINED AERODYNAMIC DESIGN
An improved aero shape features a streamlined face to topline radius, a highercrown peak, raised skirt and reduced clubface surface area to maximize speed.
SHAPED FOR SPEED AND FORGIVENESS
A refined clubhead shape blends speed with forgiveness for an elevated lookat address that inspires maximum confidence on the tee.
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PXG 0311 Black Ops (10.5 degrees) | 7 yards
PXG 0311 Black Ops Custom Driver
AMF Face Technology
PXG 0311 Black Ops Drivers deliver big distance gains using a propriety high strength, and more flexible, Titanium Alloy face material thatsupports increased face deflection during impact.
High Strength Composite Contruction
Lightweight crown and sole inserts, made from high-grade carbon fiber using advanced compression molding, enable optimal weight distribution in the clubhead. This enhances the moment of inertia (MOI), shifts the center of gravity (CG) lower and farther back, resulting in improved distance and forgiveness.
Non-Uniform Buldge and Roll Face
The face design supports enhanced forgiveness and improves overall performance by optimizing the club’s reaction to off-center hits.
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Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max Fast (9.5 degrees) | 8.2 yards
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max Fast Custom Driver
Ai SMOKE MAX FAST DRIVER
The new Paradym Ai Smoke driver represents a quantum leap forward in Callaway’s Ai journey. This new family of drivers feature the most sophisticated driver face in Callaway history, the Ai Smart Face.
World’s First Ai Smart Face™
The all-new Ai Smart Face optimizes driver performance using swing dynamics from thousands of real golfers. This promotes optimal launch conditions and tight downrange dispersion.
Forgiving Shape
The Max Fast Driver is built with high MOI, and a generously stretched profile at address, suited best for players looking for easy launch. From a fixed hosel and rear weight, Max Fast will be a go to driver for lightweight easy-to-swing performance.
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Mizuno ST-Max 230 (10.5 degrees) | 8.4 yards
Want to overhaul your bag for 2024? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf.
Jonathan Wall
Golf.com Editor
Jonathan Wall is GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s Managing Editor for Equipment. Prior to joining the staff at the end of 2018, he spent 6 years covering equipment for the PGA Tour. He can be reached at jonathan.wall@golf.com.
