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Your ability to hit the ball solidly off the tee, send it a long way, and (hopefully) find the fairway is essential to your success as a golfer. It’s important to use a quality driver that suits your swing and your style of play.
Narrowing down a driver that would suit all mid handicappers isn’t easy since every player is different. However, you could say that a typical mid handicapper might have a driver swing speed of 88-100 mph and appreciate some combination of game improvement and better-player performance.
Whatever the case may be, there are countless options on the market, which can make the process of choosing the best driver for you feel difficult and overwhelming. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we’ll review and compare our picks for the best golf drivers for mid handicappers across a range of different brands. These drivers may have been released for the most current golf season or any year prior.
Note: Golfstead has tested and/or conducted in-depth research into all of the products featured in this guide. Our editorial process for these rankings takes into account a mix of many factors which may include performance, reliability, usability, value for money, cost, and the general consensus from other users of the product. The list that follows may be reassessed or updated over time. We do not guarantee that other users will have the same or similar experience with the products as described on this page.
Our Top Picks For Drivers For Mid Handicappers
Based on our own testing, research, and experience, here are our top selections:
- Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke MAX Driver
- TaylorMade Qi10 Driver
- PING G430 MAX Driver
- Cleveland Launcher XL 2 Driver
- PXG 0311 Black Ops Driver
- Cobra DARKSPEED X Driver
- TaylorMade Qi10 LS Driver
- Titleist TSR4 Driver
Note: Prices for the items listed on this page are subject to change. To see the current price, please click on the relevant links below.
1. Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke MAX Driver
Callaway is a top golf equipment brand that has developed high-performing drivers for decades and boasts a number of high-profile pro golfers as ambassadors.
Their Paradym Ai Smoke MAX driver is designed for maximum forgiveness and distance as well as adjustable perimeter weighting to alter ball flight. The adjustability and exceptional overall performance make it an ideal choice for mid handicappers who prefer forgiveness over ultra-low spin.
This driver has an excellent customer score of 4.8/5 (96% recommended) on the Callaway store and won a gold medal on the 2024 Golf Digest Hot List. The key technologies are:
- Ai Smart Face: consists of “multiple sweet spots” for optimal launch/spin and tight downrange dispersions. Robot testing indicates that the Paradym Ai Smoke MAX produces an average of 7.4 yards more distance across the entire face than the Paradym driver.
- 360° Carbon Chassis: the body is almost entirely made of carbon fiber, saving weight for added forgiveness and launch. Moreover, an internal titanium support structure has been added to make the carbon chassis 15% lighter than the previous generation.
- Adjustable Perimeter Weighting: a sliding 14g rear perimeter weight allows golfers to benefit from an average of 19 yards of shot-shape correction, according to robot testing. This is seven yards more than the original Paradym.
The driver comes stock with the Project X Cypher 2.0 40 and Mitsubishi TENSEI AV Series Blue 55 & 65 shafts. The stock grip is the Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360. Custom options are available.
| Lofts | 9°, 10.5°, 12° |
| Lie | 58° |
| Length | 45.75″ |
| Hand | RH/LH |
Pros
- cool “smoke” theme with unique aesthetic
- improved forgiveness over the original Paradym
- plenty of distance with spin that isn’t too low nor too high
- adjustable sole weight can produce even more shot shape correction than last gen
- consistent feel across the face
Cons
- hefty price tag
- “multiple sweet spots” marketing is exaggerated
Final Thoughts
The Paradym Ai Smoke MAX driver is at least as long and fast off the face as the original Paradym, but with even more forgiveness and an even more impactful sliding sole weight.
After reviewing this driver, we feel it would appeal to golfers across the skill spectrum who are seeking modern game-improvement performance with ball flight adjustability. We actually think that more mid-handicappers will potentially gravitate towards it than any other category of golfer.
2. TaylorMade Qi10 Driver
The Qi10 is the middle model in TaylorMade’s Qi10 family of drivers, designed to provide a blend of forgiveness and distance.
With the Qi10, TaylorMade redesigns its existing tech and makes a number of enhancements and changes to the construction of the driver to increase moment of inertia (MOI) higher than ever before, leading to unprecedented forgiveness.
The key technologies of the driver are:
- Infinity Carbon Crown: unlike the Stealth 2, the carbon portion of the crown extends virtually all the way to the top line, covering about 97% of the top of the driver. This enables weight savings that are redistributed to increase MOI.
- 60X Carbon Twist Face: comprised of 60 layers of carbon sheets strategically arranged to maximize energy transfer and ball speeds in all regions. The latest iteration has an improved support structure that is designed to flex more, thus delivering even better mis-hit performance than previous generations.
- Thru-Slot Speed Pocket: this pocket increases sole flexibility, leading to higher ball speeds and forgiveness low on the face.
- High-Contrast Alignment Line: this line, just below the transition point between the face and crown, works with the alignment logo to make setting up square easier than ever.
The stock graphite shafts are the Fujikura VENTUS TR Blue and Mitsubishi Diamana T+60, and the stock grip is the Golf Pride ZGRIP Plus2. An adjustable loft sleeve is included.
| Lofts | 9°, 10.5°, 12° |
| Lie | 56°-60° |
| Length | 45.75″ |
| Swing Weight | D4 |
Pros
- a bit longer than Stealth 2
- more forgiving than Stealth 2
- very versatile
- balanced flight characteristics
- workable
Cons
- not the longest nor the most forgiving
- lacks sole adjustability
Final Thoughts
If TaylorMade’s goal was to make the Qi10 driver match or outclass the previous generation Stealth 2 in every category, they succeeded.
Moreover, the balanced performance of the Qi10, with distance, forgiveness, mid-range spin and workability, makes it an attractive option for many mid handicappers.
3. PING G430 MAX Driver
PING is a world-renowned golf equipment manufacturer that was founded in 1959 by Karsten Solheim, a former General Electric engineer. It’s backed by a slew of pros including Bubba Watson, Louis Oosthuizen, and Lee Westwood.
Their G430 MAX driver has incredible forgiveness, an easy launch, and an adjustable sole weight, but not only that: compared to the previous-generation G425 MAX, it’s also longer and has the best impact sound we’ve seen in a PING driver to date.
The G430 MAX is packed with cutting-edge technologies:
- T9S+ Forged Face: this proprietary precision-machined, high-strength, variable-thickness face is 0.1″ shallower and 6% thinner than the face of the G425 MAX. This leads to even more face flexion at impact, thereby increasing ball speeds.
- Tungsten Movable Weight: this 25-gram backweight shifts the CG low and deep and pushes the total MOI to over 10,000. It can be moved into a fade, neutral or draw position.
- Spinsistency: this technology modifies the roll profile and optimizes face curvature, particularly low on the face. The loft low on the face is effectively reduced, which reduces spin and leads to longer drives.
- Internal Ribbing: a new and improved internal rib structure, along with a refined sole, skirt and crown, results in a considerably better impact sound than the G425.
- Crown Turbulators: these features are part of a special aerodynamic design that reduces drag for increased swing speed.
- Trajectory Tuning 2.0 Hosel: this lightweight, aerodynamic, adjustable hosel offers eight loft and lie combinations to fine-tune your trajectory.
There are many stock shaft options offered at no upcharge including the PING Tour 2.0 Chrome 65, PING Alta CB Black 55, Mitsubishi Kai’Li White 60, and Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX 50.
| Lofts | 9°, 10.5°, 12° |
| Lie | 58.5° |
| Length | 45.75″ |
| Swing Weight | D3 |
Pros
- longer than the G425 MAX
- better sound than the G425 MAX
- unparalleled forgiveness
- lower spin than the G425 MAX
- super stable through the ball
Cons
- head shape is very long
- busy crown can be a bit of a distraction
Final Thoughts
For mid handicappers looking for a very forgiving driver that has a movable sole weight, the PING G430 MAX should be a top consideration. It might just blow your current gamer out of the water.
With PING clubs in particular, we do highly recommend a fitting if possible so that you know what configuration will work best for you. You also might be able to score a really good deal on eBay.
4. Cleveland Launcher XL 2 Driver
Cleveland Golf is known to manufacture excellent golf clubs and offer them at relatively affordable prices.
Their Launcher XL 2 model is designed for distance and forgiveness with a mid launch and spin. It’s most recommended for players with a moderate-fast swing speed of around 90-100 mph.
This driver builds on the first generation of the Launcher XL by introducing a new, optimized MainFrame XL face and reworked head design with a low & deep CG. Players also benefit from distance-enhancing tech and an internal grip weight.
The key features of the Launcher XL 2 driver are:
- MainFrame XL Face: this new variable-thickness design takes into account the most common impact points over thousands of shots and optimizes face thickness. This effectively increases the size of the sweet spot and improves ball speed preservation across the entire face.
- XL Head: this design has been refined from the previous generation. A very thin crown supported by a strong, light framework enables weight savings which can be placed low and deep in the clubhead, further improving forgiveness and optimizing launch and spin.
- Rebound Frame: more energy is transferred to the ball from two zones of flexibility and rigidity which activate simultaneously upon impact.
- Action Mass CB: an internal 8g weight at the end of the grip is designed to make the club feel lighter and improve balance and control.
The stock shaft is the Mitsubishi TENSEI AV Series Blue 55, and the stock grip is the Lamkin Crossline 360. An adjustable hosel allows golfers to tweak loft and lie settings.
| Lofts | 9°, 10.5°, 12° |
| Lies | 58.5°, 60°, 58.5° |
| Length | 45.5″ |
| Swing Weights | D2, D3 |
Pros
- great all-rounder
- neutral ball flight
- excellent forgiveness
- more affordable than most name brand drivers
- solid feel with great sound
Cons
- might not perform well for many slower swingers
- no movable sole weight
Final Thoughts
Those mid handicappers looking for plenty of forgiveness and great all-around performance can’t go wrong with the Cleveland Launcher XL 2. It’s still relatively affordable compared to modern name brand drivers, coming in at less than $500.
If you prefer a draw bias with more launch and spin, we suggest taking a look at the Launcher XL 2 Draw.
5. PXG 0311 Black Ops Driver
PXG is a golf equipment manufacturer that was founded in 2014 and has quickly gained a foothold in the industry. It has been supported by a slew of pro golfers including Zach Johnson and Jason Kokrak.
The 0311 Black Ops model is a versatile driver built for high launch & low spin as well as extreme power and forgiveness. PXG has innovated to unlock the best performance of any PXG driver yet.
The technologies of the 0311 Black Ops driver include:
- AMF: short for Advanced Material Face, this high-strength, flexible titanium alloy face produces superior face deflection, higher launch, and lower spin compared to the 0311 GEN6. A non-uniform bulge and roll profile optimizes forgiveness and overall performance across the entire face.
- Carbon Fiber Crown & Sole: the crown and sole inserts are made of a high-strength, high-grade carbon fiber pre-preg that is just 0.03″ thick. This allows for weight savings which are redistributed to the perimeter of the clubhead, pushing the CG low and back, increasing MOI, and improving forgiveness.
- Precision Weighting: a special structure consists of three weights (two 2.5g and one 12.5g) strategically placed in the perimeter of the clubhead and anchored to the outer wall. These weights are interchangeable and can be used to add draw or fade bias or increase stability. Depending on the configuration, MOI can reach upwards of 10000g/cm².
- Natural Frequency Optimization: the natural resonances and vibrations of the driver have been fine-tuned to create the most desirable feel and sound possible.
PXG offers a selection of shafts for the 0311 Black Ops at no additional charge including ones from Mitsubishi and Project X. The stock grip is the PXG Lamkin Z5 High Performance.
| Lofts | 8°, 9°, 10.5°, 12° |
| Lies | 60° |
| Length | 45.5″ |
| Head Mass | 203g |
Pros
- a versatile all-rounder
- feel and sound are just right
- premium, modern looks
- spin is lower than the 0311 GEN6
- forgiveness is fantastic
Cons
- expensive
- a fitting is recommended to get the most out of the driver
Final Thoughts
The PXG 0311 Black Ops driver is a true gem that doesn’t really have any weaknesses. Golfers of any skill level, including mid handicappers, can have great success with it.
Whether it’s competitive distance, high launch, low spin, outstanding forgiveness, a pleasing feel, or a look that most people will love, this driver either matches or outclasses the previous GEN6 model in every category that counts.
6. Cobra DARKSPEED X Driver
Cobra Golf is another golf equipment manufacturer that has some big names behind it, including Rickie Fowler and Gary Woodland.
Their DARKSPEED X is the middle model in the DARKSPEED line that provides a balanced blend of distance, forgiveness, launch and trajectory. Cobra applies the latest iterations of various cutting-edge technologies, namely PWRSHELL, PWR-BRIDGE, and an A.I. H.O.T Face.
A special aerodynamic design maximizes clubhead speed, and interchangeable weights in the sole allow golfers to increase forgiveness or reduce spin as desired.
Key technology packed into the DARKSPEED MAX includes:
- PWRSHELL L-Cup: this variable-thickness insert is 10% larger than on the AEROJET. It wraps around the carbon fiber sole and maximizes face flexion at impact, resulting in better launch and more distance.
- PWR-BRIDGE: this fully suspended weight bar is positioned lower and more forward than in the AEROJET, leading to even better energy transfer, lower spin, and more ball speed.
- A.I. H.O.T Face: using machine-learned data from thousands of impact simulations, the thickness of the face is optimized in multiple locations for more consistent spin and increased ball speeds across the face.
- Aerodynamic Design: the aerodynamics have been refined in the form of a higher crown peak, raised skirt, streamlined face-to-topline radius, and reduced clubface surface area. This is designed to squeeze out as much clubhead speed as possible.
- MyFly Hosel: offers eight loft settings: -1.5°, -1°, -1° Draw, STD, STD Draw, +1°, +1° Draw, and +1.5°.
Several premium aftermarket shafts are available with the DARKSPEED X; the stock options are the UST Mamiya LIN-Q M40X White/Blue/Red, Mitsubishi Kai’li Blue, and Project X HZRDUS Red CB. The stock grip is the Lamkin Crossline 58R. Custom options are available.
| Lofts | 9°, 10.5°, 12° |
| Lies | 56.2°, 57.2°, 57.2° |
| Length | 45.50″ |
| Swing Weights | D1, D1.5, D2.5, D3.5, D4 |
Pros
- length & forgiveness are competitive with drivers from other OEMs
- solid trajectory with low spin
- adds an additional weight port on the sole
- sleek, streamlined aesthetic
- terrific impact feel
Cons
- limited LH availability
- performance is very similar to its predecessor
- not everyone will like the dark finish
Final Thoughts
The DARKSPEED X is an awesome driver, with length, forgiveness, a balanced trajectory and low spin. The new dark finish will appeal to many golfers, and the feel is fantastic.
While the performance is barely distinguishable from the AEROJET, it does add an additional sole weight that makes the driver more adjustable than its predecessor. Still, it may not be worth the upgrade if you do already game the AEROJET.
7. TaylorMade Qi10 LS Driver
Maybe you consider yourself a mid handicapper but have a fast swing speed of 100+ mph. In that case, you may benefit from a low-spin driver.
The Qi10 LS by TaylorMade sports a lower spin and lower launch compared to its sister models. It has a compact design with a new adjustable sole weight system.
This driver won a gold medal on the 2024 Golf Digest Hot List and enjoys an average customer score of 4.7/5 (95% recommended) on the TaylorMade store. Key technologies include:
- Infinity Carbon Crown: unlike the Stealth 2, the carbon portion of the crown extends virtually all the way to the top line, covering about 97% of the top of the driver. This enables weight savings that are redistributed to increase MOI.
- High-Contrast Alignment Line: this line, just below the transition point between the face and crown, works with the alignment logo to make setting up square easier than ever.
- 60X Carbon Twist Face: comprised of 60 layers of carbon sheets strategically arranged to maximize energy transfer and ball speeds in all regions. The latest iteration has an improved support structure that is designed to flex more, thus delivering even better mis-hit performance than previous generations.
- Weight Track: an 18g weight in a sliding track on the sole can be slid towards the heel for a draw bias or the toe for a fade bias. The new design presumably helps the Qi10 LS be more forgiving than the Stealth 2 Plus since the weight can be moved lower and farther forward.
Compared to the Qi10 and Qi10 Max, the Qi10 LS has a more compact, aerodynamic shape with a deeper face. Plus, an internal weighting profile promotes lower spin and launch.
The stock graphite shafts are the Mitsubishi TENSEI AV Limited Blue and Mitsubishi TENSEI AV Limited Black, the former providing higher launch and spin. The stock grip is the Golf Pride ZGRIP Plus2. An adjustable loft sleeve is included.
| Lofts | 8°, 9°, 10.5° |
| Lie | 54°-58° |
| Length | 45.75″ |
| Swing Weight | D4 |
Pros
- forgiving on mis-hits
- workable
- low flight with great penetration
- appealing better-player profile
- plenty of adjustability
Cons
- little to no improvement in distance over the previous generation
Final Thoughts
Tour pros including Tiger Woods and Tommy Fleetwood have gamed the Qi10 LS.
But the great thing about it is that it isn’t inherently as ultra low-spin as some other drivers on the market; rather, it’s impressively forgiving for the amount of spin it generates. This makes it perfect for mid handicappers who still need a degree of forgiveness off the tee.
8. Titleist TSR4 Driver
You may think of Titleist as mainly catering to the professional crowd, but this isn’t really true; they also offer plenty more accessible options that live up to the Titleist standard of quality.
The TSR4 driver is notable for its lower spin, workability, and good forgiveness thanks to a new face technology. Stability and ball flight can be further influenced through swappable sole weights, so mid handicappers have ample versatility at their fingertips.
The key features of the TSR4 driver are:
- Multi-Plateau VFT Face: this technology builds the face inward layer-by-layer so that CT (Characteristic Time, a measure of energy transfer to the ball) across the face is nearly constant, thus significantly improving forgiveness.
- Adjustable Spin Weights: two removeable weights in the sole enable additional flexibility in controlling spin. The stock configuration is 3 grams in the back and 11 grams in the front, which emphasizes the lowest spin, but this can be swapped to moderate spin.
- Players’ Performance: the aerodynamics and the acoustics of the TSR4 have been optimized to maximize clubhead speed through the air and produce a player-preferred feel and sound at impact.
- Adjustable Hosel: an integrated SureFit hosel, which allows for sixteen (16) unique loft and lie combinations, can be used to fine-tune your ball flight.
Titleist offers a number of featured and premium shaft options for the TSR4 including the Project X HZRDUS Red CB, Mitsubishi TENSEI AV Blue W/ Xlink Tech, and Tour AD DI. The stock grip is the Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360.
| Lofts | 8°, 9°, 10° |
| Lie | 58.5° |
| Length | 45.50″ |
| Hand | RH/LH |
Pros
- more clubhead and ball speed than the TSi4
- conducive to working the ball off the tee
- penetrating flight does well in windy conditions
- feel is as good as ever
- compact look suits the eye of better players
Cons
- too unforgiving for some golfers
- unaffordable for many
Final Thoughts
The Titleist TSR4 driver is an exceptional low-spin offering that is objectively faster and produces more ball speed than the previous TSi4 model.
This is topped off with decent forgiveness, superb workability, a slim, compact look, and solid feel. Additionally, the new adjustable spin weights give golfers valuable control over how much spin they produce.
Mid handicappers most likely to have success with the TSR4 are those with above-average swing speeds.
Buying Guide
There are many drivers on the market, and knowing which one to choose as a mid handicapper (say, between 10 and 18 handicap) isn’t necessarily easy, especially if you’re not sure what to look for. This guide will provide you with the education you need in that regard.
In general, you should choose a driver that provides a healthy amount of distance and forgiveness off the tee. If you want to find the right driver, here are the most important factors to consider:
1. Distance
Of course, every golfer wants more distance off the tee, and mid handicappers are no exception. A longer drive will enable you to hit shorter, more precise shots into the green.
Even if you miss the fairway, it turns out that distance contributes more to strokes gained driving (about 60%-65%) than accuracy does. So, however you slice it, distance is hugely important, especially in a world of lengthening golf courses.
Most modern drivers have distance as their primary focus. The two main quantities that lead to more distance are ball speed and club head speed.
Ball speed is the speed of the ball immediately after impact with the club face. Obviously, higher ball speed results in more distance. One of the primary factors that affect ball speed is a number called the coefficient of restitution, or COR.
COR is a measure of how much energy is transferred from the club to the ball at impact. The higher the COR, the higher the ball speed. The value can technically be between 0 and 1, but current USGA rules prohibit it from being any higher than 0.83 in golf clubs.
Club head speed is the speed of the club at the moment of impact. Manufacturers typically increase this through certain club aerodynamics which allow the club to move faster and more efficiently through the air.
In short, driver manufacturers strive to maximize COR across the club face and optimize aerodynamics to maximize speed. For the longest drivers, they also try to minimize spin which further increases distance.
2. Forgiveness
Forgiveness is certainly one of the most important factors to consider for a mid or high handicapper who doesn’t always make contact with the center of the face.
Having a degree of forgiveness in your driver is highly beneficial because at these high swing speeds, minor mis-hits can be amplified into very poor results. Avoiding the rough as much as possible will make a big difference in your scoring.
Forgiveness can be divided into two subtypes: ball speed forgiveness and directional forgiveness.
Ball speed forgiveness refers to the amount of ball speed that is preserved in mis-hit regions (towards the toe or heel) relative to the center of the face. Most modern drivers strive to maximize speed across the entire face so that even moderate mis-hits might result in only a few yards of lost distance.
Directional forgiveness refers to how far a shot deviates from the target line when struck in mis-hit regions. This is closely related to a quantity called moment of inertia, or MOI.
The higher the MOI, the more the club is resistant to twisting at impact when the ball doesn’t make contact at the center of mass. The more the club (and hence the face) resists twisting at impact, the closer to the target line the ball will start and the less ball speed will be lost.
Many drivers have high MOI as a selling point. This will certainly add stability to your shots and help you find more fairways, but you tend to get slightly reduced distance and higher backspin as a tradeoff.
3. Looks
One factor worth considering is how the driver looks. Aesthetic is one thing, but if you play a driver that doesn’t suit your eye, you’ll probably be less likely to make a good swing.
Many mid handicappers prefer a large 460 CC head with an elongated crown and large face. This tends to inspire confidence when set up behind the ball. On the other hand, some mid handicappers prefer a more compact, pear-shaped head that allows for easier shot-shaping.
Related to this are adjustability features, the main ones being movable sole weights and adjustable hosels. These allow you to alter the loft & lie, introduce draw/fade bias, or add stability depending on the position of the weights.
Adjustability is very beneficial in drivers because it gives you the opportunity to dial in a setting that works best for you, even if you might not have been seeing great performance initially. However, it does tend to come at the cost of less forgiveness because of the added weight.
4. Feel
Another factor that can affect how likely you are to make a good swing is feel: specifically, how the driver feels through the swing and how it feels at impact. For some golfers who play by feel, this is imperative.
The weight of the club should feel balanced, but more than that, it should not be too heavy or too light, as both situations will negatively impact your performance.
When it comes to drivers, you ideally want impact to feel solid and like the ball is exploding off the face. This will tend to give you more confidence and increase your speed through the shot. A hollow or “tinny” sound can work against this.
You also need to consider how much the feel degrades as the impact moves away from the sweet spot towards the mis-hit regions. Most mid handicappers want mis-hit feel to be relatively forgiving, but with enough feedback to know where the ball made contact with the face.
There is a balancing act at play between consistent feel across the face and clarity of mis-hit feedback. Achieving a balance that you’re satisfied with will go a long way.
5. Shaft
The shaft can make or break your success with a driver because of how much it influences swing weight, feel, trajectory and spin.
Graphite shafts have pretty much become the standard for today’s drivers (as opposed to steel shafts) because their increased torque, increased flex, and lighter weight help promote launch and speed.
Having said that, choosing the right shaft is a highly individual matter. These days, manufacturers pair drivers with one or more stock shaft options that tend to appeal to a wide range of golfers, but custom shafts are usually available as well.
The two main things to keep in mind when choosing a shaft are the weight and the flex.
If a shaft is too heavy for you, it will likely result in less control, less club head speed, and an excessively low launch. If a shaft is too light for you, it can result in excessively high launch and spin as well as a lack of precise contact with possible deceleration in the downswing.
The shaft flex that suits you is generally dependent on your swing speed, with lower swing speeds calling for more flex and higher swing speeds calling for less flex. Here’s a guideline:
| Driver Swing Speed | Suggested Shaft Flex |
|---|---|
| Greater than 105 mph | Extra Stiff |
| 96-105 mph | Stiff |
| 84-95 mph | Regular |
| Less than 84 mph | Senior or Ladies |
Playing a flex that doesn’t match your swing speed can result in sub-optimal ball flights. But if you’re in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of more flexibility.
6. Price
Drivers are pretty expensive these days, with prices seemingly rising for every new season. Fortunately, there are still many affordable options out there.
As a general rule, the older the driver model, the better the deals you can find on it. And it’s not at all uncommon to find that you perform better with a $300 driver than a $600 driver.
You certainly don’t have to get a current-season driver. But the problem is that as time passes, availability of a particular model gets more limited, and eventually, you lose the ability to order it custom. At that point, you may only be able to get it used. In general, we don’t recommend drivers that are more than three seasons old.
In this guide, we have included driver models that span a range of different prices and brands. But the great thing is that there are ways to reduce both the final cost and risk of the purchase.
For example, one of our top recommended online golf equipment stores, Global Golf, offers club trade-ins as well as a program called Utry that lets you try a driver before you buy it. There has never been this much allowance for finding your ideal clubs, and you should take advantage.
Conclusion
A reliable, quality driver can be a huge boon to a golfer’s toolkit. Finding a model that does the job you want it to do as a mid handicapper is certainly possible with some research.
Mid handicap golfers can play any driver successfully, but they tend to seek out game improvement drivers or drivers with both GI and better-player traits. This might mean a good amount of forgiveness, distance, solid feel, or a certain degree of workability.
The best way to find a driver that you do really well with is to simply try it. Buying it off-the-rack can work, but if possible, we recommend a fitting so that you understand what your best configuration is.
Each of the driver models reviewed above deliver exceptional performance. We’ve given you the information you need to make a decision; now it’s up to you to go the rest of the way.
It is highly recommended to read consumer and professional reviews to acquire some useful insights as to how driver models actually perform. This will help you a lot in the decision-making process.
Thanks for reading this guide. Which drivers are you interested in as a mid handicapper? Do you have any questions? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
