About the test
We wanted to identify the drivers that we could recommend with the most confidence to club golfers like you. Click on the links below to find out what we thought.
We invited the major manufacturers to send in their best drivers. We hit them all extensively and used a TrackMan launch monitor, so we could look at trends including distance, carry, spin rate and launch angle.
Key factors we took into consideration included:
– Looks
– Shelf appeal
– Price
– Ease of use
– Sound and feel
– Consistency of performance
– Ball flight
– Playability
The Testers
Dan Murphy (Handicap: 4, Current driver: Ping Anser)
James Whitaker (PGA Professional, Current Driver: Nike VR_S Covert)
Steve Cavanagh (Handicap: 9, Current Driver: Nike VR Pro)
We conducted the test at Moor Allerton Golf Club in Leeds. Thanks to James and his team for the use of their outstanding facilities
The Winners
TaylorMade ROCKETBALLZ Stage 2
Ping G25
Nike VR_Covert
About our three winners
It’s never happened before but on this occasion we got as far as a final three then just couldn’t split them.
We were looking for drivers that would have huge appeal to you, the club player, and all three of these certainly deliver on that count.
Of the three, the G25 is a little more expensive but none of these drivers would be classed as super-premium in terms of price point.
We felt they performed better and more consistently than any of the others.
The key word there is ‘consistently’. There wasn’t a club in the test that didn’t get it out there, but there is of course much more to a good driver than just distance.
One thing the Ping G25, TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 and Nike Covert have in common is that they are among the very best for sound, which also equates to feel. We like a driver that is meaty and quick off the face without being too high-pitched. These all fit the bill.
All three of them contain, to a greater or lesser extent, adjustability but it’s fair to say that if adjustability is your thing then, of this trio, you’ll choose the Covert.
If you want maximum ball speed and a fun driver, the RocketBallz is for you.
Finally, if it’s performance, reliability and a traditional dark crown then you should not look past Ping’s G25.
Crucially, we feel that each of these drivers would be a fantastic choice for any club golfer this year. So our advice is to go and see your pro and ask to try all three then decide for yourself.
Crucially, we feel that each of these drivers would be a fantastic choice for any club golfer this year. So our advice is to go and see your pro and ask to try all three then decide for yourself. The Others
- Callaway X Hot
- Titleist 913D
- Benross Rip/Hot/Max
- Callaway Razr Fit Xtreme
- Mizuno JPX 825
- Yonex EZone SD
- TaylorMade R1
- John Letters TR47
- Cleveland XL
- MD Golf Superstrong ST3 Ti
- Lynx Boom Boom 2
- Dunlop NZ9
- Cobra AMP Cell
- Ping Anser
- Wilson Staff D-100
- Adams Super S
- MacGregor M59