Best Forgiving Golf Drivers 2024: Buyer's Guide and things you need to know

Everyone could use a little more forgiveness off the tee. And almost all of us certainly need it too. Finding the fairway is hard, but it doesn't always have to be. 

With modern technological advancements, the vast majority of brands now offer a range of forgiveness focused drivers, specifically designed to help you hit longer and straighter drives. 

With so many offerings now on the market, it can be quite difficult to know which one is best suited to you. 

Thankfully, here at GolfMagic, we've been fortunate enough to test out all of the new models from TaylorMade, Callaway, PING, Mizuno and Titleist, and have narrowed down our list of the best forgiving drivers of 2024.

Our mission, as always, is to help you get the most out of your golf driving and shoot lower scores at a price that is right for you.

Related: Best Golf Drivers

Our expert tester, Alex Lodge, a single-figure handicap golfer, has been GolfMagic's Equipment Editor for a number of years now, and he has tested thousands of different golf products during his time with us. 

All the new golf drivers featured in our guide have been put through their paces on the golf course, as well as in a studio at Custom Golf Works using a GC Quad launch monitor.

Best Forgiving Golf Drivers in 2024

Let’s take a look at what we consider to be the very best forgiving drivers in 2024, starting with our favourite of the lot:

PING G430 Max 10K

Key Features:

• Fixed Tungsten back weight: drives mass down and back to increase forgiveness and optimise the centre of gravity position
• PING’s biggest head profile to date: larger, confidence-inspiring head helps square the golfer to the target and produces a less muted and slightly louder sound than the G430 MAX
• Forged T9S+ titanium face: variable face thickness optimised for more flexing to ensure faster ball speeds
• Carbonfly Wrap crown: 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

Price: £549

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Pros:

• Provides excellent levels of forgiveness
• Very confidence-inspiring look at address
• Slightly refined sole design looks fantastic
• Improvements across the board in terms of performance compared to G430 MAX

Cons:

• Enlarged head shape may not appeal to the better golfer
• Slightly duller feel at impact compared to G430 MAX
• Very expensive

PING took the market by surprise in 2024 by releasing a new model of the highly popular G430 range.

The new Max 10k is designed to provide even more forgiveness than any driver in the PING range by achieving the mythical 10,000 MOI figure.

Featuring a larger head profile, a forged titanium face and a Carbonfly wrap crown, this driver provides outstanding levels of forgiveness from across the face.

One of the most forgiving clubs we've ever tested, the MAX 10K is a fairway-finding machine.

The drawbacks? Well, with great forgiveness comes great profile size, and this driver looks vast sat behind the ball. If you prefer a more classic design, then this model might not quite suit your eye. However, if you want a confidence-inspiring shape that's gonna really boost your self-belief on the tee, then this is without a doubt one of the best.

It's also worth noting that despite not being marketed as a draw bias club, we did find that our misses were more left than right during testing.

If you were a fan of the G430 Max, which won our Best Driver of 2023 award, then it's probably not worth parting with your hard-earned cash for an upgrade quite so soon. However, if you're looking to upgrade from an older model, then the G430 10K is certainly one to consider if you want to gain accuracy of the tee.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF THE PING G430 MAX 10K DRIVER

TaylorMade Qi10 Max

Key Features:

• Advanced Construction with Infinity Crown: strategic mass redistribution, enabling a deep and low centre of gravity (CG) for optimal launch and spin control while maintaining high MOI
• Optimised Head Shape: unique head shape contributes significantly to the clubhead’s inertia by allowing mass to be placed further from the centre of the clubhead
• Carbon Face Technology: the third generation of 60X CarbonTwist Face, delivering a fast face on centre strikes while also preserving ball speed on mis-hits
• Torque-Control Shaft: a shaft with lower torque, promoting improved face closure at impact

Price: £499

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Pros:

• One of the most forgiving driver of 2024
• New blue face is a big improvement from the Stealth range
• Overall shape and design looks incredibly appealing sat behind the ball

Cons:

• There are certainly faster and longer driver on the market in 2024

The TaylorMade Qi10 Max was one of the most anticipated driver releases of 2024, promising unprecedented levels of forgiveness with its innovative design. "Qi10" represents the quest for inertia reaching 10,000 MOI, a benchmark for minimal twisting upon impact. Previous TaylorMade drivers hovered around an 8,500 MOI score, but the Qi10 Max has shattered this ceiling, achieving the mythical 10,000.

This leap in performance is largely due to a redesigned head shape, which strategically moves mass away from the centre, resulting in one of the largest heads in the market while still conforming to the 460cc size limit. This size, coupled with the shallow head shape, provides a confidence-inspiring look at address.

Aesthetically, the Qi10 Max is a significant upgrade over previous models. It features a sleek, gloss-finished crown with a simple alignment aid, and a much-improved dark navy face, replacing the polarising red of earlier versions. The sophisticated sole design and dynamic back weight further enhance its premium look.

Performance-wise, the Qi10 Max excels in forgiveness, making it one of the most forgiving drivers we've ever tested. Off-centre hits, whether high on the toe or low on the heel, still produce impressive ball flight and direction. However, it may sacrifice some distance compared to other flagship models, making it ideal for golfers prioritising accuracy over yardage.

Overall, the Qi10 Max is a significant advancement in driver technology, offering unmatched forgiveness and a refined aesthetic. For golfers looking to hit more fairways, this driver is a must-try.

READ OUR FULL TAYLORMADE QI10 MAX DRIVER REVIEW

Titleist GT2 

Key Features:

• Seamless Thermoform Crown: Constructed from brand new Proprietary matrix polymer
• Titanium speed ring: reinforces and stabilises the perimeter of the clubface for improved ball speeds
• High MOI design: provides stability through the swing and confidence at address

Price: £579

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Pros:

• Fantastic sound and feel
• Outstanding ball speeds from across the face
• Stunning design and shape

Cons:

• Very expensive

The Titleist GT2 is the brand's most forgiving model in the GT range, and thanks to a new thermoform crown made from a Proprietary Matrix Polymer, this driver is not only forgiving but long too.

With some drivers on this list, there is a bit of a speed to forgiveness trade off, however with the GT2, you get both. 

From across the face, the GT2 retains ball speed and spin incredibly well, resulting in more regular straight and long drives. 

Throw into the mix this driver also looks feels and sounds absolutely superb, and Titleist are certainly on to a winning formula. 

In terms of pure forgiveness, the GT2 is slightly behind both PING and TaylorMade with regards to offline dispersion, however when you factor in speed too, the GT2 is arguably the most complete of the lot.

At £579, the GT2 is also the most expensive driver on this list, and its a price some may find hard to justify.

Mizuno ST Max 230

Key Features:

• Cortech Chamber: A dense stainless steel weight with elastomeric TPU shifted closer to the clubface to maintain ball speeds across a wider portion of the clubface
• 54 gram back weight: positioned to improve stability and straight line performance
• Beta rich LFS Ti clubface: a new lighter, faster face material for improved ball speeds from across the face

Price: £449

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Pros:

• Offers outstanding forgiveness and stability from across the face
• One of the longest driver's we've tested this year
• An excellent all around performer

Cons:

• Larger footprint and profile may take some getting used to at address

One of the best performers from 2024, the Mizuno ST Max 230 is an outstanding driver that can compete with the best of the best in terms of both distance and forgiveness.

The driver features a large 54 gram weight located at the back of the head to improve MOI and twist resistance, which has in turn made it one of the mast stable models on the market this year.

Thanks to the extended cortech chamber, which allows stress to be taken away from the clubface, this model also provides remarkably consistent ball speed numbers from across the hitting surface.

In terms of looks, this might not be the most attractive design on this list, but the carbon crown and electric blue panelling on the sole, certainly add to its shelf appeal.

During testing, this driver was one of the easiest to hit, and along with the PING G430 Max 10K and TaylorMade Qi10 Max, we think it's one of the best options on the market for mid to high handicappers who struggle to find the fairway.

Thanks to a new Beta rich LFS Ti clubface, this driver also produces lovely feel across the face and crisp and satisfying acoustics.

If you're a golfer who wants to improve their distance and accuracy off the tee, then the Mizuno ST Max 230 should certainly be considered. 

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D

Key Features:

• Ai Smart Face: optimises performance using swing dynamics from thousands of real golfers to improve launch conditions and dispersion
• Micro deflections: built into the face that activate upon impact, creating multiple sweet spots across the face
• 360 Carbon chassis: an internal titanium support structure allows the carbon chassis to be 15% lighter, so weight can be redistributed in the head to improve launch conditions and forgiveness
• High MOI head shape and stretched head profile to aid hittin a draw

Price: £499

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Pros:

• Ideal for players who want to prevent hitting a slice
• Offers excellent ball speed retention from across the face
• Confidence inspiring look at address

Cons:

• Smoke branding on the crown takes away from the overall design

The level of forgiveness on offer from the entirety of Callaway's Paradym Ai Smoke range is impressive, however the Max D takes the top spot for its draw bias, which equates to slice prevention, a shot that plagues most amateur golfers. 

The Max D has been specifically designed with a rear weight which not only increases MOI but thanks to its positioning also makes the Max D a draw bias club.

Callaway's tag line for the range was sweeter from every spot, and the slogan rings true, with this driver producing excellent performance from across the face with regards to both ball speed and spin retention. 

If you're someone who tends to slice the ball this driver could certainly aid the issue. Throw in a couple of lessons too, and you could be rid of the dreaded shot for ever.

Things to consider when buying a new golf driver:

1. CLUBHEAD SIZE

The size of a golf driver's head is measured by volume in cubic centimetres and the maximum size allowed by golf's governing bodies is 460cc.

All of the latest golf drivers sit between 440cc (drivers suited for players who like to shape the ball more in the air) and 460cc (drivers suited for players who crave more forgiveness).

Size matters. Find the one that appeals most to you at address.

2. MATERIALS

Gone are the days when we used persimmon woods or metal woods made of steel. The latest golf drivers on the market are either made of titanium or carbon heads.

Titanium has become a particularly popular choice for golf driver heads because it is a strong, light and durable material.

As a result of using either titanium or composite materials, golf companies can design 460cc drivers without increasing weight. This means players can swing the club faster and hit the ball further and more accurately because of the larger sweet spot on the face of the driver.

When used on the crown or the rear section of a clubhead, carbon can reduce the overall weight of a driver.

When it comes to the crown, you also want to not only find the right shape as you stand over the ball at address, but also the right design and colour that fits your eye.

Some crowns are shiny, others have a matte finish that reduces glare. In our personal opinion, the latter appeals more (well, certainly when the sun comes out!)

3. MOMENT OF INERTIA (MOI)

MOI is a common phrase in golf, particularly when it comes to the driver.

It refers to a club's forgiveness, specifically its resistance to twisting at impact.

A driver with a high MOI means it is less likely to twist or rotate when you strike the ball outside the centre of the face.

4. CENTRE OF GRAVITY (CG)

CG is another common phrase and it refers to the single balance point of the driver. Different brands have opposing views on where best to place the CG in their drivers.

The CG of a driver can be moved vertically, horizontally, or back and forward in a clubhead by moving fixed or adjustable weights inside the head.

It can be a bit of a minefield, so the only real way to find out which CG location works best for you is to get custom fitted.

In general, the lower and further back the CG is, the higher the ball will launch as the spin is increased. The driver will also be more forgiving as the MOI will be higher. Moving the CG forward will increase ball speeds but reduce the ball spin and the MOI.

A balance of high launch and low spin is the holy grail.

WATCH OUR LATEST VIDEO ON GOLF DRIVER CUSTOM FITTING

5. LOFT AND LIE

Driver loft refers to the angle of the face in relation to the vertical, and each model is typically available between 8 and 13 degrees.

Lower lofted clubs (e.g. 8 degrees) have a slightly lower trajectory, but go a little further in the hands of players who can generate plenty of clubhead speed.

Higher lofted clubs (e.g. 13 degrees) are better for players with slower swing speeds or players that need extra help to get the ball airborne.

Lofts in between (e.g 10.5 degrees) are for the vast majority of players who have neither particularly fast nor slow swing speeds.

With a plethora of adjustable golf drivers now available, however, it means you can tinker all day and play about with your loft. To do this, you simply remove a screw in the heel of the club, connect the shaft to the clubhead and replace it with a predetermined setting.

However, be careful when adjusting the loft of your golf driver because that will sometimes also change the lie angle - the angle of the shaft to the ground at address. A change to the lie angle will affect your ball flight horizontally left or right.

But remember, you cannot change the setup of your driver during your round.

Dialling in the correct loft and lie is a vital aspect of the custom fitting process, so we strongly recommend you opt for one, especially if you are looking to maximise your performance with the driver.

6. WEIGHTS

Using weights in the clubhead of a driver can have a significant impact on improving a player's ball flight as it changes the club's CG and MOI properties.

Of the drivers that feature weights, you can expect to see sliding weights or plugs from anything between one and 20 grams on the sole of the club.

The benefit of using more weight in the heel is that it will create a draw bias, while placing more weight in the toe will produce a fade bias.

And if a player craves a higher ball flight, they can simply place the weight in the back portion of the head.

7. SWINGWEIGHT

This one often goes overlooked, but it's an incredibly important feature of a golf club to note.

Knowing how much your driver weighs (total weight), and of that weight, how much of it is in the head (swing weight), is becoming a critical part of improving a player's driving.

The total weight and the head weight of your driver have to be matched to your physical strength, your swing tempo and your golfing athletic ability.

Play with too light of a total weight or swing weight for your strength, tempo and ability and your percentage of off-centre hits increases.

8. SHAFT FLEX

Shafts are important in all golf clubs, but especially drivers.

Using lighter, less stiff shafts will produce a higher, right-to-left biased ball flight, while heavier, stiff shafts will launch the ball lower with a higher tendency to shape the ball to the right.

The right shaft can help players hit the ball further, straighter and more consistently. Most manufacturers will offer drivers in regular (R), stiff (S) and extra stiff (XS) shaft flexes.

Other flexes include light or ladies flex (L), senior (A) and more extra stiff options (XXS, XXXS).

Again, a custom fitting session will help find the perfect shaft flex for your game.

9. SHAFT LENGTH

Although the legal limit for the length of a driver is 48 inches, most drivers have a shaft of around 45 or 46 inches to strike the best balance of distance and control.

While longer drivers will typically increase speed and help players hit the ball further, the additional length of the driver will sacrifice an element of control and accuracy.

So unless you are a basketball player, anything around 45 inches in driver length will typically suit the vast majority of players.

10. SOUND / FEEL AT IMPACT

Yes, finding the right shaft, clubhead and swing weight combinations are all important traits to consider when it comes to the feel of a driver, but the sound at impact is also what is going to make you want to keep coming back for more.

If your driver doesn't sound and feel right to you at impact, then it's going to become pretty unattractive to you. Yes, there are no pictures or sounds on the scorecard, but this in all likelihood is an expensive purchase for you and you want to feel satisfied every time you pull the trigger.

Find yourself a driver that not only works for you off the tee peg, but also gives you a satisfying feeling at impact and makes you want to keep coming back for more.

Many of the major golf manufacturers have dramatically improved their acoustics through the years, however, so we would be surprised if you find one in the class of 2023 that fails to satisfy your needs.

How often should I change my golf driver?

A question that often warrants many different answers.

Golf driver technology is now so advanced that all changes year to year are very small, so constantly changing your golf driver is not usually necessary.

However, there are reasons why you should consider changing, as listed below:

Golf swing change - A dramatic change in your golf swing (such as a change in AOA, face angle, or swing speed) will mean your driver that was working for your old swing may not be optimal for your new swing. If this is the case then it’s best to see a local PGA Pro or a qualified golf custom fitter to determine what needs to be done. It could be an adjustment to your current driver or even a new shaft.

Shot Data - We would always recommend using a launch monitor every year to ensure that your driver is still optimal for your swing. You may find some major or minor changes have occurred. The best golf pros on the PGA Tour do this every week in order to keep on top of things. If you are serious about your golf game then we strongly recommend you check out your shot data at least once a year.

Time - Every three to five years is when we recommend you take a look at new golf driver models from the game’s biggest brands as that is how long it takes to notice significant changes in driver technology for consumers.