Cobra RadSpeed 

At 460cc’s, the new 2021 Cobra RadSpeed driver incorporates 28 grams of front weighting (16 grams fixed, 12 grams adjustable), and an additional 10 grams in the back (8 grams fixed, 2 grams adjustable). This balance, in combination with Radial Weighting technology, gives golfers a fast, stable head to ensure distance and accuracy. The other highlight of the RadSpeed is the CNC milled Infinity Face, which ensures that each face is exactly the same which allows Cobra’s quality control to be some of the best in the business.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our 2021 Cobra RadSpeed launch piece.

Fitter notes 

• The RadSpeed is the low spin driver this year for golfers that struggle with the excess spin that robs them of distance—it’s a perfect driver for the player that also tended to miss to the left (a hook for a right-handed golfer).
• Not only does this driver perform, but it also looks awesome, comes in a number of color options, and is equipped with great stock shafts. It also happens to come in at a lower price point than most of the big players—it’s a win-win all around.
• The heavy weight in the front configuration makes this driver one of the lowest spinning and lower launching drivers on the market but without losing stability. When you pair the proper weight configuration with the loft setting you would be shocked to see some of the gains that are possible for the faster golfer.

• Join the best driver of 2021 discussion in the forums!

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BEST DRIVERS FOR 95-105 MPH

TaylorMade SIM2 Max

The SIM2 Max features a massive 24-gram back weight to deepen the center of gravity and boost stability. This back weight makes up almost 12 percent of the total mass, which is what helps create stability resulting in more ball speed on shots missed around the face. And when you do miss it, TaylorMade’s Twist Face is also there to help keep shots flying straighter.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our 2021 TaylorMade SIM2 launch piece.

Fitter notes

• This is my pick for the best all-around driver in this category, because it’s fast, forgiving, and the best part is TaylorMade expanded the loft options this year, meaning it’s easier for me as a fitter and for a golfer that is buying one off the rack to dial it in.
• The ball flight window for this driver is higher than the standard SIM2 model when comparing loft to loft, but it still manages to keep spin in a very controllable window which helps those golfers that need some extra carry. I can’t stress enough to many of the golfers I fit that the proper height with a driver is key to unlocking more distance, and you shouldn’t be afraid to hit it more up in the air—you get that with the SIM2 Max.
• If you need to maximize your carry distance based on your usual course conditions, this driver is a bomber. Be sure to use the adjustable hosel to your advantage—it can narrow dispersion in a hurry.

Ping G425 Max

The G425 Max has the highest MOI (a measurement of forgiveness) on the market, and its 460 cc head features a 26-gram moveable tungsten weight in the rear to help golfers dial in ball flight bias. This extra mass is also how the weight track can offer less movement on the exterior of the head while still creating the same level of movement inside the head to create a draw and fade bias compared to previous generations.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our 2021 Ping G425 driver launch piece.

Fitter notes

• If you are a golfer who struggles with face contact and needs some directional control, this is by far the most forgiving driver I can put in your hands—it feels like point and shoot.
• Honestly, I don’t know what else to say about the G425 Max beyond it just wants to go long and straight.
• The big adjustable weight in the rear offers a massive amount of ball flight adjustability so make sure that you test all the settings to find out which one helps you reduces your misses. A great off-menu tip if you are going to custom order one of these drivers—you can get lighter CG shifter weights to help find just the right “feel,” and if you want to play it over length, it helps to keep the driver from feeling too heavy.

Titleist TSi2

The TSi2 has an improved high/low inertia of 13 percent over the previous generation and in the world of engineering, single-percent advancements are considered a big step.

What really makes the TSi2 along with the rest of the TSi series drivers unique is the ATI-425 titanium face insert, allowing engineers to once again make the faces thinner to reduce weight while also increasing the overall elasticity for better ball speed retainment.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our 2021 Titleist TSi3 driver launch piece.

Fitter notes

• For the golfers who want a larger confidence-inspiring look, this driver is awesome. It’s almost as stable as the G425 LST—which is saying a lot—while still offering a very traditional sound, and feel.
• The new titanium in the face insert has allowed Titleist to be at the top in every fitting I do, and beyond the head, they offer a full spectrum of loft and shaft options to fit almost any player. To be able to go as low as 7 degreesand as high as 12.5 using the SureFit hosel and keep it in the same (model) head with the same center of gravity is a big fitting advantage.
• As a fitter that works with a lot of golfers in this speed range, I don’t feel there is any driver out there right now that is straighter on both good hits and mishits, plus it has that great “Titleist look.”

Callaway Epic Max

After combining all the technology from Epic Speed (AI-designed Jailbreak and Flash Face), Callaway made the Epic Max crown with even more triaxial carbon, saving 19 grams of discretionary weight, which allows them to create an even deeper CG and higher MOI. The 17-gram rear sliding weight allows fine-tuning of launch and spin while the OptiFit hosel provides up to 20 yards of shot shape correction.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our 2021 Callaway Epic Max launch piece.

• Forgiving, adjustable, and fast—the Epic Max for me is a driver that is often a starting point in my fitting because of the options it creates.
• Whether you’re a higher handicap player who struggles with contact consistency or you are just looking for a driver that is going to help maximize carry and reduce dispersion, this driver checks all the boxes. It launches high, and you can create some serious draw bias. This might sound like an oversimplification, but if you are looking for “airborn and forward,” this is a no brainer.
• If you want maximum forgiveness and need a lower spin profile, this is a driver that you need to try. The adjustability of this club can help you lower spin with just a few clicks and makes dialing in a flight window a lot easier.

Cobra RadSpeed XB

With 28 grams of discretionary weight, the XB features 20 grams positioned in the back (14 grams of fixed weight; six interchangeable weight) and eight grams of fixed weight close to the face. This recipe is popular in high MOI drivers, but with Radial Weighting technology, it’s fine-tuned to push forgiveness to the limit.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our 2021 Cobra RadSpeed launch piece.

Fitter notes

• Cobra has separated its drivers perfectly this year, and it’s really helping golfers get into the correct configuration. The XB is up there as being one of the easier-to-hit drivers thanks to how much weight has been moved away from the face and if you put a heavier weight in the back port, it’s mega forgiving!
• I still feel that Cobra doesn’t get the credit they deserve for building a super forgiving driver that looks and sounds really good. The adjustability is straight-forward and easy to understand, and even when it’s adjusted, it still sits neutral behind the ball.
• If you are a neutral ball flight player who wants to get as much as you can out of your driver with some subtle draw bias, the XB is a fantastic option because you can bring it more upright with the hosel, and it’s going to help move your start line (initial launch direction) to the left without causing a big hook.
• If you are testing this driver, 100 percent make sure to use the adjustability to your advantage, the upright setting can be a big help if you are a golfer that struggles with the occasional right miss but doesn’t want to use a “draw” type driver.

BEST DRIVERS FOR SWING SPEEDS OF 94 MPH AND BELOW

Ping G425 Max

The G425 Max has the highest MOI (a measurement of forgiveness) on the market, and its 460 cc head features a 26-gram moveable tungsten weight in the rear to help golfers dial in ball flight bias. This extra mass is also how the weight track can offer less movement on the exterior of the head while still creating the same level of movement inside the head to create a draw and fade bias compared to previous generations. It also comes in a multitude of lofts that can be further adjusted with the trajectory tuning hosel.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our 2021 Ping G425 driver launch piece.

Fitter notes

• The big fitting and consumer benefit of the Ping G425 Max is how much you can get out of this head depending on the player. It used to be that drivers geared for moderate clubhead speeds sat really closed and generally only came in higher lofts. With the Max, you get all kinds of loft options and it sits really square-to-open depending on the adapter setting.
• The one thing to keep in mind is the G425 Max has one of the heaviest driver heads on the market, so it can start to feel a bit heavy for certain players depending on the shaft that’s being tested—but all of the Ping stock shafts are counterbalanced to help with this. With that in mind, you can custom order the CG shifter in various weights to make sure you are dialed in.
• This driver is the undefeated king of stability. If you aren’t a range rat and want to just enjoy your time on the golf course, this one is for you.
• For any golfer on the lowest end of the swing speed spectrum, you HAVE to try this driver with the stock Ping Alta. It’s only 40 grams and just wants to launch the ball up as fast as possible.
• If you want a draw-biased driver now and a neutral or fade-biased driver later, the functionality engineered into this head will give you just that thanks to the CG shifter and adjustable hosel. If you arent working with the adjustment features of the G425 Max you are 100 percent missing out.

Titleist TSi1

When I say lightweight, I mean lightweight! The TSi1, in a standard configuration with its featured shaft, comes in at just over 40 grams lighter than most standard drivers. This lighter package makes it easier to control and also helps the target player gain just under 2 mph on average based on Titleist’s extensive testing.

The TSi1 driver has been optimized for moderate swing speed players—to increase club speed, resulting in faster ball speeds, more distance, and greater control, thanks to an overall lightweight design.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our 2021 Titleist TSi1 driver launch piece.

Fitter notes

• This driver works exactly as advertised and helps any golfer looking for extra speed, height, and distance. For the golfer in this speed category, the stock shafts are a perfect match to the head and keep the whole driver package as light as possible.
• The great thing about the TSi1 from a fitting and options perspective is that it comes in a 9° loft, which helps the player that already creates an effective dynamic loft but needs help to get some extra speed. On top of that, the sure-fit hosel is key to reducing dispersion and create better start lines which result in more fairways hit.
• If you are a golfer that has lost distance and wants to get some of it back, the lightweight package of the TSi1 is going to give you one of the best opportunities. – from the head to the featured shaft options this driver has been engineered to create speed.

Callaway Epic Max

After combining all the technology from Epic Speed (AI-designed Jailbreak and Flash Face), Callaway made the Epic Max crown with even more triaxial carbon, saving 19 grams of discretionary weight, which allows them to create an even deeper CG and higher MOI. The 17-gram rear sliding weight allows fine-tuning of launch and spin while the OptiFit hosel provides up to 20 yards of shot shape correction.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our 2021 Callaway Epic Max launch piece.

• This is another one of those drivers that excels in offering mega forgiveness alongside adjustability, and it’s fast. Our testing leads me to believe that the lighter toe panel and more heel side internal weighting helps increase the closure rate leading to impact, and that helps increase clubhead speed 1-3 mph.
• Callaway tends to engineer their driver heads just slightly lighter than others in the market which for many players is a big advantage for adding speed, while the shaping of the head maintains forgiveness. Also for those golfers that are looking to get absolutely everything they can when it comes to distance, you can get the Epic Max in an “LD” (long drive) configuration with a 47″ shaft!

Ping G425 SFT

The G425 SFT is officially Ping’s greatest slice killer to date. Thanks to the fixed heel-biased 23-gram tungsten weight and adjusted head shaping, it offers 10 yards more left bias than the previous G410 SFT and a whopping 25-plus yards more fade correction than the G425 Max.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our 2021 Ping G425 driver launch piece.

Fitter notes

• If you slice the golf ball, the G425 SFT is going to help you have more fun on the course—it’s really just that easy to hit.
• Don’t sleep on the stock Alta CB Slate shaft. Ping has taken its “whole club” design approach to the next level with their most recent stock shafts, and they pair very well with this head.
• The SFT is a great driver for golfers at slower speeds even if you don’t always need “slice correction” because many golfers in this category have difficulty closing the face square at impact. This driver really helps with that.
• When it comes to draw-bias, the design team at Ping didn’t mess around with this one, and when you add in the trajectory tuning hosel, you can bump the loft up an extra 1.5 degrees to really close it.

TaylorMade SIM2 Max

The SIM2 Max features a massive 24-gram back weight to deepen the center of gravity and boost stability. This back weight makes up almost 12 percent of the total mass, which is what helps create stability resulting in more ball speed on shots missed around the face. And when you do miss it, TaylorMade’s Twist-Face is also there to help keep shots flying straighter.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our 2021 TaylorMade SIM2 Launch piece.

Fitter notes

• If you need to maximize carry distance based on your usual course conditions, this driver is a bomber. Be sure to use the adjustable hosel to your advantage—it will narrow dispersion in a hurry.
• The heavier inertia generator in the rear of the head really helps make this driver stable, and if you are looking to try out a slightly lighter platform, the weight in the sole can be ordered light to potentially help add some speed.
• The important thing to note for golfers in this speed range is that TaylorMade has a lot of lighter-weight stock shaft options—including the Fujikura AirSpeeder—that can bring this club to life and help you swing it faster.
• It’s amazing to me how well this driver works for so many golfers. The head in the stock setting is just ever so slightly draw-biased, but once you open the face and lower the loft, it becomes neutral to offer more workability.
• Join the best driver of 2021 discussion in the forums!

• RELATED: Best fairway woods 2021
• RELATED: Best hybrids 2021

MOST FORGIVING/STRAIGHTEST

Ping G425 Max

The G425 Max has the highest MOI (a measurement of forgiveness) on the market, and its 460 cc head features a 26-gram moveable tungsten weight in the rear to help golfers dial in ball flight bias. This extra mass is also how the weight track can offer less movement on the exterior of the head while still creating the same level of movement inside the head to create a draw and fade bias compared to previous generations. It also comes in a multitude of lofts that can be further adjusted with the trajectory tuning hosel.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our 2021 Ping G425 driver launch piece.

Fitter Notes

• If you want a big, stable, forgiving driver that’s going to allow you to quickly and easily reduce dispersion, the G425 Max is going to make golf feel a lot easier.

Callaway Epic Max

After combining all the technology from Epic Speed (AI-designed Jailbreak and Flash Face), Callaway made the Epic Max crown with even more triaxial carbon, saving 19 grams of discretionary weight, which allows them to create an even deeper CG and higher MOI. The 17-gram rear sliding weight allows fine-tuning of launch and spin while the OptiFit hosel provides up to 20 yards of shot shape correction.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our 2021 Callaway Epic Max launch piece

• If carry distance is your issue, buckle up, because the Epic Max can really help add carry and help you significantly reduce dispersion thanks to all of the adjustable features and head shape.
• Off the rack, the driver is slightly draw-biased, but thanks to the OptiFit hosel you can fine-tune the head by going upright or flat to improve start line and then use the sliding weight to further tighten dispersion.
• Absoutely top-notch. Even though adjustability has been around for a long time now, golfers need to get a better understanding of how the settings can have a huge impact on making a driver more forgiving for them as an individual. The Max starts off as an already forgiving head, but once you start to tweak those settings, you would be shocked with how much you can control direction and dispersion.