Finding a driver that delivers the perfect blend of speed and accuracy is the holy grail for golfers. As manufacturers continue to unearth game-changing designs and technology, finding a worthy option that strikes a perfect balance has become more realistic than ever before.
We’ve already taken a look at five drivers that deliver in the accuracy department, so it’s time to highlight seven that excelled in ball speed during GOLF’s 2020 robot and player testing.
Callaway Mavrik Max
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Lofts: 9, 10.5 and 12 degrees
Our take: What happens when you invest in a powerful supercomputer capable of spitting out 15,000-plus face designs in a matter of a few days? You end up with products like Mavrik Max. One of the most requested drivers during GOLF’s player testing, the ultra-forgiving, draw-biased Max is highlighted by an AI-designed Flash Face SS20 architecture (made from an exotic FS2S titanium) that’s six grams lighter than traditional materials. The red-hot face is paired with an aerodynamic crown and the company’s JailBreak Technology to improve ball speed and the overall efficiency of the clubhead. And with weight ports positioned in the heel and back of the sole, it’s possible to max out the slice-busting technology or go for even more forgiveness, depending on where you position the 14-gram weight. Landing near the top in multiple performance categories in year one of production establishes Mavrik Max as a legitimate force in the driver category. The club was a mile per hour faster than the average ball speed for all drivers tested, while also ranking near the top in accuracy. It’s the kind of combination that should appeal to a wide range of handicaps, especially those who fight a slice.
ClubTester’s take (16-hdcp): “My slice suddenly became nonexistent—as was my awful toe miss. This almost feels like cheating.”
Robot’s take: High swing speed players will benefit from ball speed, a draw bias and impressive accuracy. Slower swingers can expect more carry, draw bias.
Cobra King SpeedZone
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Lofts: 9, 10.5 and 12 degrees
Our take: The CNC-milled face on the SpeedZone driver has a fresh look with an Infinity design that wraps into the sole and crown to enlarge the sweet spot and boost forgiveness (something players raved about during testing). Removing unwanted titanium—50 percent of the head is comprised of carbon fiber—allowed for the addition of a 69-gram internal weight that pushes the center of gravity down and away from the strike to maximize head stability. Combine all of these attributes and you get a driver loaded with forgiveness and pinpoint accuracy. There’s a reason why Cobra staffers Rickie Fowler and Bryson DeChambeau switched to SpeedZone almost immediately after it was released. For non-pros, the driver also checks a bunch of boxes, but where it truly shines is in the ball speed retention department. Robot testing revealed a club that produces nearly identical ball speed numbers on shots struck in the center of the face and off the toe. With this and the Xtreme model finishing near the top in forgiveness tests, players have two great options based on shape and adjustability preferences.
ClubTester’s take (+1-hdcp): “Firm feel of this driver is like Led Zeppelin back in the day—it hits all the right notes and gets your attention.”
Robot’s take: For both fast and mid swing speeds, forgiveness on toe hits and in general spiked while also producing a lower peak height.
Mizuno ST200
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Lofts: 9.5 and 10.5 degrees
Our take: The Beta Rich Forged Titanium face is 17 percent stronger and maintains its performance longer than traditional materials. Weight savings from a compacted Wave Sole allowed for the addition of an 11.6-gram back weight, producing a balance of low spin and forgiveness. Also available in draw-bias ST200X and adjustable-weight ST200G. Better players will appreciate the flatter crown and lie angle.
ClubTester’s take (8-hdcp): “Classic looks combined with new-age tech. And it feels outstanding!”
Robot’s take: A ball speed winner for mid swing speed players.
Ping G410 LST
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Lofts: 9.5, 10.5 and 12 degrees
Our take: While the head is slightly smaller than the Plus version (450cc), the LST still offers the same range of adjustability and technology with a low spin profile. Depending on the player, the forward center of gravity can reduce spin by 200 to 400 rpm.
ClubTester’s take (2-hdcp): “Filthy low launch and spin. And this is coming from someone who doesn’t use PING!”
Robot’s take: Near the top in ball speed for high-speed players.
Srixon Z785
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Lofts: 9.5 and 10.5 degrees
Our take: The Z785’s Tour profile is built for players seeking low spin and a flatter launch. Face cup and lightweight carbon composite crown carry over from the Z585, but with an adjustable sleeve. Loft and swing weight can be customized as well in this model.
ClubTester’s take (3-hdcp): “One of the hottest drivers I’ve ever hit. Launches out low and goes forever.
It’s a cannon.”
Robot’s take: A ball speed winner for all swing speeds.
TaylorMade SIM
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Lofts: 8, 9 and 10.5 degrees
Our take: Squeezing every last ounce of speed and forgiveness out of a driver head takes creativity—and some ridiculously smart engineers. Looking at TaylorMade’s shiny SIM (Speed in Motion), it’s clear that the company’s braintrust has been busy finding new ways to capture more speed while doing so in a way that appeals to golfers who crave adjustability and control. A speed-inducing Inertia Generator (located in the sole) is paired with a new aerodynamic profile to improve clubhead speed. What separates SIM from the other two models in the line is a 10-gram sliding weight that creates 20 yards of draw-fade bias to optimize ballflight. The driver has a slightly smaller face than the Max and Max D, but thanks to a fifth-generation carbon composite crown and groundbreaking Twist Face technology, it’s difficult to tell much of a difference when it comes to speed.
A combo of low spin and impressive carry numbers gives SIM some first-rate launch characteristics. Even with a smaller face profile, the driver still ranked near the top in overall (high speed) and high toe (both speeds) forgiveness. And if your go-to shot happens to be a fade? Even better.
ClubTester’s take (+1-hdcp): “This club is a 787. It’s big, bold, looks good and flat-out goes.”
Robot’s take: Carry and forgiveness numbers rate near the top for high swing speed players. Impressive forgiveness for the mid-speed set, too.
Titleist TS4
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Lofts: 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5 degrees
Our take: When it comes to the TS4, it’s all about killing spin and dialing in launch with a low and forward CG location—made possible by a relocated SureFit weight—that lops off 300 to 400 rpm when compared to the TS3. The 430cc pear-shaped profile is more compact than many modern-day drivers, but that’s by design. The aerodynamic shape helps build speed for faster swing speed players who don’t have a problem finding the center of the springy VFT (Variable Face Thickness) face on a regular basis. As you’d expect, the driver has a massive following among the professional ranks.
With a carry distance that was seven yards longer than the average for all drivers tested, it’s safe to say the TS4 put on a show during robot testing in South Korea. It received similar high marks during player testing from low handicappers—particularly those with faster swings—who previously had difficulty shedding unwanted spin.
ClubTester’s take (2-hdcp): “I love the smaller, more traditional profile. Mishits are magnified a bit, but when you hit one on the screws, it goes.”
Robot’s take: Excellent carry values for high swing speed players. Also, one of the best at promoting low spin characteristics.
