Best Golf Driver From the Last 5 Years

Golf drivers have seen significant advancements in technology and design over the past five years. This article will delve into some of the top golf drivers that have made a mark in the golfing world during this period. These drivers are known for their innovation, performance, and the ability to help golfers achieve longer and straighter drives off the tee.

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Factors to Consider

1. Performance

Performance is a critical factor when evaluating golf drivers. Look for drivers that excel in terms of:

  • Distance: Seek drivers that provide exceptional ball speed and distance off the tee.
  • Accuracy: Consider models that help you maintain accuracy and keep your shots on target.
  • Forgiveness: If you’re not a scratch golfer, prioritize drivers with high levels of forgiveness to minimize the impact of off-center hits.

2. Adjustability

Modern drivers often come with adjustable features that allow you to fine-tune your driver to match your swing and playing conditions. Key adjustable parameters to consider include:

  • Loft: The ability to adjust the loft of your driver can help you optimize launch angle and trajectory.
  • Weight Distribution: Some drivers offer adjustable weights that can be moved to influence shot shape and ball flight.

3. Brand and Model

Established golf club manufacturers release new drivers each year. Some brands known for producing high-quality drivers include:

  • Callaway
  • TaylorMade
  • Titleist
  • Ping
  • Cobra

Each of these brands has released impressive drivers in recent years, so it’s worth exploring their latest offerings.

4. Budget

Determine your budget before shopping for a golf driver. Prices can vary significantly, so it’s important to find a driver that offers the best balance of performance and affordability within your budget.

5. Testing

Whenever possible, try out different drivers to assess how they feel and perform for your swing. This can be done at a local driving range or during a professional fitting session. Personalized testing is invaluable for finding the driver that suits your game best.

Notable Golf Drivers from the Last 5 Years

TaylorMade SIM2 (2021):

  1. Introduction: The TaylorMade SIM2 driver, released in 2021, is a successor to the popular SIM driver.
    • Key Features:
      • Second-generation ‘Shape In Motion’ (SIM) design for improved aerodynamics.
      • Forged Ring Construction for enhanced forgiveness and distance.
      • Adjustable loft and lie settings.
      • Twist Face technology to reduce side spin on off-center hits.
    • Performance: The SIM2 driver has received praise for its impressive distance and forgiveness, making it a favorite among both amateur and professional golfers.

Callaway Epic Speed (2021):

    • Introduction: Callaway’s Epic Speed driver is known for its focus on speed and distance.
    • Key Features:
      • Jailbreak AI Speed Frame for increased ball speed.
      • Adjustable perimeter weighting for customized shot shaping.
      • A.I.-designed Flash Face SS21 for optimal performance.
      • Triaxial carbon crown for lighter weight and better stability.
    • Performance: Golfers have reported significant gains in distance and forgiveness with the Epic Speed driver, making it one of the top choices in 2021.

Titleist TSi3 (2020):

    • Introduction: Titleist’s TSi3 driver was a game-changer in 2020.
    • Key Features:
      • ATI 425 Aerospace Titanium face for increased ball speed.
      • Adjustable SureFit hosel for fine-tuning launch and spin.
      • Precision milled face for consistency.
      • Improved aerodynamics for faster clubhead speed.
    • Performance: The Titleist TSi3 driver is known for its incredible feel and versatility, allowing golfers to dial in their desired ball flight and spin.

Cobra King SpeedZone (2020):

    • Introduction: The Cobra King SpeedZone driver gained attention for its innovative design.
    • Key Features:
      • CNC-milled face for precise performance.
      • Dual weighting zones for improved stability and forgiveness.
      • Adjustable MyFly technology for customization.
      • Aerodynamic shape for increased clubhead speed.
    • Performance: The Cobra King SpeedZone driver offers a blend of distance and forgiveness that suits a wide range of golfers.

TaylorMade M5 (2019):

    • Introduction: The TaylorMade M5 driver from 2019 continues to be a popular choice.
    • Key Features:
      • Speed Injected Twist Face for maximum ball speed.
      • Inverted T-Track for customizable shot shape.
      • Hammerhead 2.0 for better forgiveness and ball speed.
    • Performance: The M5 driver remains a favorite among golfers for its ability to deliver consistent distance and accuracy.

 Ping G410 Plus (2019):

    • Introduction: The Ping G410 Plus driver garnered attention for its forgiveness and customization options.
    • Key Features:
      • Adjustable weighting for shot shape control.
      • Dragonfly Technology for enhanced aerodynamics.
      • T9S+ forged face for increased ball speed.
      • Trajectory Tuning 2.0 for fine-tuning launch conditions.
    • Performance: The Ping G410 Plus is well-regarded for its forgiveness and the ability to tailor your ball flight, making it a popular choice for golfers looking for consistency and control.

Callaway Rogue (2018):

    • Introduction: The Callaway Rogue driver was a standout in 2018, known for its Jailbreak Technology.
    • Key Features:
      • Jailbreak bars for increased ball speed and forgiveness.
      • X-Face VFT technology for optimized performance across the face.
      • Triaxial carbon crown for weight savings and stability.
    • Performance: The Rogue driver from Callaway helped golfers achieve more distance and better accuracy, making it a game-changer in its time.

TaylorMade M4 (2018):

    • Introduction: The TaylorMade M4 driver was a popular choice in 2018 due to its forgiveness and ease of use.
    • Key Features:
      • Geocoustic technology for improved sound and feel.
      • Twist Face technology to reduce side spin.
      • Inverted T-Track for customizable shot shaping.
    • Performance: The M4 driver was appreciated by golfers for its ability to correct mis-hits and deliver consistent performance.

Titleist 917 D2 (2016):

    • Introduction: Although slightly beyond the last five years, the Titleist 917 D2 driver is worth mentioning for its enduring popularity.
    • Key Features:
      • SureFit CG weighting for shot shape customization.
      • Radial Speed Face for increased ball speed.
      • Active Recoil Channel 2.0 for improved forgiveness.
    • Performance: The Titleist 917 D2 was lauded for its classic, clean look and the ability to provide a penetrating ball flight.

Best Golf Drivers from 2018

YearBrandModelLoftShaft Flex
2018TaylorMadeM310.5°Stiff
2018CallawayRogue9.0°Regular
2018PingG400 Max10.5°Senior
2018TitleistTS211.0°Extra Stiff
2018CobraKing F89.5°Regular

 2019

YearBrandModelLoftShaft Flex
2019CallawayEpic Flash10.5°Stiff
2019TaylorMadeM59.0°Regular
2019PingG410 Plus10.5°Senior
2019TitleistTS39.5°Extra Stiff
2019CobraKing F910.5°Regular

 2020

YearBrandModelLoftShaft Flex
2020TaylorMadeSIM10.5°Stiff
2020CallawayMavrik9.0°Regular
2020PingG410 LST9.0°Senior
2020TitleistTS48.5°Extra Stiff
2020CobraSpeedZone9.0°Regular

  2021

YearBrandModelLoftShaft Flex
2021TaylorMadeSIM210.5°Stiff
2021CallawayEpic Speed10.5°Regular
2021PingG425 Max9.0°Senior
2021TitleistTSi39.5°Extra Stiff
2021CobraRADSPEED10.5°Regular

 2022

YearBrandModelLoftShaft Flex
2022TaylorMadeStealth Plus10.5°Stiff
2022CallawayRogue ST9.0°Regular
2022PingG425 LST9.0°Senior
2022TitleistTSi48.0°Extra Stiff
2022CobraLTDx9.0°Regular

Conclusion

Selecting the best golf driver from the last five years involves considering your specific needs and preferences. While the drivers mentioned here are known for their quality, it’s essential to test and compare them to find the one that complements your swing and style of play. Stay up to date with the latest golf equipment reviews and consult with professionals for personalized recommendations to make an informed decision.

 

Best Golf Driver From the Last 5 Years

Author

  • Mabel McCormack

    Mabel McCormack, our Senior Contributor and a Certified Golf Rules Expert, brings a fresh perspective to golf journalism. Her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in golf, along with her expertise in golf rules, enriches our content. Mabel highlights the stories of those breaking barriers and making golf a sport for everyone.

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