A driver is arguably the most important golf club in the bag, as it's crucial that you get the ball in play off the tee to secure the best score possible. Put it this way, you don't want to be hacking out from the rough or bunker, do you?
However, not even the professionals find the centre of the clubface every single time so, in the case of the amateur, weekend golfer, it's imperative that you find a driver that will offer forgiveness. This means searching for a driver which will still provide distance and accuracy, even when the centre of the face hasn't been struck.
Thankfully, in this day and age, the best golf drivers are much more user-friendly than those of five years ago and, for 2024, a big thing has been made about the pursuit of 10K MOI (Moment of Inertia). If you are unsure what MOI is, it's the measurement of a club's stability and resistance to twisting. When you strike the ball towards the toe of the club, the impact pushes against the toe of the face and that forces it slightly open. Likewise, in terms of the heel, the impact causes the face to close slightly.
WATCH: We run through the performance of the best drivers in 2024
Manufacturers have achieved this by moving weight around in the head. Essentially the further back from the face you can place weight, the higher the MOI reading and the more stable the clubhead will become. So, if you are after a forgiving driver, you're in the right place, as we have tested each and every one of the models in this guide and picked out our favorites for you to check over.
However, if it's not forgiveness you are after, and you want a driver which will help in other ways, then why not check out our guides on the best golf drivers for distance, best golf drivers for slicers, or even the best golf drivers for slow swing speeds.
The Quick List
The stability and forgiveness of the G430 Max 10K head would be remarkable in isolation but, when you add low spin and high ball speed, it is exceptional.
Thanks to a combination of draw-bias, and forgiveness, the Darkspeed Max is a worthy addition to this guide. An excellent all-rounder that looks great.
A driver which will appeal to a wide range of golfers, the Qi10 Max was incredibly each to launch and offered very good stability too. It looks fantastic as well.
A top pick for adjustability, the Ai Smoke Max D also launches extremely well and forgiving on mis-hits too. We loved the crushed grey effect on the clubhead as well.
Providing the traditional Titleist looks we know and love, the GT2 is extremely user-friendly from a wide range of areas, whilst the technology involved has improved the feel and acoustics.
The Launcher XL 2 Draw driver from Cleveland offers a more digestible price point. It also felt stable and easy to launch in testing too, the head design will divide opinion however.
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Delivering a powerful feel at impact, the ST-Z 230 was an excellent all-rounder in testing. It gave us a blend of distance and forgiveness, in an aspirational aesthetic too.
A no-nonsense design that looks great and offered good performance, we think the ZX5 Mk II is ideal for mid to slow swing speed golfers.
Most Forgiving Drivers
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Top pick
A lot of talk has been made about the Ping G430 Max 10K, with the company adding the driver to their expansive G430 range. What differentiates the 10K? Well, Ping claim it is the straightest and highest MOI (moment of inertia) driver it has made to-date!
Cutting straight to the chase, we were amazed by the performance. Striking the ball, the stability and forgiveness are outstanding but, where this stands out against the best golf drivers, is that Ping have managed to combine this forgiveness with a low level of spin.
Our tester felt that this is 'the most stable and forgiving driver head he has ever used,' such is the performance available. The ball speed on mis-hits barely dropped a couple of miles per hour and, in terms of dispersion, the tee shots were all extremely tight. What's more, with the larger footprint and stretched out look at address, the 10K excels in pretty much every department!
- Read our full Ping G430 Max 10K Driver Review
Best for draws
Undoubtedly one of the best drivers for slicers money can buy, the Darkspeed stands out for its ability to draw the ball with ease. The real standout was how we found it impossible to miss to the right, with the back and heel weighting making the draw bias flight easy to manipulate.
Aesthetically, you wouldn't know that this is a draw bias driver, with the club square at address. Along with the set-up, the all-black matte look is very classy and the tiny accent dashes in red only heighten the shelf appeal. Overall, the simple looks with forgiveness make it an appealing option to all.
When it came to the forgiveness aspect, we found the Max to be the most user-friendly driver in the Darkspeed range and a great performer all-round. When not struck out the middle, the feedback was noticeable but, as is the case with the most forgiving drivers, the drop in ball speed was minimal with dispersion remaining tight.
- Read our full Cobra Darkspeed Max Driver Review
Best wide appeal
The Qi10 Max driver is the highlight model in the new Qi10 range and, as such, the whole series was named after this club. For those who don't know, the quest for 10k MOI was what the TaylorMade engineers set out on, hence the ‘Q’ for quest, the ‘i’ for inertia and the ‘10’ for 10k, giving us the Qi10.
Has it worked? Well, the Qi10 is unbelievably forgiving on off-centre strikes, with the ball speed not dropping and the flight remaining consistent. All in all, we felt it flattered the poor shots, as the 10k MOI worked its magic and kept dispersion tight when the strike wasn't there.
Where the Max, and the Qi10 range, also stand out is in the looks department. TaylorMade have moved away from the red we saw in the Stealth and Stealth 2, with the brand opting for a more modest clean, dark navy face. What's more, the Qi10 has been stretched out by 8mm which, although it may not sound like much, creates a very confidence-inspiring look; when combined with the forgiveness on offer, it gives the club very wide appeal.
- Read our full TaylorMade Qi10 Max Driver Review
Best adjustable
The new Paradym Ai Smoke range features numerous different heads, with the most forgiving model being the Max D. Like the Paradym X in 2023, the Max D is designed to be the easiest to launch, thanks to high MOI, as well as the draw bias option of the choices available.
When it comes to forgiveness, Callaway have given the tag line ‘Sweeter From Every Spot’ to this driver, with its engineers using player testing and Ai to create this model. In terms of adjustability, it has an adjustable hosel that can alter the loft by a number of degrees. The addition of a rear weight that has been strategically placed further increases MOI and creates a draw bias.
Overall, the performance of this driver was seriously impressive, with ball speeds not dropping significantly on off-centre strikes. This is down to the the new Ai face, which essentially creates more sweet spots across the impact zone. Along with the performance, everything about this club screams confidence-inspiring. For example, Callaway have introduced a new light grey body that works superbly with the dark grey top edge. Like other models on this list, Callaway's engineers have stretched out the head so that it sits and looks really good at address.
- Read our full Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D Driver Review
Best traditional style
It's no secret that the best Titleist drivers are amongst the best looking drivers on the market and, with the GT range, we are happy to report that the brand has done it again! Firstly, despite there being a new multi-material crown, there are no joins or banner strips down in the playing position, with the head shape retaining the familiar, clean Titleist aesthetic.
From the playing position, the GT2 looks exceptional and, speaking of the crown, Titleist's engineers have created something called a Proprietary Matrix Polymer which is three times lighter than the all-titanium construction in the TSR range.
In the GT range, the GT2 is the most user-friendly model with the highest MOI and, in terms of performance, the sound and feel were nothing short of exquisite. Importantly, the forgiveness on offer was also exceptional, especially on low and heel strikes.
- Read our full Titleist GT2 Driver Review
Best budget
To begin with, the Launcher XL 2 Draw model is the latest lightweight, draw bias driver from Cleveland Golf and is aimed at players with a slow to moderate swing speed. Off the bat, because of its draw-bias nature, it is up there with the best drivers for slicers.
Aesthetically, we weren't blown away by the looks of the Launcher XL 2, with the head shape behind the golf ball slightly out of balance. Admittedly looks are subjective, though, and we did like the finish of this driver which created a premium aesthetic.
In testing, a firm impact and fairly loud acoustics feature, with there being ample ball speed produced. Not only is it is quick off the face, but it's also exceptionally easy to launch which will please the target demographic here. The spin was on the higher side but, thanks to the adjustable hosel, you can reduce or increase those spin numbers to the desired preference.
- Read our full Cleveland Launcher XL 2 Draw Driver Review
Best for feel
When you think of Mizuno, you often think of the best golf irons on the market. However, their offering of woods are certainly up there with some of the best manufacturers and, with this new ST-Z 230, that is certainly the case in point as it offers an excellent all round performance, especially forgiveness.
Before we get to the looks, we will explain why we chose this for the best for feel, as the ST-Z 230 delivered a very powerful and lively sensation through impact. This translated to solid distance with a high launch, but what really stood out was the playability. If we didn't hit the ball properly, the spin rates went up slightly and that helped maintain the flight and distance.
We were huge fans of the aesthetics of the ST-Z 230 and felt this is one of the most sleek, premium-looking drivers money can buy. It has a new CORTECH Chamber that encases a stainless-steel weight and this is showcased by a Mizuno-blue finish on the sole. What's more, it still keep the gloss black finish with the carbon effect pattern underneath, but the new version has a darker alignment aid which helps build confidence.
- Read our full Mizuno ST-Z 230 Driver Review
Best for looks
Released in 2023, the ZX5 Mk II features an all-titanium head construction instead of a carbon crown. This thin titanium crown is placed above a Star Frame structure and features three ribs criss-crossing on the inside to provide greater rigidity between the face, sides and rear of the head.
Looks-wise, it features a more stripped-back aesthetic, with a dark grey color being used on the crown, something which is far more restrained than other drivers on this list. The last point is that the graphics on the face have also been updated to frame the ball better.
In our testing, we felt it was one of the easiest drivers to launch in the air and this is thanks, in part, to the weight that is saved by the crown being repositioned. Also, we thought that the slight draw bias in the head shape was subtle enough to keep shots pretty straight.
- Read our full Srixon ZX5 Mk II Driver Review
Why A Forgiving Driver?
So what exactly are the benefits of a forgiving driver? Well, the main thing is forgiving drivers usually have larger heads and have been specifically designed to help players maintain a degree of distance and accuracy despite being inaccurate and possibly inconsistent when it comes to strike.
They allow players to optimize as much distance as possible which then allows players to hit shorter clubs on their next shots which often leads to better scores. All the above models have been designed to do this by limiting the effect of mishits on ball speed, and reducing curvature through the air so the ball can stay within the confines of the fairway for longer.
How we test the most forgiving drivers
The first thing we should mention is our overall testing ethos at Golf Monthly which is to put all products through a rigorous testing procedure to give you crucial insights into how they perform, how they compare to their predecessors and where they stack up in relation to the competition.
As such, we regularly attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer’s R&D experts to understand the new technology. Then, the first port of call to test golf clubs is usually the indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, where the team can test in a controlled environment using premium balls and the GCQuad launch monitor.
We then do outdoor testing mainly at West Hill Golf Club, a course in Surrey with excellent practice facilities. Getting more specific, our equipment specialists have hit most drivers out on the market, in testing, practice and competition play, and deduced the above models are the most forgiving models out right now.
How to choose a driver
You've probably already asked yourself whether you need to buy a new driver, but there's a few key things to consider when investing in a new driver. Hopefully answering these questions will narrow your search down slightly and make comparing between various models much easier.
When purchasing a new big stick, it is crucial to ask yourself just what you need from it.
Size
Forgiving drivers tend to be slightly larger than other models for the basic reason of giving them a larger clubface and larger footprint.
When hitting, try and take note of where you are striking the golf ball with the face of the club and see if there is any performance drops. Many forgiving drivers these days are designed to perform regardless of where you strike them off the face and you being able to see and understand that in person will help you be more confident with one model over another.
The other thing to acknowledge when looking at the size is also the looks. It is important you get a driver that suits your eye especially when it is down behind the golf ball. If it is too big, that may put you off, but if it is too small this may dampen confidence. Finding the right balance is key. You also need to make sure you like the shape too because some drivers have a more rounded look, or more pear-shaped. Some also have a draw-bias too.
Draw-biased?
Speaking of draw bias, if you are a slicer of the golf ball then a forgiving, draw-biased driver could be the way to go to eradicate the big slices.
Weight
Weight has become a big factor when it comes to forgiving drivers, with most brands making models that have a weight towards the back of the head to aid forgiveness and launch. When it comes to whether you want a forgiving driver, it is worth acknowledging whether this is important to you because if not then manufacturers usually make a model without a weight there.
Adjustability
Often this weight is moveable too and adjustability has become a huge part of modern golf. Being able to tinker and change loft, lie, and many other factors, has become all the rage and if you like to try new things then plenty of the models above, like the Titleist TSi2, will cater to that. However if that doesn't interest you one bit, there are also models which keep things more simple, like the Ping G425 Max.
Shaft
Some shafts have been designed to help players get as much distance as possible so it is worth thinking about which models will help you achieve those extra yards. Also check out our guide on the best driver shafts too.
Price
Price is obviously an important factor and thankfully there are lots of drivers coming in at different price points. This means you can go down the premium route if you want, but there is good value to be had too.
Therefore it is about working out what you want to pay, what you can afford, and to some extent, which brand you want. Some people remain loyal to the same brand for a long time because they have had performance gains in the past, and as such this could mean paying slightly more, or slightly less on a certain model.
For more driver buying advice, check out our guides on the best drivers for beginners or best drivers for mid handicappers.
FAQs
What driver is the most forgiving?
This is a tricky question to answer definitively because there are many brands that make models that offer premium forgiveness. For example the Ping G430 Max 10K, TaylorMade Qi10 Max, Cobra Darkspeed Max and Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D are just four models that deliver forgiveness but then there are drivers from brands like Titleist, Wilson, Mizuno and Cleveland that compete too. Our specific guide on the most forgiving drivers gives a significant list of the best models.
What does most forgiving driver mean?
When we talk about forgiveness in golf we are talking about clubs that, through technology and design features, help players hit the ball further and straighter, despite the contact not being good or consistent. A forgiving driver is designed to help players maintain a degree of distance and accuracy despite being inaccurate and possibly inconsistent when it comes to strike.
What is MOI?
MOI stands for Moment Of Inertia. It is a measurement to show how much resistance a clubhead has to twisting. The higher the MOI, the more resistance it has to twisting on the strike. Higher handicap golfers, or golfers who struggle to strike their driver consistency, should opt for a driver with more MOI and therefore more forgiveness.
What is the best driver for high handicappers?
All of the drivers in this guide will suit high handicap golfer as they have high MOI, large heads and perimeter weighting that will make it easy to launch. Check out our full guide on best high handicap drivers for a more in-depth look.
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