Best Golf Drivers for 2021
Have you been curious to known more about the top golf drivers in 2021? If so, you will be happy to learn that we have put together this comprehensive guide so that the most informed decision can be made to take your game to the next level and beyond.
Srixon ZX5 Driver
Ping G425 Â Driver
OUR Choice
Callaway Mavrik Driver
Taylormade SIM2 Driver
King Cobra RADSPEED Driver
Choosing the best golf drivers for 2021 to use
There are some major considerations that should be taken into account before purchasing a driver.
Spotting the Advantages of This Years Top Drivers
It is first a good idea to paint this picture with "broad strokes" before delving into the finer aspects. For instance, many drivers offer shafts of different flexibility levels in order to accommodate for various swing types as well as how much you want to feel the contact with the ball. Heads tend to be made of composite materials and the majority are equipped with grooved faces which are intended to promote firm contact as well as superior spin. Developers are likewise moving aware from square heads in favour of rounded and more aerodynamic models. They then balance these qualities out with a lightweight feel and an intuitive level of responsiveness upon contact. Try to keep these basic parameters in mind, as they are normally indicative of a quality model.
The Head Size and Shape
Larger club heads offer a greater sweet spot and are therefore much more forgiving (1). If you find that you have been struggling with high handicaps or inconsistent contact, it is wise to choose a face which offers you an ample amount of space. The shape of the head is just as important and in this case, we are not simply referring to aerodynamics. Rounded faces are easy to work with and are generally preferred by beginners. While square faces still exist and although they might offer slightly larger club faces, their relatively poor aesthetics have fallen out of favour with many golfers. As always, try each design to see which one suits your unique style.
Materials
Many 2019 golf drivers are now considered to be hybrid models and they are often associated with the use of composite materials. Some of the top models on the market have now chosen to employ titanium heads. This lightweight metal is extremely durable and as a result, it is now possible to construct 460 cubic centimetre heads without dramatically increasing the overall weight of the club. In other words, you will be able to swing faster and hit the ball much farther while still being provided with a sizeable sweet spot on the face. Both novices and experts will benefit from this cutting-edge material. Having said this, some golfers feel that titanium strike faces might slightly detract from the responsiveness of the club head upon impact; a point worth keeping in mind.
The Loft
Loft angles are critical if you hope to me able to make a variety of challenging shots while on the green. All drivers are provided with angles ranging from between eight and 12 degrees. However, it should be mentioned that some models can be adjusted based around a particular shot. In other words, higher lofts will ensure that the ball is propelled into the air at a greater angle (resulting in longer overall distances).
The Moment of Inertia
It is important to highlight that the moment of inertia (MOI) and centre of gravity (CG) are not confused. While centre of gravity primarily refers to the balance of the club in relation to the head, the moment of inertia is associated with how much the head and shaft will twist when they come into contact with the ball. Drivers with a higher MOI are less likely to suffer from this structural phenomenon; especially if you are prone to striking the ball on the outside of the face.
The Centre of Gravity
We mentioned the centre of gravity in the previous paragraph and it is wise to highlight its importance a bit further. The CG associated with a club head is defined by where the internal single balance point is located. This will partially depend upon the manufacturer, as each tends to prefer specific configurations. For example, many of the top golf drivers in 2019 produced by TaylorMade prefer their CG to be found within the lower frontal portion of the head. Others including Callaway are instead associated with a vertical centre of gravity. A growing number of designs will now allow the user to manually adjust the CG based around his or her needs. If you are looking to fine tune your swing or to correct a specific problem, it might be a good idea to consider purchasing a driver equipped with an adjustable centre of gravity. Experts likewise recommended trying a few different CG configurations in order to appreciate the slight nuances between each. This side-by-side analysis is a great way to select the appropriate model in advance.
Taking Your Swing Speed Into Account
The performance of any driver is directly related to your swing speed. In this sense, we can break these velocities down into a number of normal ranges:
- 75 to 80 milers per hour
- 80 to 85 miles per hour
- 85 to 90 miles per hour
- 90 to 100 miles per hour
- 100 to 110 miles per hour (the very high end)
Some common physics can go a long way towards making a correct choice. Slower speeds (75 to 85 miles per hour) will normally require a lightweight driver that serves to enhance the momentum of the swing. Counter-balanced shafts can also be used to ensure that the mass is placed more towards the hands. Higher swing speeds can benefit from drivers which are available in a number of different lofts as well as slightly lower launch angles (between 11 and 14 degrees). Adjustable head weights can also help to compensate for higher swing velocities.
A Look at the best golf Drivers for 2021
While the tips for buying a golf driver mentioned above will certainly come in handy, it is just as wise to take a look at the top five models. You can thereafter compare and contrast their different qualities to get a better idea of what is on the market.
1
Callaway Mavrik Driver
When quality counts, Callaway delivers. This is why it only stands to reason that their new Mavrik series is set to make waves in 2021. The Callaway Mavrik represents a marriage of form and functionality. It boasts a pleasantly surprising user-friendly feel while maintaining driving distances. You can also expect straight shots over longer distances; an obvious advantage on the green.
The standard Mavrik model is primarily concerned with forgiveness as well as a slight yardage gain. However, this is the entire point. The Mavrik represents an impeccable balance between the Mavrick Sub-Zero (higher club head speeds) and the Mavrik Max (extreme forgiveness but shorter distances). In terms of a middle-of the road option if you have been looking for a way to hone your long game while improving accuracy, the Mavrik could indeed represent the best choice. Here are some of the most impressive features of the Callaway Mavrik that I have noticed:
PROS
CONS
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2
Ping G425 Driver
Anyone who is familiar with the Ping line of drivers is likely aware of the G410 Plus. This driver was certainly one of the top models in 2020, so it only makes sense that Ping is trying to outclass themselves this year. The G425 shares many of the same features in common with a few noticeable differences.
Although the weight is virtually identical, the rounded profile of the G425 offers a slightly more ergonomic appeal and a greater level of forgiveness than the 410 series. Thanks to a high and yet stable moment of inertia (MOI), this variant is said to provide an impressive level of control. This also allows for a much cleaner impact with the head; ideal if you have been struggling with accuracy during long drives.
Considering that Ping has been in the driver business since 2004, it only makes sense that the G425 is set to become one of the best drivers for 2021. Here are some of the features which I liked the most:
PROS
CONS
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3
Taylormade SIM2 Driver
When it comes to cutting-edge golf drivers for 2021, Taylormade is a name to be reckoned with. The 2021 SIM2 driver is yet another example of how this firm takes engineering to the next level. The SIM2 offers a patented Speed Injection Twist Face for higher launching speeds and less spin; helping you to maximise distance. It is also easier to align the club head and many players (including myself) feel that the impact is more solid.
The SIM2 also comes with a host of cutting-edge amenities. These include a six-layered carbon crown, a machined-milled rear face, a high-strength carbon sole, and an MOI-enhancing backweight. In other words, Taylormade has thrown everything into this driver except the kitchen sink. Here are some of the features which I liked the most:
PROS
CONS
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4
Srixon ZX5 Driver
If golfers such as Shane Lowry enjoy the Srixon lone of drivers, there must be a reason. Well, look no further than the 2021 ZX5 series. I personally feel that this driver is ideal for beginners, and not without reason. The ZX5 offers a larger and flatter head alongside a low sole weight near the head. These both help to increase forgiveness while not sacrificing ball flight. In other words, this could be the ideal driver if you have been having issues with keeping the ball straight on long drives.
The ZX5 is also ergonomically designed with visual markers to help you line up the ball, so even those who are wary about using a larger club head should not encounter any problems. To summarise, here are the main benefits of the Srixon ZX5:
PROS
CONS
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5
Cobra King RADSPEED Driver
If your driving distances have been suffering, the aptly-named Cobra King RADSPEED will not disappoint. This model is one of the three new RADSPEED iterations (including the RADSPEED XB and the RADSPEED XD). The standard RADSPEED is all about yardage. Thanks to weights found in the front of the head and low spin rates, you can definitely increase distances while on the green.
This driver is also very compact; offering a 460cc head and 32 grams of frontal weight. Interestingly enough, an additional 14 grams have been placed at the rear of the club head. This helps to improve vertical impact stability (ensuring more accuracy during longer drives). Let's also remember that this type of configuration is associated with a lower MOI and therefore, a greater degree of forgiveness.
I personally feel that the Cobra King RADSPEED is one of the best golf drivers for 2021 if you have been less than satisfied with your distances. It could also make a great addition for those who are not happy with the forgiveness of their current driver. Here are some pros to briefly mention:
PROS
CONS
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Callaway Mavrik Driver
So, we can see that 2021 has produced a stunning line-up of drivers from some of the most well-respected names in the business. This is why you are likely wondering which of the models mentioned above represents the best choice. Although personal preferences will vary, my pick is undoubtedly the Callaway Mavrik driver.
The Mavrik combines superior ergonomics, an extremely forgiving club head, long drives, and relatively accurate lies. Let's also not fail to mention that the two other variants within this series (the Mavrik Sub-Zero and the Mavrik Max) can also make welcome additions to your current arsenal while on the green.
While these are 5 of the best drivers for 2021 (and perhaps beyond), keep in mind that new information is constantly becoming available. So, it is a good idea to bookmark this page in order to access further updates as they become available. There is no doubt that you will be impressed with what the future may have in store!
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