Harvey Penick discovered an undeniable truth about the game of golf and the human nature of golfers. He said . . .
“In golf, your strengths and weaknesses will always be there. If you could improve your weaknesses you could improve your game. The irony is that people prefer to practice their strengths.”
People prefer to stand on the range and try and hit the ball as far as they possibly can. They don’t want to do drills, hit it thirty yards less and try and intentionally fade or draw.
A golfer knows he can hit is a long way but not accurate, yet he still just continues to just keep trying to hit it further and further.
That’s where equipment can come in. Drivers that are being manufactured today with technology that maximizes forgiveness.
Some of this is done because of the pure laziness of people who choose not to work on their game. Some of this is done for the weekend golfer short on time who doesn’t have the time or the knowledge to fix that slice. Not to be forgotten are the beginner golfers whose drivers must suit their needs.
Lastly, it’s done to try and make this crazy game we all love just a bit more enjoyable!
The most forgiving driver of 2024 is the TaylorMade M6 Driver. This diver checks all the boxes when it comes to length, forgiveness and even feel.
Read on to find out more about the M6 and a few other game improvement drivers that we have found.
At A Glance: Our Top 9 Most Forgiving Drivers In 2023
- Most Forgiving Driver: Callaway Big Bertha B21
- Most Forgiving Driver For Seniors: Cleveland Launcher XL Driver
- Most Forgiving Driver For Women: Callaway Epic Max
- Best For Fixing A Slice: Cobra F Max
- Runner Up 1: Cobra Speedzone
- Runner Up 2: TaylorMade M2
- Best Driver For Fixing A Slice: Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Draw Driver
- Best Adjustable Driver : Cobra 2021 Radspeed
- Most Forgiving Budget Driver: Callaway X Hot
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
---|---|---|
Most Forgiving Driver
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Callaway Big Bertha B21
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Most Forgiving Driver For Seniors
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Cleveland Launcher XL Driver
|
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Most Forgiving Driver For Women
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Callaway Epic Max
|
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Best For Fixing A Slice
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Cobra F Max
|
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Runner Up 1
|
Cobra Speedzone
|
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Runner Up 2
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TaylorMade M2
|
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Best Driver For Fixing A Slice
|
Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Draw Driver
|
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Best Adjustable Driver
|
Cobra 2021 Radspeed
|
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON → |
Most Forgiving Budget Driver
|
Callaway X Hot
|
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Most Forgiving Driver 2024: Callaway Big Bertha B21 Driver
PROS
- Designed for extra distance
- Low center of gravity
- Very low long game spin
CONS
- Internal draw bias can cause the ball to go a little left
When looking for the most forgiving golf drivers on the market, it is essential to find something that is designed for forgiveness right from the start. The Callaway Big Bertha B21 is a very forgiving golf driver that forgiveness built in, any way you look at it.
This model was created with Artificial Intelligence, and it is known for its impressive performance and launch. The face architecture of this new design will ensure that players can get impressive distance even while keeping the overall performance very forgiving.
The new Callaway Big Bertha B21 has an internal draw bias so it helps players to straighten out their slice. With Flash Face technology, even the slower swinging players can get tremendous distance from their shots.
Cleveland Launcher XL Driver
Most Forgiving Golf Driver For Seniors
PROS
- Very large head
- Brand new design from Cleveland golf
- Adjustable hosel
CONS
- The very large head takes some time to get used to
Cleveland has been working with this Launcher brand for quite some time. The new Cleveland Launcher XL Driver has a Rebound Frame and a flexible face to help ensure the ball flies further than ever. Cleveland really brought some new technology with this model to ensure that players can get extreme forgiveness.
Also, Read – Best Driver Shafts For 95 Mph Swing Speed
There are twelve positions available for adjusting this Cleveland golfer. The last few releases from Cleveland did not offer any adjustability, so this is an impressive feature to have added to the golf club head.
You will find that this is a lightweight shaft that helps players get extra club head speed. If you want to have a club that is consistent yet plenty long enough, the Cleveland XL Halo is a smart choice to consider. There is even an option for an accuracy build which is a slightly shorter golf driver that feels easier to control.
Callaway Epic Max Driver
Most Forgiving Driver For Women Golfers
PROS
- Artificial intelligence
- Speed Frame Technology
- Sliding weight for adjustability
CONS
- Very expensive new release
The Callaway Epic Max Driver is a top of the line piece of technology from Callaway. If you can picture all of the impressive technology that Callaway has had on the market in the last few years, this driver really combines all of it. Everything from the Flash Face to the Jailbreak to the AI is all included in the Epic Max driver.
Women golfers can get a lightweight, high performing top golf shaft and then combine it with the impressive adjustability offered in this club head.
The 17g sliding rear weight and the Optifit Hosel ensure up to 20 yards of shot shape correction. If you are a female golfer serious about getting more performance from your clubs this year, this is the driver to do it.
Cobra F Max 2021 Driver
Best Driver For Fixing A Slice
PROS
- Lightweight golf club
- Carbon crown
- Offset design
CONS
- Not for fast swing speed golfers
The Cobra F Max 2021 Golf driver features a carbon fiber crown and is one of the lightest weight golf drivers on the market. With a savings of 10 grams of discretionary weight, you will find that the Cobra F Max driver is one of the most forgiving on the market.
The offset technology ensures that golfers are able to hit the ball straight even with a bit of slice spin applied to the golf ball. For new players or seniors that are still working on gaining some of their club head speed, the F Max is a perfect golf club to consider.
Each year Cobra updates and improves their F Max designs. With the latest version, you will see plenty of ball speed and the new back/heel weighting to help with more consistency.
Runner Up 1: Cobra Speedzone Driver
One of the things we look for when choosing the most forgiving golf drivers is the ability to adjust the club. If you suddenly develop a slice and can’t seem to fix it, it certainly helps to have a driver that is adjustable and can quickly be set.
One of the best adjustable drivers on the market is the Cobra Speedzone.
The good news is that the adjustability is not the only great thing about the Cobra Speedzone. This driver was built with a tremendous amount of ball speed and lightweight technology.
The new 360 Carbon Wrap Crown saves 25 grams of weight and significantly increases the MOI that a player can get.
As with many of the new Cobra drivers, you will also find the CNC milled infinity face. This is fancy terminology for saying the sweet spot is quite a bit bigger than normal.
Cobra had issues in the past when it comes to competing for ball speed; today, they are well prepared to help golfers get all the distance they could need.
When you combine all of the forgiving and distance creating benefits with the Cobra Connect Technology, you get one of the best drivers on the market. Taking a club like this out to the course will almost immediately increase your confidence in your game.
Runner Up 2: TaylorMade M2 Driver
The second runner up for the most forgiving driver available today is the TaylorMade M2.
The M2 is not a new release.
Some may wonder how something that is not a new release still be considered one of the most forgiving drivers on the market.
This driver is just easy to hit. It has been since it was released and it still is today. It’s a perfect affordable option for beginners and it also works for people looking for an affordable upgrade from an older model.
The M2 is similar to the M6 and it delivers the perfect combination of distance and forgiveness. The M2 features an improved speed pocket that is three times more flexible than it was in the original M2.
There are not many shaft options for the M2 but the loft is adjustable with this driver. A very interesting fact about M2 is that even when the new M4 and M5, and M6 models were released, many chose to stay with the M2.
The center of gravity in the M2 is very low, allowing for better launch and lower spin. If you tend to hit the ball slightly off-center on the clubhead this Driver is doing everything it can for you to still have a decent shot.
Another improvement from the original M2 is that this Driver is 7 percent lighter and has a larger clubface. It’s interesting that even working within the limits of the 460 cc clubhead size, manufacturers are finding ways to increase the moment of inertia.
As far as forgiving drivers are concerned this one will remain on the top for quite some time.
Read our TaylorMade M2 Driver review.
Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Draw Driver
Best Driver For Fixing A Slice
The Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo Draw is a great option for those struggling with a slice. Anytime a driver has the word “draw” in the title, you should know that it will help you straighten out your golf shots.
The Launcher Turbo Draw helps not only to control the ball flight but also to help players get some extra distance.
The driver features the traditional Hi Bore crown that has a low center of gravity and a reasonably high launch. With the ultralight hosel, you can get quite a bit more ball speed with this driver in your hand.
The one downside to the Turbo Draw Type Driver is that it is not adjustable. The fact that you can’t adjust it makes the clubhead a bit lighter.
This is an excellent option for golfers missing a bit of their clubhead speed and looking to get it back. Just make sure you choose a loft that you can work with.
As with any forgiving driver, it is essential to consider the shaft in the club. Cleveland works with MIYAZAKI to develop custom shafts for their new releases.
The shaft in this club will be very lightweight, and it is a great choice even on those days when your swing feels a bit off.
Cobra 2021 Radspeed Driver
Best Adjustable Driver for Game Improvement
The latest and greatest release from Cobra is the new Radspeed Driver. Cobra is becoming quite well known for its adjustable golf drivers. We love the way that you can set the weights in this club to make it a more forgiving fit for you.
Overall the Radpseed is made lighter than previous Cobra models, and it comes with a thinner carbon crown than in years past. The low center of gravity is going to increase the launch that players get as well.
When it comes to the club’s size, face the Cobra Radspeed has the CNC Milled Infinity face. Essentially this means that the area of the club head where you can get the fastest ball speed is quite large.
Even if you miss the center of the clubhead a bit, you get a lot of distance with this driver.
There is a 16g fixed weight in the driver to help increase launch and forgiveness. However, there is also a 12 gram adjustable weight. You can change the settings to get very low spin, high ball speeds, and the flight that is going to be the best match for your game.
The great thing about the Radspeed driver is that because of the adjustability; you will be able to set this club to work for a 10 handicapper and a 25 handicapper. Not many drivers on the market can offer this kind of versatility.
Callaway X Hot
Most Forgiving Budget Driver
This is probably not a Driver that you have heard much about this year. The Callaway X Hot Driver doesn’t even get close to the recognition that the Epic Flash and the Callaway Rogue get.
This Driver offers Optifit Technology so it is somewhat adjustable. It does have a VFT face (Variable Face Thickness) to promote forgiveness and give it that low center of Gravity.
This Driver is not designed for those with very fast swing speed. It’s built for the golfer looking for an affordable upgrade from their previous technology.
It still has plenty of ball speed and it could be a club that works better for you than other options you truly never know until you try.
Is the Callaway X Hot Driver the longest golf driver on the market, No. Is it the most forgiving driver on the market, No. However for the price and all things considered this is still a top driver. Such as can be expected from a Callaway Driver.
If you can get everything you need in a Driver for half the price of some of the more recognized models it’s certainly hard to pass up.
Read our Callaway X Hot Driver review.
What to look for when Picking The Most Forgiving Driver?
So you know you need a forgiving club, you have been told this by your golfing partner or you have officially lost enough golf balls to call it a day!
There are lots of ways to pick a driver that is correct for you but we wanted to provide some insight on the things to look for when picking the best game improvement driver.
Club Head Size and Weight
In years past there were clubs that came with much smaller, less forgiving heads. That has mostly changed. The legal limit on clubhead size is 460 cc. Almost all companies are using this 460cc to get you the maximum distance and forgiveness out there.
There are some tour models like the TaylorMade M5 Tour Drivers that will be slightly smaller. Although this option is one of golf’s longest drivers, it is not the most forgiving golf club on the market.
If you are looking for pure forgiveness in a club head stay away from the tour models.
Weight is going to vary from player to player. Some very fast swingers are going to need a more forgiving driver but most will also need something a bit heavier to get them the most distance they are capable of at impact.
If your idea of forgiveness is that you are not hitting the ball far enough because of off-center hits then it does make sense to look at some of the lighter models. Potentially looking at a regular shaft if you are not already playing one.
Adjustability
In my opinion, just by having an adjustable loft, a driver is more forgiving than something that doesn’t. Drivers today have Centers of Gravity that can be adjusted, lie angles, and lofts. So why does this make things more forgiving?
You would be very surprised to see the results when changing just the loft for a player that slices the ball. A mid Handicap golfer swinging a stiff 9.5 Driver, can switch to an 11.5 and his slice will likely be less.
Now does he want to play an 11.5 degree, probably not but it’s an important concept to understand. It’s the same concept that makes your 7 iron easier to hit than your 5 iron.
As you decrease loft, speed must stay the same or even increase to promote the same results. If you are serious about forgiveness, and you want options in your bag, choose the drivers with adjustability.
Shaft Options
Luckily most of the major manufacturers offer some incredible stock shaft offerings with their drivers. The biggest thing you will want to pay attention to when choosing the correct shafts is flex and kick point.
If you are slicing the ball every time with your current drivers it could very well be that the shaft is just too stiff for you. Try something on a Regular and see if that helps. A general rule of thumb is that the more flexible a shaft gets the more forgiving it is as well.
With the kick point, it’s important to think of opposites. So if you hit the ball high you are going to want something with a high kick point to bring the ball back down. Should hit it low, look for drivers that offer a low kick point to increase launch angle.
Loft
Remember that the longer the ball stays in the air the further it will fly. The misconception that these low lofted drivers will just roll forever is just wrong. If this were the case you would see companies making clubs with 7.5 or 8-degree lofts all the time, and you just don’t.
The higher the loft the more forgiving the club will be. If you continue to increase loft too much you might as well be hitting a 3 wood off the tee. A standard forgiving loft is the 10.5. If you are a golfer who struggles to keep shots in the fairway, you should look to get something around the 10.5 range.
What Makes A Driver Forgiving?
A golf driver is forgiving when it has a large sweet spot: increased ball speed, some adjustability, and an offset club head. The features of a forgiving driver can also include a low center of gravity and higher loft on their club. The forgiving golf drivers are not hard to come by as almost all golfers need some type of forgiveness in their game.
Most companies like TaylorMade, Callaway, and Cobra put a few golf drivers out on the market each year. When they do this, they often dedicate one of these to the higher handicap player that needs the extra forgiveness. Ensure that you are getting a model that is built specifically to your needs.
Conclusion
The winner of our most forgiving drivers study was very clearly the Callaway Big Bertha B21. This club combines the highest levels of technology to get you everything a club can to keep the ball in the fairway.
Every part of the Callaway Big Bertha B21 is designed to help increase forgiveness and give players the low spin they need from the tee.
If the M6 is not a fit for you don’t forget the TaylorMade M2 (essentially an older less expensive model of the M6) or the Cobra Speedzone which is one of the most technologically advanced drivers that Cobra has ever released.
Special mentions go to the Titleist ts2 and ts3 drivers which are an acquired taste but formidable once mastered.