Best Golf Drivers For Mid Handicappers: Quick Menu
1. The list in brief
2. Faster swingers
3. Average swingers
4. Slower swingers
5. How we test
6. How to choose
7. FAQs
Golf is a game played by millions and millions of people worldwide, with players of all abilities walking the fairways every single day. It's no secret that it's a tough sport to master, with only a small percentage of individuals holding a single-figure handicap. In fact, according to a number of statistics, the average golfer holds a handicap of between 15-18, putting them into the mid handicapper category.
Currently, companies are releasing multiple models of drivers to help those on the golf course and, in this piece, we have taken a look at the best ones for an array of different mid handicappers. Whether you are a fast swinger of the golf club and after one of the most forgiving drivers, or perhaps a slow swinger of the club and looking for the best drivers for distance, this handy guide will help point you in the right direction to pick your next big stick.
The Quick List
Another solid, high-performing ‘better player’ driver from TaylorMade. Things haven’t moved on drastically from the Stealth 2 Plus from a performance perspective, but significant aesthetic improvements are evident.
The TSR3 is a premium looking and performing driver that provides a powerful feel, as well striking the ideal balance of control with competitive ball speed and distance.
A hugely impressive driver that does a great job of balancing distance with consistency. This is a low spin driver but, like most Ping's, it still has a lot of forgiveness.
The Mizuno ST-G is an extremely high-perfoming driver aimed at the better player. The aesthetics are outstanding and the exceptional feel at impact make this a standout offering.
An excellent all-round performer in the premium driver category, wrapped up in a much improved aesthetic. The sliding weight on the back really does offer a broad range of flight customization.
The Darkspeed X is an exceptional all-rounder. Competitive ball speeds coupled with comfortable levels of spin and playability make this a great option for a huge range of golfers.
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The Ping G430 Max looks, feels and plays like a premium driver. We noticed a modest bump in distance without any loss of control. With its’ high tech aesthetic and improved feel, the Ping G430 Max driver is a superb all rounder.
The Dynapower Carbon is a tech-advanced, visually appealing driver that, well fitted, should perform admirably against what’s in your bag. A little lacking in ball speed but we certainly enjoyed the dull, dense sound and feel at impact.
The TSR1 is visually appealing, super lightweight and effortless to swing. It certainly helps players with a moderate swing speed to generate power for high-launching drives.
The Srixon ZX5 Mk II driver combines a lot of forgiveness in a no-nonsense design that offers very good performance in a good looking head. Ideal for mid to slower swing speed players, the ZX5 Mk II also sounds better with the all titanium head.
A driver that stands out for its feel, the Launcher XL will suit a wide range of golfers looking for a combination of forgiveness and carry distance off the tee.
Best Golf Drivers for Mid Handicappers
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Fast Swing Speeds
The Qi10 features the new looks we see in the standard and Max versions, with the LS model retaining a more familiar pear-shaped TaylorMade profile. This is slightly different to the other models which tend to have a more rounded footprint.
Although the performance numbers were similar to that of the Stealth 2, it's small elements where TaylorMade has improved this offering, with the company suggesting that it has marginally increased the MOI of the LS model, albeit not as dramatically as with the Qi10 Max model.
Overall, the LS is a strong performer in the low spin driver category and its performance will stand up to any of its major rivals in all parameters. However, the performance improvements over its predecessor aren’t glaringly obvious, but TaylorMade has done a good job in cleaning up the aesthetic to appeal to a broader audience.
- Read our full TaylorMade Qi10 LS Driver Review
Titleist TSR3 Driver
Like all models in the TSR range, the TSR3 features the classic-shaped head at address, with the main aim of the driver being to make it faster through the air. Titleist have done this by installing a smoother sole, smaller hosel opening and a taller back section.
However, looks wise, it is certainly slick and almost Tesla-inspired with how the weight track and silver strip form a T-shape on the sole. What's more, the five-position SureFit CG track has been neatened up so the weight sits more flush in the extreme positions and a new Variable Thickness Face (VFT) pattern, which Titleist is calling Speed Ring, is tailored towards mid handicap players that strike the ball within a more centred area on the face.
In testing, the numbers were extremely consistent, with the TSR3 minimising drop offs in speed even from off-centre strikes. However, it's the playability that is the most impressive aspect, as it is the easiest driver to manipulate the flight of. Arguably, it's also one of the best drivers for slicers.
- Read our full Titleist TSR3 Driver Review
Ping G430 LST Driver
Available in four models (G430 Max, G430 Max 10K, G430 SFT & G430 LST), it's the latter we are focusing on here, as we believe it will suit the fast-swinging mid handicapper. Firstly, there are significant differences between the LST and the other two models, with the low spin version of the new driver the only one that features a carbon crown. It has eight layers of carbon wrap across the entire crown and into the heel and toe of the driver, saving weight that, the designers say, can then be used elsewhere to boost the overall performance on offer.
Along with the carbon crown, there is Ping's trademark turbulators, but it is worth noting that the LST has the smallest profile of the three models down behind the ball. The head itself is 440cc but, despite the more compact profile, Ping has done a good job of making this look inviting, not intimidating, at address.
In testing, there was an increase in ball speed and a reduction in spin, something which appeal to fast swinging players. Certainly the ball speed of 167 mph was up there with the fastest we've tested and, as a result of this, it delivered a strong flight and plenty of distance. Despite its low spin, it's still just as user-friendly as you’d hope from any Ping product.
- Read our full Ping G430 LST Driver Review
Mizuno ST-G Driver
The ST-G is a 440cc head driver, targeted more at the lower handicap player. Although with the adjustability of the two convergent weight tracks, Mizuno says that the ST-G can be anything from a low-spin bomber, fade or draw biased or simply a more stable compact driver. The ST-230 series are some of the best-looking drivers on the market and the ST-G might just be the pick of the bunch. We know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but to us the shaping of this head is near perfect.
The feel off the face is a really interesting one, and one that we really enjoyed. We found the ST-G to be a relatively quiet acoustic when compared to some of the other best drivers currently on the market. During testing, club speed was pretty standard for us, and the ST-G produced good ball speed results.
The weight tracks did have a drastic impact on performance as well. For example it was notable that the ST-G did become significantly less forgiving once I had moved the weights into the forward position. Our personal sweet spot for spin and forgiveness came with the two weights positioned equally, approximately halfway between front and back.
- Read our full Mizuno ST-G Driver Review
Average Swing Speeds
After the resounding success of the original Paradym family from Callaway, 2024 sees the launch of the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke family. The Ai Smoke Max is the standard head of the three, and there are a few key changes to mention.
Starting with the looks, when we first put it down we were really pleased to see the new grey colorway. We feel that it blends so much better with the grey banner strip, creating a really clean aesthetic that, from a visual perspective, places it among the best drivers on the market. Callaway has really improved the shelf appeal with the smoky graphic pattern too.
In terms of the tech story, Callaway's tag line with this product is ‘Sweeter From Every Spot’. Essentially, this means a bigger effective hitting area, a concept it has created by advancing its Ai Smart Face technology, using swing dynamics from thousands of real golfers. This information has then been inputted into its Ai system and has produced a whole new face which Callaway says creates micro deflections across various points of the striking area, essentially producing multiple sweet spots!
But how did the Max perform? Well the forgiveness was impressive. We hit an awful lot of balls with the Max so inevitably missed the center on occasion, but when we did, we were really pleased with the results. While there was good feedback of strike location, it was in no way unpleasant and the dispersion even from my most questionable hits was reassuringly tight. Sound and feel were not worlds apart from the original Paradym, which is no bad thing, but - if anything - we found the Ai Smoke felt a touch livelier off the face. Overall the Callway Paradym Ai Smoke Max is a really good option for those looking for great adjustability of flight and real playability.
- Read our full Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max Driver Review
Cobra Darkspeed X Driver
Out of the box, first impressions were excellent with the all matte black profile giving a seriously sophisticated appearance. The headcover is a thing of beauty too, continuing the all black visual and adding a touch of class with some high quality embossed logos.
The lack of accent colors and graphics makes the Darkspeed X look a little more compact than it actually is, which may deter some but really suited my eye. The aesthetic really makes you feel you have a really premium driver in your hands.
From a tech point of view it would be a lie to say that the Darkspeed X is a significant leap forward from the Aerojet driver, but in terms of performance, the Darkspeed X ticked a lot of my boxes. Launch and spin sat perfectly in the mid-windows that we look for at around 11 degrees and the 2300rpm mark, and the ball speed was just as impressive as its predecessor the Aerojet, coming in at approximately 173mph.
- Read our full Cobra Darkspeed X Review
Ping G430 Max Driver
In the Max version of the G430, we see a slightly thinner face and shallower profile, which makes way for the brand's forged variable face thickness. This should deliver more flexing for greater speed and forgiveness across the entire face.
The face also features something called ‘Spinsistency’. This is a variable roll radius that should deliver more consistent spin rates and carry distances. There’s also less loft low on the face for more ball speed and, as a result, more distance.
Performance-wise, you still get that easy to hit feeling like its predecessor, with the looks still offering a generous and easy-to-hit footprint that will appeal to many, especially mid handicappers with average swing speeds.
- Read our full Ping G430 Max Driver Review
Wilson Dynapower Carbon Driver
Featuring lashings of carbon fiber, the Wilson Dynapower driver looks traditional and inviting behind the ball, with it also providing a neutral to slight fade shot shape bias that will help those who play with a hook.
This is one of the most adjustable drivers ever created by Wilson and is available in both Carbon and Titanium head options which will appeal to the mid handicappers who have average swing speeds.
In our testing, there was certainly no big drop in ball speed when the ball was hit slightly from the heel or toe. However, it's worth noting that the adjustability certainly helps in optimising your ball flight, although the settings aren’t visible until you unscrew the head, which is a little annoying - but does contribute to a cleaner overall look.
- Read our full Wilson Dynapower Carbon Driver Review
Slow Swing Speeds
The TSR1 driver is the final addition to Titleist’s TSR metalwood family, joining TSR2, TSR3 and TSR4 as some of the best Titleist drivers on the market. Designed for those with a swing speed of less than 90mph, it now means that the brand can now facilitate a complete range of players through their fitting process.
Still featuring the slick and traditional looks you get in the Titleist range of drivers, the TSR1 sets itself apart from other TSR models by its ultra-lightweight design. It is roughly 40 grams lighter than the TSR2 and, as a result, you will be able to pick up more swing speed and height.
- Read our full Titleist TSR1 Driver Review
Srixon ZX5 Mk II Driver
Providing a larger footprint than the Srixon ZX7 Mk II driver, the ZX5 MK II offers more forgiveness in the same format of head design. Constructed of an all-titanium head, it features three ribs criss-crossing on the inside to provide greater rigidity between the face, sides and rear of the head. The weight saved by the crown is then repositioned to improve the launch of the ball, something which will appeal to slower swings.
In our testing, it was so easy to launch in the air which, primarily, is thanks to the weight that is saved by the crown being repositioned. Aesthetically, it also features a more stripped-back look, with a dark grey color being used on the crown, something which is far more restrained than other drivers on this list. Plus, because of the slight draw bias in the head shape, it will suit players looking to straighten up a slice.
- Read our full Srixon ZX5 Mk II Driver Review
Cleveland Launcher XL Driver
The Cleveland Launcher XL successfully replaces the popular Launcher HB model that was released in 2020. Aimed at mid handicap golfers and higher, the Launcher XL benefits from a larger driver head and an incredibly confidence inspiring look at address.
The length of the head from front to back has increased by 6% and the contrasting crown and face finishes mean you can see all of the loft from address. Performance wise, the Launcher XL gave solid carry distance on an easy swing. For the wide range of players this driver is aimed at, the spin rates created with this driver will help keep the ball in the air and provide good carry distance.
- Read our full Cleveland Launcher XL Driver Review
How we test
When it comes to product testing, our reviews and buyers' guides are built upon a rigorous testing procedure as well as the knowledge and experience of the test team. Headed up by technical editor Joel Tadman, and assisted by Neil Tappin, both have been testing golf clubs for years and both play to a handicap of 5. Both are also able to efficiently test the vast majority of the biggest product releases and convey the pros and cons eloquently.
Getting into specifics for drivers, we first attend product launches and speak to manufacturer's to understand the technology. We then hit the golf clubs indoors, usually at Foresight Sports and test the products with premium golf balls on a launch monitor.
Outdoor testing is the next port of call and this usually takes place at West Hill Golf Club, a course in Surrey with top-notch practice facilities. Ultimately, we aim to be as insightful and honest as possible in our reviews so it is important to acknowledge that no manufacturer can buy a good review. This is because our team tells it how it is.
How to choose a new 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. Is distance your main priority or are you looking for something to help you find more fairways? We'd always recommend a custom fitting with a PGA Pro but if you know what you're looking for you can make an informed decision.
If accuracy is what you're after, go for something with a high MOI or adjustable weights to help alter spin and flight characteristics. If distance is key to you, look at a low-spinning driver to help ensure your ball doesn't balloon too much. If you're after something in the middle, the so-called 'standard' heads in most driver ranges will suit you the best.
FAQs
What is the easiest driver to hit for a mid handicapper?
Any of the non-low spinning models in this list will be ideal. We think the Ping G430 SFT, Cleveland Launcher and Srixon ZX5 MK II are some of the most forgiving in this guide. For a more in-depth look at forgiving drivers, check out our guide on the most forgiving golf drivers currently on the market.
What is considered mid-handicap?
This is a slightly more subjective area. But traditionally a mid-handicapper is considered to hold a playing handicap of 10-20.
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