A lot of mid-handicappers struggle with their game for many reasons. There are instances when aging golfers tend to no longer hit the shots that they used to before. While on the other hand, you also have those who are still trying to learn the game. Over the years, a good number of mid-handicapper clubs have been around to make sure that you get the right tool for the job.
As a mid-handicapper, it is important to understand that you get more good shots than bad shots. However, you are also a mid-handicapper if you get equal number of good and bad shots. One of the main reasons why golfers struggle to play is because they have the wrong driver for their needs. As a mid-handicapper, the good news is that you have a variety of options out there.
To help you select the right one, we’ve come up with some of the best golf drivers for mid handicappers.
Table of Contents
Best Golf Drivers for Mid Handicappers Review
TaylorMade SIM Driver, Mitsubishi Diamana S Limited 60 Shaft
The TaylorMade SIM Driver became popular after the company signed up big names such as Tiger Woods. But the TaylorMade SIM Driver is something that goes beyond just marketing. For starters, the SIM on this driver stands for Shape in Motion.
The SIM Driver was released when everyone thought that the company is going to release the M8 after the M7 model. The reason for this move is because of their existing club technology. Their technology was already hitting the maximum ball speed limit that they can’t develop their series any further.
The SIM Driver was made for golfers to improve their shot without completely abandoning previous progress with their club technology. They applied a more aerodynamic shape making it one of the best golf club drivers from the brand.
It features an inertia generator that provided the driver an asymmetrically shaped sole designed to reduce drag. It even has weights at the low and the back portions of the clubhead which makes it an ideal forgiving golf driver.
It also comes with corrective face angles that can help straighten your shots and ultimately prevent mishits.
As for the materials, it has carbon, titanium, and steel. And when it comes to the design of its head, it comes with an ultra-low center of gravity and high MOI.
Hands down, it is a good option for the average golfer, but you might want to ready your budget. You might spend less than $600 for this. Plus, this might look a bit smaller than other drivers.
Pros:
- Forgiving design
- Aerodynamic
- Allows users to adjust according to their needs
- Low spin
Cons:
- A bit smaller than other drivers
- Hefty price
PING G400 Driver
The PING G400 Driver matches a wide array of golf players. Compared to the past models from PING, the G400 offers less drag. The face is also thinner and more flexible. However, it doesn’t lose any strength thanks to the forging process done by PING. The face is 6% thinner plus 16% more flexible according to the brand. The goal is to give more ball speed upon impact.
Compared to the past drivers by PING, you can say that the G400 driver has a more compact and forgiving design. It also has a low and deep center of gravity position. All these features were made possible by the Dragonfly Technology used in designing the driver.
It also offers adjustability. Users can enjoy an adjustable hosel that can allow you to adjust the loft by 1 degree forward or back.
The G400 is also known for having a tungsten sole weight that can help improve overall stability and support optimal launch conditions for the users.
So what’s not to like? The smaller size and profile may be an issue if you are an average player. And also, you will have to pay below $500 for this club. For most golfers, this might not be practical even if it is one of the most forgiving golf driver options in the market today.
Pros:
- Adjustable hosel
- With tungsten weight to improve stability
- 6% thinner and 16% more flexible face
Cons:
- Expensive
Callaway Golf 2020 Rogue Driver
Callaway Rogue Driver is considered by some golfers as the best driver for the average golfer. But is this an accurate description? Let’s first tackle the things that you might like about the 2020 Rogue Driver.
First, it’s extremely forgiving which is perfect for mid-handicappers. Next, you also have an adjustable loft which allows you to choose how you prefer to make your shot.
Callaway made use of Jailbreak Technology which allowed this driver to promote faster ball speed by having a relatively larger clubface. Another technology used by the company is the X-Face Technology that analyzed the impact locations carefully. This X-Face design has a variable face thickness that has been thinned out.
The Speed Step technology was also applied not only by Callaway but also by Boeing. This helped improve airflow to promote faster head speed.
However, the most questionable part about the Callaway Rogue is its durability. Some users pointed out that it cracked after only a few swings.
Pros:
- Adjustable loft
- With technology that facilitates faster swings
- Extremely forgiving
Cons:
- Questionable durability
TaylorMade M6 (460cc)
The TaylorMade M6 Driver has a simple yet effective design that is considered by many as an all-around driver. This series has been considered as the best golf drivers of all time that came out of TaylorMade. But is it the best driver for mid handicapper?
The M6 is considered by many as one of the top-rated drivers available today. It comes with several features that stand out in the market. First, let’s take a closer look at the aesthetics. Between the M4 and the M6, it looks better than the previous model.
But it’s not just the looks that made the M6 stand out. The M6 offers a better feel than the M4 but the previous model generates better speed. The M6 is easy to hit though it doesn’t offer as much adjustability.
There are also some technologies applied to the M6 that made it a popular option among other clubs. It has the revolutionary twist face which has been engineered to reduce the side spin and provide a straighter shot for the user. It also has a more aerodynamic carbon sole compared to the other models giving users an increased clubhead speed.
Pros:
- Helps users to produce straighter shots
- Prevents side spin thanks to its revolutionary twist face design
- Aesthetically appealing
- Aerodynamic design
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer the adjustability that you expect from past models
Callaway Golf 2019 Epic Flash Driver
The Callaway Golf 2019 Epic Flash Driver is not only one of the best golf drivers for the money, but it is also the very first driver designed using Artificial Intelligence. What makes this special? Callaway simply provided the program with all the legal parameters and the AI did all the work to provide an optimized design for the golfers. It means that you have an optimum design that is perfect for mid-handicappers.
But just like other Callaway golf drivers that we’ve featured, Jailbreak Technology was also applied which is responsible for providing fast ball speed. It even has a forged titanium insert has also been used that can be adjusted for weighting control.
The weight has been concentrated to the head to deliver a better MOI and to deliver above-average forgiveness. So how did Callaway redistribute the weight into the head? That’s because they made use of the Triaxial Carbon Crown.
But if you are going to compare the Epic Flash Driver to the Sub Zero, many find the Epic Flash Driver to be a bit muted. However, why should you buy this? It offers the longest drives and the fastest ball speeds. These are enough reasons for you to invest a good amount of money on this driver.
This should help improve your game in different ways. However, there are a few things that you may not like. Apart from being a bit muted, you also have limited adjustability that can turn off a lot of average golfers.
Pros:
- Designed by AI
- Above-average forgiveness because of the redistributed weight on the head
- With forged titanium insert
Cons:
- Limited adjustability
Cobra F8 Driver 460cc
A fair comparison to the Cobra F8 driver is the F7. The F8 improved in different aspects such as its draw and high weight settings. You will also notice that the newer Cobra has a lower pitch and is more solid. However, there are some things that you will also find on the F8 previously found in the F7 design. The Cobra F8 also has the adjustable MyFly hosel with a range of 9 to 12 degrees.
It also has a smart pad that can keep the face straight and can help mid-handicappers keep their shot straight. Since this driver is adjustable, it is something that you can play with as you progress and as you age.
You might also notice that there is a significant decrease in drag as you use the Cobra F8. And that’s because of the 360 Aero-Innovative Polymer Aero technology that is placed around the perimeter of the clubhead. And it has allowed users to maximize the clubhead speed. This club also has an ultralight carbon fiber crown which is a lightweight 5-ply carbon fiber crown that moves the center of gravity lower and deeper. What makes this feature important is the fact that it increases forgiveness and higher trajectories.
So is it the best driver on the market? In reality, it may be part of the top 10 golf drivers for mid-handicappers, but this isn’t exactly the best. For instance, you’d notice that the mishits tend to give more spin. Plus it has been reported by numerous users that the paint falls off especially the on found by the face. Other than this, it’s one of those good golf clubs for the average player.
Pros:
- Adjustable
- Lightweight
- Aerodynamic
- Improved version of the F7
Cons:
- Produces more spin during mishits
PGX Offset Golf Driver
You may have heard of the PGX Offset Golf Driver as the godsend club to fix slice issues of different golfers. According to one study, 70% of golfers tend to encounter slice problems. That’s where PGX Offset Golf Driver enters the picture. It has an anti-slice technology that addresses this problem by most golfers.
If you are in the market for the best driver for low handicap players, you should look somewhere else. The PGX Offset Golf Driver is designed for mid to high handicappers.
Aside from the anti-slice technology, it has a square face and large sweet spot that gives you the edge on the golf course.
PGX has maximized the driver head to 460cc which caters the largest sweet spot allowed in regulation. And if you will be comparing its weight to other drivers, you will notice that it is lighter allowing users to generate more speed.
Aesthetics-wise, it looks stylish with its black matte finish. You also get a green alignment indicator that tells you about your position. This driver has a 10.5-degree loft and a graphite shaft. You also get to choose different flex options that suit your preference.
The only issue that you might not like about the PGX Offset Golf Driver is its short shaft.
Pros:
- Different flex options available
- Allows you to have a straighter shot
- With a large sweet spot by maximizing the 460cc driver head
- With anti-slice technology
Cons:
- Short shaft
Callaway Golf Men’s Rogue Draw Driver
The Callaway Golf Men’s Rogue Draw Driver has outperformed many of its rival drivers in the market. And also, Rogue was able to outperform its predecessors. Jailbreak Technology is something that paid dividends for the company. For starters, it has enhanced aerodynamics minimizing drag even further. It also offers better forgiveness and farther distance and helps you get the straight shots you need even during a mishit.
The Callaway offers a better feel and sound compared to the other drivers in the market. It is comparable to some of the best golf drivers of all time including the 816 DBD that was released in 2016.
One of the biggest selling points of the Callaway Golf Men’s Rogue Draw Driver is the consistency that it offers as you get to enjoy an improved hitting area. Jailbreak Technology allowed the face to produce better accuracy and distance that is perfect for mid-handicappers. It is arguably in the top 10 drivers today, especially for mid-handicappers. Unfortunately, quality comes with a hefty price tag. It is not for everyone given the price of the Callaway Golf Men’s Rogue Draw Driver.
Pros:
- Has an aerodynamic design
- Provides consistent shots
- High forgiveness thanks to the Jailbreak Technology
- Has a fantastic sound and feel
Cons:
- Expensive
Cobra Golf 2019 F9 Men’s Speedback
The Cobra Golf 2019 F9 Men’s Speedback Driver is a top choice for those who are looking to upgrade from the F8 and F8+. The Cobra F9 has a redesigned shape that offers better aerodynamic appeal than its predecessors. It also has a low center of gravity.
There are several aspects of the Cobra F9 design that you might like. The sole shape, featuring Speedback technology, is the one responsible for a low and deep center of gravity. Two interchangeable weights are found in its center chassis, which is a design that has been taken from the F8+ model. This allows you to get more weight on its center of gravity, lower the spin, and adjust the launch angle depending on how much weight you are going to use.
Next, it has the 360 Aero Titanium tip that gives you the chance to swing with less drag allowing users to generate optimum speed in the clubhead speed. It also made use of a carbon fiber crown in an attempt to redistribute the weight on parts where it is needed.
Unfortunately, the spin that the F9 tends to produce tends to be bothersome to some users. However, what you can do is to put the weight a bit forward and you will see the difference.
Pros:
- Aerodynamic design
- Redistributed weight
- Low and deep center of gravity
Cons:
- Produces a bit more spin if you don’t put the weight forward
Callaway Golf 2017 Men’s Great Big Bertha Epic Driver
The Callaway Golf 2017 Men’s Great Big Bertha Epic Driver is a stand out driver from the brand. It is a favorite by a lot of players especially those mid-handicappers. It has a stable design and has a 20% thinner face than the past Callaway models that came before the Great Big Bertha Epic Driver.
The Jailbreak Technology was also applied in this driver which allows the user to have a better distance and experience better forgiveness. You also get to enjoy the adjustable 17-gram weights that you can shift to ensure that you get the swing you want on your club. This will allow users to choose from an extreme draw, neutral, and extreme fade.
And when it comes to its loft, it has an adjustable hosel that gives you the chance to tweak the angle according to your preference.
Though it has great forgiveness, sleek aesthetics, and adjustability, there are a few areas that need improvement. For instance, some players find the 45.5-inch shaft a bit too long for their taste.
Pros:
- Great forgiveness
- Adjustability on the loft and weight
- With 20% thinner face than the other past drivers from Callaway
Cons:
- A bit long
Wilson Staff Golf Men’s D7
To be considered as the best driver club, it is important that the club is well designed with high-quality materials that stand out from the rest. That’s what you can expect from the Wilson Staff Golf Men’s D7 Driver. It’s one of those great golf drivers that perform well especially when it comes to producing long distance and fast ball speed.
It has a 3-piece crown including a Kevlar that has been sandwiched by carbon fiber materials. Its purpose is to minimize vibrations giving users that crisp and sharp sound. RE.AKT Technology used in the design of this club is the one that allows users to have higher club head speed and produce long distances.
There are three loft options to choose from. You can go for the 9, 10.5, or the 13-degree version. The 9-degree version is perfect for those that have developed a high-speed swing. On the other hand, the 10.5-degree Wilson Staff D7 is known for better launch and spin. And lastly, the 13-degree head gives you a higher launch.
Many are comparing the Staff D7 to the Cobra F8. Though the F8 produces higher trajectories, the Wilson Staff D7 produces great ball speed and better distance. The biggest issue with the Wilson Staff D7 though is the fact that you don’t get to choose grip sizes.
Pros:
- Aerodynamic
- Superb materials used
- Great speed and distance
- Great feel thanks to the carbon and Kevlar materials
Cons:
- No grip sizes to choose from
Callaway Big Bertha Fusion Driver
The Callaway Big Bertha Fusion Driver is known for producing great forgiveness thanks to the Fusion Technology that has been used in this club. What it means is that you have a titanium exo-cage combined with a carbon crown. It gives users a straighter shot and a more stable experience.
If you are a fan of the Callaway Big Bertha, then you will love the Callaway Big Bertha Fusion Driver since it also comes with an industry-leading aerodynamic design that can compete against the top drivers in the world today. The Callaway Big Bertha Fusion Driver can be considered as the best driver for intermediate golfer.
So what are the things that you might not like about this? The price is the biggest turn off for the Big Bertha Fusion. If you are after the best budget golf driver, you might want to look elsewhere.
Pros:
- Aerodynamic that can optimize the clubhead speed
- With titanium combined with carbon material
- Great forgiveness
Cons:
- Expensive
TaylorMade M3 Driver 460cc
If you are looking for a golf driver that maximized the specs of what is allowed in the rulebook, then you might find the TaylorMade M3 Driver as a good choice. It comes with a twist face design that can get your shot straighter. The twist face design is a curvature and corrective design that can help reduce your spins when you miss the sweet spot.
You can also move the weights according to how you want your driver to perform. It means that its adjustability caters to many golfers.
Next, there is also the hammerhead slot that can help produce better ball speed and distance. And on top of that, you also get good forgiveness.
The only thing that you might not like is the quality of the materials used. Several users complained that some of its parts are already showing signs of wear and tear after playing with the driver for less than 10 times.
Pros:
- Good forgiveness
- Reduces the spins
- Gets your shots to be straighter and produces more distance
Cons:
- Questionable durability
Callaway Golf 2018 Men’s Rogue Sub Zero Driver
The Callaway Rogue Sub Zero Driver is the perfect choice for those players who are having slice problems. It offers an adjustable loft that helps you tweak the angle according to your game. And just like the other Rogue series drivers that came from Callaway that used the Jailbreak Technology, the Rogue Sub Zero Driver is no exception.
Jailbreak Technology allows users to generate greater distance and promote faster ball speed. This technology offers two internal bars that made the body stiffer by joining both the crown and sole. This improves how energy is transferred from the body into the face. And therefore, you get better distance.
Callaway also implemented the X Face Technology that improved the sweet spot on this club. And compared to titanium, it is lighter thanks to the triaxial carbon crown. This allowed the company to place the weight where it is needed.
Just like other Rogue drivers, it is an expensive club. But then again, you get what you pay for. It’s an exceptional investment for mid-handicappers.
Pros:
- Promotes greater distance and faster ball speed
- Less spin
- With a bigger sweet spot
- Lighter in some parts
Cons:
- Pricey
Callaway Golf 2018 Rogue Driver
The Callaway Golf 2018 Rogue Driver comes with different technology that separated this product from the rest of the so-called best new golf drivers over the recent years. It comes with a Jailbreak Technology that made it possible to give the 2018 Rogue Driver lightweight hourglass-shaped titanium bars. Together with Jailbreak technology, it has an X-Face design that contributes to better ball speed and distance.
Another advantage of the Callaway Rogue 2018 is that it produces great forgiveness by redistributing the weights on the head’s perimeter. It also allows you to have a straighter shot even if you don’t hit the ball perfectly.
The Rogue is known for having the largest triaxial crown among all the Callaway drivers available in the market.
Now, let’s remember that there are some things that you might not like about the Rogue. The number one drawback of having too many technologies applied to a product is the fact that it gets a bit expensive. And this is why you don’t expect the Rogue 2018 Driver to be something affordable. Though it’s meant for mid-handicappers and probably novice golfers, the price is something that will attract serious golfers. And also, the sole weight adjustability is sometimes difficult for some users.
Pros:
- With Jailbreak Technology and X-Face technology
- Redistributed weight on the head
- Highly forgiving
Cons:
Expensive
- Weight adjustability is difficult for some users
TaylorMade Golf M5 Driver (460cc)
The Taylormade Golf M5 Driver is an impressive option for mid-handicappers not only because of its great aesthetics but also based on its performance. Between the Taylormade M3 and the M5, the M5 has a smaller face. And if you are used on the M3 and other earlier models, you might find it a bit hard to adjust.
The main reason for the design changes implemented on the Taylormade M5 is the ability to generate higher speed. However, the drawback is that your accuracy tends to suffer in the process. But between the M5 and the M6, the M5 allows better adjustability.
Pros:
- Aesthetically appealing
- Great distance
- Forgiving design
- Adjustable
Cons:
- Accuracy suffers a bit
- Hard to adjust if you used the earlier Taylormade models
How to Buy Good Golf Drivers for Mid Handicappers
What’s the best driver for me as a mid-handicapper? This is probably the biggest question that a lot of mid-handicap golfers have in mind. Should I choose an 8-degree driver or go for something else?
As a mid-handicapper, you want a driver that can give you long and straight drives. You also want it to be forgiving and a driver that produces high MOI to get that trampoline effect in your shots.
Manufacturers today have come up with technologies and design that would cater specifically to mid-handicappers. And one of the best things about being a mid-handicapper in the market for top-rated golf drivers is that they have a variety of choices to choose from.
Here are a few things that you might consider.
Brand
Though it is a matter of preference, you also have to take a closer look at which brand you are comfortable with. Also, some golfers stick to a brand or two because of their craftsmanship and technology. And if they tend to release new edition drivers for the year, you don’t have to make a huge adjustment to your game.
Club Shaft and length
When it comes to the driver’s shaft, you’d notice that some bend more than others. Since the driver is the longest club, it is important to find the right one for you. And if you look at some of the hottest golf club driver options in the market, you get five options.
You can have it extra stiff or sometimes called Pro, stiff, regular, senior, and ladies. So which options should you be going for? You will have to assess your swing. If you can swing fast, the stiffer you want your flex should be. It ensures that lag remains at reasonable levels. This usually permits the ball to remain in the sweet spot.
Length is also something that you want to look into. The allowable driver shaft is from 45.5 inches to 48 inches. The length will usually depend on your height.
Weight and Adjustable Weight s
Since we’ve mentioned swing speed and how it relates to your choice of driver’s shaft. This will also affect the ideal weight of the driver. Some prefer to use lightweight drivers while others go for the heavier versions.
If you have a slow swing speed, better stick with the top golf drivers that are made of lightweight materials. This can significantly add comfort to how you hold the club plus it makes it easy to swing. A heavy driver can significantly decrease your speed and can only produce a short drive. However, if you tend to swing hard, the best driver to buy would be the heavy ones combined with a stiff flex shaft that can give you an additional level of control.
For the modern top rated golf driver, you might even find adjustable weights. In the past, the adjustability of the weight was considered illegal. But since this is no longer the case, it is highly suggested that you take advantage of this opportunity.
This can promote a draw, fade, or even a neutral ball flight depending on how you choose to use the adjustable weights. If you’re one of those struggling off the tee, this can be considered a game-changer.
Head Size
Another important factor that you might want to consider is the head size of the driver you are planning to buy. Good golf drivers allow users to hit the sweet spot easier which can lessen the mishits in the process.
But does it mean that a larger head size means a heavier driver? And does it mean that those with slow swing speed can’t enjoy?
Since the introduction of lightweight materials on the best golf drivers for mid handicappers, manufacturers had some elbow room to increase the size of their clubhead while still maintaining a decent weight. From metal to titanium, some manufacturers were even able to maximize the clubhead size. However, you also need to remember the regulation that you can’t go for anything more than 460cc.
Closed face, neutral face, or adjustable face
You might also want to consider whether you want a closed or a neutral face. What’s the difference? A driver with a closed face, better known as a draw driver tends to have an angle in contrast to the shaft. These are also called game-improvement clubs and are meant for those who are having slice problems. On the other hand, you can have a neutral face driver wherein the clubface is parallel to its shaft.
If you wish to have a club that grows with you, you might as well choose a driver that has an adjustable face. You can simply adjust the face using a screwdriver and you get the best of both worlds.
Face technology
Brands have come up with different approaches when it comes to how they design their driver’s face. Some made use of titanium while others even went for the lightest option which is carbon fiber. Apart from the material, drivers now have a growing sweet spot. Plus brands are now using a spring in the driver’s face. Because of these changes, you also want to make sure that it doesn’t go against USGA rules.
Now, why is that that the best driver for average golfer tends to have a spring? Having a spring takes away the spin on your shots which means that you can get your ball farther.
Loft
Driver lofts range from 9-12 degrees. However, some can go as low as 8.5 degrees while others prefer to have the rare 13.5-degree driver. So which option works best? When looking at the loft of golf drivers, remember that smaller angles are designed to get the ball to launch farther on a lower trajectory whereas the bigger angles are for higher trajectory.
Price
Let’s agree that some drivers are beyond your budget. On the other hand, an affordable driver also doesn’t mean that you won’t be getting good results. There are instances when the best cheap golf driver options can compete with average priced drivers. If you are interested in getting the best value driver then it is something that you should consider.
Conclusion
The title for the best golf driver for intermediate players remains to be a debate among different golfers. However, if you are serious about improving your game, might as well choose carefully. Remember that mid-handicappers have specific needs. But the good news is that there are a lot of good products on the market that you could choose from. But before anything else, you might as well consider how you play your game. Do you tend to lag when it comes to your swing speed? Or are you having problems with your accuracy?
Try to compare at least a few products in this list before you make up your mind. Try to see what are your best options considering your budget and needs.