The golf drivers that you use will affect your game. This is true especially if you are a high to mid handicapper trying to figure out the game. One of the aspects looked into by many golfers is the forgiveness of their driver. Many are looking for the most forgiving drivers to help give them straighter shots even if they failed to hit the sweet spot perfectly.
But one of the most common misconceptions is that forgiveness is only reserved for beginners and average players. These days, forgiveness goes beyond game-improvement irons. You see a lot of low-handicap irons are integrated with technologies that can provide them with both feel and some level of forgiveness. Here are some of the products that you might want to check.
Table of Contents
Most Forgiving Drivers Review
Cobra Golf Men’s 2019 F-Max Superlite Offset Driver
The Cobra Golf Men’s 2019 F-Max Superlite Offset Driver has been advertised as the best offset driver in the market that can help those players who tend to slice on their tee shots. It helps maintain the MOI to 5,000 allowing users to enjoy both stability and forgiveness in the process.
The F-Max Superlight is known for having a re-engineered clubhead that’s around 6 grams lighter than the past model. It has an oversized head that reduced the twisting of the clubface once you make a mishit.
It even has a titanium E9 face insert that help contribute to its forgiveness as well. This helps enhance ball speed even if it was an off-centered shot. Its center of gravity is found low and back towards the heel creating higher trajectories and straighter shots.
You also get to enjoy a lighter shaft and grip. Overall, you’d be surprised that this is something that’s 287 grams lighter than the older version. What it offers is a fast club that can maximize ball speed.
If you will take a closer look at the offset hosel, lightweight design, and the crown alignment, you will realize that it is designed for those who don’t hit a high swing speed. If you are struggling with your launch to be high enough, then this could be a good decision.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Designed for individuals with an average swing speed
- Great forgiveness and stability
Cons:
- Not designed for advanced players
Tour Edge Golf- Hot Launch HL3
The Tour Edge Golf-Hot Launch HL3 might not be quite popular but it is something that you should consider if you want that extra distance and forgiveness. With a titanium club that maximizes the ball speed once it comes in contact with the face, it is a contender for the best forgiving golf driver.
HL3 technology provides a variable face thickness technology that gives more contact points to its users allowing you to still get a good shot even if it’s a bit off-center. It also has a Power Channel found on the sole right behind the face. What it does is increase the speed and minimize the spin.
As for its center of gravity, it is found back deep in the clubhead allowing users to have an easy launch getting the ball to fly higher plus longer.
The only downside to this is that it only has limited loft options. Plus, there is no chance to adjust the driver. You only get to use either a 9 or a 10.5-degree loft with this. Though there are things that weren’t exactly the best, it is a handy option for those who want to ugly shots.
Pros:
- Low center of gravity that can get the ball higher
- With power channel technology that minimizes the spin and increases the speed
- Maximized contact points
Cons:
- Lack of adjustability
- Limited loft options
PING G410 SFT
If you loved the Ping G400, then you’d also enjoy the PING G410 SFT. Some would even consider it as a contender for the most forgiving ping driver. The G400 was a favorite by many golfers including tour players. With the G410 driver, it has movable weight, above-average length, and forgiving features that evolved from the G400.
This is the first-ever Ping driver that has the movable weights technology. This allows you to place the center of gravity according to your preference. Next, it has improved aerodynamics thanks to its re-engineered head. It even has an 8 lobe trajectory tuning system that provides you with the angle that you need for your launch and spin.
However, what you will notice with the Ping G410 SFT is the fact that it comes with a 455cc head size. That’s a bit smaller than other clubs. What it does is help you generate more speed. But in terms of its center of gravity, it is found low which can help max out forgiveness and MOI. The only downside is that you might find the sound a bit high pitched.
Pros:
- Smaller head size allows you to swing faster
- Low center of gravity
- Adjustable
Cons:
- High pitched sound
TaylorMade Golf M2
M-Series drivers from TaylorMade are among the most popular drivers among different golfers especially mid-handicappers. The TaylorMade M2 compared to the previous design is known for its advanced geometry that includes the two-tiered sole promoting overall playability. The sole design together with the fluted hosel provides users with the best sound.
It has a low center of gravity that contributes to the M2’s forgiveness. The M2 is available in three loft options including 19, 22, and 25 degrees. The volume of the head is smaller than its predecessor at 4cc to 6cc depending on the loft.
This driver is designed for average golfers. If you are the type with a medium to slow swing speed, then might as well go for this. It has a speed pocket that can help generate better ball speed, especially on low face strikes.
Compared to its predecessor, it is more stable as it reduces the motion once it comes in contact with the ball. It tends to transfer the energy into the ball lessening the vibration and also increasing the ball speed.
Pros:
- Can help generate more speed
- Provides better sound than the M1
- Designed for mid-handicappers
- Speed pocket technology that increases the ball speed
Cons:
- Not designed for advanced players
TaylorMade M6 Driver (460cc)
If you are looking for the most forgiving Taylormade driver, then maybe you’d want to consider the Taylormade M6 driver. First, it catches the attention of many consumers given its aesthetically appealing appearance. But apart from looks, there are other aspects to the M6 that made it an improved version of its predecessors.
The M6 is a lighter option compared to the other M-series models. Its sole has been restructured using composite carbon. Carbon has become a popular choice not only by golf manufacturers but even by car companies because of its characteristic as a durable but light material. Taylormade was able to put the additional weight at the back to increase the spin, increase the launch, and ultimately provide a higher MOI. Let’s not forget that it has an aerodynamic design that contributes to the lowered center of gravity generating the high MOI.
And since it is lighter, you can also expect the M6 to have a larger face and a larger sweet spot. It is probably the easiest golf driver to hit.
But if you plan on buying the M6, better prepare your budget. It is more expensive than your average driver. Plus, it is not as adjustable as you think.
Pros:
- Aesthetically appealing
- Comes with an aerodynamic design
- Lowers the center of gravity and increases the MOI making it a highly forgiving option
- Lighter than the older version thanks to its carbon material
Cons:
- Expensive
TaylorMade Golf M6 D-Type Driver (460cc)
The TaylorMade Golf M6 D-Type Driver is an improved version of the M6. If you loved the M6, then you’d probably want to take a closer look at this variant. It has been injected to reach maximum speed. Every head has been injected with tuning resin to be able to optimize the COR or the coefficient of restitution across the entire face of this club. The goal is to deliver maximum ball speed and optimum distance.
But just like the M6, it has technologies such as the twist face design which is the revolutionary face curvature that includes a corrective angle that reduces side spin allowing users to deliver straighter shots.
It even has an aerodynamic carbon sole that can increase the clubhead speed. This helps generate more distance and helps in maximizing the MOI while the center of gravity is placed low.
However, if you already own the M6, the additional injected resin isn’t exactly worth it. And let’s agree that the M6 D Type isn’t exactly cheap as well.
Pros:
- Designed to reduce spin and create straight shots
- Injected with tuning resin
- With an aerodynamic carbon sole
Cons:
- Updates from the M6 aren’t worth switching over
- Expensive
Callaway Golf 2018 Rogue
The Rogue is believed by many as the most forgiving Callaway driver. What makes it a good option for those who are looking for the most forgiving driver? Despite being pricey, the Rogue is still getting the attention of serious golfers especially those who want to improve their game significantly.
Between the Callaway Epic and the Rogue, you will immediately notice that the latter offers a more solid feel. That says a lot considering the Epic was considered by many as the best product that came out from Callaway in 2017.
If you’ve used the Epic in 2017, you will notice that the company removed the sliding weight. However, it has three models instead of just the two Epic versions. You get the sub-zero, draw, and the standard for the Rogue giving you more options to choose from. All of these options have excelled beating the Epic in ball speed.
The Epic was known for its Jailbreak technology which is titanium bars that connect the crown and the sole. With the Rogue, you get the same technology but lighter. It is said to be lighter by 25% lighter. Plus, the head is more aerodynamic.
The Rogue also has great forgiveness by having its weight low and back. And though the Rogue looks larger than the Epic, both are still at 460cc.
Pros:
- Great feel
- Lighter materials compared to the Epic
- Highly forgiving
Cons:
- Expensive
Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo
The Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo is an underrated option for those who are looking for a highly forgiving driver. For starters, the Golf Launcher Turbo is known for its turbocharged cup face. This has been designed to enhance the COR over a larger impact area on the clubface. The ultimate goal is to increase the ball speed and provide more distance to the user.
Next, you also get to enjoy the lowered center of gravity. It has been tweaked by 2.2mm which enables optimal launch conditions. Plus, you also get to enjoy deep weighting that can increase the MOI.
Though it provides a competitive performance that comes with a reasonable price tag, you also have to take a closer look at some of its flaws. For one, it is known for being loud once it comes in contact with the ball. It also lacks adjustability.
Pros:
- Higher COR across the clubface area
- Lowered center of gravity
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Loud
- Doesn’t have adjustable features
TaylorMade Men’s RBZ
If you are looking for a highly forgiving but also an affordable driver in the market, then you might want to consider the Taylormade Men’s RBZ. It’s a go-to option for those who are looking to reduce their slice. You can even argue that it is the best driver for forgiveness considering its large sweet spot.
Many technologies are worth mentioning when you consider buying the TaylorMade RBZ driver. For starters, it made use of an ultralite titanium core that has been placed to improve the launch and provide overall better trajectory control for its users. It also has a speed pocket that can minimize the spin and promote a higher launch. With these technologies, it is known to help golfers improve the distance they get to hit.
The pocket also offers a sturdy foundation whenever you are hitting the ball. It can hit the ball without creating a side spin. As a result, it offers a more stable shot. And aesthetically, the black satin finish gives it a classy look.
So what’s not to like in case you are looking to go for the Taylormade RBZ? For starters, you get less distance compared to the other Taylormade drivers such as the M2 or the M6. Also, you only get a shorter shaft.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Provides stable shots
- Creates a higher spin
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons:
- Short shaft
- Produces less distance compared to other Taylormade drivers
TaylorMade SIM MAX-D Driver, UST Mamiya Helium 5 Shaft
The TaylorMade SIM Max D Driver is an ideal choice if you are looking for a forgiving driver from TaylorMade. It offers a huge club face and is known for being tall. Just how tall is the TaylorMade SIM Max-D Driver? It is taller than any of the clubs produced by Taylormade in the past.
When used during an actual game, missing the center of the club by half an inch to an inch will still produce a decent result. That’s because of its twist face technology that can help correct your mishits. But if you will also look closely, you also get to enjoy an oversized face area making it a highly forgiving driver.
It has been injected with speed injected technology to be able to optimize COR. This improves ball speed.
Next, you also have heel weighting that can prevent the TaylorMade SIM Max-D Driver from slicing. This results in straighter shots and draws. However, it can sometimes discourage some players because some considered it to be a bit too bulky. And, it is also considered pricey for a lot of golfers.
Pros:
- Allows correction of mishits
- An oversized face allows you to improve your accuracy
- Tall club from Taylormade
- Injected technology to improve ball speed
Cons:
- Expensive
- Bulky
PGX Offset Golf Driver
The PGX Offset Golf Driver is a go-to choice for golfers who are particular about driver accuracy. It’s even considered by some golfers as one of the most accurate golf driver options out there. How true is this claim?
The PGX Offset Golf Drivers was designed specifically for golfers who tend to slice. According to a study, 70% of golfers have this problem. It made use of anti-slice technology by leaving the clubface open once it comes in contact with the ball. This helps square the club to be able to produce straight drives.
Next, the head’s volume is at 460cc maximizing the legal size and optimizing the sweet spot for the users. Though this is the case, it is also a lightweight driver allowing those with slow swing speed to have an easier time using the PGX Offset Golf Driver efficiently.
The driver comes with a 10.5-degree loft plus a graphite shaft. As for the flex options, you get to choose whether you want the senior, regular, stiff, or extra stiff variant.
Though it sounds great to have a lightweight driver that allows you to swing fast, plus you get to enjoy a technology that can help solve your slice, there are a few things that you might not like with the PGX Offset Golf Driver. For instance, it comes with a short staff that is sometimes not preferred by golfers. Also, some users commented that the finish isn’t exactly durable. It easily comes off after a few uses.
Pros:
- Large sweet spot
- Comes with an anti-slice technology
- Reasonable price
- Different flex options
Cons:
- Short staff
- The finish isn’t durable
Orlimar Golf ATS Junior Boy’s Individual Golf Clubs
A lot of athletes who excelled in the sport started early. If you are one of those parents who has a child showing interest in golf, one of the biggest dilemma is finding the right driver for them.
The Orlimar Golf ATS Junior Boy’s Individual Golf Clubs can be considered a great learning tool for kids who are looking to develop their swings. It has been designed for children aged 3 to 5 years old. It is made of a flexible composite shaft that comes with a rubber grip.
It is an affordable option for parents who want to start their kids early. However, the size might feel a bit heavy for some kids. The driver is a bit bigger than what you’d expect from a youth club but this is also a good thing because it provides children with a larger sweet spot. This can be used whenever parents teach their kids to swing. Plus, it is quite durable perfect even for the destructive 3-year-olds who would love to whack the golf club.
Pros:
- Made of composite flexible shaft
- Big sweet spot
- Perfectly sized for children
Cons:
- A bit heavy for some kids
Pinemeadow PGX 500cc Illegal/Non-Conforming Driver
Are you looking for a highly forgiving driver regardless if it is legal for tournaments or not? The Pinemeadow PGX 500cc Driver is illegal in competitive play but this is something that you can use for your practice. It is known for its stylish and sporty design. You’ll quickly notice that it has the X mark that can also serve as your indicator whenever you are lining up your shot.
It is worth mentioning that the head size is above what is legally allowed. However, it also means that it has a much bigger sweet spot. And because it has a much larger head, you can also expect optimized distance along with ball speed. It also has a low center of gravity that can help give you the lift that you are looking for whenever you are swinging the club.
It makes use of a graphite shaft that is known for its forgiveness not to mention it allows those with slow swing speed to hit the ball faster.
This is also an affordable option. If you are not exactly a competitive golfer who typically loves to play whenever you are with family and friends, then this is something that you might want to consider.
Pros:
- Good for practicing your shots
- Large sweet spot
- With an X mark to help guide you when you line your shot
- Sporty design
Cons:
- Not competition legal
TaylorMade SIM MAX Driver, Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 Shaft
The TaylorMade SIM Max Driver that comes with a Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 Shaft has been listed as one of the best beginner-friendly options out there. It is one of the latest offers of Taylormade. The SIM Max Driver is known for its new aerodynamic design sole. It also includes an inertia generator that can optimize the MOI that will allow improved ball speed and distance. The rear weight, on the other hand, allows users to enjoy much-improved forgiveness.
The SIM Driver is unique because it has the speed injected technology that has been added to this driver to optimize the COR which improves ball speed when it comes in contact with the golf driver’s face.
So what if you committed a mishit? You have the Twist Face Technology that tends to correct mishits. Even if you missed the sweet spot, you can still get a straighter shot. It is made of different materials including carbon, titanium, and steel.
Does it make the SIM Driver a perfect option for those looking for the most forgiving driver? Though it can be a candidate for the best driver to hit straight shots, there are a few things that you need to look into. Taylormade isn’t exactly known for having affordable clubs.
Pros:
- Optimized COR
- Low center of gravity and optimized MOI
- Aerodynamic sole
Cons:
- Expensive
Callaway Golf 2020 Rogue Driver
The Callaway Golf 2020 Rouge Driver is a popular choice for a lot of serious golfers. Some would even argue that it is the most forgiving golf driver out there. The Rogue Driver has huge shoes to fill after the Callaway Epic Driver. Just like the Epic Driver, it has a standard version.
This made use of Jailbreak technology that helps in promoting higher ball sped thanks to the larger clubface. Also, it can give you a straight shot despite hitting slightly off the sweet spot. Jailbreak technology involves two internal bars that would stiffen the body of the Rogue by connecting the crown and sole. This makes it possible to transfer the energy to the face therefore generating great speed on the ball.
The X face technology also allowed Callaway to thin out some of the areas. A thinner face tends to flex more adding more distance and speed.
And also, you get to enjoy the Boeing Aero Package that introduced the Speed Step Technology promoting a more aerodynamic club to golfers.
So what’s not to like? Some think that the limited adjustability is something that might turn off some golfers with the Rogue.
Pros:
- Aerodynamic design thanks to Boeing
- X Face technology and a thinner face to allow more flex
- Allows better energy transfer ultimately improving balls speed
Cons:
- Lack of adjustability
How to Buy The Most Forgiving Drivers
What should you look into in case you are in the market for the most forgiving golf drivers? What makes forgiving drivers?
Forgiveness in golf can be defined as the construction in the golf driver that can help lessen the bad shots. Over the years, brands made it a point to make golf enjoyable to many individuals. As a rule of thumb for golfers, high handicap players need more forgiveness in their drivers.
In the 1960s, muscle backs used to have small thin faces that don’t offer any type of forgiveness. It means that the slightest mishit can result in a poor golf shot. Things have changed since then. Frustration on the part of golfers lessened. By the late 60s, design elements to improve the forgiveness in drivers started to appear.
Perimeter Weighting
Perimeter weighting has been around since the late 60s. Gone are the days when the weight was clumped behind the face or spread evenly across the face. The perimeter weighting has effectively lessened the bad shots especially when it was from an off-center strike. What perimeter weighting does is help improve the moment of inertia (MOI).
When it comes to picking a forgiving golf driver, the more weight by the perimeter would mean a higher MOI which could then lessen the chances of a mishit.
Launch Angle
The launch angle will play a role when it comes to choosing the most forgiving drivers. For beginners, we won’t be confusing you with terms used in physics. Instead, we are going to simplify the process of picking the right golf driver for you. A higher launch angle gives you more distance since it can get the ball higher in the air.
Another important detail that can affect the distance is the attack angle. As you increase the attack angle, you get a higher launch angle which can also reduce the spin giving the ball more chance to roll. The attack angle pertains to the angle between your clubhead and the ground once it hits the ball.
But there’s so much more to what affects your launch angle. Other than the attack angle, you also have the loft, where you hit the ball on the clubface, and the shaft’s forward lean that could play a crucial role in your launch angle.
Loft
If you are in the market for a forgiving driver, you will notice that the typical loft comes in 8.5 to 16 degrees. For competitors, they’d typically use drivers with a minimal loft of 4 to 7.5 degrees. As a rule of thumb, the higher the loft, the more distance that it can generate considering that all things are equal such as the velocity which the club was able to generate when it struck the ball.
Adjustability
There is growing popularity of adjustable golf drivers in the market. It is no secret that there are instances when a fixed driver may not always give you the result that you want. But with the ability to adjust the loft and the center of gravity, it results in better overall forgiveness. And the best part about the adjustability of drivers is the fact that it is now legal.
Sweet Spot
Beginners tend to miss the sweet spot. If you are looking for the easiest driver to hit, then you also want to consider something that has a large sweet spot. A lot of golfers tend to hit the ball right at the center of the clubface. This is a common mistake because it isn’t exactly the sweet spot.
If you are going to take a closer look at different clubs, you will realize that the sweet spot is closer to the toe and is somewhat above the center. As a rule of thumb, you’d rather want to hit high on the clubface than low.
If you wish to hit the sweet spot every time, there are plenty of factors that are at play. Shaft weight, the flex, the swing weight, and even the head design will all contribute to helping golfers get a straighter shot. But the good news is that there are a lot of highly forgiving drivers that can offer you with a great amount of sweet spot. By design, the straightest driver in golf can give you great results even with a slight mishit.
Center of Gravity
The center of gravity is an important consideration whenever you are in the market for the right driver. But beyond marketing used by brands, it is something that you should consider especially if you have the best golf driver of all time in your mind.
The center of gravity pertains to the point where the clubhead is perfectly balanced. The position matters and could provide you with different results. If the center of gravity is forward, you can expect to get a lower launch and spin. It makes the club less forgiving. Now, what if you place it on the back? This will increase the launch and spin making it a bit more forgiving than having it forward.
Next, what if the center of gravity is high or towards the top of the club? This will cause the ball to launch lower but have more spin. On the other hand, if you are going to have it low, the ball will launch higher and have less spin.
Given all the information we provided, it means that the most efficient design for a forgiving driver is to place the center of gravity low.
Shaft Material
The shaft material contributes to how you are going to perform with a driver. The longer distance is usually the result of the right shaft. There are two popular materials used on shafts. You either have steel or you have graphite. Steel shafts are heavier than graphite that it produces better feedback. This is why steel is preferred by advanced players love. And it also allows users to have more control. Plus, if you tend to swing fast, then you can get to maximize the full potential of steel shafts.
However, during a mishit, you’d be able to feel the vibration through the shaft. Also, it can reduce the swing speed if you are not too experienced and you decided to use a steel shaft. If you have arm problems, you’d definitely want to skip steel shafts.
The other option is the graphite shafts. Since graphite is lighter, you can generate a higher swing speed perfect for those players that have a slow swing speed. It is also preferred for those who are dealing with injuries on their arms. However, because it isn’t as rigid as steel, this can exaggerate a poor swing. It means that it can affect your accuracy. And let’s not forget that graphite shafts are more expensive. This can increase the price of the iron by as much as 20% per set if you opt to have graphite over steel.
Conclusion
Forgiveness is something that has been thrown around a lot in different reviews. Whether you are looking for the best anti slice driver or you want something that can aid you in getting better results, finding a forgiving driver can make a huge difference. Consider at least a few products first before you make up your mind. Also, be sure to assess the price. Try to compare at least five products we’ve mentioned to get the best bang for your buck.