Best Drivers for High Handicappers

I tested some recent golf drivers designed for high handicappers and picked out six that stood out the most.

I know how difficult it is for a golf beginner to understand all the nuances of golf clubs and the differences between their types.

Don’t worry; you’re not alone, as even intermediate players often get confused, and in this article, I plan to clarify it all for you by analyzing the drivers I’ve picked in terms of their value for money, shaft flex, head options, and workmanship.

Of the six reviewed, I found the TaylorMade SiM 2 to be a forgiving driver that performs incredibly well and feels even better in your hands. And for a forgiving driver, the SiM 2 doesn’t make compromises – it fares well in every aspect, and I recommend it for anyone who feels stuck picking a driver.

But in case you’re looking for something more specific, don’t worry as we picked the best drivers for all kinds of players. For example, one driver is best for slow swings, another for long-distance shots, a third for adjustability, and more.

So without further ado, let’s get into the best drivers for high handicappers.

1. TaylorMade SiM 2 Max Driver – Best Overall

Pros:

• Easy to align
• Feels great on impact
• Forgiving due to its large face
• High launching without much spin

Cons:

• Can be a bit loud at times

If you’re familiar with TaylorMade drivers, you’ll notice the distinct look on the SiM 2 Max right off the bat as it carries the legacy of its predecessors. However, in my opinion, the SiM 2 Max has the best look out of all TaylorMade’s drivers.

But it’s not just about the looks. The SiM 2 Max is also an excellent driver, and your hands will feel great when the driver impacts with the ball. You can easily tell whether you hit the ball with the driver’s center or edge.

And the audio feedback is incredible, better than that of the previous models. When you hit the ball, it sounds great – that iconic crispy “thwack” that you hear in the movies, you’ll hear with the SiM 2 Max.

And for a forgiving driver, the SiM 2 Max boasts impressive performance. Notably, the higher launch angle and extra spin of the SiM 2 Max will add some yardage to your distance shots, especially with lower ball flight. It’s not much, about five yards give or take, but it’s pretty good as a minor tweak.

Speaking of forgiveness, the SiM 2 Max is billed as a “highest forgiveness” driver, up from high on the previous model, the SiM 2.

Some of the changes in the SiM 2 Max are an increased weight of 24 grams and a larger face, both of which increase forgiveness and moment of inertia (MOI).

Overall, SiM 2 Max fares well in all departments of a driver for high handicappers. So, if you feel stuck about what to pick and aren’t too sure about the other picks on this list, this one’s for you.

2. Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo Driver – Best for Slow Swings

Pros:

• Easy to swing
• Suitable for slicers
• Suitable for slow swings
• Premium look

Cons:

• Loud – will need getting used to
• Not very adjustable
• Not optimal for long distances due to the slower speed

I know Colorado isn’t the first brand that comes to mind when you think of forgiving golf drivers, especially with others like TaylorMade and Callaway in the market. Yet, the Launcher Turbo delivers, especially for those with slow swing speeds.

First off, the driver looks magnificent, especially that matte finish. This look should appeal to both traditionalists and modernists, and the crown reminds me of Ping clubs as well.

The Launcher Turbo isn’t made for those with fast swing speeds. I’d say it’s perfect if your swing is around 90 mph, maybe 95 at most.

But in other aspects, the Launcher Turbo works excellently. I felt like it assisted me with the launch – something that many high handicappers definitely need help with. Also, the driver’s closed address position and draw bias are a lifesaver for slicers.

As for the distance, you could guess how it performs based on the speed I told you about. If not, it’s not great – around 220-235 yards. However, you can manage a few 240+ yard shots with this one.

The sound was a turn-off for me. Do you know those golfers whom you can hear from hundreds of yards away? Yeah, you’ll be one of those with the Launcher Turbo.

But overall, if you’re on a bit of a tight budget, your swing speed doesn’t usually exceed 95 mph, and you’re looking for a driver that looks great, performs pretty well, and is forgiving, then the Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo is for you.

3. Cobra Golf King Radspeed XB Driver – Best for Long Distance Shots

Pros:

• Feels great in the hands
• Performs well for the price
• Cobra Connect to track your performance

Cons:

• Not many improvements over the previous model

According to Cobra, its new Radspeed drivers offer longer distances without sacrificing forgiveness. And it’s certainly true. With the Radspeed XB, you’ll gain an additional 5-10 yards. So, you can go for distances as far away as 280 yards with the proper shot power.

Adding a loft to increase your launch and spin will likely give you a shorter distance, but that’s golfing 101. But more on distance later.

Of course, Cobra as a brand is always willing to try new bold looks. In the Radspeed XB, this boldness shows in the funky combination of black, white, and neon yellow… Yep, that’s right.

And such a flashy driver makes you expect loud noise, but while the Radspeed isn’t a quiet club, it isn’t the loudest in the world either; I’d say it’s moderate in terms of sound.

Now let’s talk more about the driver’s long-distance capability. First, the “Rad” part in Radspeed comes from radial weighting – a new technique Cobra used in this driver to allow the ball to travel faster.

That being said, the driver feels excellent in your hands and is surprisingly consistent when you compare it to some of the older Cobra models, though not the previous one, the Speedzone, which is similar to the Radspeed XB.

Overall, the Speedzone and the Radspeed aren’t vastly different, but the Radspeed’s new technology allows for even further shots than before and should be on your list if you’re looking to maximize your distance.

4. Callaway Epic Flash Hybrid – Best for Adjustability

Pros:

• Quality hybrid and very adjustable
• Large sweet spot makes it very forgiving
• Good for the price

Cons:

• Gets dirty quickly and can be hard to clean

We’re on to our first hybrid driver. The Epic Flash offers golfers adjustability you’ll struggle to find elsewhere, and for that price, I’d say it’s a bargain!

The Epic Flash and its many features and options can help golfers adjust their shot and loft in different combinations until they find what they like. And it’s a large hybrid, too – one of the largest I’ve seen.

The clubface is very long, and the head is also substantial. The crown also has a chevron alignment aid, but the branding on the driver is relatively minimal.

Because of how substantial the driver is, you’d expect it to make a loud noise on impact. But surprisingly, it’s a relatively quiet driver with a satisfying crack sound on impact.

Contact with the ball actually makes an iconic yet metallic sound due to the tungsten weight. I felt that the sound fits the driver’s look quite nicely.

The feedback you get from a hit on your hands is pretty great too. I felt my shots quite nicely, and when I missed the center of the clubface, the feeling in my hands was even more profound.

Callaway used their Jailbreak Technology and the ultra-thin clubface to maximize the ball’s speed on impact, even if your hit isn’t pure. So, you can comfortably achieve long distances with this driver. Expect to hit 225+ yards consistently.

Another great adjustability feature is the new and lightweight OptiFit 3 hosel that Callaway added in the Epic Flash. This hosel allows you to adjust the loft and lie angle quite easily until you find the right balance for you.

Overall, if you’re looking to constantly make adjustments to your driver on the go and with ease, then the Epic Flash is your go-to driver.

5. Callaway Golf Mavrik Driver – Best Premium Pick

Pros:

• Fairly easy to use
• Good for long-distance shots
• Offers good adjustability

Cons:

• Some might find it too pricey
• Not everyone will like the appearance

Last but not least, we have our premium pick – another driver from Callaway – the Mavrik.

Callaway must have quite the marketing team as it’s so easy to be attracted to their products, and the hype is around their Mavrik driver since it was released last year.

My expectations for the Mavrik were high, and fortunately, I can say that I wasn’t disappointed.

Looks-wise, the Mavrik stands out with its black and orange colors. I’m not sure if I like it, but I felt the crown looks like a motorcycle helmet. Anyway, I digress.

In all fairness, I found the metallic shiny orange kind of attractive from a certain angle, but it would’ve been nice if they provided other color options, which sadly, they don’t, unless you get a custom driver.

And it feels great in your hands too! When you hit the ball dead center, you’ll feel a satisfying springy reaction.

Of course, Callaway implemented a large clubface to maximize forgiveness since this is meant to be a driver for high handicappers, after all. But it doesn’t compromise performance. And as we can expect from Callaway, they used artificial intelligence to optimize performance.

The obvious drawback with the Mavrik is its price, especially compared to other excellent Callaway models like the Epic Flash, which is an already decent driver and costs way less.

That being said, if you can afford the Mavrik, then go for it because you’ll be happy with this premium driver. Otherwise, look for other options, especially if you’re still a beginner.

6. Mazel Titanium Golf Driver – Best Budget Pick

Pros:

• Very affordable driver
• Suitable for golfers who are just starting out
• Assists with launch angle
• Compact head optimizes ball speed

Cons:

• Not very adjustable or customizable
• Clubface isn’t cushioned, so the impact will feel very metallic
• The design isn’t very aerodynamic

As a beginner in golf (and pretty much any sport), you might feel hesitant to spend a fortune on equipment that you’re not even sure of.

That’s why I introduce to you the Mazel Titanium Driver – my budget pick for high handicappers.

Even though this is a cheap driver, it’ll still last you a few years, even under the stress you’ll probably put on it as you learn the ropes.

In fact, durability is Mazel’s thing. They even pride themselves in producing affordable yet durable golf equipment, including this driver.

The head is made of light and thin titanium (hence the name), designed to optimize ball speed at launch. And the size of the face is large enough to be forgiving on your mishits.

Since the Titanium Driver is durable and has a titanium head and a large face, you’d expect it to be quite heavy for a driver. But surprisingly, this isn’t the case! In reality, the Titanium Driver is actually quite lightweight and easy to swing, so you can hit your fast shots with relative ease.

In my opinion, the Mazel Titanium Driver is a bargain for beginners who aren’t too keen on spending much money on a club. So, if this describes you, go for it!

Buying Guide

What to Look For When Buying a High Handicap Driver

Material

The type of material of which your driver is made changes how it performs. Older drivers were made of stainless steel, and you could still go for these if you’re a beginner and don’t want to spend much on your first club.

However, stainless steel isn’t very forgiving. A more forgiving material type would be an alloy like titanium. And although a titanium club will cost you more, it’ll be more forgiving.

Loft

People have different swing speeds, and you’ll need to adjust your driver’s loft depending on your speed.

Most beginners have slower swing speeds and will need as much assistance as they need to counter this.

Golfers who swing slower than 85 mph should go for 14-20 degrees of loft, whereas those in the 85-95 mph range should go for 12-13 degrees.

Shaft

The shaft can also help correct your mishits when you’re a beginner. There are five types: very stiff, stiff, regular, seniors, and ladies.

Average players fall into the regular or stiff categories, whereas slower players will use a senior or ladies shaft, and experts will use very stiff shafts.

Adjustability

A driver that’s easily adjustable on the go can help you find the right balance of options for your playstyle, especially when you’re still learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Driver Shafts Interchangeable?

As long as the shafts are the same length and made by the same brand, then yes.

Is 9.5 or 10.5 Driver Better?

The answer depends on your swing speed. The faster you are, the lower degree loft you should be going for, and vice versa.

How Long Do Drivers Last?

A driver will last you about five years assuming you play roughly once every week or two.

Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results

Value for Money

One of the biggest barriers to learning any new sport is that it can be pricey. As a beginner-intermediate golfer, it’s hard to spend half your savings on equipment.

Fortunately, the drivers I’ve picked to show you are performant and affordable, with some being more cost-efficient than others.

Shaft Flex

As a high handicapper, you’ll likely want a higher flex as it’s more assistive and forgiving.

Of course, it’s not always this black and white since the right flex for you depends on some other factors as well. But here’s a general overview of each driver’s shaft flex.

Head Options

For head options, I looked at the heads’ designs and how forgiving they are.

As you can see in the table below, the drivers didn’t really have many variations in terms of head options ratings, except for the budget-friendly Mazel Titanium.

Workmanship

Last but not least, you want to know that you’re getting a resilient driver made to endure usage as much as possible.

Again, there isn’t much variation here either, but the more expensive drivers fared better.

Final Verdict: Best Drivers for High Handicappers

Conclusion

This is it for our roundup of the best drivers for high handicappers.

To wrap up, I found the TaylorMade SiM 2 Max to be the best overall driver for high handicappers. It isn’t too expensive and is effective in all aspects that a high handicapper looks for without compromising forgiveness.

However, if you’re on a tight budget, I recommend the Mazel Titanium Golf Driver, which is the best high handicap driver you can get in its price range.

Hopefully, you’re now more confident about what driver to buy, so go out there and get your new driver today!