In Search of 10 Yards? Golf’s 5 Best New Drivers Will Deliver

The 2021 PGA Merchandise Show was forced to go virtual but that didn’t prevent golf’s biggest equipment manufacturers from rolling out new drivers.

If you are looking for a few more yards or maybe just as importantly, a little more forgiveness, when swinging the big stick on your next Myrtle Beach golf trip, here is a look at the game’s hottest new offerings:

TaylorMade’s SIM 2 driver hit stores February 19, giving recreational players the opportunity to swing the same club that’s in Dustin Johnson’s bag. The original SIM line touted its ability to increase swing speed and therefore distance, while the newest line promises increased forgiveness. The club’s new Forged Ring Construction utilizes a lightweight, high-strength aluminum that’s precision milled, providing the distance players have come to expect with greater margin for error. The SIM 2 retails for $529.99.

— Like TaylorMade, Callaway rarely lets a product cycle pass without introducing a new line, and the company is launching two new drivers in 2021 – the Epic Max and Epic Speed. Built using artificial intelligence, Callaway says the Epic Max is the most forgiving club the company has ever produced. The key factor is the Max’s use of Triaxial Carbon material that saves 19 grams of weight that was redistributed to promote a high launch and more forgiveness. The Epic Speed removed the sliding weight and in its place is a single weight at the rear of the club, which helps increase MOI and clubhead speed. Suggested retail price: $529.99.

— Titleist hasn’t spent as much on marketing but the company’s reputation helps ensure players in search of a new driver will take a long look at the latest TSi offerings. Part of the Titleist speed series, the TSi2 and TSi3 feature a new ATI 425 Aerospace Titanium that creates a more muscular club face to increase speed and accuracy. The difference between the two clubs? The TSi2 will provide more distance while the TSi3 offers more margin for error, something us high handicappers crave. Suggested retail price: $549.99.

— Cobra’s Radspeed driver debuted on Feb. 12, utilizing radial weighting technology to provide golfers low spin rate, soaring balls speed and maximum forgiveness. Bryson DeChambeau uses the Radspeed so the distance has to be there, right?! Driver also comes in two colors – here is a vote for the neon yellow – and it’s the least “expensive” option on our list. Suggested retail price: $449.

— Ping has released three new G425 drivers, which replaced the G410 series unveiled last year. The G425 series has elevated the MOI to the highest level in Ping history and increases forgiveness via a movable, 26-gram tungsten weight. Suggested retail price: $499.00.

The Bottom Line: Five of golf’s biggest names have released new drivers that offer the promise of increased distance and greater forgiveness. Truth is they are all outstanding clubs and if you want to know which is best suited to your game, I’d recommend a fitting prior to purchasing your newest big stick.