What is the most forgiving driver on the market?

[cjc0504]

Hey guys,

I've been golfing for about 2 years on and off, and I started off with a $40 off-brand oversized driver that I slice incredibly hard whenever I get a piece of the ball.  I've heard good things about the Taylormade r1 and a few Cleveland models.  I hit my irons far and straight as an arrow but I've never had a consistent drive.  Bottom line, I want a driver that won't slice on me every damn shot.  Also, should I consider getting an adjustable driver?

Thanks in advance.

[newtogolf]

Everyone has a different swing so it's important that you go to a golf shop and test them yourself.  If I was to create a short list of drivers that I considered most forgiving based on my testing it would be these three;

• Ping G30 SF Tec
• Callaway Big Bertha V Series
• Titleist 915 D2

[saevel25]

Hey guys,

I've been golfing for about 2 years on and off, and I started off with a $40 off-brand oversized driver that I slice incredibly hard whenever I get a piece of the ball.  I've heard good things about the Taylormade r1 and a few Cleveland models.  I hit my irons far and straight as an arrow but I've never had a consistent drive.  Bottom line, I want a driver that won't slice on me every damn shot.  Also, should I consider getting an adjustable driver?

Thanks in advance.

Welcome to The Sand Trap. Hope you end up participating in more threads.

First, you will not find a driver that does not slice. That is a swing issue, not a driver issue.

Forgiveness in a driver isn't the ability to straighten out shots, but to maintain ball speed on off center hits. Given some drivers like the SLDR, R15, Mizuno JPX 850 can curve easier because the CG is located more forward and lower. Most drivers are maxing out on forgiveness.

If you really want to at least gain a bit of help then I would look for a driver with a low and back CG, not a forward CG.

Any of the Ping G30's

Cobra Fly-Z

Adams Blue

Titleist 915 D2 & D3

Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 815

Callaway V-Series

[WUTiger]

If you're going to get a driver, get fitted for it. And remember, the head is only half the club. The fitting will tell you what shafts give you the best number results - from there, you pick the shaft you like best.

You say you hit your irons "long and straight." If that's the case, make sure you don't get a shaft that's too soft for your swing. The "super game improvement" drivers come with stock  shafts for golfers with low to medium swing speeds.

You need a fitting to make sure your get the best {head + shaft} combination in a driver.

[mvmac]

G30 is pretty darn forgiving.

http://thesandtrap.com/b/clubs/ping_g30_driver_review

[Mac62]

Another vote for the PING G30 (SF Tec, since you're a slicer).  It's very forgiving and will still give you good distance even when you miss the sweet spot.  Just keep in mind that no matter how much of a "slice buster" a driver claims to be, it can't totally overcome a bad swing or defy ball flight laws.  It'll help tame your slice, but it's not magical. If you're slicing every shot with your driver, it would be a good idea to take a lesson or two and get your swing fixed because a bad slice is much more about the Indian than the Arrow.

[Mr. Desmond]

To the above list, I'd add the Callaway XR Driver ...

but not with the stock shaft and not at stock length, but everyone must try it for themselves.

Callaway has several no uncharge shafts available.

The XR, V, and 815 (V and 815 are 45.5 inches) are similar in shape yet different in design (launch, spin, etc), with the 815 having more custom options, and the XR and V being more aerodynamic. You've just got to demo to find what fits and gives you confidence. The XR and 815 have a softer feeling MOTO face, while the V feels slightly firmer, as if there is something there. I"ve heard the 815 has more heel-toe forgiveness, while the XR has more high-low forgiveness. You must try them for yourself to determine what fits.

Cure a slice? Your answer is above.

More Forgiveness? Try shaft length as most drivers are 45.5-46 inches.  In general, I prefer a 45 inch shaft, not >45. In general, a shorter shaft will be more forgiving. Guys tend to hit >45 inch drivers off the heel or have trouble making center contact. Some guys like 44.5 inch drivers. Of course, cut too much and you start messing with the balance of the club and must go to a slightly heavier than stock shaft or add weight towards the bottom of the club (lead tape, hot melt). Start from the stock length and grip down to see what works best for you.

Good luck.

[newtogolf]

To the above list, I'd add the Callaway XR Driver ...

but not with the stock shaft and not at stock length, but everyone must try it for themselves.

Callaway has several no uncharge shafts available.

The XR, V, and 815 (V and 815 are 45.5 inches) are similar in shape yet different in design (launch, spin, etc), with the 815 having more custom options, and the XR and V being more aerodynamic. You've just got to demo to find what fits and gives you confidence. The XR and 815 have a softer feeling MOTO face, while the V feels slightly firmer, as if there is something there. I"ve heard the 815 has more heel-toe forgiveness, while the XR has more high-low forgiveness. You must try them for yourself to determine what fits.

Cure a slice? Your answer is above.

More Forgiveness? Try shaft length as most drivers are 45.5-46 inches.  In general, I prefer a 45 inch shaft, not >45. In general, a shorter shaft will be more forgiving. Guys tend to hit >45 inch drivers off the heel or have trouble making center contact. Some guys like 44.5 inch drivers. Of course, cut too much and you start messing with the balance of the club and must go to a slightly heavier than stock shaft or add weight towards the bottom of the club (lead tape, hot melt). Start from the stock length and grip down to see what works best for you.

Good luck.

I agree, the XR would have been my 4th choice and was really close to beating out the Titleist 915.

[mvmac]

Gotten some good responses so far, what do you think @cjc0504 ?