Connect with us

Equipment

Best driver 2024: Recapping the results

Published

on

As long-time GolfWRXers know, we determine the “best driver” in a given year (in this case, best driver of 2024) in two ways.

Fitters’ Choice (AKA Best Driver): We publish in the first quarter of the year. As soon as our panel of expert fitters from across the country have reached a critical mass of club fittings, we present them with an in-depth questionnaire and follow up with an interview to discuss the drivers they are actually fitting players into across the 1,000s of fittings they collectively conduct. We present these findings in four categories (Best driver for faster swing speeds 106+ mph, best driver for swing speeds 95-105 mph, best driver for slower swing speeds <94 mph, best driver most forgiving).

Members Choice: Later in the year, we survey thousands of our forum members, who are the most dedicated and thorough testers of golf equipment in the world, to see what these “club junkies” are gaming are having had a chance to test all the latest wares.

We think it’s the best and most comprehensive one-two punch in the business. While we find robot testing an interesting curiosity and capable of providing insights into performance in specific clubface areas relative to others, given the variables in the actual human golf swing and the variety of swingers of the clubs, we don’t currently view it as the best determinant of “best” rankings.

With the leaves beginning to turn and the season of new launches just a few calendar page flips away, we figured the time was right for a backward glance at GolfWRX’s best drivers of 2024.

Best Driver 2024: Fitters Choice

BEST DRIVER FOR 106 MPH AND ABOVE

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond

Drawing on the swing dynamics of thousands of real golfers, Callaway developed an all-new Ai Smart Face for its Paradym Ai Smoke drivers. Swing speed, club delivery, and face orientation prior to impact were considered to create club faces catered to optimal launch and tighter dispersion. Engineers targeted face design virtually everywhere across the face to leverage micro deflections for optimal spin on off-center shots struck anywhere on the face. Triple Diamond, Callaway’s tour/better player option is the most compact and neutral-to-fade biased in the Ai Smoke lineup, as would be expected. A 14-gram weight can be moved from front to back for spin reduction and to the rear for workability.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

Titleist TSR3

TSR is the next generation of the Titleist Speed Project that began more than six years ago with the TS series and continued with TSi models in 2020. Mid-launch, mid-spin TSR3 is the more adjustable option in a tour-preferred shape. It’s engineered for playability and precise CG positioning (thanks to a reimagined SureFit Adjustable CG Track System) and an improved sweet spot.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

TaylorMade Qi10 LS

TaylorMade targets forgiveness, rather than distance, with its Qi10 family of drivers, thanks to the combined effects of a re-engineered Infinity Crown, perimeter mass distribution, and modified head shapes. The LS takes Qi10 Max technology puts it in a “better player” package. Qi10 LS is a more compact profile with interior mass distribution engineered for lower spin and launch. Aiding in this effort is an 18-gram sliding weight near the face that utilizes a new, more aerodynamic weight system. Weight is moved low and forward for greater MOI in the LS while keeping the club low-spin.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

Cobra Darkspeed LS

A re-engineered PWR-Bridge and weighting system, PWRSHELL, and H.O.T. Face Technologies are at the heart of the Cobra Darkspeed LS line. With the most compact profile in the lineup (albeit with a higher crown peak), Darkspeed LS is designed for high-clubhead-speed players seeking lower spin with shot shape control. For the Darkspeed LS, three weight ports with two three-gram weights and one 12-gram weight. Two ports are situated in the front of the club and one in the rear for players to dial in draw/fade or preference spin versus forgiveness.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

Ping G430 LST

With a shallower and thinner VFT forged face design, Ping engineers sought to add speed and distance without undermining an element Ping drivers have been known for: forgiveness. Exclusive to the G430 LST, lightweight composite crown-covering Carbonfly Wrap technology is the major innovation in the series. It’s an eight-layer, one-piece composite covering the crown to save weight (four grams) and lower CG, creating a lower-spin, higher-MOI driver.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

BEST DRIVERS FOR 95-105 MPH

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max

Drawing on the swing dynamics of thousands of real golfers, Callaway developed an all-new Ai Smart Face for its Paradym Ai Smoke drivers. Swing speed, club delivery, and face orientation prior to impact were considered to create club faces catered to optimal launch and tighter dispersion. Engineers targeted face design virtually everywhere across the face to leverage micro deflections for optimal spin on off-center shots struck anywhere on the face. Aimed at the widest swath of the fitting bell curve, Paradym Ai Smoke Max is the only driver in the lineup with an adjustable perimeter weight. According to the company, this allows up to 19 yards of shot shape adjustment.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

Titleist TSR2

TSR is the next generation of the Titleist Speed Project that began more than seven years ago with the TS series and continued with TSi models in 2020. There are three models in the TSR line. TSR2 is a high-launch, low-spin “max” driver, balancing speed and stability that is designed for the player who makes contact across the face.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

TaylorMade Qi10

TaylorMade targets forgiveness, rather than distance, with its Qi10 family of drivers, thanks to the combined effects of a re-engineered Infinity Crown, perimeter mass distribution, and modified head shapes. Living between the Max and LS models regarding launch and spin, Qi10 is slightly smaller than Qi10 Max with a more traditional profile. It features a sole weight closer to the center of the face and a more centered rear weight for a more neutral flight bias.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

Ping G430 Max

With a shallower and thinner VFT forged face design, Ping engineers sought to add speed and distance without undermining an element Ping drivers have been known for: forgiveness. For slower-swing-speed golfers, G430 Max can be custom built with lighter head weights. G430 Max is suitable for the widest segment of the fitting bell curve and features a 25-gram, high-density tungsten moveable back weight (±8 yards of shot shaping).

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

Ping G430 Max 10K

Ping touts the effects of a 28-gram fixed tungsten backweight working in combination with its 460cc multi-material head in achieving a 10,000 g-cm² measurement. Five grams of weight is saved from a lighter Carbonfly Wrap crown allowing for weight to be pushed to the perimeter of the club for increased forgiveness. The head profile is the largest in Ping history, pushed to the limits of heel-toe and front-back USGA restrictions.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

BEST DRIVERS FOR 94 MPH AND BELOW

Ping G430 Max 10K

Ping touts the effects of a 28-gram fixed tungsten backweight working in combination with its 460cc multi-material head in achieving a 10,000 g-cm² measurement. Five grams of weight is saved from a lighter Carbonfly Wrap crown allowing for weight to be pushed to the perimeter of the club for increased forgiveness. The head profile is the largest in Ping history, pushed to the limits of heel-toe and front-back USGA restrictions.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

TaylorMade Qi10 Max

TaylorMade targets forgiveness, rather than distance, with its Qi10 family of drivers, thanks to the combined effects of a re-engineered Infinity Crown, perimeter mass distribution, and modified head shapes. The undisputed star of TaylorMade’s Quest for Inertia — the company’s bid for “max forgiveness and max accuracy” while continuing to deliver top-of-the-line ball speeds. The largest profile in the lineup, the Max features an incredible MOI of 10,000 g-cm².

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max

Drawing on the swing dynamics of thousands of real golfers, Callaway developed an all-new Ai Smart Face for its Paradym Ai Smoke drivers. Swing speed, club delivery, and face orientation prior to impact were considered to create club faces catered to optimal launch and tighter dispersion. Engineers targeted face design virtually everywhere across the face to leverage micro deflections for optimal spin on off-center shots struck anywhere on the face. Aimed at the widest swath of the fitting bell curve, Paradym Ai Smoke Max is the only driver in the lineup with an adjustable perimeter weight. According to the company, this allows up to 19 yards of shot shape adjustment.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

Cobra Darkspeed Max

A re-engineered PWR-Bridge and weighting system, PWRSHELL, and H.O.T. Face Technologies are at the heart of the Cobra Darkspeed LS line. With the most compact profile in the lineup (albeit with a higher crown peak), Darkspeed LS is designed for high-clubhead-speed players seeking lower spin with shot shape control. The Max, Cobra’s draw-biased model is built for the player who needs forgiveness. Depending on the weight configuration, either greater forgiveness or more draw bias can be targeted.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

Titleist TSR1

According to Titleist, the new 460cc TSR1 driver weighs a total of 40 grams lighter than the TSR2 thanks to a lighter headweight, 40-gram stock shaft, and a lighter stock grip. Like the other TSR drivers, the TSR1 has Multi-Plateau Variable Face Thickness to boost speed on off-center hits, and the CG (center of gravity) is placed rearward in the heads to increase launch and height.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

Read our fitter comments for all the drivers here.

Best Driver 2024: Members Choice

Share of vote in parenthesis. 

1. Titleist TSR3 (15.17%)

You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop Titleist TSR3 here.

2. Ping G430 Max 10K (12.07%)

You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop Ping G430 Max 10K here.

3. Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond (9.37%)

You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond here.

T4. TaylorMade Qi10 (8.03%)

You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop TaylorMade Qi10 here.

T4. Titleist TSR2 (8.03%)

You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop Titleist TSR2 here.

Other drivers receiving >2% of the vote

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Max, Ping G430 LST, Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max, Ping G430 Max, TaylorMade Qi10 LS, Cobra Darkspeed LS, TaylorMade Qi10 Max, Titleist TSR4.

2025 driver speculation has already begun in earnest in the GolfWRX forums! Head over there to join the discussion. 

We share your golf passion. You can follow GolfWRX on Twitter @GolfWRX, Facebook and Instagram.

Equipment

Slab city on the Korn Ferry Tour — Lead Tape Report

Published

on

This week, we have our Tour Photographer, Greg Moore, on the ground at the OccuNet Classic at Tascosa Golf Club in Amarillo, Texas, for the 14th event of the 2026 Korn Ferry Tour season. With that, we see some great things in the Lead Tape Report as we roll into Amarillo.

Joel Thelen

Monday Qualifier, Joel Thelen is in the field this week. He has played on the Korn Ferry Tour for a full season in 2023, and he is back in action this week. A couple of clubs caught my eye this week in his bag.

First off: His trusted Titleist 816 H2 hybrid. This club came out in October of 2015, and it still remains strong in the bag. Also, take a look at this Odyssey White Hot OG 7, putting a capital S in the 7S model. This custom neck has some impressive lean for an arm-lock-style putter. The bottom of the putter is covered in tape for optimal weighting.

Mitchell Meissner

Taking a look at Mitchell Meissner’s bag this week, we have some great lead tape coverage. Top to bottom working from fairway metals, irons, and wedges. We can see on the short irons and wedges that there is tape at the base of the grip, adding a little counterbalance. Along with that, some tape on the short irons and wedges as well. Moving to his putter, he rolls the Odyssey 7 Bird putter. Meissner putts left-handed and strikes the ball right-handed. 

Continue Reading

Whats in the Bag

Bud Cauley WITB 2026 (June)

Published

on

Bud Cauley had >14 clubs in his bag when photographed prior to the Memorial Tournament.

Driver: Titleist GTS2 (8 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X

3-wood: Titleist GTS3 (15 degrees, B1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei 1K Pro Red 70 TX

7-wood: Titleist GTS3 (21 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei 1K Pro Red 80 TX

Irons: Titleist U505 (3), Titleist 620 MB (4-9)
Shafts: Fujikura Ventus Black HB 8 X, True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 (48-10F, 52-12F, 56-14F), WedgeWorks (60-K*)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400

Putters: Scotty Cameron Tour Prototype, Scotty Cameron GOLO 6.3 Prototype

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Align

Ball: Titleist Pro V1

See more in-hand photos of Bud Cauley’s clubs here.

Continue Reading

Equipment

Name every set of irons you’ve owned – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

on

In our forums, one user has offered up a prompt for the true sickos, inviting fellow forum members to share every set of irons they’ve ever owned. As to be expected, this is a lengthy forum topic.

@Lamosteve began:

Can you name every set of irons you’ve owned? Here’s mine

Spalding Dots
Spalding Eclipse
Ram Lazer FX
Lynx Parallax
Mizuno EZ Comp
Ben Hogans
Cleveland CG Red
Taylor Made R9s
PING i20
PING iE1
Taylor Made M6

Our members in the forum have been offering up their own collections. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • macedan: “Started with a hand-me-down Golden Bear set from my brother when I was in high school, never really played more than once a year or got into the game until about summer of 2017. First purchased a set of Cleveland CG4’s (I actually really miss this set sometimes, soft & not terribly large for a GI iron), moved into Nike Vapor Fly’s by the end of the year. Those lasted until spring of 18 when I decided I wanted new, so I traded them in for TM Rbladez. Honestly, although I liked the Rbladez, poor decision on my part, I think this was really about the only time so far that after a week or two I was kicking myself for not staying with what I had. Rbladez stayed with me until late last summer when I switched to P790’s and (knock on wood) I am hoping this will be my longest lasting set.”
  • JimmyC59: “MacGregor Jack Nicklaus Triple Crown. Palmer The Standard. Still play these.”
  • jgrzask: “Tommy Armour 845u
    Mizuno MP-32
    Mizuno MP-33 (2 sets)
    Bridgestone J33cb – still own
    Srixon i-302 (2 sets) – still own
    Tourstage X-Blades – still own
    Mizuno Hot Metal – still own
    Nike Forged Blades – still own
    Titleist 714 AP1 – still own
    Cobra Forged SS – still own”

Entire Thread: “Name every set of irons you’ve owned.”

Continue Reading

Announcement

Our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use have been updated as of January 29th, 2026. Please review the updated policies here Privacy Policy | Terms of Use. By continuing to use our site after January 29th, 2026, you agree to the changes.

WITB

Facebook

Trending