2024 New Drivers - What Is Your Favorite?

[chisag]

13 hours ago, Peaksy68 said:

There really needs to be an option for “I don’t know because I haven’t hit any of them yet” Going purely off looks is meaningless. Also, what shaft options are available. Without a fitting, even online it’s really a guessing game. I get the excitement around new releases but if it doesn’t perform better than what’s in the bag it won’t be purchased.

 

... I have said many times I am envious of those that don't care about looks and sound/feel, just performance. While I don't care about the sole (which is usually all you see in Ads) my clubs need to look good at address. For those that love a flat mat look the new Dark Speed is an attention getter and since I am old school and prefer a plain gloss black crown the Qi10 certainly got my attention. But no doubt worthless without a fitting. 

Edited January 14 by chisag

[Preeway]

1 minute ago, chisag said:

 

... I would counter with the V3's are an awesome ball if you need more spin, and more than a few do. But I hear ya and they spin too much for me and the better player that doesn't need more spin isn't gonna like a Kirkland V3 but my 81 yr old pard that shoots his age often, needed the extra spin. He was playing Chrome Soft balls and I gave him 2 dozen V3's for his birthday (BIG spender at $27.99 ) and he gained about 10 yds because the ball was staying in the air longer. One of my pards wife plays with us 2 times a week and she too gained a little yardage playing the V3's as well as a little better green side performance. At $14 a dozen I could argue they are the top of the best balls available if you fall into the need more spin category. Just sayin ...

100% agree. There is definitely a segment of the golf population that their balls fits into nicely. Likewise, I will imagine their clubs will as well. But will it stand up head to head with the big boys? Are they even trying to? Questions to be answered soon. I know I would love to compare them head to head myself. Maybe a testing opportunity in the near future?

[chisag]

1 hour ago, RangerGrey said:

TaylorMade would always brag on how much more forgiving and longer their new drivers were from the last years model and now they all I hear about is that the Stealth and Stealth 2 + were not all that forgiving compared to the Qi10. With the issues with the face that they have had I'm staying away from them plus the bottom looks cheap but top view looks a bit like a Titleist driver which is good if you like a shinny crown.

 

... To be fair Taylor Made along with every other driver has bragged about their drivers being longer, but I don't remember them ever making forgiveness a selling point. Mostly because they have never really made a forgiving driver and have always chased ball speed and low spin. The Qi10 is a huge leap into the forgiveness category and it remains to be seen how the golfing public embraces a bigger, more forgiving head.

... Fwiw, there were no more problems with the carbon face than any metal driver with normal swing speeds of 115 and under. The Stealth2 HD has around 8500 MOI which was considered pretty forgiving so the jump to 10,000 MOI is huge and no reflection on previous models. My S2 HD is the best driver I have ever played and if the Qi10 matches up with spin, trajectory and distance while maintaining a high ball speed and improved dispersion on slight mishits it will be in my bag this year. And I love a shiny crown. 

... And it should go without saying but most OEMs do not offer any club that outperforms last years model unless they have some kind of breakthrough in technology, like MOI at 10,000 compared to 8500. But I imagine a standard Qi10 isn't gonna be a jump in any performance category over a standard Stealth 2  but a pretty big jump from an M1. When I went for a Taylor Made fitting for the Stealth, I gained about 1-2 yds on slight mishits compared to may Sim2 Max with everything else being equal and the Rep said no need to change. 

[funkyjudge]

27 minutes ago, chisag said:

 

... I would counter with the V3's are an awesome ball if you need more spin, and more than a few do. But I hear ya and they spin too much for me and the better player that doesn't need more spin isn't gonna like a Kirkland V3 but my 81 yr old pard that shoots his age often, needed the extra spin. He was playing Chrome Soft balls and I gave him 2 dozen V3's for his birthday (BIG spender at $27.99 ) and he gained about 10 yds because the ball was staying in the air longer. One of my pards wife plays with us 2 times a week and she too gained a little yardage playing the V3's as well as a little better green side performance. At $14 a dozen I could argue they are the top of the best balls available if you fall into the need more spin category. Just sayin ...

I was about to say something very similar, Sam. One of my regular playing partners on our winter tour is 77-78 years old, with a clubhead speed several MPH lower than his age. He needs all of the help (spin) that he can get to keep his shots in the air as long as possible and eke out a few extra yards.  His #1 ball of choice? — Kirkland Signature V3.

Edited January 14 by funkyjudge

[Wheelieb]

7 minutes ago, chisag said:

Taylor Made along with every other driver has bragged about their drivers being longer, but I don't remember them ever making forgiveness a selling point

To be fair, they never came out and said “forgiveness”. They called it “Fargiveness” last year. That’s why they put a video out with the tour players trying to not hit the center of the face and Tiger just couldn’t do it. But it was to show how far they could still hit it with the forgiveness across the face. So no they didn’t come out and try to sell “forgiveness” in that exact word. 

[chisag]

13 minutes ago, Wheelieb said:

To be fair, they never came out and said “forgiveness”. They called it “Fargiveness” last year. That’s why they put a video out with the tour players trying to not hit the center of the face and Tiger just couldn’t do it. But it was to show how far they could still hit it with the forgiveness across the face. So no they didn’t come out and try to sell “forgiveness” in that exact word. 

 

... Sure, my point being TaylorMade has never promoted forgiveness first. Even FARgiveness promotes longer first. But Ping has been promoting it the other way around with forgiveness and then distance. (They all say distance of course) While Callaway just insists they are the best in every category and Titleist the best for better players while Cleveland the best for average players and PXG the best for high rollers and now almost a margin brand while trying to maintain the money is no object image. They all lie while telling the truth. 

[Wheelieb]

45 minutes ago, chisag said:

 

... Sure, my point being TaylorMade has never promoted forgiveness first. Even FARgiveness promotes longer first. But Ping has been promoting it the other way around with forgiveness and then distance. (They all say distance of course) While Callaway just insists they are the best in every category and Titleist the best for better players while Cleveland the best for average players and PXG the best for high rollers and now almost a margin brand while trying to maintain the money is no object image. They all lie while telling the truth. 

You aren’t wrong with that last part

[GolfSpy_APH]

10 hours ago, Peaksy68 said:

There really needs to be an option for “I don’t know because I haven’t hit any of them yet” Going purely off looks is meaningless. Also, what shaft options are available. Without a fitting, even online it’s really a guessing game. I get the excitement around new releases but if it doesn’t perform better than what’s in the bag it won’t be purchased.

They are available for fittings right now fwiw. Shop I was in today had them all out Cobra. I definitely know which would be my contender.

Also all the MGS release articles go over stock shafts and they are available to view on the websites of each OEM.

[KC Golf]

I am really hoping I get the Cobra to work for me this year.  In previous years, the stock shafts while really nice just didn’t have the performance numbers of the Titleist.  Which is too bad since it looked great and was noticeably cheaper!  This year’s Cobra looks even better.  I think the best looking in quite awhile.  

[TJ Hall]

19 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

No love for the Kirkland?

This is most definitely going to be the headliner for Monday and then we will see a nice group of responses to see what is really exciting the community!

No lefty = no love!

[TJ Hall]

I excited for both the TaylorMade and Callaway…I’m still a little reluctant on the composite face at this point.

I have never played a Callaway driver before, but seeing the impact of the Ai-ONE putters, the driver intrigues me.

My local store only has the Ping at this point, will be stopping back by checking for the new releases to try them out! 

[chisag]

16 minutes ago, TJ Hall said:

I excited for both the TaylorMade and Callaway…I’m still a little reluctant on the composite face at this point.

 

... I'll just say for swing speeds under 115mph the carbon face is very reliable and the real deal, if you like a dense solid low noise feel/sound. (guys on tour wouldn't be playing them if they thought they might have a problem in a tournament) You can definitely feel the difference between center contact and heel/toe contact but it isn't that huge kinda difference with some titanium drivers. And if you prefer a high pitched explosive sound you won't like it at all. For me, the Stealth2 HD is the best driver I have played as the combination of distance, trajectory, spin and feel has been ideal for my swing. So I am looking forward to a Qi10 fitting to see if I can squeeze even more performance out of a driver. As always I will also hit the Cally and Cobra just in case because ya never know. Ymmv of course ... 

[TJ Hall]

1 minute ago, chisag said:

 

... I'll just say for swing speeds under 115mph the carbon face is very reliable and the real deal, if you like a dense solid low noise feel/sound. (guys on tour wouldn't be playing them if they thought they might have a problem in a tournament) You can definitely feel the difference between center contact and heel/toe contact but it isn't that huge kinda difference with some titanium drivers. And if you prefer a high pitched explosive sound you won't like it at all. For me, the Stealth2 HD is the best driver I have played as the combination of distance, trajectory, spin and feel has been ideal for my swing. So I am looking forward to a Qi10 fitting to see if I can squeeze even more performance out of a driver. As always I will also hit the Cally and Cobra just in case because ya never know. Ymmv of course ... 

Appreciate the feedback…I will say the carbon face is growing on me.  I have some guys in my league that have them and have not had any issues.  My local shop has said the only issues they have seen is some delamination and issues with the crown of contact is primarily near the very top of the face.

I hit the Stealth very early on and that face was incredibly hot…ball would carry (low driven flight) farther than total distance in my current gamer.

The shape of the TaylorMades just fit my eye at this point.  I’m ok with the muted sound if the performance is there.

Really want to try the Qi10 when my shop gets one to demo.

[bbanksp1]

Own a copy of both the Qi and the PIng G430Max 10k. alot of work in the simulator today. some on course.  The Qi appears to give 1-2 mph more ball speed. Is a way better club for me than the stealth was. straighter. very hot. The G430 max 10k isnt quite as hot but its incredibly straight. impressive. Carry distances similar as the ping was so close to straight most shots. both of these clubs seem fantastic after one days work. 

[Wheelieb]

5 hours ago, TJ Hall said:

I excited for both the TaylorMade and Callaway…I’m still a little reluctant on the composite face at this point.

I have never played a Callaway driver before, but seeing the impact of the Ai-ONE putters, the driver intrigues me.

My local store only has the Ping at this point, will be stopping back by checking for the new releases to try them out! 

Not going to lie, Taylormade will replace the clubhead if you happen to smack it hard enough the face comes off. At least they did with the stealth head I had. After that I traded in the new head I got and the old Sim head and switched to callaway since that was was the best driver for me then. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

Got a chance to see. Unfortunately not test many of the newer models. In terms of looks this may be one of the better years for drivers in my opinion. 

Still don't love love the the look of TM, but the Max or non LS versions are far less pear shaped. I really prefer this change to the Steath. Also getting rid of the red face is a smart move. Again for me. 

The Ai Smoke look far less marbly and almost a bit of a matte coating. The top has almost a grey look that reminds me of the SIM. 

All in all well done and looking forward to getting them actually in my hands to hit and on the course!

[BigJerry]

I'm loving the look of the new Cobra, the full black finish just really screams class! maybe a small bias because I've got a cobra in the bag now but definitely winning the looks race for me!

[John Marchetto]

Time for a fitting! With the cost of these things you cannot buy off the rack as the tech is so precise for each individual 

[Wheelieb]

3 minutes ago, John Marchetto said:

Time for a fitting! With the cost of these things you cannot buy off the rack as the tech is so precise for each individual 

Also valid, best would be going to demo days cause then you wouldn’t need to pay to be fit for them. You can judge it based on your own. 

[bbanksp1]

11 minutes ago, John Marchetto said:

Time for a fitting! With the cost of these things you cannot buy off the rack as the tech is so precise for each individual 

i dont know man. Ive spent countless thousands of dollars on fitted clubs and i dont play one iota better with them. I'm done with fittings for now. I'm gaming a full set of off the rack beauties now(except fitted LAB DF2.1 which is like cheating) and playing at least as well. 

[bbanksp1]

20 hours ago, Wheelieb said:

To be fair, they never came out and said “forgiveness”. They called it “Fargiveness” last year. That’s why they put a video out with the tour players trying to not hit the center of the face and Tiger just couldn’t do it. But it was to show how far they could still hit it with the forgiveness across the face. So no they didn’t come out and try to sell “forgiveness” in that exact word. 

QI is definitely far and straighter from me than stealth. alot straighter. 

[jbern]

Based on looks I’m most excited about the Cobra. They crushed it this year from a looks perspective. 
Tech-wise, I’m most interested in the Taylormade after watching the videos of toe hits where the face stays so much straighter than the previous stealth 2. 
I also like the PXG. Their branding fascinates me and the claims they’re making with the Black ops just makes me want to go hit it!

[Wheelieb]

40 minutes ago, bbanksp1 said:

i dont know man. Ive spent countless thousands of dollars on fitted clubs and i dont play one iota better with them. I'm done with fittings for now. I'm gaming a full set of off the rack beauties now(except fitted LAB DF2.1 which is like cheating) and playing at least as well. 

Not gonna lie, I do like the look of that one and the Mezz Max. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

We want your feedback for an upcoming article. Please take a few minute to fill out the following for as it would help us a bunch!

What Driver Are  You Most Excited For?

[SteveGH7]

Based on looks, descriptions, and reviews, I have Callaway and Ping at the top of my list.  But I also want to try the new Taylormade and Cleveland.

[d0m41n]

I'd say I loved the Callaway seeing as how I pre-ordered one already  . Cannot wait to get the AI Smoke Max. I had been fitted for a Paradym, so I imagine an even more forgiving version couldn't hurt.

[OdinSnipes414]

As a cobra fan I want to see the dark speed! What I really want to see is more color or white or something totally different  I love simple but it’s time for stand out! 

[ChrisS]

Last driver I didn't get a true fitting. I did try several driver and shaft combinations over a few weeks. Wound up buying a Cobra Radspeed Max with a Motore F3 stiff shaft (stock option). It looked, sounded, and performed best for me of all the drivers I hit. Last season I was consistently driving 265 straight, only slight loss on mis-hit, or when I was swinging like I wanted to send it into the next century. Had surgery early in December that should let me increase my swing speed, so maybe a few more yards. At 61 and only about 5'6", I keep up with a couple of the younger, taller guys because of accuracy that comes from a smooth swing and being able to work the ball a little better. When I was testing other drivers, I  didn't hit any of them bad, just liked the Cobra best. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

14 minutes ago, OdinSnipes414 said:

As a cobra fan I want to see the dark speed! What I really want to see is more color or white or something totally different  I love simple but it’s time for stand out! 

Sounds like you can save yourself a bunch of money and just buy the Aerojet!

[chisag]

... I have said many times I would not want to be in charge of a design team. I am old school and prefer a plain black, glossy top with a small alignment aid. Not a fan of mat finishes or turbulators or obvious carbon weaves. The Qi10 looks beautiful but I am sure many will find it too plain looking as well as not caring for a glossy finish. I thought the Dark Speed looked most unappealing, but in person it looks a lot better and of course is getting more comments about how awesome it looks than any other new offering. It seems Cally always wants to be different which of course can be good or bad. 

... In the end of course performance is all that really matters, if you can stomach looking at a driver in the address portion. I think most of us can deal with a sound less than ideal even if it is a little too dampened or a little too explosive, the head not too big or too small but extremes can take a driver out of contention for more than a few. 

... So the design team has to get the look right, the feel/sound right, the spin right, the trajectory right, the forgiveness right, the size right and the performance right. That's a lot of objectives with many variables and we have read plenty of different opinions on this thread of why we like and dislike. Always interesting and always fun.