Best 2023 drivers
Every February sees a wave of new drivers hitting the market in the UK promising longer, straighter tee shots. To find out what you can expect from the class of 2023, we’ve tested 22 different models from ten different brands using the Foresight Sports GC Quad launch monitor.
Looks
The options you have in 2023 divide themselves fairly evenly into two camps: drivers with matte crowns and those with gloss finishes. Taylormade, Callaway and Cobra have all switched from matte to gloss this year and of those, Callaway’s Paradym provides the most striking change with its deep blue finish really standing out in bright sunlight. It’s a bold look that may divide people, but we love it.
Our pick from the matte group would be the LST version of the Ping G430. It has a two-tone effect on the crown that highlights the weight-saving Carbonfly wrap. Some golfers may think there is too much going on here with the turbulators as well, but Ping has really embraced that ‘techy’ look and we think it’s superb. The last drivers to mention are Mizuno’s ST230 models. Both the Z and the X options are classically beautiful, providing an ultra-premium look, but the Paradym edges it.
GM pick: Sound/feel
Callaway Paradym
This year, the drivers are closer in terms of the sound and feel than in the past, but there are still some important differences. If you are looking for a louder, ‘hotter’ impact sound, then consider testing the Yonex Ezone GS i-tech.
At the other end of the spectrum sit the Cobra Aerojet LS and Taylormade’s Stealth 2 drivers. We loved how powerful both of these models felt through
“IT IS CONTROL AND CONSISTENCY WHERE THE BRANDS ARE OFFERING THE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENTS” Neil Tappin, GM digital editor
the strike. It’s also worth saying the feel on offer from Ping’s drivers has been subtly improved this year. The Max version is still towards the louder end of the sound spectrum, but we think it’s a little lower-pitched and more powerful this time around.
GM picks: Taylormade Stealth 2, Cobra Aerojet LS
Performance
If we were picking a driver from this group, we wouldn’t base the decision on distance. Each brand had something that worked well for us, but it’s worth pointing out that Cobra offered the fastest head speed with the standard Aerojet and Titleist provided the fastest ball speed with the TSR3. However, we are confident that a fitter with access to a number of models will unlock extra distance for the vast majority of golfers.
We felt the bigger gains came in terms of consistency. Across the board, this year’s drivers provide reliable flights and distances from different strike locations. There were three models that we really ‘clicked’ with during testing as they provided excellent speed and control from the off.
GM picks: Titleist TSR2, Callaway Paradym, Ping G430 Max
Value
While some prices have gone up this year, the increases haven’t been as drastic as we might have expected. At the top end, you have Callaway’s Paradym drivers at £599 RRP, and Ping’s G430 LST isn’t too far behind at £575. There are two models that really stand out for value, though.
While the Yonex Ezone GS i-tech provided better results for us, we thought the Ezone Elite 4 model was a really solid performer and it’s excellent value at £279. The impressive stability on offer from the Yonex shaft is a standout feature.
Likewise, PXG’S new 0211 driver punches well above its weight. This is the second iteration of this driver; the looks have been refined and the feel is much more powerful. The 0211 is an excellent all-rounder in terms of distance and accuracy. There are plenty of very good shafts available that will keep the price at just £199.
GM pick: PXG 0211