9 Most Forgiving Drivers: PING, Callaway & More (2023)

Choosing the most forgiving drivers can help you find fairways consistently and feel like a PGA pro. From all the top-name brands from Callaway to TaylorMade and everything else in between, forgiving drivers can help you get up and down the course. 

In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 9 most forgiving drivers along with my top 3 choices, so that you can pick the best one for you. 

Choosing the most forgiving drivers can be difficult, as there are 10+ popular options to choose from. 

When choosing the right forgiving drivers consider:

• Moment of Inertia (MOI) – higher MOI leads to more forgiving strikes
• Center of gravity (CG) – lower CG will create higher launch angles and reduce spin
• Spin rate – lower backspin mitigates hooks or slices
• Adjustability – adjustable hosel and weight setting to accommodate ball flight

We’ll also compare:

• Most forgiving budget driver
• Most forgiving for high handicapper
• Most forgiving driver for slice

What are the most forgiving drivers? 

Finding the right forgiving drivers has never been easier, with so many options to fit your game.

Look for a driver that will help you frequently find fairways and setup your second shot on good lies for less strokes to lower your score.

Here are my top picks for the most forgiving drivers to use this season. 

1. Ping G425 Max

Best Overall ($399.00)

Rating: 5/5

Ping G425 Max is an absolute smash spot and takes the top spot for the best overall driver for forgiveness. 

The CG-shifting weight can be set in neutral, draw, or fade to promote forgiveness and shot shape.  

With a T9S+ forged face, you can also expect additional distance off the tee box.

Key Features:

• Internal Dragonfly technology to increase MOI and optimize CG for distance and forgiveness
• Internal ribbing structure strengthening key sections of the head for a solid, pleasing sound and great feel
• Aerodynamic hosel sleeve with eight positions to customize trajectory 
• Available in 9, 10.5, and 12 degrees

What I Like/Dislike about PING G425 MAX:

Like:

• Large sweet spot for high-launching shots
• Loud ping sound at impact; music to the ears
• Oozes forgiveness for mishits to find fairways
• Fantastic feel at impact

Dislike:

• Not for golfers who can shape shots
• Price point but well worth the investment
• The great loud pop sound is unappealing to some

Overall, the PING G425 MAX driver is the best option for players of every level to maintain distance while finding more fairways.

2. Callaway Rogue ST MAX Driver

Most Forgiving for Beginners & High Handicappers ($466.55)

Rating: 4.7/5

Callaway Rogue ST Max driver is Callaway’s fastest, most stable driver ever of the Callaway product line.

The Tungsten Speed Cartridge is placed in the club’s sole increases speed on off-center hits and provides more forgiveness through high MOI. 

Titanium unibody construction provides stability and lowers the CG for high-launching drives.

The Rogue ST MAX is loaded with technology.

Key Features:

• Jailbreak A.i. Speed Frame for more ball speed
• A.I. flash face adding launch and reducing spin
• Triaxial Carbon Crown allows for weight savings that redistributed low for forgiveness, launch, and a slight draw bias

What I Like/Dislike about Callaway Rogue ST MAX:

Like:

• Easy to hit
• Slight draw bias to mitigate slice
• Patented technology to shape shots 

Dislike:

• Other players may want to play fade
• Price point
• Minimum to no adjustability

Overall, the Callaway Rogue ST MAX driver promotes easy launch, forgiveness, and optimal distance. 

3. TaylorMade Stealth Driver

Best Forgiving Driver for Slice ($479.99)

Rating: 4.9/5

TaylorMade Stealth is created with a 60X Carbon Twist Face, making it the first of its kind. 

The 60 layers of carbon make the club 44% lighter than traditional drivers.

The flexible Speed Pocket is engineered to maximize ball speed and provide additional forgiveness on low-face strikes. 

Key Features:

• Innovative nanotexture cover face to fine-tune launch and spin, optimizing distance
• Asymmetric inertia generator increases club head speed and shifts the CG back for increased stability
• Combination of curvature, shape, and internal stiffening ribs to tune acoustics for a premium sound and feel
• Available in 9, 10.5, and 12 degrees

What I Like/Dislike about TaylorMade Stealth:

Like:

• Powerful sound and impact feel
• Sleek aesthetic with red carbon fiber face
• Maximum forgiveness

Dislike:

• Impact feels like titanium drivers
• Price point 
• Tough to distinguish between mishits and clean strikes

Overall, the TaylorMade Stealth driver is a forgiving driver with an emphasis on distance. 

4. Titleist TSR2 Driver 

Best Premium Driver ($599.00)

Rating: 4.8/5

Titleist TSR2 driver is the best Titleist driver that offers significant CG shift for max forgiveness.

With improved aerodynamics, you can expect a faster swing and speed off the tee. 

All with a cleaner, minimalist, and refined shape that encourages confidence.

Key Features:

• Multi-Plateau Variable Face Thickness Design to boost speed across the face
• Aerospace Grade Titanium  
• SureFit adjustability
• Available in 8, 9, 10, and 11 degrees

What I Like/Dislike about Titleist TSR2:

Like:

• High launch and low spin
• Optimized forgiveness and speed
• Increased stability across the face

Dislike:

• Not a major upgrade over previous models

Overall, the Titleist TSR2 is the perfect combination of player-preferred shaping and functionality that will benefit you tremendously on the course. 

5. Cobra LTDx MAX driver

Best Distance Driver ($466.55)

Rating: 4.7/5

Cobra LTDx MAX driver is the perfect combination of extreme forgiveness with an adjustable heel weight position to adjust the amount of draw bias you need. 

PWR-COR technology positions weight low and forward for faster ball speed with reduced spin. 

New H.O.T. Face design was created by using data from thousands of impact solutions for a larger sweet spot.

Key Features:

• Multi-material construction features up to 30% carbon for a lighter and stronger construction
• CNC Milled Infinity Face design wraps around the leading edge to optimize maximum speed
• Two adjustable weights can be positioned in the back and heel position 
• Available in 9, 10.5, and 12 degrees

What I Like/Dislike about Cobra LTDx MAX:

Like:

• Draw bias mitigates slices
• Adjustability to dial in your ball flight
• Interchangeable weight

Dislike:

• Doesn’t excel in one specific area

Overall, the Cobra LTDx MAX provides incredible forgiveness with accommodating technology to drive more fairways. 

6. TaylorMade SIM 2 Max D Driver

Highest Technology Driver ($443.98)

Rating: 4.7/5

TaylorMade SIM 2 Max D driver is packed with technology providing power and forgiveness for more consistent shots.

Featuring a draw-bias design that promotes a right-to-left ball flight, the perfect solution for slices. 

The club is engineered with a speed-injected twist face and thru-slot speed pocket to protect against heel, toe, and low-face strikes.

Key Features:

• First high launch driver with an ultra-low forward CG for low spin, consistent ball flight to find more fairways
• A.I designed Flash Face SS21 promotes fast ball speeds across a more expansive area; hit it a long way for off-center hits
• Three shaft choices: regular, stiff, & senior

What I Like/Dislike about TaylorMade SIM 2 Max D:

Like:

• Curvature face for increased stability and consistency
• Faster clubhead speed through advanced geometry and aerodynamic analytics
• Carbon sole for a deeper CG and enhanced forgiveness
• Adjustable loft sleeve technology – allows you to change trajectory and face angle

Dislike:

• The new clubhead size is intimidating
• No adjustable weights

Overall, the TaylorMade SIM 2 Max D driver will optimize power and forgiveness with its top-tier technology. 

7. Cobra AIR-X Offset Driver

Best Driver for Golfers with Slow Swing Speed ($346.63)

Rating: 4.2/5

Cobra AIR-X Offset driver features a lightweight construction for optimal distance and effortless speed swing.

A faster face and new hosel design with 20% offset help deliver consistent and straighter drivers. 

Key Features:

• Constructed from premium lightweight carbon material
• Back heel weighting and an offset hosel for consistent fairway shots
• Faster face design that recovers off-center contact shots

What I Like/Dislike about Cobra AIR-X:

Like:

• A clean look to match that clean swing
• Designed for optimal forgiveness
• Feels great in the hands

Dislike:

• Lightweight construction may be too light for some

Overall, the Cobra AIR-X Offset is a great driver that provides better launch angles and forgiveness. 

8. Cleveland Launcher XL Driver

Most Forgiving Budget Driver ($399.99)

Rating: 4.8/5

Cleveland Launcher XL offers the most MOI ever within the highly reputable Cleveland golf drivers.

With an XL head design, you can enjoy max distance for max fun. 

The rebound frame is designed with two alternating flex zones for increased ball speed and distance. 

Driving the ball isn’t the issue, the only concern is carrying the ball too far.

Key Features:

• Action mass CB 8g weight placed inside the end of the grip delivers better balance for more control without extra effort
• Adjustable hosel loft from 9 to 12 degrees to optimize your launch angle, distance, and shot shape. Loft can be adjusted at 0.5 deg increments
• Accuracy Build for custom configuration is an inch shorter without counterbalancing for max control off the tee

What I Like/Dislike about Cleveland Launcher XL:

Like:

• XL head size inspires confidence
• Premium finish

Dislike:

• High-pitched noise through impact

Overall, the Cleveland Launcher XL Driver is the latest and greatest Cleveland golf driver tailored for golfers at every level.

9. Callaway Big Bertha B21

Best for Senior Golfers ($351.52)

Rating: 4.6/5

Callaway Big Bertha B21 is designed for distance and forgiveness any way you swing it. 

The high-launch driver promotes an ultra-low CG for low spin to reduce slices and find more fairways. 

With advancements to the A.I. designed Flash Face, we can expect fast ball speeds on a bigger club face, even for off-center hits

Key Features:

• A.I. Designed Flash Face SS21 promotes fast ball speeds on a bigger club face. Great for off-center hits
• Jailbreak + T2C Triaxial carbon crown for ball speed and unconventional forgiveness
• Significantly lighter carbon crown allows for higher MOI

What I Like/Dislike about Big Bertha B21:

Like:

• Engineered with draw bias to help improve launch angles to mitigate slices
• Excellent strength material that is lighter than traditional titanium
• Stable feel

Dislike:

• Draw bias appeals to heavy slicers only

Overall, the Callaway Big Bertha B21 is another great option to cure that slice without compromising your swing. 

People also ask

What driver has the most forgiveness?

The PING G425 MAX driver is the most forgiving driver with its CG-shifting weight that can be set in neutral, draw, or fade to promote forgiveness and shot shape.  

What is the easiest driver to hit straight?

In this guide, we’d pick the PING G425 Max, Callaway Rogue ST Max and TaylorMade Stealth as the easiest drivers to hit straight.

What is the most forgiving driver for a high handicapper?

The Callway Rogue ST Max driver is the ideal forgiving driver for high handicappers as the Tungsten Speed Cartridge is placed in the club’s sole increases speed on off-center hits and provides more forgiveness through high MOI. 

Executive Summary

There you have it – my list of the most forgiving drivers. As there are 10+ options out there, I’ve condensed the list down to the very best so that you can choose the option that is right for you. Playing the right driver is critical to your game and mental health. We want to swing with confidence and consistency.