Louis Pringle

Nov 20, 2024

8 minutes

When it comes to getting your hands on a driver, beginner or casual golfers should put a major emphasis on forgiveness, actually, it should be their sole priority. But with so many options available to you, especially during Golf Avenue’s Black Friday sale, it can be hard to find the one for you. Don’t fret!

We tasked one of our in-house experts, Lou, with the mission of building a list of the best drivers featured in our Black Friday sale, specifically catering to the needs of beginner and casual golfers. He based on his picks on how forgiving the clubs were, how much help they can provide you on the course, and how many of them we had in stock.

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1. TaylorMade SIM2 Max Driver

The TaylorMade SIM2 Max driver is an interesting one, and I’ll start by saying that it delivers plenty of forgiveness and power – two things most golfers are looking for in a driver. Right from the first swing, you can feel how solid and balanced it is, and it has this low, deep center of gravity that seems to keep the ball flight stable even on off-center hits. It’s designed to help with forgiveness, and honestly, it delivers on that promise. The Speed Injected Twist Face gives a bit of extra distance on those slightly mishit shots, which is really confidence-boosting, especially on tighter fairways.

Another thing I enjoyed was the look and feel. The club head is large and sleek, with a carbon crown that’s lightweight but still provides a satisfying feel when you make contact. There’s also this deep sound to it at impact – not too loud or too “tinny” like some drivers – just a solid, muted thud. That sound can add a bit of reassurance, as you feel connected to the club’s performance. The SIM2 Max’s overall design has a modern edge but isn’t too flashy, which I think appeals to a broad range of players.

However, it’s not all perfect, and there are a few things that may not work for everyone. For one, the club’s draw-bias and the emphasis on forgiveness can make it a bit less workable than some may want. Shaping shots or controlling trajectory feels limited, especially if you’re an experienced golfer who likes to dial in shot shapes. It’s more about hitting it straight and high, which is great if that’s what you need, but it may not allow you the finesse some drivers in this category do.

The SIM2 Max also comes with a slightly higher price point. For a golfer looking to invest in the latest tech, that price can be worth it, but if you’re a bit hesitant on budget, it’s something to consider. Finally, with the emphasis on forgiveness, you might feel that you’re sacrificing a little distance. While the driver still performs very well on distance, it’s not the longest out there, especially if you have a faster swing speed that would benefit from a less forgiving, more distance-focused driver.

Overall, the TaylorMade SIM2 Max driver is a solid upgrade for anyone looking for a forgiving, easy-to-hit driver with an impressive feel. It’s one of those clubs that adds consistency and confidence to the game, and if that’s what you’re after, it’s definitely worth trying out.

2. Cobra Darkspeed Max Driver

The Cobra Darkspeed Max driver brings a new look and feel to Cobra’s lineup, designed with a modern, streamlined profile and a focus on lightweight speed and ease of use. When testing it, the club’s aerodynamic shape is one of the first things I noticed. It cuts through the air with noticeably less resistance, making it feel fast and easy to swing, especially if you have a moderate swing speed.

The clubface uses Cobra’s CNC Milled Infinity Face, which provides a wide, forgiving surface and impressive ball speeds on off-center strikes. I found it easy to launch the ball with a mid-to-high trajectory, which is great for maximizing carry.

One of the best aspects of the Darkspeed Max is the combination of lightweight feel and stability. Cobra has distributed the weight low and toward the back, creating a forgiving design that’s particularly helpful for hitting straighter drives. At impact, it has a satisfying, slightly muted sound, adding to its polished feel. The driver’s design caters well to golfers looking for added forgiveness with a straightforward, straight ball flight.

However, this driver may feel a bit too lightweight for players who prefer more feedback in their swing, especially those with faster tempos. While the lightweight design adds speed, it doesn’t allow for as much shot-shaping control as some might like.

Overall, the Cobra Darkspeed Max driver is ideal for anyone who wants an easy-to-swing, forgiving driver that doesn’t require a lot of extra adjustments to get consistent results off the tee.

3. Callaway Rogue ST Max D Driver

The Callaway Rogue ST Max D driver is made with draw-bias in mind, giving golfers who struggle with a slice a reliable solution. Right from the first swing, I could feel the forgiving nature of this club. Callaway has used their groundbreaking Tungsten Speed Cartridge and Jailbreak Speed Frame technologies to add stability and distance, and you can sense that extra boost on impact.

The driver has a solid, satisfying sound that lets you know when you’ve hit the sweet spot. It’s also slightly larger, which adds to that confidence boost and helps reduce mishits, especially on those heel or toe strikes.

One of the best things about the Rogue ST Max D is how much it supports a high, straight launch, keeping the ball flight steady and helping with additional carry. That draw-bias weighting works to gently guide shots back to the center, without creating an exaggerated hook, which makes it more user-friendly if you need just a slight nudge left. Callaway’s use of the Flash Face technology enhances forgiveness and consistency, so you don’t lose as much distance even if you hit it off-center.

The drawback here is that for those who enjoy shaping shots or have a naturally straight swing, the draw-bias weighting can feel a bit much. It’s also not the best option for players who want a low-launch, low-spin driver since it’s designed with a higher launch in mind.

Finally, it’s a premium-priced driver, which makes it best suited for those who specifically need the draw-bias technology. In all, the Rogue ST Max D driver is a solid choice for players who prioritize forgiveness and high launch, particularly if they want to reduce a slice and gain more control over their tee shots.

4. TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD Driver

The TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD driver is crafted with a high level of forgiveness and is designed to deliver a high launch with a draw-bias, making it a strong option for players looking to keep their shots straight or add a touch of draw.

Taking it out for a test run, it feels incredibly lightweight thanks to TaylorMade’s carbon-based design, and the HD model features a more forgiving head shape that almost encourages you to swing freely. The face is composed of 60 layers of carbon, which not only reduces weight but helps keep ball speeds high. Impact has a soft but powerful sound, providing a satisfying feel without being overly loud.

What really stands out about this driver is how easy it is to keep the ball flying high. TaylorMade has positioned the weighting low and toward the back, creating a higher launch with less side spin, which helps the ball stay straighter even if you don’t hit the center. For golfers with slower or moderate swing speeds, this design can make a big difference in both distance and control.

However, if you have a faster swing or prefer to control trajectory, you might find the Stealth 2 HD slightly restrictive. The draw-bias is beneficial for those who slice, but if you’re someone who plays more controlled shots or has a naturally straight swing, you may notice that it limits your ability to fade the ball. Additionally, the lightweight feel might take some adjustment if you’re used to a more traditional driver. Overall, the Stealth 2 HD is great for golfers needing extra forgiveness and height, making it an excellent choice for game improvement.

5. Titleist TSr1 Driver

The Titleist TSr1 driver has a unique appeal as it’s specifically designed for golfers with moderate swing speeds, helping to maximize distance without demanding too much force. First swings reveal that this driver is exceptionally lightweight and feels quite easy to maneuver.

It’s engineered with an ultra-light construction, and you can really feel that lack of resistance through the swing, allowing you to swing a bit faster without having to muscle the ball. The moment of impact has a satisfying, controlled sound that isn’t too loud or harsh – more of a subdued, smooth thump that provides good feedback on contact.

The TSr1 has a high-launch tendency, and the ball flight really does feel effortless. Even when you’re not swinging your hardest, the driver does most of the work, making it feel like the ball just pops off the clubface with a higher trajectory. This design keeps spin at bay while still encouraging height, which can be perfect for golfers who struggle to get that extra lift and distance. For seniors or those with slower swings, this driver is a clear advantage.

However, golfers with medium or faster swing speeds might find it almost too lightweight and easy to overpower, which can affect consistency if you’re used to a heavier feel. It’s also not the best option for those who want to work the ball, as it’s more about consistency and distance than shaping shots. If you’re someone who enjoys fine-tuning shot shapes, it could feel a bit limited.

That said, the TSr1’s niche design is a clear win for players who need more speed and height with less effort. It’s ideal for golfers looking to maximize their distance potential without forcing swing speed.

6. Cobra 2023 Air-X Offset Driver

The Cobra 2023 Air-X Offset driver is a lightweight, highly forgiving driver built with a focus on ease of use, and it’s well-suited for players looking to keep their shots straight. The first thing I noticed is the overall weight, or lack thereof – it’s extremely light, which makes swinging it feel smooth and effortless.

The offset design, combined with draw-bias weighting, helps reduce a slice, and you can feel that corrective influence when you hit. Cobra’s use of a carbon crown and low, deep weighting helps keep the ball flight stable and adds forgiveness, so even mishits still travel a decent distance.

This driver shines in terms of launching the ball high, ideal for players with moderate swing speeds who want a bit of extra carry. The sound is muted but has a satisfying pop that makes it easy to tell when you’re making good contact. The large face is confidence-inspiring, and it makes finding the sweet spot easier even on slightly off-center strikes.

The club doesn’t allow much room for shot shaping, so if you’re someone who likes working the ball, you may find it less versatile. But for golfers prioritizing straight shots and high launch, the Air-X Offset is a solid, reliable choice.

7. Callaway Paradym X Driver

The Callaway Paradym X driver offers a unique combination of forgiveness and adjustability, with a sleek, lightweight feel that makes it stand out. Testing it out, I could sense that Callaway designed this driver for added distance and stability, with a focus on reducing spin while still allowing for a high launch.

The driver incorporates a 360 Carbon Chassis, which helps redistribute weight and increases forgiveness. You’ll notice the difference when hitting it – it’s forgiving on mishits, and even shots hit on the toe or heel still travel well.

The Paradym X has a straightforward, slightly draw-biased design, which is ideal if you’re looking to reduce a fade or add a bit of a draw. The face is hot and lively, and it produces an explosive sound at impact, giving a real sense of power. The driver encourages a high, penetrating ball flight, making it easy to maximize carry distance, especially for moderate swing speeds.

The Paradym X is an excellent option for golfers who prioritize distance and high launch while wanting a bit of draw-bias correction. It’s a solid performer if forgiveness and ease of use are high on your list.

8. Ping G410 Plus Driver

The Ping G410 Plus driver is a versatile club that offers a great mix of adjustability and forgiveness. Right from the start, it’s clear that Ping has focused on stability and consistency with this model, and the large, forgiving clubface makes it easier to find the sweet spot.

The G410 Plus allows for customizable weighting, which lets you tweak the driver to fit your natural shot shape. It has a solid, controlled feel at impact, producing a slightly muted sound that many golfers appreciate.

One of the standout features of the G410 Plus is its ability to adjust the loft and lie angles, giving players a lot of flexibility to match their swing style. It provides a mid-to-high launch with a straight ball flight that feels reliable and consistent. This driver is particularly helpful for golfers looking for both distance and shot control, as it’s forgiving on mishits but still allows for a bit of shot-shaping.

Overall, the G410 Plus is ideal for golfers who want a combination of forgiveness and adjustability, making it a highly customizable option for a wide range of skill levels.

9. Srixon ZX5 MKII Driver

The Srixon ZX5 MKII driver combines impressive power with a focus on forgiveness, built for golfers who want to maximize distance and keep their shots straight. Swinging it feels smooth and powerful, with a clubhead that’s both aerodynamic and forgiving.

The Rebound Frame Technology really does add to ball speed, and you can feel a consistent, explosive impact off the face. It has a high-pitched, satisfying sound that provides great feedback.

The ZX5 MKII offers a mid-to-high launch, which works well for those aiming to improve carry distance. Srixon has designed it to be relatively straight-flying, with a bit of draw bias to help keep shots in line. For golfers needing a confidence boost off the tee, this club delivers a lot of forgiveness.

However, if you’re someone who prefers a lower trajectory or likes to work the ball, you might find it a bit limiting. The emphasis on forgiveness and distance means it’s more of a game-improvement driver than a shot-shaping tool.

Overall, the ZX5 MKII is a great driver for players who prioritize forgiveness and want that extra boost in distance without sacrificing consistency. It's such a good club that it was even featured in our list of the best drivers of the summer in 2024.

10. Mizuno ST-X 230 Platinum Driver

The Mizuno ST-X 230 Platinum driver brings a fresh take to the game, combining Mizuno’s usual focus on feel and quality with some added forgiveness and distance. Taking it out for a test run, the driver feels immediately balanced and smooth, and it’s especially good for anyone looking to eliminate a slice or keep their ball flight on the straighter side.

Mizuno has implemented a new CORTECH Chamber, which really amps up ball speed, and you can sense that boost at impact. It has a solid, almost buttery feel when you make contact, a bit softer and quieter than some other drivers out there, which adds to the club’s appealing feel.

The ST-X 230 Platinum also has a bit of draw-bias, but it’s subtle, just enough to keep that ball from fading too much without overpowering your swing. You’ll likely notice that it’s easier to get a higher launch with this driver – Mizuno has focused on a low-and-deep weighting that helps keep shots in the air.

This higher launch is a big plus if you’re looking for a bit more carry, and it feels naturally suited to golfers with moderate swing speeds who want a little more height and distance. Plus, its sleek design gives off a professional, confident look without going overboard on flashy details.

On the downside, if you have a faster swing or like to shape shots, you might find that the ST-X 230 Platinum can be a bit restrictive. It’s built more for stability and ease of use rather than being overly workable, which can limit creativity off the tee. And while Mizuno’s commitment to feel and quality construction is apparent, it also comes with a price tag that matches that premium vibe.

Overall, it’s a great choice if you want a forgiving, high-launch driver with a feel-oriented design, but it might not satisfy those looking for complete control or shot-shaping flexibility.

If you’re a beginner or a casual golfer, any of the clubs listed above should suit your needs. If you’re also dealing with a tendency to slice the ball, Lou also left some recommendations for you. But if none of the clubs in this list were suited to your needs, don’t forget to check out our complete Black Friday product selection.

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Also, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the fact that you can book a call with any of our in-house experts to get personalized club recommendations. If you’d rather keep searching on your own, but feel like you could use a few pointers, make sure to check out our Club Finder tool. Just answer a few quick questions and get personalized recommendations based on what you need!

Until next time,

The Golf Avenue team