2024's MOST FORGIVING DRIVERS - Clear Winner?!

[@marcelwieczorek6604]

I am happy with your tests, because you are way closer to my type of swing, than most of these other YT influencers with their perfect swings way over 110mph. And I could imagine I am not the only one who think so... So go further and I hope your channel will grow

[@chrisg8820]

Exactly!! I have watched many reviews trying to decide on my new driver (ready to upgrade from my Taylor Made M4, and this looks like a great year to do that) and this is the first video I have seen with someone not having a perfect swing. I am grabbing the Ping soon - but can't go wrong with many of these new drivers.

[@promotedvideo1]

Was thinking exactly the same - for once a 'weekend golfer' testing the drivers - not a dude with a 280 yards carry!

[@mugz_1437]

Spot on just what I thought myself when watching. Hard to see what a good driver is when someone is smoking it out the middle 8/10 shot carrying 280 plus.

[@brentwoods4802]

I love the 25-30 yards of roll that turns 230 carry into 260 total, lol. Even at the height of summer on our perfect bent grass fairways, most people never sniff that kind of roll. It’s quite unrealistic, unless you’re playing a Texas goat ranch in August … or a Tour venue.

[@LetsPlayThru]

Oh yeah, never trust a simulator roll out number. Carry is king.

[@tcofield1967]

I'm impressed with the spin numbers on the 430 10k. It is a much lower spinning driver than many competitors and adding the forgiveness makes it very interesting. I tried the Q10Max and my spin numbers were much higher than what you were getting. That is a problem I have with almost all drivers. Even though I'm a 135mph ball speed guy I have to go with a low spin head otherwise I end up in the 3500 rpm range, which is too much for me. The Max was more forgiving than my Stealth 2 plus but about 5-10 yards shorter due to spin issues. I generally don't have a problem keeping the ball in the fairway, it is more getting the speed up. But that is something I am working on this offseason.

[@davezalinko1354]

I tried the Cobra and Smoke couple wks ago. Found the Cobra very loud, but very nice to hit. Smoke to me had better sound. I hit the Smoke further. Club speed and ball speed were all higher than the Cobra. At the end of it all I brought out my Paradym to go against the Smoke. To be honest I didn’t see the advantage of switching. Paradym was better than the Cobra IMO. The prices of the Smoke, and especially the PING are crazy. PING 10k is $975 tax paid in Canada. 😮 Unless I can “steal” the smoke I will game my Paradym this yr. Great review of all them drivers. Thx!

[@MaartenAnna]

Love it mate! Now we need the tour edge, cleveland, srixon, mizuno & pxg comparison 😂

[@LetsPlayThru]

Yeah just a few new drivers this year 🤣

[@allanbrown7526]

Everyone forgot the wilson driver's typical

[@fullsizerangerover]

I hit all of these the other day at the PGA super store- G430 max 10k was by far the best for me (5hdcp)- I have set up a fitting for next month- basically a shaft fitting as it was crazy how the numbers changed when the guy at the store changed a few out..

[@MM-zb9kc]

I don’t know why you would say the Ping or TM. The Callaway gave you the farthest carry but most importantly the tightest grouping at only 8yards. You can’t beat longest carry but also the straightest.

[@per_growth]

Index of 2.1. My driver swing speed is around 103, tried the Callaway Smoke and the Ping G430 10k. Both using Ventus Blue velocore + shaft. Brought both drivers on the fairway - hit 10 shots (on different holes). Both were really straight. 10k outdrove the Smoke by around 22 yards on the average (total distance, not carry). Both were set at 9.5deg.

[@markushayes]

Ordered the Mizuno St Max. Beat out all of these models for me.

[@awalsh8011]

I bought the 10k max the day it came out (last Wednesday) and loving it so far. High Launch/Low spin fairway finder!

[@LetsPlayThru]

It's pretty unbelievable for sure. Big congrats!

[@Kylez1212]

I also got fitted into this one and it's a cheat code! Coming from cobra Ltdx ls I was getting 20 yards longer and like 800 less spin. Makes no sense

[@geobots65]

PXG Black Ops is a 10K as well would be nice to add to the test as well

[@LetsPlayThru]

Yes good call

[@davewylie654]

Your Stealth 2 and That QI10 are exact same size again!!! 460cc is max and they have all been that size with the exception of some of the LST models being 430cc you get that launch up between 14 and 16° and you will get a bit better distance most likely

[@stephendibari5010]

Think you had the heavier weight in the heel on the cobra. Would’ve been better if you had it in the rear position for a better comparison. Overall nice comparison. Ping g430 max 10k is definitely the overall best pick. Mid to low spin, sits in between the max and the LST

[@danhotel5961]

I believe the Dark Speed Max has a weight at the back and at the heel. The standard dark speed has the weights at the front and back.

[@LetsPlayThru]

You're right. It's so stealthy I didn't even see it back there!

[@GaryDrury-u9l]

Agree with other comments, at last someone with a similar swing speed and honest opinions, really enjoyed your analysis 👍👍👍

[@LetsPlayThru]

Thanks Gary

[@mariofonseca9267]

IMO Ping or Qi10. Cobra not enough spin especially on the toe/hook shots. Smoke AI I don’t see much difference from previous model. Ultimately the March Madness Bracket that you do will show us best performer. Thx Gabe.

[@home4ya]

Great review - Ping g425 was 10k.... your worst swings were better w Ping - 2 of the qi10 swings spin jumped way too high, Ping stayed more consistent? Seems Ping won...wonder if this is the one to finally kick out my G400 max..

[@adupuy]

I agree with you, Gabe, but I leaned towards the Ping for you out of these four. However, you need to test the PXG and Mizuno!

[@OMG-2]

Gabe… Honestly I think you were the biggest difference in all these clubs, and that is not meant to be a slam, just a reality. I would love to have any of those drives. The question for me with these new clubs would not be carry or total distance, unless it was a huge difference, it would be distance from center and total dispersion which I wish you had shown. That is what forgiveness is all about and you alluded to that but didn’t address it in the stats. I know it’s impossible for you to do, but I would love to see a comparison using something like an Iron Byron to take the human element out it.

[@LetsPlayThru]

Yeah it’s hard to show on video without showing impact location but the Qi10 and PING 10k drivers were most impressive with the off-center strikes. Like SERIOUSLY impressive. I was skeptical of the marketing hype, but it was VERY apparent they are both a big step up in technology.

[@normansykes8872]

I have the G425 with the Alta CB 55R. Love it! May try the 430 Max 10k with the same shaft.

[@carlosGarcia-xl1ql]

Another great review for us mortals!! lol. Even though I just got a cobra radspeed for Christmas, I love seeing the stuff for the upcoming golf year.

[@LetsPlayThru]

Can't go wrong with the Radspeed!

[@davidbranch9584]

Great video Gabe! you got that video out with the quickness! You stated multiple times that your drive has been inconsistent lately. I'm no pro, but it looks like your standing farther away from the ball than you used to. Maybe something to look into. The tour pro I did a TPI on said this is the biggest mistake with drives that he sees with amateur's

[@LetsPlayThru]

Thank you for the observation David, I will review the tape - you just might be onto some thing.

[@so-xm3gc]

great review, just a shame the new Mizuno driver wasnt available/included as that is getting fantastic reviews. Would love to see it up against the Ping/TM

[@Eric-zk2hu]

It seemed like your swing got a little fatigued on the last 2 drivers and it could be a reason for the off center hits compared to the first 2 drivers.

[@ferrishipolite6945]

Bingo picked his pre favorites to swing 1st

[@Mr.Steve-O]

I really like my Titleist TR2 that I got fitted for nack in November. The Ping G430 Max was a close runner up

[@mattforst6591]

TSR2 is an amazing driver

[@boswellwhanau]

I wonder if what one ends up with is mainly due to brand loyalty? I went for a fitting specifically asking for the Ping G430max and Qi10Max and really, REALLY wanted to love the Ping but just couldn't get past the feel of the Qi10! Ended up walking out with the Qi10 (and no, I dont have any other TM clubs in my bag :)). Both clubs were lovely but the Qi10 just "felt" nicer in my hands.

[@jackcane7485]

I went into my fitting really wanting the Smoke, but I couldn’t argue with the Ping’s numbers.

[@shanewilliams1216]

I am anxious for you to hit the NEW PXG Black Ops driver !!!! Great Video Gabe !!!! Keep up the good work 👍

[@paulgolfer]

Hi there fellow golfer , Two things though bother me 1st is we live in a time when golf design is getting nicer take this smoke driver very nice , BUT WHY IS THE DESIGN ON THE BOTTOM NOT TOP. Take any driver in the shop and it's on the bottom. 2nd THE price we'll we are supposed to be struggling yet prices sore , fine for the pros they get them free fitted and paid to do so. I would love the SMOKE OR THE QI OR WHATEVER IT IS, AND YET THE 4 YEAR OLD MAVRIK SUB ZERO WAS THE BEST YET FOR ME.

[@No_Fear_33]

2024 Cobra Air X Offset is the most forgiving, anti-slicing driver ever made I believe. Really want to see the Cleveland XL2 too. :)

[@jason109301]

I’m more of a dispersion, spin rate and carry distance. If I was fitting you, I would advise you on the Ping. You were more consistent on all your shots

[@deanmackogolf8023]

Kind of figured you would pick the Ping overall. It would be my choice for you based on the numbers. A respectable backspin without getting too low and amazing accuracy.

[@LetsPlayThru]

Yes it seemed to be the best of all worlds. IF I made a change (which I likely will not) that’s at the top of the list.

[@deanmackogolf8023]

@@LetsPlayThru just remember that you can turn the new pxg into an 11k or even a 12k monster with the weights.

[@paulgolfer]

Distance is great eh well you sound knackered. Besides you can rig this thing , I found that out on course . Mavrik in there was 220 for me but on course 290 plus

[@brimill8257]

Hi Gabe I hope you can do a review of the Ke4 Maltby driver for all us poor people! Thanks!

[@wadepreston3401]

I wish you would have shown the ball groupings. That is what show’s forgiveness, which I still would have been the 430 that you picked

[@wessims3412]

A good review indeed. I would like to have seen you get some base numbers with your gamer, which I believe was Titleist TSI3? So you can do an honest fairy valuation of how these performed against your current driver. Because sometimes newer does not necessarily mean better and what I’m seeing for numbers on a lot of these new drivers are compared against each other but against numbers from the past at comparable swing speed the overall distance numbers on some of them are down. I don’t think your Titleist driver would be losing out in distance but it likely definitely is not going to be as forgiving and that is why the choice you are making is wise to stay in the fairway this year. But I would’ve liked to of seen you test the new Mizuno ST 230 MAX driver. I think it may be would have rivalled every one of these or beat it.

[@LetsPlayThru]

Went with the big names for this video, but certainly will be testing the new Mizuno soon.

[@Matt-zs6zd]

Did you ever consider having someone that has a swing speed of around 75 to do some of these test with you?

[@jbh199]

That would be appreciated by us seniors

[@Kdavis8377]

Truly amazing how each swing is different. I hit the exact 3 same clubs and I hit the AI Smoke 6-8 yards longer than the others

[@LetsPlayThru]

Were they the same lofts & shafts?

[@zazhou]

Some clubs perform better at high swing speeds while other clubs do better at slower swing speeds. So every person needs to test each club /shaft combination to see which suits them best.

[@Kdavis8377]

So the Qi10 had the same shaft you were just using, the Ping had the Ping shaft in it and the Calloway had a stiff shaft that was 10g heavier than the Qi10. But the odd thing was that my swing speed was 3-4mph faster with the Ai smoke than either the TM or the Ping. The guy told me that some people swing heavier shafts faster with a slower tempo backswing, which I have. I went in really wanting the new Taylormade but came out with the Calloway. I was still using the original Ping 425 max so it was time for something different. Anyway, love your videos man!! Always the first golf channel I watch

[@LetsPlayThru]

@@Kdavis8377Glad to hear you found a winner!

[@daverenn3775]

I'll keep my big bertha b21, thanks. As long or longer than new drivers and very forgiving. Plus can find it for less than half of a new driver.

[@TheHoff305]

I have the 2023 Paradym and it's VERY forgiving and long!!!

[@LetsPlayThru]

That one will serve you well for a while, no doubt

[@TheHoff305]

@@LetsPlayThru Had an Adams Redline 460cc driver for 10 years prior to the Paradym, great driver, also very forgiving & long...plus sound was incredible!

[@paulgolfer]

Golfers do not go by this yardage unless in USA, well there they are flat courses compared to West Yorkshire, take Normanton g,c, its third is left to right uphill par 5 its about 5 levels high in a block of flats . 650 yards s.I. 3

[@711himself]

Noticed that when you go after it a bit harder, your right elbow is further away from your body - hence going to either side, imo…

[@mattcaesar5781]

The Ping G425 max already had an moi of 10k. Its a lot cheaper than the ones coming out now and I highly recommend. People bitch about the sound but when Im hitting fairways and theyre not I look good.

[@paulmcgee1867]

G400?

[@mattcaesar5781]

@@paulmcgee1867 the G400 had 9000 the G425 had 10k

[@lederboard1955]

You must try the new PXG Black Ops. It replaced Ping G430 Max for me and it wasn’t even close. I was shocked!

[@LetsPlayThru]

I've been gaming the Gen 6. I'm hoping to try the Black Ops soon.

[@commonman317]

Gabe, just curious to see if any of these could replace your current driver this year? You seemed to like the Ping.

[@patrickbeach3070]

Any reason you chose to do the regular max instead of the max d? I feel as though the max is more comparable to the dark speed x or the Qi10 regular model.

[@SteveSmith-zz4ih]

Ping is just putting that new driver out there with lots of marketing dribble, i'm not convinced, personal opinion. As engineering rules Govern driver specs it comes down to Marketing BS (fancy terms etc) at the end of the day it is going to be hard for OEM's to sell more drivers in years to come, look at the Ping G400 it is still a great driver.

[@sethnorthern711]

Great video as always, Gabe! Love it!! ❤⛳️👍🏻

[@LetsPlayThru]

Appreciate it Seth!

[@francisflorez2458]

Nice review can I ask what your swing speed is?

[@LetsPlayThru]

98mph average

[@LeslieGreenwood-bu9tn]

You need to fix that early extension, that's what's causing you to lose your balance. Your butt is to far back at address.

[@TrayMcBong]

Such an interesting coincidence that every major Manufacturer was suddenly able to build a 10k inertia Driver for this Season 😂😂😂

[@matthewwhite2955]

Was really interested to see the AI smoke have good distance and a small offline. Ill take a long, straight drive all day

[@LetsPlayThru]

Definitely a recipe for lower scores!

[@andrewpratt6852]

9:50 you have a weight in the heel too

[@Pulse2AM]

Clubs are so expensive now. I haven't tried a new driver in over ten years, a burner bubble was my last purchase. I'll have go hit some see what the fuss is about.

[@ianshepherd6476]

Still think g430 max with movable weight would become more forgiving for a lot of players. I almost wish it was less movable weight as the shot shape correction is almost too much!

[@milton359]

What is meant by 10000 moi? I thought 1.5 was max moi allowed. Club speed to ball speed ratio

[@LetsPlayThru]

MOI is different than smash factor. Smash factor deals with efficiency of the clubface and MOI is basically is a measure of the forgiveness of the club.

[@obxarms7685]

As a trainer for 20 years hopefully you are warming up before these tests. If you don't it may skew your numbers a bit as you warm up during the test.

[@LetsPlayThru]

Absolutely. I always stretch and take swings with other clubs before I begin.

[@obxarms7685]

Nice. Your swing looks strong. @@LetsPlayThru

[@kellycoates5027]

Gabe, I've heard the ST max from Mizuno is better than all of them you tried.

[@andybt3989]

Interesting but I won’t be changing my G425 max.

[@nbargolf]

Specs show the smoke was second on carry and first on offline.

[@jonbuikema7399]

No Mizuno? They are underrated. I love my STX-230.

[@gilleonard7378]

Cobra Dark Speed. Really awesome driver. Works great for this 67 year old .

[@LetsPlayThru]

Sweet, which model did you go with?

[@gilleonard7378]

@@LetsPlayThru Cobra Dark Speed Max. Really like it, picked up a few yards and definitely straight. Thanks for another great video Gabe.

[@doubled8929]

You need to try the Mizuno ST MAX!!!!!

[@wessims3412]

TSR3 sorry

[@rodneyroyce6545]

please test the Teton driver

[@shaunkelley55]

Mizuno ST Max beats them all

[@jaybrune7937]

Callaway epic subzero and the M6 beats them also

[@smallraymond1]

Is that bc you tried them all, or do you just think the mizuno looks coolest? I can't wait to try it, but I'm waiting on Demo day in February so I don't have to put the tape on the one we have at the shop.

[@lkae4]

While I would happily say Mizuno MP 243 beats everything this side of a pure blade, I cannot say something like that about any driver. Unless it had 12k MOI, adjustable spin from 1800 to 2600 and sounded like Thor's hammer with the occasional lightning bolt.

[@rileyshane78]

Ping always has the most forgiving drivers

[@davewylie654]

Hated it!!! Too spinny for me

[@bobbyedwards1515]

The way you set up you can't help but hit it on the heel

[@LetsPlayThru]

I very rarely hit it on the heel. Miss misses are generally toe and thin.

[@michaelwhalley1538]

All look great drivers. Not sure why you’re using stiff shafts though. Surely you’re robbing yourself there!

[@stephenferris7274]

you've missed the best of the lot, mizuno st max...

[@ejd1149]

How does the new TaylorMade compare to your Stealth 2?

[@LetsPlayThru]

It’s a step up in forgiveness

[@FrankUher]

Taylormade-always the best!

[@72greenmi]

What is your driver swing speed?

[@LetsPlayThru]

98 mph is average for me

[@spjm17]

I was just wondering what your swing speed is?

[@LetsPlayThru]

98ish on average

[@AshesFade]

I hit my longest drive ever with cobra darkspeed, i find that unless i REALLY screw up, I cant hit it bad

[@ronaldtucker1004]

Smoke was longest and most consistent on distance, and had the least amount of deviation. Why would you not think that was the best driver with the most forgiveness?

[@goldenglove25]

Yea this guy don't know what he's talking about but with that weak swing I would of picked the ping..I hit all these clubs and the cobra had the best results but didn't match with my Cobra Aerojet...

[@allanbrown7526]

Forgot about Wilson's driver's obviously everyone does why!!!!

[@smilingpolitely4100]

Thanks

[@topgunbass]

Looks like you hit the Taylor made the best.

[@LetsPlayThru]

Yes that and the PING were just so good. Seeing the stats, the Qi10 might even edge it out.

[@stephenrose4582]

If the Q10 was the best, then why was the Smoke A1 the longest with half the dispersion?

[@JayJay-jx3zg]

Where is the AI Smoke “MAX”?? Every other driver is Max but the Callaway. Weird.

[@LetsPlayThru]

The AI Smoke was Max

[@JayJay-jx3zg]

I didn't hear you say it, and I missed it when you showed the bottom. My fault.

[@teslarocks7345]

For what these new drivers cost it is not worth upgrading to me.

[@jeffreymarkanich6076]

Just curious as to why you didn’t test the Callaway AI Smoke Max against these other drivers? Wouldn’t that driver be a better fit than the non Max version? Really enjoyed the video!

[@LetsPlayThru]

It was the max version. Cobra was max too.

[@jeffreymarkanich6076]

I stand corrected! 😮 I didn’t think it was the Max. Should have known better.

[@LetsPlayThru]

It's all good@@jeffreymarkanich6076 they all look very much alike and that stealthy black kind of hides the words

[@markzinda8863]

Will any of these qualify for your “March Madness” tournament?

[@LetsPlayThru]

Yes, the 2 I mentioned are contenders .

[@ShaunY1988]

Gabe u make me realise how bad I am at this game, I have pretty much exactly the same ball speed but can only hit 240yards at the most if I'm lucky 😢

[@LetsPlayThru]

We’re all a work in progress 😀

[@ShaunY1988]

@@LetsPlayThru yeah true, I've never had a driver fitting so maybe I'll have a look into having one and see if it helps. Fancy the new Callaway 🤔

[@tonyhauser5640]

Turbulators are ugly and getting old, need to come up with new crown on next model.

[@RajKumar-zm4ll]

How about the Mizuno st max driver?

[@RobP72]

Manufactures are making it almost impossible for average players to afford these drivers. Almost all are on the plus side of $700.

[@LetsPlayThru]

Well, $599 I think is tops here, but yes, I get your point.

[@RobP72]

Would you say there is a big difference between the Qi and stealth2 ??

[@LetsPlayThru]

@@RobP72I think the forgiveness on off center hits is significant

[@booger65man]

You could pull out any 5 year old driver and it would be right there with if these new marketing gimmicks. Let’s be real people. The result of your golf swing is 99% you and 1% the club itself.

[@LetsPlayThru]

In my opinion, there is a significant difference between a five-year-old driver and the forgiveness we are seeing out of this year’s crop.

[@booger65man]

Do you think AI has produced this improvement?

[@VinceRomero-b1q]

Callaway is better club

[@daltonham2821]

I think the AI Smoke is so ugly.

[@NinaHarvey-wk7ei]

Just tell us from the start instead of rubbish before

[@LetsPlayThru]

How about I just personally email you next time?

[@jboyle4832]

Hi from the uk you’re breathing concerning me as a practising doctor you should not be so breathless hitting a few shots please get a check up please

[@brettannett5571]

Put the performance of the PING or TM with the looks of the Darkspeed into a driver 🤌🤌 Would walk out of the store with a new club right there. Gotta love what TaylorMade and PING have done

[@LetsPlayThru]

That would definitely be a heck of a combo!

[@michaelhawkins6149]

It's 2024 and companies still make loud drivers. Is it really that difficult to stop that from happening?