The Best Drivers for Mid-Handicap Golfers, 2024

Disclosure: We may receive a commission when you purchase products through our links at no additional cost to you. This helps support our content and allows us to provide you with the best information on products and services. All opinions expressed here are our own.

When it comes to choosing the best drivers for mid-handicap golfers - defined loosely as a 12 to 18 handicap - diversity rules the day. Mid handicappers encompass all ages and a wide range of playing styles. While many golfers in this category have smooth, controlled swings and want optimal consistency from a great driver, others are above average golfers looking for the right driver to send the golf ball farther than they've ever hit it. Others seek maximum forgiveness, correction for a slice or help with other swing tendencies. 

Our list of the 15 best mid-handicap drivers, based on choices from our GolfPass member survey, reflects this diversity. These clubs cater to different preferences, swing speeds and player profiles. Whether you’re aiming for precision, forgiveness, added distance, shot-shaping capabilities, or optimized launch, there’s likely a driver here to suit your needs. Moreover, unlike other lists focused solely on the latest models, ours includes both current and proven drivers that continue to serve mid handicappers very well.

While many tour pros, from Scottie Scheffler to Nelly Korda, have played TaylorMade Qi10 drivers in 2024, the model best suited for mid-handicap players is the Qi10 MAX. Currently TaylorMade’s best-selling driver and the highest-rated by GolfPass members, it delivers maximum forgiveness along with impressive distance. The Qi10 Max has a big footprint with a large, elongated and rounded head. A lighter face promotes more energy transfer for greater ball speed and solid performance on off-center hits.

By moving more mass to the rear of the clubhead, TaylorMade achieved 10K MOI in the Qi10 MAX, enhancing forgiveness and making it easier to square the clubface at impact. The driver has a slight draw bias, helping players hit straighter shots. Subtle alignment accents also inspire confidence at address. Available in men’s and women’s models, the TaylorMade Qi10 MAX is not only one of the most forgiving drivers but an excellent all-around performer for your golf game.

Shop TaylorMade Qi10 Max

Tour Edge challenged the bigger brands in 2023 with its Exotics E723 driver, delivering impressive speed, carry distance, forgiveness, and accuracy for mid handicappers. The sleek, aerodynamic design enhances stability at impact, while its advanced technology enables powerful shots across a wide area of the clubface. By positioning the center of gravity lower and farther back, Tour Edge engineers achieved the highest MOI of any driver they’ve produced, providing an ideal blend of forgiveness and distance.

The Exotics E723 driver is highly adjustable, featuring not only loft and lie angle settings but also a 20-gram sliding weight that can shift shot shape by up to ±10 yards for draw or fade bias. The combination of explosive power, advanced technology, and handcrafted precision makes the Tour Edge Exotics E723 a top-tier choice for your next new driver.

Shop Tour Edge Exotics E723 Driver

When PXG introduced its 0311 Gen5 golf clubs in 2022, it promised significant improvements and new tech to push performance beyond previous models. Thanks to innovations in head shape and internal structure, the PXG 0311 XF Gen5 boosts MOI for greater distance and forgiveness. The XF, an abbreviation for "extreme forgiveness," features an elongated face compared to the standard model. With its new titanium alloy clubface and Variable Face Design, the PXG 0311 XF Gen5 generates ultra-high ball speed and more carry distance.

Three weight ports on the clubhead’s extreme perimeter allow for adjustments to fit each player’s shot shape, while hosel adjustments can change loft by up to 1.5 degrees. The 0311 XF Gen5 also offers improved sound and feel. With its clean design and innovations, this premium driver helps mid handicappers and others become better players.

Shop PXG 0311 XF Gen5 Driver

The TaylorMade SIM2 MAX, the second-most-played driver among mid-handicap GolfPass golfers we surveyed, debuted in 2021 and became TaylorMade’s top-selling driver that year. With a slightly larger profile than the standard SIM2, this driver offers higher launch, greater distance, and enhanced forgiveness. The SIM2 lineup showcased TaylorMade’s most advanced technology before the switch to carbon composite clubheads in the Stealth series.

Key innovations in the SIM2 MAX include a forged head with a milled back cup face to maximize ball speed. Twist Face technology helps keep shots on line, improving results on mishits. The SIM2 MAX is easy to launch, and its adjustable hosel allows for further loft customization. It’s no surprise this driver remains a favorite among mid- and high-handicap golfers.

Shop TaylorMade SIM2 Max Driver

The TSi2 driver, a standout in Titleist’s lineup from 2020 to 2022, became a favorite among Tour pros for its impressive distance and forgiveness. It sports a classic look and makes a powerful sound at impact. The aerodynamic head shape reduces drag, boosting clubhead speed, while the innovative thin, springy clubface features a large sweet spot.

The TSi2 utilizes an aerospace titanium alloy face insert that boosts ball speed and maintains consistent spin rates, even on low or high face strikes. With a high launch and low spin, it promotes long, straight drives. While the TSi2 lacks the draw or fade adjustability of its sibling, the TSi3 driver, the hosel has 16 loft and lie settings. For the above-average golfer who has high performance aspirations, the TSi2 is yet another classic driver from Titleist.

Shop Titlesist TSi2 Driver

The PING G430 LST (Low Spin Technology), introduced in 2023, is designed for golfers with fast swing speeds who favor a penetrating ball flight. Renowned for its impressive distance and consistency, this driver is currently favored by more PGA Tour players than any other (pgasclubtracker.com), yet still offers enough forgiveness to benefit many average golfers.

The low-spin driver features PING’s Carbonfly Wrap technology, which lowers the center of gravity, enhances sound, and promotes an optimized launch. “Spinsistency” ensures consistent spin rates on off-center hits, while the low-spin face maximizes distance. The sleek, two-tone design of the compact 440cc clubhead adds to its appeal, making it a favorite from pros to mid-handicap players.

For fighting a slice, the TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD driver can be a game changer. TaylorMade engineers made significant upgrades to this 2023 model from the first generation, focusing on maximizing forgiveness. The company’s ad campaign highlights its “Fargiveness”—higher ball speed, greater distance, and increased forgiveness—thanks to advancements in carbon face technology and an improved chassis.

In addition to “Fargiveness,” the Stealth 2 HD boasts a strong draw bias and a larger sweet spot. Extra weight in the rear of the clubhead promotes higher launch, while a slightly shorter shaft and more upright lie angle help keep shots straight and in play. Although the shaft may slightly reduce distance, it enhances control, making the Stealth 2 HD the most forgiving driver with a draw bias that TaylorMade has ever produced.

Introduced in 2024 as part of Callaway’s Paradym Ai Smoke series, the MAX model is a user-friendly option for the mid-handicap player with moderate swing speed. The Paradym Ai Smoke MAX is one of the most tested drivers ever created and arguably the best Callaway driver for distance and forgiveness. Featuring Ai Smart Face technology and a low center of gravity, this driver promotes optimal launch with tight dispersion, helping players achieve a neutral ball flight. The face offers multiple sweet spots across a broad area, while the lightweight carbon chassis makes it easier to swing.

The Paradym Ai Smoke Max is a forgiving driver that delivers impressive distance even on strikes near the heel and toe. Thanks to adjustable perimeter weighting, the Callaway Ai Smoke MAX allows for significant shot-shape correction for fades and draws. A women's model of the Paradym Ai Smoke Max driver is also available utilizing the same technologies. 

Shop Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max Driver

Are you a mid-handicap golfer who has a slower swing speed and would like a new driver that can help launch the ball higher and farther? The lightweight Titleist TS1 driver, which debuted in 2019, is engineered to be easy to swing and to flight the golf ball higher. Ideal for players whose average swing speeds are under 90 mph, it features a deep center of gravity, an ultra-light shaft, and optimized aerodynamics to enhance clubhead speed.

Variable face thickness technology expands the sweet spot, ensuring consistent results even on off-center hits. The TS1’s ultra-thin titanium crown helps lower the center of gravity for a higher launch and increased carry distance. Plus, the adjustable hosel allows for customization to fit your swing and gain more control. If your swing speed is holding you back, the sleek and steady Titleist TS1 is an outstanding driver to consider.

Shop Titleist TS1 Driver

If you’re in the market for a top-performing, budget-friendly driver, the 0211 driver delivers PXG’s renowned technology and craftsmanship at an accessible price. The 0211 line serves as an affordable alternative to PXG’s premium flagship 0311 clubs, which boast two generations so far. Thanks to its low, rearward weight distribution that enhances MOI, the 2021 model earns raves for its forgiveness and easy launch properties. A high-speed titanium alloy face boosts ball speed across a wide impact area, resulting in more distance even on mis-hits.

The updated 2022 edition, which features a more compact, classic round shape and a black matte finish, delivers a more powerful sound and improved performance. Even with a more penetrating ball flight, the 0211's carry distance impresses. Both versions of the PXG 0211 driver provide a blend of control and power for golfers seeking performance without overspending.

Shop PXG 0211 Driver

Debuting in 2019, the PING G410 LST driver is an excellent choice for players with fast swing speeds who want consistent distance without losing forgiveness and control. One of the best drivers with lower spin, it features a compact, pear-shaped head with a slightly open-face profile at address. The face is thinner and hotter than its predecessors, generating faster ball speed, more distance, and improved feel. Enhanced stability minimizes vibration and boosts consistency.

With eight adjustable loft and lie settings, players can fine-tune the PING G410 LST with up to 20 yards of shot correction between draw and fade. Stock versions come with a range of steel and lighter graphite driver shaft options. For fast-swinging mid-handicap golfers, the PING G410 LST driver delivers lower spin and added control and versatility.

Among the four Mavrik drivers introduced by Callaway in 2020, the Mavrik MAX stands out as the most forgiving. Designed for mid- and high-handicappers, it features a strong draw bias to promote higher launch and reduce slices. Its thin face and expanded sweet spot ensure impressive distance and forgiveness on off-center hits.

Like the other drivers in the Mavrik series, the Mavrik MAX incorporates Callaway’s Jailbreak and Flash Face technologies, with internal bars stabilizing the clubhead for faster ball speed. Adjustable heel weighting helps slicers hit straighter shots. The club’s lightweight design boosts both clubhead and ball speeds, while a higher MOI stabilizes performance. Golfers with moderate driver swing speed can expect consistently better launch angles and distance gains when using the Mavrik MAX.

Shop Callaway Mavrik MAX Driver

Released in 2023, the PING G430 MAX was designed to help golfers of any skill level hit straighter shots regardless of swing path. It builds on the success of the G425 MAX by adding extra distance and better sound quality.

The refined, shallower face and variable thickness design of the PING G430 MAX driver enhances deflection at impact, generating higher ball speeds with high launch and mid-to-low spin for optimal carry. PING Spinsistency technology ensures consistent spin rates, especially on strikes lower on the face, while adjustable sliding weight allows players to shape shots for draws or fades. In 2024, PING introduced the G430 MAX 10K, featuring increased MOI for maximum forgiveness. If you're targeting more forgiving drivers that are easy to hit, the G430 MAX is a great option.

Introduced in 2022, the Callaway Rogue ST Max D is ideal for mid handicappers looking for a premium driver that delivers extra distance, accuracy, and forgiveness—especially if slicing is your main issue. As the most draw-biased model in the Rogue ST lineup, the MAX D's anti-slice capabilities are built into the design without relying on adjustable weights.

The Rogue ST Max D driver features Callaway’s Ai Jailbreak Speed Frame to stabilize the clubhead for maximum energy transfer, and an AI-optimized clubface that boosts ball speed. Strategically positioned tungsten weight increases MOI for more forgiveness and higher launch. The 460cc head’s offset design, draw bias, and upright lie angle promote straighter shots. An adjustable hosel allows loft and lie tweaks, making it versatile despite its fixed weighting. Despite Callaway's even more modern drivers, the Rogue ST Max D remains a strong choice for players seeking slice correction and added distance.

Shop Callaway Rogue ST Max Draw Driver

Rounding out our list, the Callaway Epic Speed driver, launched in 2021, is a top pick for the mid handicapper seeking the best golf driver to boost clubhead speed, ball speed, and forgiveness. Callaway introduced a new head design for this driver that is geared for low- and mid-handicap golfers. It features a compact head shape with a new cyclone aero design that reduces drag and produces a powerful impact sound.

The Epic Speed driver is the first to use Callaway’s Jailbreak Speed Frame, an A.I.-designed architecture that enhances clubhead stability and forgiveness on off-center hits. While the built-in game-improvement features eliminate the need for complex settings, simple hosel adjustments allow for loft and lie tweaks. The Epic Speed is yet another classic-looking Callaway driver that is long and forgiving with pleasing feel.

Shop Callaway Epic Speed Driver