Hot Drivers
New Tech for Golfers
Get In THE Game
TaylorMade Qi10 Max drivers boast 10K MOI , which has dramatically increased the driver ’ s ability to resist the twisting of the clubface at impact that creates the mishits . The Qi10 Max features a shallower head shape that extends from front to back and significantly increases inertia by allowing mass to be placed further away from the center of the clubhead . The further the weight can be moved back in the golf club , the less twisting at impact , which leads to straighter shots off the tee .
The Mizuno ST-Max 230 ( photos above ) is one of our favorites because of the increased forgiveness . Are you seeing a common theme in our evaluations ? Everybody wants more distance , but increased forgiveness should be the real goal . The Mizuno ST-Max 230 is $ 499.99 and achieves better forgiveness by stretching the weight farther with the help of the lightweight carbon in the crown and sole of the club . This weight shift increases the stability of the club .
Qi10 Max drivers offer Infinity Carbon over 97 % of the crown . The lighter-weight carbon crown gives TaylorMade designers the ability to move the mass to areas where it can be used to enhance forgiveness . Additionally , using carbon in the face also allows the weight to be moved back in the club , further increasing the MOI . TaylorMade calls it the “ third generation of 60X Carbon Twist Face ” technology . Remember , the greater the MOI , the more forgiveness there is in the golf club .
The Qi10 family of drivers is offered in these models : Qi10 , Qi10 Max , Qi10 LS , and Qi10 Max HL — these drivers , except the Qi10 LS , retail like the others in the category at $ 599.99 . The Qi10 LS comes in at $ 629.99 retail .
While the drivers from Callaway and TaylorMade represent a very large percentage of our driver sales at the pro shop , there are other good drivers on the market for 2024 that deserve a look when you are evaluating your new driver selection .
PING Golf continues to stand strong with its G430 line of drivers . The PING G430 Max has been the most forgiving of its drivers , but the introduction of the PING G430 MAX 10K ($ 599.99 retail ) intrigues us . This driver is the “ beefiest ” of the line and features heavy tungsten weight in the back of the club that forces the weight to the back . This weight shift increases the driver ’ s stability and gives those off-center hits a better outcome .
The most popular model in the Titleist lineup of drivers is its TSR2 driver . It features a larger face that , coupled with a larger footprint , creates the forgiveness golfers are looking for . The Titleist TSR2 retails at $ 599.99 .
Now , how do you take advantage of these new offerings , and how do you know if any of these new drivers are the “ real deal ” for your game ? Visit your local golf course pro shop and talk to the fitter . Remember , hit ( test drive ) the new clubs against your current driver on the outdoor range !
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Eddie Hall is the general manager at Paradise Pointe Golf Complex and owner of Paradise Pointe Golf Shop . Hall performs hundreds of custom clubfittings yearly . For questions or help with your clubs , contact him at eddie . hall @ paradisepointegolf . com .
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