Driver for Beginner

[kwatch]

I'm looking for a used driver for a beginner.  I'm interested in TaylorMade, Callaway and Ping driver. I'll appreciate any advice.

[rjdivis]

Most places, ie Golf Galaxy, PGATSS, etc..., allow you to hit preowned drivers in store.  If there is one nearby, this could be a good way to test them out.  Prior gen TM, say Sim or M6, could be a good place to start.  Same goes for the prior gen Callaway and Ping.  I would likely go with the more forgiving, possibly even Draw based, heads.  Sim Max, G400 max or G400 SFT are a few examples.  

[Barfolomew]

Toyota Camry or Ping 

[PhilsFanDrew]

Honestly just find anything adjustable from the major brands (TM, Ping, Callaway, Cobra, etc) a couple years old cheap and spend the money on lessons.  Just make sure to avoid the models that fall in the category of low spin/players models.  The difference between standard GI drivers versus SGI is minimal.  You can still hit plenty of unplayable drives with SGI drivers if you have poor mechanics which is why if I were new I would go with a driver I could pick up for around $150-200 that may be 3-4 years old over something new/1yr old but still costs $350-$400+.  If money isn't an obstacle and you can afford a newer driver and lessons by all means.  But for prioritization purposes I guess my .02 would be to not buy new thinking you are getting enough forgiveness to avoid lessons.

Edited June 16, 2021 by PhilsFanDrew

[Jeff58]

Somewhat depends on the age, height, sex, and general physical ability of the beginner.

[scooterhd2]

PING K15. 

[Springsteennut]

Cobra F7, 8 and 9 are all very forgiving drivers. Tour Edge Exs/Exs 220 are also very forgiving if you’re willing to look at other brands.

[me05501]

Callaway Fusion 

or

TaylorMade SLDR Mini Driver

[Tommyboi95]

Anything Ping!

[philleeeeep]

Agree with a lot of the responses here... go with a previous model. Seems like Ping has some of the most forgiving drivers out there. Callaway also comes to mind for their "beginner" models, like the Fusion, the B21. 

[xkilgorextroutx]

Find a gently used Cobra F6 or F7. Probably the best bang for your buck when it comes to adjustability and forgiveness. 

[Striker Ace]

Srixon makes a nice driver. You can get the Z585 for only $250 right now.

[jholz]

I'd look for the cheapest thing you can find from a major equipment manufacturer produced in the past 15 (or so) years. Driver tech hasn't changed a ton in that time - at least not in ways that will matter to a true beginner. 

 

If find a good quality club and isn't damaged, its going to work fine for a beginner. No need to spend cash on something that might only be used a handful of times - if they decide golf isn't for them.

 

If they do decide that golf is for them, then as they learn the game and get better, they will have a more informed opinion of what they like and what will work for them. At that point, they can go and invest in something better. 

[optimator]

I'm still using a Cobra Amp Cell. 

[Davidv]

Ping G30.

[TiScape]

Bonus is, it can be used to put and drive with!

Seriously, think about something used that suites your eye. If you go with the Ping, just know not all drivers sound that awful! Haha

I’d recommended one of the older ‘M’ drivers from TM or a Titleist TS2.

Edited June 17, 2021 by TiScape

[BallerNate]

My old Callaway Rogue sure was good. Thinking about getting another one.

[phizzy30]

Really depends on your budget.  Honestly, I wouldn't get anything older than 5 years old.  Most heads any older tend to be pretty beat up.  Slightly used is fine, but drivers that have marks all over the face are meh.  The more forgiving drivers would probably suit you better.  As you get better over time, you can then decide to pull the trigger and get something more suited to your game and splurge a bit. 

[jomatty]

If you shop hard you can get a srixon zx5 or mizuno stz or st200 for less than $300.  Cobra rad speed xb is also a very easy to hit driver that can be had in that price range. Titleist ts2 are available fairly cheap. Get one with a shaft that matches your swing speed and you will be set.  Most of the ping drivers (aside from the lst models) would be good but they are pricey used imho.  You have to go like 5 years old if you want one for a reasonable price, and I think there are other newer drivers, for the same money.  If you are buying new and don’t mind spending the money then ping are great, but then you should just get fit.

[drjacko]

High Launch versions of older drivers are always a good place to start.  By default, they usually have regular flex shafts or even senior/lady shafts.  So it depends on your beginner's swing speed.  They are usually less in demand so can be had for cheap.  

 

The loft is immediately more forgiving and the ease of getting the ball airborne is confidence building.  It also helps with the classic steeper swing of a beginner.  I would also go big- 460cc.  

 

Each OEM has a model generation that is the sweetspot of cheap price, technology (think of shaft as well),and availability that the decision maker should set as standard- and start from there to more recent models. 

 

For example: Taylormade Tour Burner is a nice start.  But a for a bit more you could get Rocketballz.  A few generations later the lesser loved Jetspeed may be just as cheap and more  available in better condition.

 

For a beginner, I would have to be very impressed with their swing before spending big on recent models.  I would take the inveitable dings and skymarks as personal hurt.