We Take a Deep Dive Into the Most Forgiving Drivers of the Year
By Ryan Gager
Welcome to this edition of Club Explorers, where GOLFTEC’s Brad Skupaka and Connie Chen will be discussing and hitting the three most forgiving drivers of 2023. These drivers are designed to help golfers keep it in the fairway, even on those strikes that don’t find the center of the face. We will go over the features of each driver and analyze their performance based on the data we collected. So, let’s dive in and find out which drivers made it to the top of the list!
Before we get into the specifics of each driver, the main feature we will be focusing on is the Moment of Inertia (MOI), which measures the resistance to twisting when the ball is hit off-center. The higher the MOI, the more forgiving the driver will be.
Titleist TSR2 Driver
Number three on the list for this year is the Titleist TSR2. This driver has a more traditional profile compared to its predecessor, the TSi. It features a rear skirt that is closer to the face, giving it a classic look. The TSR2 has a MOI of 5100, making it a very forgiving option for golfers. Let’s take a look at the performance.
Connie hit three shots with the TSR2, and while one of them pushes to the right, none of them cross to the left. Connie notes that the driver has a clean finish and feels great. The numbers show a ball speed of 134 mph, a launch angle of 12 degrees, and backspin of 1900 rpm. The overall distance is 241 yards. The TSR2 proves to be a forgiving driver that helps golfers hit straight shots even on off-center hits.
If you missed it, Joe Hooks came to GOLFTEC for a driver fitting. Be sure to check out the results here!
Callaway Paradym X Driver
Number two on our list for the most forgiving driver of 2023 is the Callaway Paradym X. This driver features a 360 carbon chassis, which means there is no metal on the driver except for the face. The weight saved from using composite material allows Callaway to move weight to the back of the club, increasing the MOI. The Paradym X has a MOI of 5200, making it a little bit more forgiving than the Titleist TSR2.
Connie hit three shots with the Paradym X, and while one of them crosses slightly to the left, it still finds the fairway. She describes the driver as very forgiving and praises its balance between distance and accuracy. The numbers show a ball speed of 133 mph, a launch angle of 12 degrees, and backspin of 2050 rpm. The overall distance is 243 yards. The Paradym X is a great option for golfers looking for forgiveness and consistency.
PING G430 Max Driver
And the most forgiving driver of 2023 is the Ping G430 Max. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the G425 Max, Ping has added a 25-gram weight to the back of the club, increasing the MOI. The G430 Max has a staggering MOI of 5700, pushing the boundaries of forgiveness in the industry.
Connie hit three shots with the G430 Max, and while a couple of them start off to the right and curve to the left, none of them cross the center line. She notes that the driver looks rugged and feels great, with a loud sound upon impact. The numbers show a ball speed of 132 mph, a launch angle of 12 degrees, and backspin of 2050 rpm. The overall distance is 241 yards. The G430 Max proves to be the most forgiving driver, helping golfers keep their shots in play and minimizing the left and right miss.
According to our measurements calculating MOI, the top three most forgiving drivers of 2023 are the Titleist TSR2, Callaway Paradym X, and Ping G430 Max. These drivers offer high MOI, ensuring forgiveness on off-center hits and helping golfers hit straight shots. The TSR2 provides a classic look and feel, while the Paradym X offers a balance between distance and accuracy. The G430 Max pushes the boundaries of forgiveness with its high MOI. Whether you’re looking for forgiveness, consistency, or distance, these drivers are worth considering.
To find the best driver for your game, we recommend getting fitted by one of our professionals at a local GOLFTEC near you who can assess your swing and recommend the driver that suits you best.
Check out some other videos from GOLFTEC below, including Tour Player Mark Baldwin showcasing his effortless power with a driver, and Tour Winner Dean Wilson demonstrating tips to help you drive the ball better.
Interested in more instructional content from GOLFTEC?
Fill out the form on this page and you’ll be subscribed to future emails with great videos, tips, drills, and more.
A local Coach will also contact you to discuss your game and how lessons or a fitting at a local Training Center may benefit you.
