The Longest Golf Drivers On The Market Right Now

When a golfer steps up to the tee with their driver in hand their main goal is to try and hit the ball as far as possible. For many hitting it far is easy, but hitting it far and straight is another story. 

The distance versus accuracy is an ongoing debate amongst golfers of all skill levels. Bryson Dechambeau has thrown this debate wide open again when he embarked on a mission to hit the golf ball further by gaining nearly 40 lbs (18kg) during the Covid-19 lockdown period. Given his recent form, it is easy to see why Bryson was so adamant about hitting the golf ball further than anyone else on the PGA Tour. 

If you are like Bryson and you want to hit the golf ball further with your driver then you have come to the right place.

The 5 Longest Drivers:

Below we review 5 of the longest drivers currently available on the market and we will also take a closer look at how to hit the golf ball further with your driver. 

1. TaylorMade SIM Driver

TaylorMade SIM Driver
Loft9, & 10.5 degrees 
Clubhead size460 cc
Lie56 – 60 degrees 
AdjustableYes (loft, lie & ball flight bias) 
Hand OrientationRight & Left 

TaylorMade is known for its revolutionizing driver technology and its latest SIM driver doesn’t disappoint. The new SIM driver features a new aerodynamic, asymmetric sole, and inertia generator that is designed to promote more clubhead speed, higher ball speeds, and ultimately added distance. The added weight in the rear of the SIM driver increases the moment of inertia which in return ensures exceptional feel and forgiveness at impact. 

The SIM driver features a speed injected twist face clubface. This cutting edge technology features a face curvature that reduces spin on off-center hits, the result of this technology is improved accuracy on both your good and bad shots. 

The SIM driver can be adjusted in a variety of different ways which include lie, loft, and weight. The adjustable sliding weight track, however, is a game-changer, by adjusting this sliding weight you can set the SIM driver to have either a draw or a fade bias. This technology is ideal for players that struggle with controlling their ball flight on tee shots. 

2. Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero Driver

Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero Driver
Loft9 & 10.5 degrees 
Clubhead size460 cc
Lie56 degrees 
AdjustableYes (loft, lie & weight) 
Hand OrientationRight & Left 

Callaway is one of the most reputable golf manufacturers in the industry. Across the board from golf balls to irons, wedges and woods Callaway is up there with the best of the best and their Epic Flash Sub Zero driver is one of the longest drivers to hit the shelves in recent years. 

The Epic Flash is not the cheapest driver on the market but it is worth every cent. The award-winning Epic Flash Sub Zero features AI-engineered Flash Face Technology. This advanced technology promotes unprecedented ball speeds in the middle part of the clubhead which in return delivers exceptional distance. 

The Epic Flash Sub Zero features Callaway’s revolutionary Jailbreak technology. This technology made a name for itself when it was introduced in the design of the Rogue drivers. Two bars that look like jail bars, hence the name, connect the sole and the crown of the driver’s head. These jailbreak bars redistribute energy optimally throughout the clubhead to ensure fast ball speeds and maximum distance. 

The crown of the Epic Flash Sub Zero is a light triaxial carbon fabric crown that is tightly weaved to ensure less weight, this reduction in weight in the crown allows for weight to be redistributed within the driver head which ensures exceptional forgiveness thanks to a higher MOI. 

The Epic Flash Sub Zero features an adjustable perimeter weighting system. This system features a 12-gram sliding weight that can be moved around to adjust the ball flight driver bias. The Epic Flash Sub Zero driver is both long and straight and it will be a welcome addition to the bag of any golfer. 

3. Mizuno ST200 Driver

Mizuno ST200 Driver
Loft9.5 & 10.5 degrees 
Clubhead size460 cc
Lie56.5 degrees 
AdjustableYes (loft & lie) 
Hand OrientationRight & Left (only in 9.5 degrees)

Mizuno is known for producing some of the best irons sets that money can buy, but their latest driver release, the ST200 is set to ruffle some feathers in the driver section. 

The ST200 features a forged SAT Ti Face, the design of this clubface is 17% stronger than that of the traditional 6-4 Titanium that Mizuno has used in precious driver designs. In addition to this clubface being strong, it is also optimized in terms of face thickness to ensure optimal performance and maximum distance. 

The ST200 features an ultra-lightweight carbon composite crown, this lightweight crown allows for weight to be moved within the clubhead to lower MOI which ultimately results in exceptional forgiveness at impact. The feel and forgiveness of this driver is further optimized thanks to the fine-tuned geometry of this driver head. 

What’s really impressive about this driver is the fact that it delivers exceptional ball speeds which translates into maximum distance. These high ball speeds are obtained through Mizuno’s signature Wave Technology. This technology allows the clubface to compress and rebound at impact which ensures that maximum energy is transferred over to the golf ball which leads to higher ball speeds and added distance. 

The ST200 might seem like an unlikely candidate, but it is one of the longest drivers currently available on the market. 

4. Titleist TS3 Driver

Titleist TS3 Driver
Loft8.5, 9.5 & 10.5 degrees 
Clubhead size460 cc
Lie58.5 degrees 
AdjustableYes (loft, lie & weight) 
Hand OrientationRight & Left 

Titleist is a very recognizable name amongst golfers and one of the latest releases, the TS3 driver is one of the longest drivers that money can buy. The design of the TS3 revolves around speed. The Titleist R&D team was tasked with creating the fastest driver in golf, they spent 2 years on this mission and the result is the Titleist Speed Chassis. This technology concentrates on the optimal construction of the clubhead to maximize clubhead and ball speeds which ultimately delivers maximum distance. 

The TS3 features an ultra-thin, lightweight, titanium crown, this allows for weight to be redistributed to other areas of the clubhead. The TS3 also features an interchangeable weight that is situated towards the back of the clubhead. The redistribution of weight in the clubhead and the positioning of this weight creates a low center of gravity which ensures higher launch and lower spin numbers which equate to added distance.  

The TS3 isn’t just another classic Titleist driver, it is a classic driver with a fresh new look and design that delivers exceptional results all around. 

To learn more about other high-quality drivers currently available on the market read our best golf driver article. 

5. Krank Formula 11 XX Driver

Krank Formula 11 XX Driver
Loft9, 10.5, 12 & 14 degrees 
Clubhead size460 cc
Lien/a 
AdjustableYes (loft & lie) 
Hand OrientationRight & Left 

Krank is a well-known name amongst long drive enthusiasts. Krank specializes in the design of long driver drivers but in recent years their drivers are becoming more and more popular amongst regular golfers. 

The latest Krank driver, the Formula 11 XX, is one of their best driver designs to date. The Formula 11 XX is a 100% handmade driver with a forged driver head. Forged clubheads aren’t unique in the golf industry, but it is unique for a driver head to be forged. 

The Formula 11 XX is a culmination of what the Krank R&D team has discovered about long drive driver designs over the last 16 years. Technology utilized in the design of the Formula 11 XX includes triple plasma welding, the use of hardened Beat Titanium and sole plate louver positioning. All of this ensures that maximum energy is transferred back to the golf ball at impact which ensures maximum distance. 

The Krank driver is unlike any other driver on the market, but one thing is for sure about this high-quality, durable forged driver, it goes longer than most drivers. 

The Key to Hitting Long Drives

There is more to hitting the golf ball far than just strength, yes strength helps but maximum distance is a combination between optimized equipment and good technique. 

Shafts

Golf shafts come in different shapes and sizes, what works for me might be completely wrong for someone else. To hit the golf ball as far as possible based on your abilities it is vital to play with the correct shaft in your driver. 

The optimal shaft will ensure that you can swing your driver as fast as possible without compromising on accuracy. In addition to swing speed, flex, torque, kick-point, and weight are other shaft characteristics that need to be considered to ensure optimal performance with driver in hand. 

If a custom fitting with a PGA professional is an option for you then I would highly recommend it, they will be able to tell you exactly which shaft it is that is optimal for your golf swing to ensure maximum distance. If a custom fitting isn’t an option watch the video below, and read our article here, it will assist you with choosing the correct driver shaft option. 

Swing Speed & Ball Speed

Clubhead speed is key when trying to hit long drives. Added clubhead speed ensures that maximum energy is transferred over to the golf ball which delivers high ball speeds and maximum distance. 

Long hitters on the PGA Tour, and majors such as Rory McIlroy, Tony Finau, Dustin Johnson, and Bryson Dechambeau all have average driver clubhead speeds well over 120 mph. These guys hit the golf ball a country mile, but only Johnson is on the list of top 10 longest drives hit in competition. To find out who else made the list read our 10 Longest Golf Drives Of All Time article.  

Spin Rates

Spin rate has a massive influence on both height and distance. To ensure maximum distance off the tee it is vital to optimize spin rates. Too much spin and the golf ball will lose distance and too little spin and the ball will struggle to get airborne which will also mean less distance. 

To learn more about spin rate read our article on the fundamentals of spin rate.

Launch Angles

Launch angles are about more than just the loft that is stamped on your driver. Launch angles change depending on swing speed and angle of attack at impact. If the golf ball doesn’t launch high enough distance will be lost and vice versa if the golf ball launches too high. If added distance with the driver is what you are after ensure that your launch angles are optimized based on your swing characteristics. 

How to hit long drives

Drivers are designed to hit the golf ball long distances, but it doesn’t happen automatically. Good swing fundamentals are key to ensure that you hit the golf ball as far as possible within the limits of your golf swing. 

Setup

Setup is key to ensure a rhythmic and balanced golf swing. Hitting the ball as hard as possible doesn’t deliver distance, timing does. Below is a list of easy to remember checkpoints which will ensure that you give yourself the best chance of hitting sweetly timed drives. 

  • Align your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to your target line
  • Your feet should be slightly wider than shoulder-width apart 
  • Set up with the ball positioned on the inside of the heel of your front foot 
  • Distribute the weight around in your feet so that 55% of your weight is on your right (back) foot and that the remaining 45% is on your left (front) foot. 
  • Tilt your right shoulder down slightly towards the ground in comparison to your left shoulder  

Upward Angle of Attack

Launch monitors have revolutionized the game of golf. Thanks to launch monitors such as TrackMan we now know that an upward angle of attack is required when hitting your driver to ensure maximum distance. A variety of swing factors can influence your angle of attack, but with a good setup as described above your angle of attack, issues should be a thing of the past. 

Speed and Rhythm

By now we know that speed equates to distance. All of the long hitters on the PGA Tour have high swing speeds and it is the main reason for how they hit the golf ball as far as they do.  

Without good rhythm though swing speed and added distance will only get you into trouble. Distance is great, but without accuracy, it doesn’t mean much. Once you are set up accurately you will be able to swing freely which in return will give you the best opportunity to find the fairway. Always remember that there is a difference between swinging aggressively and trying to hit the golf ball too hard.  

To learn more about swing speed read our article on the fundamentals of swing speed.

Emerging Technologies in Golf Drivers

As golf equipment technology continues to evolve, so does the potential for longer drives. Let’s explore some of the latest advancements that are pushing the boundaries of distance.

  1. Materials and Construction: Modern drivers are being constructed with new materials like carbon composite and titanium, which are lighter yet stronger than traditional materials. This allows for increased clubhead speed without sacrificing control or durability.
  2. Adjustability: Many of today’s drivers offer adjustable features, such as movable weights and adjustable hosels. These allow golfers to fine-tune their drivers to their specific swing characteristics, optimizing launch conditions for maximum distance.
  3. Aerodynamic Design: Manufacturers are investing heavily in research and development to create clubhead designs that reduce drag and increase clubhead speed. The result is drivers that move more smoothly through the air, leading to faster swing speeds and longer drives.
  4. Face Technology: Innovations in face technology, such as variable face thickness and bulge and roll design, are helping to maximize ball speed on off-center hits. This means golfers can achieve longer drives, even when they don’t hit the ball perfectly in the center of the face.
  5. Artificial Intelligence (AI): Some manufacturers are now using AI to design their drivers. By analyzing thousands of data points, AI can create optimized clubhead designs that would be nearly impossible to develop through traditional methods.

Remember, while technology can certainly help increase your driving distance, it’s also important to have a solid technique and a driver that fits your individual swing characteristics. Consider working with a golf professional or club fitter to ensure you’re getting the most out of your equipment.

FAQs

What is the secret to hitting long drives?

Golfers believe that there is a secret to the game. Most of us tend to think that we have found the secret when we shoot a low score only to have our dreams shattered the following round. Unfortunately, there is no secret to magically shooting lower scores or to hitting long drivers. 

However, consistency and a couple of other factors combined will help with hitting the ball further off the tee. Playing with a driver that is optimal for your swing speed and tendencies will go a long way in adding distance to your drives. The correct shaft, lie angle, and loft on your driver are just some of the factors that can make a massive difference without changing anything to your swing. 

In addition to equipment working on your swing with the help of a qualified instructor will also go a long way in your quest for added distance. Unfortunately, there is no secret to long drives other than playing with the right equipment and spending quality time on the practice tee. 

Will I lose accuracy when trying to add distance off the tee? 

Added distance off the tee requires faster clubhead speed unless you are struggling with hitting a slice or a hook. If a big slice or hook is an issue with your driver straightening out your ball flight will automatically translate into added distance. 

Players that want to add distance by swinging the club faster can run into some issues with accuracy. An increase in clubhead speed causes a change in rhythm and transitions throughout your swing will be different. If your arms and hips are out of sync accuracy will be an issue. 

Will a longer shaft help with driving the golf ball further?

Long driver professionals use longer shafts with a reason, it helps with hitting the ball further. With a longer shaft your swing arc will be wider which in return will allow you to swing the club slightly faster than with a shorter driver. This added swing speed translates into added distance. 

According to the rules of golf 48 inches is the maximum shaft length allowed to be used in a driver, most standard drivers however are around 45 inches. A longer shaft in combination with the right driver head and lie/loft setting can give you that extra 10 yards that you are after. With a longer shaft the room for error is also smaller and a longer shaft can cause accuracy issues, keep this in mind before buying a longer shaft for your driver. 

Who’s the longest driver in golf?

The longest golf drive in history was by Mike Austin in 1974. Austin hit a drive of 515 yards at the National Seniors Open Championship.

Conclusion

The market is flooded with a variety of different drivers and they all promise maximum distance, but at the end of the day it all comes down to finding the perfect driver setup for your golf swing.

Finding the perfect driver is half the battle won, the other half is up to you. To hit long drives, technique is key. If you are serious about hitting it further off the tee make sure that your golf swing matches your driver. Once you find the perfect combo your golf game is set to soar to the next level. 

This article was last updated on July 5, 2023 .

Bertine Strauss
Written by
Bertine Strauss
The Golf Blog