I’ve had some of my best days on the golf course when it was raining outside. However, to make playing golf in the rain an enjoyable experience, you must have the proper gear to keep you from feeling uncomfortably drenched.

A waterproof golf hat is one of the most essential pieces of rain gear for golfers. There are a ton of golf rain hats available, so finding the right one can take time and effort.

To help with that, we’ve researched and compared a bunch of them and compiled the following list of the 10 best golf rain hats of 2022. Now a popup shower won’t ruin your next round of golf!

How We Came Up With This List

To find the best golf rain hats on the market, we carefully considered a variety of important factors. First, each golf rain hat on our list had to be made of a waterproof material. We know there’s nothing worse than buying a piece of rain gear that claims to be waterproof but isn’t.

Next,  we searched for golf hats that were lightweight. This is key to ensuring a comfortable fit on a rainy day. Golfers don’t need a hat that will weigh them down during rainy weather.

Last but certainly not least, we wanted to make sure every golf hat on our list was durable. While other factors like coverage and waterproofing are essential, all of that’s meaningless if the hat doesn’t hold up well over time.

Top 10 Rain Hats for Golf

1. Titleist Men’s StaDry Hat Black / Grey (Best Overall)

Pros

• Has a reasonable price point for such a quality item
• One of the most respected brands in the golf world
• It comes with an adjustable closure on the back to give you the perfect fit
• The sleek black and grey colors will still have you styling on a rainy day
• The whole hat is built to repel water, especially the visor

Cons

• Some have said the hat’s too big, even with the adjustable fit
• Only available in 1 color and style

Our search for the best golf hat for rainy days on the course was a tight one. While we narrowed the choices down to 3 or 4 options, we settled on Titleist because of this hat’s lightweight, waterproof material. Golfers have been trusting Titleist since the company was founded in 1932.

2. CLAPE Outdoor Hat (Most Budget Friendly)

Pros

• Built to hold up in rainy conditions
• Any type of moisture like rain or sweat will dry quickly
• It also repels the sun with its UPF50+ rating
• Affordable for golfers on any kind of budget
• One size fits most
• It has a small opening in the back for folks with long hair
• It comes in 28 different styles
• It can be thrown into a washing machine without durability concerns

Cons

• Not an established golf brand like Nike, Titleist, or Adidas
• The size could be too big for some golfers

If you’re looking for value, look no further. The CLAPE outdoor hat is incredibly affordable and comes in 28 different colors. This hat is made up of 80% polyester, one of the world’s most water-resistant materials.

3. Nike UV Bucket Golf Hat Black (Best Bucket Style Rain Hat)

Pros

• One of the most established brands in the sports apparel industry
• Bucket-style hat has a wide brim that provides a large amount of coverage from both rain and sunshine
• Made with unique fabrics that dry quickly in any conditions
• It comes with an adjustable nylon drawstring that’ll come in handy on windy days
• Wide brim gives golfers a full 360 degrees of sun coverage
• The drawstring can be removed if needed

Cons

• One of the most expensive golf hats on the market
• It only comes in 2 sizes: Medium/Large and Large/Extra Large

PGA Tour golfer Joel Dahmen has made golf bucket hats more popular than ever. Nike has a fantastic option if that also happens to be your style of choice. This golf hat has tiny holes on the side for maximum breathability, and it’s made of 100% polyester to help keep your head dry on even the rainiest days.

4. Lvaiz Waterproof Golf Baseball Cap (Best Baseball Cap Option)

Pros

• Made with an unstructured panel so that you can fold it up and keep it in your golf bag
• One of the most lightweight golf hats on the market at only a tad over 2 ounces
• The bill has a 3M belt on it to protect you from the sun
• Most folks love the snap closure and say it fits them perfectly
• Built with a unique headband that will wick away sweat
• Stylish enough to wear both on and off the golf course

Cons

• Material isn’t as breathable as some would have liked
• Some have had issues with the seams of the strap on the back

You probably haven’t heard of Lvaiz, but this company makes high-quality sports apparel. This golf baseball cap holds up very well in harsh elements like wind and rain. It’s also breathable and has a reflective bill with a UPF 50+ rating to beat the sun’s deadly rays.

5. FUWODE Wide Brim Rainproof Hat (Most Versatile)

Pros

• It comes in some excellent varieties like Camo and Khaki
• Made up of 65% polyester, so it’s a tremendous waterproof bucket hat
• It has an adjustable chin strap so that it’ll stay on your head during windy days on the golf course
• It has a 3.5-inch wide brim, which is one of the largest out there
• Made with a specific fabric that’s UV resistant and UPF50+ rated
• Includes a mesh sweatband on the inside to keep sweat away from your eyes
• It does a phenomenal job of keeping the rain off your neck, face, and head
• Perfect for golf or other outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or water rafting

Cons

• It can’t be put in a regular washer at home; it must be hand-washed only
• Some of the darker colors won’t hold up to water with chlorine in it

Want a rain hat that’s perfect for the golf course and the beach? The FUWODE rainproof hat is possibly your best bet, which is why we named it the most versatile option. This comes in 13 unique styles and color schemes to suit everyone’s tastes.

6. adidas Men’s Victory 4 Bucket Hat (Most Breathable)

Pros

• It has extra perforated holes for the max level of breathability and ventilation.
• Made up of 100% polyester so that the rain will bounce right off of it
• It comes with a nylon drawstring that’s easy to adjust to your comfort level
• Provides UPF 50 protection against the sun
• The inside of the hat has one of the thickest sweatbands around to keep you cool and dry
• It has the unique Boonie bucket silhouette design
• Low price for such a big name brand like adidas
• It comes in 7 different colors
• Very lightweight; only a little over 4 ounces

Cons

• Hand wash only; it can’t be thrown into a standard washing machine
• Some reviewers have experienced sizing issues since it only comes in Small/Medium and Large/X-Large

Do you sweat more than the average golfer? If so, you need a golf hat that’ll hold up in the rain and keep you cool during the summer. The adidas Men’s Victory 4 bucket hat is just the ticket, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg like other name brands.

7. Frogg Toggs Waterproof Breathable Boonie Hat (Best Boonie Style)

Pros

• It has a 1-inch band on the inside to increase your comfort level
• Easy to wash and can be put into regular washing machines
• Available in Black, Stone, or a Mossy Oak Bottomland style
• 100% Waterproof in any type of weather conditions
• Lightweight and durable
• It will save you packing space since its crushable
• It has a nice tension cord that can easily be adjusted

Cons

• It has a shorter brim than other brands
• Only 3 color options
• The brim may be too flimsy for some golfers who play in extreme wind.

More golfers are turning to Boonie-style bucket hats because they can be pressed down and thrown into a golf bag. This is incredibly handy while traveling because you won’t have to worry about warping the shape of your hat. This option from Frogg Toggs is 100% waterproof, so we highly recommend it.

8. EINSKEY Wide Brim Bucket Hat (Best Color Variety)

Pros

• 50% off for a limited time, which is a great deal
• Looks great on both men and women golfers
• One of the widest brims on the market at 3.9 inches, which provides maximum coverage against the rain and sun
• It comes with an adjustable chin strap and drawcord for added convenience
• Made of 100% polyester
• It has mesh panels to reduce sweating and keep your head cool
• The built-in sweatband quickly and effectively absorbs sweat
• Great for golfing, camping, or fishing
• Over 29,000 reviewers on Amazon with an average rating of 4.6
• The brim is durable and won’t flap up even in extremely windy conditions

Cons

• Some may not like the extremely wide brim
• I have seen some complaints of shipping methods leaving the hat with permanent creases

Are you the type of golfer that likes to have multiple outfits with lots of color options? If so, you’ll love EINSKEY bucket hats because of their wide variety of colors. There are 26 options to choose from, so you’ll never get bored!

9. Mission Cooling Bucket Hat (Best for Summer Months)

Pros

• Available in 8 different colors
• It can be washed in a regular washing machine
• Cools your head when wet but repels rainwater
• The cooling panel zones will stay cool for up to 2 hours, which is excellent for summer
• It can be folded for easier packing when traveling
• Soft and comfortable

Cons

• Since it has built-in cooling panels, this wouldn’t be an excellent choice for days with cooler temperatures.
• Some reviews have mentioned that the brim can droop at times

Do you live in a hot climate or play lots of golfer during the summer? This Mission cooling bucket hat has built-in cooling mechanisms to keep you comfortable during those hot days on the golf course. Also, since it’s made of 100% polyester, it does a great job of keeping rainwater off your head during a popup shower.

10. SEALSKINZ Waterproof All Weather Cap (Best for Both Women and Men)

Pros

• Both the inside and the outside of the cap are made of 100% polyester
• This hat is not only waterproof but windproof as well, which is not something a lot of brands can claim
• Works well in both winter and summer months
• Looks great on both men and women golfers
• It has a buckle on the back that ensures a snug fit
• It has maximum breathability to cut down on excessive sweating
• Stylish enough for on the golf course or off of it
• It holds up well in all temperatures
• The SEALSKINZ brand has been making waterproof sports apparel for over 2 decades.
• The only hat we could find that comes with a lifetime waterproof guarantee
• Great for lots of outdoor activities like golfing, hiking, fishing, or hunting

Cons

• Only available in 2 colors: Black and Blue
• The price point is a little high

SEALSKINZ specializes in making hats that hold up well in any type of rough weather. Both men and women golfers will appreciate how dry this hat keeps their heads. This cap has a special waterproof membrane to repel water faster than other brands.

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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Choosing the golf clubs that make it into your bag can be difficult.

With only being allowed 14 clubs, the decision as to whether to include a combination of hybrids, long irons, driving irons, and fairway woods really confuses some golfers.

I’ve always found that one of the most important steps is to understand the difference between clubs like a driving iron and a hybrid. Take a look at driving iron vs. hybrid, which one you should have in your bag, and why!

Main Differences Between a Driving Iron and Hybrid

Sometimes when looking at a driving iron or a utility iron and a hybrid, you can see quite a few similarities. In addition, both of these clubs are intended to get players’ distance and help with improving tee shots and overall performance in the long game.

However, where you see big differences between the driving iron and the hybrid are in the ball flight, forgiveness, carry distance, and playability.

Ball Flight

Traditional long irons have a low and penetrating ball flight. These clubs have less spin than others in the bag and are designed to have slightly less carry distance but plenty of roll.

When you replace these long irons with a hybrid, you will notice that the ball goes considerably higher. The center of gravity in a hybrid is positioned low and in the center, and it increases the ball flight that players get from their shots.

With a higher ball flight, expect that the ball will stop on a green easier and you can use the hybrid for approach shots with ease.

Driving irons, on the other hand, are very similar to long irons in their ball flight, launch angle, and trajectory. This club is designed to keep shots a bit lower and cut them through the wind and rough conditions.

Both of these shots can be important. The way I always decided which was best for my game was by looking at the golf bag as a whole and deciding where these gaps in performance were. If I already have many high flying shots in my bag, the driving iron may help give me more variety.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness in golf clubs is something that will vary from one manufacturer to another. Sometimes a hybrid golf club can be made to be highly forgiving, and other times it is more of a players hybrid and will instead be workable.

The forgiveness of a hybrid is traditionally a bit higher than a driving iron or a long iron. This is why the club has so much popularity. Traditionally speaking, the average golfer does quite well with the hybrid clubs and their ease of use, especially from the rough.

With driving irons, you tend to see less forgiveness, but this sometimes has to do with the total loft. The lower the loft of a golf club, the harder it is to hit. Many driving irons have a 2 iron or 3 iron loft because they are designed to help a golfer have an alternative to a driver off the tee.

Carry Distance

Carry distance, roll, and total distance are the three parameters used to determine how far a golf ball will travel.

With a driving iron, expect slightly lower carry distances but long total distances. Hybrid golf clubs will have higher carry distances but lower total distances.

Again, this decision will require you to pair up your current level of play to the equipment that will make the most significant difference in your game. For many golfers, carry distance is the most important factor when it comes to accuracy and approach shots that land near the pin.

Playability

The playability of the club refers to your ability to control the ball’s flight and trajectory, as well as the type of lie that you can use the club from.

A hybrid is typically not the most workable golf club in the bag. Even when you make a great swing, you will notice that the ball goes relatively straight and high, and it’s hard to control this. However, hitting a hybrid out of the rough or even out of a divot is quite easy to accomplish.

On the other hand, the driving iron is tough to hit out of the rough or sloped lie. This is a club that should be saved for clean fairway lies or even on a tee box on a long par 3, or a par 4 with a tight fairway.

However, one of the great things about a driving iron is that you can hit a cut or a draw with this club in hand quite easily.

Pros and Cons of a Driving Iron

There are both positives and negatives to any golf club in the bag. More and more players realize that the driving iron can be an alternative not just to the hybrid or long iron but also to fairway wood and, for some golfers, an alternative to a driver.

Pros

• Comes in a wide range of lofts that help fill in the golf bag
• Low spin typically increases total roll and accuracy
• Shaft choices in both graphite and steel shafts
• Lightweight and aerodynamic for increased clubhead speed
• More and more options are brought to market each year

Cons

• Does not have as much forgiveness; the sole is narrower
• It can be difficult to hit out the rough
• Seems to be a better fit for the higher swing speed players

Pros and Cons of a Hybrid

The hybrid golf club has really revolutionized the game of golf. So many more players are taking out their long irons and putting in hybrids. However, there are still some players who state that the hybrid is a poor decision for their game.

With a hybrid golf club, you are not going to get perfection. Instead, the club does a great job of combining both forgiveness and distance to give players what they are looking for and make the game more enjoyable.

Pros

• Very easy to launch
• Great club for replacing the long irons
• High launch out of the rough
• Available in many different lofts
• Lightweight graphite shaft options for higher ball speed
• Easy distance

Cons

• Not as workable as other golf clubs
• It can be hard to control the ball flight
• Not as many options for the lower handicap player

When to Use Each Type of Club

Now that you have a better idea as to what the hybrid and driving iron have in common and where they can benefit your game, it’s time to understand where it makes sense to use each of these clubs.

Club selection is what helps golf course management, and golfers that are good at it have much better results from a scoring perspective.

Off The Tee Box

You can use either the hybrid or the driving iron off the tee box. However, my preference would be the driving iron.

If you are a player that struggles with a club that can be your go-to choice for a straight drive that catches some extra roll, the driving iron is a great club to consider. The tee box allows you a perfect lie on a slightly elevated tee, making it easier to hit the driving iron.

When hitting from the tee box with the driving iron or even the hybrid, it can be smart to learn how to hit a stinger-type golf shot that encourages increased roll.

Clean Fairway Lie

The clean fairway lie is another area of the course where you can hit either the driving iron or the hybrid. This would be a situation where you should choose a club based on your confidence level as well as the goal of the end result.

If you are just trying to advance the ball down the fairway as far as possible, the driving iron makes the most sense. For golfers that want to get a shot to land 10 feet from the pin, try the hybrid.

Think about your game as a whole, and try to remember that golfers who have a slightly faster swing speed tend to have better luck with driving irons from these types of lies.

Out of The Rough

When hitting a shot out of the rough, the hybrid is the clear winner. Hybrid golf clubs have an incredibly high launch, and since their clubhead is designed with a bit of extra weight, the club tends to cut through the rough with ease.

Hitting the ball out of the rough requires paying careful attention to the lie to ensure if it’s going to be a flier or if it may knock down the total distance. If your ball is sitting up nicely and you have a driving iron with a bit more loft, don’t be afraid to give the driving iron a shot.

Smart players will know how to read a lie and then combine that knowledge of what the lie will do with their ability to pull off the shot.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children.

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Jim Furyk is living proof that an unorthodox golf swing can still lead you to success on the PGA Tour. You needn’t conform to the textbook approach because different golf swings may work better for you. In this post, I cover the main types of golf swings and the shots they produce.

I will discuss the hands and arms, closed coil, inside-out, outside-in, and single plane golf swings. Plus, I shall highlight the benefits and downsides of each setup to help you determine the ideal option for you.

The 5 Main Types of Golf Swings Movement

1. Hands & Arms Swing

If you initiate limited lower body rotation during your swing, it leads to a reliance on your hands and arms. This is known as the hands and arms swing. Although it can help you hinge the golf club and optimize club head speed, it exposes you to inaccurate shots.

The lack of hip turn typically results in golfers producing a steep angle of attack. This leaves you susceptible to topping your shot or a slice. Plus, it is difficult to bring your club onto its swing plane and can cause you to leave your clubface open at impact. That prompts left to right sidespin, inducing a slice.

Mark Crossfield explains that an amateur golfer hits better iron shots than woods with this swing. The steep angle of attack requires you to pick the clubhead up before impact to avoid hitting behind the ball.

When the ball position is forward in your stance with a driver swing, you might struggle to get the club on plane for impact. When you get your shaft is in position at the bottom of your downswing, the corrective action reduces momentum and power at impact.

Pros

• The additional time in the air generates increased clubhead speed
• Helps players remain centered during their swing
• Produces a high trajectory
• Suited to taller golfers
• Allows more freedom of movement

Cons

• Susceptible to topping your shot
• It is hard to control the clubhead at the top of the swing, sending it off plane.
• It can cause imbalance by shifting weight in the wrong direction at impact and on your follow-through.

2. Closed Coil Swing

I explained the mechanics of the closed coil golf swing in a previous post, so I will be brief. Simply put, this swing helps you maximize spring when you reach the top of the backswing, prompting optimal force on your downswing.

The additional speed generated when coiling promotes a superior coefficient of restitution (COR) at impact for optimal ball speed. Therefore you enjoy a consistent mid to high launch for improved yardage.

Unlike the hands and arms swing, the closed coil set-up demands optimal rotation of the hips to generate the necessary power. In addition, failure to coil sufficiently could lead your club off plane, resulting in an off-center strike.

Golf coach Dan Whittaker provides an informative visual breakdown explaining how to execute a closed coil swing.

Pros

• Optimizes power
• Suited to senior players as it carries less injury risk than other swings
• Promotes increased COR at impact.
• It makes it easy for casual golfers to get the club on plane for increased accuracy.
• Encourages rapid ball speed

Cons

• You need to maximize your lower body’s rotation to get your clubface square at impact.
• The clubhead’s at the top of your backswing can feel awkward. That may cause you to try and correct the path and come over the top.

3. Inside-Out Swing

The inside-out golf swing refers to the path your golf club journeys from takeaway through impact. Contrary to the closed coil swing, which focuses on hip rotation, this swing relies heavily on your torso.

On your takeaway, the combination of the rotation of your hips and upper body takes the clubhead inside. At the top of your backswing, shift your weight to your right shoulder and left leg. That prompts the clubhead to follow an outside path to the ball, with minor lag.

Producing sufficient rotation leads to a square or marginally closed clubface at impact. However, an off-tempo swing prevents you from bringing the club on plane when the shaft is parallel to the ground. As a result, you may angle the clubface incorrectly and prompt and slice or a hook.

Overall, the inside-out golf swing best suits those players looking to induce a draw or combat a slice.

Pros

• Promotes straighter ball flight
• Helps you hit a draw shape
• Delivers increased distance over an outside-in swing.
• Reduces the risk of a slice

Cons

• If your rhythm is off and you clear your hips too quickly, your clubface may close at impact and prompt a hook.
• Inadequate rotation can cause your clubface to remain open at impact leading to a slice.

4. Outside-In Swing

The outside-in-swing is commonly employed by amateurs and brings a host of risks. It reduces hip and shoulder rotation, lowering power at impact. Furthermore, it leads to you coming over the top and increases the risk of topping your shot.

In addition, the outside-in swing path may cause you to cut across your ball and generate right to left spin. That leads to a fade or a slice.

It is not the most efficient swing by any means. But, professional golfers may apply it when they are purposefully trying to hit a fade. Overall, there are more cons than advantages to using the inside-out golf swing.

Pros

• Perfect swing to purposefully hit a fade
• It can help you increase your clubhead speed

Cons

• Causes slices
• Reduces COR
• Leaves you at risk of topping your shots

5. One-Plane Swing

A single plane swing (aka the one-plane swing) is ideal for the average golfer looking to remove the complexities from their swing. Golfweek explains that a two-plane swing requires more wrists and hands work to optimize power. However, a one-plane swing sees your body work as a unit.

At the top of your backswing, your arms should remain on the same plane as your shoulders. In addition, your right foot must remain grounded for supreme stability.

The one-plane swing is easy for beginners because of the transition from the top of your backswing down. Since your shoulders and arms are level, you needn’t wait to lower the club. That means you can proceed with your downswing and shift your weight to your left foot the moment you reach the top.

Therefore, you enjoy a free-flowing swing rhythm that generates supreme clubhead speed and power on your downswing. That leads to optimal distance off the tee and on approach.

Another advantage of the one-plane swing is the consistency that it gives you. Whether you are swinging a wedge or a driver, you can repeat the same backswing and follow through for a clean strike. The only element that changes is whether you position the ball closer to your left foot or the center of your stance.

Pros

• Provides consistency
• Less complex than a two-plane swing
• Easier to keep the club on plane throughout the swing
• Designed to combat slices

Cons

• Keeping your left arm close to your chest can cause you to close the clubface before impact and hook your shot.

The Verdict…

After looking at the 5 main different types of golf swings, it is possible to make most of them work for you. While I suggest emancipating yourself from the hands and arms and outside-in swings, the rest are worth researching further.

If you are a senior player and need to reduce injury risks, I advise the closed coil golf swing. However, the inside-out swing is superb for accuracy and inducing a draw shape.

Finally, the single-plane setup enables you to grip it and rip it. It is a simple swing to replicate for improved ball striking, accuracy and distance.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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When I first started playing golf, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of golf balls to choose from. Unfortunately, I spent most of my first year on the course using golf balls that were too hard for my swing speed. This cost me lots of precious distance off the tee and some unnecessary frustration.

While all golfers are different, most folks with slow or average swing speeds will benefit immensely from using a low compression golf ball.

Not sure which low compression golf balls are the best? In the following list, we take a look at the best low compression golf balls and tell you what they offer.

Who Should Use Low Compression Golf Balls?

A ton of different golfers should use low compression golf balls to get the most out of their respective swings. If you fall into one of the below categories and currently use a hard golf ball, consider making the switch to a low compression ball. Your scorecard will thank you!

New Golfers

Folks who are just starting to learn the game of golf should use a low compression golf ball. Though there are some rare exceptions, most beginners tend to have slower swing speeds. This lack of clubhead speed makes it tough for them to generate distance off the tee.

Luckily, low compression golf balls will give new golfers the best bang for their buck as far as distance is concerned. As their name implies, low compression balls are easier to “compress”. This simply means that less energy is required to activate the center core of the golf ball.

Seniors

Nobody likes the aging process and golfers are no exception. As we age, our bodies break down and we aren’t able to generate the same amount of swing speed that we used to in our primes. This happens because of a loss of muscle strength and loss of flexibility.

However, senior golfers can limit their loss of distance by switching to a golf ball with a lower compression rating. Sometimes modern-day technology is a beautiful thing. Remember, age is just a number!

Ladies

Most women golfers should opt for a low compression golf ball. Since ladies are typically shorter than men and have less muscle mass, they will benefit from a golf ball that is easier to compress.

A lower compression golf ball will give women more distance on all of their shots. This is why most golf balls marketed to lady golfers are of the lower compression variety.

Golfers Who Struggle With Their Short Games

Do you always seem to struggle with your short game? Do you find it nearly impossible to get the right amount of speed on your chips, pitches, and putts? If so, you may benefit from switching to a low compression golf ball.

Low compression golf balls have an incredibly soft feel to them, which makes them easier to control on the greens. Many golfers are shocked to see how much their handicaps improve just by being more efficient both on and around the greens.

The 10 Best Low Compression Golf Balls

1. Srixon Soft Feel

Srixon has quietly established itself as one of the top golf ball manufacturers in the industry. Even four-time major champion Brooks Koepka recently signed on to endorse Srixon golf balls. This just goes to show how far Srixon has come.

The Srixon Soft Feel is soft in the middle but firmer on the outer shell. This ball is an ideal choice for golfers who have a swing speed of 60 to 75 mph.

Pros

• Low Compression Rate of 60
• FastLayer Core provides plenty of distance off the tee
• 338 Speed Dimple Pattern results in higher ball flight
• Perfect amount of spin for all short game shots
• Soft feel that may help golfers on short game shots like chips, pitches, and putts

Cons

• Some say the outer shell scuffs easily
• Only available in white and yellow

Price: $22.99 per dozen

Link to Buy on Amazon

2. Bridgestone e12 Contact

Bridgestone pours a ton of resources into creating high-quality golf balls. Some of the best pro golfers in the world, including Tiger Woods, use Bridgestone balls. Other popular brand ambassadors for Bridgestone include Matt Kuchar, Jason Day, Fred Couples, Lexi Thompson, and Bryson DeChambeau.

The e12 is one of the best low compression golf balls on the market. It provides lots of distance while limiting sidespin. The e12 also performs remarkably well in tough weather conditions like wind and rain.

Pros

• Dimple pattern that helps generate maximum ball speed, which leads to an increase in yardage off the tee
• Less sidespin, which means fewer errant shots like slices and hooks
• Soft feeling that most players covet
• Ideal spin rate for chipping and pitching
• Decently priced at less than $3 per golf ball

Cons

• 70 compression rating is low but there are lower ones on the market
• May work a little bit better for folks with a medium swing speed
• Some folks still prefer the Bridgestone e6 model instead of the e12

Price: $29.99 per dozen

Link to Buy on Amazon

3. Callaway Supersoft MAX

Callaway is one of the premier brands in the golf world and this is their best golf ball for folks with slow swing speeds. Their Supersoft MAX provides so much distance and forgiveness that most people can’t believe how affordable it is! Callaway has a stellar reputation as one of the top golf ball manufacturers in the world.

Pros

• Made with Supersoft MAX for increased distance and forgiveness
• Produces a consistently high launch because of the dimple design
• Ionomer cover increases ball speed while also reducing sidespin
• Extremely low compression rate of 40, which is one of the lowest on the market
• Very good price at only $2.50 per golf ball
• Soft feel could lead to better performance on short-game shots

Cons

• 3% larger diameter than other golf balls

Price: $24.99 per dozen

Link to Buy on Amazon

4. Wilson Staff Fifty Elite

Wilson may not get the hype that Titleist and Bridgestone do but they’ve been making premium balls for several decades. If you want a reliable, low-cost, low compression ball, the Staff Fifty Elite may be your best option. Beginners, ladies, and seniors should benefit from this golf ball.

Pros

• Incredible price of just over $1 per golf ball
• 50 compression rating, which is one of the lowest on the market
• Perfect balance between long-distance and soft feel
• High-performance two-piece ball
• Wilson is one of the most trustworthy brands in the golf world

Cons

• Some say these don’t perform as well as the Wilson Duo Soft

Price: $14.97 per dozen

Link to Buy on Amazon

5. Titleist Tour Soft

Titleist makes some of the best golf balls on the planet, which is why it is the most popular brand on the PGA Tour. The Tour Soft provides extra distance with a low spin rate on longer shots for better accuracy. If price is no object, this one is worth trying out on the course.

Pros

• Consistent ball flight
• Very soft feel, which most golfers love
• Alignment aid on the side for lining up putts
• 65 compression rating
• Easy to control on and around the greens

Cons

• Very high price of $4.67 per ball
• Getting harder to find in some markets

Price: $55.99 per dozen

Link to Buy on Amazon

6. Callaway Chrome Soft X

This is Callaway’s best-selling premium golf ball and it’s used on the PGA Tour by Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, and Sam Burns. This ball is geared more toward players with a low handicap, which is why it’s one of the more expensive golf balls on our list. However, it has a ton of great features that all golfers will appreciate.

Pros

• Fastest ball speed of any Callaway ball
• Maximum greenside spin rate
• Lower spin than other brands off the tee
• Tour Aero design gives the perfect ball flight each time
• Available in standard or triple track styles
• One of the best balls on the market for wedge shots

Cons

• Costly
• Only available in white and yellow

Price: $49.99 per dozen

Link to Buy on Amazon

7. Srixon Q Star Tour

Srixon makes its second appearance on our Top 10 list with its Q Star Tour golf ball. This ball is made up of three layers and provides two things that all golfers covet, maximum distance and a very soft feel. The 72 compression rating of the Q Star Tours should benefit most golfers with slow swing speeds.

Pros

• 338 Speed Dimple Pattern provides a great ball flight, even in less than ideal weather conditions
• Urethane cover makes it easier to generate spin with your wedge shots
• FastLayer Core strikes the perfect balance between a soft inner core and a firm outer shell
• Good price for a premium golf ball at under $3 each
• Alignment aid for lining up putts means you no longer need to draw your line with a marker

Cons

• Some reviewers say these aren’t as long off the tee as the regular Srixon Q Stars
• 72 compression rating may not be low enough for some golfers

Price: $29.99 per dozen

Link to Buy on Amazon

8. TaylorMade Noodle Long & Soft

These are probably the best golf balls on the market for beginners. As its name implies, the TaylorMade Noodle is both long off the tee and soft on the greens. It’s also one of the most affordable balls in the industry and one of our team’s favorites!

Pros

• Soft iothane cover gives it a great feel, which comes in handy on the greens
• Doesn’t scuff easily
• Less than $1 each
• Low compression rating of 50
• Comes in a pack of 24 or 15
• Made by TaylorMade, one of the most iconic brands in golf
• Similar distance as other, more expensive golf balls

Cons

• Probably not enough spin for advanced golfers

Price: $21.99 per 2 dozen

Link to Buy on Amazon

9. Precept Laddie Extreme

Bridgestone has been making the Precept Laddie for several years and it is a solid choice for folks that need a low compression golf ball. The Laddie provides lots of distance while also maintaining a soft feel.

Pros

• 372 dimples to promote higher ball flight, which is great for golfers who struggle with hitting the ball too low
• Muscle-fiber core for increased ball speed
• Ionomer cover is very reactive and provides good control for short game shots
• Outstanding price at just over $1 per ball
• Made by Bridgestone, which is known for making high-quality golf balls

Cons

• Compression rating of 80 may not be low enough for golfers with slower swing speeds

Price: $24.99 for 2 dozen

Link to Buy on Amazon

10. Volvik Vimax Soft

Volvik was one of the first brands to introduce vivid colored golf balls with a matte finish. This two-piece golf ball is reasonably priced and performs well off the tee and on the green. Volvik is a popular choice amongst LPGA Tour golfers.

Pros

• Soft core promotes more distance with the driver and fairway woods
• Rare combination of low spin rate and high launch
• Vivid colors are easier to find on the course, especially early in the morning or near dusk
• Special dimple design helps produce a steady ball flight regardless of the weather conditions
• Soft cover equals a soft feel for all short game shots
• Compression rating of 75

Cons

• Not available in standard white
• Can scuff easier than other brands

Price: $19.99 per dozen

Link to Buy on Amazon

Low Compression Golf Ball FAQs

Now that you know some of the best lower compression golf balls on the market, it’s time to arm yourself with more information on these types of golf balls. Here are some frequently asked questions that we get about low compression balls as well as some in-depth answers.

Does Golf Ball Compression Really Make a Difference?

Yes, ball compression can make a big difference in your performance on the golf course. Since no two golf swings are exactly alike, no single golf ball is going to work the same way for everyone. There is no one-size-fits-all cookie-cutter approach.

It’s all about finding the right compression rating for your respective swing. Failing to do so can cost you some precious yards of distance, which makes it more difficult to shoot lower scores. Don’t make the game of golf more difficult by using incorrect equipment.

As a general rule, golfers with slower swing speeds will get more distance out of a low compression golf ball. On that same token, golfers who have faster swing speeds will benefit from using high compression golf balls. These types of golf balls will give them more accuracy on all of their shots.

Do Low Compression Golf Balls Go Further?

As we touched on in the above question, it all depends on the golfer’s swing speed. For golfers who swing slower (anywhere from 70 to 90 miles per hour), low compression balls will indeed carry further off the tee. This is because the core of the ball is easier to activate, which means that not as much clubhead speed is needed to achieve maximum distance.

Conversely, if a golfer with a faster swing speed (over 100 miles per hour) uses a lower compression golf ball it will rob him or her of several yards. This is because too much compression at impact can cause a decrease in ball speed, which is the opposite of what golfers want.

What Compression Golf Ball Should a Senior Use?

Again, it all depends on swing speed. Since most senior golfers tend to have slower swing speeds, they’d be best served to use a golf ball with a compression rating of 65 or less. Since swing speed continues to decline with age, most golfers over 70 years old should opt for a compression rating of 50 or less.

To be on the safe side, we recommend that all golfers visit a club pro or their local golf shop to have their swing speed tested. This is the best way to pinpoint the correct compression rating for your swing. In most cases, there won’t be a charge for getting this information either.

What Compression Rating Do Most PGA Tour Players Use?

Since the average swing speed on the PGA Tour is around 110 miles per hour, most pro golfers opt for a golf ball with a compression rating of around 90 or so. To drive this point home, the most popular golf ball on the PGA Tour is the Titleist Pro V1, which has a 90 compression rating. The interesting thing though is that Titleist has been adamant that compression rating means very little as far as a golf ball’s distance is concerned.

Its sister golf ball, the Titleist Pro V1X, has a compression rating of 100. By comparison, the TaylorMade TP5 has a compression rating of 85.

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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As global inflation continues to rise, consumers seek a reprieve at every turn. This has caused some readers to ask about entry-level products from lesser-known brands.

I have scoured the market for the best driver under $200. The aim is to give you alternative options to premium drivers from brands such as Callaway and TaylorMade.

These drivers will likely not appeal to your game if you are a mid or low handicap player. However, this list is geared towards high-handicappers and part-time golfers unphased by brand names.

Ultimately, all these options are forgiving, long, and straight.

MacGregor Mactec X

I grew up playing MacGregor fairway woods, so I am surprised that one of the oldest existing golf club manufacturers is not as popular as its competitors. Their golf clubs are durable, forgiving, and highly affordable. This is why the Mactec X tops the list of the best golf drivers under $200.

The Mactec X produces an increased moment of inertia (MOI), accelerated ball speed, and includes an enlarged sweet spot. Therefore, it gives maximum forgiveness on heel and toes mishits.

Its high MOI nature prevents your club from twisting during your swing, leading to a square clubface through impact. This produces straighter drives to increase your fairway in regulation (FIR).

Furthermore, the presence of an ultra-thin face encourages explosive ball speed. Therefore, you achieve higher launches and optimal carry distance off the tee. In addition, the driver is sold with an adjustable key to alter the loft and lie of the clubface. That enables you to set up the driver for your preferred launch.

Finally, the MacGregor Mactec X is fitted with a lightweight graphite shaft. The shaft is constructed in regular and stiff flex.

Overall, the MacGregor Mactec X is an affordable, forgiving and consistent driver ideal for high handicap players.

Pros

• High MOI
• Promotes straighter drives
• Generates rapid ball speed
• Adjustable driver head
• Available in 3 lofts

Cons

• Limited workability
• Not ideal for faster swinging golfers

Intech Behemoth Driver

Anything under $200 is typically considered an entry-level driver. I took it one step further and found a super-budget option that fetches less than $50. Granted, this is a non-conforming driver prohibited in tournament play. However, if you are looking for an exceptionally cheap new driver, the Intech Behemoth may pique your interest.

This 520cc driver head boosts the sweet spot to produce exceptional forgiveness on all strikes. In addition to a wider sweet spot, the oversized clubhead increases the MOI, leading to a square clubface through impact. This encourages straighter shots for improved accuracy off the tee.

Moreover, this oversized driver features a lightweight graphite shaft. The lighter construction enables slower swinging golfers to generate faster clubhead speeds. This improves your ability to transfer that energy to your golf ball and impart explosive velocity onto the dimples. As a result, you enjoy the consistent distance.

The Intech Behemoth is crafted with 10.5 and 12-degrees of loft, making them ideal for a golfer with a slow swing speed.

Ultimately, this 520cc is ideal for a beginner golfer seeking consistency and forgiveness. You cannot use it in a tournament, but you can reap the benefits in a casual round.

Pros

• Highly affordable
• Optimal forgiveness
• Maximized sweet spot
• Encourages straight shots
• Accelerates ball speed across the clubface

Cons

• Not permitted in tournament play
• Restricts your ability to shape shots

Wilson Pro Staff SGI

Keep reading if you desire a simple driver that gets the job done efficiently. The Wilson Pro Staff SGI Driver is an affordable option that fetches less than one Benjamin. It is high launching, forgiving, and consistent.

This driver is featured in the complete SGI set, a highly affordable option for beginners and seniors. Wilson engineers positioned the center of gravity (CG) low and back to prompt a high-launch angle, even when you miss the sweet spot.

Furthermore, this 10.5-degree driver contains a wider responsive zone that restricts sidespin and maintains ball speed. Therefore, it produces straighter ball flight and consistent distance.

In conclusion, the Wilson Pro Staff SGI driver is a basic game improvement that serves high handicap golfers well. It is also worth considering if you are on a strict budget and want a recognized name brand.

Pros

• Affordable
• High launching
• Forgiving
• Produces straight shots
• Maintains ball speed

Cons

• Only one loft option
• Enables minimal shot shape

Orlimar Slice Killer

If your buddies refer to you as a serial slicer, you better shake that name before it sticks. You need some offset or draw bias in your life. That is where the Orlimar Slice Killer comes in. It is an excellent choice for high handicappers struggling to find the fairway.

Before I get to the good part, let me mention the downside. Its ability to restrict slice side spin and produce straight ball flight comes at a price. The hosel is offset, leading to a 7-degree closed clubface, which is not fit for tournament golf.

However, if you are contemplating this driver, you likely won’t play any competitive golf in the near future.

The design of this driver imparts a draw side spin to combat the slice spin generated by an open clubface at impact. Thanks to the counteraction, your golf ball flies straight and is more likely to end on the fairway.

Ultimately, the straight-shooting Orlimar Slice Killer is an option for beginners who need to improve their fairway in regulation percentage.

Pros

• Encourages straight shots
• Combats slice side spin
• Accurate
• Forgiving
• Increased distance as a result of your straighter shots

Cons

• The offset hosel and closed clubface is unattractive
• Restricts your ability to shape your tee shots

Mazel Titanium 460cc Driver

Mazel took a leaf out of Callaway’s book to construct their titanium driver. Although it is 3 times less than a driver from the premium brand, it carries similar game improvement technology. This 460cc Mazel driver is built to produce accelerated ball speed off the clubface for optimal distance off the tee.

The star feature of this driver is the Cup Face technology which boosts face flexibility through impact. This enables you to maintain ball speed, even on off-center strikes, leading to consistent distance and accuracy.

Cup Face technology is supported by a Speed Channel, which reduces the thickness of the face to produce explosive ball speed. In addition, the engineers positioned the CG low and back in the clubhead, leading to a higher launch and maximum carry distance.

Finally, an expansive sweet spot minimizes side spin on mishits to reduce the risk of hooking or slicing your shot. Therefore you enjoy superior accuracy and distance. Therefore the Mazel Titanium golf driver suits mid to high handicappers seeking extra yards on a budget.

Pros

• Delivers explosive ball speed
• Forgiving
• Large sweet spot
• Produces optimal distance
• High launching

Cons

• Unpleasant acoustics
• The copper color face is unattractive. However, some may appreciate the different design.

Tour Edge Bazooka 470

Slower swinging golfers struggle to launch their golf balls consistently when swinging strong lofted golf clubs. To solve your issue, I have discovered the easiest launching driver under $200 in 2022. The Tour Edge Bazooka 470 promotes high flying shots for maximum carry distance.

The engineers focused on two factors to produce optimal yardage off the tee. Low CG and variable face thickness. The varying thickness creates a combination of explosive ball speed and low spin. These features work to increase your distance, even on off-center strikes.

Furthermore, the Bazooka 470 is equipped with low and back CG. This adjustment, together with low speed and accelerated ball velocity, leads to a high launching drive. This means that you achieve consistent carry distance.

Besides the game improvement technology in the clubhead, Tour Edge added a lightweight, flexible shaft into the equation. This enables slower swingers to achieve added whip on the downswing to increase clubhead speed and coefficient of restitution (C.O.R).

In conclusion, the Tour Edge Bazooka 470 is an easy launching driver that helps you maximize your carry distance. Slow swinging high handicap golfers stand to benefit the most from this club.

Pros

• Easy to launch
• Lightweight shaft helps slower swingers increase clubhead velocity
• Produces low spin
• Prompts accelerated ball speed
• Forgiving

Cons

• Not built for faster swinging golfers

Pinemeadow Golf Offset Driver

Like the Orlimar Slice Killer, this Pinemeadow Golf Offset driver is made to help you hit straighter shots. The excessive offset is not the prettiest sight in golf, but it is necessary to combat slice sidespin. This driver makes our list for its slice-busting qualities and dirt-cheap price.

Before I get to the technology that powers the Offset driver, let me praise Pinemeadow Golf’s work on the finish. The matte black finish combines with green and white font. This makes up for the unattractive and exaggerated offset. Besides looking good, the finish is glare resistant for increased comfort at address.

The offset is the key feature of this driver. It is designed to help the average beginner square the clubface up at impact. This reduces the quantity of slice sidespin rather than prompting straighter ball flight.

In addition, the 460 cc club head creates an expanded sweet spot for maximizing forgiveness on heel and toe mishits. The enlarged sweet spot maintains ball speed and lowers spin to encourage optimal yardage off the tee.

Lastly, the oversized clubhead combines with a light graphite shaft to help slow swingers accelerate velocity on the downswing. Overall the Pinemeadow Golf Offset driver is built for beginners who consistently slice their drives.

Pros

• Highly affordable
• Combats slices
• Promotes straighter shots
• Glare resistant matte finish
• Enlarged sweet spot

Cons

• Unattractive design
• Enables minimal shot shaping

Speed System Silver Golf Driver

The Speed System Silver driver is designed for the slowest swingers in our ranks. It is suggested that you use the accompanying tee and golf ball to optimize your results off the tee. The golf balls are precisely compressed to perform according to your swing speed. In addition, the tees provide added spring for faster ball speed.

The Silver driver in the series is fitted with 12.5-degrees of loft and low and back CG. This partnership helps the golf club send the ball high and long.

Furthermore, its 460 cc oversized head provides a wider sweet spot to enhance forgiveness. The expanded center helps you maintain ball speed on mishits and lower spin, leading to consistent distance on all strikes.

The company claims that the entire system boosts your distance by 21-yards off the tee. I have yet to corroborate the statement, as do those I know who have used it. However, credit where it is due. It does help slower swingers consistently get the ball in the air.

Ultimately, the Speed System Silver driver is suited to seniors, ladies, and juniors looking to consistently get their ball in the air.

Pros

• Easy to launch
• Forgiving
• Enlarged sweet spot
• Built for slower swingers
• Lowers spin off the clubface

Cons

• Not suited to faster swingers
• The high launching nature can cause some golfers to balloon their tee shots

PXG 0211 Driver

The next option on our list just barely exceeds the price threshold, but is worthy of a place at the table. I want to show you the kind of driver you can add to your bag if you fork out $29 more than your $200 budget.

The PXG 0211 driver provides a cocktail of accelerated ball speed, high MOI, a soft feel, and pleasant acoustics. In simple terms, it helps send the ball consistently long and straight. Plus, it feels and sounds good while doing it.

A titanium alloy (Ti412) clubface boosts your ball speed and lowers spin at impact. This helps you achieve maximum distance. Moreover, its Railed Sole Geometry design positions the CG low to prompt a high launching shot. Plus, it increases the MOI to keep the clubface square through impact for a straighter flight.

These premium features help mid and high handicap golfers achieve distance and accuracy without sacrificing feel and acoustics. The beauty is that you can enjoy all of that for a few extra dollars above the $200 threshold.

Pros

• Highly forgiving
• Delivers explosive ball speed
• Low CG
• Increased MOI
• Superb feel
• Produces optimal distance

Cons

Price: $229

Link to buy on Amazon

Tommy Armour 845-Max

Tommy Armour golf clubs have always provided the average golfer with affordable golf clubs containing similar technology to premium products. The 845-Max pushes the boundaries of the $200 threshold but sneaks in to make our list. It is the best driver with an adjustable hosel to alter your launch angles and shot shape.

If you launch the ball higher than desired, you can strengthen the loft to promote lower flight.

It is not your standard adjustable loft sleeve, as it also alters the angle of your clubhead to prompt a specific shape. For example, you can set the driver up for a draw bias if you are slicing your tee shots.

Moreover, the engineers applied a carbon crown that reduces the total mass of the clubhead. The carbon crown pairs with a thin titanium cast body to enhance MOI. This helps the driver avoid twisting during the swing, leading to a square clubface through impact. As a result, you enjoy straighter shots for improved accuracy.

The thin Flex-11 face is built to maximize ball speed across the face on all strikes. That prompts it to deliver consistently long shots for increased distance. This feature rescues you when you catch the ball low off the face. Additional flex enables you to maintain ball speed for a satisfactory result.

The Tommy Armour 845-Max is available in two lofts, 9 and 10.5-degrees, making them better suited to fast and moderate swing speeds. Mid-handicap players looking for premium technology at an affordable price point should put this onto the list of possibilities.

Pros

• Adjustable driver
• High MOI
• Promotes straighter shots
• Maintains ball speed
• Delivers consistent distance

Cons

• Priced at the higher end of the under $200 market
• The lofts are not suited to slower swinging golfers.

Price: $199

Link to buy on Dicks Sporting Goods

Related: Those satisfied with their current driver should use this time to review our 20 golf driving tips.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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According to True Spec Golf, players with fast swing speeds are built to swing clubs with a stiff flex shaft. A golfer producing a slower swing speed should consider a senior or ladies’ design; when the average swingers perform the best with a regular flex shaft.

In this post, I assess stiff vs extra stiff iron shafts. I’ll evaluate the pros and cons of each design to see which construction suits your game.

In addition, I have provided a rundown of the performance features of each shaft. This helps you determine which option is better aligned with your desired launch, spin, and distance goals.

A Quick Overview of Iron Shaft Stiffness and Why They Matter

Shaft flex plays a role in the outcome of every strike. The right shaft flex is essential in achieving your desired launch, shot shape, distance and spin.

If you are a slower swinger and play with extra stiff shafts you may be struggling to generate the required clubhead speed for an enhanced coefficient of restitution (COR). As a result, you do not produce the necessary ball speed to achieve a high launching, long shot. Therefore, your golf ball flies low, and you lose distance.

In addition to the distance loss, a stiff design challenges your accuracy. A stiff flex shaft raises the challenge of squaring your face up through impact. The stiffer, heavier shaft delivers less torque. Therefore, it produces less whip from the club on your downswing to bring it into position.

Because of this, the average golfer tends to leave the club face open through contact and slice their ball. That means your dispersion will reflect shots consistently to the right of your target.

Pros of Stiff Shafts

Low Spin

The first advantage that a stiff shaft produces is low spin. This is ideal for longer iron shots, as it delivers a piercing flight to encourage maximum distance.

The stiffer a golf club shaft is, the less spring it provides the clubface through impact. This causes you to strike the ball with less loft, leading to a lower launch with less spin. Therefore, you enjoy increased forward roll upon landing for added distance in your long game.

Low Launch

I mentioned that a stiff shaft produces lower spin thanks to a sturdy lofted club face at contact. That causes a low launch and reduces the apex of your ball flight, which is welcomed in windy conditions.

In addition, the low launching nature of these shots prevents faster swinging golfers from ballooning their shots. This ensures increased control on approach shots for optimal distance control through the bag.

When fast swinging golfers play a lighter shaft, the added spin and high launch cause them to lose, carry, and total distance.

Built For Fast Swing Speeds

Stiff shafts are best suited to golfers with fast swing speeds. Golfers fitting into this category typically swing a 6-iron between 84 to 91 mph. Stiff iron shafts help fast-swinging golfers produce their desired launch, ball speed, and spin levels for satisfactory results.

Low handicap players typically fall into this category. While the rest of the amateur golf fraternity produces slow or average swing speeds.

Cons of Stiff Shafts

Reduced Spin

The reduced spin is a blessing for fast swing speed golfers seeking a consistent launch for optimal distance control. But, the situation is different for slower swinging amateurs.

The lack of spin causes the ball to fly low, and if you do not produce sufficient ball speed, it will hit the ground sooner than intended and lead to a loss of distance. Although spin is the enemy in the wind and hampers your yardage, you need some to get off the ball airborne.

Furthermore, the lack of spin can cause your ball to roll off the green on approach. As a result, you will need a precise short game to consistently get up and down.

Loss of Carry Distance

A stiffer shaft construction restricts the bend of the clubhead into the ball at impact. Therefore, your clubface strikes the ball with a sturdy lofted face and sends your golf ball along a low trajectory.

Failure to generate sufficient ball velocity will cause the ionomer to drop out of the sky sooner than planned, causing a loss of carry distance. This messes with your distance control and is dangerous when trying to clear a water hazard or a bunker.

Sliced Shots

If your grip, wrist angles, and angle of attack are on point, but you still slice your shots, your club shafts may be at fault. Stiffer golf shafts provide little assistance on your downswing. As a result, your rotation, rhythm, and tempo must be on point for a clean strike.

Failure to execute a clean transition from the backswing to the downswing can leave your clubface open at impact. This position generates left to right sidespin, which causes a slice. In this scenario, you might consider switching to a regular shaft.

Lowest Spin

I touched on the beauty of low spin in my review on stiff shafts. However, an extra-stiff design takes it to the next level. You will not find a shaft that produces less spin rpm than an extra-stiff construction.

Golfers who generate excess spin with a stiff shaft should contemplate an extra-stiff setup. This may help limit spin for a more controlled ball flight.

Lowest Launch

The result of the lowest spinning shaft is the lowest launching shot. This suits golfers looking for piercing flight to achieve consistency in their distance and accuracy. Plus, it prevents very fast swingers from ballooning their shots and losing yards.

Built For Super Fast Swing Speeds

Extra stiff shafts are reserved for the fastest swingers in our game. These are golfers producing more than 92 mph of velocity on the downswing. An aspiring professional and PGA Tour Pros are the most likely golfers to fill this bracket.

I suggest that these individuals test steel iron shafts and see how they go. If you launch your shots too low, think about a graphite shaft with the same flex.

Limited Spin

Extra stiff shafts provided limited spin assistance. This means you are required to do all the work, and failure to generate sufficient spin will lead to a low-flying golf shot. This reduces your carry distance and, at times, causes the ball to roll further than intended.

Erratic Dispersion

When your shaft is too stiff for your swing, it leads to erratic dispersion. The lack of clubface spring through impact makes it difficult to square the grooves up through contact. This results in a wayward shot caused by an open clubface that prompts shots to the right of your target.

How to Determine Which Type of Iron Shafts Better Suit You

Swing Speed

Swing speed provides a guideline for golfers who have no idea how to find the best iron shaft constructions for their game. Those who swing a 6-iron between 75 and 83 mph have an average swing speed. Therefore, regular flex designs are considered best for your game.

Moreover, a 6-iron swing speed below 75 mph is set up for a seniors shaft. A ladies’ shaft is also worth testing if that is still too stiff for your game.

Launch

The next factor to analyze is launch. Are you producing your desired launch and ball flight to maximize distance control and accuracy in your iron game? If you are launching the ball consistently low, your shaft may be too stiff for your swing. Therefore, you need to consider a more flexible design.

Conversely, players who frequently balloon their shots may opt for a stiffer flex that takes out an additional clubface spring through impact.

Spin

Spin is necessary to get your ball airborne and landing softly on the green. However, excessive spin can cause you to sky your shot and lose considerable carry distance. Conversely, inadequate spin can send your ball flying low and hitting the ground earlier than intended.

Ultimately think about a lighter and more flexible shaft if you demand a higher launching shot. However, lower ball flight seekers should stick to stiffer shaft constructions.

Dispersion

Several factors can prompt an erratic shot wide of your target. This starts with a bad grip, followed by a lack of rotation, then by a wrong angle of attack. These factors produce an open or closed clubface sending the ball left or right of the landing zone.

If your coach is satisfied that your swing mechanics are optimized and your grip is secure, your shafts may prove the issue. Typically, extra stiff shafts cause slower swinging golfers to leave their clubface open at impact, causing a slice.

On the other hand, a light, flexible golf shaft can prompt a player to close its clubface through contact and hook their ball.

Therefore, if you are consistently slicing your shots and have your swing and grip in order, contemplate a more flexible shaft. Conversely, golfers frequently hooking their shots should consider a stiff shaft design.

Related Reading: If this post made you realize you need to switch out your golf shafts , read our post on how much it costs to reshaft irons. The process is far more straightforward than you may think.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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Women’s golf drivers are no longer men’s golf clubs with a ladies’ shaft on them.

I was surprised this year to see how many companies put out drivers specifically built for the woman golfer. The good news is that some of this technology is more advanced than anything we have seen before.

After testing the latest releases, and a few that have been on the market for the last couple of years, here are the top 8 across three different price ranges.

For golfers that just need a quick recommendation, here are our top choices:

What Kinds of Drivers are Best Suited for Women?

The best golf drivers for women are typically lightweight golf clubs with a slight draw bias.

Most women golfers also benefit from a golf driver with a slightly higher loft. The majority of women golfers need a ladies’ flex golf shaft, but faster swinging women golfers can use a men’s regular golf shaft as well.

Some women’s golf drivers are adjustable, which helps with fine-tuning the proper loft for your golf swing. However, the adjustability in a golf club can add just a bit of weight. If you struggle with swing speed and need every mph that you can get, look for a very lightweight non adjustable golf club.

As we go through each review, I’lll give you a better idea as to who would benefit from of the drivers I recommend.

Best Budget Drivers For Women

Callaway Mavrik

The Callaway Mavrik is one of the best budget drivers for women. This club has not been on the market for all that long, but the price has already dropped considerably. This happens to be the driver I have had in my bag for the past few years, and I’m quite comfortable and impressed with the performance.

As we have seen in all of the best golf drivers from Callaway in the last few years, you will benefit from the Jailbreak Technology in the club head. Jailbreak increases ball speeds and helps to ensure that the ball jumps off the club face.

Callaway used their carbon crown technology to help get players a bit of a lighter feel and more ball speed. When I tested the Callaway Mavrik, it had the best distance capability and very good dispersion. It’s not the most workable of golf drivers, and it does set up slightly open at impact, but those are the only flaws that I have noticed.

Pros

• Has dropped significantly in price
• Impressive new Cyclone Aero Shape
• High club head and ball speed
• Jailbreak technology and AI design

Cons

• Sets up a little open
• Not all that workable

Cobra Radspeed XD

Most of the best Cobra golf drivers end up on a “Best Value” list at some point because of how moderately priced Cobra is with all of its equipment. A new release on a Cobra driver is almost always lower than other golf clubs on the market. The Cobra Radspeed XD has Extreme Draw Weighting to help players that slice the ball.

Many women golfers struggle with a ball flight that goes from left to right. Sometimes a small fade like this is not an issue, but when it turns into a full slice, the shot is really frustrating to recover from. With the XD Draw Driver frame, you get an oversized shape and heel bias; both will lead to a much better chance of hitting a straight shot.

The Cobra Radspeed XD also features the CNC Milled Infinity Face. Not all women golfers will hit the center of the clubface every time, and with the Radspeed XD, you will not have to. Get it close to the middle, and you will benefit from some tremendous distance.

To finalize this driver, Coba added plenty of adjustability, making it a club that will work for players from a 5 HDCP to a 30 HDCP.

Pros

• Fair pricing
• New Center of gravity placement
• Highly forgiving
• Extreme draw weighting
• Oversized shape

Cons

• Draw biased golf drivers are not the best for all players

Best Mid-Range Drivers For Women

Cobra Air X Driver

The Cobra Air X Driver is one of the newest releases to the market for Cobra, and it was built with forgiveness and a lightweight feel in mind. If you want to hit the ball further but struggle with the weight of your current driver, this is the club to consider.

With the Cobra Air X golf driver, you will benefit from a lighter head, lighter golf shaft, and lighter grip. Cobra was one of the first companies that started looking at weight savings across the entire club and not just in the club head, and it has done wonders for their product selection.

The Air X is, without a doubt, a game improvement type golf driver; this is an offset design that will help to eliminate the slice. The club head is not very workable and also has a slightly lighter feel. If you have high swing speeds, you may struggle with the feel and stability of the club head at impact.

The Cobra Air X is an excellent option for senior women golfers or those who need every extra bit of speed they can get.

Pros

• Lightweight shaft, head, and grip
• Carbon Crown material
• Back heel weighting for an increased draw bias
• Highly offset design

Cons

• Can feel a little flimsy if you have a faster swing speed

Callaway Reva Women’s Driver

The Callaway Reva Women’s Driver was built specifically with the woman golfer in mind.

If you have had more luck with clubs designed specifically for women players, this could be the best match for your game. One of the things that helps the Callaway Reva Women’s Driver stand out is the high launch and the very low and forward center of gravity.

The center of gravity is moved low and forward to help increase overall ball speed and swing speed. In addition, this will be a low spin model that keeps a golf ball rolling for a long time. If you want consistency and a club that is relatively easy to hit, the Reva can do it.

One of the things that I really liked about the Reva is that it features the same premium Flash Face that we see in the more premium golf drivers from Callaway, but it is priced a bit more fair. In addition, some of the draw bias on this driver is considered an internal draw bias. With the internal design, the club does not look nearly as offset as something like the Cobra Air X.

Pros

• Specifically built for a woman player
• Has internal draw bias not quite as obvious on the exterior
• Low spin
• Higher launching

Cons

• Highly forgiving, but not the highest ball speed of all golf drivers for women

Cleveland Launcher XL Lite

The Cleveland Launcher XL Lite is a very lite weight design that is not adjustable. Although no adjustability may seem like a negative, in the case of the Cleveland Launcher XL lite it can be a good thing. This club is built specifically to help increase distance and total ball speed.

One of the things that Cleveland did to make their Cleveland Launcher XL Lite unique is they made it a quarter of an inch longer than other women’s golf drivers. The extra length helps you gain more distance, but the total weight of the driver was dropped by 12g to make it easier to swing fast.

At first, I was a bit worried about the increase in the length of the golf driver because of the difficulty of swinging a longer club. However, the Action Mass CB at the end of the grip really helps you swing the club head through with full power and no trouble squaring things up.

I like that Cleveland went out on a limb and tried something different with this new Launcher; it’s a club well worth considering.

Pros

• Options for power or accuracy build
• High MOI
• Low and deep weight in the club head
• High ball speeds

Cons

• No adjustability; carefully choose your loft
• Not the best choice for fast swing speed players

Best Premium Drivers For Women

Taylormade Women’s Stealth HD

The TaylorMade Women’s Stealth HD driver is without a doubt the most talked about the release this year.

I’m highly impressed with the technology that TaylorMade put into this club and the way they are trying to once again change the world of golf. Almost all drivers have been made with Titatinum until the release of this new Carbon Twist Face in the Stealth HD.

With the TaylorMade Women’s Stealth 60X Carbon Twist Face, 60 layers of carbon fiber are intertwined to save weight yet offer an increased jump off the club face. Players notice that the spin is lower, the feel is very stable and the ball jumps off the clubface.

Early testing of the TaylorMade Stealth shows that those with the lower swing speeds are benefiting the most from the Carbon Twist Face and Inertia Generator combined. The HD version is a High Draw version that helps to straighten out ball flight for the woman golfer that slices the ball a bit.

The TaylorMade STealth driver comes with a high price tag but it is currently the only carbon face driver on the market. If you like to stay ahead of technology and keep up to date with the latest releases to the market, this is the driver to choose.

Pros

• New Nanotexture technology for lower spin
• More total distance than other golf drivers on the market
• HD version is a bit more forgiving
• Most Flexible Speed Pocket design

Cons

• High price tag
• The carbon face does feel a bit different than a titanium golf driver

Callaway Rogue ST Max

The Callaway Rogue ST Max is the latest release for this brand and will have a relatively high price tag on it. Callaway claims that the new Rogue ST Max is the fastest most stable driver they have ever created.

When I tried it, I was impressed with the technology that it featured and the extreme improvement from the original Callaway Rogue series.

One of the buzz words this year in golf club manufacturing is tungsten. Golf clubs with more tungsten allow for a better position of the center of gravity and more fine tuned performance. Callaway is leading the way with that CG placement because of their AI technology.

The Callaway Rogue ST Max driver is one of my favorite choices for the golfer that is working on lowering their handicap. As you try to drop your scores, it can be expensive to purchase equipment that will work for your game as you get better.

However, with the Callaway Rogue ST Max being adjustable and having a bit of everything that golfers of all abilities need, this is an excellent long-term investment.

Pros

• Tremendous improvement from the original Rogue drivers
• The new lower spin formula on the face
• Weight savings with the Triaxial Carbon Crown
• Slight draw bias

Cons

• Great upgrade from the original Rogue, may not be necessary to upgrade from the Mavrik
• High price tag will take a while to drop

Cobra LTDx Driver

The Cobra LTDx driver has caught the attention of golfers that are looking for extra speed this year. With the low spin and Pwr Cor Technology, the driver not only flies a long way but it also rolls for quite some time when it hits the ground. The Cobra features technology that created 15 hot zones across the clubface.

The strategic thickness and the placements took into consideration where golfers hit their shots most of the time. If you struggle with a bit of consistency in your shots, the Cobra LTDx driver will help you lower your dispersion in your shots.

As I said about other Cobra golf drivers, the adjustability is always great with these clubs. Both a 10G and 3G weight can be appropriately positioned in the club head to increase the distance, feel, and control of your golf shots.

Cobra doesn’t often get enough credit for the clubs it puts out for the woman golfer. This would be a model I would check for all mid handicappers and even some high handicappers that are set on premium performance from their golf driver.

Pros

• New PWR Cor Technology is highly effective
• CNC Milled Infinity face
• Multi Material club head with steel, titanium, and aluminum
• Adjustable weighting

Cons

• It can be hard to find tune the adjustability when you first start

Women’s Drivers FAQs

Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about the best golf drivers for women and which one may suit your game the best. The best golf driver is not always the most expensive one but the one that is the best fit for your game.

What is the most popular driver on the LPGA Tour?

The Ping G425 LST is the most popular driver on the LPGA Tour. The LST is the low spin version built for the higher swing speed players looking for both feel and distance in their driver. The Ping G425 LST is a well known golf driver for both amateurs and professionals, and it has some impressive performance.

What degree driver should a woman use?

A woman should typically use a 12 degree driver; however, this needs to be fine tuned to the swing speed and swing path of the woman golfer. When a golfer has higher swing speeds they typically need a golf driver with a slightly lower loft. Something in the 10.5 range. Slower swing speed players should look for the 13 or even 14 degree driver.

What should I set my driver loft to?

Women golfers should start at 12 degrees and see how this impacts performance. If the ball flight is too high, try to lower the loft. If the ball flight is still low and the driver does not feel very forgiving, then you can increase the loft slightly.

What is the best driver for a senior woman golfer?

Our favorite golf drivers for the senior women golfers are the Cobra Air X driver and the Cleveland Launcher XL Lite.

What does high MOI mean in a women’s golf driver?

The high MOI golf driver stands for a moment of inertia which essentially means forgiveness in the golf club head. The more forgiving a golf driver is, the better it is for the higher handicapper. However, even low handicap women golfers like a bit of leeway on those days when the swing is not quite perfect.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children.

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