Are New Drivers ALWAYS Better? 

Their marketing and merchandising arms sure have gotten better over the last seven years!

Just got the Ping 430 Max 10K. After playing 2 rounds with it my initial assessment is it’s nice but not sure if the value is there. I replaced my Ping G400. Distance gain was minimal and dispersion was maybe a bit better. Not sure yet if the $600 expenditure was worth it. ROI is TBD.

Cool video, I agree dispersion has improved over the years. I think it would also be really cool to see you go and get them all fitted and then see how they hold up. I know when I got fitted some were doing better for me at 10 degrees and others at 11. If all of them were fit the best they can be to you, then would it be closer?

I could not justify spending that much on a driver and not see a more significant gain. Thanks for showing this tho! Seems like more golf content creators are getting into this space to give normal people info on old and new drivers. To me it seems like if you can get a good 2 nd hand driver that fits you and save your self 400+ dollars. That’s the move for most people.

Callaway did a free fitting at my club. I hit the AI Smoke against my 3-year old PXG 0211. The fitter was doing his best to convince me that the 3 yards I was gaining clearly meant I should spend $600 to "upgrade". I am still hitting the PXG 🙂

Did you ever get a winner from the let's play thru travel channel contest? I just upgraded from a PXG Gen 5 0311 to a TM QI10 LS 9* with a Diamana WB 63S with a Pured shaft. This is where I landed after trying all the latest for 2024. It just had the best numbers all around for me. It was also the most I have ever spent on a driver, LOL. I was fitted for it at a "brand agnostic" fitter, so that certainly makes a difference. I hear that the new Black Ops is a great driver as well. BTW, I bought a Swing Caddie SC300I from Play Better based on your video a ways back. For the price, it's great and I use it. Wish I could afford the GC Quad! That would be amazing! That Ping is definitely the driver for you. It would be interesting to see your shaft from the Ping put on the PXG head. Keep up the good work.

I can say for sure that the manufacturers have done a great job recently, when it comes to making drivers forgiving, but also keep the spin in check, and not launch too high. As a high spin player I've always had to stick to the less forgiving, low spin models. I now have a cobra dark speed max, and it works great. No spinny moon balls, and so much easier to operate. I hit a bunch of balls yesterday, all but one were good. No super high 'floaters'

Great video I just built my golf Sim here recently with a MLM2PRO and I feel like my driver number are just very bad. I know i hit 300 a lot and I could barely scratch 260 on this thing. Just got me a used Sim2 from play it again, but I gotta find another golf simulator to try just to see if this one reading correctly on my driver shots

I haven't hit the PING 10K Max, but I do have the GEN 6 PXG and it's a great driver. I feel so confident standing over the ball and the distance is very good. I really like what PXG brings to the table these days. Thanks for the vid. 👍

I wanted to love that Titleist TSR-3. It's such a great looking driver and when I connected it absolutely launched. Unfortunately during the fitting I was spraying it. I got a Cobra Aerojet which during the fit was a consistent fairway finder and still several yards longer than my Reg flex SIM 2. I think much of the difference was because I went from a Reg to Stiff flex. For me overall, even for my irons changing shafts has made the greatest impact than any clubhead. Learn from me, don't buy stock and neglect considering how much the right shaft impacts distant and overall shot shape/direction. It's been a game changer.

Nice one Gabe, very fair and I'm impressed with how you kept swing speed so close over so many drives and I hope the wife wasn't listening to the noises your making in your mancave😂

Hi Gabe nice review, I have sim 2 in bag and it's still holds its own which is affirmed by your results, against the newer shinier drivers. I find forgiveness up there with the best and honestly very hard to justify spending on a newer club to go backwards. Great work keep up the good work. That ping 10k max looks awesome enjoy.❤❤

Good video Gabe. Although only five shot sample, it was interesting the standard deviations across a number of the parameters noticeably tightened from older to newer, suggesting greater forgiveness.

Appreciate the video. I'm still hitting the Nike SQ460 w/ stiff shafts (that I believe are standard for that club). It's not the square one, the shape is standard and when I'm good, it's good. BUT...I moved to that Driver from an old Callaway standard driver BECAUSE I hit my buddy's new driver, and the difference was..compelling. Now, I find myself looking for a new(er) driver, and this seems a good place to ask for input?! Financially, I need to keep it modest. I also have the matching 3-wood, which, I like quite a bit. Any advice on, say a 2-3 year old model that might be a good fit? I'm looking to get a replacement Driver and 3-wood and any and all input is welcomed and appreciated. Thanks, and hit 'em straight!

This was a great video! Would love to see you do this comparison with your irons throughout the years!

Very good video and seems like an upgrade every 3 driver cycles or so makes the most sense unless you have the money and just want something shiny. Still wish I could afford a TSR3 over anything out currently

Very interesting! Dispersion can also be attributed to gains in graphite shaft improvements, too! Ventus anyone!? I would look at lowering the loft on the TSR3 since it looks like its launching much higher than the rest of the pack. Why not look at a ball change too. A little disappointed in the Ping 10k the Anser to All of Man kinds dilemmas . 😀 Im Waiting for the ball change and a 425 cc driver max change!!

If I recall correctly, PXG Black Ops is also a 10k driver

good vid. it would have been more accurate if you used the same shaft for all driver heads. To me it seems like you if you combo the Brava shaft with TSR3 or Sim2 head, then you get the best of both worlds! But for all accuracy, then stick with your Ping set up.

That was an interesting video. And, you sure got a workout testing those drivers! Gabe, have you considered testing the new TaylorMade Mini Burner driver? Seems to be getting some good reviews, and wonder if it would be a good fit for you as well.

Great video. A lot of work. Thank you very much.

Great test! Pretty much confirmed what I thought I already knew, which is drivers today are more forgiving, but are not really longer. I'm trying to think what performance increase I would need to see to justify a $1200 driver. 🙂

I still play the Ping 400 max and when I hit it center there is not much of a difference between this version and newer. However, it's the mis-hits(for me the toe) is the big difference. So far with other fittings my Ping still performs just as well as others...so maybe I'll wait for another 5years.

The shaft has everything to do with success for each golfer. I am 65. When I was in my 20s, a stiff shaft worked. Not now. I have now graduated to senior shafts. Yep. Still playing good golf, but using a more flexible shaft really does help me. Also, within all flexes, there is a range, from less flex to where you start to meet the next flex category. Also, knowing where your shaft should flex to maximize your game is VERY important. They can flex at the tip, at the top, or a combo etc. Getting help to dial in the exact shaft YOU need, it can be frustrating, but when you get the right specs, you will be rewarded.

Great video mate, content is on point 🔥

So good that you kept all your drivers Gabe. Great video.

You need to game the Sim2, Gabe! Having just been fitted into a Qi10 and having gamed a few TM drivers in the past, while I realize it is likely my driver brand of choice, I also believe they are timeless. Not to mention the looks and feel, as you mentioned. Take it head-to-head with your Ping!

You have your stickers incorrectly placed on your ping. The rest are correct.... You didn't catch all of them off the heal. The markers are supposed to be on the perimeter of the club. You have the heel side sticker near the center of the club. Your gcquad thinks it was heel side, but it was actually a little bit of a toe strike.

You are looking much healthier than videos ive seen in the past. Keep it up!

Great content…any chance you’ll compare the new Takomo driver to the 2024 lineup of top brands?

I switched from the G430 Max for the 10k because I was actually excited for it. After 3 rounds, I took it out of the bag. Went back to the 430 MAX. My spin was just all over the place. My swing is definitely part of the equation but I was missing wide left and right with it. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Still using R9 taylor made,just change shaft. This is my driver for park stule courses. On link courses, use Titliest D915 as it disperses more but goes 10m further

Like the review. Very well done.

I feel like the Gen 4 pxg driver you tested actually out performed most of those drivers and definitely the longest with the Gen 4

I think people enjoy seeing all these numbers and statistics, however...If I were to play golf and use any of the shots on your screen for a round of golf, I don't think there would be a difference in my score. (or yours) It's kind of like stopping at the gas station that is .04/gallon cheaper and pumping 20 gallons and you save 80 cents. Most people don't calculate that saving, but they feel good that they cot the less expensive gas. Same with golf balls, that 3 yards isn't going to improve your score. That being said, if you find a driver (or any club) that looks good, feels good, you will hit more good shots with it. I currently use a Ping G400 Max and tested the G430 Max at the fitters and did not see enough improvement to justify buying the 430....but there was a small amount of improvement. You have a very consistent swing and I think you just proved that it's really more about the player and not so much the club! I enjoyed the video!

What is the app on your phone you use to measure the distance of your drives on the course?

Most of those drivers were highly rated by Mygolfspy over the last few years. I am hoping to get fitted for the TSR3 in June but also going to give the G435 10k a try.

Curious what the difference is (in performance) between G430 Max and G430 Max 10k. Finding used G430 Max’s at $400 versus a new 10k at $600

I think that they have improve some what but only so much one can do...The forgvness is great but I still game my old driver for it does the job for now..Thanks..

Morning from the UK Gabe, Just a quick one ( not driver related) Ram golf have just bought out their new FXT irons, Supposedly longer and more forgiving than the fx77 Would be interesting to see and hear your thoughts on whether they're worth getting considering the price and whether they are indeed better than the fx77 Mart

My experience is NO! I got fitted for a Taylormade Qi10 to replace my Stealth. Terrible result: my dispersion is tighter and I’m longer with theStealth. The Qi10 is in my office…the Stealth remains in my bag. Good video, Gabe!

With USGA limits on clubhead specs, it's hard to grab more distance with anything--clubs or balls. But forgiveness/accuracy? There's still room. But still, it all comes down to proper fitting!

Certainly there are improvements, but the average golfer will not notice these improvements. I am convinced that the changes in the design of the club are far greater than the improvements in performance. Or to put it another way. You will hardly notice a difference in your score whether you play with the Epic or the G430. I play the Rogue St max and an old Ping G driver and see no difference.

Sim 2 for me has been the best driver ive had and ive had a lot of them. Still gonna look for something this year but we'll see.

Waited a bit and got a new Cobra Aerojet for $300. Seeing an average of 5-6 mph ball speed over my Radspeed XB driver. Loving it!

You should do a giveaway for those used clubs you have. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would be happy to win it. I just bought a used Callaway Epic Flash for $125. Its still an awesome club.

Three yards or twenty yards could mean im in the woods lol. You see that water hazard check this out found it. Good videos thank you for doing this.

The best drivers I have ever hit was a 2008 Taylor made burner. Then the Nike sumo square and now my radspeed..

Rocking the M1 still but also itching to pick something new

It depends on how you define "improve". From the center, they have all been maxed out for a while. From other areas of the face maybe....

What if you updated the shaft in the Sim? That may create your best setup.

And, there is a difference between changes that can be leveraged by 110 mph swings vs. by us mere mortals or senior mortals!

Has your swing changed over the years? Mine has! Hence, I’ve needed more help in different areas.

And shaft weight matters. Decades ago a driver shaft is close to 100gm. Now PGA players are mostly in the 60gms.. mere mortals logically especially the seniors shld be using sub 40gm shafts.

Glad golfers continue to buy the newest drivers. That leaves avg Joe like me to get great deals on good quality used drivers. Just bought 4 year old epic flash from Calloway pre owned for $200 that originally retailed for $599. My game isn’t good enough that I need to spend $600 on the newest tech.

That’s a fun video!

Truly, any driver fit to your swing in the last 15 years will get you the most distance. Dispersion may be better with the latest drivers on the market, but IMO still not with the $600

The pxg is 10,000 moi aswell

I just ordered the pxg gen 4 x and got it for free had some amazon gift cards laying around. Cant beat that 😂

Good test. It would be interesting if you could get ahold of Tensei Blue shafts for all of the clubs and do a comparison between the clubs. I did a shaft fitting this year with my Stealth 2 and ended up with a Tensei White shaft (actually recommended a black but the rep said the white is pretty much the same thing) and it improved both my fairways hit and my overall distance. I think stock shafts are fine but there is something to a shaft fitted to your type of swing. BTW, I have a present for you if you e-mail my your address. I shot a 78 last week, the first time I broke 80 since High School (we are talking almost 40 years) so I am celebrating. I may not do it again but I did it.

I want that new ping but I dont know that upgrading from my G425 would be worth it for the $$

Gabe! You have lost weight man! Good swings and seems like most drivers are the same for us normal folks.

When I was I’m my late teens I played a Wilson killer whale and drove greens if they were 300-320 … if you can hit a ball you can hit a ball 😂

I use a 2018 Rogue & my club pro is yet to offer me a better replacement. A $60-$70 lesson is far cheaper than a new driver.

I would be exceedingly disappointed if my Ping 10k with Brava shaft ($950) produced those numbers........just my observation.

Didnt you game the mizuno driver for awhile gabe .?

NOPE!!! Just look in the bags of the top guys on your. You will see drivers and woods that are older models. if they came out every 4-5 years rather than every 1-2 things would be different. The stealth 2 and qi line are so similar it’s a joke. Just different finishes, otherwise the same damn clubs! As for the TSR line, I completely agree, not a better looking and sounding club out there. I have the 2+ and 5w and absolutely love them. The 2+ comes off the a rocket. I know it’s designed for the tee, but I prefer using it as my regular 3w off the deck. Definitely my favorite club in the bag

I would take the TSr3 all day with that dispersion.

It is not the driver that makes the difference; it is not the shaft; and it is certainly not the golfer: it all comes down to the golf tee!

As a participant of the last two golf shows in our area, the simple and correct answer is a resounding NO! They are not better . In fact the New Taylor Made Q10 models should have came out LAST year. I am sticking with what I have because I found nothing impressive enough to even try some of the clubs that came out this year.

I think the rogue is one of the best drivers ever made.

I luv my Rogue St. ❤❤❤

Gabe is at the bottom of that coffee pot on this one! Lets go!

no suprises, effectivly exactly the club with different paint jobs being released to us over and over again, we are such suckers for the percieved easy way out as golfers, unfortunately we just gotta practice to improve and there's no way to buy it

Yes, they have. But most golfers don't take advantage of the changes because they don't get fit for the right driver with the right settings. Several years ago I switched from "chasing the dragon" by buying new drivers every year or two--off the rack, of course. But then I went and got fitted and ended up with a driver--the predecessor to the Titleist TSR3. That worked really well, until it no longer did. Age. I began slowing down on my swing speed. Once I'd dropped to around 102 mph I was simply spinning it too low. So, I decided to go to PXG and get fitted for the Black Ops. Way more forgiving and a bit more spin--and it's a better club. Oh, and I never would have guessed the weight distribution we settled on. Again, that come from a professional fitting. With the Heroes discount and the fact that the fitting was taken off the price, getting the Ventus upgrade didn't hut so much! I'd rather be properly fit with a driver from a couple of generations ago than take my chances off the rack with the latest.

Pxg wins Hit draw you like with max distance and good dispersion plus on the Ping you had a $400 plus shaft

What?! Why are there no cobras in your bag?

Your best distance will always be turning over a high toe.

Better? No. Slight dispersion improvements, but is it really worth it at the loss of 7 to 10 yards on average of total distance? Unless the ball is wildly left or right that extra distance is going to be more important than dispersion because if it’s still in the fairway, you can still get to the green easier the further you are down the fairway. Too many people are mesmerized by the new clubs and all these false claims, but instead of testing against each other for 2024 this is exactly what needs to happen. Go back about seven years right back to the Taylormade M1 in 2017 and clubs like Speedzone, Epic Max LS, etc, there is so little of an improvement in dispersion today in 2024 and these old clubs are grabbing more distance. I would never sell out in Canada here almost $900 for a driver for minimal improvement dispersion I can get an extra 10 or more yards out of an older driver. I just need to practice more and learn how to hit the ball straight rather than trying to fool myself by playing a super forgiving driver, but losing distance.

"A lot of balls perform better off toe". Thats because GCs calcs overestimate the extra yards you get from having the spin come off. Those wouldnt perform better on any other launch monitor and definitely not better on course.

Yes.

Sim 2 still the best driver

personally i dont think the new drivers today are significantly better enough for me to give up my sim2 max . rather use the money to play more golf !

Sim 2 is still the king , trs3 and Pxg Ping 10000 for me was terrible So short. But the sim 2 max is the longest and most forgiving.

I think you over paid for the BGT Brava shaft,should only cost around $350, it's basically an affordable alternative to the Auto flex.

I was gonna subscribe but your zooming in and out got me dizzy and couldn’t hit the tab.

For most there is no noticeable diff in scoring, mostly you have let the marketing BS into your head. Get out there enjoy the golf. Chasing gains with equipment is funding the elite golfers :-). They are selling you hope. If your driver is

So, Drivers from all manufacturers have maxed out. What’s next?

Not really fair to use the expensive Brava shaft vs other stock shafts.

The price has gained 10% each year 😇

dude i love the video but you have got to stop swaying in front of the camera lol its so distracting

So for us normal players, just pick the prettiest within your budget of highly rated drivers over the years.

Struggling to see why you would pay £500 to upgrade from the Sim 2 , longest and pretty good dispersion.

I watched another driver fitting for a 69 year old. Same ball speed same club head speed and he gained 20 yards of carry. I’m 72 and have never been fitted. After seeing that, driver fitting is in my future

You mean when you want a new driver for free to test, you kinda have to take it out in public and play it.

They haven’t really improved over the last 10 - 15 years. All the marketing BS is to con people out of their hard earned cash. Lessons have improved my driver distance off the tee not the driver itself. Some people just have to have the newest clubs no matter what

So basically we should all be buying the SIM 2 for half the price of a 10k Maxx Ping ..

Do you got to pee in the intro 😅?

No they only change the design of drivers that aren't worth $600 for 1 club that's ridiculous.

I'll save you some time 2013 drivers will out perform anything made today