1,091 reviews from golfers, Reddit, and YouTube, ranked by what people actually say.
From golfers, and from around the web with the source linked.
Has played the Callaway Mavrik, Paradym and now Elyte drivers. The Elyte has cracked three times for them while the older two never had durability problems, so they would not buy it again and may switch to Ping or Titleist.
“Elyte has cracked 3 times for me. Never had any durability issues with maverick or Paradym.”
Was fitted by a pro in a big golf shop using simulator testing, which picked the Callaway Elyte X as the best driver for their swing. Says it made a crazy difference compared with their old TaylorMade driver.
“The elyte x was determined to be the best driver for my swing by a pro in a big golf shop who did a bunch of testing in their simulator ETC.”
Tested the Ping G440, Quantum Max, Mizuno and Cobra drivers in a fitting and picked the Quantum Max for the most distance, accepting slightly less forgiveness than the Ping. Is happy with it and plans to keep it as long as possible.
“The quantum max had the most distance and a little less forgiveness then the ping. Absolutely happy with it.”
Plays the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond and says it hits better and further than any driver they have had. It was their first driver fitting, so they credit the low-spin head and right shaft, and they are very happy.
“I have the Quantum triple diamond and it's a beast. I hit this driver better and further than any”
Bought the Quantum Max after demoing several drivers, mainly for a stock shaft they liked. After three months it is a definite improvement over their Cobra LTDx, with little extra distance but much better offline misses.
“I have played it for 3 months and it is a definite improvement over my previous Cobra LTDx. Not much distance gain but offline shots are much better than the Cobra.”
About 20 rounds with the 10.5. Flight is lower than my old driver but it runs out a long way, on firm summer fairways I'm 15 yards past where I used to be. Tried the heavier weight forward, near the face, for a few rounds, too low and my misses fell out of the air. Put it back in the rear port and the slice is more of a fade now. Off the middle it's a solid pop, you know when you've caught it. Glossy carbon crown looks great at address. Toe strikes still give up a chunk of distance, it's not a Max.
70 years old, swing about 88 on the shop's launch monitor, and I've sliced my whole life. My fitter put me in a 10.5 head, Alta CB Blue regular shaft, rear weight set to draw. My bad swings now turn into a soft fade that stays on the short grass, and toe hits still go mostly straight. Gets the ball up without any effort. I lost a few yards of roll compared to my old driver, probably extra spin, but I'm hitting fairways so I'll live with it. Sound is a solid muted knock.
Bought the 10.5 with the Denali Blue stiff after a fitting at the end of last season. My old driver spun way too much and I'd balloon everything into the wind. With the 15 g weight in the front port the spin is down a good chunk, the ball comes out lower and runs out a lot more on firm fairways. Carry hasn't changed much, total distance has. My miss is a hook so I parked the back weight in the fade port. It's tamed it a little, not a miracle. Strikes low on the face still hold up ok, off the toe less so. Sound is more of a dull crack than a ping. Took me a few rounds to stop thinking I'd mishit it. Looks fantastic at address, that carbon crown is clean. I wanted to try a heavier front weight and nobody had any in stock for weeks.
Replaced my G425 Max. 10.5 set to standard, stock Alta shaft in R. Gets up in the air easier and the ones I catch low on the face don't die like they used to. Maybe 5 or 6 yards more carry on average, nothing dramatic. Fade is still there but it stays in play.
Got fitted for the GT2 after years with an old G410, and the first thing I noticed on the monitor was about 8 yards more carry. That part is real. What I did not expect is how hard the face feels to me. Center strikes sound sharp and a bit tinny, and I'm still not sure I like it after six rounds. The slice is mostly the same as before, so it's not magic for my swing. Looks great behind the ball though. If you're fast enough and want distance, try one first before you commit.
58, 22 handicap, swing speed is nothing special. Got fitted at the range and this was the one that kept my fade from turning into a full slice. Mishits toward the toe still go somewhere playable, which for me is most of them. It isn't adding yards over my old driver, so don't expect that. Sound is a bit dull at impact but I stopped caring after the third fairway in a row.
14 handicap, 40+ rounds in and it's still the longest driver i've hit. sound is a bit dull tho
A fast face and low spin. No complicated pitch needed.
Got back into golf after a long break and bought the G430 Max without a fitting; with the stock stiff shaft and a decent swing speed it works amazing for them.
“Didn’t get fitted, didn’t care. Decent swing speed, picked one up with the stock stiff shaft, works amazing for me.”
14 handicap, been playing about 6 years, usual miss is a weak fade that sometimes turns into a full slice when I'm tired. Had the G440 Max for roughly 20 rounds after a fitting. Mishits are definitely tamer, toe strikes still go mostly in the fairway which is what I wanted. Looks good at address too, nice and square, not too big. But honestly I expected to gain more yards. Maybe 5 on average, nothing crazy. And the sound is kind of flat for me, a bit dull compared to my buddy's. Not bad, just not exciting. For the price I'm calling it a solid club, not a wow one.
ok so i got fitted for this after fighting a slice for like 2 years with my old driver and wow. its about 15 yards longer for me and the big miss is now a gentle fade instead of a banana into the trees. looks clean at address too. sound is a bit more muted than i expected but i dont really care. Best money ive spent on golf this year, my buddies are anoyed lol
Forgiving drivers deserve more love. The G440 Max is the sort of club I'd happily choose for the help on mishits alone.
Has played the GT2 at the A1 SureFit setting for three months but hit their son's draw-biased Callaway driver 10-15 yards further and straighter, so is experimenting with the setting.
“I hit his driver 10-15 yards further and straighter than I do my own.”
Trying a 9 degree G440K coming from a GT2: the ball was ballooning with too much draw on setup, though dispersion on mishits feels better.
Fitted into an 8 degree GTS4 at about 117 mph, it kept spin around 2000 to 2400 rpm and centre contact came with a half-inch grip-down, though they were living in the heel.
Put a GT3 head on a Green Smoke TX shaft after breaking their old shaft, and loves the combination.
“I just put this GT3 head on this shaft cuz I broke my other shaft on accident and bought this head and I love it”
Games the G440K driver along with G440 SFT fairway woods and says they love them.
Two seasons on the Quad Mini; loves it and finds fairways more often.
“Been using the Quad Mini 2 szns now I love it finding fairways more often”
Plays the G440K with the Ping X-stiff shaft and calls it honestly the easiest club to hit in the bag.
It took most of a season to learn but with a 12.5 degree head they put it in the middle of the fairway, find it definitely forgiving and say it shaved strokes off their handicap.
Tried a 9 degree G440K at Edwin Watts and got lower spin than they had been getting, hitting good drives around 250 yards at age 73, though still fading it.
Returning to golf after 25 years, replaced a 2003 R7 with an Elyte X from Callaway Pre-Owned. It definitely reduced their slice but cost roughly 20–30 yards on solid drives.
“After gaming the Elyte X yesterday, it definitely did alleviate my slice but probably losing 20-30 yd on solid drives compared to the R7.”
Loves theirs: easily the easiest driver for them to draw, long and likely the best driver they have owned.
Hated it after a few weeks and returned it for a Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond Max that fits them much better.
Calls it a spin machine, putting a Ventus Blue in theirs and turning the loft down to 9.5.
Demoed the Quantum 13.5 and found it money: more comfortable over the ball, straighter and no distance lost, so they ordered one.
“Felt way more comfortable over the ball, hit it straighter and didn’t lose any distance.”
Put the GTS300 mini in play to replace the 3 wood off the tee and was surprised how long it is and how consistent the ball flight was.
“I was surprised how long it is and how consistent my ball flight was.”
Was very comfortable and happy with their GTS3 driver before adding the GTS300 mini.
“I am very comfortable and was happy with the GTS3 driver.”
Played one round with the new Tour Edge mini and found it as easy to hit off the fairway as a 5 wood.
“I hit it off the fairway once, and it was as easy to hit as a 5 wood from the fairway.”
Not a long hitter, but their longest drive this season came from the R7 Quad mini, which stopped their slicing.
“I love my R7 Quad MD. I am not a long ball hitter but this season my longest drive came from my R7.”
Cut a second GT2 down to 44 inches, added weight and loft, and is striping it, giving up 10-15 yards for far more confidence.
“It was planned as a second serve for when my driver acts up but OMG I am striping it.”
After years of driving with a 5 iron, the Quad mini goes further than the 5 iron and stays in play almost as well.
“it's definitely going further than my 5 iron (220 avg) and it's staying in play almost as well.”
Switched to the Quantum mini two months ago and will not go back; dispersion is much tighter and they lost only about 7 yards.
“Dispersion is so much tighter and only lost 7ish yards distance wise because it’s going straighter.”
Plays the 13 degree 280cc Titleist; good for low draws 240-255 yards and feels like a high-faced 3 wood that is not bad off the deck.
“Money off the tee, the 280 feels like a high face 3w so not bad off the deck too.”
Loves the PXG Secret Weapon mini driver; it has changed their game and lets them hit fairways consistently, max about 250.
“has totally changed my game and allowed me to consistently hit fairways.”
Moved from an R7 to the GT2 and says the sweet spot feels like the entire face; night and day.
“The new tech makes the sweet spot feel like the entire face compared to the R7.”
Says the R7 Quad is great off the fairway and easier to hit than a 3 wood.
“R7 quad is great off the fairway. Easier to hit than a 3 wood”
Two years on a mini and now has the latest Quantum; loves it and only misses a big driver on the longest par 5s.
“Love the mini... only time I wish I had a big driver is playing tips/par 5's”
Bought the R7 mini when their driver confidence was shot; it helped them get it back before they returned to a normal driver.
“I bought a Taylormade R7 mini driver. It helped get my confidence back and I recently switched to a traditional driver”
First round with the Quantum Mini: lost no balls off the tee for the first time and shot their lowest round ever, though with some lost distance.
“I bought a Callaway Quantum mini yesterday and played it for the first time this morning. For the first time in my life, I did not lose one ball off the tee.”
Their TaylorMade R7 mini goes about 260 versus 270 with driver, with far fewer misses.
“I got the Taylormade R7. I can probably drive a ball about 270, and the mini i put 260.”
An 11.9 handicap replaced their driver with the Quantum Mini with no distance loss; mishits are rarer and less costly.
“I dumped my driver for the Callaway Quantum Mini too. I have not lost distance at all because I feel like I can swing the club easier.”
After years fighting a 3-wood, the R7 mini was a no-brainer; about 260 yards and keeps trouble out of play.
“I fought 3w for a couple years and when I got the R7 it was a no brainer.”
Calls the Qi4D Max the easiest driver to hit they have ever had, even as a not-great player.
Bought the Qi4D Max after several fittings but returned it because they struggled to find the middle of the face.
“I recently bought a Qi4D Max from Dick’s after a number of fitting experiences but then returned it because I just started questioning whether it was the right choice.”
Bought the Elyte driver on sale and gained about 15 yards of carry over their 15-year-old TaylorMade.
“Gained about 15 yards of carry compared to my 15-year-old TaylorMade”
Bought a new DS-Adapt Max K for $267 shipped and gained about 20 yards over their Callaway X Hot.
“I bought a brand new DS adapt max K this year for $267 with shipping and I no lie gained 20 yards from my Callaway xhot.”
Has a DS Adapt X driver and 7-wood in the bag and calls Cobra drivers great and good value used.
Moved from an Aerojet LS to a GT3 and sees more consistent spin and ball speed across the face.
“I switched to a GT3 and have seen more consistent spin and ball speed across the face.”
Bought a used DS-Adapt LS and praises its hot face, very fast ball speeds and adjustability.
“They have a hot face and were some of the fastest ball speeds in 2025. Immensely adjustable.”
Tested drivers a few years ago and went with the Ping G430 Max over a Cobra with more ball speed but low flight.
“Im very happy I went with the Ping 430 max”
A 7 handicap at 100 mph was fit into a 9° Quantum Max (Denali Frost 50 S) at about 2200 rpm, 12-13° launch and 240-250 m total.
“Spin and launch data are virtually identical between Option 1 and 2 with around 2200 rpm and 12-13 launch, total around 240-250 meters suggesting high efficiency”
Also bought the DS-Adapt Max K for $250 with promo codes and loves the driver.
Plays a GT3 now after bouncing between Titleist and Cobra; it hurt to buy but they are glad they did.
“But it's a nice set up and I'm glad I did”
A fan of the DS-Adapt LS in the bag, loving the FutureFit33 adaptability.
“I'm a fan of DS adapt LS in my bag. Love the future fit 33 for adaptability.”
Likes their new Max K, which they got for $299 at a big-box retailer.
Upgraded from a 10-year-old Nike driver to the Cobra OPTM X and instantly gained yardage, though dispersion still varies.
“Optm x user here. Upgraded from a nike vapor fly driver that was about 10 years old. Instantly gained yardage.”
Games the 440 Max 10 degrees as their driver.
Bought the DS-Adapt Max K to replace a Ping G430 Max driver, calls it a game changer, and switched their woods to DS-Adapt too.
“So an update… I bought the DS Max K and dude… it’s a game changer.”
The weight screw on their G430 Max broke off inside the head.
“Ping G430 max head weight screw broke off inside the driver head”
Compared the Max K with the DS Adapt X at the sim and kept the Max K, saying it was not even a contest.
“Kept the Max K. Honestly, it wasn't even a contest. The Max K will be in my bag for a long time.”
Currently gaming the DS-Adapt Max K and prefers Cobra drivers.
“I personally prefer Cobra drivers and currently am playing a DS Adapt MaxK.”
Loved the GT280 at the fitting (95 mph, 230–240 carry), but on course it pushed and sliced and felt heavy, dead and sounded terrible.
“The GT280 also felt heavy and dead and sounded terrible completely different from the fitting.”
Owns the GTS3 and finds it fantastic, preferring Titleist's build quality and feel/sound over TaylorMade.
“I have a GTS3 and it's fantastic.”
A new golfer bought an Elyte driver and after two rounds and a range session the crown cracked. They tracked ball speeds of 155–166 mph before it broke and ask whether it was a defect.
“I’ve decided to buy a new nice driver this last month, it’s the Callaway Elyte. I played 2 18 holes, and then I took it to the range to practice and the top just exploded.”
Loves the DS Adapt X bought on sale for $300; after some tinkering and swing work it is a clear improvement over their old Burner.
Consistently hits the R7 further than their Sim 2 Max and squares it up consistently.
“Yes, I consistently hit my R7 further than my Sim 2 Max and I am consistently squaring it up.”
The Cobra King Tec Mini is their favourite club and has saved them off the tee in tournaments.
“My Cobra King Tec MD is not leaving my bag anytime soon. It's my favorite club in the bag.”
Finds the GT2 too spinny for them and is moving to the Quantum TD.
“I'm about to pull trigger on Quantum TD. I find GT2 spinny for me.”
Uses the R7 as a mini driver that goes straight and far, and hits it off the deck really well, much better than a 3 wood.
“Use my r7 as my mine driver. Goes straight and far. Also can hit it off the deck really well.”
Likes Titleist's mini because it is not huge and plays like a large 3-wood, easier off the deck.
Hitting the DS-Adapt X and Max back to back on a sim, the X missed both left and right while the Max went straight.
“The X had a lot of left and right miss, so I couldn't play to my missed shot.”
A staggering upgrade from a 2017 Cobra King: toe and heel mishits still go 250 in the fairway.
“Mishits off the toe/heel that would have been a disaster with my old driver now go 250 in the fairway.”
Plays the DS-Adapt X at 7° and still outdrives a friend's GTS4; the 9° head's low-spin setup helps.
“I also have the x at 7 degrees furthest south setting. I can still spin it.”
Switched to a G440 Max with a Denali Red shaft and says their driving is leagues better, chasing 2500-2800 rpm for a more controllable flight.
Great Trackman numbers and feel in the store, but a hook machine on the course even after changing settings and shaft; traded it in.
“GT3 Driver. Loved it in store. Better sim numbers (Trackman), amazing feel. Unfortunately it was an on-course hook machine.”
Swapped their GT3 for the GT280 mini driver, which has been great.
“Finally traded it in for a GT280 which has been great.”
Built like a large 3-wood, much easier off the deck than other minis, with a bigger, more forgiving face.
“PXG secret weapon is built like a large 3w (as opposed to like the R7 which is built like a small driver). Much easier to hit off the deck than other minis”
With heavier toe weight, fairways went from 37% to 50% and the high-toe left miss nearly disappeared.
“QI4D with a heavier weight in the toe has made a significant improvement for me. Went from 37% fairways to 50% with driver.”
Helped the high-toe left miss compared with a Rogue ST Max LS, but overall accuracy was about the same.
“The Qi35 was better than my Rogue ST Max LS for the high toe left miss but overall accuracy was about the same.”
Swapped a TaylorMade R7 for the G440 Max and went from a bad lefty slice to a slight fade or straight, without lessons.
Uses the Qi4D with a Ventus TR Velocore shortened an inch, which raised fairways hit by 30%.
Names it as one of the purchases that made a noticeable difference to their game.
“Ping G440 K TaylorMade 0 torque putter”
Not much longer, but very noticeably straighter: misses right stay in play instead of going unplayable.
“It hasn't made me that much longer, but it's been a VERY noticeable difference for hitting it straighter.”
Completely fixed their slice from a starter-set driver; if anything they now hook it a bit.
“Got a QI35 and that’s completely fixed my slice if anything I hook it a bit left now”
A 15-handicap at 100 mph picked it over the G440 K and GTS4: 15–20 yards more carry than their M2, tighter dispersion, a great snap sound, and it shaved strokes.
“I ended up going with the Qi4D because I got a pretty good deal from a traveling Taylormade rep for trading in my old driver.”
Improved their average from about 200 m to 220–230 m with the same swing, helped by a stiffer shaft.
“I bought a qi35 and it actually did improve my distance.”
Set up by a TaylorMade fitter, it made their right push/slice go away.
“Qi4d driver and shaft that the taylormade van guy set up for me so that my right push/slice went away.”
With a Ventus Black shaft it's expensive but worth it, and far more controllable than their previous GT2.
“Gts4 driver with a ventus black shaft. Expensive but worth it.”
With a HZRDUS Black shaft it was out of control on anything but a perfect strike.
“My GT2 with a hzrdus black was out of control if I didn’t hit it perfectly.”
Owned the G430 10K since 2024 after an old 2004 Titleist; tee shots that used to fade OB now stay in the rough and off-center hits still carry 200+.
“so forgiving that tee shots that used to fade OB are sitting in the rough.”
Owns the DS-Adapt Max K and calls it as good as the Ping 10K driver and cheaper.
“i have the cobra ds adapt max K, its so good. its just as good as the Ping 10k driver and cheaper too”
A few rounds into a G430 Max, finds it no game changer over their 4-year-old Cobra SpeedZone: maybe slightly tighter dispersion but shorter.
“I purchased a G430 Max recently and am ambivalent on the "most forgiving driver ever" moniker”
Calls their G430 10K incredibly forgiving: other drivers might gain a little distance but this one is basically automatic and bad swings rarely go OB.
Swapped to the Cobra Max K from the Ping and never had a problem with it, loving it.
Took a while to learn to hit but now loves it; two of their golf group bought one after playing it.
A 5 handicap who plays it and plans to keep it for years: not the longest but makes up for it with forgiveness.
“its not the longest but its makes up for it with its forgiveness”
Says it is a great driver that still gives topped shots but they now go a bit further, and big slices travel far.
“It is a great driver that still provides those nice topped shots that I had with my old driver except now they go a bit further.”
Topped every shot until fixing it with lead tape, then swapped to a Cobra Max K and never had a problem; admits it was likely their swing.
Tested a G440 for a round but bought the G430 Max 10K to save money; very forgiving and added a few yards.
“So far so good, glad I got it, very forgiving and added a few yards to my drive.”
Finds the Max K very forgiving and likes it more than their Callaway Ai Smoke Max.
“I have Max-K. It is very forgiving, I like it more than my AI Smoke MAX.”
Just got the Adapt X driver and 3 wood and loves them: very long, quite forgiving, great sound and adjustability.
Took the new Max-K to the range and had their best session in years, launching it better, straighter and further than core models from other brands.
Prefers the Max K over the Darkspeed X and Ai Smoke Max: very forgiving, feels great and relatively low spinning when set up properly.
“Very forgiving, feels great and relatively low spinning if setup properly.”
Calls the Max K so forgiving it is crazy, happy with a drive from anywhere on the face and glad the head is not draw biased.
Owns the DS-Adapt Max K, DS-Adapt X and OPTM LS heads; the Max K keeps the ball in play (3.5 rounds without trouble) but is 15-20 yards shorter than the LS.
“The Max K is my gamer. It’s not as long as the other two, but it’s really helped me keep the ball in play off the tee.”
Says the DS-Adapt X is the one they have and it is amazing.
Picked up a DS Adapt LS and loved it, but the carbon crown buckled on the second range ball before the second round despite a centered strike.
Plays a DS Adapt LS 9.0 and says it rocks, finding the FutureFit adapter effective for fine tuning.
Recently got a 10.5° DS-Adapt LS and built it down to 43.25 inches at C8 as a 'thriver'. Says it might be their new favourite club, with a super high launch and reliable off the tee.
“It might be my new favorite club in the bag. Super high launch and reliable off the tee.”
Says they have hit all the TaylorMade drivers and that the Qi4D is king.
Had both the G440 and the Smoke AI; the Ping did not lose distance and helped them slice less and hit more fairways.
A long-time slicer was fitted into a G440 K this year, along with a better shaft and swing path work.
“I got fitted into a ping g440k this year.”
Tried the G440 against the Ai Smoke and found the Ping felt better and more satisfying.
Owns the G440 Max and a Paradym Ai Smoke: the Ping is more forgiving and reliable off-centre, while the Callaway goes 5-10 yards further on centre strikes; they dislike Ping's rotating-shaft hosel.
“However.c the ping is better on mishits and gets closer to the distance I expect than the callaway.”
Tested it against their GT3 over nine holes and bought it: incredible feel, launch and spin.
“GTS4 is incredible, both in feel, launch, and spin.”
Went from a G425 Max to the G440 Max and calls it the best driver they have used.
Replaced an old Cobra with the Max K, adding 10-20 yards and finding it so easy to hit.
“Just replaced my old cobra with the Max K and it rocks. Added 10-20 yards and is soooo easy to hit !”
Calls their ST-X 230 driver the best they have owned in 30 years: a very forgiving fairway finder.
Fell in love with it over 16+ rounds as a loaner, crediting its dual-weight setup over their GT2.
“After playing 16+ rounds with the GTS2 over the past 4 weeks, I have fallen in love.”
Loved it for 70+ rounds until a hairline crown crack; after weeks with the GTS2 the replacement head no longer appeals.
“I purchased the Titleist GT2 earlier this year and have played with it probably 70+ times and loved it, but about 4 weeks ago, I noticed a hairline crack stemming across the crown”
Has the G440 and calls it ridiculously forgiving.
Says parts of the G430 10K crown are so thin that raindrops on the backswing sound like the carbon cracking.
“Parts of the crown on my g430 max 10k are so thin that when I play in the rain, it sounds like the carbon is cracking”
At 95-105 mph, testing a G440 Max with a 65g X-stiff shaft at a superstore felt amazing.
“I just went to tge pga superstore and tried a ping g440 max with a 65g xtra stiff shaft and it felt amazing.”
With a 40g regular shaft, their HiBore XL Lite carries 230-240 on good strikes but they find their contact inconsistent.
“Im definitely too inconsistent on where I make contact with it. But ive had it since may. And on a good drive, I carry 230-240 and total 260-270yards.”
Dropped the driver and games the Elyte mini with a 4-wood and 7-wood, calling it a great combination for their game.
After struggling with a G410 Plus, they bought a GT3 and it's now the single best club in their bag.
“I eventually bought a GT3 and it’s now the single best club in my bag”
A 14-handicap finds the Elyte Mini more reliable than a 3-wood off the tee and great off the deck thanks to its forgiveness.
“I have the Elyte mini, which has a head on the larger size, and it still works great off the deck.”
Plays the Qi4D LS and occasionally cannot find the sweet spot.
Slow-swing player short on spin who got the best spin and 25 more yards of carry from the 440 Max in a fitting.
“I have trouble getting enough spin. Lo and behold the Ping 440 Max delivered best spin consistently and got me. 25 yards more carry.”
Games a Qi35 LS and frequently drives it 300+ yards with solid dispersion; calls it a perfectly good driver.
Fitted into the Quantum Max after ten years with a Srixon; about 4 yards more carry and slightly more forgiving on misses, but dispersion has been worse.
“I do believe it is slightly more forgiving on miss hits in terms of distance”
Played the ST-Max 230 for about 20 rounds and really liked it despite an odd sound, but found the Cobra DS-Adapt X a bit more forgiving and better sounding.
“I bought the ST 230 Max. It's a very nice driver, but to my ears it sounds funny. Nothing bad, just an odd sound. Overall, I really liked it though.”
After about 20 rounds each, found the DS-Adapt X a bit more forgiving and better sounding than their Mizuno ST-Max 230.
“Played with each of them about 20 rounds and I think the Cobra is a bit more forgiving, and it sounds better as well.”
Played a rental GT2 with a regular shaft in Ireland instead of their usual stiff-shafted Ping G425 Max. Found it much shorter even on good hits, though they admit the shaft wasn't right for them.
“Even on good hits it was nowhere near as long as my 425, and on bad hits it could be 40 yards shorter. Hard to judge since the shaft wasn't right”
Switching to the low-spin GT3 cut only 200-300 rpm on their ballooning fade; once they controlled launch, good drives spun 1800-2400.
“I went from a normal head to a low spin head this year (GT3) and there was maybe a 200-300 rpm distance on a ballooning fade.”
Their Qi35 Max spins 3200-3500 rpm at their swing speed, versus 1900-2400 when their coach had them hit a GTS3.
“I wish I knew this before I bought mine Qi35 Max, because my coach had me hit a GTS3 and the spin difference was crazy... 32-3500 with the Max and 19-2400 with the GTS3.”
Hitting a GTS3 with their coach cut their spin to 1900-2400 rpm, versus 3200-3500 with their Qi35 Max.
“my coach had me hit a GTS3 and the spin difference was crazy... 32-3500 with the Max and 19-2400 with the GTS3.”
Switched after hitting a friend's Elyte with a Project X Denali 60g stiff shaft "like it was money".
“changed out my driver as my buddy had a Callaway Elyte driver with a Project X Denali 60g stiff shaft that I hit like it was money.”
Shocked at how many more fairways they hit than with a Sim2 Max D; toe strikes still fly straight.
“I went from a TM Sim2 Max D to a Ping G430 10K Max and even I have been shocked at gain in fairways hit.”
Chose it over a G430 Max 10K demo with several shafts: longer and straighter.
“I just went down this rabbit hole and settled on the Mizuno ST 230 Max from 2024.”
Their Quantum Triple Diamond was amazing for months, but a slight face dent near the toe has cut distance and made toe hits feel dead.
“So I have the triple diamond since march/April and it was amazing. Lately distance and consistency have fallen off similar to when I had a cracked qi10.”
Played the back nine with a new DS-Adapt Max K on a tipped spare shaft; it felt unreal, held a penetrating flight on a toe strike, and became their new gamer.
“Left it in A1 and first hit all I can say is wow. It felt unreal and I toed it slightly and it still just had this amazing penetrating ball flight.”
Has gamed a Quantum Max D since a Mavrik; only minor differences, and it did not fix their slice.
“There was very minor differences bc the driver itself does feel different”
Replaced a two-year-old driver with the Quantum Max this year and gained about 20 meters.
“Personally I replaced a 2 year old driver with Quantum Max this year. Gained about 20 meters.”
Alternates between a Qi35 and an R9: the Qi35 is about 15 yards longer but the R9, with a shaft three-quarters of an inch shorter, has tighter dispersion. Uses the Qi35 on longer courses and the R9 on tight ones.
“I have a Qi35 and a R9 that I use regularly. I hit the Qi35 maybe 15 yards further but have tighter dispersion with the R9.”
A 15 handicap's first 9 holes with the fitted Quantum Max was a significant improvement over their old Big Bertha.
“Just played my first 9 with my new quantum max last night and it was a significant improvement from my old big Bertha.”
Switched from a Cobra DS LS for much tighter dispersion and better distance on mishits, while giving up some raw distance.
“The switch to the Qi4D was because of a much tighter dispersion and better distance with mishits. Golf is really a game of how good your misses are because it's rare to hit it perfect every time.”
Loves the GT280 Mini as a dedicated fairway finder.
“I love my GT280. I hit 3 wood off the tee more than driver, so this was a choice to be a dedicated fairway finder.”
Quite likes the Quantum Mini 13.5°: about 270 versus 295 driver, and usable off the ground like a 3-wood.
“I switched to a Quantum Mini earlier this summer and quite like it, I went with the 13.5 and can use it off the ground the same way I used a 3 wood.”
Adores their mini drivers, with the TaylorMade R7 hitting about the same distance as their driver with a lot fewer issues.
“I hit them both about the same distance as my driver with a lot less issues”
Their GT280 Mini 13.5° fills the gap on short par 4s and works well off the fairway on long par 5s.
“I got a GT280 13.5°, it’s basically my 3W, my 3w is closer to a 5w… for me it fills the gap for short par4’s where driver is too long 3w is too unpredictable.”
The R7 Quad Mini 11.5° cut their spin by about 900 rpm versus a Qi10; distance is similar and they hit more fairways.
“I switched last year to the TM R7 Mini (11.5) because I was hitting high spinny drives with my 9 degree Qi 10. It brought my rpm down by about 900”
They really like their off-the-shelf G430 Max 10K, but their miss with it is a sky ball and they wonder if a taller-faced Callaway would suit them better.
“I just really like my ping but my miss is a sky ball and the Callaway a have a taller face.”
Regrets selling their G430 Max and says they liked it more than the 10K.
“I regret selling my Max. I actually liked it more than the 10K.”
Their Qi35 face cracked in the centre, a second TaylorMade driver failure in 18 months, which they only noticed when it blew up on the next swing.
“Cracked in the center of the Qi35 too but I didn’t fully realize it until the next swing when it blew up like that”
A plus-handicap who flies it 300 says their GT4 holds up well and that they have never had a durability problem with Titleist in 30 years.
“I’m a +3 fly it 300 and my gt4 holds up quite nice.”
A scratch golfer who cracked two TaylorMade drivers switched to a GT3, and it broke even faster.
“The GT3 actually broke faster than both taylormades”
Owns the Max K in 10.5 degrees and fought a bad slice; cutting the shaft and adding a 14g weight cut it from 6 in 10 shots to about 2 in 10.
“I also have the adapt max K in 10.5. I still struggle with a slice, but it started out bad, bad.”
Bought a GT2 locally and seven months later the back of the head developed a serious dent-like defect without any abuse. The warranty replacement then stalled for weeks, so the shop lent them a demo head with a different loft.
“the head has a serious defect in it, it looks like someone tried to drive a nail into the back of the clubhead”
Bought the GT2 as an upgrade from a TSi3 and hates it: all over the place and unforgiving off the sweet spot after five rounds.
“If you don't hit this club in the perfect sweet spot you're in the woods.”
Owns the DS-Adapt Max K driver and 5-hybrid, loves both and got stupid deals on them.
A used G430 SFT bought mid-February had its shaft snap under the grip in late July on a normal swing after only 5 to 7 outings, with no warranty support from the reseller.
An 18 handicap's fitted Qi35 Max completely changed their game, cutting about 10 strokes with more distance and fewer OB balls.
“I got fitted for the Qi35 Max about a year ago, and it completely changed my game.”
Swapped a TSR4 for the GTS3 and finds it far more forgiving, though they miss the TSR4's extra distance on good days.
“I just swapped my tsr4 for a gts3. It's crazy how much more forgiving it is, but I do miss extra distance from the TSR4 on days when you're swinging good.”
Picked up the DS-Adapt Max K driver and calls it amazing.
“I picked up the DS-Adapt Max K driver and a DS-Adapt 4h … amazing”
Ditched their driver for the R7 Quad Mini and hits it about 250, losing at most 10 yards.
“I love my R7 mini. I ditched my driver when my 2nd Qi10 exploded 4 months ago”
They absolutely love their 10.5° DS-Adapt X: it keeps them out of hazards and goes far.
“Got the DS Adapt X 10.5° and absolutely love the thing. Great driver, doesn't get me in the hazard, and goes far.”
Had the Qi4D and could not hit it except about once every four rounds, then did far better with a buddy's Elyte and swapped to a Callaway Triple Diamond Max; calls the Qi4D trash on functionality and quality.
Just bought the DS Adapt Max K to replace a Callaway Edge driver and says every shot is consistent now, with only a handful of bad drives in three rounds.
Has the 440 K and says a shot comes from anywhere on the face.
“I've got a 440k and I concur, anywhere on the face seems to produce a shot.”
Moved from a Rogue ST Max to the DS-Adapt X; likes the adjustable weights and finds it just as forgiving.
“I just went from a Rogue ST Max driver to a Cobra DS Adapt X driver. Having the weights that you can adjust is nice, and I find it just as forgiving.”
Says you can hit the Max K all over the face and still get good distance.
“You can hit it all over the face and still get good distance out of it.”
Games the DS-Adapt Max K after owning a Rogue and a Paradym; says even big toe strikes go unnoticed and calls it an automatic driver.
“I currently game the Cobra DS Adapt Max K and it blows all the other drivers out of the water. The misses I get away with are crazy.”
Plays the DS-Adapt Max K at 9 degrees; very forgiving on mishits, so a bad slice might end up 20 yards offline instead of 40, though it can't fix a bad swing.
“I have the DS-Adapt Max K in 9°. It is very, very forgiving on mishits.”
Got a TaylorMade Qi35 and is very happy with it.
Tried the Qi4D driver recently and did not like it, preferring their old R11.
“I tried a Qi4D driver recently and I just did not like it.”
Their Cobra King Tec mini replaced both driver and 3 wood; fun, consistent, with a little yardage loss but more fairways found.
“Replaced my driver and 3 wood. Just so much fun to hit and so consistent.”
Their Qi35 only rolls out to about 230 whereas their old R11 goes 270-280, so the R11 still wins.
“I drove 270-280 yards with it from every tee box I hit from yesterday, whereas that QI4D and my QI35 I can maybe roll it out to 230.”
Their GT3 has a wild toe ball with very low spin that runs forever, so the GTS2 replaced it.
“My miss is toe side and GT3 has a wild toe ball that comes out super low spin and left leading to a miss that wouldn’t carry as far but run forever so it could go anywhere.”
Plays a Qi35 driver and 3 wood and has found them very accurate.
Hit a Qi4D LS and bought an 8 degree head; the spin reduction was a game changer, adding about 30 yards of carry and more consistency.
“I’ve gained so much more consistency and have added an average carry of probably +30yds.”
Bought the Quad mini driver, loves it and traded in their regular driver for it.
Loves their Ping G440 3 wood but the G440 K driver is not for them.
Bought a used G430 10K Max driver and lost about 50 yards until a fitting found the right shaft, which instantly brought the yardage back.
“Do the fitting and we realize the shaft on my 3w is perfect and try the same shaft on my driver. Instantly get my yardage back.”
Says the G440 LST is ugly but a rocket that goes straight, despite not usually liking Ping.
“Driver is ugly AF but thing is a rocket and goes straight.”
Calls the GT280 mini driver such a weapon that they wish they had bought it long ago.
“Such a weapon that I should’ve pulled the trigger on long ago.”
Switched to the GTS2 from a GT3 after a fitting; more fairways, misses barely off the fairway and a much more playable driver.
“Uptick in fairways plus misses are barely off the fairway. Overall just a much more playable driver regardless of how well I am striking it on a given day”
Upgraded to the G430 Max driver last year and loved it so much they bought matching Ping fairways.
“I upgraded my driver last year to a G430 max and loved it so much I decided to get the 5 and 7 but in the G440.”
Loves the GT3 when it connects but has had major snap hooks and inconsistency across the face, and went back to an old 915 D2.
“I love the driver when it connects, but I’ve been punished two years in a row now with mishits.”
Got the R7 mini driver in 13.5 degrees and calls it fantastic.
Got the G440 K driver to work only after a shaft upgrade and a flat setting to stop the hook, and still keeps an old G400 in reserve.
“I got the 440K driver to work but it took a shaft upgrade. Flat setting helps to get rid of that hook shot.”
The G430 Max 10K is far more forgiving than their old Ping: big slices are now gentle curves into the first cut, and good strikes go down the middle.
“G430 Max 10K driver. So much more forgiving than my old Ping driver, what would have sliced two fairways over is now a gentle curve to the first cut of rough.”
Bought a used GT3 and gained about 20 yards on every drive compared with their old $50 driver.
“I didn't expect to actually gain 20 yards on every drive, but lo and behold, technology has actually improved since I bought my last used, $50 driver 8 years ago.”
At a fitting against the GTS2, Quantum Max and Ping G440s, the Qi4D was their favourite: fast and straight overall.
“El que más me gustó fue el qi4d, rápido y recto en general.”
Fitted for a G440 Max with lower loft and a stiffer shaft to cut spin; hitting 15-20% more fairways and at least 20 yards more carry.
“I got fit for my G440 max. Moved on from my Callaway X-hot.”
A golfer above 20 handicap finds their G430 Max driver great.
“I'm worse than you and my ping g430 max driver is great.”
A former college player took a used GT3 out for the first time and loves the impact feel and ability to move the ball both ways, though it is not easy for average players.
“not every shot was perfect but the way it feels at impact and the fact it feels like I can move the ball both ways like a fairway wood is an AWESOME feeling.”
After a first round with their new Qi4D LS (Aotera Grey 65 shaft), the driver carries about 290-300 yards and 310-320 total.
“Driver is about 290-300 carry and 310-320 total”
Has the Titleist GT280 and calls it a rocket.
Has an R7 at 11.5 degrees, calls it a favourite club: 30 yards less than a standard driver but much tighter dispersion.
“It's my favorite club other than my 2 iron. 30 yards less than a standard driver and a much tighter dispersion.”
Won an Elyte in a long drive prize and calls it a great club, though they were already happy with their current driver.
Just had a fitting into a Srixon ZXi LS and says nothing else came close; suggests getting fitted on this year's models and buying last year's to save money.
“I’ve just had a fitting into a Srixon ZXi LS and nothing could get close to it”
A 12-handicap loves the Elyte Mini: distance and dispersion compare favourably with their full driver.
“Callaway Elyte mini checking in. I love mine.”
Got the Qi35 Max and is thoroughly enjoying the forgiveness.
Fitted into the Ping G440 SFT driver with a shorter, lighter shaft; more controlled than the longer M2 shaft before, with the same or more distance and many more really good shots.
“my driver is definitely more controlled than the longer shaft I had on my m2, and I'm getting the same or more distance on my best shots and a lot more really good shots”
Got fit into a G440 driver last week (the G440K Max, 10.5 degrees) and says it is like magic, with some of their best drives and draws in three rounds.
“I’ve had some of my best drives (including draws!) the last three rounds I’ve played with it.”
Switched to the DS Adapt X after their Sim2 Max broke repeatedly and likes it so far.
Says getting fitted into the 440 SFT changed their game.
Loves their Qi35 Max with an X-stiff Tensei Blue cut down an inch, though they admit the reliability is iffy.
Says the Qi4D driver was the best $1100 they ever spent.
Hit the Callaway Quantum Max Fast best at their fitting (over a Qi4D) and is very happy with it.
“I am very happy with my new Callaway Quantum max fast driver I ordered I hit it very well”
Calls the King Tec mini driver a rocket launcher that threatens to replace their regular driver.
A used 8-degree Elyte driver with a Project X Denali Frost Blue X-stiff shaft, the same head they were fitted into at Club Champion, is an amazing weapon for them.
“What a amazing weapon!”
First round with the 2025 Cobra ADAPT Max-K: very forgiving, and the adjustable hosel let them drop loft from 10.5 to under 10, which lowered their ballooning ball flight.
“It's very forgiving and dialing the loft down from my normal 10.5 degrees to under 10 seems to have made a difference.”
Hit the G430 Max fantastically in a fitting sim but couldn't get past its matte finish and aero look.
“i even hit the G430max fantastic in the fitting sim, but couldn’t get over the matte finish and the aero tech.”
Switched to a DS Adapt LS at 8 degrees with an X-stiff shaft as clubhead speed rose; lower launch and spin gave better conditions and about 2600 rpm with little sidespin.
“I found the Cobra to have lower launch and spin for better launch conditions with the new increase in clubhead speed.”
Their old G430 Max at 9 degrees launched too high with too high a peak height and too much spin once clubhead speed increased, so they sold it.
Was fitted into the Qi4D by a TaylorMade fitter and found it felt more enjoyable to hit, noticeably hitting better shots partly because of the club.
A 17 handicap gaming a 15° R7 Quad Mini hits more fairways than ever, 220-230 carry, and dropped from 100+ to the low 90s.
“I hit consistently hit more fairways with the mini then I ever have and it gives me a little more juice than a typical 3 wood.”
Added an R7 Quad mini this year, hits it as far as their driver most of the time with toe weights to stop a left miss, and uses it unless a hole wants a draw.
“I hit it as far as my driver most of the time, but have it set up with the heavier weights in the toe”
Plays an Elyte mini instead of a full driver and finds mini drivers great.
“Mini drivers are great, I have one instead of a full driver. Elyte mini.”
Found the GT line gives them the lowest driver spin of any major brand and played a GT4 before moving to the GTS3.
“The GT series gives me my lowest driver spin rates out of all the major brand drivers.”
The GT280 Mini is their favourite club: 230-240 off the tee and up to 260 off a firm fairway, easier off the turf than expected.
“Absolutely my favorite club in the bag Titleist GT280 mini driver (w/ Ventus Velacore Black 7S) to hit off the tee box or off the fairway on par 5s!”
Keeps the R7 Quad Mini as a backup: slightly longer than their GT280 but not as consistent.
“I have the R7 as a backup (it's actually a little longer but not as consistent)”
Just fitted for the GTS3, which made an incredible difference in bringing their spin rates down.
“The GTS3 really is awesome. I was just fitted for one; made an incredible difference in my spin rates (down).”
Switched from a TSi3 to the Qi35 LS and can't believe how forgiving it is; calls it shockingly good.
“I just switched from my beloved tsi3 to QI35 LS that I got for a steal, and wow, I cannot believe how forgiving this club is.”
Left TaylorMade for an Elyte Triple Diamond head on their previous shaft and is loving the results.
“I switched to an Elyte Triple Diamond driver head and re-tipped my previous shaft - loving the results.”
Came back to Titleist for its low spin; two weeks gaming the GTS3 after a GT4, finds it a great driver that is longer than the GT and adjustable.
“GTS3 is a great driver. It is longer than the GT and with multiple adjustment settings I know it will be even more forgiving”
Switched from a 3 wood off the tee to the R7 mini and now hits a perfect fade 280-290; their whole game has improved with the added confidence.
“I have gained confidence with all my clubs after using the mini driver and my game is just so much better now”
Received a Qi35 as a gift and within a week noticed a crack after a single topped shot, while distance stayed the same but the ball sometimes dies mid-air around 175 yards. Heading for a TaylorMade warranty claim.
A 5'6" newer player loves their Elyte X with a stiff shaft, carrying it about 250 fairly straight.
“No but for real I'm 5'6" fairly new and love my callaway elyte x with stiff shaft. 250 carry.”
Plays a Qi35 9 degrees with Ventus TR Blue 5S that is playable but unpredictable, missing both left and right; a shaft change fixed it, not the head.
Has owned both and says to stick with the Qi10 for the driver, though they enjoyed the Qi35 and Qi10 woods equally.
A few days in with a new DS-Adapt Max K 10.5, teeing too high chipped the crown, but contact and distance have been decent since lowering the tee.
“so now I been teeing up way lower and contact and distance has been pretty decent since but I am worried about that chip”
Was fitted into the GTS4 against expectations; the technology pays off most on mishits.
“I was fit to a Titleist GTS4. Would’ve never thought by the descriptions I would be put here.”
Owns the Elyte; after dropping it to 9.5 degrees in the D setting it hits like butter despite a recent slice.
“I dropped it to 9.5 and in D and it's hitting like butter now”
Swings 114–119 mph and was loosely fitted into a Qi35 as a first driver; at a later refit it beat everything except the Ping G440 LST. Likes the lower spin for a core head, hot ball speeds and decent off-centre strikes, but found ball speed and spin varied too much on similar strikes.
At a Titleist GTS fitting, found their GT2 still amazing and hard to justify upgrading.
“The GT2 is still amazing - hard to justify upgrading”
Fitted into the GTS2 10°: heel strikes are really good, though the gain over their GT2 is hard to justify.
“Currently gaming GT2 10-degree and fit into the GTS2 at the same loft. Findings: 1. The GT2 is still amazing - hard to justify upgrading 2. Heel strikes are really good with GTS”
Hits the G440 SFT much better and more consistently than any other driver, though they still slice or hook a couple per round.
“I bought a g440 sft last year and hit much better with it than any other driver.”
After TaylorMade faces kept breaking, their G430 Max 10K goes long and straight even on mishits.
“Can't recommend the Ping enough - drives go long and straight even when I miss the center”
Two rounds into a fitted G440 LST: bad misses have held up very well, with more playable tee shots.
“I just got fitted into a Ping G440 LST. Two rounds on the course so far.”
Has owned both the Qi35 and Qi10 and didn't see much difference between them.
Moved from a G430 Max 10K to a GT2 with Ventus Velocore Blue and loves its look and sound, with more distance on mishits.
“GT2 with a Ventus Velacore blue shaft. My previous was a G430 Max 10k with a Newton shaft.”
Tried both and preferred the Qi35 because its sweet spot sits a little lower, which suits their tendency to miss low on the face.
Bought one in 2026, hit their longest drives ever and gained about 50 yards of carry.
“Just got one in 2026 and it’s a great club. Hit my longest ever drive like 5 times in row and added 50 yards of carry. Still a great club”
Played the Quantum mini against the Ai Smoke mini; it is a little hotter off the face with better feel when struck well, and pretty forgiving.
“I do feel like the quantum is a little hotter off the face.”
Loves their Qi35 and has the driver, 3-wood and rescue.
Tried the Qi35 and Qi10 for a short period and got on better with the Qi10, though neither was as good for them as the Sim 2 Max.
Traded a bowling-league friend for his Qi35 Core for a week and went back to their Qi10 Max, which performed better for them.
Struggling with an X-stiff shaft, hit a friend's Qi35 with a stiff shaft in a tournament and found it felt like a completely different club. They could feel the head and hit their best drives of the day, about 330 total.
Their G430 Max 10K with the stock shaft launches insanely high, with zero effort to get the ball airborne.
“I have g430 max10k stock shaft. It is insanely high launching. Zero effort to get it up in the air”
Hitting the G430 LST and G440 LST side by side they were really ripping the 430 and noticed little head difference, so they bought the demo G430 LST with a Project X Evenflow for $280.
“I have the g430 LST with a Project X Evenflow shaft.”
A year with a used G430 LST re-shafted with a Hazard Black: great distance and control, 15-20 yards longer than their old G10, with no need to upgrade.
“Bought a G430 LST off 2nd swing close to a year ago, swapped out the Atlus shaft with Hazard Black from Amazon and love it.”
Has the Titleist GT280 mini and loves that it feels and looks like a deep-faced fairway wood.
“I have the TItliest GT 280 and love that it feels/looks like a deep faced fairway wood”
Cut their DS-Adapt Max K to mini length with added head weight and calls it a cheat code, hitting approach shots into greens from 220.
“I have hit approach shots today into greens off the fairway to the fringe twice from 220.”
Fitted into a GTS3 at 9 degrees with a Tour AD VF 6S and found it gave only marginal improvement over their TSR2 gamer, not worth a $900 price tag.
After four annual driver fittings, the Quantum TD Max was the first to make a decent leap over their gamer, moving from a PXG Gen 2.
Put a GT280 in the bag and removed the driver after the first round; carry dropped from 295 on good strikes to a repeatable 280-285.
“After the first round with it I took driver out of my bag completely, and after about 4 more rounds with it I feel like I can't miss a fairway.”
Plays a 9 degree GTS2 with Ventus Velocore+ Red and hit 9 of 11 fairways in the first round at about 250 yards, calling it a point-and-shoot club with great sound where off-centre hits lose almost nothing.
Has played the Paradym since release but the Quantum TD Max brought spin way down while keeping all the forgiveness; damn good.
“when I hit the quantum td max my spin immediately came way down and kept all the forgiveness.”
Went from a Stealth to the G430 Max and lost about 15 yards but most of their drives are now in play.
“Same for me. I went from stealth to this. Lost like 15 yards but most of my drives are in play now.”
Owns both the DS Adapt and OPTM Max K and says the OPTM is the most accurate, forgiving driver they have played, hitting 12 of 13 fairways after setting the hosel to D2.
Games the G430 Max, tried the G440 for a while and ended up going back to the 430, calling it probably the best driver Ping has made.
“i game it and even upgraded to the 440 at one point and ended up going back to the 430!”
At 92-95 mph, finds their G440 K very forgiving but can't keep the spin down with any shaft.
“I’ve got the ping 440k. It’s very forgiving but I can’t keep the spin down no matter what shaft I put in it.”
Their new GTS2 is 25 yards longer than their G440 K, keeps spin down, and feels just as forgiving.
“Picked up the new gts 2 the other day and for me, it’s been 25 yards longer, keeps my spin down and feels every bit as forgiving as the 440k.”
Recently bought the Qi4D but went back to their Sim2 Max, their favourite driver ever.
“I have had the Stealth and recently bought the Qi4D and still came back to my Sim2 Max.”
Hit the Qi4D Max and it didn't suit them; the G440 K was faster with tighter dispersion.
“I hit the Qi4D Max and it wasn’t good for me.”
Upgraded from the G425 to the G440 K: a few mph faster with tighter dispersion, helped by a Tensei 1K Black shaft.
“I just upgraded from the 425 into the 440K.”
Fitted into the OPTM X with a tour-length Denali Frost Blue and finds it incredible, though not twice as good as the DS-Adapt X.
“I got fitted for the optm x a month ago”
At their fitting the new Cobra OPTM X was the best for them by a long shot.
“I got fitted for a driver yesterday and the new cobra was the best for me, by a long shot.”
Picked up a used R7 Quad Mini alongside their driver; works great off the tee on tight holes and as a 3-wood replacement.
“I just picked up an R7 (used) to use as an adjunct to my driver. Finding that it works great for me in tight fairways tee off as well as 3 wood situations.”
Finally got a GT280 and sees more fairways hit with only a slight distance loss.
“I grabbed a GT280 finally and see more fairways hit and only a slight distance lost.”
Got a G430 10K Max this year, struggled at first, then trimmed the shaft by an inch and says their drives are better and more consistent than ever.
“I trimmed the shaft down by 1 inch and it could not have made a bigger difference.”
Picked up an R7 mini this spring and finds it a big help off the tee; the length and weight combination just feels right.
“I picked up and R7 mini this spring and agree it’s been a big help off the tee.”
Owns the GT2, calls it one of the best drivers ever made, and plans to keep it until it gives out.
“The GT2 is one of the best drivers ever made I have one and I plan on keeping it till it gives out”
A high-70s player who could never control a driver missed only a handful of fairways in 4 rounds with the Elyte Mini, and finds it easy off the deck too.
“I pulled the trigger on a Callaway Elyte Mini, and in my first 4 rounds, I've only missed a handful of fairways, and can only remember one wild shot.”
An 11-handicap who bought a GT280 a month ago; loses 20-30 yards versus driver but hits fairways 45% of the time instead of about 20%, with only 2 OB in about 90 tee shots.
“Losing 20-30 yds off a good strike with my driver, but hitting fairways 45% of the time vs about 20%.”
Bought a friend's R7 Quad mini cheaply and fell in love; about 7 of the first 10 hit the fairway, only 10-15 yards shorter than their driver.
“First ten hits, about 7 hit the fairway and only went about 10-15 yards shorter than my driver.”
Cracked the crown of an R7 mini on the second shot and had to RMA the head and return it.
“Cracked the crown of an R7 mini on the second shot.”
After struggling with driver for two seasons, their R7 Quad mini has produced 280+ drives down the middle with no unplayable misses so far.
“Got an R7 mini quad a few weeks ago and absolutely love it!”
Went with the R7 Quad as a mini and really liked its movable weight system.
Says the Elyte mini is their absolute favorite club right now.
Moved from the AI Smoke mini to the Quantum Mini: needed a flatter lie to hit it straight, but it's fantastic with better feel.
“When I got the Quantum I had to set it in a flatter lie setting in order to hit it straight. Your mileage might vary on that but it is fantastic. Better feel and slightly better s”
Moved from a Ping G430 LST to the DS-Adapt LS, which they call awesome. Ball speed went up and spin dropped immediately, and they love how it sets up at address.
“My ball speed instantly went up with the DS Adapt over my G430 LST and also the spin dropped.”
Found the DS-Adapt Max-K okay but had to set it as flat and open as possible to remove its draw bias, and switched to the more neutral OPTM LS, which has more weight and FutureFit33 adjustability.
“I had to adjust it as flat and open as possible to remove the draw bias”
First round with a new DS-Adapt Max K: great control of fades and draws and dead straight when wanted, though it launched low at the stock setting, with distance similar to their G425.
“When trying to play a fade, it was a controlled fade and never warped into a slice. Same when playing a draw, it never turned into a hook.”
Just got the same driver; the first tee shot with no practice and a high-face strike still went dead straight, calling the forgiveness unreal.
“First tee shot without any practice at all, a tad bit high on the face, went dead straight. Forgiveness is unreal”
Has gamed the DS-Adapt X for over a year; with the weight forward it gives ideal numbers and stays very forgiving.
“the MaxK is incredibly forgiving but I found the X the better option overall. I’ve been gaming the X for over a year and with the weight forward I can get ideal numbers and it’s still very forgiving.”
After half a dozen rounds the Quantum Triple Diamond Max is amazing, especially on off-center and high-toe strikes.
“I haven’t had both but got the quantum triple diamond max this year. Only half a dozen rounds but it is amazing. Off centre, especially high toe - is sooo good.”
Moving to the G430 Max 10K cut their spin for many more yards, and they call it probably the most forgiving driver ever.
“I went from original callaway (the blue one) to ping 430 10k. The reduction in spin gave me so many more yards, and it’s also probably the most forgiving driver ever.”
Could not hit the Qi35 LS well despite hitting everything else, with spin off the charts at 115 to 117 mph and a steep swing, while an old R11S performed better.
Hit it in a store and liked the driver a lot with good distance and consistency, but launch and spin were very high at 19 degrees and 3300 rpm.
Owns a Qi35 LS and an R11 and keeps using the R11 because the sound and feel are far more satisfying.
Compared the Ping G440 Max, G440 K and the Qi4D at a PGA store and found the Qi4D and G440 Max both great.
Compared the Ping G440 Max, G440 K and the TaylorMade at a PGA store and the 440K was the only one they did not like.
Fitted into a 9 degree Qi4D with Reax 50X: ball speed went from 153 to 158 mph, spin from 3588 to 3000 and about 20 to 25 more total yards than their Ping G440 Max.
Landed on the GT4 after steering clear of TaylorMade and has not looked back.
TaylorMade replaced their cracked Stealth 2 with a Qi35 the same week, but with matched shaft, loft and settings they are losing 50-plus yards and say it feels completely dead off the face compared with the Stealth 2.
Switched from a Stealth to the GT3 and shot a personal best, realising how unforgiving the Stealth was.
“I made the jump (gt3) and just shot a PR.”
Calls their GT2 the worst club they own because it constantly hooks, unlike their other Titleist and Callaway clubs.
“MY GT2 is the biggest piece of crap ever constantly hooking, Callaway fairway and Hybrid also driving iron consistently acceptable, All My other T100s on the money,”
After 2.5 months with a used G430 Max 10K, the weight screw broke and the weight flew off on their first swing at the simulator.
“yesterday at the simulator I took my first swing with it and the weight detached itself and went flying. The screw broke”
A 17 handicap chose the Elyte X over a G425 and GT2 and hit it well on day one, but now slices it worse than their old driver despite the draw bias.
“After hitting it well the first day, I have now developed a worse slice with the new driver than I had with the Top Flite.”
Says good hits on the 440K go 5 to 10 yards shorter than other drivers in its class, but it keeps bad strikes in play with a repeatable flight, ending their two-way miss.
Calls their Quantum Triple Diamond Max a driver that hits like a dream and loves it, though they are still getting used to it and miss slightly to the right.
Their first Titleist club, the GT3 driver, is an absolute melt show; they can't see anything replacing it soon and prefer its look at address to Ping's.
“This gt3 is an absolute melt show...”
Choosing Ping over a Titleist GT, their G430 LST is something else.
“I got the ping LST and it’s something else”
Calls the GT2 the best driver they have used. Played a Qi10 before it and thinks the whole GT line is very good.
“Love my GT2. Best driver I’ve used. Durability aside, I don’t recall many reviews having much positive to say about the Qi35. I gamed a Qi10 prior to the GT2 and I would pick that over a 35.”
Traded a TSR3 and other clubs for a demo GT3. Finds it clearly lower spinning with real gains on course: a first drive of 295 yards where the TSR3 topped out at 250–260.
“My first drive with the GT3 was 295 yards(slight tailwind) and left me with a 50 yard approach. It's definitely lower spin and the gains are real world,”
Moved from an XR to the Elyte; the muted sound took getting used to but after four months it is longer, straighter and less punishing on mishits.
“Hitting longer, straighter, mis-hits are less punishing. The elyte is a phenomenal driver.”
Calls their Qi35 the worst driver TaylorMade has ever made, after busting the faces of a Stealth 2 and Qi10.
“God I wish I could bust my QI35, it’s the worst driver TM has ever made.”
Fitted for and demoed the GTS2 on course: really fast and hot off the face.
“The gts2 is really fast and hot off the face. I got fitted yesterday and demod it on the course sunday.”
Likes the GT2 so much they own two heads: super fast, forgiving enough, with a great shape.
“GT2 is a goat driver it’s super fast and forgiving enough. Shape is awesome. I have 2 heads right now I like it so much.”
At a Cobra fitting they hit the OPTM LS and X as straight as the Max K but farther, and chose the LS.
“Just fitted into OPTM LS or X. I went with the LS but could've gone either way.”
Calls the DS-Adapt Max K absurdly good and prefers its profile to Ping's 10K heads.
“The DS-Adapt MaxK is fucking absurd”
Fitted into a Qi35 with an X-stiff shaft, it's now one of their most consistent clubs and they hit it further than in their teens.
“In Jan I got fitted into Qi35 with an x stiff shaft. It now one of the more consistent clubs in my bag and I'm hitting it further than I did in my tee”
Changed from an XR to the Elyte and says there is absolutely a difference.
A new golfer tried a 9 degree GT1 at a PGA store and hit it very high but not very far, carrying only 150 to 170 yards.
Recently fit into the Qi4D with a 116 mph swing speed, with zero durability issues so far and performing very well for them.
“I just recently got fit into the Qi4D and so far zero issues. 116 swing speed. It performs very well for me so I stick with them.”
After cracking a Stealth 2 and Qi10, switched to the Ping G440 Max and is pleased with it.
“Did this with the stealth 2 and qi10. Switched to ping 440max and I’m pleased”
Their ST-Max 230 gamer produces a pull hook they can't fix with weights, even choked down to 44.5 inches.
“my predicament driver is Mizuno st 230 max. my major miss is a pull hook. I have tried adding weight and such and having little success.”
Testing a Qi35 LS choked down to 44.5 inches, ten shots gave a tighter dispersion than their ST-Max 230, turning pull hooks into slight fades.
“at DSG today I tried a qi35 ls. my dispersion circle on ten shots was tighter than I have been with my gamer.”
Switching to a G440 K, their mishits improved night and day; it's hard to hit it under 230 anywhere on the face.
“I just switched from the pictured XR Pro to a Ping G440K and the miss hits are night and day different.”
Sold their Qi10 for an Elyte with an Artera shaft and says they will never look back.
“Sold my Qi10 for an elyte with a an artera shaft and will never look back”
Played a round with an Elyte rental: hotter face than their XR, but much less accurate, with mishits spraying more.
“I didn't care for it. The face is hotter but I found it to be much less accurate/reliable to go straight. Occasional mis-hits sprayed way more than with the XR.”
Their Qi35 core, a warranty replacement, cracked in the centre of the face in under 4 months despite being a great driver for them.
“The latest wrecked club is the Qi35 core, which was the warranty replacement for the Qi10.”
After a fitting, the Quantum TD Max took their 265-275 yard drives to 300+ once they found their groove.
“Upgraded to a Callaway Quantum TD Max and drives that were going 265-275ish now going 300+”
Tried the GT2 on a demo day and struggled a bit; two nice shots but about 200 metres of carry versus 220+ with the Quantum.
“Hit 2 really nice shots that felt good but only 200 metre carry compared to 220+ on the quantum when striking it nicely”
Fitted into the GT4 with a heel weight after trying the Quantum and GT2; centre and heel strikes both spun at 2200 and went the same distance.
“my center strike hit was spinning at 2200, heel strike...2200 and going the same distance.”
Plays the same driver with a Graphite Design shaft and says it is far better than any driver they have had, though it suits cleaner swings.
Fitted into the GTS4 with the heel weight over the Quantum and GTS2; center and heel strikes both spun about 2200 and went the same distance.
“The GTS4 is insane if you havent tried it yet. my center strike hit was spinning at 2200, heel strike...2200 and going the same distance.”
The R7 mini cracked after four months of use, leaving the poster doubting TaylorMade build quality.
Bought the DS-Adapt X off the rack and says it upped their game tremendously, 15-20 yards longer with more fairways hit.
“it upped my game tremendously. 15-20 yards longer and hitting way more fairways.”
Tried a new G440 LST and could not hit it at all, going back to a Cobra F9.
An off-the-rack Quantum TD Max with the stock Denali shaft goes longer and straighter than ever, gaining about 20 yards.
“this off-the-rack driver with the stock Denali shaft is going longer and straighter than I’ve ever hit before.”
Loves their Qi35 LS but believes the Qi10 is arguably the better driver (Scottie and Rory still game it) and they could have saved money buying one of those instead.
Bought a Qi35 driver and woods last year, replacing a bag of clubs that were over ten years old, and loves them.
Returning after 12 years, the fitted Quantum Max with draw-bias weighting hit 6 fairways in a row, carried 20–30 m more than their old RBZ and stopped the slice.
“He shifted a weight to draw bias and 6 hits in a row hit the fairway.”
At their fitting they struggled more to control the Qi4D than the Quantum Max.
“I struggled a bit more to control the Qi4D.”
Plays the Quantum Max driver with draw bias and a +1 loft setting and says it is rare for them to slice one out of play.
Moved from a very forgiving used Qi10 to the GT2. Prefers the GT2's feel, sound and centre-strike ball speed, finding it only a little less forgiving.
“Ended up liking the feel, sound, and ball speed better on the GT2. It’s only a little less forgiving, but the ball speed on a center strike was money with the GT2.”
Plays a 10 degree GT2 with a Velocore Black and says it nukes it when hit in the center.
Gets 30+ yards over their Ping G410 with the GT2 and a Velocore+ Blue.
Bought a G430 Max 10K 'demo' at a very low price and calls it the best driver they have ever hit, finding it comically hard to keep out of play even on awful mishits.
“it's the best driver I've ever hit. Comically hard to not be in play even with some AWFUL mishits.”
Picked up the GT2 used a month earlier for $235 and says a flush strike feels better than anything else.
Got fit for the GTS2 and found it an amazingly forgiving driver.
A G425 player of five years has hit a friend's GT2 and loves it, saying its feel is much nicer than the Ping; they still plan a fitting.
“Yeah I’ve hit my buddies and love it.”
Got theirs this week and after one range session is in love with it.
At a fitting that came down to the G440 K and the OPTM Max-K, chose the G440 K: longer, lower spin, more accurate and fast to swing.
“Ended up going with the Ping. Longer and less spin. Definitely more accurate for me.”
At a Golf Galaxy fitting against TaylorMade and Cobra, the G440 SFT won on loft, ball speed and carry.
“Stat wise, the Ping G440 SFT was the winner.”
A long hitter whose misses were as bad as their hits; put an Elyte mini head on their driver shaft and now bombs it 280-300 with the extra loft giving confidence.
“Never going back to a regular driver head as I hit it anywhere from 280-300 regularly.”
Picked up an R7 Quad last season and their fairway percentage jumped, and it beat a shortened driver in a side-by-side.
“Picked up an r7 Quad last season and my fairway percentage jumped up.”
A returning golfer who filled the gap between driver and 5 wood with the R7 Quad and calls it awesome, 200m and straight.
“Holy shit. It’s awesome. Wish I had purchased it waaay earlier. 200m straight. Ideal.”
Was fitted for a mini driver head on a full driver shaft; the R7 mini took their drives from 230-270 to 280-296.
Got a G430 Max 10K for their birthday and it cracked about eight months later. Ping replaced it with a new G440 K, which earned them a customer for life.
“Fast forward to a few weeks ago and it developed a crack. Called Ping and they did right by me by replacing it with a brand new G440 K.”
Was fitted for a Titleist GT2 driver and shot their second-lowest round ever two rounds later.
“I got a sick fitted set of Srixon ZXi5 irons and a Titleist GT2 driver. Posted my 2nd lowest round ever with these 2 rounds later.”
Owns the R7 Quad mini, recommends it to everyone, and says the driver stays in the bag.
“I got the R7 Quad and I recommend that shit to everyone all the time. My driver stays in the bag.”
Their R7 mini is a cheat code: 250 down the middle with a slight fade.
“I have the r7 mini and it’s a cheat code, 250 down the pike with a baby fade.”
Calls the R7 their go-to club, easy to hit off the tee and fairway with lots of weight options.
“Easy to hit off the tee and fairway with a lot of weight options.”
Tried several minis at Roger Dunn and bought the Titleist 280, using it off the tee and hitting it pretty well off the deck too.
“I do primarily use off the tee but I can also hit it pretty well off the deck.”
The King Tec Mini replaced their 3-wood off the tee: much easier to hit, similar distance, better dispersion.
“Loving my Cobra King Tec Mini Driver. Has replaced my 3W off the tee, much easier to hit, similiar distance, better dispersion.”
Obsessed with the PXG Secret Weapon Mini: 275+ carry with forgiving misses.
“Not sure if anyone has mentioned it, but I’m obsessed with my PXG “secret weapon”.”
A couple of weeks in, their new Srixon ZXi driver gives about 15 more yards per drive.
“I just got a new Srixon ZXI driver a couple of weeks ago and am getting about 15 more yards per drive!”
Hits their R7 Quad Mini 11.5° far better than driver and only 15 yards shorter.
“I have an R7 mini driver at 11.5* I hit it way better than my driver and only 15 yards shorter”
Rented a full Quantum Max set as a beginner and found it felt absolutely incredible, hitting the driver with no problem and having a very good day.
The Elyte Mini is a perfect 3-wood replacement for them off the tee.
“I bought a Elyte mini and it’s a perfect 3W replacement for me.”
Went from 235 carry with a G430 and Hzrdus Black to 270 carry with a GT3 and Hzrdus Blue.
“I went from 235 carry with ping g430 and hzrdus black to 270 carry with Titleist gt3 and hzrdus blue.”
Moved from a TaylorMade Sim to a GT2 with an Oban Devotion shaft after a fitting and says it is night and day, reining in a low hook.
“now I’m playing a titleist gt2 with the oban devotion6 shaft and it’s night and day”
An older golfer fitted into a GT1 with a Graphite Design shaft got more distance and much better carry consistency.
“Being a bit on the older side I ended up with a GT1 head, as it’s a bit lighter, and a Graphite Design shaft. This combo has been gold for me.”
A higher handicapper's used Elyte Night Edition Mini loses a few yards but hits more fairways and is more forgiving on toe and heel.
“My carry and total distances lost a few yards but I am hitting more fairways.”
Swapped a TS3 for a 12° GT1 after a demo day and everything is much more consistent; calls it the most underrated head in the line.
“I swapped my 10.5 TS3 for a 12* GT1 head after a demo day and everything is way more consistent.”
They didn't hate the Elyte but didn't love it, and moved on to a lighter-shafted Ping.
“I certainly didn't hate it, simply didnt love it.”
A 7-handicap calls the G440 10K the most idiot-proof driver ever.
“The G440 10K is the most idiot proof driver ever.”
They absolutely love gaming the Elyte Mini.
“I’m gaming an Elyte mini and absolutely love it..”
After the Elyte they moved to the GT2 and have been enjoying it.
“moved on to a gt2 and have been digging that.”
It sounded and felt much harsher than the Elyte.
“The G430 and G430 10k sounded and felt so much harsher.”
They couldn't get used to the feel of the 460cc Elyte.
“the 460cc core Elyte I just couldn’t get used to the feel”
Having hit them all, they rate the Elyte line Callaway's best drivers; the matte crown grew on them.
“Dang the Elyte, Elyte X and Elyte TD were the best drivers they ever released. And I’ve hit them all.”
Plays the Elyte mini and finds it more forgiving than the R7, only about 10 yards shorter; takes the fairway over the distance.
“My Elyte is more forgiving and only like 10 yards shorter than the R7.”
Hit the R7 mini and found it went further than the Elyte mini but was hard to control.
“The TM went further but felt just has hard to control.”
Tried the G430 10K among other drivers and found it came out really dead for them, preferring the GT2.
Suggests free fixes for a slice before buying, but says if they fail the Qi35 Max is worth trying: they own one and love it.
Plays the GT280 Mini alongside a driver on tight holes or slicing days; it replaced their 3-wood.
“I play both (also have the GT280), tighter holes or holes where there's a hazard my driver can reach I'll use mini.”
Chose the GT280 Mini over Callaway and TaylorMade minis because it was the one they could hit well off the deck.
“I had a similar rationale for going with the GT280 — I tried Callaway and TM, and I just couldn’t get a good piece off the deck with either.”
A golfer of about a year who replaced a 2005 Big Bertha with a GT2 bought on sale. Had their two best driving rounds, losing one ball a round and going from 220–240 to 250–270 yards.
“just had my two best driving rounds to date. Lost 1 ball a round off the tee and for the rest smoked them longer and straighter than I ever have.”
A 5-handicapper who loves their G430 Max 10K and has played it for years. Thinks the jump from one driver generation to the next is small but that the 10K's accuracy and forgiveness could tighten dispersion, and recommends checking on a sim.
“I love my G430 Max 10k. But it’s unlikely to make a huge difference.”
Two months into the Qi4D LS, the ferrule slipped, the head rattled, and then it flew off at impact.
“Bought a qi4d LS 2 months ago. Last week I noticed the ferrule at the top of the hosel had slipped up slightly.”
Calls their GT3 driver incredible.
Moved from a TSi2 to the GT2 with a Denali Red shaft and gets far better dispersion; it is now their favourite club.
“I have the GT2 with Denali Red shaft and it just goes straight and far. Had the TSi2 before and I have much better dispersion with the GT2. Driver now has become the favorite club in my bag”
Switched to a Cobra OPTM X driver and in the first round hit a bunch of fairways, with the misses only off by a couple of yards, feeling like they could not miss.
Loves their Exotics E725 driver: very forgiving and it just wants to go straight.
“I picked up a set of E725 Exotics late last year. Driver, 3w, 6i thru pw. Love them. Very forgiving. The driver just wants to go straight.”
Coming from a 10.5° Qi35, the Quantum Max greatly improved their rollout but gave them a major slice.
“I have the max Quantum; it approved my roll out distance greatly...BUT it has caused a major slice that I am trying to correct now.”
The Quantum Triple Diamond Max got rid of their slice, cutting spin to 2200-2400 rpm, and was their best fit.
“however, when I tried the Triple Diamond Max it got rid of the slice. The issue for me was spin.”
Testing all the Quantums, the Quantum Max sliced just like their AI Smoke Max, with 3300-4000 rpm spin.
“Interesting, the Quantum max did the same for me, it was no different than the AI Smoke Max I'm using now”
Their new Qi35 LS at 8.5° crushes it, nearly driving the green on a 372-yard uphill par 4; moving to an X-stiff shaft ended their slice.
“God damn this new driver crushes it. 372 yard uphill par 4. Almost got the green this time”
Has the Elyte driver and says it gained them yardage.
Moving from a Rogue ST Max LS, the Quantum Max's sound took getting used to, but fairways hit jumped from 39% to 58% (no distance gain).
“It took me some time to get used to the sound. It’s just different. But who cares as the results are fantastic. I went from 39% fairways in regulation to 58%.”
A longtime GT2 user switched to the Quantum Triple Diamond: less spin, better launch, more distance and slightly tighter dispersion in store testing.
“The Quantum spins less, has better launch numbers, and goes further on the same swing speed and dispersion was a bit tighter.”
Was just fitted for the Tour Edge Exotics Max and loved it when testing, hoping it keeps working once it's in the bag.
“I have just been fitted for Tour Edge Exotics Max, I loved it when testing so hopefully once in the bag. I feel the same.”
Fitted into a G430 SFT at an 18 handicap; now an 8, their well-struck drives still spin around 4000 rpm on a launch monitor, so they suspect they've outgrown it.
“I got fitted for a ping g430 sft around 2 years ago when I was around a 18 handicap. I’m now a 8 handicap and am still using the same driver.”
Calls the Max K insanely good with super tight dispersion, hotter off the face than their Ping and it tamed their slice; best driver they have hit.
A 22 handicap who says the G440 LST helped fix their slice and who prefers it to a 430 Max.
Owned both the Ping G440 K and the OPTM Max-K and went back to the OPTM for more distance, consistency and hosel options.
“I had both. Both are great but Going back to the optm. I get more distance and consistency with the optm and I have more options on the hosel settings .”
Loves their G440 LST and finds it plenty forgiving when not trying to obliterate the ball.
Moved to the Quantum TD Max after a Sim2 and calls it amazing.
Bought a Qi4D 9 degrees with an extra-stiff shaft after cracking their old driver; it bombs on good hits but feels less forgiving, and they hated the carbon-face feel and returned it for a Cobra.
Testing at a superstore, the G440 Max HL 12 degree with an Alta CB 50 SR felt like heaven, the best feel in 25 years of golf, though Ping wouldn't build that combination.
“When I say the PING G440 Max HL Driver with the ALTA CB 50 SR Flex shaft feels like heaven, buttery soft, super plush, fantastic, out of this world I mean it.”
Did not expect to like the GT3 but the dispersion they got with it was insane.
“I had the same experience with the gt3. Didnt even consider it but the dispersion i got with it was insane.”
Went into their driver and wood fitting sure they would choose the GT2 but could not hit it at all.
“Going into my driver and wood fitting I thought for sure GT2. Nope, couldn’t hit them if my children’s life depended on it.”
Got fitted for a full new set and chose the GT2 driver over the Qi4D and a Ping 440 purely on feel. Disliked how the other drivers felt and hit several more drives with the GT2 before settling on it.
“I hated the feel of the other drivers. Loved the feel of the gt2. It was all based on feel and my preference.”
Loves the GT280 off the deck and says it works great.
At 118 mph with a 75g X-stiff Tensei, the JPX One Select is much more forgiving on misses than their Stealth, with surprisingly low spin unless they swing steep and no lost distance.
“After playing a few rounds I can tell that the jpx one select is much more forgiving in the misses.”
Went down the mini driver path with the GT280 and says it has been flawless off the tee, sitting between driver and 5-wood.
Their R7 Quad mini is a dream off the deck, carrying about 220 and going 240.
“I have the r7 quad and it is a dream off the deck...”
Bought the GT280 mini expecting a niche club, but it's a weapon that lives in the bag; off the deck it goes about 5-wood distance.
“I got the gt280 last June, thinking it would be a niche club that wouldn’t live full time in the bag. Thing is a weapon.”
Trying the G440 K at a PGA Superstore, they were astounded at how much it improved on their G425 Max.
“I also tried the new g440k at the pga superstore and honestly was astounded at how much improvement there was to the 425 max”
Chose the 440K after trying five brands and a 440 Max, finding its dispersion far better than the rest.
“I tried Cobra, Callaway, Titleist, Taylor made 440Max and 440K. I chose the 440K. Fitter also changed me to a stiff shaft from a Regular. Dispersion was head and shoulders better than all the others.”
Found a crack in the 10K head less than a year after buying it from Golf Galaxy, without noticing how it happened.
A 1 handicap loves the GT2: the longest, straightest driver they've hit and surprisingly forgiving.
“1 handicap. Love my GT2. Longest and straightest driver I’ve hit. Surprisingly forgiving.”
Made the same switch to the Qi4D and says driver distance went from 265-270 and right to 310 and straight.
“Driver went from 265-270 and right to 310 and straight. Made a massive difference.”
A scratch player at 190 mph ball speed finds their Elyte Triple Diamond (Ventus 6TX) very fade biased and hard to turn over.
“have an Elyte triple diamond with a Ventus 6TX shaft and the setup is very fade biased, to the point I have to make an extreme effort to try to turn it over”
Added a 12° G430 Max 10K with a 3-wood shaft: easier to turn over than their 9° 10K, fine off the deck, with a nice low cut.
“I just added a 12deg Ping g430 10k to the bag. Put my 3w shaft in it.”
Owns the Qi4D Max and says it is a good driver but the marketing was off the charts, calling it an okay driver in reality that is less hot and forgiving than the Qi10.
Has moved from a 913 D3 to the GT3 and calls Titleist drivers missiles, a short but positive owner endorsement.
Plays the GT1 with heavy weights and calls it one of the most stable and playable drivers they have used.
“Gt1 with heavy weights is probably one of the most stable and playable drivers I’ve ever used you should try it”
Bought a GT2 this season after five years of switching drivers, and feels more confident with it than with any driver in a long time.
“I just got a GT2 this season after bouncing around between drivers for the last 5 years. This is the most confident I’ve felt with a driver in a long time”
The GT3 was what they hit best at a fitting and has been a great driver, though they dislike its looks.
“I hate how they look but the GT3 is what I hit best during a fitting so I went with that. It’s been a great driver but not my favorite aesthetically”
Played TaylorMade drivers for years before switching to the GT2 last year. Loves it for tighter dispersion with the same ball flight.
“Had Taylormade drivers for years. Switched to the GT2 last year and absolutely love it. Tighter dispersion with same ball flight I had before.”
Fitted into a G440 LST and hit it amazingly in the outdoor fitting and the sim, but then topped 75% of their drives in the first round of the season, which they put down to rust rather than the club.
Got the Qi4D Max and LS at a pro-am; is keeping the Max in the bag over their Titleist because it's much easier to hit and launch.
“gamed the Max the second day and will keep it in the bag.”
Found the Qi4D LS very hot once grooved on the range, but the Max gave up little and was much easier to hit.
“The LS was hot as can be once I got in a groove on the range, but I wasn’t giving up much with the Max and it’s a lot easier to hit/launch.”
The R7 Mini is a blast: only 10-15 yards shorter than a driver off the tee and buttery off the deck.
“The R7 Mini is a blast (thinking about trading in the LS for it), was losing 10-15 at most off the tee and I thought it was butter off the deck”
Hit both JPX One heads at a local shop and chose the Select for its significantly lower spin than the regular JPX One.
“I went with the select after hitting one at my local shop. I had significantly lower spin with the select compared to the regular jpx one.”
Absolutely loves their GT280 mini driver.
Switching from the 2023 Dynapower Ti to the 2025 Dynapwr Carbon on the same shaft felt horrendous: cumbersome, with a low push-hook.
“Going from the 2023 Wilson Dynapower Ti 9 degree to the 2025 Dynapower Carbon 10 degree, keeping the same shaft.”
Got an R7 Mini two weeks ago and loves it, finding it more fun than the 3-wood it replaced.
“I got a R7 Mini two weeks ago. I love that thing.”
Replaced a Sim2 with the G440 K and calls it phenomenal on paper and the simulator, though on the course nothing feels like the Sim2.
“no doubt the Ping is a phenomenal driver and on paper and on the simulator its definitely better”
Fitted into the Quantum TD Max with Ventus Black because the TD spun too little and the Max too much.
“This is exactly why I got fit into the Quantum TD Max with ventus black. I was hitting the TD well but my spin numbers were too low. Max the spin was too high.”
A 3-handicap with a 118 mph swing says it is the best driver they have hit but not for those weak off the tee.
“I just bought this driver, I'm a three handicap with 118 mph swing and this is the best driver I've ever hit. I will say driving is the best part of my game,”
Their Qi35's face delaminated after 7-8 months, and on the replacement the adapter started slipping.
“I’ve had my QI35 for 1 year now. Face delaminated after 7-8 months so I sent it back and Taylormade sent me a new one.”
Recommends the DS-Adapt Max K as super forgiving and fast; they liked it more than the G440 K and G430 10K they hit.
“Get the Cobra Max K. Super forgiving and plenty fast.”
A cracked Sim 2 was replaced by a Qi10, which cracked within a month and was replaced by a Qi35, and they say they love the Qi35.
Fitted on Trackman, the Qi4D core was a complete upgrade over the R7 Mini and their old driver, with longer distance and tighter dispersion.
“Qi4D Core (in red) was a complete upgrade in every way possible with even longer distances and tighter dispersion.”
Had a similar experience to a big Qi4D gain, calling it insanely good and consistent on mishits.
“Its insanely good and consistent for mis hits as well.”
Got an Elyte driver when they were new and calls it the favourite club in their bag.
“I love that driver, I got one when they were new”
Tried the Qi4D in a first driver fitting and could not work with it, the first setup spinning at only 800-900 rpm.
At 105–110 mph swing speed, got fitted into the G440 Max carrying about 265 and 285 total.
“I have the exact same swing speed and got fitted into to G440 Max with ~265 carry, ~285 total”
Owns the G440 Max and calls it the longest and most forgiving driver they have owned, while advising to hit both candidates before buying.
“I have the ping g440 max and it’s the longest and most forgiving driver I’ve owned.”
Owns a G430 Max and found it the most forgiving of the drivers they tested that year, though some may not like the look and it feels a tad heavy.
“I found it the most forgiving of all the drivers I tested (year the G430 was released).”
Bought a GT2 after an indoor test with the stock Tensei 1K Blue 55 stiff shaft. Outdoors they snap-hooked everything and blame the light, high-torque shaft, planning to fit their old R9 shaft instead.
“Took it outdoors (on golf vacation) and snap hooking everything. It's too light and seems to have too much torque for my swing.”
Moving the Elyte's weight forward (no back weight, 12 g front) gained them at least 12-15 yards of carry and cut spin significantly.
“I have a Callaway Elyte and removed the back weight completely and then changed the front weight from 5 grams to 12 grams.”
A high handicapper who just got the Max K and is hitting it way better than their Sim 2 Max; likes the FF33 customization.
Moved from a Ping G430 to the Qi4D and never giving it up; hits like a dream with noticeably less backspin.
“Never giving her up. It hits like a dream and reduced my back spin quite a bit.”
Has the Ping G430 Max and calls it a great driver.
Names the GT2 and GT3 as current favorites and says the GT crown polymer looks, feels and sounds amazing with no durability problems.
Names the GT2 and GT3 as current favorites and says the GT crown looks, feels and sounds amazing with no durability issues.
Runs the GT280 mini in place of a 3-wood and loves it, not planning to go back to a standard lofted 3-wood.
Fitted into the low-spin Qi4D at 9 degrees after nine years with an M2, and is really enjoying it with about 12 yards more carry and 18 more total with tighter dispersion.
Switched from a TSi3 to the core Qi4D in a lower loft and gained about 15 yards after optimizing launch.
Played the GT3 last year and found it awesome.
“I played GT3 last year, it’s awesome.”
After a year with the GT3, finds the Qi4D LS consistently faster and surprisingly good.
“I’ve been testing QI4D LS and it’s consistently faster for me.”
Hit the Qi4D and got a new high ball speed, with it feeling the best by far and keeping spin down even on low-face strikes.
A 6.9 handicap who cannot hit a 3-wood loves the GT280 off the deck and finds it better off the tee, running it at 14.5 degrees.
“Love the gt 280 off the Deck. And way better off the Tee.”
Says the Qi4D is okay and a definite upgrade over the Qi35, but not the best of the year, as the Callaway Triple Diamond Max and Cobra heads are better and a Wilson outperformed it by a mile for them.
Found the Qi35 LS, a warranty replacement, super unforgiving; almost went back to the Qi10 LS.
“The qi35ls felt super unforgiving. I almost traded it in to go back to the qi10ls.”
Swapped out driver and 3 wood for it and is playing the best golf of their life, hitting 250-260 yards with tighter dispersion.
“I figured I would give this a shot and ditch my driver and 3 wood. Been playing the best golf of my life and driver 250-260 yds and with better left to right dispersion.”
Moving from the Qi35 LS to the Qi4D LS, easily broke 180mph ball speed with stable 2200-2300 spin at 7° loft.
“Switching from the qi35ls to the 4d ls and holy balls this face is fast. Struggled breaking 180 ball speed on the 35 and broke it easily with the 4d ls.”
Their mini driver is damaged in the same crown spot, and Callaway could not warranty it because none are in stock.
At 108 mph, coming from a Qi35, the Quantum TD Max (Ventus Black 6X) was faster on average than the GT2 and Qi4D with less spin.
“On average the quantum was faster than gt2 and qi4d with less spin for me. 108mph swing”
At a fitting the Qi4D gave slightly faster ball speed on perfect hits but lower on anything off center.
“I did try the 4d core and had slightly faster ball speeds on perfect hits, but lower on anything not perfectly centered.”
Just got the DS-Adapt LS at PGA Superstore and calls it a great club.
Hated the Elyte core driver after using a Sim 2.
Calls the Elyte mini a fantastic mini driver that feels and sounds amazing.
Traded in a Srixon ZXi MKII for a G430 Max after wishing it were more forgiving. Is playing much better with the Ping.
“I played the zxi mkii and traded it in for a ping g430 max, I hit it ok in the store but over time I wished it was more forgiving. I’m playing much better with the ping.”
Ordered the GT2 in 11 degrees after a test and a fitting, helped by the price drop to $449.
“Based on this club test, I ordered the GT-2, R flex shaft, 11 degrees of loft. Hit it very well in the fitting. Price drop to $449 was terrific benefit.”
Plays a 9 degree Elyte Triple Diamond with 1000-1500 rpm spin that launches low and knuckles, with horrific consistency and little carry.
“Had drives that were 165 ball speed that carried 210 because they launched at 9 degrees with sub 1000 spin.”
The G440 Max spun too much for them.
“The 440max and lst were not good for me. Too much spin.”
The G440 LST spun too much for them.
“The 440max and lst were not good for me. Too much spin.”
They weren't a fan of the G440 SFT; none of the G440 heads came close to their G430 Max 10K.
“Yeah I wasn’t a fan of the 440 Max, LST, SFT last year.”
None of the G440 heads came close to what their G430 Max 10K did for them.
“None of them did what the 430 10k did or close.”
They hit the GT3 far better than any G440 head and keep it as their gamer.
“I hit the GT3 way better.”
They hit their G440 Max really well.
“I have the G440 Max. I crush it pretty well.”
They just got the G440 K and love it so far.
“Great clubs. I just got the g440k myself. Love it thus far.”
Swapped a Ping G430 for the GT2 at about $450 with a fitting and sees it as a no-brainer improvement.
“Just traded my g430 for the GT2. Now that they’re only $450 including a fitting, it was a no brainer for the improvement.”
Hit one at a free Golf Galaxy fitting and liked it more than the new Callaway.
Went from a G400 Max to the DS X and saw drastically better ball flight and spin, picking up about 25 yards total.
At 115 mph, moving from a G425 Max to a 9° Qi35 (SpeedNX Blue X) ended their ballooning; apex about 88 ft with 2300 spin.
“I went from the g425 max as well to a 9° qi35 core with a fujikura speednx blue xstiff. I no longer have the ballon shots I’d regularly have with the ping”
A 13 handicap fit into a Quantum Triple Diamond (Ventus Black 6X) gained 20 yards carry and 30 total over their G425 Max, with tight dispersion.
“The numbers were better, 20 yards more carry and 30 yard more total. Dispersion was also overall tight with middle and right miss but my usual left miss was eliminated.”
Finds the GT2 much better at spin consistency than the TSR, with repeatable fades and backspin around 2500-2700.
Prefers the feedback and shaping of the GT3 to the GT2 by a mile after switching from a cracked G425.
Fit into a 9° GT3 as a 7 handicap, they now find its low spin hurts them, and two later fittings showed it's no longer optimal.
“I have the gt3 @9° (fit when I was a 7hcp), and the lower spin has started to hurt me.”
Says they are loving their Elyte mini driver, though they miss the old draw and fade back weights.
Very happy with their Elyte Triple Diamond even after testing a Quantum and seeing a speed bump with it.
Tried a Qi35 on the range and called it the worst feeling driver ever; they couldn't find a groove with it.
“I bought a QI35 core to resell, said what the hell I’ll try it on the range… worst feeling driver ever and couldn’t find a groove with it.”
Put an 8° GT2 straight in the bag: first two drives went 300 down the middle and it feels super fast with less effort.
“Bought a GT2 8 degree and was playing a round the next day, threw it in the bag. First 2 drives 300 down the middle. Thing is super fast with less effort.”
At 107 mph and consistent center strikes, they feel the Qi35 Max doesn't give them enough distance.
“I have the Qi35 Max and I feel like I’m not getting enough distance (obviously because it’s a more forgiving driver)”
A TSR2 owner found the GT2 more forgiving and about 4-5 yards longer in a sim comparison.
“I have the TSR2, but I’ve hit the GT2 before. I think the GT2 was more forgiving and longer when I compared them on a sim.”
First session with the Quantum TD Max disappointed: rock-hard face, loud sound and lots of two-way misses versus their Elyte TD Max.
“Hit mine for the first time today and really disappointed that I didn’t care for it. Face was hard as a rock and it sounded pretty loud.”
Tried the GT3 with Ventus Blue and Black shafts at a fitting tent and absolutely smoked three balls with each, nearly buying one on the spot.
“Absolutely smoked 3 balls with each. Almost bought one on the spot.”
Bought the G440 K after a fitting among five drivers and calls it unbelievably straight.
Gamed a demo Qi35 for a few rounds without getting comfortable, coming from a Paradym X, and ended up happy with a Cobra DS-Adapt LS.
“I had a demo Qi35 from my club that I gamed for a few rounds and just couldn't get comfortable with it. Was coming from a Paradym X and wound up happy with a Cobra DS-Adapt LS”
After hooking the GT2, found the G430 Max a much better option within a few balls.
“I asked if I could try the ping g430 max and after a few balls it was apparent it was a much better option for me.”
Got fit for the GT2 but was hooking it badly on a return visit; the G430 Max was clearly better for them.
“I went back a month later to buy it and asked the guy if I could hit it one more time in the bay before buying it. For some reason I was hitting a big hook with it that time.”
Fitted into a GT3 with an extra-stiff shaft after an off-the-rack Sim2, but has driven worse since, losing 8-10 balls a round instead of 2-3.
“I went from losing 2-3 balls a round max to 8-10.”
Had a cracked Qi10 replaced and hit both the Qi35 and Qi4D in store, strongly preferring the Qi4D. Says they really like it: you can feel the extra weight, but it is super forgiving.
A 15 handicap swapped into the G440 K within the 90-day window and, three rounds in, picked up yardage, hit 60% of fairways versus 44% before, improved strokes gained from -4.2 to -1.6 and shot 10 over.
“Three rounds in I’ve: \- Picked up yardage”
Tried the GT3 with their gamer shaft and could not stop hitting it high on the face; launch conditions were no better than their Ai Smoke.
“I tried a gt3 and a gt4 with my gamer shaft and couldnt stop hitting it high on the face.”
Tried the GT4 with their gamer shaft and kept hitting it high on the face; launch conditions were no better than their Ai Smoke.
“I tried a gt3 and a gt4 with my gamer shaft and couldnt stop hitting it high on the face.”
Bought a used Qi35 for $270 expecting to dislike it, but it replaced their G430 Max in the bag. They may have lost a few yards of carry but are hitting more fairways.
“it just took the place in my bag of my ping g430 max. Might have lost a few yards off the carry but so far hitting fairways!”
Replaced their Ping G430 driver with the Cobra DS-Adapt Max K as their gamer.
“I no longer play the G430 driver though as it has been replaced by a Cobra DS Adapt Max K.”
Switched from Callaway to the TaylorMade Qi35 driver and hits it much better.
“Just switched from Calloway to TM Qi35 driver and 3 wood. (Hit it way better)”
Swapped a 410 LS for a 430 LS and could not hit it, with two-way misses and a dead-feeling face, then fitted into a 430 Max.
“Two way miss, unpredictable ball flight and the face felt dead.”
Has not seen more than 2400 rpm of spin on their DS-Adapt Max K, finding it similar to a G430 in forgiveness.
“I've yet to see more than 2400 on my DS adapt Max K. Pretty similar to the G430 in the forgiveness pursuit.”
Recommends the G430 10K, saying it spun less than the LS for them and is incredibly forgiving.
“I had lower spin off it than the LS. Plus it is incredibly forgiving. Unicorn driver”
Bought an Elyte driver from Callaway Pre-Owned in 'Very Good' condition and found definite paint chipping that they'd have rated Fair, but says the club is absolutely great otherwise.
“ordered Very Good on an Elyte driver and it had some definite paint chipping. The club is absolutely great otherwise”
A 16.8 handicap at 102-105mph found the Qi35 LS brutal at first, but with unmatched feedback and a great feel from the centre.
“the first 70 balls were unplayable garbage. It was quite brutal. However, it was feedback like I've never had before.”
Owns a 6° DS-Adapt LS alongside a G430 Max 10K; very different feel but both totally playable.
“6° cobra ds adapt ls w/tx kai'li white 60”
A 12 handicap at 85-89mph was fitted for the Elyte Triple Diamond: 10-15 yards longer than their G425, and mishits lose half as much distance.
“I’m hitting the ball 10-15 yards further, and my mishits are only losing 10-15 yards instead of 20-30.”
Picked up a G430 LS with an X-flex shaft and feels it is the most stable head they have hit, much better than a standard Paradym.
“I just recently picked up a G430LS with an X flex shaft moving up from stiff”
Their G430 Max 10K spent multiple months in warranty repair last year.
“my G430 10k spent multiple months in warranty repair last year”
A 14-16 handicap at 115-118mph gets 300-320 carry from the G430 LST on centred hits, but most shots hook and slow swings drop out with sub-2000 spin.
“If I hit it in the middle with a neutral face its 300-320 carry which is insane. However that is 5% of hits, the other 95% are duck hooks.”
Owns a 9° G430 Max 10K and a DS-Adapt LS; very different feel but both totally playable.
“9° ping g430 max 10k w/stiff alta cb 55”
A week in, calls it by far the most forgiving low-spin driver they have hit.
“picked up my G440k just last week and its' miles away the most forgiving lower spin driver i've ever hit, with the right shaft i'm excited for this season”
At 96-101mph, found the Qi4D core surprisingly forgiving at a fitting, hitting it better than the Qi4D Max, OPTM K and X, and G440 K.
“Just tried out the core today in a fitting and it was surprisingly very forgiving.”
Says the Qi4D gained about 8 mph of ball speed over a PXG Black Ops and that they really love it.
“I have it and i gained like 8 mph ball speed comparing to previous pxg black ops driver.”
Traded a G440 Max for the G440 K and found the K less spinny with higher ball speeds and comparable dispersion.
Found the G440 Max a great driver but spinnier than the K and not a perfect fit for their spin window.
Hit the GT280 Mini, fell in love and bought it, considering dropping their driver over dispersion issues.
“Hit the titleist GT280 and fell in love. Bought it but need to take a club out of my bag.”
At a Trackman fitting, nothing beat their G440 LST 7.5°: with their own shaft they got center contact, about 255 carry and a flat, efficient flight.
“I didn't "upgrade" drivers because neither the Qi4D, the G440K, nor the Quantum was better than the G440LST”
At a fitting the Quantum TD 8° was the only new driver worth considering, but it wasn't nearly $900 better than their G440 LST and spin was only manageable.
“Callaway Quantum TD: This was the only 1 of the 3 (other than mine) that was a possibility for me”
Fitted into the Qi4D core, which outperformed the other brands they tried, and they like its looks and feel.
“I just got fitted for the core model and Aldia Rouge 50g TS shaft and outperformed the other company’s I tried.”
At a fitting they could not get the G440K's ball flight below a 150-foot apex.
“Ping G440K: This was also a quick no. I could not get ball flight below a 150' Apex.”
At a fitting the Qi4D Core spun far too much for them and felt and sounded much like the Qi35; a quick no.
“spin was untenable in the Core (too high)”
A 2.9 handicap who fitted into the Qi4D over Callaway and Cobra, gaining 3-4 mph of ball speed and about 14 yards total; calls it long, hot and forgiving.
“It is long...it is hot and most of all FORGIVING.”
Hit the Qi4D against a Qi35 on a sim: 1 mph less club speed but 2 mph more ball speed, concluding it is hot.
“The qi4d club head speed was 1 mph slower than the qi35 but the ball speed was 2mph faster”
Got one over the summer and loves it.
Demoed the Qi4D with the stock blue Reax 65g shaft and was blown away with distance and dispersion, ending up with all TaylorMade as the best in their session.
Tried it at Golf Galaxy and called it a rocket ship, with numbers to match.
Hit the Qi4D at a fitting and thought it felt quite nice, got a few extra yards versus other drivers, though a Titleist GT3 won their session.
Walked out of a PGA Superstore with one after hitting it; the ball felt incredible off the face, much better than their Mizuno 230.
Replaced their Qi35 LS with the Qi4D core: on Trackman, ball speed rose from ~160 to 165-175mph, with higher, more consistent spin especially on toe strikes.
“recently got my Qi4D (core model) to replace the Qi35. Not used on the course yet, but twice on trackman range”
Bought a Qi35 with a Diamana T+ 60 X shaft off the rack after a fitting; the head is fine, but after about a year they still don't love the shaft profile.
Just fitted into the Qi4D: nicer shape, much better launch even at 9 degrees, and top-notch forgiveness.
“The launch is way better, I went from a 10.5 down to a 9 and still hit it higher.”
Played all the recent TaylorMade drivers and says the Qi35 sucked compared with the Qi4D.
“Played them all. The Qi4d is the best, just got fit and it's awesome. Qi35 sucked.”
Finds their GT3 more forgiving than a TaylorMade Qi10-type head, with misses only slightly right.
“for my swing at least, the TaylorMade twist face drivers gave me a problem with missing both ways the AI smoke kept me from snapping L and if it’s a miss w the GT3 it’s slightly R.”
Their GT2 driver head cracked, so they sent it to Titleist for warranty inspection and bought a used replacement head in the meantime.
“I cracked my GT2 head so i sent it in for warranty inspection.”
A bogey golfer replacing a G25 found the G440 Max added distance and was so forgiving they hardly hit a bad drive in two rounds.
“I definitely got some sneaky long added distance but where the club really exceeded expectations was forgiveness.”
Traded in an old Titleist driver and hit it straight in a simulator, with not a single drive ending up unplayable.
“hit the driver from my regular tees off the 1st tee and YEAH…straight and the fairway narrows right where I hit it. Couldn’t believe not 1 drive ended up unplayable.”
Chose the OPTM X over the Quantum, Qi4D and Ping lines; on Trackman at 105.5 mph it averaged 266 carry and 288 total with 2200 spin, and is very stable and forgiving with great feel and sound.
“With an avg swing speed of 105.5, my avg carry was 266, total 288 with a launch of 14, spin at 2200 and descent angle of 37.5. literally perfect numbers for me.”
Calls the new Quantum so good it is the first driver to take their Sim2 Max out of the bag.
“First driver to take my sim2 max out of the bag.”
At their first fitting the Quantum TD Max beat everything else they tried.
“Had my first ever fitting for a club last week, nothing else came close.”
At a fitting the Quantum TD Max carried about 300 with range balls, versus a usual 280 with their 2018 Rogue.
“In the fitting I was carrying 300 with range balls where I usually top out around 280 with my current driver”
Tested a Qi4D against their Ping G425 and a Titleist GT in a sim and got 15 to 20 mph more ball speed with lower spin than the Ping.
Tried a GT3 with the Tensei 1K Black 65g stiff and found it feel good and very consistent, though hard to justify the price.
Upgraded from a Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Max to the Elyte X and says it is working for them, so settled for 2-3 years.
“I just upgraded from Paradym AI Smoke Triple Diamond Max to Elyte X and that Elte X is WORKING for me.”
Tested the Quantum TD in a garage sim with very high smash factors, consistent 1800-2200 spin and lower low-strike spin than their Ai Smoke and Elyte.
“The smash factors have been very high. The spin has been fairly consistent and 1800-2200 on good strikes.”
Fitted into an OPTM Max-K with a stiff Denali Blue 60 at a Cobra tour fitting; on first use found it extremely forgiving on high and toe strikes.
“I hit it better than any driver ever and it gets ordered.”
Gamed demos of the Qi35 and Elyte for a few weeks and liked neither, then fell in love with a Cobra DS-Adapt LS.
Picked up the Elyte in the midnight colorway and says it looks sweet and plays like a dream.
Currently has a Qi35 and honestly is not a big fan of it, asking whether it is worth trading for an Elyte.
Moved from the Ai Smoke to the Elyte, which has some draw ability and gave about 10 more yards.
“The elyte has some draw ability and gave me another 10 yds over the smoke”
Couldn't hit the Qi35 well at all and didn't like its look behind the ball; the Elyte was better but leaked right, and they landed on a Ping G440, about 10 metres longer and straighter on bad strikes, which has been in the bag eight months.
At a fitting, the Qi4D core matched their Paradym Triple Diamond with slightly better dispersion; they pre-ordered it for its looks and face feel.
“Nothing really topped my paradym triple diamond but the core model of this in the same shaft had almost identical metrics but slightly better dispersion.”
Their GT4 cracked in the same place as another owner's after only about nine months.
“My gt4 cracked in same place yesterday is only about 9 months old”
Their off-the-shelf Elyte matched a fitted GT2 for distance and shape with a satisfying feel at impact.
“It was interesting when comparing to the Elyte I bought off the shelf, the shot distance and shape was very similar. Both have a satisfying feel at impact.”
Fit into a 9° GT2 stiff, gaining about 10 yards over their Epic Max LS with a satisfying feel.
“I had my fitting last week and ended up going for the GT2 9° in stiff.”
Has owned the Stealth 2, Qi10 and Qi35 and none has given any trouble over 35-50 rounds a year.
“I’ve had stealth 2, qi10, and qi35. Not one has had any issues for me and I play 35-50 rounds a year.”
Tried the Qi4D and says it is the only TaylorMade driver of the past three years whose feel they liked, with some added ball speed.
“this still feels odd compared to my steel faced drivers of yore, but it felt really good. gained some ball speed too.”
Really likes the feel of their Qi35, which feels much better than the Titleist 915 they used before and gives them confidence over the ball.
“I had a Titleist 915 before and the Qi35 just feels so much better in my hands.”
Bought a used GT280 mini for about $250 and finds it easier to hit off the fairway than a standard 3-wood, surprised that an older player couldn't hit it well.
“Also I find this thing easier to hit off the deck than a standard 3w”
A beginner tested the Qi35 Max, found it felt amazing, bought it, and it's great after two weeks.
“I went to the Pro shop and the QI35 max was on sale from £529 to £329 so I tested out the QI35 Max, felt amazing and I purchased it. Been using it for 2 weeks and it’s great.”
Hit the Qi4D at a True Spec fitting and liked the look, but actually hit the Qi35 better.
After two earlier TaylorMade faces broke and the warranty replaced them, has played the Qi35 LS for about three months and absolutely loves it.
Traded in an Elyte for a Qi35 Max and is in love: sounds and looks great, awesome feedback through the hands, 5 to 10 more yards, and they have to really try to slice it.
Gains 10-20 yards over their 3 wood off the tee but finds it harder off the deck and keeps it for short courses and windy days.
“At 55 years old at the time of purchase, my GT 3 15° 3 wood I average 240/250, with the GT 280 I may gain 10/20 yards depending on me the day”
Bought the Qi35 driver in 10.5 degrees and is hitting it rather well, though they did not like the Qi35 fairway woods.
Got fitted for the G440 Max, which was consistently straight with great distance against the Elyte, Elyte X and Qi35.
“Ended up going to a local store today and got fitted for the g440 max. Tested it against the elyte, elyte x and qi35 and it was consistently straight and great distance.”
Fit against the G430 Max, the Elyte core was a beast when struck correctly but averaged around 3200 spin that hurt total distance.
“I will say the Elyte core model was a beast when struck correctly.”
Recently got a 9 degree G430 Max with the weight in the draw position and a Chrome Tour shaft; launch and spin were exactly what they wanted.
Fitted into the Elyte Triple Diamond, which brought spin down to 2500 and felt more forgiving than their previous Ping G30.
Switched from the TSR2 to the GT2 for less spin but isn't getting the distance or accuracy hoped for; their GT280 Mini goes about as far.
“I was playing the tsr2 and switched to the gt2 for less spin. Of course it is a great driver but I’m not seeing the distance and accuracy I hope.”
On off days they hit the GT280 Mini further than their Elyte Triple Diamond driver; on good days the driver goes 20-30 yards longer.
“When I’m not swinging well I’ll hit my gt280 further then my elyte TD. But when I have normal swings the driver will push another 20-30yards.”
Tried the G430 Max 10K but it launched far too high for windy Texas conditions.
“I tried a G430 Max 10K, but it was a fly ball machine that went too high for me, especially in the windy conditions in Texas.”
Chose the G430 Max over the 10K for its adjustable back weight; the draw setting keeps their push in the fairway.
“Personally I choose regular driver vs. 10k for its adjustable back weight. Draw setting seems to help keep it in the fairway since I typically tend to push my drive.”
Tried many shafts in the GT2 but found it unplayable for a round when it went bad, and went back to a Rogue ST Max.
“I found the same with the GT2. Tried a multitude of shafts then went back to rogue st max with a tensai 6S and it goes straight.”
With a slightly negative attack angle, the G430 Max gave 2100–2400 spin and a 1.48 smash factor at their fitting, beating the Elyte.
“2100-2400 spin on average with my AoA is just about perfect for me. Smash factor was 1.48”
Had the GT2 for over a year: the first was long, straight and low-spinning but cracked; the replacement spun more and was less consistent.
“I had the GT2 for over a year....well, 2 of them after my 1st cracked. The 1st was a bomber. Long, straight,and and low spinning.”
Owns the Qi35 driver and calls it a great choice.
Their gifted Elyte Mini feels great to hit, but the carbon crown started delaminating on the second tee shot of its first round.
“after hitting for the second time I looked down and saw cracking or the carbon fiber delaminating.”
Owns the same G430 Max driver as the original poster and says they love it.
Switched to the G430 Max 10K after their Stealth 2 face broke and, in a small sample, has doubled their fairways hit.
“In a very limited sample size I am now doubling my fairways off the tee and couldn’t be happier.”
Chose the G430 Max over the pricier G440; as a short hitter it is 10-15 yards longer than their RocketBallz and straight.
“I'm not a long hitter, but the g430 is already 10-15 yards longer than my rocketballz was, and it's straight.”
At 110 mph, initially loved the R7 Quad Mini but found it too hard to shape off the deck to earn a bag spot.
“I bought a R7 quad mini driver 13.5 degree when it came out, initially loved it but it really doesn’t have the versatility for me that I’d be looking at to earn a spot in my bag.”
Is still loving last year's Qi35 LS and does not plan to spend more this winter.
“I am still loving last years Q135LS so I dont see me dropping north of 6 bills this winter”
A life-long slicer who got the Ping SFT last year and says it has single-handedly made the game more enjoyable.
“As a life-long slicer, got the Ping SFT last year and it has single-handedly made the game more enjoyable for me.”
A low handicapper who says they hated the Qi35 and would pick the Ping instead.
“Probably the Ping. I’m a low hcp and HATED the Qi35”
Their Elyte Mini 10.5° replaced a 20-year-old driver; they prefer the smaller head and lose at most 10 yards to modern drivers.
“I have an Elyte 10.5 mini that replaced my 20 year old driver, 983k. I just prefer the smaller head.”
Loves the R7 Quad Mini 13.5° as a 3-wood replacement: carries 265-275 and hits it as well off the deck.
“Absolutely love my r7 quad mini driver. It replaced my 3 wood, not my driver.”
Plays the Elyte Mini exclusively off the tee; it plays like a true small driver, though their 5-wood is more accurate.
“picked up a Callaway Elyte Mini (11 deg, turned down to 10) this year.”
Could not hit the Callaway Elyte in their fitting, so chose the GT280 mini instead.
“when I got fit I couldn’t hit the Callaway Elyte to save my life.”
Carries the 280 and finds it goes straight on a rope, better than the R7 which they could not get high off the ground.
“The r7 I wanted to love, but couldn’t get it high off the ground and it tended to have a curve where the 280 goes straight on a rope.”
Wanted to love the R7 mini but could not get it high off the ground and it tended to curve, unlike the GT280.
“The r7 I wanted to love, but couldn’t get it high off the ground and it tended to have a curve where the 280 goes straight on a rope.”
Has the PXG mini and calls it a rocket launcher, to the point they could drop their 5 wood.
“I have the PXG mini and that thing is a rocket launcher.”
Owns an Elyte 11.5 mini, carries no driver now, gained better launch and lower spin in the simulator, and has a typical 275-285 carry.
“A mis hit will still go 220-230 with better dispersion, a typical swing is 275-285 carry. I’m very happy and never looking back.”
A 7-handicap finds the GT280 Mini far easier than driver off the tee, losing only 10-20 yards, and would never go back to a 3-wood.
“I (30m/7hcp) have a gt280, I would never go back to 3 wood. Off the tee I find it 100x easier than driver.”
A 12-handicap hits the R7 Quad Mini (14°) 220 with an easy swing and 90% fairways; it's the easiest club in their bag off the tee, though wind affects it.
“I have the TM r7 quad which I have set to 14° and I hit it 220 with an super easy swing that hits 90% fairways”
Dropped their driver for the Elyte Mini 11.5°: about 10 yards less carry but far more in play, with manageable misses.
“Bought the Elyte mini 11.5° and it’s exclusively used off the tee. I maybe lost 10 yards of carry but I’m actually in play way more”
At 100-105 mph, the GT280 Mini goes about 260 and turned driver dispersion losses into a stroke gained off the tee; it works off the deck too.
“I have a GT280. It's my favorite club, though my new UW is giving it some competition.”
Really likes their Elyte Mini 11.5°, crediting its consistency to the shorter shaft.
“I have a Paradym at 9 degrees and the elyte mini at 11.5. I do really like the mini driver but I think the consistency comes with having a shorter shaft.”
Fitted this summer into a 9° Qi35 with a Ventus Black 6X, which keeps launch and spin where they should be, but on sims they can't get smash factor above about 1.48 and they found a crack in the composite body above the toe. Suspects the head is dead and plans a warranty claim.
Has similar club speeds to the poster and broke five TaylorMade drivers in two and a half years, then switched to the Wilson Dynapwr LS this year and has had no issues.
Tried the R7 Quad mini in their fitting but did not like its feel or dispersion compared to the GT280.
“I got a chance to hit that one and another by Callaway, but I really didn't like the feel or dispersion from either one.”
Loves their GT280 mini; fairways hit has gone through the roof.
“Love my GT280. My fairways hit has gone through the roof with it.”
Has a GT2 but wishes they had waited for the GT4.
“I have a GT2 but wish i waited to order in the GT4.”
Loves their mini with the same shaft as the OP and still carries a driver; it is a beauty on tight fairways or when the driver is struggling.
“Tight fairways or driver is struggling that day, this is a beauty.”
After six months unable to hit a Qi10, switched to a fitted GT280 Mini and hits it far more consistently.
“Im no longer carrying a full driver.”
Fitted into the Qi35 LS with a Kai'li White shaft after a hand-me-down M2; saw higher swing speed and carry and was more consistent than with the G440, Elyte or GT2.
“I was more consistent with it than any other driver.”
Owns both a Ping G440 Max and a Qi35; the Ping might be 5 yards shorter but has significantly better dispersion.
“The ping might be 5 yards shorter, but a SIGNIFICANTLY better dispersion.”
Calls the Elyte TD a monstrously good driver, even for a player with a worse handicap than the original poster.
At a fitting they hit the GT2 and Qi35 Max best, the Qi35 Max longest, and bought it.
“I was hitting the best with GT2 and the QI35 max. The farthest with QI35. Though the swing speed was almost similar across all of the clubs. I ended up getting QI35”
Owns both the Qi35 and G440 Max; the Qi35 is noticeably faster, usually about 5 mph.
“I actually own both the qi35 and ping g440 max. Long story short, I had a stealth that broke”
A 14-handicap who loved it in a fitting found slight misses produce dreadful shapes and 30-50 yards lost, and is returning it.
“Sadly, I haven't had a good day on the course with it. If I miss just slightly, not only is the shot shape dreadful, but the distance falls off by 30-50 yards.”
Two DS-Adapt LS heads shattered within two months, the warranty replacement within about 40 drives.
“I've now blown up two driver heads in 2 months. I don't have a photo of the first one that failed, but it was essentially the same failure”
At 106 mph, a fitted Callaway Elyte (75 g X) cut spin by about 1000 rpm and carried 265–270 consistently.
“Dropped my spin roughly 1000 RPM on average, consistently carried 265-270 when I'd get that as total once in a blue moon with my Ping”
At about 100 mph, the Cobra DS-Adapt Max-K beat every other driver at their fitting; good hits passed 240 m and mishits stayed in the fairway.
“Even on clear misshits it was only losing 20m of distance, and still in the fairway.”
Switched from a full-size driver to the Elyte mini; hits far more fairways and the dispersion is much less severe, carrying 265-270.
“Hit way more fairways and the dispersion is way less severe”
Got a mini driver too and hit 70% of fairways in a round versus the usual 50-55%.
“Played a round this wk and was hitting 70% of fairways. Normally it was around 50-55%”
Plays the Qi35 LS and found the Qi35 a major upgrade in consistency and forgiveness over the Qi10.
Loves their Elyte and says it is not that pretty but absolutely great.
“I love my Elyte. Not that pretty buy its absolutely great”
Did extensive testing of the G440 against the Qi35 and, to their surprise, the Qi35 carried longer and was better overall, so they now game it instead of a Ping.
“But much to my surprise the TM was a longer carry and better overall so I’m rocking that and not a Ping for the first time in years.”
Gets noticeably better results with the GT2 but found the G440 Max the easiest to use.
“I get noticeably better results with the GT2 (which is what I went with) but found the G440 Max the easiest to use.”
A Callaway player who absolutely loves the Cobra DS-Adapt Max K and finds many more fairways with it.
“Big Callaway guy but absolutely love the Cobra DS Adapt Max-K. So many more fairways for me.”
Gaming the Elyte X for the last few months and says it has been amazing.
“Have been gaming the Elyte X for the last few months and it’s been amazing.”
Has the Elyte with a black Ventus Velocore 6X shaft and calls it an absolute weapon.
“I have the Elyte with the black velocore ventus 6x and it’s and absolute weapon.”
Just ordered a G440 LST after it performed the best for them versus the Titleist and Callaway they tried.
“Just ordered a ping g440 lst. Performed the best for me and tried the titleist and callaway”
Loving the Titleist GT2 driver right now.
Absolutely loves the R7 Quad Mini, which has replaced their driver.
“I absolutely love my Taylormade R7 mini and it has replaced my actual driver.”
Finds the G430 Max 10K far too spinny for their swing; LS heads go 15–20 yards longer for them.
“For me a g430 10k is a horrible driver because its way to spinny.”
Did not like the GT2 driver so went to the Qi35, and wishes they had stuck with the GT2 as they are not a fan of the Qi35.
“I didn’t like the driver so I went Qi35. Wish I would have stuck with GT2 cause I’m not a fan of Qi35.”
Had the G440 Max at the start of the season and could not hit it for the life of them.
“Had the G440max at the beginning of the season, couldn’t hit it for the life of me.”
Says they are really enjoying their Callaway Elyte driver, a short but clearly first-hand positive endorsement.
At their fitting they didn't like the GT2 driver, though they love the GT2 fairway woods.
“I was fitted for GT2 fairway woods and I love them. I didn’t like the driver”
Their Qi35 head cracked, another report of the durability problem with this model's carbon face in the same thread.
A mid-handicapper who calls the G440 Max the best driver they have hit in the last few years.
“Ping G440 Max. I’m a mid-handicap and it’s the best driver I’ve hit over the last few years.”
Says the GT2 has completely changed their driving for the better.
“The GT2 has completely changed my driving for the better.”
Picked up a Qi35 this year and finds it pretty money: the standard model gives the same spin as their old G430 LST but with more forgiveness.
“Picked up qi35 this year…it’s pretty money. The standard gets me same spin as my old g430lst but with more forgiveness”
Was fitted across most of the brands and chose the Elyte as the best for their swing.
“I got fitted trying most of these, got the Elyte. It’s completely personal, but it was the best for my swing.”
An 8 handicap who loves the G440 Max and still benefits from its forgiveness.
“Got a G440 Max and love it. 8 hdcp and still feel I benefit for it's forgiveness”
Switched from a SIM2 and an Ai Smoke to the GT2 and calls it a total game changer, the easiest to swing by far.
“Total game changer for me. Easiest to swing with by far (for me)”
Played the Qi35 and found it divine.
“G440 but man i played the qi35 and it was divine”
At 64, they love their GT2: hit every fairway with good distance in their latest round.
“bought myself a GT2. I am so happy with it. Today I hit every fairway and drove the ball well for distance as a 64 year old geezer.”
Owner of the Qi35 who says they like it and would probably like the other drivers in the thread as well, so no strong preference.
“I like my QI35. I'd probably like the others as well.”
Says the 440 Max is a great club.
Bought a demo DS-Adapt Max K and gained about 15 yards; horrible mishits do not go far offline and the sound and feel are wonderful.
“The main thing is that even horrible misshits don't go crazy off course.”
Expected the G430 Max 10K 9 degree to suit Irish links golf, but the G440 Max 10.5 blew it away with a true flight that never veered, even in wind.
“the G440 max 10.5 just blew it out of the water, even on tough windy links courses here like Ballybunion”
Replacing a 20-year-old driver, found a Sim 2 not to their liking at a test swing, then tried several top drivers and the Qi35 felt best and gave the best Trackman results. It felt very forgiving; they bought a 40%-off demo and haven't played it much yet.
Plays the G430 Max 10K because its lower spin (200-400 rpm less than the G440 Max) suits them.
“Personally I play the 10k as it fits the spin I need.”
The paint chipped off their brand-new GT2 on the very first swing, from a strike a little high on the face, and they worry it will keep chipping.
“Just bought a brand new titelist gt2 driver and first swing on the first tee I hit it a little high on the face and the paint chipped right off.”
Demoed the G440 Max and G430 Max 10K with the same shaft: near-identical numbers, but much preferred the G440 Max's look and feel.
“I demo’d both heads with the same shaft both in 9 degree. Performance numbers for me were basically identical. I much preferred the look and feel of the G440 Max over the 10K pancake.”
The crown of their new G430 Max 10K cracked, leading to a warranty replacement.
“The crown of my new G430 Max 10K cracked”
A high handicapper who has played a Sim and a Qi35 a fair bit and found them reasonably forgiving.
Uses the GT280 mini because they like smaller heads; the GT2 driver felt fine but wasn't much better than their old G5.
“Yes i tried both and currently use a GT280.”
Tried the GT2 driver; it felt fine but wasn't a big improvement over their old Ping G5.
“The GT2 driver didnt feel bad, but i did not see a big improvement in comparison to my old Ping G5 driver.”
Sold their Cobra DS-Adapt Max K because they didn't get along with it.
“Literally just sold a Cobra DS Adapt Max K that I didn’t get along with.”
A three-month golfer fitted into the Elyte Triple Diamond driver and 3-wood; the best shot in the fitting was 260 carry at 1900 spin, 5 yards right of target.
With a tipped Hzrdus Black 6.0 TX and a 32g weight in neutral, their G430 LST became the most forgiving long bomber they've used, beating the G440 LST in testing.
“Its turned into the most forgiving long bomber I have ever used. Tested it vs the 440lst and it won easily.”
Carries a GT280 13° alongside a TSR4: 25–30 yards shorter, slight draw bias, narrower dispersion and lower spin that holds in wind.
“GT280 (13*) is about 25-30 yards shorter on carry and for me is a draw bias, dispersion is more narrow.”
Had Stealth, Stealth 2, Qi10 and Qi35 and the face popped off on all of them; after a fitting they went to a Titleist GT2 and will not buy TaylorMade again over quality.
Loves their Ping G430 Max and misses it when traveling.
Tried the Qi35 at a fitting day and did not like it at all; it did not feel as good as the other new drivers.
Tried the Qi35 Max with a bad slice: 4 of 5 balls dead straight and 20-55 yards past their SIM2 Max.
“Hit 5 balls with it. 4 dead straight and anywhere from 20-55 yards farther than my Sim 2.”
A 24 handicap bought a DS Adapt Max-D with a draw setup and shorter shaft and now hits more fairways than he misses, with his long irons more confident too.
Tested the Dynapwr LS on a launch monitor at a fitting and hit it consistently 230 to 240 yards with a stiff shaft, an improvement over their Launchpad2.
“I tried the Wilson Dynapwr LS and Ping G440 at this test. I was hitting both consistently about 230-240, both stiff shafts.”
Loves the Elyte Mini for being light enough to swing hard without losing the head.
“I will add I have the elyte mini and I honestly love it. It’s so light, I can swing harder at it and not lose the head, but it’s not like a weighty beast slowing me down.”
After a Stealth blew up and a Qi10 they could not hit, they sold it and picked up a Qi35 and have never been longer off the tee or hit more fairways.
Cracked a new Qi35 Max on their first day on the range after a couple of heel hits.
“I just got a 35 max and cracked it my first day on the range last week.”
Moved from a Qi10 Max to the Qi35 and it does not feel the same, as the weight sits differently than on the Qi10 Max's heavier back end.
Has broken three of these drivers, all replaced under warranty, gave the last replacement to a younger brother and switched to Cobra, disappointed in the quality for the price.
Moved from the Ping 10K and a Black Ops to the GT3 and finds misses better and longer, no longer lost right.
“I have gone from the Ping 10k, to Black Ops Std to the GT3 (same shaft), and now I don’t lose it right all the time, my misses are better and longer”
Hit it very well and made an eagle, but the tail weight blew out after a 120 mph swing.
“My tail weight just blew out after a 120mph swing. It was a fantastic drive though and I made an eagle!”
Was playing a scramble with their new Qi35 when the rear weight came off after fewer than 20 drives; they heard the sound change mid-round and found the weight gone. TaylorMade approved a warranty replacement head.
Swapped a nearly 10-year-old M1 for a GT2 and finds it slightly longer (under 5 yards) and far more forgiving, using a heavier Tensei 65X shaft. Demoed the Qi35 alongside it and found it lacked feedback and forgiveness by comparison.
Was reluctant to buy the Qi35 Max because of online reports but it hit far straighter and longer than everything else in their first fitting. After 25 rounds this season their handicap has dropped from 25+ to 17.
Went from a TaylorMade M1 to the Adapt X and gained 40+ yards with dispersion within 20 feet.
“Just went from a TM M1 to a Adapt x. 40 plus yard gain, dispersement within 20 feet.”
Received a Qi35 as a warranty replacement for a Qi10, hated it and sold it for a Ping G440 LST.
A roughly 5 handicapper with 180-plus mph ball speed has broken two Stealths, a Qi10 and now a Qi35 (the bottom of the face popped) within two seasons; all were warrantied or upgraded, and they plan to trade the Qi35 for a Ping G440 Max they are demoing.
Switched from a Big Bertha 23 to the GT3 and has been hitting it much further, their first Titleist driver since the 90s. Shoots 85–90 and says they have always played better with less forgiving clubs.
“I switched from big Bertha 23 to gt3 and I’ve been crushing it! First titleist I’ve had since my old 975D 8 degree in the 90’s.”
Fitted into a standard Qi35 with a Tensei Black 65 stiff; swing speed rose to 98-102 mph with a 1.47 smash factor and they gained about 30 yards.
“For me I was able to hit more consistent and manageable shots, and gained 30 yards carry and total distance on my driver”
Plays a G440 LST with a 75g extra-stiff shaft but says they cannot hit their driver for anything, with the round won on putting and wedge play.
At 107 mph, a fitting moved them from an R15 to the G430 LST with a stock Tour Chrome shaft: draw weight fixed their two-way miss and they now average 290 total.
“Ended up picking the G430 LST (it's cheaper since it's last year's model) with the stock Tour Chrome stiff shaft.”
At a fitting, the G430 Max 10K spun too much and lost them distance, so they chose a different head.
“almost started shaft options with the 430 max 10k but spin was too high with that one and I was losing distance”
The back weight on their 10K broke off mid-round. The warranty covers it but the repair is quoted at five to seven weeks.
“Had the back weight on my Ping G430 Max 10k break off mid round.”
Their Qi35 lasted about a month before it collapsed on the driving range, and they found PGA Superstore's customer service poor.
Upgraded from a cracked G425 Max to a G430 Max with the same shaft and hated it in the first round: it felt heavier, they sprayed shots, and it was less forgiving even on centre strikes.
“Today was my first round with it. I hated it. The whole club felt heavier. I was spraying it left and right.”
Got an Elyte Sandstorm on Facebook for $300 and says the driver hits like a dream.
Has the same G430 10K and loves it.
Swings fast (170–175 mph ball speed, about 310 yards) and has popped two faces off their Qi35 in two months, calling it unfit for purpose.
Plays a G430 LST turned up to 11.5 degrees and regularly carries farther than the original poster drives.
“I play a G430 lst turned up to 11.5 and swing about the same speed as you and regularly carry farther than you drive.”
Switched to the G440 Max from a driver they couldn't keep in play; now it takes a really bad swing to go far offline.
“Switched to the G440 Max and now it takes a really bad swing to get way offline.”
At 95 mph, the G430 Max 10K keeps the ball in play but they only drive about 225 and wonder about lost distance.
“My current driver is a Ping G430 Max 10k. All that MOI helps keep the ball in play”
Was fitted for a DS-Adapt X and, in its first week on the range, no longer slices: hits a small fade or a bit left and says it is a huge improvement. On the course, a mental block remains.
“When I got the range I am having some really solid hit. I am hitting with a small fade. I like the flight trajectory.”
Says the GT280 is perfectly fine off the deck, built like a wood, and an absolutely amazing club to hit.
Replaced their 3-wood with the GT280 mini, finding it much better off the deck than a Callaway mini they tried.
Loves the stock Alta CB 55 Stiff on their G430 Max.
Fitted for the 440 Max, finds it easier to hit with faster ball speed and more distance than their 430 10K Max.
“Ive just been fitted for the 440 MAX which I found easer to hit with a faster ball speed and longer off the tee to my 430 10K MAX.”
Switched from a Paradym to the G430 Max 10K after sim testing; their first round felt like a cheat code, fixing their right miss and snap hook.
“Played my first round today and like I said this thing is a cheat code.”
A friend gave them a GT1, which feels noticeably lighter than their SIM2 Max, making it hard to adjust to on the range.
Is gaming a G430 Max driver and, after finally figuring it out, is getting a lot more distance off the tee, which now leaves a gap to fill on par 5s.
“Currently gaming a G430 Max as the driver and after finally figuring it out I’m getting a lot more distance off the tee.”
A 76-year-old picked the Qi35 Max in 12.5 degrees after a fitting, hitting it about 10 yards longer than the Callaway option.
“I ended up choosing the i35 Max in a 12.5 degree format. I found the dispersion of both brands were similar, but I could hit the Taylormade 10 yards longer.”
A 21 handicap finds the fairway most of the time with their G430 SFT (about 240 yards, 2700 rpm), but newer heads at a fitting went 20-25 yards further.
“my current driver is a Ping G430 SFT with the Alta cb 55 black stiff shaft. Can find the fairway most of the time.”
From personal experience, finds the G430 Max 10K very forgiving compared to other drivers.
“the G430 max 10k is very forgiving compared to other drivers IMO and from personal experience.”
Fitted into a Callaway Elyte (Tensei Black 75 S) over a G425 Max; lower flight, much less spin and about 30 yards longer on course.
“With the fitted driver, I'm hitting the ball lower (still high) with a lot less spin. I'm easily hitting it 30 yards farther than I did with the Ping”
Used a buddy's Qi35 LS 9 degrees with a 70g 6.5 X-stiff shaft and kept everything low with no slice, hitting their longest drive ever at 364 yards.
A 100+ mph swinger who found a 460cc driver like a broom says the R7 Quad Mini was a game changer, with timing spot on.
“I picked up a r7 mini driver (13.5) and seriously, it's been a game changer. Now, I can swing as fast as I want and the club head doesn't lag. My timing is spot on with it.”
Is coming back from a rotator-cuff tear and, with a 10° GT2 and a Tour AD CQ 6S shaft on a sim, hit their season goal of 160+ mph ball speed, with several swings over 163.
“Slow warm up, then started swinging a little more freely and had multiple over 163.”
Replaced a G425 Max with the G440 LST: it sounds great, with about the same forgiveness and accuracy as the Max.
“I have the 440 LST, having replaced a 425 Max. I don't know if the 430 sound was awful, but the 425 definitely was. The 440 sounds great to me”
Owns a G430 LST and, after hitting the G440 LST at launch, still prefers the 430 because the 440 felt more fade-biased.
“I own a 430 and hit the 440LST when it came out. To me the 440 felt more fade biased and I still prefer the 430LST.”
The crown of their G430 LST cracked, so it went back to Ping on warranty a week before a tournament.
“So I cracked the top of my G430 LST yesterday and am having to send it in for warranty.”
Bought the R7 after struggling off the tee; in two rounds the dispersion is much tighter and the 11.5 loses only 10-15 yards.
“I got the r7 after struggling off the tee with driver and through two rounds it amazes me how much tighter dispersion this thing has.”
Loves their Qi35 and calls it the straightest driver they have ever had.
Their Elyte Mini is 10-20 yards shorter than driver but money off the deck too.
“About 10-20 yards shorter than my regular driver, but it's money off the deck too”
Has the R7 mini and loves it; tighter dispersion with about 90% of driver distance has made a big difference to their scoring.
“the tighter dispersion with 90% of driver distance has made a huge difference in scoring for me”
Got a Qi35 as a warranty replacement for a cracked Sim 2 Max, was skeptical, but loved it on course: it fixed their leftward push, hit everything dead straight, and even a high-face strike got a decent flight and went on line.
Has used the Sim 2 since release and now has a Qi35; calls the Qi35 a great driver and has never had a durability issue with either.
Picked up 5 mph ball speed and about 8 yards over a TSi3 with Speeder and Diamana shafts; dispersion and spin were much more consistent with the weight in the middle.
“Shot dispersion and spin rates were much more consistent especially when I had the weight in the middle.”
Has had no issues with their Qi35: no signs of anything going bad, even after hitting the ground on a couple of drives, and it is holding up strong.
Demoed the R7 Quad Mini and wasn't impressed: easy to hit straight but low flight and much lower ball speed than their driver.
“demo hit the r7 yesterday. not impressed. easy to hit straight but flight was low , ball speed much lower than my driver.”
Can't hit their unfitted Ping G430 Max well, while their Cobra Darkspeed works fine; will probably sell it.
“Dang, I got the g430 max and for whatever reason can’t hit it to save my life!”
Their less-than-a-month-old Elyte Mini cracked open mid-round, but they still call it a beast with straight shots and will take the warranty replacement.
“This driver is still a beast straight piss missiles I will get it warranty and right back in the bag”
Got an Elyte last week and had to return it to the PGA store after the head came off on a normal shot.
“I just got an Elyte last week. Had to take it back to the PGA store today cause the head came off on a normal hit.”
Owns the G430 Max (not the 10K) and loves it.
“I have G430 max, not 10k, and love it. Worth all the nasty looks I get from my wife for buying it.”
Loves their Elyte Mini and calls it a fairway finder.
Their Elyte driver failed after 6 weeks; Callaway is replacing it.
“This just happened to my Elyte driver, only had it 6 weeks. Callaway is sending me a new one.”
Fitted into a G430 Max 10.5; on course had several drives over 300 yards, could shape it both ways, and found it very forgiving.
“It’s wild how forgiving the driver is, too.”
Has gamed the Dynapwr Carbon since last year and can smoke it 320+ on a good strike; doesn't see a reason to pay big-brand prices.
“I have had a Dynapower Carbon since mid last year and I have a hard time imagining myself ever wanting to spend big brand money.”
At 115 mph with an X-stiff low-launch shaft, the G430 Max 10K spins too much and costs them distance.
“now that I don't need the forgiveness I'm getting killed on spin and distance.”
Their Qi35 Max blew apart on the driving range after two rounds.
Swung demos of the Callaway Elyte and the GT2 and found them very close. Went with the GT2 because they preferred the Titleist.
“The elyte and gt2 were both very close only thing that edged the elyte initially was the trade in bonus but my heart wanted the Titleist”
Went from a TSi3 to the G430 LST and is loving it.
Tried several drivers at a fitting after switching from a 13-year-old hand-me-down. The Ping G440 SFT was straight and quiet, but a DS-Adapt X with a Ventus Red shaft carried much further and was the one they bought.
“Now dispersion was average but ok n something to work with but the distance was a big difference. Up in the 265y range.”
Loves their GT2, having played a TSR2 before it.
Returning after 20 years, started with a TaylorMade mini driver and then bought a Qi35 Max. It goes longer but with less ease and control, finding forgiveness fine but only about 50–60% of fairways, so both stay in the bag.
“I hit it longer than the mini, but the ease of hitting it and control is not there. I still found it forgiving, but not as accurate. I hit about 50-60% fairways with it.”
The crown of their GT2 cracked after about six rounds and a range session, without any obvious bad strike. They really love the club and are waiting on Titleist's warranty decision.
“Face is basically clean with no marks but the top of the club head cracked.”
Played TaylorMade drivers for years until the Stealth, broke three in six months, and switched to the GT3 a few months ago and says they will never look back.
Fitted into a Qi35 at 45.75 inches with a Kai'li White Dark Wave X that they hit well in the fitting, but after swing changes it feels too long and they heel the ball.
Two months in, playing 18 to 27 holes a week plus range time and an inconsistent strike, their Qi35 has had no issues at all.
Was fitted into the Qi35 Max, hit it best of anything and used it five months, then found damage on the head two holes after a nice drive. The shop swapped it for a Titleist GT2 and they won't buy TaylorMade again.
Tried a Qi35 against their backup R7 and found 30 yards more carry, but against their Titleist driver only 5–7 yards more on well-struck shots, with similar averages.
Hits a Qi35 Max Lite and says no other driver fits them right now: it flies with barely any effort, though they worry that any change in swing weight would spoil that.
Their Qi35 broke after about two months of use; they say they would have been better off buying a cheap replica.
First round using the GT280 mini driver exclusively off the tee; averages only dropped from 290 to about 280 and they love it.
“Typically average 290 with driver and my averages dropped to right around 280. Absolutely over the moon”
Went from a PXG driver to the GT2 with similar shafts and gained about 20 yards of carry; mishits are similar but center hits are much hotter.
Fit into a 9 degree G440 LST that spun 2500 rpm in the fitting, but at home it spins about 3200 rpm, so they are considering a GT3.
Hit the Elyte Triple Diamond this weekend and found it better than great.
“I did hit the Elyte TD this weekend and it was better than great.”
At 115mph, the R7 Quad Mini 11.5° blew them away on Trackman: barely shorter than their driver with great dispersion, so the driver left the bag.
“Picked up the r7 mini 11.5 with the Big Wave White 70x. Took it out to the track man sim I’m a member at and the numbers and dispersion blew my mind.”
Bought a demo Elyte Mini right before a round and hit many more fairways; everyone in their group loved it.
“Bought the only discount demo mini driver today 30 minutes before my tee time. Holy shit. So many more fairways hit….”
A near-bogey golfer gained 15-20 yards and rarely hits out of play with the 10K.
“This driver has helped my game tremendously!!! Not only is my ball going 15-20 yards further with it but I rarely hit one out of play with it anymore. It’s an unbelievable driver.”
Bought the ST-X 230 after demoing it and falling in love with it; Ping, TaylorMade and Callaway drivers didn't feel the same.
“I demoed it a few months ago and really fell in love with it. I also tested several Ping, TaylorMade and Callaway drivers, and they just didn't feel the same.”
A lefty loves the R7 Quad Mini 11.5°, turned up a degree with weights set forgiving, for tight holes or when the driver misbehaves.
“I'm a lefty so my only option was the 11.5 for the r7 quad mini. I love it.”
Absolutely loves the GT280 Mini at 13°: easy on tight holes and off the deck, about 20 yards shorter than their driver.
“I have the GT280 @ 13 degrees, absolutely love it.”
Their R7 Quad Mini 11.5° matches their G425 driver's average and longest drives per Garmin and is much easier to hit.
“I have the R7 quad mini in 11.5°. According to my Garmin stats my averages and longest drives are the same as with my G425. Plus, it’s just so much easier to hit.”