Best Low-Spin Golf Drivers for 2024: Buyer's Guide and things you need to know

If you're a high-swing speed player, there is every chance a low-spinning driver could help you truly maximise your distance off the tee. 

For those golfers who generate ball speeds of over 160 mph, a driver that reduces backspin rather than maximises it will produce a more optimal spin rate for greater distance. 

Low-spin drivers are not universally suitable. They typically result in a lower, more penetrating ball flight, and if not wielded with skill, they can hinder rather than enhance your chances of hitting the fairway. 

However, in the hands of a skilled player, they can be a game-changer, significantly boosting your distance off the tee.

Because of their more compact construction and more forward-placed weight, low-spin drivers tend to lack the forgiveness of core models or those designed to be more forgiving. 

Most major brands produce a low-spinning driver; thankfully, we've tested almost all of them.

Our expert testers, Alex Lodge and Johnny Percival, have tested all of the drivers on this list, putting them through their paces on the golf course and in a studio at Custom Golf Works using a GC Quad launch monitor.

Our mission, as always, is to help you get the most out of your golf driving and shoot lower scores at a price that is right for you.

Best Low-Spin Golf Drivers in 2024

Let’s take a look at what we consider to be the very best low-spin drivers in 2024, starting with our favourite of the lot:

PING G430 LST

Key Features:

• Carbonfly Wrap crown: lightweight composite that covers the crown and wraps into the heel/toe sections of the skirt to save weight and lower the CG for more ball speed
• Optimised T9S+ Forged Face:  variable face thickness optimised for more flexing to ensure faster ball speeds
• 22-gram back weight: delivers ±7 yards of movement in the Draw, Neutral and Fade settings 

Price: £529

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Pros:

• Very consistent across the face. Almost doesn’t feel like a low spinning driver on mishits, with ball speed and spin rates being maintained very efficiently
• Moveable weighting allows shot shape manipulation to suit your swing
• Despite the slightly heavier head, ball speeds are still high, and with a custom fitting, ball speeds are right at the top

Cons:

• Overall, looks down at the address is a bit marmite, with the turbulators, etc.

TaylorMade Qi10 LS

Key Features:

• Carbon infinity crown: the new crown covers 97% of the top surface, creating a clean and elegant look
• Carbon face technology: third generation of 60X Carbon Twist Face, delivering a fast face on centre strikes, while also preserving ball speed on mis-hits.
• Optimised head shape: contributes significantly to the clubhead’s inertia by allowing mass to be placed further from the centre of the clubhead
• Advanced construction: strategic mass redistribution, enabling a deep and low Centre of Gravity (CG) for optimal launch and spin control while maintaining high MOI

Price: £529

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Pros:

• Incredibly low spinning (lowest out of all the models)
• Moveable weighting allows shot shape manipulation to suit your swing
• Surprisingly soft feel off the face
• Stunning looks down at address

Cons:

• Many may choose to go for the flagship QI10 model as it's still a low spinning head yet offers more forgiveness.

After the success of the Stealth range, TaylorMade has managed to take things one step further with Qi10. 

The Qi10 LS is an outstanding driver that has been used by Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Tommy Fleetwood and many other big names. 

Not only is this driver an exceptional performer, but looks and feel have also been dramatically improved since the Stealth 2. 

The red face has been replaced by blue, which we are huge fans of, and the infinity crown is arguably the best looking crown of 2024.

Featuring an 18g moveable sole weight, this driver offers excellent adjustability, allowing golfers to alter shot shape in mere seconds if needed. 

While we are huge fans of the Qi10 LS, it's also definitely worth looking at the core Qi10, as it also delivers low spin but offers that extra bit of forgiveness that a lot of golfers can probably benefit from. 

Even world No.1 Scottie Scheffler currently games the core model. 

Titleist GT3

Key Features:

• Seamless Thermoform Crown: Constructed from brand new Proprietary matrix polymer
• Titanium speed ring: reinforces and stabilises the perimeter of the clubface for improved ball speeds

Pros:

• Incredible ball speeds from across the face
• compact head design will suit the eye of the better golfer
• adjustable CG is an excellent feature
• looks and sounds fantastic

Cons:

• High price point might be difficult to stomach for some golfers

Titleist’s new GT line, replacing the highly successful TSR range, introduces the GT3 driver, designed for low-to-mid handicap players who want to keep spin down. 

A key innovation is the use of a Proprietary Matrix Polymer crown, a first for Titleist, which enhances ball speeds across the face without compromising the brand’s signature sound and feel.

The compact, pear-shaped GT3 driver incorporates advanced aerodynamics, a split mass construction, and a speed ring with Variable Face Technology (VFT). 

During testing at the Titleist Performance Centre, the GT3 delivered a 4mph ball speed increase over the TSR4, consistently maintaining impressive smash factors even on mishits.

Visually, the GT3 retains Titleist’s timeless elegance, with subtle design upgrades. The high-gloss GT panel contrasts with matte black wings, offering a sleek, modern look while retaining a classic feel at address. 

On-course testing showed excellent performance, with exceptional carry distances and forgiveness even on off-centre strikes.

Overall, the Titleist GT3 is a standout driver for 2024, combining cutting-edge tech with classic aesthetics. Though priced at a premium, it offers excellent value, making it a top choice for serious golfers seeking improved ball speed and consistency.

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond

Key Features:

Pros:

• Incredible ball speeds from across the face
• compact head design will suit the eye of the better golfer
• Produces a strong low spinning flight

Cons:

• Lacks the adjustability offered by other drivers on this list

Utilising Callaway's super computer, the Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond has been specifically designed to suit players with a swing speed between 105-125 mph, based of thousands of real time shots and the data gathered from them.

The resulting driver is one that delivers blistering ball speeds, a neutral piercing flight, and wonderful sound and feel at impact. 

Despite a lack of adjustability, the Triple Diamond is still an excellent driver, and has been utilised effectively on tour this year by the likes of Jon Rahm and two-time major winner Xander Schauffele.

During testing, we found the Triple Diamond to be the second longest, with only one driver pipping it to first place. 

An excellent all rounder, this driver from Callaway looks beautiful at address, but the sole is one that may divide opinion. 

While the jump in terms of performance wasn't huge from the original Paradym Triple Diamond, we did notice a small jump in ball speed retention from across the face, which lines up well with Callaway's 'sweeter from every spot slogan'.

Cobra Darkspeed LS

Key Features:

• Refined aerodynamic design: An improved aero shape features a streamlined face to topline radius, a higher crown peak, raised skirt and reduced clubface surface area to maximize speed
• Tour inspire shaping: A refined clubhead shape features an elevated look at address that promotes workability and control with added forgiveness
• Larger PWRSHELL with A.I designed H.O.T Face: A 10% larger PWRSHELL L-cup face creates more robust distance, while an A.I. designed H.O.T. Face delivers more efficient speed & spin across the clubface
• PWR-BRIDGE: A lower and more forward positioning of the suspended weight unleashes even faster ball speeds

Price: £429

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Pros:

• Produces blistering ball speeds
• The best looking driver on this list
• Excellent adjustability

Cons: 

• The least forgiving driver on this list

The longest driver we tested this year, the Cobra Darkspeed certainly lives up to its name. 

The Aerodynamic head design boasts three adjustable weights, two near the face and one at the rear of the head, allowing golfers to fine tune the drivers performance and their own shot shape. 

While we love the look of this driver and the speed is undeniable, the one big weakness it possesses is that it's considerably less forgiving than the other drivers on this list, especially the PING G430 Max 10k. 

If speed is what you're looking for then this could be the driver for you, however if you are someone who partial to hitting it off the planet, you might be best looking at something that offers a tough more forgiveness. 

Things to consider when buying a new golf driver:

1. CLUBHEAD SIZE

The size of a golf driver's head is measured by volume in cubic centimetres and the maximum size allowed by golf's governing bodies is 460cc.

All of the latest golf drivers sit between 440cc (drivers suited for players who like to shape the ball more in the air) and 460cc (drivers suited for players who crave more forgiveness).

Size matters. Find the one that appeals most to you at address.

2. MATERIALS

Gone are the days when we used persimmon woods or metal woods made of steel. The latest golf drivers on the market are either made of titanium or carbon heads.

Titanium has become a particularly popular choice for golf driver heads because it is a strong, light and durable material.

As a result of using either titanium or composite materials, golf companies can design 460cc drivers without increasing weight. This means players can swing the club faster and hit the ball further and more accurately because of the larger sweet spot on the face of the driver.

When used on the crown or the rear section of a clubhead, carbon can reduce the overall weight of a driver.

When it comes to the crown, you also want to not only find the right shape as you stand over the ball at address, but also the right design and colour that fits your eye.

Some crowns are shiny, others have a matte finish that reduces glare. In our personal opinion, the latter appeals more (well, certainly when the sun comes out!)

3. MOMENT OF INERTIA (MOI)

MOI is a common phrase in golf, particularly when it comes to the driver.

It refers to a club's forgiveness, specifically its resistance to twisting at impact.

A driver with a high MOI means it is less likely to twist or rotate when you strike the ball outside the centre of the face.

4. CENTRE OF GRAVITY (CG)

CG is another common phrase and it refers to the single balance point of the driver. Different brands have opposing views on where best to place the CG in their drivers.

The CG of a driver can be moved vertically, horizontally, or back and forward in a clubhead by moving fixed or adjustable weights inside the head.

It can be a bit of a minefield, so the only real way to find out which CG location works best for you is to get custom fitted.

In general, the lower and further back the CG is, the higher the ball will launch as the spin is increased. The driver will also be more forgiving as the MOI will be higher. Moving the CG forward will increase ball speeds but reduce the ball spin and the MOI.

A balance of high launch and low spin is the holy grail.

WATCH OUR LATEST VIDEO ON GOLF DRIVER CUSTOM FITTING

5. LOFT AND LIE

Driver loft refers to the angle of the face in relation to the vertical, and each model is typically available between 8 and 13 degrees.

Lower lofted clubs (e.g. 8 degrees) have a slightly lower trajectory, but go a little further in the hands of players who can generate plenty of clubhead speed.

Higher lofted clubs (e.g. 13 degrees) are better for players with slower swing speeds or players that need extra help to get the ball airborne.

Lofts in between (e.g 10.5 degrees) are for the vast majority of players who have neither particularly fast nor slow swing speeds.

With a plethora of adjustable golf drivers now available, however, it means you can tinker all day and play about with your loft. To do this, you simply remove a screw in the heel of the club, connect the shaft to the clubhead and replace it with a predetermined setting.

However, be careful when adjusting the loft of your golf driver because that will sometimes also change the lie angle - the angle of the shaft to the ground at address. A change to the lie angle will affect your ball flight horizontally left or right.

But remember, you cannot change the setup of your driver during your round.

Dialling in the correct loft and lie is a vital aspect of the custom fitting process, so we strongly recommend you opt for one, especially if you are looking to maximise your performance with the driver.

6. WEIGHTS

Using weights in the clubhead of a driver can have a significant impact on improving a player's ball flight as it changes the club's CG and MOI properties.

Of the drivers that feature weights, you can expect to see sliding weights or plugs from anything between one and 20 grams on the sole of the club.

The benefit of using more weight in the heel is that it will create a draw bias, while placing more weight in the toe will produce a fade bias.

And if a player craves a higher ball flight, they can simply place the weight in the back portion of the head.

7. SWINGWEIGHT

This one often goes overlooked, but it's an incredibly important feature of a golf club to note.

Knowing how much your driver weighs (total weight), and of that weight, how much of it is in the head (swing weight), is becoming a critical part of improving a player's driving.

The total weight and the head weight of your driver have to be matched to your physical strength, your swing tempo and your golfing athletic ability.

Play with too light of a total weight or swing weight for your strength, tempo and ability and your percentage of off-centre hits increases.

8. SHAFT FLEX

Shafts are important in all golf clubs, but especially drivers.

Using lighter, less stiff shafts will produce a higher, right-to-left biased ball flight, while heavier, stiff shafts will launch the ball lower with a higher tendency to shape the ball to the right.

The right shaft can help players hit the ball further, straighter and more consistently. Most manufacturers will offer drivers in regular (R), stiff (S) and extra stiff (XS) shaft flexes.

Other flexes include light or ladies flex (L), senior (A) and more extra stiff options (XXS, XXXS).

Again, a custom fitting session will help find the perfect shaft flex for your game.

9. SHAFT LENGTH

Although the legal limit for the length of a driver is 48 inches, most drivers have a shaft of around 45 or 46 inches to strike the best balance of distance and control.

While longer drivers will typically increase speed and help players hit the ball further, the additional length of the driver will sacrifice an element of control and accuracy.

So unless you are a basketball player, anything around 45 inches in driver length will typically suit the vast majority of players.

10. SOUND / FEEL AT IMPACT

Yes, finding the right shaft, clubhead and swing weight combinations are all important traits to consider when it comes to the feel of a driver, but the sound at impact is also what is going to make you want to keep coming back for more.

If your driver doesn't sound and feel right to you at impact, then it's going to become pretty unattractive to you. Yes, there are no pictures or sounds on the scorecard, but this in all likelihood is an expensive purchase for you and you want to feel satisfied every time you pull the trigger.

Find yourself a driver that not only works for you off the tee peg, but also gives you a satisfying feeling at impact and makes you want to keep coming back for more.

Many of the major golf manufacturers have dramatically improved their acoustics through the years, however, so we would be surprised if you find one in the class of 2023 that fails to satisfy your needs.

How often should I change my golf driver?

A question that often warrants many different answers.

Golf driver technology is now so advanced that all changes year to year are very small, so constantly changing your golf driver is not usually necessary.

However, there are reasons why you should consider changing, as listed below:

Golf swing change - A dramatic change in your golf swing (such as a change in AOA, face angle, or swing speed) will mean your driver that was working for your old swing may not be optimal for your new swing. If this is the case then it’s best to see a local PGA Pro or a qualified golf custom fitter to determine what needs to be done. It could be an adjustment to your current driver or even a new shaft.

Shot Data - We would always recommend using a launch monitor every year to ensure that your driver is still optimal for your swing. You may find some major or minor changes have occurred. The best golf pros on the PGA Tour do this every week in order to keep on top of things. If you are serious about your golf game then we strongly recommend you check out your shot data at least once a year.

Time - Every three to five years is when we recommend you take a look at new golf driver models from the game’s biggest brands as that is how long it takes to notice significant changes in driver technology for consumers.