These 3 drivers deliver a ‘special’ combo, according to robot testing

Using the word “special” in a headline tied to the current driver crop can be dangerous if you don’t provide some context at the outset. In this case, we used our robotic testing data to spotlight launch and spin characteristics most golfers could only dream of accomplishing at 95 mph: high launch and low spin.

Achieving both of these will almost certainly increase carry distance. What makes these three drivers worthy of the “special” moniker is how they accomplish the rare combination.

Instead of altering the AoA (angle of attack) to increase launch, all three of the heads listed below produced a launch angle positive delta of 2 degrees or more with a neutral AoA (0 degrees). It means you can keep your current AoA and still see an increase in launch.

What makes them even more appealing is the fact they managed to keep spin below the testing mean with a neutral AoA. As Golf Laboratories’ swing robot confirmed, these three drivers can produce low launch and spin numbers without any wholesale changes to the swing.

It’s a special (we’ll stop uttering the word) combination worth exploring if you’re in the market for a new driver and need guidance. And remember to test them with a certified club-fitter before making a final selection.

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Ping G430 Max 10K (9 degrees)

PING G430 Max 10K Custom Driver

$599.99

The G430 MAX 10K is PING’s straightest and highest MOI driver to date, eclipsing the 10,000 g-cm2 combined moment of inertia threshold first surpassed by the G400 MAX five years earlier. FIXED BACK WEIGHT The fixed back weight allows for the record-setting MOI as it drives mass down and back to increase forgiveness and optimize the center of gravity position. LARGER HEAD PROFILE PING’s biggest head profile to date maximizes the USGA-allowable heel-toe and front-back dimensions while staying within the 460cc volume limit. This eye-pleasing shape helps square the golfer to the target and inspires the confidence to hit longer, straighter tee shots.

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Launch: 11.3 degrees

Spin: 2,400 RPMs

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond (9 degrees)

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Custom Driver

$599.99

Ai SMOKE TD DRIVER The new Paradym Ai Smoke driver represents a quantum leap forward in Callaway’s Ai journey. This new family of drivers feature the most sophisticated driver face in Callaway history, the Ai Smart Face. World’s First Ai Smart Face™ The all-new Ai Smart Face optimizes driver performance using swing dynamics from thousands of real golfers. This promotes optimal launch conditions and tight downrange dispersion. Workable Shape for Better Players Shaped with a neutral-to-fade biased face progression and a compact overall head size, Triple Diamond model will suit better players looking for workability off the tee. For players looking to increase ball speed and lower spin, a 14g weight can easily be repositioned from the rear to the front.

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Launch: 11.5 degrees

Spin: 2590 RPMs

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max (9 degrees)

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max Custom Driver

$599.99

Ai SMOKE MAX DRIVER The new Paradym Ai Smoke driver represents a quantum leap forward in Callaway’s Ai journey. This new family of drivers feature the most sophisticated driver face in Callaway history, the Ai Smart Face.  World’s First Ai Smart Face™  The all-new Ai Smart Face optimizes driver performance using swing dynamics from thousands of real golfers. This promotes optimal launch conditions and tight downrange dispersion. Micro Deflections With Ai Smart Face technology, micro deflections are activated upon impact helping to optimize launch and spin on off-center shots. The result is sweet spots not just in the center, but all over the face.

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Launch: 12 degrees

Spin: 2423 RPMs

Want to overhaul your bag for 2024? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf.

Jonathan Wall

Golf.com Editor

Jonathan Wall is GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s Managing Editor for Equipment. Prior to joining the staff at the end of 2018, he spent 6 years covering equipment for the PGA Tour. He can be reached at jonathan.wall@golf.com.

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