Best high loft drivers boost launch and forgiveness for slower swings — top picks tested.
As a club fitter and long-time player, I’ve tested dozens of drivers with high loft settings. This best high loft drivers review breaks down which models actually help slower swings, which offer real forgiveness, and which feel great at impact. Read on for hands-on insights, clear buying advice, and practical tips to choose the right driver for higher launch and straighter drives.
Why choose a high loft driver?
A high loft driver raises launch angle and increases carry for players with slower swing speeds. It helps get the ball airborne and can reduce side spin from low launches. I recommend a high loft driver when you struggle to reach optimal launch numbers or when you need more carry into greens.
Choosing the right loft also improves confidence off the tee. Many modern drivers let you add loft with an adjustable hosel. In my experience, a modest increase of 1–2 degrees often makes the biggest difference for slower swingers.
How we tested and what matters
I tested each driver on a launch monitor and on-course over several sessions. Key metrics tracked were launch angle, spin rate, carry distance, dispersion, and feel at impact. I also evaluated ease of setup, adjustability, and real-world forgiveness.
We compared heads across swing speeds from 70 to 95 mph. I paired each head with shafts suited to slower swings. Notes are based on consistent lab data and repeated on-course checks to capture performance in wind and off tight lies.
Top picks: Best high loft drivers review
Below are my top picks. Each pick lists who it suits, performance highlights, and small trade-offs. These picks reflect both lab numbers and real-round play.
TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD (High Draw/High Loft friendly)
A great choice for players who need extra launch and a draw bias. The head feels soft and forgiving and produced higher launch with moderate spin in testing. Best for mid to high handicaps who want more carry and a straighter ball flight.
Pros
- High launch and built-in draw bias.
- Good forgiveness across the face.
Cons
- Not the lowest spin if you already swing fast.
Callaway Big Bertha (REVA and higher-loft options)
Callaway’s forgiving profile and easy-launch shaping help players get the ball up fast. It offers a high MOI and stable flight. Ideal for players seeking max forgiveness and confidence off the tee.
Pros
- Very forgiving and easy to aim.
- Strong results for slower swings.
Cons
- Less workability for advanced shot shaping.
Ping G430 MAX (High Loft and Adjustable Options)
Ping’s predictable flight and wide sweet spot make this a go-to for many. The adjustable hosel allows fine-tuning of loft and lie, which is handy when testing for launch. Best for golfers wanting a stable, high-launching driver with easy adjustability.
Pros
- Reliable forgiveness and consistency.
- Excellent stability in wind.
Cons
- Slightly heavier feel for some players.
Cobra RADSpeed or King LTDx (High-loft friendly shafts)
Cobra models often pair a head designed for launch with forgiving weighting. In testing, these drivers launched high with controlled spin when paired with a lighter, slower-flex shaft. Great for players who want a lively feel and explosive carry.
Pros
- Lively ball speed and high launch.
- Good value for performance.
Cons
- Can be too low-spinning if paired with stiff shafts.
Titleist TSR2 (Adjustable loft for fine tuning)
Titleist offers clean looks, consistent distance, and adjustable loft that helps dial in launch. It suits players who want premium feel and precise fitting. Best for players who need slight loft increases coupled with quality sound and touch.
Pros
- Precise ball flight and excellent feel.
- Adjustable for fine loft changes.
Cons
- Higher price point.
How to fit a high loft driver
Fitting is the fastest way to find a high loft driver that works for you. Follow these steps during a fitting session.
- Measure your swing speed and launch numbers first.
- Start with a loft that matches your launch goals, often 12–14 degrees for slower swings.
- Test different shafts that are lighter and more flexible if you need higher launch.
- Compare carries and dispersion, not just total distance.
In my fittings, many players find better results by increasing loft and choosing a shaft with more tip flexibility. Don’t assume higher loft always reduces distance—carry often improves.
Tips for hitting high loft drivers
Small setup and swing tweaks help you exploit a high loft driver. Try these simple tips.
- Tee the ball slightly higher to encourage an upward strike.
- Position the ball just inside your left heel for right-handed golfers.
- Focus on a smooth tempo and hitting slightly up through the ball.
- Use a lighter shaft if your downswing is slow or you feel clubhead lag.
I learned early on that tempo matters more than brute force. Slower swingers often gain more by improving launch and spin than by adding yards through raw speed.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid these pitfalls when shopping for high loft drivers.
- Choosing loft only by number without testing real launch data.
- Picking a stiff or heavy shaft that kills launch.
- Assuming increased loft always equals more distance—spin and impact location matter.
- Over-adjusting the hosel without understanding ball flight changes.
I once recommended a friend add 3 degrees of loft without shaft changes. The result was more spin and less carry. The lesson: change loft and shaft together and test both.
Frequently Asked Questions of best high loft drivers review
What swing speed benefits most from a high loft driver?
Players with swing speeds under about 95 mph typically benefit most from higher loft. Higher loft helps increase launch and carry for slower swings.
Will a high loft driver increase my distance?
It can increase carry distance if it improves launch angle and reduces low spin. However, too much loft with high spin can shorten total distance.
Can I just use the adjustable hosel to add loft?
Yes, the adjustable hosel helps, but pair it with the right shaft. Adding loft without shaft changes may increase spin more than launch.
Are high loft drivers only for beginners?
No. Many mid-handicap and even low-handicap players use high loft settings for specific conditions or to optimize launch numbers.
How do I choose the right shaft with a high loft driver?
Look for lighter weight and more tip-flex for higher launch. Test different flexes on a launch monitor to see which gives the best carry and dispersion.
Conclusion
Choosing among the best high loft drivers review options means balancing launch, spin, forgiveness, and feel. Test drivers on a launch monitor, prioritize carry and dispersion, and pair the head with a shaft that complements your swing. My practical takeaway: small loft and shaft tweaks often yield the biggest gains for slower swingers. Try a fitting, trust the data, and pick the driver that boosts confidence off the tee. Leave a comment with your swing speed and I’ll suggest specific setups to try.
