Best Low Spin Drivers 2024: The top low-rev rockets backed by our Head-to-Head data
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What are the best low-spin golf drivers in 2024? Today’s Golfer runs the numbers and reveals our spin-suppressing shortlist for players looking to maximize distance.
Best Low-Spin Drivers – Jump To:
The fastest-swinging players aim to capitalize on their physicality by squeezing out every last yard from the tee box, and unsurprisingly, selecting the best driver for the task is paramount. For this type of player who can generate high balls over 160 mph, reducing backspin can help maximize distance, leaving them with a shorter and more accurate club in their hand for the approach shot.
Whether your driver’s face has 8° of loft or 12°, backspin will be generated immediately after impact, with greater spin rates lifting your ball higher and creating steeper landing angles. Conversely, lower spin rates result in more penetrating ball flights with lower peak heights and shallower landing angles. However, without sufficient swing speed and the ability to manipulate launch angle by hitting up on the ball, a low spin driver can have the unintended consequence of causing your ball to fall out of the sky prematurely.
Best At A Glance:
Best for ball speed: TaylorMade Qi10 LS driver | Buy Now
Best for distance with forgiveness: Callaway Paradym Ai-Smoke TD | Buy Now
Best for low-spin playability: Ping G430 LST driver | Buy Now
Despite an improved balance of distance and forgiveness in the latest models, low-spin drivers tend to punish off-center strikes more severely than the most forgiving drivers on the market. With front-weighted and compact clubheads that are less stable through impact, low-spin drivers are aerodynamic yet unforgiving, rewarding only the most consistent of ball strikers. For this reason, beginner and high-handicap golfers will likely get more bang for their buck by opting for the manufacturer’s higher-launching and forgiving alternative to the model used by their tour staffers.
That said, R&D wizards behind the scenes are constantly innovating and integrating the latest technologies and AI-assisted engineering processes to ramp up forgiveness levels within their longest-launching rockets. Some of the most forgiving low-spin drivers in 2024 push MOI toward 8000 g/cm2 while suppressing spin to less than 2500 RPM (read more about MOI and RPM in our buying guide). This previously unseen balance is proving increasingly popular with a high caliber of golfers who appreciate a touch more insurance on imperfect strikes without compromising distance.
To help you make the most informed buying decision we have independently tested the drivers considered to be ‘low-spinning’ by their manufacturers in 2024. Our test pro’s results can be viewed in the data table, which has narrowed down our shortlist below, where you can read driver summaries from TG’s Equipment Editor – Simon Daddow, with links to full reviews for everything you need to know. And don’t forget to complement your decision by pairing your new low-spin driver with one of the best premium golf balls too.
Best Low-Spin Drivers 2024:
The low launch and low spin weapon of choice of Rory, Tiger, and Scottie.
Best for ball speed
In our fastest ball speed setting the LS was just 2 yards back from our test pro's very longest low spin driver, and once dialed into his preferred and more stable Mitsubishi Diamana X flex shaft, the shot area tightened by 84.3% to 179.2 yds2 – the 2nd smallest in our entire test. If you’re a high-speed player I’d advise studying how the LS compares to TaylorMade’s brilliant Qi10 Max driver too. TaylorMade staffer and world number 12 Collin Morikawa has already realized the forgiveness benefits of playing the Max head while giving up very little in terms of ball speed and distance.
TG Test Pro Data (Diamana X shaft):
Ball Speed: 160.4 mph | Backspin: 2260 rpm | Carry: 274 yds | Shot Area: 179.2 yds2
Read our full TaylorMade Qi10 LS driver review.
Pros
- I love how the Infinity Edge crown does away with the unforgiving look of the sliver of titanium at the front of the head.
- A great option for high-speed players looking to control spin.
- Long-term TaylorMade fans will love the head shape.
Cons
- A great driver, just be aware it's the least forgiving model in the Qi10 family.
| Lofts | 8° / 9° / 10.5° |
| Stock shafts | Mitsubishi Tensei AV Limited Blue 65 (X/S/R) | Low launch – Mitsubishi Tensei AV Ltd Black 65 (X/S). |
| Stock grip | Golf Pride Z-Grip Plus 2. |
Callaway's smart-faced and low-spinning offering for 2024.
Best for distance with forgiveness
If you do fit the bill and your game is based on consistent hitting at high speeds, our test data highlights the TD as a brilliant performing low spin driver in 2024. At 276 yards carry distance, it was just a single yard back from the very longest and was our test pro’s 2nd longest low-spin driver, posting an overall shot area (593 yds2) just inside our test average. This is a seriously fast, powerful, and strong low-spin driver option, so strong it ranks among our top two performing low-spin drivers of 2024 (alongside the TaylorMade Qi10 LS).
TG Test Pro Data (Denali S shaft – Back Weight):
Ball Speed: 161.9 mph | Backspin: 2099 rpm | Carry: 277 yds | Shot Area: 424.5 yds2
Read our full Callaway Paradym Ai-Smoke Triple Diamond driver review.
Pros
- The new Smart Face concept is a really clever idea to tailor drivers more to your game.
- With four models to choose between, there's a driver solution in the Ai-Smoke family for everyone.
- Expect a good-looking, fast, and lovely-sounding driver.
Cons
- Remember this is the least forgiving driver in the Ai-Smoke family.
| Lofts | 8° / 9° / 10.5° |
| Stock shafts | Project X Cypher 2.0 (high launch), Mitsubishi Tensei AV Blue (mid launch), Project X Denali Black (low launch). |
| Stock grip | Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360. |
A strong blend of low spin performance and on-course playability.
At 161.4 mph the LST generated a fraction more ball speed than our 2024 test average, carrying six 6 yards less than our very longest playable low spin driver of the year due to slightly higher spin rates compared to its rivals. It also produced the second smallest shot area of the entire low-spin driver test. Levels that were significantly tighter than many competitors’ forgiving driver options, like the Cobra Darkspeed X, TaylorMade Qi10, and Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max. Despite heading into its second year of product, the LST is still a force to be reckoned with in the low-spin category in 2024.
TG Test Pro Data:
Ball Speed: 161.4 mph | Backspin: 2301 rpm | Carry: 270 yds | Shot Area: 246.4 yds2
Read our full Ping G430 LST driver review.
Pros
- With an MOI of over 9K the G430 LST is just about the most forgiving driver money can buy.
- A solid balance of distance, forgiveness, and low spin performance.
- Exceptional sound and feel.
- The G430 LST is a proven tour winner.
Cons
- The busy crown may be distracting for some.
| Lofts | 9° / 10.5° |
| Stock shafts | Alta CB Black, Ping Tour 2.0 Chrome, Ping Tour 2.0 Black. |
| Stock grip | Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360. |
Going against the grain in 2024 by targeting speed and distance.
With 22 yards of carry distance differentiating between our test pro’s longest and shortest shots with the LS, the model produced our 2nd largest shot area of the entire low spin test. The models' offline average was 1089 SQ YDS, which is 494.1 SQ YDS larger than our test average and doesn’t make great reading if you need a degree of forgiveness built into your low-spin driver. My advice would be if forgiving low-spin drivers are what you need take a look at the Ping G430 LST instead. However, by posting a carry distance of 273 yards the LS is no slouch when it comes to power, that’s just 3 yards down on our longest but playable low spin driver this year.
TG Test Pro Data (Lin-Q Blue shaft):
Ball Speed: 159.9 mph | Backspin: 2007 rpm | Carry: 273 yds | Shot Area: 1089.0 yds2
Read our full Cobra Darkspeed LS driver review.
Pros
- Incredibly soft and responsive feel off the face.
- Fantastic workability thanks to MyFly adjustability and interchangeable weights.
- Outstanding aesthetics - looks great in the bag and behind the ball.
- Makes a very sweet sound.
- Quality stock shaft offerings.
Cons
- Not the most forgiving head so might not suit many average golfers.
| Lofts | 8° / 9° / 10.5° |
| Stock shafts | UST Mamiya LIN-Q M40X White, Project X HZRDUS Matte Black. |
| Stock grip | Lamkin Crossline. |
An absolute beast of a low spin driver for the best ball strikers.
Best for carry distance
On our spreadsheet the TSR4 posted the 2nd fastest ball speed of our entire 2024 low spin driver test, it was also our test pro’s longest low spin driver of the year. By posting the 3rd lowest backspin number in our entire test, be aware that this is a seriously low-spin option, meaning it should only ever fall into the hands of very high-speed players. As good as the performance is, if you’re attracted to any Titleist TSR driver in the first half of 2024 I’d recommend holding off to first see what comes down the Titleist pipe next, which should be sometime between high summer and early autumn.
TG Test Pro Data (10°, Tensei Blue shaft):
Ball Speed: 162.4 mph | Backspin: 1921 rpm | Carry: 277 yds | Shot Area: 589.0 yds2
Read our full Titleist TSR4 driver review.
Pros
- A sleek and beautiful-looking driver.
- Excellent ball speeds and carry performance.
- An ultra-low spin driver with low penetrating flights.
Cons
- Only playable for the highest swing speeds and consistent strikers.
| Lofts | 8°, 9°, 10° |
| Stock shafts | HZRDUS Red CB, Tensei AV Blue, HZRDUS Black 4G, Tensei 1K Black. |
| Stock grip | Golf Pride TV 360. |
Designed to deliver maximum forgiveness without compromise.
While we've yet to get Black Ops into the hands of our test pro, PXG's comparative data shows the Tour-1 as spinning almost 600 rpm less than the GEN6, launching 1° lower, and with an increased ball speed of 1 mph. A larger shot area than the GEN6 is a good reason to still consider 2023's breakthrough model, although reading too deeply into dispersion data can be dangerous. The early uptake of the Tour-1 by PXG’s tour staff however is a good early indicator that the driver will stack up well at the elite level, and will be competitive with the best low-spinning drivers on the market in 2024
Read our full PXG 0311 Black Ops Tour-1 driver review.
Pros
- The Black Ops Tour-1 is PXG's most complete high-performance driver to date.
- The unique launch characteristics appear to help mishit performance.
- There's a good selection of stock shafts plus lots of premium upgrade choices.
- PXG's weight and length fitting capability is second to none.
Cons
- Keep an eye on the PXG website as prices can fluctuate regularly.
| Lofts | 8° / 9° / 10.5° |
| Stock shafts | A range of premium shaft options are available. |
| Stock grip | PXG Z5 Black as standard. |
A versatile low spin bomber for confident high-speed players.
Best sounding low-spin driver
Posting ball speeds of 162 mph in the hands of our test pro means this driver is fast, but from there, launch and spin are low which led to a low peak height and shots flying on a low bullet-like boring trajectory, which just isn’t easy to live with on the golf course. Although it’s great having a sliding mass for personalized performance, 14 g split between two weights isn’t a huge amount and I’d suggest you need significant levels of speed to even consider looking at the ST-G in 2024. Even then I’d urge you to try the brand’s ST-X model at the same time, it’s more forgiving and already has a couple of tour wins under its belt.
TG Test Pro Data (9.5°, Back Weights):
Ball Speed: 162.0 mph | Backspin: 2109 rpm | Carry: 268 yds | Shot Area: 595.0 yds2
Read our full Mizuno ST-G 440 driver review.
Pros
- You'll struggle to find a better-sounding driver.
- Up there with the fastest ball speeds on the test.
- There's a good range of stock shafts available at no upcharge.
- Customizable performance via sliding weights.
Cons
- If modern wide, stable driver heads are your thing - the ST-G isn’t for you.
| Lofts | 9.5° / 10.5° |
| Stock shafts | Aldila Ascent, Fujikura Motore X F3, Mitsubishi Kai'Li Blue, Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw Blue (mid-launch). |
| Stock grip | Lamkin Crossline Genesis Full-Cord. |
Designed to deliver total control and workability off the tee.
As simple-looking players’ drivers go, the ZX7 is right up there alongside the very best. The numbers it produced aren’t ground-breaking but they are solid and it’s important to remember 2024 sees the driver enter its second year of life cycle, so alongside the very latest models it does feel a bit old hat. At this price, with a more carbon fiber-rich chassis on offer from the Cobra Darkspeed X for less, you’ll need to be a serious Srixon fan to ignore other options.
TG Test Pro Data:
Ball Speed: 159.8 mph | Backspin: 2313 rpm | Carry: 269 yds | Shot Area: 1036.5 yds2
Read our full Srixon ZX7 MKII driver review.
Pros
- A solid and well-rounded low spin driver.
- Highly workable.
- Dual adjustable sole weights for customized launch.
Cons
- Falls short on looks, and sound compared to rivals.
| Lofts | 9.5° / 10.5° |
| Stock shafts | Project X HZRDUS Black. |
| Stock grip | Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360. |
Best Low Spin Drivers 2024: The Data
Below is the data from our independent testing of the best low-spin drivers in 2024. Only the best ranked for low backspin have made our shortlist above, however, you can read about all the other models in our golf club review pages.
| Driver | Ball Speed | Launch Angle | Backspin | Height | Descent Angle | Carry Distance | Shot Area |
| Titleist TSR4 (10° – Tensei Blue) | 162.4 MPH | 10.8° | 1921 RPM | 28 YDS | 32.8° | 277 YDS (1) | 589 SQ YDS |
| Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke TD (Denali S – Back Weight) | 161.9 MPH | 11.2° | 2099 RPM | 31 YDS | 36.2° | 276 YDS (2) | 424.5 SQ YDS |
| TaylorMade Qi10 LS (Tensei Blue S) | 163.6 MPH | 10.7° | 2338 RPM | 32 YDS | 37.8° | 275 YDS (T3) | 1148.4 SQ YDS |
| Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke TD (Denali S – Front Weight) | 161.7 MPH | 10.2° | 1896 RPM | 25 YDS | 31.5° | 275 YDS (T3) | 553.8 SQ YDS |
| TaylorMade Qi10 LS (Diamana X) | 160.4 MPH | 12.5° | 2260 RPM | 36 YDS | 39.9° | 274 YDS | 179.2 SQ YDS(2) |
| Cobra Darkspeed LS (Lin-Q Blue) | 159.9 MPH | 11.8° | 2007 RPM | 31 YDS | 35.7° | 273 YDS | 1089 SQ YDS |
| PXG 0311 GEN6 (Aldila NV Green) | 161.1 MPH | 10.5° | 2240 RPM | 30 YDS | 36.9° | 271 YDS | 147.6 SQ YDS (1) |
| Titleist TSR3 (10° – Tensei Blue) | 162 MPH | 10.5° | 2435 RPM | 32 YDS | 38.2° | 271 YDS | 566.8 SQ YDS |
| Ping G430 LST | 161.4 MPH | 9.7° | 2301 RPM | 28 YDS | 35.1° | 270 YDS | 246.4 SQ YDS (3) |
| Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke TD (Ventus Blue – Back Weight) | 161.7 MPH | 9.9° | 2006 RPM | 26 YDS | 32° | 270 YDS | 800.8 SQ YDS |
| Srixon ZX7 MK II | 159.8 MPH | 11.4° | 2313 RPM | 32 YDS | 38.2° | 269 YDS | 1036.5 SQ YDS |
| Wilson DynaPWR Carbon | 158.5 MPH | 11.2° | 1828 RPM | 27 YDS | 32.9° | 269 YDS | 509.6 SQ YDS |
| Mizuno ST-G (9.5° – Back Weights) | 162 MPH | 9.1° | 2109 RPM | 24 YDS | 31.3° | 268 YDS | 442 SQ YDS |
| AVERAGE | 161.3 MPH | 10.7° | 2135 RPM | 29.4 YDS | 35.3° | 272 YDS | 595 SQ YDS |
*All lofts at 10.5° unless otherwise stated.
How we tested the drivers
We asked the leading brands to send us their 2024 drivers in our Test Pro Neil Wain’s specs.
We created an indoor test lab at Keele Golf Centre to ensure a controlled environment, which meant we could use premium Titleist Pro V1x golf balls and a Foresight GC Quad launch monitor to create the most reliable data possible. We rejected major misses but recorded how shots launched, span, peaked out, and how far they flew in which direction.
See more about how TG tests golf clubs and other equipment.
Best Low-Spin Drivers: Buying Guide
Choosing a new driver should be a decision you take some time over, to research thoroughly and make sure that you are investing in the club that will take your game to the next level. That’s critical for every player, particularly as second to your putter, the driver should be the club you reach for the most. Regarding low-spin models specifically, here are the key things to consider when deciding which big stick will eke out the most yards for you.
Ball speed
Not surprisingly, ball speed is a key consideration as without evidence the club can produce higher speeds than more forgiving models, then you are onto a lose-lose. The smaller footprints and aerodynamic designs of low-spin drivers permit higher swing speeds enabling increased energy transfer through the ball, leading to greater carry distances. Knowing a low spin driver has a more aerodynamic design is one thing, but seeing it translate into more ball speed is what matters, which is why we always suggest collecting independent launch monitor data on the range or via a custom fitting session.
RPM
RPM stands for ‘revolutions per minute’ and is the measurement used to quantify rotational speed such as how much backspin has been applied to a golf ball immediately after impact. Unlike MOI, spin rate is not fixed and is highly individualized with every player delivering the club differently through the ball. As an example, our test pro didn’t always see a reduced spin or notably higher ball speeds when hitting the TaylorMade Qi10 LS model compared to the Qi10 Max, this going to show why purely going off model names without running your numbers can be a mistake. The average spin rate for drivers on the PGA Tour is in the region of 2700 RPM.
MOI
A term sprayed around in the golf world more than your wayward tee shots. But what does it mean and why is MOI important? Forgiveness is quantified using MOI (moment of inertia), measured in grams per centimeter squared, and defines how resistant the club face is to twist on impact. Low spin models are the least stable as weight is distributed forward in the clubhead to maximize energy transfer through impact. While you will not find low-spin models with MOIs as high as the forgiving counterparts, they are becoming increasingly competitive, with some models getting close to 8000 g/cm2.
Adjustability
Having the ability to tinker with loft and lie is something that can pay dividends for all levels of golfer, and as such is now commonplace in the latest driver releases. This adjustability enables you to achieve launch angles and spin rates that best suit how you deliver the club through the ball. Further, drivers with interchangeable weight ports or sliding weight mechanisms are handy if you want to customize ball flights with a draw or fade bias, straightening up or accentuating your natural shot shape.
Custom fitting
Dialing in your optimal set-up with a custom fitting session is important for all equipment, but imperative when considering buying a low-spin model due to its nuanced high-performance nature. A host of variables contribute to optimizing a driver’s potential, and only through objective measurements on a launch monitor will you understand the setup that will enable you to extract the results you intended.
Budget
As with most things in the golf world, prices for drivers can vary considerably. Value for money is subjective and therefore you should spend however much you feel comfortable with, be it a premium model, or one with a more competitive price point. Being the highest-performance model within a driver range, low-spin tech-packed drivers are generally more expensive than their more forgiving counterparts. Powerhouse driver brands such as Ping, TaylorMade, and Callaway will typically be positioned at the top end of the market, however, there is excellent value (with performance) to be found with other brands such as Cobra, Wilson, and PXG.
Best Low-Spin Drivers: FAQs
What does low spin on a driver do?
Low-spin drivers are designed for fast-swinging players who require the ball to penetrate through the air with moderate launch and optimal roll-out. It’s important to ensure you have sufficient ball speed if you are considering a low-spin driver, otherwise, the ball could drop prematurely, resulting in lower carry distances than your swing deserves.
Can a driver be too low spin?
Absolutely. Whilst players with very fast swings normally benefit from reducing spin rates to maximize distance, drives with too little spin tend to fall out of the sky sooner, thus reducing carry distance and total yardage. Depending on your swing speed and ball speed, there will be an ideal launch angle and spin rate that provides the maximum distance for you. This is why getting custom-fitted for a new driver is essential.
Which low-spin driver hits the furthest?
The longest low-spin driver for one golfer may not be the longest for another, so doing your own testing is always recommended. Today’s Golfer has found the Callaway Paradym Ai-Smoke Triple Diamond, TaylorMade Qi10 LS, Titleist TSR4, and Cobra Darkspeed LS to be among the longest low-spin golf drivers when tested in the hands of a pro.
What is MOI?
MOI is a term used in physics to objectively describe how much resistance an object has to turn about its axis. It stands for ‘Moment of Inertia’ and is used by golf club manufacturers to measure the resistance a clubhead has to twist throughout impact. The higher the MOI, the more stable the club is deemed to be. Scores in the region of 10,000 g/cm2 provide the very highest levels of stability and are generally better suited to beginners and high-handicappers.
What driver does Rory McIlroy/Tiger Woods use?
Every day golfers like to use the same equipment as the tour pros, which is one of the main reasons manufacturers spend millions of pounds on equipment contracts to secure the game’s biggest names to play their brand. But it’s important to remember that what’s best for Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, or any other elite tour pro, may not necessarily be the best driver for you. Elite tour pros boast swing speeds of over 115mph, which not many club golfers can match.
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About the author
Simon Daddow – Today’s Golfer Equipment Editor
Having tested and played more than 10,000 clubs in his life, what Simon doesn’t know about golf clubs isn’t worth knowing.
He spent a large part of his career as a golf club maker and product development manager, and has worked in the golf industry for more than 30 years. He joined EMAP Active (now Bauer Media) as Equipment Editor in 2006 and has worked for both Today’s Golfer and Golf World.
You can contact Simon via email and follow him on Twitter for loads more golf equipment insight.
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Best Low Spin Drivers 2024.
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Callaway Paradym Ai-Smoke Triple Diamond Driver - Stock Image.
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Ping G430 LST Driver.
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Srixon ZX7 MK ii Driver.
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Titleist TSR4 Driver.
