This is the fastest and longest golf driver in 2025 – but here’s why it wasn’t our top pick
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Is the TaylorMade Qi35 LS the best driver of 2025? The data says yes, but there’s a catch…
When it comes to naming the best golf drivers of the year, we rely on data. Numbers give us a fair, objective way to compare clubs, helping golfers find the models that excel in the areas they care about most. But sometimes raw data isn’t enough.
Take the Today’s Golfer Drivers Test, for example. If we went purely by the numbers, the TaylorMade Qi35 LS should have been the undisputed champion.
It delivered the longest carry distance of every driver we tested – and it wasn’t even close.
With an average carry of 298 yards, it outpaced the Titleist GT3 (in second place) by 5.2 yards, soared 15 yards above the test average, and left the shortest drivers nearly 25 yards behind.
The Qi35 LS also topped the charts in ball speed, registering an average of 167 mph – 1.3 mph faster than any other driver and roughly 4 mph above the test average.
Not only did it outperform our overall test winner, the Titleist GT3, in both distance and ball speed, but it also proved more accurate. The Qi35 LS had a left-to-right dispersion of 23.3 yards, compared to 25.2 yards for the GT3, and an average dispersion of over 30 yards across all of the drivers we tested.
| Manufacturer | Model | Loft | Clubhead Speed | Ball Speed | Std Deviation | Carry Distance | Std Deviation | Spin (Total) | Std Deviation | Launch Angle | Height (yds) | Descent Angle | L-R Dispersion |
| TaylorMade | Qi35 LS (Forward) | 10.5 | 119.1 | 167.0 | 1.3 | 298.0 | 8.1 | 2256 | 397 | 13.0 | 38.2 | 40.3 | 23.3 |
| Titleist | GT3 | 10 | 117.3 | 165.7 | 1.0 | 292.8 | 3.1 | 2378 | 186 | 13.0 | 38.9 | 41.6 | 25.2 |
| Titleist | GT4 (Forward) | 10 | 116.6 | 165.1 | 1.3 | 292.4 | 6.0 | 2274 | 363 | 12.9 | 37.1 | 39.9 | 33.3 |
| Callaway | Elyte Triple Diamond (Forward) | 10.5 | 116.5 | 165 | 1.5 | 290.8 | 6.7 | 2202 | 323 | 11.6 | 32.3 | 36.9 | 33.7 |
| Wilson Staff | DynaPower Carbon (Forward) | 10.5 | 117 | 165.2 | 2.6 | 289.9 | 8.3 | 2442 | 478 | 12.8 | 38.1 | 42 | 44.3 |
| Ping | G440 LST | 10.5 | 115.6 | 164.7 | 2.1 | 289.8 | 5.4 | 2502 | 311 | 13.7 | 41.6 | 43.8 | 17.7 |
| Srixon | ZXi LS (Forward) | 10.5 | 117.6 | 164.4 | 1.0 | 289.4 | 4.4 | 2365 | 191 | 12.7 | 37.2 | 41.7 | 46.8 |
| Cobra | DarkSpeed- Adapt LS (Forward) | 10.5 | 117.9 | 164.4 | 2.2 | 287.1 | 6.4 | 2504 | 414 | 13.3 | 39.9 | 42.7 | 34.8 |
| PXG | Black Ops Tour (Rear) | 10.5 | 114.8 | 162.9 | 2.5 | 286.4 | 11.1 | 2126 | 594 | 12.6 | 33.1 | 38.4 | 45.6 |
| Wilson Staff | DynaPower LS (Forward) | 10.5 | 114.6 | 162.2 | 1.9 | 286.4 | 4.7 | 2228 | 194 | 12.8 | 35.1 | 39.6 | 13.6 |
| Callaway | Elyte Triple Diamond (Rear) | 10.5 | 116.1 | 164.2 | 1.5 | 286.2 | 6.3 | 2516 | 310 | 12.8 | 38.3 | 41.7 | 25.7 |
| PXG | Black Ops Tour (Forward) | 10.5 | 112.5 | 164.5 | 1.6 | 286.2 | 5.2 | 2204 | 293 | 11.2 | 30.4 | 36.8 | 25.4 |
| Wilson Staff | DynaPower Carbon (Rear) | 10.5 | 115.6 | 165.3 | 1.3 | 284.8 | 5.8 | 2682 | 187 | 11.7 | 37.4 | 42.3 | 16.1 |
| TaylorMade | Qi35 LS (Rear) | 10.5 | 117.4 | 165.6 | 1.5 | 284.6 | 6.8 | 2715 | 466 | 11.9 | 37.6 | 42.0 | 39.0 |
| Cobra | DarkSpeed- Adapt LS (Rear) | 10.5 | 117.4 | 165.2 | 2.2 | 284.2 | 3.9 | 2778 | 142 | 12.3 | 39.8 | 43.3 | 32.1 |
| TaylorMade | Qi35 (Forward) | 10.5 | 116.1 | 163.0 | 2.0 | 283.7 | 4.8 | 2284 | 503 | 11.8 | 32.5 | 37.7 | 27.0 |
| Callaway | Elyte | 10.5 | 117.3 | 165.3 | 0.6 | 283.3 | 6.7 | 2692 | 443 | 11.4 | 35.7 | 40.8 | 26.1 |
| Srixon | ZXi LS (Rear) | 10.5 | 116.4 | 161.8 | 2.5 | 282.6 | 5.2 | 2337 | 172 | 11.8 | 33.3 | 39.4 | 33.0 |
| Cobra | DarkSpeed-Adapt X (Forward) | 10.5 | 116.2 | 161.1 | 1.6 | 282.4 | 7.1 | 2443 | 308 | 12.9 | 37.1 | 42.1 | 36.7 |
| Callaway | Elyte X | 10.5 | 116 | 163.9 | 1.9 | 282.2 | 7.9 | 2585 | 421 | 11.9 | 35.4 | 40.5 | 26.7 |
| Wilson Staff | DynaPower LS (Rear) | 10.5 | 114.6 | 161.6 | 1.3 | 282.1 | 2.0 | 2408 | 229 | 12.9 | 36.8 | 41.4 | 15.9 |
| Ping | G440 Max | 10.5 | 115.1 | 163.1 | 1.3 | 281.8 | 5.7 | 2702 | 344 | 12.9 | 39.9 | 43.7 | 31.9 |
| Mizuno | ST-Max | 10.5 | 115.1 | 162.4 | 1.6 | 281.7 | 8.0 | 2519 | 435 | 12.8 | 37.3 | 42.1 | 32.3 |
| Titleist | GT2 | 10 | 115.5 | 163.1 | 1.6 | 280.4 | 5.3 | 2728 | 249 | 12.1 | 37.9 | 41.9 | 26.2 |
| PXG | Black Ops (Forward) | 10.5 | 113.7 | 163.1 | 0.9 | 280.1 | 6.4 | 2610 | 398 | 11.2 | 34.0 | 40.3 | 25.6 |
| PXG | Black Ops (Rear) | 10.5 | 113.2 | 162.5 | 1.8 | 278.0 | 5.9 | 2696 | 221 | 12.0 | 36.7 | 42.1 | 41.9 |
| Cleveland | HiBore XL | 10.5 | 113.6 | 160.3 | 1.4 | 277.9 | 3.9 | 2561 | 225 | 12.5 | 36.7 | 41.9 | 24.7 |
| Titleist | GT4 (Rear) | 10 | 117.2 | 163.1 | 2.0 | 277.7 | 13.2 | 2876 | 558 | 12.8 | 39.7 | 43.5 | 50.9 |
| Cobra | DarkSpeed-Adapt X (Rear) | 10.5 | 116.7 | 161.4 | 1.6 | 276.8 | 6.3 | 2777 | 293 | 12.9 | 39.6 | 44.0 | 21.5 |
| Cobra | DarkSpeed-Adapt Max K | 10.5 | 114.6 | 160.6 | 0.4 | 276.1 | 6.8 | 2646 | 319 | 12.2 | 36.0 | 41.8 | 33.5 |
| Cobra | DarkSpeed-Adapt Max D | 10.5 | 116.7 | 163.3 | 0.5 | 276.1 | 6.8 | 2963 | 263 | 13.0 | 42.1 | 45.3 | 29.2 |
| TaylorMade | Qi35 (Rear) | 10.5 | 115.9 | 162.4 | 1.3 | 275.8 | 7.0 | 2856 | 407 | 11.7 | 36.7 | 41.9 | 17.9 |
| Srixon | ZXi | 10.5 | 115.3 | 161.1 | 1.9 | 275.4 | 6.4 | 2822 | 399 | 13.4 | 40.9 | 45.0 | 48.4 |
| TaylorMade | Qi35 Max | 10.5 | 115.8 | 162.3 | 1.6 | 275.4 | 4.6 | 2825 | 418 | 11.4 | 35.7 | 41.3 | 16.7 |
| Ping | G440 SFT | 10.5 | 115.9 | 161.8 | 1.8 | 275.3 | 5.4 | 2859 | 412 | 13.7 | 41.9 | 46.8 | 42.5 |
| Wilson Staff | DynaPower Max | 10.5 | 113.9 | 161.5 | 1.1 | 273.2 | 5.9 | 2887 | 281 | 12.6 | 38.8 | 44 | 18.7 |
So why didn’t the TaylorMade Qi35 LS win?
Despite its dominance in the numbers, the TaylorMade Qi35 LS didn’t take the crown as the best golf driver of 2025. Why? Playability.
“We just don’t feel it’s as easy to hit as the GT3,” explains TG Golf Equipment Writer Lewis Daff, a former Master Custom Fitter and Club Builder with over 5,000 fittings under his belt.
“It’s a fantastic driver, and if you strike it pure, there are absolutely no issues. But we have to consider not just what looks best on paper, but what works best for golfers in real-world conditions. We just don’t believe the TaylorMade Qi35 LS will suit enough golfers to be named the best driver of 2025.
“That said, if you need low spin or more ball speed, we would absolutely encourage you to try it. We called it the best low-spin driver of 2025 and, in the right hands, it’s a rocket launcher – it’s just not for the masses.”
Massive distance for those who can handle it
TaylorMade have outdone themselves with the Qi35 LS, in terms of how much distance is on offer. With the fastest ball speed and carry yardage from any driver this year, it’s an outstanding product for those looking for pure power. There’s a legitimate argument to be made that the Qi35 LS could have made it into the Best Overall Top 3, but we were concerned that this head may not be viable for golfers who miss the center of the face. If you can keep control of your strike and direction though, you won’t beat this driver in 2025.
What our tester says:
Ridiculously fast. The LS feels like the ball is never going to stop when you catch it right. Will it work for most golfers? Probably not, compared to forgiveness of the normal Qi35 head, but my goodness it’s powerful. The looks are just as good as the feel!
You can read our full review of the TaylorMade Qi35 LS Driver here
Key drivers test data:
Ball Speed 167.0 mph | Carry 298.0 mph | Spin (Total) 2,256 rpm | Launch Angle 13.0º | Height 38.2 yards | Descent Angle 40.3º | L-R Dispersion 23.3 yards
Pros
- Best Low Spin Driver Award winner of 2025
- Outstanding Modern Looks
- The Longest Driver of 2025
Cons
- Not forgiving enough for all golfers' needs
| RRP | £529.00 / $649.00 |
| Lofts | 8º (RH), 9° / 10.5° (RH/LH) |
| Head Size | 460cc |
| Lie | 56º |
| Stock Shaft Length | 45.75” |
| Stock Shaft Options | Mitsubishi Kai’Li Blue DarkWave CB 60g / Mitsubishi Kai'Li White DarkWave 60g |
| Stock Grip | Golf Pride Z-Grip Black/Silver |
- Ultra Low Center of Gravity
- Multi-Material Construction
- High Moment of Inertia Design
- Trajectory Adjustment System
- Carbon Twist Face
How we tested the best golf drivers
We’re dedicated to making sure that we at Today’s Golfer are clear and transparent on how we test equipment, so you know you can trust the data that you read.
For drivers, our test pro hits balls with each driver until we have six good shots, while we track every piece of data on a GC Quad launch monitor. Any drives that our test pro felt weren’t a fair representation of the club – severe mishits, etc – were discarded and replaced with another shot. Thanks to our test pro’s remarkable consistency, this was a very rare occurrence!
The test lab
The test was conducted under strict conditions, overseen by a former Team GB bio-mechanist, at an indoor facility. We chose to test indoors to eliminate the influence of wind or temperature changes.
Our test pro
Our test pro, Neil Wain, is a very consistent golfer, having played for England as an amateur before turning pro off a +4 handicap. He’s a highly regarded player, coach, and custom fitter.
Shaft
All of the drivers were tested using the same shaft, which eliminates a variable and helps us compare the performance of the driver heads.
We partnered with one of the most high-grade performance-based companies in golf, Fujikura, to ensure our test pro had a shaft that helped with a consistent and reliable delivery from the first swing to the last of the almost 400 he hit during testing. Partnering with a company of Fujikura’s standing meant we’re able to trust the data we produced.
Fujikura produce an incredible selection of aftermarket golf shafts for your woods, hybrids, irons, and even putters, across a wide choice of profiles and designs. The company is committed to excellence in the creation of premium, performance-first equipment that allows every level of golfer to trust their swing every time they deliver club to ball.
Having been at the forefront of golf innovation for over 30 years, Fujikura have produced countless successful models over the years, including legendary names like Speeder, Motore, and the now iconic VENTUS that can be seen dominating professional tours all around the world.
We worked with the Fujikura team’s deep knowledge to find the perfect shaft for our tester, so that every driver head is given the chance to perform to the best of its capabilities. The specification was:
Model: Ventus VeloCore+
Profile: Blue
Weight: 60g
Flex: X-Stiff
Length: 45” (to end of shaft)
Grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet .60R (1 Layer of Tape)
Loft
We tested all the driver heads in a 10.5º loft (Titleist being the exception at 10º, as they do not produce a 10.5º head) with standard hosel/sleeve settings so we can compare them like-for-like. Drivers with front-back adjustable weight options were tested in both forward and rearward weight configurations.
The golf ball
To get the best and most reliable data possible we always insist on using a premium golf ball.
Over the last few years we’ve used several of the best golf balls to conduct our testing, including the Callaway Chrome Tour, Bridgestone Tour-B, and Titleist Pro V1. This year we used the TaylorMade TP5.
The TP5 offers consistency and performance that is up to the standards of numerous tour pros, including Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, and has won many Majors.
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We tested 35 new drivers: This one was the longest and fastest – but it still wasn’t our top pick
