Best Drivers For Slicers: Quick Menu
1. The list in brief
2. Best looking
3. Best broad appeal
4. Best for ball-strikers
5. How we test
6. How to choose
7. FAQs
Slicing the ball off the tee is one of the most common and destructive shots for amateur golfers. Not only does it put you in a bad position on the hole, but it loses you significant distance, which makes good scoring harder to come by.
Luckily, the best golf drivers from all of golf's major brands are on hand to help if you have a tendency to slice the ball. Manufacturers create draw-bias drivers in a number of ways but, most commonly, you'll see drivers with weights toward the heel-side of the driver and with plenty of offset too.
While the draw biased drivers featured below won't have you instantly hitting hooping draws off the tee, the set up of these clubs will keep the massive slices at bay and hopefully encourage a straighter, more powerful ball flight.
Below is a list of the best anti-slice drivers currently available but, if you're looking for something more specific, check out our guide on the best golf drivers for beginners, the most forgiving golf drivers or the best drivers for distance.
The Quick List
The Max model really is the headline product of the new Qi10 range, with the driver incredibly easy to launch with impressive stability. Overall, it will appeal to many, many golfers.
The Ping G430 SFT is very easy to launch, forgiving and surprisingly long. There's no doubt that it’s a model that will have broad appeal to a range of golfers.
The Cobra Darkspeed Max is one of the best draw-bias drivers we have ever tested and does exactly what it says on the tin. Wrapped up in a very sophisticated aesthetic, if you struggle with a slice, the Darkspeed Max is a must try.
An excellent driver for those seeking a draw bias flight and maximum launch. The Ai Smoke Max D Driver is seriously easy to get in the air and extremely forgiving on mishits.
The TSR3 is a premium looking and performing driver that provides a powerful feel, as well striking the ideal balance of control with competitive ball speed and distance.
The Srixon ZX5 Mk II driver combines a lot of forgiveness in a no-nonsense design that offers very good performance in a good looking head.
In the ST-X 230 you have a draw-biased driver that sits beautifully square behind the ball. A solid, consistent flight and powerful feel through the ball.
A driver that stands out for its feel, the Launcher XL will suit a wide range of golfers looking for pa combination of forgiveness and carry distance off the tee.
As a mid-priced driver for mid-to-high handicaps, this offers a lot of value. The adjustability for loft and draw bias is convenient, and the aesthetics are top notch.
One of the easiest-to-launch drivers we’ve ever hit, this delivers impressively on its promise of making the game easier for people off the tee.
Best Drivers For Slicers - Best Anti Slice Drivers
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Best looking
The launch of a new series of TaylorMade drivers is one of the most hotly anticipated events in a gear writer's calendar. It feels like the whole world is waiting to see if TaylorMade has yet again produced one of the best golf drivers in the game and, in the Max version of the Qi10, that appears to be the case.
It's very apparent that the Qi10 Max is very much the hero product of this particular family; so much so, the whole series was named after this model. Producing 10k of inertia for the very first time, TaylorMade has stretched the head shape creating a 8mm longer profile front to back. This means that the CG is in a deeper, more MOI friendly location immediately. This also creates a 9 percent larger footprint on the Qi10 Max than its predecessor, the Stealth 2 HD.
The main standout is the forgiveness on offer, with the ball speed remaining pretty constant no matter where we struck it on the face. In terms of draw-bias, there are better models on the market, with TaylorMade themselves deliberately leaving any nod to a draw bias out of the name or marketing for this product, believing that the consumer perception of any flight bias may deter some. Instead of draw bias, TaylorMade is referring to this as ‘straight distance’ in an attempt to be more inclusive. Whatever you want to call it, there is an evident draw bias, not as prevalent as some in this category, but it is certainly in there.
- Read our full TaylorMade Qi10 Max Driver Review
Best broad appeal
To begin with, the G430 SFT features a moveable weight that can be set in either a Draw or Draw + setting. According to Ping, on the Draw + setting, it delivers seven yards more draw bias versus the G430 Max version in neutral, a considerable difference for those that work the ball from left-to-right.
Despite being a draw bias driver, it sits fairly square behind the ball, with the neutral set up, along with the generous profile, providing a confidence-inspiring appearance at address. What's more, the head is slightly longer from front to back, which again will inspire a considerable amount of confidence.
In our testing, the distance on offer from the G430 SFT was fantastic as it went further than the Cobra Aerojet Max and Callaway Paradym X drivers. The draw bias was noticeable too and, from our testing, it was clear to see that the dispersion circle moved a few yards to the left.
- Read our full Ping G430 SFT Driver Review
Cobra Darkspeed Max Driver
First things first, the aesthetics of the Darkspeed Max, and the Darkspeed family, are excellent. Taking the “dark” theme to the extreme, Cobra has almost entirely done away with any color here. Just the word ‘MAX’ and a couple of tiny accent dashes in red - the rest of the head is a super sleek matte black that we think looks outstanding.
What's more, when down behind the ball, the Darkspeed Max delivers again. Whilst the head shape isn’t quite as refined as its siblings, the Darkspeed LS and the Darkspeed X, the carbon effect crown and minimalist Cobra logo give a very sophisticated look. Another point is that the Max sits very squarely behind the ball. Often, with the best draw bias, manufacturers try to cheat a little by simply toeing in the face, but this isn’t the case here.
In testing, the draw bias was very prominent and we found it almost impossible to slice to the right. No matter how hard our tester tried to hold the face open through the ball, the Darkspeed Max found a way to override his attempts and still produced a high, drawing flight that many will adore.
- Read our full Cobra Darkspeed Max Driver Review
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D Driver
The Max D is most comparable with the Paradym X from last year with its high MOI and slight draw bias. Straight off the bat, we loved the looks of the Max D and the Paradym Ai Smoke range, with the blue colorway being replaced with a new light grey body.
A factor that will appeal to many is the extremely confidence-inspiring look at address, which has been achieved by stretching the head outwards in all the right places. This presents a genuinely larger looking head than the 460cc it actually is, and the stretching backwards has allowed Callaway to increase the MOI in the quest for stability.
In testing, we loved how easy the Max D was to get into the air and how the draw bias was evident without being excessive. Upon striking the ball, it generally just gently tapered left on the descent. The only slight point is that the feel and sound haven’t changed much from the Paradym X, but why would they? The pleasingly muted, deep thud of impact remains in the Max D.
- Read our full Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D Driver Review
Best for ball-strikers
The TSR3 is a superb performer and the easiest of the three TSR models to set up for a desired flight. It does this by utilising the SureFit CG weight track, which helps keep the ball in play for golfers looking to negate or promote a particular shot shape.
Along with the weight track, the aesthetics of the driver are extremely premium, with a smoother sole, smaller hosel opening and a taller back section making for slick and almost Tesla-inspired looks.
The TSR3 looks a little more compact at address than the Titleist TSR2 driver so if you feel like a bigger profile will be more confidence-inspiring then that could be a better way to go. For faster swingers and more confident ball strikers who are looking to keep a slice at bay, the TSR3 is worth considering.
- Read our full Titleist TSR3 Driver Review
Srixon ZX5 Mk II Driver
This may be one of the best high handicap drivers of 2023, but the Srixon ZX5 Mk II driver can also help negate your slice. To begin with, Srixon's engineers have gone for an all-titanium head construction instead of a carbon crown, with the very thin crown being placed above a Star Frame structure. These also feature three ribs criss-crossing on the inside to provide greater rigidity between the face, sides and rear of the head.
Because of this, the weight saved by the crown is then repositioned to improve the launch of the ball and, because the trailing edge is a little higher to get the centre of gravity in the right position, the club is extremely pleasing to look at when addressed to the golf ball.
On the course and in testing, the ZX5 Mk II proved to be one of the most forgiving drivers around and the slight draw bias in the head shape was subtle enough to keep shots pretty straight.
- Read our full Srixon ZX5 Mk II Driver Review
Mizuno ST-X 230 Driver
For 2023, Mizuno has introduced two new drivers to the market in the ST-X 230 and the ST-Z 230. Out of the two models, the company has described the ST-X as the more workable, mild draw-biased driver, something which will obviously benefit slicers off the tee.
Like the Ping G430 SFT mentioned above, the ST-X sits nice and square down behind the ball and, despite the neutral face angle, every shot we hit in testing had a draw bias to it. Certainly, the internal design of the head does a great job of affecting the ball flight.
Mizuno may be more known for producing some of the best golf irons on the market but, if you’re looking to guard against the right side of the golf course but you want a driver that sits nice and square at address, then the ST-X 230 is definitely well worthy of consideration.
- Read our full Mizuno ST-X 230 Driver Review
Cleveland Launcher XL Driver
Replacing the popular Launcher HB model that was released in 2020, the Cleveland Launcher XL Driver is aimed at the mid to high handicap range, with the Launcher XL suiting those who slice the golf ball off the tee.
The driver benefits from a larger driver head and an incredibly confidence inspiring look at address. To start, the length of the head from front to back has increased by 6% and the contrasting crown and face finishes mean you can see all of the loft from address, making it one of the most forgiving drivers on the market.
Performance wise, the Launcher XL gave solid carry distance on an easy swing, perfect for the wider range of players this driver is aimed at. The spin rates created with this driver will also help keep the ball in the air and provide good carry distance.
- Read our full Cleveland Launcher XL Driver Review
Tour Edge Exotics E723 Driver
The “E” in its name stands for Extreme Spec, meaning it’s designed to help average golfers to the extreme. What's more, this ultra-premium 460cc driver aims to maximize forgiveness by taking moment of inertia (MOI) to the extreme, with the E723 the highest MOI driver Tour Edge has ever made.
Where this driver helps straighten up a slice is via a Flight Tuning System on a rear sole sliding track. It has five positions available, which induce a fade or draw up to seven yards, depending on your setting. You can also adjust the loft via the hosel up or down by two degrees from the standard.
In testing, we could get trajectory up at will and the impact sounded nice and solid. Distance was also long and misses were forgiven, with this being a really playable driver that will appeal to the masses. Because of the Flight Tuning System and inherent draw bias, this is a great budget option for any golfer.
- Read our full Tour Edge Exotics E723 Driver Review
Wilson Staff Launch Pad 2022 Driver
This Wilson Launch Pad 2022 driver is designed to be an all-out game-improvement offering, and it has been developed much further compared to the previous generation.
The first point to mention is the face design. Through research, Wilson says that average handicap players hit 68% of their shots out of the toe half of the face. So, in the new Launch Pad, they’ve introduced their PKR face geometry that actually makes the striking area 5% bigger than the previous Launch Pad. This helped us with forgiveness on off-centre strikes.
What's more, the lie angle is two degrees upright to help golfers square up the face at impact and, in testing, it felt very friendly to hit. Certainly, on impact, we were able to hit shot after shot that was very easy to launch and we didn’t lose any shots to the right.
- Read our full Wilson Launch Pad Driver Review
How We Test
When it comes to product testing, our reviews and buyers' guides are built upon a rigorous testing procedure as well as the knowledge and experience of the test team. Headed up by technical editor Joel Tadman, and assisted by Neil Tappin, both have been testing golf clubs for years and both play to a handicap of 5. Both are also able to efficiently test the vast majority of the biggest product releases and convey the pros and cons eloquently.
Getting into specifics for drivers, we first attend product launches and speak to manufacturers to understand the technology. We then hit the golf clubs indoors, usually at Foresight Sports and test the products with premium golf balls on a launch monitor.
Outdoor testing is the next port of call and this usually takes place at West Hill Golf Club, a course in Surrey with top-notch practice facilities. Ultimately, we aim to be as insightful and honest as possible in our reviews so it is important to acknowledge that no manufacturer can buy a good review. This is because our team tells it how it is.
How to choose a new driver
You've probably already asked yourself whether you need to buy a new driver, but there's a few key things to consider when investing in a new driver, especially one that can help with your slice. Hopefully answering these questions will narrow your search down slightly and make comparing between various models much easier.
When purchasing a new big stick, it is crucial to ask yourself just what you need from it. Is distance your main priority or are you looking for something to help you find more fairways? We'd always recommend a custom fitting with a PGA Pro but if you know what you're looking for you can make an informed decision.
FAQs
Do offset drivers help slice?
In short, yes. An offset driver is where the club face sits slightly behind the hosel, delaying the arrival of the club face, allowing it more time to arrive to the ball square. Some drivers - like the Callaway Big Bertha 21 driver - have a very pronounced a visible offset at address whereas some manufacturers try to hide the offset look. It's an entirely personal preference as to whether you like the look of an offset driver.
What is the best driver to help with a slice?
All of the drivers in this guide will help golfers who tend to slice the ball. Important things to keep an eye out for are offset and a heel weighting that will combine to keep the club head square or even closed at address.
Does a higher loft reduce slice?
Yes. While those who tend to slice the ball off the tee often want to see a lower ball flight, adding extra loft to your driver will add back spin and create a more stable ball flight with less side spin. We'd recommend having a driver with 10.5° as a minimum.
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