As the Golf Monthly driver tester, every year my January period is always extremely busy with testing absolutely every model on the market. Have new models from big brands improved? Do they deliver on technological claims? Are there clear improvements over previous models? These are the types of questions I look to answer with my testing which now takes place in our new Performance Lab. This area is powered by Foresight Sports and allows me to analyze new clubs in a controlled environment, enhancing the accuracy of our findings. Of course this is especially important for drivers in which data plays a key role.
So acknowledging this, and with the thousands of shots I’ve hit with different models, there were three that truly stood out for me – the standard TaylorMade Qi4D, Ping’s G440 K, and finally the Callaway Quantum Max Triple Diamond driver.
Going into a bit more detail on why I selected these three models, I’ll go into how each model tested for me individually.
Starting with the Qi4D, I found the feel to be powerful, it’s not a muted thud but instead a hefty crack that really lets you know the ball has been hit. The speed output matches this feeling as the ball speed was outstanding, as was the higher smash factor. I picked up around 1.5 mph of clubhead speed over and above any other driver I have tested this launch season, which I genuinely was not expecting. However, while the speed gains massively grabbed my attention, my favorite aspect of the new Qi4D driver was actually the feel. I loved this model so much in fact, that this is the driver that will be going in my bag for 2026.
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Next up I’ve picked the Ping G440 K driver. I loved the previous G430 Max 10K driver and i was glad that the excellent overall performance continued here. In fact the best I can do is to say that in terms of performance, it is every bit as good as the G430 Max 10K, which, frankly, is the highest praise I can think of. Importantly, for me as a high speed player, this model offers insurance against mishits without producing unplayably high spin, as so many other drivers in this realm do.
I would actually say this might be the most usable driver currently on the market. If you want the maximum amount of help from your driver with a premium look and feel, look no further.
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Finally I had to include the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond Max driver, which breaks the mold of ‘tour only’ models getting released years after the standard range. From a looks perspective I think it looks superb with the carbon, dark finish really popping. The feel is once again powerful and performance-wise, this driver is a rocket in terms of ball speed. It was only second behind the TaylorMade Qi4D above in that respect in my testing. However what became clear in my testing is despite not being an out and out game improvement driver, the Max does offer not insignificant levels of stability and forgiveness as well.
Image 1 of 4
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
For more driver buying advice from me and the Golf Monthly team, please take a look at our best drivers guide and for more information on how I test golf products, also have a read on how testing methodology here as well.