We put the newest 2026 drivers to the test—and the results were NOT what we expected.
Tayte tried to replace his trusted TaylorMade Qi10 with the new Qi4D… and it didn’t go well.
Trevor moved on from his best driving season ever with the Callaway Elyte to test the Quantum Max… and immediately regretted it.
So we did what most golfers don’t do—we went back.
In this video, we compare:
New vs old driver performance
Real launch monitor data (distance, dispersion, consistency)
On-course style results you actually care about
And most importantly… we answer the question:
👉 Are new drivers actually better—or are you wasting your money upgrading every year?
We also took it a step further by hitting some really old drivers (TaylorMade R580 & Callaway Big Bertha) to find out where the line actually is between “don’t upgrade” and “you definitely should.”
The truth? It’s not what the golf industry wants you to believe.
If you’re thinking about buying a new driver in 2026… watch this first.
👍 Subscribe for more real, unbiased golf gear testing
⛳ New videos every week from Embers Golf
Follow us on social media!
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@embersgolf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmbersGolf/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embersgolf/
https://embersgolf.com
Embers Golf
7705 W 108th Ave
Westminster, CO 80021
#golf #golfclubs #golfdriver
24 Comments
First
Distance on tour has increased with technology 🤔 must be that bad lol
I won't eat Papa Johns after they kicked out the founder because he said a naughty word in a completely acceptable context.
This is why Embers Golf is my favorite golf channel on youtube. No paid advertisements (videos). Love the honesty. Keep up the good work!
I'm confused, this video has QI10 at 148.9 ball speed then in another recent upload "40 Drivers. 1 Winner. Here’s the Best of 2026" seen at 24:00, the numbers are completely different with the same club as Tayte's gamer, 156.7 ball speed.
You know the Qi4D is terrible when Scottie is struggling with it early on this season
Woot woot Top 10 comments
Great job guys as always. Keep grinding!
I’m sticking with my AI Smoke TD Max. This driver is far better than me already. And it’s the best looking driver ever.
Love this! Was playing TaylorMade M6 and just upgraded to a blacked out QI10 MAX w velecore TR Red 6S. I've tested the QI4D and it's awesome but the price is too much!! Bravo gentleman
Tayte…must be the babyface…brings back the power of the driver!!!!
Trevor that is hands down one of the ugliest shirts I have ever seen someone wear. Love you guys regardless! Pro tip. When your filing a video wear golf pants and tucked in shirt so you back rolls don’t hang out on every swing. If a shirt is coming up that much on every swing it’s not the right fit for you champ .
Rory and Scottie are hitting some absolute duds with that Qi4D.
Given Trevs accuracy with the 580… He may be better off with a 3 wood or 3 wood shafted driver. Shaft length over the years has made a huge effect on distance and speed over the years.
The shorter shaft seems a better fit vs modern standard length
Give me forgiveness and accuracy over distance but who am I, just an old hack that loves golf!
The whole fit thing seems like an opportunity for a retailer to charge me to sell me something
Love that you guys don't schill for the manufacturers. So tired of every introduction being the latest and greatest. I don't even pay attention anymore. I buy 2 or 3 model year old equipment (high handicap, love Callaway preowned). The one exception is putters got fitted for a Bettinardi and ended up gaming an off the rack TaylorMade Spider. If your looking at high price comparison do putters next! I still us a 20 year old Ping CrazE when snowbirding. Keep up the good work.
Now I don't feel AS BAD for still playing my Nike SRT-8 fit….
You can look back several generations of Callaway and Taylor drivers and they all look very similar. Same pig, different makeup 💄
Driver distances have largely been capped out because of the conformance limits that USGA puts on drivers. Most advances in driver tech has been forgiveness across the face of the club and dispersion.
Finally got one fitted to me. My Qi4D is a beast for me.
longer shirt mans
Id sack the guy that fit you two this year! Also you must have left your elevation at sea level by mistake. T was swinging out of his shoes to carry 250. Wonder why dispersion was so off? Must have been the new club, or the fit Im thinking. Usually you guys are on it but this subject has been played by quite a few creators now. Just for fun why dont you guys go to Titleist institute and get really fitted. Would be good content to see normal hacks get evaluated, instead of pros or scratch creators. Or the Kingdom
Have either of you tried a different shaft, maybe something with a stiffer tip would help Tayte in the Qi4D and a softer tip for Trevor in the Quantum.