

Equipment
Best driver 2022: Most forgiving driver
Your driver is arguably the most important club in your bag. At GolfWRX, to determine the 2022 best driver, we have again compiled an expert panel of fitters to help you find out which of the 2022 drivers is best for your game.
We continue to exist in an era of not just maximizing distance but also minimizing the penalty of common misses for each player with the driver. This is why, now more than ever, custom fitting is essential to help you see results on every swing you make. We believe the best way to find your personal best driver is to work with a professional fitter using a launch monitor.
The difficult part is many golfers don’t have easy access to fitters, launch monitors, and club builders — so at GolfWRX, in addition to breaking down the best options across three swing speed ranges, we’re also presenting the most forgiving drivers for the player who preferences forgiveness above all else (meet our fitters here).
Most forgiving driver of 2022
Ping G425 Max

Ping G425 Max sole
The G425 Max has the highest MOI (a measurement of forgiveness) on the market, and its 460 cc head features a 26-gram moveable tungsten weight in the rear to help golfers dial in ball flight bias. This extra mass is also how the weight track can offer less movement on the exterior of the head while still creating the same level of movement inside the head to create a draw and fade bias compared to previous generations. It also comes in a multitude of lofts that can be further adjusted with the trajectory tuning hosel.
For the full technology breakdown, check out our 2021 Ping G425 driver launch piece.
Fitter Notes
- If you want a big, stable, forgiving driver that’s going to allow you to quickly and easily reduce dispersion, the G425 Max is going to make golf feel a lot easier.
- The big fitting and consumer benefit of the Ping G425 Max is how much you can get out of this head depending on the player. It used to be that drivers geared for moderate clubhead speeds sat really closed and generally only came in higher lofts. With the Max, you get all kinds of loft options and it sits really square-to-open depending on the adapter setting.
- The one thing to keep in mind is the G425 Max has one of the heaviest driver heads on the market, so it can start to feel a bit heavy for certain players depending on the shaft that’s being tested—but all of the Ping stock shafts are counterbalanced to help with this. With that in mind, you can custom order the CG shifter in various weights to make sure you are dialed in.
- This driver is the undefeated king of stability. If you aren’t a range rat and want to just enjoy your time on the golf course, this one is for you.
- For any golfer on the lowest end of the swing speed spectrum, you HAVE to try this driver with the stock Ping Alta. It’s only 40 grams and just wants to launch the ball up as fast as possible.
- If you want a draw-biased driver now and a neutral or fade-biased driver later, the functionality engineered into this head will give you just that thanks to the CG shifter and adjustable hosel. If you arent working with the adjustment features of the G425 Max you are 100 percent missing out.
GolfWRX member jbole267: “Ping G425 Max with 4 grams hot melt was much better than TSi3. Best strikes were very similar, however, anything not on the button ping was automatic and sound is much better than I was expecting. It’s amazing and will be hard to beat.”
Callaway Rogue ST Max LS
Callaway engineers added new technology and more extreme weighting to the original Rogue framework to produce the Rogue ST (Speed Tuned) line, which Callaway is calling its fastest, most stable drivers ever.
The low-spin offering in the Rogue ST lineup, Rogue ST Max LS is a more workable, lower spin head designed to produce a more neutral ball flight and stronger trajectory. Only mid-to-low handicap players need apply.
For the full technology breakdown, check out our Callaway Rogue ST Max LS launch piece.
Fitter notes
- The spin is a little lower, and the ball speed off the face is a little bit faster than the drivers before it.
- It is a little more neutral than the Max head, so it allows me to go both ways with the cog settings. The high swing speed players I work with like to take out one side of the course, and having a driver that is more neutral and low spin allows me to go both ways.
- It just works for a lot of players. It’s a forgiving driver that looks good and fits the spin profile for the better player. But it can go all the way down to higher handicaps that create a lot of spin. Forgiving enough for a wide range of players.
- There is a lot of tech that is really unseen. From a performance standpoint, especially on mishits, it is just holding its line better with launch and spin conditions. The thing I am most surprised with is mishits low on the face; they are still holding a ton of ball speed.
- I was pretty surprised there’s still good forgiveness there. Callaway has the forgiveness factor married with the speed. You get away with the mishits with the Rogue.
- Offers good, consistent launch with really good spin numbers.
GolfWRX member Kyle M: “My son had a fitting yesterday – he went through the Stealth +, Cobra, Titleist, and Mizuno and then hit the Rogue ST Max LS – That head with a Tensei 1K Pro White 60X was amazing for him. Consistent smash in the 1.47-1.50 range. And it sounds amazing if I do say so myself.”
TaylorMade Stealth
The TaylorMade Stealth driver began as a code-named project, the origins of which go back 20 years. The show-stopping feature of the new 2022 TaylorMade Stealth driver is its centerpiece technology: a carbon fiber face. For TaylorMade engineers, the conversion to carbon was aimed at one thing: more ball speed. Carbon Twist Face weight savings allow more weight to be positioned low and deep in the head. More spin and 15 percent more MOI compared to Stealth Plus.
For the full technology breakdown, check out our Stealth launch piece.
Fitter notes
- At the end of the day, it has to perform, and it does. The ballspeed and the distance off of it puts it as high, or the highest, in our store of all the new drivers.
- Generally, the faster you swing, you are going to generate a little more spin, and I see a little more consistency with that. It is a good driver for someone who needs to knock off a couple of hundred RPM of spin no matter the clubhead speed.
- The biggest thing we have seen this year from Stealth is really fast ball speed off mishits. Hitting it off the heel, toe, low, or high, there is a big increase around the face compared to SIM2. The spin doesn’t jump or increase like it used to. Ball speed consistency is really good, and it is going to work for all swing speeds because your misses are going to be closer.
- The carbon face is a big talking point, and most players don’t mind the red face. Players are really surprised by the sound and feel of it since it really mimics previous titanium drivers. I have seen players pick up clubhead speed as well.
- It is always going to be a little more forgiving without the sliding weight in there, and it also offers a little softer feel. The Stealth fits a lot of people. The face technology and the Twist Face go hand-in-hand to help a lot with controlling spin and reducing the gear effect.
GolfWRX member King_Carey: “I’ve had the driver in play for three weeks now (down in Oz). 10.5 stealth and put in my Fujikura pro stiff 60 tour spec shaft. It’s a great driver, consistent on mis-hits and as others mentioned, launches high and has the ability to every now and then send them wayyyy out there.”
Cobra LTDx Max
The LTDx Max driver combines stability with draw-bias into one driver, both individually achievable using the moveable weight system.
The new addition features a slightly oversized 460cc profile to help provide excellent distance and forgiveness with a back weight setting and an added weight positioned in the heel that affords golfers additional draw-bias to help square the face for more accurate results.
For the full technology breakdown, check out our LTDx launch piece.
Fitter notes
- As aesthetics go, in terms of graphics and the beauty of the wood, it is the most beautiful wood we have in the store. After initial testing, for us, it is the best Cobra driver in the store, without a doubt.
- We had guys that wanted the LS, but they couldn’t turn it over, and it was super low spin. They hit the Max, and the spin rates just didn’t differentiate. Still really low spin, but they can turn it over. It is allowing those players to turn it over, but it isn’t going to overspin, which is great.
- They literally need to just get in more golfer’s hands to try it because it will win out.
GolfWRX member mbl42465: “Cobra is going to sell a lot of these. Look good, sound good, perform great and a little cheaper than the competition.”
Cobra LTDx
Described by the company as a driver “unicorn”, the LTDx driver is the very first to combine zero CGna and a high MOI at 5200.
The driver features a slightly oversized 460cc clubhead that is constructed with the balance of internal weighting in design to deliver the fastest ball speeds with slow spin and maximum distance.
For the full technology breakdown, check out our LTDx launch piece.
Fitter notes
- It is fast. It is stable. The blending of stability and ball speed is just outstanding. Did a fitting where the player’s first few swings were the one-handed follow-through, and he wasn’t swinging well. I showed him that the shots were 15yds longer and only 5yds offline.
- It is in the middle of the line for Cobra, but it is very forgiving and on the lower spin side. I thought RadSpeed was a good driver, but LTDx is a big step up.
- It fits a broad range of people with a lot of adjustability. The biggest improvement has to be ball speed, especially on the mishits.
Read Best Driver of 2022 (three swing speed ranges) here and join the discussion in the forums.
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Equipment
‘Engineered for extreme backspin’ – Mizuno unveils new S23 wedges

Mizuno has today unveiled its new S23 wedges, which the manufacturer says are “comprehensively engineered for extreme backspin.”
The wedges are designed to combine the precision and playing profile of a player’s bladed wedge with the aggressive performance of a toe-weighted design and feature a centralized sweet spot for maximum control.
The S23 wedges showcase a shorter hosel and a heel-orientated cavity allowing greater mass to be pushed towards the toe. This creates a centred sweet spot, as opposed to a heel-side location in conventional wedges.
The centred sweet spot is designed to contribute to longer impact time, less head deflection and higher spin from both full and partial shots.
“That check and spin you see from the pros isn’t purely because of newer grooves – most of us don’t have the consistency of strike to get that kind of action. For the vast majority, a centralised sweet spot makes it much easier to find and get that repetitive action.” – David Llewellyn, Director of R&D for Mizuno
The S23 wedges are One-piece Grain Flow Forged HD at Mizuno’s facility in Hiroshima, Japan – where Mizuno irons have been produced since 1968. They have a Tour-ready design with a player’s preferred, versatile look at address. But, with weight pushed to the toe, a partial heel cavity and a short hosel, they offer a centralised sweet spot designed to offer a more consistent strike and reliable high-spin numbers.
The wedges offer a loft-specific profile with stronger lofts featuring a tear-drop straight edge, flowing into a more rounded lob wedge, with grinds to suit throughout.
The precise grooves in the S23 wedges are quad-cut milled and loft specific, cut into Boron infused 1025 mild carbon steel for a longer effective lifespan. In addition, Mizuno’s HydroFlow Micro Grooves are laser etched to release moisture in a bid to reduce spin drop-off in wet conditions.
The S23 wedges come in either a white satin brush chrome or copper cobalt finish and will be in retail from February 2023 at a price of $160 per wedge.
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Equipment
GolfWRX Launch Report: Mizuno ST-Z 230, ST-X 230 drivers, fairway wood, hybrid

What you need to know: The product of Mizuno’s Speed Technology (ST) Metalwood Project — four years of rapid-fire metalwoods development — 2023 Mizuno ST-Z 230, ST-X 230, and ST-PLTNM feature the centerpiece Cortech Chamber, within which a steel weight is positioned for increased ball speed and spin reduction. The technology extends to the ST-Z 230 fairway wood and hybrid as well.
Mizuno ST-Z 230, ST-X 230: What’s new, key technology
Cortech Chamber: Through slot provides additional COR area by providing sole flex filled with elastomeric TPU material for additional flexure and face stress reduction. Inside the TPU is a stainless steel weight, which is positioned close to the clubface for increased speed and spin reduction. Also contributes to a solid feeling at impact.
SAT 2041 Forged Beta Titanium Face: More flexible and stronger than 6-4 titanium.
Additional model details
ST-Z 230
- Billed as a “straight, stable, and low spinning” driver. Designed for stability on off-center hits.
- Engineers focused on positioning CG location being as close as possible to the Z-axis or neutral axis for lower spin, straight performance, and higher MOI.
- Forged SAT 2041 Beta Ti face, aided by the Cortech Chamber, enhances ball speed and reduces spin
- 14-gram back weight
- Shallower CG for a more penetrating ball flight
ST-X 230
- Billed as a “more workable, mild draw-biased” driver
- Higher spinning, higher launching than ST-Z 230
- Deeper CG and shorter CG distance for a balance of workability in both directions
- 14-gram heel weight
- Toe side composite for shorter CG to shaft axis distance
- More rounded, deeper profile
ST-X PLTNM 230
- An ultra lightweight driver for slower swing speeds
- High launching
- Draw biased
- The ST-X PLTNM is 30g lighter overall than any possible custom option of the ST-X 230
- High spec Helium Platinum Shaft and lightweight grip
What Mizuno says
“Our player testing over the years shows that placing extra weight close to the face results in faster ball speeds and low spin rates,” says David Llewellyn, Director of R&D for Mizuno. “We’ve been steadily working towards the CORTECH Chamber, which is incredibly effective at that job. Encasing the steel weight within the TPU Chamber means that we’re moving weight close to the face at the same time as creating an additional source of energy. Steel is twice the density of Titanium but won’t weld directly, which is where the TPU has a second role.”
More photos
ST-Z 230
ST-X 230
ST-Z 230 Fairway Wood
- A mid-low spinning, high launching, adjustable fairway wood
- Mid-sized and playable for all levels
- High energy MAS1C steel face boosted by Mizuno’s Cortech Chamber
- The carbon composite crown for a low center of gravity
- Quick Switch hosel offers 4 degrees of adjustability
ST-Z 230 Hybrid
- A mid-low spinning, high launching, adjustable hybrid
- High energy MAS1C steel face boosted by Mizuno’s Cortech Chamber
- Waffle crown, thick sole weight create a deep center of gravity for high launch
- With respect to the CLK, the ST-Z 230 is slightly larger
Price, specs, availability
Drivers
ST-Z
Availability: Right Hand – 9.5 and 10.5 degrees
Left hand – 9.5 degrees only
ST-X
Availability: Right Hand – 9.5, 10.5 and 12 degrees
Fairway wood
Right Hand – 3 wood (15) and 5 wood (18)
Left hand – 3 wood (15)
Hybrid
Availability: Right Hand – 2H (16), 3H (19), 4H (22) and 5H (25)
Left Hand – 3H (19) and 4H (22)
Pricing
ST-Z 230 Driver / ST-X 230 Driver: $499.95
ST-Z 230 PLTNM Driver: $549.95
ST-Z 230 Fairway Woods: $299.95
At retail: February
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Equipment
Titleist adds low-bounce T Grind to its Vokey Design SM9 family

Titleist has today added the low-bounce T Grind to its Vokey Design SM9 lineup.
Previously available only as a WedgeWorks custom order, the T Grind will now be widely available in both stock and custom options as an extension to the existing SM9 family, being offered in SM9 58.04T and 60.04T models.
As a low-bounce wedge with a narrow crescent surface and wider back flange, the T grind is designed to allow for shot making under any condition. Compared to the L Grind, SM9’s other low-bounce option, the T Grind features a narrower forward sole and more aggressive heel, toe and trailing edge relief.
“Wedge play is an art, and the T Grind brings out the best in the artist. The leading edge stays low to the playing surface as the wedge is rotated, which allows the golfer to hit a variety of shots from tight lies. This is the wedge that really made Vokey Grinds an important part of our process – and is still a great option to this day.” – Bob Vokey
The new T Grind features a CG that has been raised vertically by adding weight to the topline design, where a tapered pad at the back of the toe helps align the CG properly without being visible from the playing position – promoting a more controlled ball flight and solid contact.
A new Spin Milled cutting process in the SM9 models – which includes tightening our allowable tolerances – produces consistently sharper grooves wedge after wedge in design for a higher, more consistent spin.
Specs, Availability & Pricing
- Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold S200
- Grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 White
- Lofts, Bounce 58.04T RH/LH, 60.04T RH/LH
- Color Codes: Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel, Jet Black finishes. Raw finish available for custom only.
- Availability: March 10
- Price: $179 (Steel), $195 (Graphite)
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