Deciding on the best kids golf driver for kids and juniors can be complicated, including transitioning from kids golf drivers to an adult drivers. We review the best kids golf drivers as well as adult drivers that are suitable for older juniors.
For reviews and rating of golf club sets for kids and younger juniors read more here: Best Kids Golf Clubs.
If you are looking for irons for juniors that are transitioning from kids golf clubs (e.g. US Kids or Flynn Golf) to adult irons, read our post on Best Golf Clubs for Juniors Transitioning to Adult Irons.
Since proper fitting of kids golf clubs is very different to fitting adult clubs, we will first provide you with a basic understanding of club fitting factors that go into selecting the best driver for juniors.ย
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Overview
Junior golf drivers fall into two main categories:
Drivers for younger junior golfers ~ age approx. 6 to 10 years old
Driver swing speeds of less than ~85-90 mph. The top golf drivers for younger kids include:
- U.S. Kids Golf - Ultra Light (beginner to intermediate)
- U.S. Kids - Tour Series (intermediate to advanced)
- U.S. Kids - EP Tour (advanced)
- Flynn Golf - Alto + (all levels)
- ย Ping Prodi G Junior Driverย (all levels)
Drivers for junior golfers ~ age approx. 9 and up
Driver swing speeds of ~85+ mph that could benefit from adult club technology but may need a lighter weight driver than the standard adult drivers. This is a transitional age between a kids golf driver and true full size adult drivers.
Fortunately there are a number of excellent adult drivers that are lighter weight than a standard adult driver. Companies that make light weight drivers that could be suitable for juniors include Titleist, Cobra, Cleveland Mizuno, Wilson and XXIO.ย
Note that kids size and strength varies greatly in the 9-13 year old range. Some 10 year old's may be strong enough to use full size adult drivers. However, keep in mind that unless driver club head speeds are above approx. 85 mph it does not do juniors much good by putting them into an adult driver too early just to try get a few more yards of distance - i.e. instead of focusing on an appropriately weighted driver that will benefit the junior's swing in the long term.ย
Driver Fitting Considerations
Fitting a driver for juniors becomes important once swing speeds start getting above 90mph. Fitting considerations include shaft (flex, length, weight), club face (loft, lie, weight), grip (size and weight), and overall club balance or swing weight. Read more about club fitting for junior golfers.
Drivers for Junior Golfers Age 6-10
Both U.S.Kidsย andย Flynn Golf make great drivers for juniors older than 10 years old. We also see many juniors start transitioning into light weight adult drivers around 9 to 11 years old. Very recently we have also seen juniors as young as 6 to 8 years old starting to use adult drivers with lighter weight heads and light weight, flexible shafts.
If you do decide to move a very young junior (e.g. age 6-8) into an adult driver, make sure to have the driver properly fitted and not just chase a few extra yards at the potential downside of negatively affecting your junior's swing.ย
U.S.Kids Drivers
If your junior is between the ages of 6 and 10 years old then we highly U.S.Kids clubs. U.S.Kids makes three series of drivers
- Ultralight - younger and beginner juniors ($)
- Tour Series - older and advanced juniors ($$)
- EP Tour - most advanced US Kids driver for advanced juniors ($$$)
These are excellent quality drivers and there is a reason they are used by most of the top young kids in the USA. U.S.Kids has a great fitting system that lets you know exactly what club(s) are best suited for your child. You can buy direct from their website and they have a nice program whereby every 6th club you buy is free. We have tested their fitting system and found it to be a very good guide.
U.S. Kids Ultralight Drivers ($)
USKids ultralight driver
The Ultralight Series is designed for beginner to intermediate players who have played some golf, but need a lighter club to improve club head speed. They are available for junior golfers ranging in height from 39โ through 66โ, so really for any age child. Their sets are appropriate for both boys golf clubs sets and girls golf club sets.ย
Ultralight (junior height from 36โ to 66โ):
- Club length: 26โ to 42โ (ave adult size club is 45โ)
- Club head weight: 140g to 180g (ave adult: 200g)
- Club head size: 210cc to 360cc (ave adult: 460cc)
- Loft: 22 degrees to 14 degrees (ave adult: 10 degrees)
- Lie: 56 degrees (ave adult: 57 degrees)
- Grip: Junior sizes .43 (35g) to .54 (48g)
At around $50 (new), these are great first driver for kids getting into golf.
U.S. Kids Tour Series ($$)
USkids Tour Series Driver
The Tour Series is designed for intermediate-to-advanced junior golfers who play competitive golf events and have higher than average swing speeds. The Tour Series is a great bridge that prepares a junior player for adult clubs. They are available for kids ranging in height from 51โ through 66โ, so for any age child.
Tour Series (junior height from 51โ to 66โ):
- Club length: 34โ to 44โ (ave adult: 45โ)
- Clubhead weight: 187g to 197g (ave adult: 200g)
- Clubhead size: 440cc to 460cc (ave adult: 460cc)
- Loft: 13ยฐ to 17ยฐ (ave adult: 10-12ยฐ)
- Lie: 56ยฐ (ave adult: 57ยฐ)
- Grip: Junior sizes .46 (40g) to .54 (48g)
The USKids TS driver models are for:
- Younger kids (the V10 and V15 models) at 15-17ยฐ Loft, 420cc-440cc Head
- Older juniors (V5 model) 13ยฐ Loft, 460cc Head
The V15/V10/V5 denotes the difference in weight compared to the average adult driver - i.e. V15 is approx. 15% lighter, V10 is 10% lighter and V5 is 5% lighter.
At around $200 (new) they are about half the price of a typical adult OEM driver.
U.S. Kids EP Tour ($$$)
The EP Tour Series is designed for advanced junior golfers.
Introduced in 2023, the ep Tour is the most advanced and most expensive US Kids clubs, designed to compete with adult OEM drivers while still being slightly lighter weight. ย A carbon fiber crown allows a design that has forward and low COG for lower launch, lower spin trajectory.
Unlike other US Kids drivers, the EP Tour driver has an adjustable hosel and head weighting system. At $400 it is almost as expensive as adult OEM drivers.
EP Tour Series specs:
- For junior height from 51โ to 69โ
- Club length: 34โ to 44โ (ave adult: 45โ)
- Clubhead weight: 192g / adjustable (ave adult: 200g)
- Clubhead size: 460cc (ave adult: 460cc)
- Loft: 11ยฐ / adjustable (ave adult: 10-12ยฐ)
- Lie: 57ยฐ (ave adult: 57ยฐ)
VT Max / Flynn Golf
Flynn Golf produces junior clubs exclusively for younger golfers. Their pre-made sets are for kids from 48 inches to 66 inches tall. Their customized individual clubs, including drivers, can be made for any age and size junior golfer.
Reviews of these clubs are very good and they are very comparable to the U.S.Kids Tour Series with some people preferring the Tour Series and some preferring the Flynn Golf VT Max.
The VT Max clubs are highly customizable including selection of colors for shafts, grips etc., something which is sometimes particularly attractive for some younger juniors. If this helps get kids out on the golf course then it might worth it.
VT Max Alto+ Junior Driver
The VT Max drivers have a 440cc size head with a 12ยฐ or 15ยฐ loft (adjustable from 10.5ยฐ to 16.5ยฐ), club length 31" to 43", and a head weight of 182 grams. The heads are available in white or black and the custom-built drivers sell for approx. $229.
The specs for the shaft and grip can be determined by Flynn Golf based on various factors that the customer provides to Flynn Golf on their webform, including: age, weight, height, wrist to floor length, hand size, experience level, swing tempo, average drive distance etc.
VT Max Junior Shafts
VT Max Flynn Golf Driver Iron shafts with OEM Adapters Ready-To-Play
One popular option for juniors that are "in between" the younger junior drivers (like the U.S. Kids Tour Series and the VT Max) and light weight adult drivers, is to get a high quality UST Mamiya junior shaft from Flynn Golf and attach it to one of the lighter weight adult drivers such as those reviewed in this article (see below).
Flynn Golf sells quality light weight UST Mamiya shafts that are compatible with the major OEM drivers listed in this article including most adapter sleeves. The price of shafts including OEM adapter is approx. $89.ย
Ping Prodi G Junior Driver
The Prodi G line of juniors clubs is designed to fit juniors from 4.5" to 5.2" or approximately ages 7 to 13 years old. The Prodi G junior golf sets have similar technology to Ping's adult clubs. If you buy a set of at least 5 clubs, Ping will provide a one-time free fitting to re-shaft, lengthen, re-weight or regrip the set of junior clubs. They have called this the "Get Golf Growing" program.ย
The Ping Prodi G driver is a 460cc titanium driver and has the forgiving technology of Ping's adult drivers. It has the speed-inducing turbulators on the top of the driver head, dragonfly technology (similar to the G-series drivers), and comes fitted with a lightweight graphite shaft and junior Lamkin grip.
The 45 gram graphite shaft has 2 options, a kids regular flex and a kids stiff flex with various lengths to chose from. The loft is 15 degrees which is suitable for younger juniors. The driver head weight is approx. 190 grams which is roughly the same as the USKids drivers, the Flynn Golf VT Max drivers and even some of the adult OEM drivers.
Priced at around $275 it is about half the price of an adult driver and is a popular and driver for younger juniors.ย
Junior Golf Drivers Age approx. 9+
Drivers reviewed below are generally suitable forย youth golfers ranging in age from approx. 9 and older. This is the age when juniors typically start to grow out of golf clubs designed specifically for children. If you junior has a driver swing speed of over 85 mph they would benefit from adult club technology. If still on the younger side, look at lighter weight drivers than standard adult drivers.
Note that since kids develop at very different ages this is a general age categorization but juniors can move into heavier drivers much earlier or later depending on their size and strength. Always test any potential new "heavier driver" against your child's current driver before making a change.ย Just because you see other juniors with adult drivers does not mean it is the best idea for your junior. ย "Moving up" too early sometimes does not add the distance you might think and may be detrimental to ball dispersion (accuracy).
That said, if your junior is ready to transition into slightly heavier drivers, the driver options below are great choices.
COBRA:
COBRA has been leading the way in making some of the best junior golf drivers that have all the technology of adult tour level drivers but are lighter and have been expertly fitted with shafts for junior golfers in that range between kids clubs and adult clubs. Knowing that junior golfers grow out of shafts quickly they also have a free shaft upgrade program for your junior driver when you purchase it from their website.
The COBRA junior drivers are designed with a higher loft range and a lighter head weight to help promote a higher launch and more club head speed for junior golfers. The new drivers include movable weights and the MyFly Technology allows juniors to manage distance and trajectory as their game develops.
Cobra Darkspeed Max Junior Driver
Introduced in 2024, the Cobra Junior Aerojet MAX Driver is an excellent option for younger juniors. The junior model features the same head as the adult version, with two weight positions, and a lightweight junior flex shaft to optimize performance for younger golfers with smoother swings. Juniors are eligible for a free shaft upgrade which is a great option and one that our juniors took advantage of.ย
Cobra Air-X Driver
At only 277g this is a super light weight driver that is a great option for younger juniors. Premium light weight carbon materials are used in order to keep the driver as light weight as possible. At less than $200 this is excellent value for a high tech OEM driver. Available in lofts from 9.5 to 11.5 degrees with a standard hosel and an offset option.ย
Cobra LTDx MAX Junior Driver
Introduced for the 2022 season, the COBRA LTDx MAX Junior Driverย is a high tech great performing driver and comes fitted with a junior shaft that also has the Cobra free shaft upgrade for juniors.
The LTDx Max was designed with lower spin and higher forgiveness than the previous Radspeed XB model. ย Weight is added low and forward for faster ball speed and reduced spin. An additional tungsten back weight provides extra forgiveness and playability for juniors.ย
The LTDx MAX Junior driver has the same technologies as the standard LTDx MAX but with a shorter shaft length, lighter swing weight, and higher lofts which are ideal for junior golfers.
Cobra King Radspeed Junior Driver
The COBRA KING Radspeed XB Junior Driver was introduced in 2021.ย A great option for juniors, high tech, great performance, and comes a junior shaft that has the Cobra free shaft upgrade for juniors. In addition, it is priced at almost 1/3 less than comparable OEM drivers.ย
Performance wise this is an excellent driver and continues the top level performance of the Speedzone. It is also one of the best looking drivers available.ย
Callaway
The Callaway Junior XJ youth golf sets are available in three sizes for juniors ranging in height from 38 inches to 61 inches. Level 1 is a 4 piece set for younger kids, level 2 is a 6 piece set and level 3 is a 7 piece set. The XJ junior clubs are decent quality and are an ok option for a beginner junior golfer. Ranging from $200 (4 piece set) to $400 (7 piece set), they are an acceptable value. We do not see many of these sets being used at regional or national junior tournaments. One downside is that they are not a complete set and therefore for more advanced junior golfers there is too large a gap in distances. Level 2 and 3 sets include a junior driver.
Callaway produces far more technologically advanced drivers than the junior ones, some of which are actually lighter weight than the XJ driver. There are some very good light weight Callaway adult drivers are great option for junior golfers with faster swings.
Insider tip - the Callaway pre-owned site has a great selection of used drivers:
Callaway Paradym AI Smoke
At less than 200 grams the head weights of the Paradym AI Smoke Max and Max Fast are a little lighter than most drivers. The all-carbon chassis is 15% lighter than prior year Callaway drivers, allowing for more effective distribution of weight and thus more forgiveness. The AI face also provides more forgiveness for off-center shots and is slightly longer than the prior Paradym drivers. Stock shaft options allow for a good light weight option for junior golfers (look at the Women's driver options set-up).
Callaway Rogue ST Max Drivers - 2022
At approx. 194 grams the head weight is a little lighter than most other OEM adult drivers. With loft options of 9, 10.5 and 12 degrees (adjustable), these drivers are suitable for beginner to advanced juniors. The stock shaft options range from 45g and up, which makes these a great option for younger juniors.
Callaway's Rogue ST Max driver lineup offers even more forgiveness and speed than the 2021 Epic line. ย The Rogue ST Max is the standard model, suitable for most players. The ST Max D is a high launch, draw bias model. The ST Max LS is the low spin model and could be suitable for juniors with higher swing speeds. The ST Max Triple Diamond is a smaller club (smaller face and lower volume), Tour preferred and also low spin. This model could be suitable for advanced juniors.ย
Cleveland
Cleveland Launcher XL Lite
The Cleveland Launcher XL Lite is the lightest and most forgiving (highest MOI) driver made by Cleveland. Designed for players with slower swing speeds, this is very suitable to younger or smaller juniors especially when paired with a light weight shaft. The Launcher XL Lite is also counterbalanced thanks to an 8-gram weight in the end of the grip. This make the club feel lighter and is a great option for juniors.
The driver is not adjustable but is available is both regular and draw bias options with a 10.5 or 12 degree loft. At less than $250 this is also excellent value. ย
Mizuno
Mizuno ST-X 230 Platinum
The Mizuno ST-X 230 Platinum was designed as a ultra light-weight driver option for adults with slower swing speeds and is a great option for juniors.ย
It is a high launch draw-biased driver and is 30g lighter than the standard ST-X 230 model. Unlike most other light weight drivers, the ST-X Platinum is adjustable (up to 4 degrees). It is available is 10.5 and 12 degree options,ยPing
Ping G425 Driver
The Ping G425 improves forgiveness as compared to the G410 and combines some technology from the G400 and G410 to accomplish this. Ping claims it has from 7% to 20% more forgiveness (depending on neutral/fade/draw settings) higher ball speed across the face and lower spin due to the rougher face material.ย
The line-up is:
- G425 Max Driver, 460cc sized head, 9 to 12 degree loft options
- G425 LST Driver, smaller 445cc head, 9 and 10 degree loft options
- G425 SFT Driver,ย 460cc head, draw biased weightings
For most juniors the G425 Max is most suitable. Some juniors with high swing speeds may like the lower spin and smaller head of the G425 LST. Overall an excellent option for juniors and the wide range of stock shafts (starting at 40 grams) will suite all junior swing speeds.ย
Ping G410 Driver
The Ping G410 is the same size and weight head as the G400 (see below) at 455cc and 206 grams (same weight as the Callaway Epic Star). ย Ping offers the excellent super-lightweight ALTA Distanza (40 gram) shaft. Pared with a junior size grips this is an excellent driver for advanced juniors.
Ping G400 and G400 Max Driver
Still one of the best drivers ever produced by Callaway! The Ping G400 Max is the 460cc version of the G400 which is only 445cc in size. The 460cc is more similar in size to the old Ping G drivers. Both drivers have the same adjustable hosel and excellent stock shaft options. For most junior golfers, the G400 Max will launch the ball slightly higher with more spin as compared to the G400. Both drivers have been used on the PGA Tour.ย
Both models have a 206 gram head that is suitable for juniors when paired with a light weight shaft such as the ALTA 55 gram shaft that is offered as a stock shaft.
TaylorMade
TaylorMade has also recently started selling an entry level junior set of clubs. The TaylorMade Junior Phenom clubs were introduced by the company in 2016 and the Taylormade "Rory" clubs replaced them in 2019. Both sets include a driver that is suited for younger junior golfers that are beginning golf. The approx. age range for these sets is 5-8 years old (6-piece set) and 9-12 years old (8-piece set). These are appropriately priced for a partial set of entry level junior clubs.ย
TaylorMade Stealth Driver
The TaylorMade Stealth driver claim to fame is the first full production driver with a carbon face. Using a carbon face allowed TM to reduce the weight of the face by 40%, from 43 grams to 26 grams. This allows for the "saved" weight to be redistributed to other parts of the driver head for improved performance and forgiveness. The face of the Stealth is also 20% larger than the SIM.ย
Similar to prior line, there are three driver option. The Stealth Plus is for lower handicaps / higher swing speeds, has a sliding weight for adjustability and is available in 8, 9, and 10.5 degrees. The "regular" Stealth is suitable for most juniors and is available in 9, 10.5, and 12 degrees. It does not have a movable weight but boasts maximum forgiveness for off center strikes. The Stealth HD (High Draw) is available in 9, 10.5, and 12 degrees and has weighting in the low heel for a draw bias shot.ย
TaylorMade Sim 2 Driver
The TaylorMade SIM 2 driver is excellent driver for older juniors and can be ordered with a good light weight shaft option.ย
SIM 2: Lower spin and launch than the SIM 2 Max. The highest loft available is 10.5 degree. No longer has a movable weight track on the sole as was in the prior year model. Suitable for advanced juniors with swing speeds over 100 mph.ย
SIM 2 Max: Higher MOI and forgiveness than the SIM 2. Slightly larger face than the SIM 2 and has a higher spin rate. Available lofts are 9, 10.5 and 12 degrees. Suitable for most juniors with swing speeds over ~85 mph.ย
Titleist
Titleist TSR Drivers
The TSR line up consist of 4 different drivers for every level of junior and are exceptional drivers, improving on the already great TSi line.ย
TSR1
A great "adult" driver head for younger juniors or juniors who need or prefer a lighter weight driver. The ultra-lightweight design works great for smaller and younger juniors with slower to moderate swing speeds (below approx. 90 mph).ย- The TSR1 is 40g lighter than the TSR2. Combined with a light weight 45g shaft and grip of 20g, total club weight is only 275g.
- Most forgivingย
- High Launch, Mid Spin
- Available lofts are 9, 10, and 12
TSR2
The TRS2 is suitable for intermediate to advanced and older/stronger juniors with higher club head speed.ย- High launch. Lower spin than TSR1. CG is lower and forward
- Available lofts are 8, 9, 10, and 11
- Found in many professional tour player's bags
TSR3
For more advanced juniors and older juniors with high club head speed.ย- This is the TSR "Tour" driver and is not as forgiving as the TRS1or TRS2.
- Available lofts: 8, 9, 10, 11
- Found in many professional tour player's bags
TSR4
This is a low-spin driver with a smaller, 430cc head. Ideally suited to advanced players looking for lower spin.ย - Low launch
- Available lofts are 8, 9, and 10
Titleist TSi Drivers
Titleist entered the light weight driver market with the excellent TSi1 driver. It is designed for golfers with slower swing speeds and ideally suited to younger juniors (e.g. in the 8 to 13 year old age range) that are looking for an OEM driver that is a super light weight and high launch. The TSi1 is almost 40 grams lighter than the weight of an average adult driver making it ideal for junior golfers who do not yet have the size, strength or speed for a regular adult driver.
The TSi1 is available in a 9, 10 and 12 degree loft. The standard lie angle is 59 degrees but both the loft and the lie can be customized with Titleist's SureFitยฎ Hosel and custom order, respectively.ย
For slightly older juniors or juniors with driver swing speeds above ~90mph, the TSi2 and TSi3 are also great options to consider. The TSi2 has a slightly higher launch than the TSi3 while the TSi3 is more adjustable. For advanced or elite juniors (single digit handicap and better), the TSi4 is a low spin option and has a slightly smaller size head (430cc vs the other models, which are all 460cc). Drivers can be purchased with light-weight (Mitsubishi) shafts from 46 grams to regular Project X shafts of up to 65 grams. Try out the easy to use Titleist driver selector tool to see which of the models are best suited to you.ย
Titleist TS1 Driver
The prior generation Titleist TS1 is also an excellent light-weight driver suitable for younger juniors at approx. 40 grams lighter than a standard adult OEM driver. You can find reasonably priced options at Callaway Pre-Owned and on eBay:
Wilson
Wilson D9 and Launch Pad Drivers
Both the Wilson D9 and the Launch Pad (LP) drivers are designed for golfers with slower swing speeds. Both were specifically engineered to be super light-weight and forgiving drivers and are very suitable for younger juniors, especially when paired with the light weight shaft options provided by Wilson.ย
At 30% to 50% cheaper than other OEM drivers, these are great light weight driver options for younger juniors.ย
XXIO
XXIO 12 and XXIO X Drivers
XXIO makes high quality light weight golf clubs including the XXIO 12 and XXIO X drivers. Although XXIO's customer base is traditionally older adults with slower swing speed, these are excellent light weight drivers (also irons and fairway woods) that are suitable for juniors. The XXIO 12 driver weighs only 282g while the adjustable XXIO X is slightly heavier at 300g. Both models have a slight draw biased design. Similar to the light weight Cleveland drivers (XXIO, Cleveland and Srixon are all owned by the same company), XXIO uses excellent light weight materials and has a counter balance in the grip to make the club feel lighter through the swing.
Unfortunately these are also expensive clubs at around $700 for a new driver. We recommend checking for good condition used XXIO drivers on the Callaway Golf Pre-Owned site where we found "like new" XXIO 11 and XXIO X Black for approx. $300.ย
Conclusion
Younger juniors (swing speeds of less than approx. 80 mph and ages 9 and under):
- The U.S.Kids or VT Max (Flynn Golf) driver are specifically made for these juniors and we highly recommend them. Also consider the Ping Prodi G driver.
- Juniors that are "in between" kids and adult clubs (swing speeds of approx. 80 to 95 mph and ages 8 to 12):ย
- Fitting starts to become more important in this age group but not essential, especially at the younger end. If you do buy a driver without fitting make sure to get a lighter weight and more flexible shaft.ย
- Use theย Flynn Golf shaft orderingย if need be or if you know what you are looking for you can usually find a good deal on eBay. You can use theย fitting guidelines in this articleย to determine the optimal shaft.
- Be careful not to fall into the trap of being tempted to go too long with the shaft as this can result in your junior forming bad swing habits.ย
Older juniors - swing speeds above approx. 90 mph:
- For competitive golfers in this group (generally ages 13 and up), professional fitting is highly recommended for all the reasons set out above. Many of the driver mentioned above are also fine for teens or juniors with higher swing speeds as long as the shaft is appropriate for their swing tempo and speed.
