Golf's Five Best Drivers

Let's face it, golf clubs are expensive. Whether you throw down a couple hundred bucks on a new putter or save up for those pricey new irons, if you want the best, you'll have to pay for it. Squeezing each nickel when buying golf gear makes about as much sense as practicing the pole vault during an electrical storm. If you buy super cheap and you are an average and motivated golfer, you'll end up disappointed and headed back in a year or so to upgrade.

Yet, so goes life. The phrase "You get what you pay for" was not coined on a whim; it actually makes a lot of sense. So, while you don't have to take out a second mortgage to be longer off the tee, you will need to spend a little more than your weekly grocery bill if you plan on getting true production. Big balls off the tee box make the shorter irons come into play, which normally relates to more greens hit in regulation. Putting for birdie or even par is a world better than struggling to avoid big numbers.

Therefore, before you race out to the nearest golf store or jump online to order up that spiffy new driver, check the top five list below. Be aware of the specifics, the strengths and weaknesses of each, and make sure that it suits your game...and budget. Having worked with all five of these drivers on the range, I could settle for any one and be a better, happier player.

1. Callaway X460: A great club for the newer golfer just becoming serious. With a slightly closed face, the club actually serves to counteract the slice and hit more fairways. The shaft penetrates the club head rather being fused to it, which enhances stability and consistency. The ball's flight trajectory ends up allowing for run after landing. Overall, great bang for your buck.

2. Ping G5 ProLaunch 65: With a 460cc head size, the maximum allowed, this Ping can crush...it's that simple. Its design permits for a higher launch angle on the ball and creates far less spin than other drivers. At address, the club is comfortable and attractive, offering little visual distractions for you.

3. Callaway FT -IZ: With seven possible lofts (three being on the tour model), this Callaway has its power stored behind the face and in the heel and toe, as the entire club weighs a simple 43.5 grams. Designed to enhance the consistency of the ball speed off the head, the club is as forgiving as it is powerful.

4. Nike VR STR8-FIT Tour: With four lofts to choose from ranging from 8.5 to 11.54, this monster has a unique face design that maximizes power output. The fully adjustable hosel has an interesting look, but the results its settings provide are marked and consistent.

5. Taylormade R9: This three loft club (8.5 to 10.5) owns an adjustable shaft and movable weights, and it has walls that are a mere .55 millimeters thick. With 24 possible ball flight settings, the club is flexible to match the needs on any player, and it gives true length and consistency off the tee. Even mis-hits don't punish you the way older clubs do.