Callaway FT-iQ
$499, graphite for Standard; $529, graphite for Tour, callawaygolf.com

It's for: All skill levels

Dr. Alan Hocknell, VP of Innovation and Advanced Design: "We set out to create our longest, straightest driver ever. We combine a titanium 'hyperbolic face cup' to increase ball speed, a sleek shape to reduce shot curvature and increase MOI, and strategic weight placement through our proprietary multi-material Fusion technology."

How it works: The light, tapered composite body reduces head drag so you swing as much as 1.5 mph faster than competitive drivers (based on 100 mph swing speed). The tapered body also gets the club's center of gravity (CG) twice as low (and more rearward) than the FT-i, resulting in 300 rpm less backspin. In fact, 18 percent of the head's total mass is stored in the aluminum rear chamber. The result is an 8 percent higher moment of inertia (MOI) and 35 percent less shot curvature than the FT-i.

The cast-titanium face (the "X" pattern behind the hitting area) is thickest in center and becomes rapidly thinner along the perimeter. This contributes to consistent ball speed across the face (2 mph variance between center shots and those hit 0.75-inch left or right of center and 0.5-inch above or below center). Bottom line: Misses carry five yards shorter than center strikes at 100 mph swing speed. Standard lofts (9°, 10°, 11°) have nominal draw bias and softer shaft tip while Tour (9.5°, 10.5°) has neutral CG. Lastly, FT-iQ is I-Mix (interchangeable shaft system) compatible.