Price
$650
TaylorMade Qi4D Max Lite
Price
$650
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matt martian photography
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Why We Like It
- The Qi4D Max Lite—a lighter weight version of the Qi4D Max—maximizes stability while giving moderate-swing-speed players more potential distance.
- The lightweight components include a lighter head (the frame uses aluminum instead of titanium) and a lighter shaft and grip.
- An updated design of the slot in the sole (thinner in the middle and wider at the heel and toe) improves the way the lower portion of the face flexes compared to past models.
- The composite face maximizes deflection on center and off-center locations thanks to a new variable-thickness pattern arranged through 60 layers of carbon composite.
- Part of that new face design includes added face curvature from the crown to the sole to produce more consistent speed, spin and launch on mis-hits.
- MOI rating: Above Average
- 8, 9, 10.5 degrees (with a 12-way adjustable hosel)
what our testers said
handicap
- all
- low
- mid
- high
COMMENT SUMMARY
Hot List testers noted a deep "clap"/"thwack" at impact and a lively composite face that produced superior launch, smash factor, distance and carry. The lightweight, stable head inspired confidence and control; even off‑plane, casty swings produced acceptable results. Many called it the best-performing model for maximizing ball speed while remaining easy to swing.
Summaries generated from tester comments with the assistance of AI.
COMMENT SUMMARY
Summaries generated from tester comments with the assistance of AI.
COMMENT SUMMARY
Summaries generated from tester comments with the assistance of AI.
COMMENT SUMMARY
Hot List testers noted a deep "clap"/"thwack" impact that translated to superior launch and smash factor, producing strong distance and carry. The lightweight yet stable head felt lively without getting lost in the swing, remained forgiving on casty swings, and delivered confident control — the best-performing model.
Summaries generated from tester comments with the assistance of AI.
Todd
62, Handicap 13
1 year testing
Deep "clap" sound and feel when I connect. The resulting launch and smash factor were superior. By far the best performing model for me. Felt in complete control of this driver.
Gary
38, Handicap 13
10+ years testing
This was invigorating. A really pleasant composite "thwack" that jumps off the face to optimize distance and carry. The lightweight head didn't get lost in the swing. Very stable so that even the casty swings were producing acceptable shots. Optimized all aspects.
Todd
62, Handicap 13
1 year testing
Deep "clap" sound and feel when I connect. The resulting launch and smash factor were superior. By far the best performing model for me. Felt in complete control of this driver.
Gary
38, Handicap 13
10+ years testing
This was invigorating. A really pleasant composite "thwack" that jumps off the face to optimize distance and carry. The lightweight head didn't get lost in the swing. Very stable so that even the casty swings were producing acceptable shots. Optimized all aspects.
NO REVIEWS
There are no tester reviews here.
Range Results
Description
We tracked 20,000 shots through player testing and then had them analyzed by our team of scientists. These graphics reflect the relative performance our players saw for each club in the category.
A Skeptic’s Guide To New Golf Equipment
From the Manufacturer
TaylorMade Qi4D Max Lite
For golfers seeking increased clubhead speed, the ultra-light spec package provides the Qi4D line’s lightest head mass, shaft and grip while maintaining the max MOI without compromising speed.
Featured In
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1 / 39
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The core model of the Qi4D family emphasizes stability on off-center hits and aerodynamic efficiency, a difficult combination made possible by the extensive use of lightweight carbon composite in the crown, sole and face.
Four adjustable sole weights provide 26 grams of movable weight that can reduce spin, increase stability, change trajectory or mitigate left or right misses.
An updated design of the slot in the sole (thinner in the middle and wider at the heel and toe) improves the way the lower portion of the face flexes compared to the Qi35.
2 / 39
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This compact model (although still 460cc) is built for low spin through its lower, more forward center of gravity and increased speed through enhanced aerodynamic shaping.
Those aerodynamic improvements include softening where the top of the face and the start of the crown meet, as well as tucking the rear weight port within the rear perimeter.
Two adjustable sole weights (15 and four grams) can be flipped between front and back to reduce spin, increase stability, or change trajectory.
3 / 39
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The most forgiving model in the Qi4D family benefits from a titanium-free construction that blends carbon composite in the crown, sole and face with a lightweight aluminum frame.
Stretched longer front to back than the core model, the Qi4D Max features the deepest center of gravity for improved stability and higher launch.
Switching out titanium for aluminum in the frame saves enough mass to create two adjustable sole weights positioned in the front and rear. Flipping the 13- and four-gram weights raises or lowers ball flight, increases forgiveness or reduces spin.
4 / 39
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Features the deepest center of gravity in the Callaway family to maximize stability on off-center hits and to yield a higher launch.
The multi-material face entails three levels: an ultra-thin titanium reinforced by a polymer-mesh compound and a carbon-fiber panel.
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A lightweight carbon-composite construction covering the crown and sole provide more potential velocity for players with moderate swing speeds.
While lighter, its deep center of gravity stabilizes the head on those off-center hits for consistent distance and direction control.
A 40-gram ultralight shaft makes it easier for average golfers to boost their swing speed and elevate their launch angle.
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The innovative three-layer face uses an ultra-thin titanium layer supported by an inner layer of carbon composite joined to the face by a polymer mesh.
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8 / 39
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The first of its kind three-layer face combines an ultra-thin layer of titanium and a strong carbon-composite backing between a high-strength polymer mesh.
That face structure allows the ultra-thin titanium to flex in more intricate ways across a broader area for more consistent distance.
9 / 39
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With more internal weighting toward the front, this model is for players focused on lowering spin and those favoring a compact shape for enhanced workability.
Like others in the OPTM family, this model uses balanced internal weighting to minimize the way the head might wobble on a mis-hit to increase consistency in trajectory and spin.
Three movable sole weights (11, seven and three grams) allow golfers to tweak ball flight among neutral, low and high. They also add forgiveness and minimize spin.
10 / 39
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A holistic approach to fighting the slice, the Max-D is the most draw-biased driver in company history.
The head’s lighter weight also makes it easier for players to control the head and return the face to square at impact.
11 / 39
Cobra
OPTM Max-K
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The most forgiving model in the OPTM lineup uses a broad address profile to deepen the center of gravity for maximum forgiveness and high launch.
It ranks among the top 10 in total moment of inertia on this year’s Hot List.
The large size uses a rear skirt section to provide a lower and deeper center of gravity for easier and higher launch.
12 / 39
Cobra
OPTM X
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Hot List Gold
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A larger front-to-back shape than the LS emphasizes forgiveness and maintains low spin, targeting players who prefer distance rather than workability.
Adjustable sole weights (11 and three grams) occupy spots in the front toe and rear center. Placing the heavier weight in the front improves stability for consistent trajectory and spin. Positioning it in the rear adds forgiveness on mis-hits and a higher launch.
Compared to last year’s DS-Adapt, the frame on the OPTM X is shorter front to back for a profile that’s more appealing to better players.
13 / 39
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The larger footprint of the two models uses a nanoalloy coating on the titanium face for better ball speeds, with an emphasis on forgiveness and a straight flight.
The coating increases the strength and bending properties of the titanium at high-speed impacts to create better resilience than typical forged titanium.
The increased resilience allows the face to deflect where the ball hits and in the surrounding area to store more of the ball’s energy for more potential speed.
14 / 39
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The more compact of the two models uses a nanoalloy coating on the titanium face for better ball speeds across the face and features a neutral to slight fade bias for players who prefer to work the ball.
It features a slightly taller face with a more forward center of gravity for lower spin and a penetrating flight.
The coating increases the strength and bending properties of the titanium at high-speed impacts to create better resilience than typical forged titanium.
15 / 39
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The previous version offered extreme forgiveness. This upgrade adds a 32-gram adjustable weight that can shift among draw, neutral and fade settings.
The ultra-stability comes by repositioning weight saved from light carbon-composite sections that wrap around the crown and fill a large piece of the sole plate.
Saving weight also frees up more mass that sits lower in the head to drop the center of gravity. This reduces excessive spin for a more energetic ball flight.
16 / 39
Ping
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Allows faster swings to maintain ball speed without increases in trajectory or spin.
A carbon-composite piece wraps into the back half of the crown to save mass that is repositioned low and forward of the other G440 models.
17 / 39
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The Max has a smaller address profile than the G440 K. It saves weight in the head and shaft to create more potential speed while remaining among the highest in MOI stability.
A redesigned interior portion of the hosel creates room for that area of the face to flex better while lowering the center of gravity.
A carbon-composite section wraps into the back of the crown to save mass that is converted into a 29-gram adjustable weight in the rear for neutral, draw or fade positions.
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The slice-fighting “neutral” face angle is 1.5 degrees closed compared to the G440 Max in a “draw” setting.
The new 9-degree model provides slice correction for players with faster swing speeds, too.
A redesigned interior portion of the hosel creates room for that area of the face to flex better while lowering the center of gravity.
19 / 39
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This lightweight model offers moderate-speed players the opportunity to create more distance through a faster swing.
Despite the reduced total weight, the design remains committed to stability on off-center hits thanks to a single 12.5-gram rear perimeter weight that pushes its total MOI to roughly where last year’s standard-weight Black Ops model was.
Large composite sections in the crown and across much of the sole create more saved mass for improving stability on off-center hits.
20 / 39
PXG
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Highly focused on extreme stability on off-center hits, this was built to be the most forgiving driver in PXG history.
It has one of the top five highest MOIs of any driver evaluated at this year’s Hot List.
The new face design looks to match the way the face deflects with the way the ball compresses at impact for a more efficient energy transfer.
21 / 39
PXG
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Built with shaping input from the PXG tour staff, this compact model offers low-spin and caters to those who want workability.
A new face design looks to align the way the face deflects with the way the ball compresses at impact for a more efficient energy transfer.
The more efficient face flexing comes about through a stiffer spined sole design that controls detrimental vibrations.
22 / 39
PXG
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GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
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The slightly larger view at address on this model (compared to Lightning Tour) is a more forgiving frame that incorporates much of the low-spin focus of the Tour model.
Expect the Tour Mid to launch higher compared to the Tour.
The new face design seeks to match the way the face deflects with the way the ball compresses at impact for better energy transfer.
23 / 39
Srixon
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GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
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This driver fits a broad range of players looking for mid to high flight and mid to low spin.
Unlike typical drivers, the face’s variable-thickness pattern uses a thinner (not thicker) middle section surrounded by thicker heel and toe sections to create a larger area of the face with the highest ball speeds.
This unique pattern required the development of a new titanium alloy that is stronger, lighter and more flexible.
24 / 39
Srixon
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$550
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GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
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This model should appeal to better players with faster swings who are looking for less spin.
The clubhead favors a fade in the neutral setting.
Two adjustable sole weights in the front and rear provide options for creating less spin or higher launch and dialing in your preferred swingweight.
25 / 39
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26 / 39
Titleist
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GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
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This model has the lightest overall weight of the four drivers in the GT family but the deepest center of gravity for high stability and launch.
The lightweight balance gives moderate-swing-speed golfers potentially more control, speed and a higher flight.
The rear weight port can accommodate a heavier flat weight to fit average-swing-speed players looking for a slight draw bias.
27 / 39
Titleist
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GD HOT LIST SCORE
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The larger head provides more stability on mis-hits and a higher launch.
If you tend to use the entire face and swing with average to above average speed, this is the model for you.
A lightweight thermoformed polymer piece wraps around the crown to meet the sole on the heel and toe sides to maintain Titleist’s preferred sound and feel.
28 / 39
Titleist
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GD HOT LIST SCORE
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It has a more forward center of gravity than the GT2 and works best for golfers with a repeatable impact location looking to maximize ball speed.
The weight track is forward in the sole to allow the golfer to dial in the preferred center of gravity for better energy transfer and more directional control.
A lightweight thermoformed polymer piece wraps around the crown to meet the sole on the heel and toe sides to maintain Titleist’s preferred sound and feel.
29 / 39
Titleist
GT4
$650
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GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
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The most compact of the four models (430cc) features a more forward center of gravity than any other GT model for the most spin reduction.
Switchable front and back weights in the sole allow players to choose between a lower-spin option and a more forgiving setting.
A lightweight thermoformed polymer piece wraps around the crown to meet the sole on the heel and toe sides to maintain Titleist’s preferred sound and feel.
30 / 39
Honma
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$600
The more compact of the two models works well for players who prefer a more penetrating trajectory, need lower spin and want to work the ball off the tee.
Two front and back movable sole weights (21 and four grams) let the user adjust between lower spin with a flatter launch (heavy weight in the front) or a higher flight with more forgiveness (heavy weight in the rear).
The design uses new materials and construction in the fully carbon-composite body shell to stiffen the structure to prevent energy loss at impact.
31 / 39
Honma
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This driver targets players looking for higher flight whose game off the tee is less about shot shaping and more about the search for straight and forgiving.
The key to that forgiveness is a carbon-composite shell that comprises most of the body, saving weight that’s used to lower the center of gravity for higher flight with less spin.
The design uses new materials and construction in the carbon-composite body to stiffen the structure to prevent energy loss at impact.
32 / 39
LA Golf
Face ID
$650
|
Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Silver
$650
The five versions here feature five face-curvature combinations (bulge and roll) based on swing speed, each designed to improve how much heel and toe mis-hits curve back to the center line.
Growing from input of staff player Bryson DeChambeau, the main thinking is that faster swings need more face curvature than is typically seen in modern driver design.
The range of heads covers different face curvature designs for swing speeds of less than 90 miles per hour to more than 135 miles per hour with adjustable lofts that run from 2.5 degrees to 13.5 degrees.
33 / 39
Tour Edge
Exotics Lite
$500
|
Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Silver
$500
The head is lighter than the standard Max driver and coupled with a shaft in the 40-gram range, this design caters to players with moderate swing speeds looking for more velocity and control.
This model also takes on your slice by pushing 23 grams into the heel side to create more of a draw bias. The offset look at address helps to get the face squarer at impact while increasing launch angle.
Despite a total weight that’s some 8 percent less than the standard Max, this model still has similar dimensions, and with the weight savings of a fixed hosel its MOI nears that of the Max’s for extreme forgiveness.
34 / 39
Tour Edge
Exotics LS
$500
|
Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Silver
$500
This compact head (440cc) favors higher-speed players seeking lower spin and a flatter launch angle.
Adjustable tungsten front and rear sole weights (18 and five grams) let a player dial in a preference for lower spin (heavy weight forward) or higher flight and more forgiveness (heavy weight to the rear).
Carbon-composite panels comprise much of the crown, skirt and sole, accounting for an 80 percent increase in coverage compared to past models.
35 / 39
Tour Edge
Exotics Max
$500
|
Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Silver
$500
The large frame with its weight-saving carbon-composite panels yields the most forgiving driver in the lineup (and in company history), ideal for players fighting inconsistent impact patterns.
With almost 38 grams of discretionary mass to shore up the perimeter, this head’s stability on off-center hits (moment of inertia) measured as one of the five highest in this year’s Hot List.
Carbon-composite sections comprise much of the crown, skirt and sole, accounting for an 80 percent increase in coverage compared to past models.
36 / 39
Wilson
Dynapower Carbon
$600
|
Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Silver
$600
This head targets players with average- to above-average swing speeds and a consistent impact pattern who are looking for more forgiveness with less spin.
The use of carbon composite in a wider area of the crown closer to the face frees up mass to push the center of gravity lower and more forward than last year's version for less spin, better energy transfer and a higher launch.
AI-driven algorithms running thousands of simulations created a variable-thickness face designed to improve ball speed across the face.
37 / 39
Wilson
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$600
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Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Silver
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This more compact head (445cc) should appeal to better players with higher swing speeds who are looking to reduce spin to optimize distance.
Features the smallest heel-to-toe and front-to-back length of the current Dynapower family.
Aerodynamic enhancements, including a taller, rounder crown, are designed to reduce drag.
38 / 39
Wilson
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$550
|
Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Silver
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Boasting the largest face of the four Dynapower drivers, this head targets players with an inconsistent impact pattern who require more spin and launch to maximize distance.
The ultra-thin titanium crown saves nearly nine grams of mass through several thinned-out sections that are nearly a third thinner than a typical cast-body thickness. That saved mass is moved to the perimeter for maximum stability on off-center hits.
AI-driven algorithms running thousands of simulations created a variable-thickness face designed to improve ball speed across the face.
39 / 39
Wilson
Dynapower Max+
$600
|
Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Silver
$600
The most forgiving driver in the Dynapower line caters to players who are looking for the ability to adjust between a draw or a neutral setup to go with extreme stability.
A large, lightweight carbon-composite crown frees up mass that’s repositioned in a 26-gram rear weight that helps to maximize stability on off-center hits.
Our measurements put it in the top five of all drivers we tested at the Hot List in heel-toe and total MOI for extreme ball-speed consistency on mis-hits.