Adding swing speed should make golf easier. More ball speed, more carries, more distance. But driver performance does not scale evenly with increasing speed. A head that releases the ball easily and keeps spin manageable at moderate speeds can behave very differently as ball speeds climb into the high speed range.
Using data from our Driver test 2025 and the high swing speed test, a pattern begins to emerge. Some drivers hold the spin or produce excessive pitch rather than letting the launch and spin settle in a more efficient window. When this happens, the increased speed does not translate into increased distance.
These drivers aren’t bad, but if your speed has increased recently, they can work against you.
GT1 title
of GT1 is built to help golfers launch the ball higher with more stability, which is evident in the key test with elevated launch and spin. At high swing speed, the spin climbs above 3000 rpm and the peak height jumps, even as the launch drops. This combination produces a high flight that affords higher ground speeds compared to more neutral or lower revving GT models.
What to try instead: Title GT2 OR GT3
Srixon ZXi Max
of ZXi Max it delivers forgiveness and stability at medium speeds, but its roll profile doesn’t compress as speed increases. In the high swing speed test, the launch drops as expected while the spin stays close to 3000 rpm, leading to a flatter but mobile flight. The result is carry that lags behind the fastest, most spin-controlled heads.
What to try instead: Srixon ZXi LS
PING G440 SFT
of G440 SFT is designed to help players who struggle with a fade or slice and that built-in correction comes with higher spin. At higher velocities, spin remains elevated and peak height increases beyond 40 yards, limiting distribution and overall efficiency. For players who no longer need help turning the ball, the spin from this head becomes redundant.
What to try instead: PING G440 LST
Callaway Elyte
standard cream produces a playable drop and roll window in the main test. In fact, it was one of the top drivers in 2025. However, high-speed data shows that torque increases rather than stabilizes. Tip height climbs and carry doesn’t scale like other Elyte variants when ball speed increases.
What to try instead: Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond
Final thoughts
As the swing speed increases, the starting and spinning tolerances narrow. Drivers that once helped get the ball in the air may start to produce too much pitch or too much spin. This will make it harder for you to get the distance you need to get with your extra speed.
If you feel like you’re not getting the distance you should, check out our 2025 driver test results:
Post Gaining speed? These four drivers from 2025 can work against you appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
