Buying a new driver can easily set you back £400–£600, yet driver technology tends to move in small, steady improvements rather than huge annual leaps. That gap is exactly where the second-hand market wins — you can pick up a driver that was a flagship release just a few years ago, still fully capable of competing with current models, for a fraction of the original price.
Here's our guide to getting the most driver for your money on the used market, plus a few specific models we'd point you towards.
Why Buy a Used Driver Instead of New?
New drivers are priced around marketing budgets and the latest marginal gains, not just performance. A model from two or three generations back often uses the same core technology — forgiving head shapes, adjustable weighting, low-spin faces — as this year's release, just without the price premium of being "new."
The other advantage: because most manufacturers refine rather than reinvent their designs each year, older drivers hold their performance far better than, say, a phone or laptop would. A well-looked-after driver from a few years ago can still comfortably outperform a brand-new budget model.
What to Look For When Buying Used
Face wear. Small scuffs are cosmetic and harmless. Deep grooves or visible dents on the face can affect ball speed — always check close-up photos or ask for more before buying.
Shaft flex. Make sure the flex matches your swing speed. As a rough guide, Regular suits swing speeds under around 90mph, Stiff suits 90–105mph, and X-Stiff is for faster swingers. If you're not sure of your swing speed, a local pro or simulator session can tell you in minutes.
Adjustability. Most drivers from the last decade have an adjustable hosel and/or movable weighting, letting you fine-tune loft and shot shape. This is worth having if you want to dial in your ball flight without changing clubs.
Headcover included. Not essential, but a nice-to-have that protects your investment and adds a bit of resale value down the line.
Our Top Picks
For Maximum Forgiveness
Look for drivers marketed as "MAX," "SIM Max," or similar — these are built with a wider, more stable head designed to minimise distance loss on off-centre strikes. Ideal if consistency matters more to you than outright workability.
For Lower Spin / Faster Swingers
Models labelled "LS" or "LST" use a smaller, lower-spinning head shape, aimed at golfers who already generate good clubhead speed and want a more penetrating ball flight.
For Golfers Who Fight a Slice
Draw-biased or "SFT"-style drivers use heel-side weighting to help square the face at impact, promoting a straighter or draw-biased ball flight — a smart pickup if your miss tends to go right (for right-handed golfers).
Our Recommendation
Whichever category fits your game, buying pre-owned means you can get into premium technology — the kind that would have retailed for £500+ when new — without paying anywhere near that price. Every driver we list is graded and checked before it ships, so you know exactly what you're getting.
Browse our full range of used drivers to find your next tee shot upgrade.
Have a question about which driver suits your game? Get in touch — we're always happy to help you find the right fit.