Select the Best Driver for YOU!
There are several key factors to understand in your selection process.
Explore those in more detail below.
What is Loft? Loft is the angle of the clubface, which directly affects the launch angle and trajectory of your shots.
Swing Speed and Loft:
- Slower swing speeds (under 90 mph): Generally benefit from higher lofts (10.5° to 12° or even 12-14°). This helps get the ball airborne more easily, producing a higher trajectory and more carry distance.
- Faster swing speeds (over 90-100 mph): May prefer lower lofts (8° to 10.5°). As you swing faster, extra loft can actually reduce control and distance.
- General Rule: If in doubt, err on the side of slightly too much loft rather than too little, especially if you're a beginner or have a slower swing. Many modern drivers have adjustable lofts, allowing you to fine-tune this setting.
1. Clubhead Characteristics
2. Loft
Size and Material:
- Most modern drivers have large clubheads (440cc to 460cc), which offer a higher Moment of Inertia (MOI).
- A higher MOI means more forgiveness on off-center hits, reducing twisting of the clubhead and keeping your shots straighter.
- Titanium and composite materials are popular for their lightweight properties, contributing to increased swing speed and distance.
Shaft Flex: This is crucial for optimizing ball speed, flight, and distance. Flex refers to how much the shaft bends during your swing.
- Ladies (L): For swing speeds under 70 mph.
- Senior (A/M): For swing speeds between 70-85 mph.
- Regular (R): For swing speeds between 85-95 mph.
- Stiff (S): For swing speeds between 95-110 mph.
- Extra Stiff (X): For swing speeds over 110 mph (typically professional or elite players).
Consequences of Wrong Flex:
- Too Stiff: Can lead to a lower ball flight, loss of distance, and shots tending to the right (for right-handers).
- Too Flexible: Can lead to a higher ball flight, loss of control, and shots tending to the left (for right-handers).
4. Shaft
Swing Speed: As mentioned above, this is a primary factor in determining shaft flex and ideal loft.
Ball Flight/Shot Pattern:
- Do you typically slice (fade) or hook (draw) the ball? Some drivers are designed with a draw bias to help combat a slice.
- Do you hit the ball too high or too low? Adjusting loft can help.
