Golf-FAQ.com

how to choose a golf club driver

by Dwight Schmitt Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

How to Pick a Golf Driver

  1. Choose a driver that has the right amount of loft, because that is the most critical part of your selection process.
  2. Look for a driver that provides the trajectory that' is most suited to your play. ...
  3. Make sure that your new driver has a forgiveness rating that matches up with the quality of your game.
  4. Choose a driver with a shaft of the proper length. ...

How to buy the best golf driver?

Reasons to avoid

  • Buy direct from Cobra in the USA
  • Buy from Online Golf in the UK Pound for pound the best driver on the market, the Cobra F9 SpeedBack feels great and sounds great. ...
  • In the USA, Ping's website will direct you to your nearest retailer for the G425 driver (Image credit: Wilson) 6. ...
  • Buy the Wilson Launch Pad Driver on Amazon in the UK

More items...

What is the best golf driver make?

  • 1.1 Srixon Golf 2017 Men’s Z 756 Driver
  • 1.2 TaylorMade Men’s RBZ Black
  • 1.3 Tour Edge Golf – Hot Launch HL3 Driver
  • 1.4 MacGregor Golf MACTEC Adjustable Titanium 460cc Driver
  • 1.5 PGX Offset Golf Driver
  • 1.6 MAZEL Titanium Golf Drivers for Men 460CC
  • 1.7 TaylorMade SIM MAX Driver Fujikura Ventus 6 Shaft
  • 1.8 Orlimar Golf ATS Junior Boy’s Individual Clubs

More items...

What is the proper way to hit a golf driver?

Part 2 Part 2 of 3: Getting into Position

  1. Align your body with a vertical marker in the distance. ...
  2. Set your feet in the proper position. Because a golf swing has both a horizontal and vertical feature, the center of your swing will be a couple inches on ...
  3. Adjust your arms. You want your arms to be straight and form a “V” shape when you set up your stance.
  4. Use the proper grip pressure. ...

How to choose the right golf instructor?

How to pick the right golf instructor for you

  1. Chemistry is extremely important. Morris: "There are two elements to it. There's the personality type piece and the communication piece. ...
  2. Track record is good. A particular track record is even better. ...
  3. Patience is a virtue. Weeks: "One question I get all the time is about how many lessons it will take to see some improvement. ...
  4. Know what you want going in.

How do I choose a driver for my club?

When you are in the market for a new driver, there are seven major aspects to consider: skill level, size and shape of the club head and clubface, color, loft, shaft flexibility, and adjustability.

Whats a good driver for an average golfer?

I'd recommend a 13 or 14-degree driver for the best results. The extra loft will launch the ball higher in the air, it'll put less sidespin on the ball, and you'll get more distance. Someone that has an average swing speed (80-95 MPH) should use a driver with a little bit less loft.

What driver is best for my swing?

The Best Drivers for 90 mph Swing SpeedSrixon ZX5 (best sleeper pick for 90 mph swings)Cleveland XL Lite (best lightweight driver for more swing speed)Wilson D9 (best value-per-yard driver)Ping G425 Max (best and easiest to hit driver for any handicap)Taylormade STEALTH HD (best looking new driver)More items...

What size driver should I use?

Driver Shaft Length Based Solely on HeightHeight (feet/inches)Driver Shaft Length5'4″-5'7″45.5″5'2″-5'4″45″5'0″-5'2″44.5″4'10”-5'0″44″6 more rows•May 9, 2021

Which driver is most forgiving?

The most forgiving drivers are:Ping G425 Max driver – Top Performer.TaylorMade SIM 2 Max driver – Runner up.Titleist TSi 2 – Great adjustability.Cobra F-Max driver – Best value.Callaway Epic Max – Best for distance & forgiveness.Cobra F-Max offset driver – Reduce my slice.More items...•

What is the easiest golf driver to hit straight?

The Callaway Mavrik Max is Callaway's easiest to hit driver, making it a great option for beginners and high handicappers. It's built for high launch with medium spin, and the head is designed to be ultra-stable, making your misses left and right less severe.

What is the best driver for distance?

The Best Golf Driver for Distance – The ReviewsCallaway Golf Epic MAX Driver. View on Amazon. ... TaylorMade M6 Driver. ... PXG 2021 0211 Driver. ... Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo Driver. ... Callaway Golf 2022 Rogue ST Max Driver. ... Cobra Golf- King RADSPEED XB Driver. ... Titleist TSi3 Driver. ... Cobra Golf 2019 F9 Men's Speedback Driver.More items...•

What is the best driver for moderate swing speed?

2022 Best Driver for Mid Swing Speeds ScoresPRODUCTOVERALL SCOREACCURACY SCOREMizuno ST-X 220 Check Price80.088.3Srixon ZX7 Check Price79.984.0Titleist TSi1 Check Price79.479.6Cleveland Launcher XL Lite Check Price78.228 more rows•Apr 18, 2022

What is the most popular driver in golf?

Breakdown of Drivers Used by Top 100 PGA Tour PlayersDRIVERNO. OF TOP 100 PGA PLAYERSPING G4002 (Harris English, Louis Oosthuizen)PING G410 PLUS1 (Austin Cook)PING G400 Max1 (Carlos Ortiz)TaylorMade SIM8 (inc. Collin Morikawa, Daniel Berger, Sergio Garcia)32 more rows

How long should a golf driver be for my height?

Using the ratio of every 6" of height there should be a 1" change in length then there should be a 1 ½" difference between their 5-irons. For example, recommend 36.5" for the lady and 38" for the man (or 36.75" / 38.25").

What size golf clubs do I need for my height?

1. Measure Your Overall Height (i.e. “static” fitting)OVERALL HEIGHTGOLF CLUB LENGTH ADJUSTMENTS5'7″ to 6'1″standard length in inches6'1″ to 6'2″plus 1/4″6'2″ to 6'4″plus 1/2″6'4″ to 6'6″plus 1″7 more rows

How do you size a golf driver?

Simply hold your golf club at 45 degrees to the ground or as in your playing position. At this point take a golf club ruler or take measure and place under the sole of the club. Measure to butt of grip. This will give you you an accurate and USGA standard for measuring your golf driver.

Step 1

Choose a driver that has the right amount of loft, because that is the most critical part of your selection process. Most players equate distance with a lower lofted driver, but for most golfers, the opposite is more accurate.

Step 2

Look for a driver that provides the trajectory that' is most suited to your play.

Step 3

Make sure that your new driver has a forgiveness rating that matches up with the quality of your game. For instance, if you hit tee shots often that miss the proverbial “sweet spot,” you probably need a driver with a maximum forgiveness rating. Most club manufacturers include that information.

Step 4

Choose a driver with a shaft of the proper length. Interestingly enough, most tournament professionals opt for drivers that are 44.5” long, while most manufacturer make “off-the-rack” drivers that are an inch or two longer. Once again, there is no correlation between the length of your driver and the distance of your tee shots.

Which is better, lofted or higher lofted golf clubs?

eight degrees) have a slightly lower trajectory, but go a little further in the hands of players who can generate plenty of clubhead speed. Higher lofted clubs (e.g. 13 degrees) are better for player with slower swing speeds or players that need extra help to get the ball airborne.

What are drivers made of?

The latest drivers on the market are either made of titanium, carbon composite heads, or a bit of both. Titanium has become a particularly popular choice for driver heads because it is a strong, light and durable material.

How long is a driver's shaft?

Although the legal limit for the length of a driver is 48 inches, most drivers have a shaft of around 45 or 46 inches to strike the best balance of distance and control.

What is CG in golf?

CG is another common phrase and it refers to the single balance point of the driver. Different brands have opposing views on where best to place the CG in their drivers. The CG of a driver can be moved vertically, horizontally, or back and forward in a clubhead by moving fixed or adjustable weights inside the head.

What does MOI mean in golf?

MOMENT OF INERTIA (MOI) MOI is a common phrase in golf, particularly when it comes to the driver. It refers to a club's forgiveness, specifically its resistance to twisting at impact. RELATED: A BLUFFER'S GUIDE TO GOLF TECH.

Why are shafts important in golf?

Shafts are important in all clubs, but especially drivers. Using lighter, less stiff shafts will produce a higher, right-to-left biased ball flight, while heavier, stiff shafts will launch the ball lower with a higher tendency to shape the ball to the right.

Is there such a thing as a one size fits all driver?

With no such thing as a one-size-fits-all driver, given the variety of heads, centre of gravity positions and adjustable gadgets now available, the driver selection process is often one of the toughest to decipher for players.

What is the best bounce for golf?

As a general rule, most golfers are best with a bounce between 10 to 14 degrees. High Bounce Wedges – Those with a high space between the ground and the leading edge, the biggest bounce is around 18 degrees. Best for play out of soft turf and sand, they are good for golfers with steep attack angles.

What is loft angle?

Loft. A vital measurement, the loft, or loft angle, refers to the angle formed by a line running down the centre of the shaft and the face of the club. Measured in degrees, a golf club with a relatively low loft, such as 3 iron sitting at 21–23 degrees, will make the ball go further than one with a higher loft.

How to tell if a golf club has a high loft?

You can judge the loft by how much of the face of a club is angled upward or how much the top of the face is angled away from the shaft.

How does a thick grip affect golf swing?

The thickness of the grip can have a massive effect on your swing. A grip that is too thin can lead to golfers having large hand actions leading into the swing. However, too thick a grip will restrict your hands and have an equally devastating impact.

How many yards difference between 7 irons?

Other irons such as the 7-iron sit between these two extremes, with around 12-15 yards difference between each club. Essentially, the lower the golf club number is, the lower the flight, the further it will travel but the harder it is to control.

What happens if a golf shaft is too stiff?

Selecting a shaft too stiff will cause lower ball flight and a loss of distance, whereas a shaft too soft can result in ballooning and, again, loss in distance.

What are drivers made of?

Most drivers are made of titanium and/or carbon composite because they are much lighter than steel, letting manufacturers increase the size of the head. If you are buying used drivers or those manufactured prior to January 2008, ensure that they are still legal for club competitions.

What is a cobra driver?

Not for golfers who want to shape the ball flight. Cobra is a premium manufacturer that has been supplying drivers, woods, and irons for many years. They are known for drivers that maximize speed and distance for golfers of all abilities.

Can you drive a par 5 without a driver?

Provided, of course, you get the correct drivers for your game. Getting to green on a par 5 or even many par 4s will take some time without a decent driver. While your drive is only one aspect of your game it is an extremely important one.

Is it easy to swing a driver?

Fortunately, modern drivers are relatively easy to swing, rather forgiving and will give you a good distance when you hit reasonably well. The key is to find the right driver for your skills, swing speed and style.

Is it easier to hit a higher loft driver?

As your skills develop and your swing speed increases you can go down a bit. It is certainly easier for beginners to hit a higher lofted driver.

What type of shaft is best for high handicap golf?

Examine the flexibility and materials of the shaft. A flexible graphite shaft can be more suitable for high-handicap golfers for distance, while the experienced player may want to go with a stiffer steel shaft for more accuracy.

Why are drivers designed to prevent slices with a closed face and a contour?

Some drivers are constructed to prevent slices with a closed face and a contour designed to create a mental image of an inside-out swing. Other drivers have an aerodynamic sole for less drag and more distance, while drivers with a high MOI (Moment of Inertia) promote a stronger downswing speed.

Who is Sharon Penn?

Sharon Penn is a writer based in South Florida. A professional writer since 1981, she has created numerous materials for a Princeton advertising agency. Her articles have appeared in "Golf Journal" and on industry blogs. Penn has traveled extensively, is an avid golfer and is eager to share her interests with her readers. She holds a Master of Science in Education.

How to choose golf clubs: Be realistic

Even if you don't have an official handicap, you'll have some idea of your skill level. If you're a beginner, keep a note of your scores - what are you tending to shoot over 18 holes?

Know Your Strengths And Weaknesses

Your handicap, if you have one, gives you a broad idea of where you are ability-wise, but you should break your game down a bit more before committing to a purchase.

Read Our Reviews

You wouldn't buy a car without reading the latest reviews, would you? It's the same when considering how to choose golf clubs - and you can start by reading the very latest Golf Monthly reviews.

Get Custom Fitted

We're all different shapes and sizes, and everyone has different swing characteristics - which makes a golf club custom fitting crucial. If you're going to spend a chunk of money on clubs, then it makes sense to take that extra step and get them dialled in for your game.

Finding A Deal

Whilst we would always recommend getting a custom fitting, if you know what you want and you're happy buying clubs straight from the shelf, shop around. At Golf Monthly we find the best deals for you so whatever you are looking for, you can complete your golfing set-up exactly the way you want it.

What is a driver shaft?

Driver shafts come in varied flex, weight, and length options, all designed to assist different golfers. The correct driver shaft is vital to achieving your desired spin rate, launch angle, shot shape, carry, and total distance. For example, faster swinging golfers may generate too much spin and height with a softer driver that has more flex.

Why is clubhead speed important in golf?

This increases the club head speed on the downswing. Clubhead speed does not guarantee a great golf shot, but it helps to amplify the C.O.R at impact.

What happens if your driver shaft is too heavy?

If your driver shaft is too heavy, it will cause you to achieve a lower flight and less spin off the tee. This could significantly reduce your carry distance and total distance. On the other hand, if your shaft is too light, you will likely balloon your drives and gather excessive spin.

How long is a golf driver shaft?

The standard retail driver shaft measures 45.5 inches. If you have not been fitted for clubs, then this is likely the length of your driver shaft. Longer shafts help you to generate accelerated clubhead speed. However, it becomes more difficult to control the clubhead, increasing the risk of off-center strikes.

Why are shafts so stiff?

On the flip side, shafts that are too stiff for your swing will deliver low levels of spin, low ball flight, and also reduced your carry and total distance. Golf.com’s Andrew Tursky suggests that if you are struggling to generate a higher ball flight and are losing carry as a result.

What is torque in golf?

Torque. Simply put, torque measures the shaft’s ability to resist twisting. Shafts with low torque can withstand twisting, making this option suitable for faster swinging golfers or those of you who tend to hook the ball. These shafts often carry a higher price tag in comparison to the higher torque options.

What is the number one driver shaft on the PGA Tour?

According to Golf.com’s Andrew Tursky, The Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Tini Xts is the number one driver shaft on the PGA Tour. The shaft is used by Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Australians Adam Scott and Jason Day. Mitsubishi designed this shaft for aggressive swingers, providing low torque, launch, and spin.

What shafts do you need for a slow swing?

Slow swing speeds will generally require softer-flex shafts, while high swing speeds need stiffer shafts; due to variations in swing patterns, however, swing speed is only one portion of finding the right shaft. Briand’s recommendation is to use your current driver shaft as a baseline.

What happens if your driver shaft is too stiff?

Generally speaking, a driver shaft that’s too stiff will cause shots to launch too low, with too little spin and low peak heights. A shaft that’s too weak, on the other hand, may cause shots to spin too much, fly too high, and widen dispersion patterns.

What does low torque mean on a shaft?

5. Torque. A low torque measurement means that a shaft has greater resistance to twisting, while a high torque measurement means it will twist more easily.

Does tipping a shaft change the bend point?

Remember, though, that tipping a shaft will change the bend point, and it’s also irreversible, so make sure you know the purpose behind tipping your shaft. 2. Weight. The weight of a shaft has a similar correlation to performance as flex.

Does a high bend point lower or raise the ball?

According to Briand, a high bend point will lower ball flight and a low bend point will raise ball flight. So, if you tend to have a ball flight that’s too high, look for shafts that have a high kick point, and vice versa. It’s important to note that variations in length and shaft tipping will impact the designed bend point of a shaft.

Can you get fit into a driver shaft?

That’s why it’s best to get fit into a driver shaft under the supervision of a professional fitter. Being that we don’t live in a perfect world, however, the reality is that many golfers will skip the step of getting fit and purchase aftermarket shafts without consultation. Golfers buy certain shafts for various reasons.

Does a lighter shaft affect swing speed?

As Briand explains, the weight of a shaft has less impact on swing speed than golfers think, but that lighter shafts could increase the rate of closure.

What factors affect the size of a golf club?

Here’s another factor that affects the appropriate golf club size. The angle and the grip size of the club are as important as the height and wrist-to-floor measurements . However, this means more to serious professional golfers than to someone just starting out.

How tall is a golf club?

Manufacturers usually make clubs to account for golfers anywhere between 4’8” to 6’7” inches tall. The second measurement is wrist-to-floor distance. This is done by standing on a flat surface with your arms relaxed and pointing down. You then measure the distance between the ground and the line where your wrist meets your hand.

Why do manufacturers make golf tables?

Manufacturers create such tables to help everyone from beginner golfers to pro golfers choose the right club size for their play. Here’s how your size affects the dimensions of your needed golf club size and why it matters. Last but not least, the grip size should also be determined for the club to fit perfectly in your hands.

What is the difference between men's and women's golf clubs?

The difference between men’s and women’s clubs is generally noticeable on the grip. Men’s golf clubs have larger grips and are also about 2.5 cm longer than women’s golf clubs. Kids’ clubs are even smaller than women’s for the most part. Knowing what type of golf club you need is the first step in determining the appropriate size.

What is plus and minus golf clubs?

The adjustments on a size chart are made with reference to the standard clubs. Therefore, the plus and minus values show how much shorter or longer your golf club should be compared to the standard, according to your measurements, ...

Can you play golf with an off size club?

Because there are plenty of variations, it’s unsurprising that a lot of people sometimes play with off-size clubs. Most pros recommend that even beginners should opt for a perfectly sized golf club in order to have the best learning experience.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9