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how to choose golf driver

by Estefania Beatty Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Driver loft, which typically ranges from 8.5° to 15°, should match your swing speed. The slower your swing speed the more loft you should have. If your average swing speed is between 80 and 90 mph (the average for most male golfers) you should be using a driver with about 10.5° to 12° of loft.

How to buy the best golf driver?

May 28, 2016 · How to Choose the Right Drivers. LOFT. Loft is the amount that the face of the club slopes back. Driver loft, which typically ranges from 8.5° to 15°, should match your swing speed. LENGTH. MATERIALS & SIZE.

What is the best golf driver make?

Jan 09, 2022 · A driver will generally be the longest club in your bag. Do not be intimidated by the length of the driver but it is important to get the correct length for your height. The incorrect shaft length will increase the difficulty of using your driver effectively. Your swing style and speed are also factors that need to be considered.

What is the proper way to hit a golf driver?

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.

How to choose the right golf instructor?

Aug 13, 2021 · One of the most important decisions in choosing the best golf driver for you is the shaft option. Using a golf driver with an improper shaft can adversely affect the distance, accuracy, and trajectory of your drives. The shaft is often mistakenly referred to as the “engine” of a golf club. In fact, it is more the “transmission” as the power, which is supplied by the golfer’s …

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What size driver do I need for my height?

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

What should I look for in a driver fitting?

Things to Look for During a Driver FittingConversation/Interview.Bring current driver for comparison.Pay attention to what is added to the club during the fitting.Put a priority on ball speed instead of smash factor.Pay attention to which fitting elements are addressed.Feb 29, 2016

How do you size a golf club 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.

What is the easiest golf driver to hit?

Our Picks for Best Beginner Golf DriversCobra Air X Straight Neck Driver – Top Choice.Cleveland Launcher XL Lite Driver – Runner-Up.Titleist TSi 1 Driver – Best Premium Beginner Driver.

Should a high handicapper get fitted for a driver?

Whether you're a high handicapper looking to hit more consistent shots, or whether you're a tour player looking to refine and build confidence, fitting is measurably beneficial.Dec 15, 2020

Is it worth getting fitted for driver?

Length: A custom fitting is important when determining the correct length of your driver shaft. Having the proper shaft length can help you achieve consistent contact and lead to more distance off your drives.

What is the standard driver length?

45.5" to 45.75" inchesWhat's the Standard Driver Length The standard driver length for men's clubs is 45.5" to 45.75" inches long. Because women tend to be shorter than men, the standard women's driver length is usually closer to 44".Jul 24, 2021

How should my golf clubs fit my height?

3:0615:40ARE MY CLUBS THE RIGHT LENGTH? FIND THE CORRECT GOLF ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you can the very simple process is you stand on a flat level surface wearing ordinary shoesMoreIf you can the very simple process is you stand on a flat level surface wearing ordinary shoes running shoes you can wear your golf shoes.

What is the legal length of a golf driver?

48 inchesDetermining the best driver length for you. Standard, off-the-rack drivers usually check in around 45 inches, while the USGA limits driver length to 48 inches for its competitions.Aug 22, 2019

Which 2021 driver is the longest?

PING G425 LST#1 - PING G425 LST Taking the No. 1 spot for longest driver of 2021 so far is the PING G425 LST driver. PING launched three G425 driver models this year, but the LST (Low Spin Technology) came out as the longest driver our equipment editor Alex has hit this year, with an average distance of 317 yards.

What is a good golf drive distance for a beginner?

Golf club distance chart for beginnersClub TypeMenWomenDriver`200-230-260150-175-2003-Wood180-215-235125-150-1805-Wood170-195-210105-135-1702-Iron170-195-210105-135-1709 more rows•Aug 13, 2019

Is Ping G425 driver good for high handicappers?

The PING G425 MAX is all about forgiveness and increased accuracy. In fact, it is PING Golf's most forgiving driver to date. This means it's ideal for high handicap golfers who are specifically looking for a driver that can help them hit straighter shots.Dec 15, 2021

Where did Bill Herrfeldt graduate from?

Bill Herrfeldt specializes in finance, sports and the needs of retiring people, and has been published in the national edition of "Erickson Tribune," the "Washington Post" and the "Arizona Republic." He graduated from the University of Louisville.

Who is Bill Herrfeldt?

Bill Herrfeldt specializes in finance, sports and the needs of retiring people, and has been published in the national edition of "Erickson Tribune," the "Washington Post" and the "Arizona Republic.". He graduated from the University of Louisville.

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 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.

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.

Does carbon reduce weight?

When used on the crown or the rear section of a clubhead, carbon can reduce the overall weight of a driver. When it comes to the crown, you also want to not only find the right shape as you stand over the ball at address, but also the right design and colour that fits your eye.

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.

Common Technological Terms

Movable Weight Technology – This means that the driver in question has adjustable weights in it which will allow the golfer to achieve an alternate ball flight. Basically, if you put the heavier weight in the heel of your driver’s head it will help hit a draw. A lot of the new golf drivers feature this type of golf club technology.

Style of Driver Based on Ability

First, try and pick a driver that matches your current ability level. A lot of amateurs think that the drivers with adjustability and movable weight technology are only for professionals, but this is actually not the case.

Loft and Shaft

You need a golf shaft and loft that is going to match your swing speed, ball speed, and launch angle. There is a alot of information on how to choose a golf shaft which tends to confuse the everyday golfer.

How Much to Spend

T he more expensive golf drivers are made up of quality materials, and millions of dollars have been spent on research and design as well as testing. This is why they are expensive, but they always generally perform well provided you get the right shaft and loft.

What is the best head size for a golfer?

What is the best headsize for fresh and average players? According to the US Golf Association (USGA), the maximum allowable clubhead size is 460 cubic centimeters (cc). So, it’ll be all right to pick the drivers with the volume between 440 and 460cc.

What does it mean to play with a lightweight driver?

Playing with the lightweight driver increases the percentage of hits from outside the middle.

What is an adjustable driver?

The adjustable drivers allow you to make endless small adjustments to the loft, lying, etc. Nevertheless, note that often the flexible clubs make minor changes. Therefore, before purchasing the adjustable drivers, you should be fitted for the clubs which are appropriate for your particular swinging style.

What is the longest club in your bag?

A driver will generally be the longest club in your bag. Do not be intimidated by the length of the driver but it is important to get the correct length for your height. The incorrect shaft length will increase the difficulty of using your driver effectively.

What is an adjustable hosel?

The adjustable hosel is an added bonus that will allow you to set the driver up for your swing speed and style and allow you to adapt the drives as you improve.

Who is Nick Lomas?

Nick Lomas is the founder of GolfSpan, an avid golfer, not quite a pro but has over 15-years of experience playing and coaching golfers from all over the world. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience then it comes to choosing the right golf gear, and finding the right set up for your game.

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.

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.

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 happens if your golf shaft is too 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.

How fast should a golf driver be?

The faster your swing speed, the stiffer the flex of your shaft should be. Most average male golfers swing their drivers at about 90 MPH, carrying about 225 YDS, and would require an R, or regular shaft. Swing speeds and distances above that might require an S, or stiff shaft.

What happens if a golf shaft is too stiff?

Using a shaft that is too stiff for your swing will most likely result in a lower ball trajectory and loss of distance, as well as an open face at the impact that will push the ball to the right, or the fade side.

What is shaft flex?

Simply put, shaft flex is a rating given to the golf shaft’s ability to resist bending under load during the golf swing.

How much does a graphite shaft weigh?

Weight Of The Shaft. Graphite shafts are manufactured in a variety of weights ranging from the sub-40-gram category up to about 90 grams, with the most common being in the 65-gram vicinity. The shaft weight has a major effect on the overall weight of the driver.

What is the resistance of a shaft to twist around its own axis when a force is applied to the

Simply put, the resistance of the shaft to twist around its own axis when a force is applied to the clubhead (see diagram). Manufacturers apply a set force to a clubhead and the resulting rotation is measured in degrees.

What is the kick point on a car?

The kick point, which is also referred to as the flex point or bend point, is simply the point along the shaft where it starts to flex the most under load in the downswing.

Is graphite shaft better than steel?

Quality graphite shafts are at least as durable as steel while being a much lighter alternative. The weight savings translate into higher swing speeds for greater distance with the added benefit of less bad vibrations being transmitted to the golfer’s hands and arms.

What Is The Best Loft For A Driver?

The driver loft that you choose can depend on your clubhead speed. If your swing speed is above 90mph then a 9.5 – 11 degree loft will give you the best angle of attack.

Why Is Driver Loft Important?

Driver loft is important because it can affect both the distance and the trajectory of your drives. Your skill level will determine which loft for your driver you should choose.

Driver Loft Chart

The below driver loft chart (source: wishongolf.com) illustrates the correlation between clubhead speed and loft. This shows that it is a myth that a low launch angle will mean greater distance in all cases.

Which Driver Loft Should I Choose?

The loft of driver that you choose will depend on your own specific needs. A good rule of thumb is to check your own swing speed and find what works best for you at the driving range.

Frequently Asked Questions

An average driver loft would be 10.5 degrees ranging up to a 12 degree loft. Unless you have exceptionally fast club head speed for an amateur, we would advise against using less loft such as a 9.5 degree starting out.

Summary

In summary, there is not a one size fits all when trying to answer the question ‘what is the best loft for a driver?’. However, as you can see from the above the answer to this question won’t always remain the same as it can change both when you move from a high handicapper to a low handicapper and when you move from a junior to senior golfer.

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 the length of a driver shaft affect the strike point?

Length. Of course, the length of your driver shaft will significantly change how the golf club feels, but length affects strike point, too. As Briand says, a longer shaft will cause a less consistent strike on the face, and the golfer will tend to hit the ball closer to the heel.

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.

Does a golf ball fly higher or lower?

The weight of a shaft has a similar correlation to performance as flex. The heavier a shaft is, the more likely it is that your golf ball will fly low and with less spin. If it’s lighter, the ball will tend to fly higher and spin more.

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Technology

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Drivers are basically made of the following three types of material. Steel– Not as common these days but generally have smaller heads and are less forgiving. They are also at a lower price point. Titanium – This material has allowed driver heads to become larger, and at the limit of 460 cubic centimetres in volume. Titanium is al…
See more on basicgolfer.com

Common Technological Terms

  • Movable Weight Technology – This means that the driver in question has adjustable weights in it which will allow the golfer to achieve an alternate ball flight. Basically, if you put the heavier weight in the heel of your driver’s head it will help hit a draw. A lot of thenew golf driversfeature this type of golf club technology. Adjustable Face Angles and Lofts – With certain golf drivers yo…
See more on basicgolfer.com

Style of Driver Based on Ability

  • First, try and pick a driver that matches your current ability level. A lot of amateurs think that the drivers with adjustability and movable weight technology are only for professionals, but this is actually not the case. Most big-name manufacturers have a range ofadjustable drivers on the market these days, which include a wrench to adjust them. ...
See more on basicgolfer.com

Loft and Shaft

  • You need a golf shaft and loft that is going to match your swing speed, ball speed, and launch angle. There is a alot of information on how to choose a golf shaftwhich tends to confuse the everyday golfer. For a lot of the cheap golf drivers, they don’t come with this option so it is always good to invest and get this part correct. Most less expensive drivers come with the standard 10.…
See more on basicgolfer.com

How Much to Spend

  • The more expensive golf driversare made up of quality materials, and millions of dollars have been spent on research and design as well as testing. This is why they are expensive, but they always generally perform well provided you get the right shaft and loft. If you were to go for a cheaper golf driver make sure it is a fairly recognised brand, and you also get the right shaft and …
See more on basicgolfer.com

Head

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What is the best headsize for fresh and average players? According to the US Golf Association (USGA), the maximum allowable clubhead size is 460 cubic centimeters (cc). So, it’ll be all right to pick the drivers with the volume between 440 and 460cc. The big clubhead size provides the broadest rangeof impacts that ca…
See more on techofera.com

Loft

  • The next aspect of choosing a good driver is to build a proper loft. It is the clubhead face angle and has a major effect on the ball’s size, backspin, and trajectory. The loft angles on the drivers can vary between 4 and 20 degrees; however, the most commonly known lofts range from 8 to 14 degrees. As a new golfer, to get the perfect loft angle, y...
See more on techofera.com

Shafts

  • Why does the Flex shaft impact the driver? You can go for the lightweight shaft as a beginner so that you can optimize the drive size. The best thing to do is to start with the normal flex shaft (R). Or choose other levels such as senior (A), woman (A), etc. For example, an average male player’s swing speed is about 85. If your swing speed is more than 95 mph, consider the steeper shafts a…
See more on techofera.com

Weight

  • Make sure your driver’s total weight and head weight suits your physical strength, golfing athletic ability, and swinging speed. Playing with the lightweight driver increases the percentage of hits from outside the middle.
See more on techofera.com

Materials

  • As far as the material concerned, you need to pay attention to both the head and shaft materials because they primarily affect the output of your driver. There are different materials to choose from when it comes to a head, including titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, zinc, and other alloys. Though titanium is the most expensive material, for beginners, it brings the best performance. B…
See more on techofera.com

Adjustability

  • The adjustable drivers allow you to make endless small adjustments to the loft, lying, etc. Nevertheless, note that often the flexible clubs make minor changes. Therefore, before purchasing the adjustable drivers, you should be fitted for the clubs which are appropriate for your particular swinging style.
See more on techofera.com

Budget

  • In my view, you have to go for a more affordable driver, because you can’t swing it yet. But, that does not mean you’re getting the one with the low price. Keep in mind choosing the high quality and relaxed driver, which will help you develop the game. So, the simplest way to do this is to buy around and then compare the price in sports stores or online shops to get credible feedback fro…
See more on techofera.com

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