Golf-FAQ.com

how to determine what type of golf driver i need

by Mrs. Celia Lebsack Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

  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. ...

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 choose the right golf shafts for Your Driver?

Ask the golf club shop for a driver with a regular, stiff, and extra stiff shaft. Practice hitting several balls with each and see which one produces the desire ball flight, speed speed, and feel that you desire. Do golf shafts make a difference?

How to choose the right driver for your golf game?

For most golfers, a selection of a driver with the largest head that they can control is their best choice. 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.

What is the best driver length for golf?

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.

What do the numbers on golf shafts mean?

When buying a golf shaft, you’ll see many different numbers in the name of the shaft. For example: These numbers are the weight of the shaft in grams. Shaft weights typically range between 50 grams and 85 grams with the 50-60 numbers being pretty common as seen in the example shafts above.

image

What kind of driver should I hit?

For the average recreational golfer with an average swing speed, a 10.5-degree driver will likely perform the best. The average distance will be very close between them, but a 10.5-degree driver will be more forgiving and will hit more fairways. Again, it'll depend on your skill level, swing speed, and launch angle.

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?

BEST DRIVERS OVERALL PING G425 Max, the 2022 Most Wanted Driver, continues its impressive performance by being the best driver overall for high swing speeds. Mizuno ST-Z 220 claims the runner-up position. TaylorMade Stealth HD is third. Callaway Rogue ST Triple Diamond LS and COBRA KING LTDx Max round out the top five.

What size driver do I need for my height?

The Tall and Short of It For example, if you are 6-feet tall and your wrist-to-floor measurement is 35 inches, a standard length driver -- 44 inches for a steel shaft driver and 45 inches for a graphite shaft driver -- would be appropriate.

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 a 16 handicap?

Best Golf Drivers for Mid HandicappersPING G425 MAX (most forgiving drivers for anyone)Cobra Radspeed XB (best driver for adjuability)Cleveland Launcher XL (best value driver pound-for-pound)Taylormade Stealth (most solid feeling and looking driver)Srixon ZX5 (best for golfers who hit it toward the toe)More items...•

What is the most forgiving driver?

Ping G425 Max (Most Forgiving Top Choice) ... Callaway Rogue ST Max (Close Second Most Forgiving Top Choice) ... Cleveland Launcher XL (Best for High Handicappers and Beginner Players & Budget-Friendly) ... Mizuno ST-Z 220 (For Better Players Seeking Some Forgiveness) ... Titleist TSi1 (Best for Seniors / Slower Swing Speed)More items...•

What driver gives you the most 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 most popular driver in golf?

Best Golf Driver Reviews 2022Callaway Rogue ST Max Driver. Callaway has been changing the driver landscape since the release of the Epic Flash series in 2019. ... TaylorMade Stealth Driver. ... Cobra LTDx Driver. ... Titleist TSi Drivers. ... Mizuno STG 220 Driver. ... Cleveland Launcher XL.

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.

How long should my golf clubs 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 happens if your driver is too long?

What Happens When Golf Clubs Are Too Long? For most golfers, having clubs that are too long will result in the most inconsistent shots. Clubs that are too long will make you stand too upright, which can cause both heel and toe shots as well as a tendency to pull the ball.

How much loft do you need for a golf driver?

If your swing speed is over 100 mph and you hit the golf ball a long way, you should have a driver with a loft of about 12 degrees, or less , and that will produce less backspin. But if you are like most golfers with swing speeds that are below 90 mph, you will need a more lofted driver that increases that backspin to keep the ball aloft.

Is trajectory rating the same as loft?

Don't think that trajectory rating is the same as loft. For instance, a driver may have a 10-degree loft, but if its center of gravity is toward the front, it will react more like a driver with an 8-degree loft.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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 is the best head material for golf?

There are three choices of head material to choose from, each with its own characteristics: Steel – Not too expensive and durable, steel is the most popular material. Titanium – Great for hitting from the tee, titanium is half the weight of steel and helps to get the ball airborne sooner.

What is the first thing to decide on golf shafts?

The first thing is to decide is what type of golf shafts you would prefer, followed by shaft flex, kick-point, torque rating and length. Each of these different aspects of golf club shafts that can influence the performance of your club, and each must be carefully considered before you put in an order. Read on to find out all about how ...

How to measure the length of a golf club?

In order to determine the length of your club, stand tall and get someone to measure from the crease where your wrist and hand meet to the floor. Do this with both hands and take an average of the two measurements.

How long should a 5-iron shaft be?

The following lists what length of shafts you should consider for certain heights. If the crease where your wrist and hand meet to the floor is: 29 to 32 inches = irons should be based on a 5-iron of 37 inches. 33 to 34 inches = irons should be based on a 5-iron of 37 1/2 inches.

How much does graphite shaft weigh?

Graphite shafts are much lighter, less durable and more expensive in comparison to steel shafts, and weigh between 50 and 85 grams – around half the weight of a steel shaft! These light-weight shafts help to provide a greater swing speed for more power, however, it sacrifices control due to the flex generated in the swing.

What is the difference between steel shafts and graphite shafts?

Steel shafts are much heavier, more durable and are generally less expensive than their graphite counterpart s. They are often made from carbon steel, but stainless steel is sometimes used, and start at 120 grams.

What is the kick point of a golf shot?

The shaft kick-point – also known as flex-point – is the point where the shaft bends and affects the trajectory of the shot. Although the effect is only small, it is still measurable.

What is flex in golf clubs?

Put simply, the flex determines a golf club shaft’s ability to bend during a swing, affecting the distance and direction. Therefore, getting the right flex in your golf clubs is important.

How to determine golf shaft flex?

Start by using a launch monitor to analyze your golf swing speed. If your swing ranges between 85 mph and 95 mph then you should start with a regular flex. If your swing speed is faster than 95 mph, then you should try a stiff shaft.

What shafts do golfers use?

For most golfers, a graphite shaft works great. Most iron sets are made with graphite shafts as well so you get that material type by default usually unless you specifically seek out steel shafted irons. With steel shafts, you may find that golf shots are easier to control.

What is the best shaft for golf?

Steel – A steel golf shaft is usually stronger and more durable (less likely to snap) than a graphite shaft. It’s also less expensive and sometimes stainless steel is used in the creation of the steel shaft. There is also two variations, stepped steel and rifle steel.

Why does my golf shaft have a slice?

When the golf shaft is too stiff, it doesn’t unload properly at impact. This can lead to the face staying open and result in a slice golf shot. Beware, a slice isn’t always an indication the shaft is too stiff so if you already have a slice, it could be caused by another fault in your golf swing.

Why do golf clubs have shafts?

During the golf swing the shaft causes deflection (bend) that causes the clubhead to be in a forward and toe downward position relative to the grip of the club.

What is the most common shaft material used in golf clubs?

Graphite Shafts. Graphite – this type of shaft is usually lighter weight compared to a steel shaft but it’s less durable and more expensive to make. Graphite is one of the most common shaft types used in golf clubs and can arguably be considered the main shaft material used, beating out steel.

What to know about golf shafts?

In today’s guide we will review everything you need to know about golf shafts. Picking out the proper golf shaft is very important as it will impact several components of your golf swing. For example, picking the wrong golf shaft flex can cause you to hook or slice the golf ball. It also can hinder the total distance the ball flies by having too much spin or too low of launch. But don’t worry, at the end of reading today’s guide you’ll be much more educated on the buying process and how to pick out the right golf shaft. Lets Get Started!

What loft angle should a driver have?

If you are a beginner golfer we would typically recommend a driver with a high loft attack angle of between 12-14 if you are looking to add extra distance as the probability is that your clubhead speed is lower.

What loft is needed for a golfer to hit a ball?

Golfers who swing faster than 120mph would require a loft below 9.5 degrees and those golfers with a slower swing below 90mph would be better choosing a loft between 11.5 – 17 degrees for the optimal launch angle.

What loft is the best driver loft for 90mph?

A popular speed is between 80mph and 90mph and this is where many golfers make a mistake as they will opt for a 9.5 degree when really a loft of 11-13 would be the best driver loft for 90mph speed to hit the ball as far as possible.

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. A beginner golfer or one with a slower swing speed will benefit from a driver with more loft and an experienced golfer with a higher swing speed will benefit from less loft.

What is the average clubhead speed on the PGA Tour?

The average driver clubhead speed on the PGA Tour is 113 MPH and 94 MPH on the LPGA Tour with even faster ball speed ( TrackMan) which indicates that they will require less loft, typically a 9.5 degree loft for their driver (especially the longest hitters on tour).

Is 12 degree loft good for golf?

A 12 degree driver loft will be fine for most amateur golfers and not too much. This is because most everyday golfers have a slower swing speed than professionals and can benefit from a 12 degree loft compared to a driver with less loft such as a 9.5 degree driver.

What size grips do golfers use?

Golf Pride offers five grip sizes: Junior, Undersize, Standard, Midsize, and Jumbo. The majority of adult male golfers will fit into one ...

Where to measure hand size?

You can also measure your hand size if you don’t know your glove size (or don’t wear a glove). Measure from the crease of your wrist (where your hand meets your forearm) to the tip of your middle finger.

Why is it important to have a good grip?

Playing the proper size grip can help reduce tension and grip pressure, and increase comfort and control. Above all, it’s about confidence – if you know you have a grip that just feels right in your hands, you’ll stand over every shot able to commit fully.

Is a mid size grip too big?

Some golfers find that a standard size grip is too small for their liking, but a midsize grip is too large. That’s where adding extra layers of tape can make a huge difference in getting that grip size perfected.

What is the best mph for senior flex?

Between 72 and 83 mph signifies you need to be hitting senior flex. Ladies – By no means do all women’s golfers will fall in this category, but this is where many of the recreational women’s players find themselves.

Can you extrapolate your swing speed to driver?

You should consider that your swing speed for your irons might not extrapolate perfectly to driver (and vice versa), so while a certain flex might be right in some clubs, that might not be the case in others.

image
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