how to pick out a golf driver

How to choose the best golf driver?

May 06, 2022 · 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. For recreational golfers, this, combined with new two-piece balls that spin at a lower rate, means your launch angle and spin rate will be optimized. LENGTH No standard length exists for a driver.

What is the proper way to hit a golf driver?

Feb 09, 2019 · GOLFTEC Tips: How to pick out a new driver February 09, 2019 GOLFTEC vice president of instruction Nick Clearwater reveals how you can select the …

How to hit the golf ball straight with a driver?

How Do I Buy a Golf Club Driver? Step 1. Visit your golf retailer and ask to be tested for swing speed on a launch monitor. Once you find out if you have... Step 2. Have your wrist-to-floor measurement taken. This, combined with your height, will determine if …

How to hit Golf Driver consistently?

Jun 09, 2020 · 5 factors to help you find the right driver shaft for your swing. 1. Flex. 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 ... 2. Weight. 3. Length. 4. Kick point. 5. Torque.

How do I know what golf driver is best for me?

How do you know what driver to use on a golf club?

How do you size a golf driver?

What's a good driver for an average golfer?

How far should I hit a 7 iron?

What does W mean on a golf club?

How long should my driver be for my height?

How do I know my driver length?

What size driver do I need?

What is the easiest golf driver to hit?

What is the best driver for an 18 handicapper?

What is the most popular driver in golf?

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.

How long is a golf driver?

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. While longer drivers will typically increase speed and help players hit the ball further, the additional length of the driver will sacrifice an element of control and accuracy.

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 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.

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.

What is CG in a car?

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.

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.

Step 1

Visit your golf retailer and ask to be tested for swing speed on a launch monitor. Once you find out if you have a fast, slow or moderate swing speed, you can determine which club characteristics are suited to your swing.

Step 2

Have your wrist-to-floor measurement taken. This, combined with your height, will determine if you can use a standard-length driver shaft or if you need to add or subtract a half inch or so.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Check out the size of the club face, which is measured in cubic centimeters. A 460 cc club face is the largest that meets regulations.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

What is the difference between a high torque shaft and a low torque shaft?

A low torque measurement means that a shaft has greater resistance to twisting, while a high torque measurement means it will twist more easily. Briand says that torque “plays more into feel than anything else.” The lower torque shafts will have a “boardy” feel, while the higher torque shafts will have a “whippy” feel.

What is a driver fitting?

A driver fitting is the ultimate way of making sure that your driver shaft is suitable for you. Get the right shaft on your driver and get the most accurate and longest drives to put a smile on your face.

What is the highest point of a golf shaft?

Bend-point is the highest point of the shaft when it is bending by applying pressure to both ends of the shaft; kick-point is the highest point the shaft is bending, measured by clamping down the grip and applying pressure to the clubhead, like in the swing.

Why is it important to have the right shaft?

Having the right shaft plays a huge role in improving your game to the highest level that you can achieve. However, there are so many factors involved that not all golfers are aware of.

What material is used for shafts?

The most commonly used material used for shafts is steel and graphite. Few drivers are still available in steel shafts, for that reason I will briefly explain the materials used for shafts with the emphasis on graphite.

What is graphite shaft?

Graphite Shafts. Graphite shafts are created using carbon fiber strands to reduce the weight for increased clubhead speed. On the downside, graphite shafts are less durable and more expensive than steel and sacrifice control due to the flex generated in the swing.

Is graphite shaft better than steel shaft?

On the downside, graphite shafts are less durable and more expensive than steel and sacrifice control due to the flex generated in the swing. As a result, graphite shafts are an appropriate choice for all golfers who may struggle to produce a swing speed to use a steel shaft effectively.

What is shaft flex?

Shaft flex is the factor in a driver shaft that most golfers understand in broad terms. However, it is far more intricate than the letter on the shaft indicating the flex. The holistic description of the flex of a shaft is something called an EI profile. This presents the stiffness of a shaft, from one end to another.

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.

Is it easy to buy golf clubs?

Golf Clubs for Beginners. It’s very easy to get caught up in the initial enthusiasm of starting a new sport and buying the best golf gear, but beginners beware. Golf clubs are best bought slowly, collecting more advanced ones as your experience increases and you progress in the sport.

What happens if your grip is too thin?

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 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.

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 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.

Do pro golfers use hybrid clubs?

Contrary to many people’s opinions, pro golfers use hybrids a lot. Hybrid clubs have longer iron shafts than standard-sized golf clubs. Hybrid clubs could be where the solution to most if not all of your problems at the golf course lies. For example, they can help you hit higher. Listen to your gut instinct.

What is a putter in golf?

The putter is the club in your pack that enables you to get the ball in the hole. The goal in any successful game is to get the ball in the hole with as few strokes as possible. For a golf putter to work for you, it has to be the right length for your height.

How tall should a golf club be?

The table below tells you how much you should add or subtract to this length. Height Range, Golf club length to use. 6ft 9″ – 7ft 0″, Add 2″ to Standard Length.

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.