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when is it time to get a new driver golf

by Prof. Cynthia Heathcote IV Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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3 to 5 years

Full Answer

How often do golf club manufacturers release new drivers?

It seems like golf club manufacturers release a new driver every year. In fact, most of them do release a new driver every year. For example, just look at TaylorMade in the last two decades.

Are new golf drivers longer than old drivers?

Unsurprisingly, we found that new drivers are significantly longer than old drivers. When looking at the group average, the modern driver was 30 yards ahead of the persimmon driver and 13 yards ahead of the driver from the 90’s. Interestingly, the modern driver was edged out by our 2000’s driver. There are a couple reasons for this.

How do you know when to replace your golf drivers?

2.1 1. You Notice a Sudden Decrease in Distance 2.2 2. There’s Visible Damage on the Shaft or Clubhead 2.3 3. Your Driver is More Than 3-5 Years Old 2.4 4. Your Swing Has Changed 2.5 5. You Need a New Visual 3.1 Are new drivers really better? 3.2 Do golf drivers wear out? 3.3 Will a new driver improve distance? 3.4 What driver do I recommend?

When is it time to replace your golf clubs?

If the crown of your driver is literred with dents, or the face of your irons/wedges have no grooves because of so much wear, then it’s time for new equipment. McKee says that when irons and wedges lose their grooves, the ball will lose spin going into the green.

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How do you know when to buy a new driver?

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.

Do golf club drivers wear out?

So, Do Drivers Wear Out Over Time? The fact of the matter is that, even though I may have been getting ahead of myself in the anecdote above, drivers can lose their pop over time. They can wear out and they start to lose efficiency in the face. This means that they transfer far less energy to the ball at impact.

Do new golf drivers make a difference?

Players who are new to the game or don't play often should look to buy a forgiving driver so they can strike the large sweet spot and make good contact more often than not. This will lead to longer and accurate drives. Newer drivers do have larger sweet spots than older drivers.

Do golf drivers lose distance over time?

Yes, drivers can lose distance over time. Admittedly, that timeframe can be greatly reduced if you're a tour pro like Bryson DeChambeau, who has the fastest swing on the PGA Tour this year at 133 miles per hour.

How often should I buy a new driver?

For most golfers, you'll want to replace your driver every five years. Golf drivers do not wear out as easily as they did even 15 years ago. If you treat your driver well, there's no reason it cannot last multiple seasons. And yes, that even goes for golfers that play frequently.

Are 30 year old golf clubs still good?

There is no evidence that golf clubs deteriorate over time. Well maintained clubs will last a lifetime. 10+ year old clubs should be checked for better options but clubs less than 5 years old do not need replacing except for wear and tear issues to which wedges and forged irons are most vulnerable.

What is the life of a golf driver?

a five-yearA driver has about a five-year lifespan. For those who play golf often, drivers will likely have less than a five-year lifespan. Sadly, the lifespan of drivers isn't quite as long as that of irons.

Will a new driver increase my distance?

Year-over-year, distance increases in new equipment are generally minimal. If you bought a driver in 2019, the 2020 model may only be 1-2 yards longer. But, if you have a driver from 2004, then the 2020 model could be 20+ yards longer.

Are expensive golf drivers worth it?

Price is not necessarily an indication of value. You can't buy a good game – even with the latest and most expensive driver and irons you can still go out and shoot 100. And in reality, the most expensive clubs will be harder to hit than the mid-range clubs, so won't do you any favours.

What age does golf decline?

Around the age of fifty, golfers start to lose distance in their game. As you move towards sixty and seventy, the changes are much more pronounced and noticeable. At the age of 70, you will see many golfers switch to senior tees simply because of distance loss.

At what age do golfers decline?

They begin to decline, on average, in their late 30s and their skills degrade far below where they started in the early 20s. In short, golfers experience a small and steady increase in performance in their twenties before suffering a large and steady decrease in performance in their forties.

How far should a 60 year old man hit a driver?

Average Driver Distance By Age (And How To Improve It)Age RangeAverage Driver Distance40-50220 yards50-60211 yards60+196 yardsAll Golfers219 yards2 more rows

How old do you have to be to replace a golf driver?

Older Than 3-5 Years. Once you have played your driver for 3 to 5 years, it is never a bad idea to consider a replacement. This time period usually marks plenty of growth and innovation when it comes to golf club technology.

How to know if you need to change your driver?

Visible Damage. Visible damage is the first thing to look for when deciding if you should change drivers. Inspect the shaft to see if there is any wear from taking the club in and out of your golf bag. Take a close look at the face of your driver. Try to spot any signs of stress.

Why won't my driver go off the tee?

There are plenty of reasons your distance off the tee can vary, but any sudden drop off could point to signs of trouble with your equipment. This could indicate a dead spot in the face from repeated use. There could be a dent or ding as well as a small crack you can’t spot with the naked eye. If all of a sudden your driver just won’t go, inspect it closely for any of these issues. They could be a clear indicator that it is time to replace it.

Why do you need custom golf clubs?

If your swing has undergone significant changes since the last time you purchased a driver, it might just be time for a new one. We have talked before about how important custom golf clubs are and why you need clubs that best fit your swing. Perhaps your swing has changed to compensate for age or injury. Maybe your swing speed has changed and you need a different flex shaft and a different loft. Time spent on the range may have honed your skills and you are ready for a driver that matches your new abilities to work the ball and shape your shot. Having a driver that matches your abilities and the performance you can produce off the tee makes the game easier by working with what you can do on the golf course.

What happens if you wear a golf club face?

Worn spots on the club face can change the performance of the golf club and can eventually turn into a crack, putting your driver out of commission. Also, make sure to look at the crown and sole of the club. Any serious wear here can also affect the performance of a driver.

Why does my swing change?

Perhaps your swing has changed to compensate for age or injury. Maybe your swing speed has changed and you need a different flex shaft and a different loft. Time spent on the range may have honed your skills and you are ready for a driver that matches your new abilities to work the ball and shape your shot.

What brands of drivers are available at TGW?

We have drivers from the best brands in golf like TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, PING, Cobra, and many more. You are sure to find one that gives you more distance, more forgiveness, and the ability to shoot lower scores.

How often do golf clubs release new drivers?

It seems like golf club manufacturers release a new driver every year. In fact, most of them do release a new driver every year. For example, just look at TaylorMade in the last two decades.

How often do you have to replace a golf driver?

And that’s just one manufacturer. Callaway, Titleist, Cobra, and many other top brands also put out a new driver every 1-2 years. That leads many golfers to ask the question: do drivers really improve from one year to the next? And how do you know if it’s actually time to replace your driver?

Why does my golf club shaft come loose?

Also, if you have a tendency to hit the ground with your driver (out of anger or otherwise) this can cause the glue that connects the clubhead and the shaft to come loose. You can usually tell this has happened because you’ll be able to hear the glue rattling around in the club.

What is 2.2 on a golf club?

2.2 2. There’s Visible Damage on the Shaft or Clubhead

What happens if you use a driver with the wrong loft?

For example, if you’re using a driver with the wrong loft, you might have difficulty controlling the flight of your golf ball. Similarly, playing a driver with the wrong shaft flex can also cause issues.

How long should a golf driver last?

According to Golf Channel, drivers should last approximately 5 years assuming reasonable use (30-40 rounds per year). This means players who play less than 30-40 rounds per year should consider replacing their driver every 5-7 years, while players who play more than this should replace their driver every 3-5 years.

What can cause a golfer to lose distance off the tee?

Injuries – many common golf injuries (back, knees, golfer’s elbow) can significantly reduce clubhead speed and decrease distance off the tee. Improper swing path – swinging on an over-the-top plane is one of the biggest distance-killers out there. Changes in elevation – at higher altitudes, the golf ball will travel further. ...

What to do if your buddy recently bought a new driver?

If your buddy recently bought a new driver and has all the sudden started outdriving you, maybe ask to try his driver next time you’re at the range together. Hit your older technology against his new technology and see the difference. Don’t be surprised if the new technology helps you pick up big distance.

Why do golfers hit the ball higher?

By launching the ball higher into the air, you could gain distance off the tee and control with your irons.

Why does my golf ball spin so much?

If, under relatively dry course conditions, your drives hit the fairway and stop quickly without rolling out, your ball is probably spinning too much. Also, if your irons seem to float too much in the air and you’re constantly coming up short of your expected distances, too much spin could be the culprit.

What happens if you spin your golf ball too much?

Whether it’s with your driver or irons, having too much spin on your golf ball during flight can have negative effects. Launching the ball high can be helpful, but too much spin will make the ball balloon in the air, losing distance and control in the wind. Gear.

What to do if your grip is coming apart?

If your grip is coming apart, that isn’t a huge concern — just get your club re-gripped! If there’s a cosmetic issue with your clubs, that isn’t a big issue either; it probably isn’t affecting performance much, if at all. But, if there’s a big problem with your club head, you should think about an upgrade.

Can you hit a ball too low?

If this is the case, you’re giving up distance and distance control. Penetrating ball flights can be helpful in super windy conditions, but hitting the ball too low can be detrimental in the long run.

Why do I want to get new clubs?

While there are no “bad” reasons to get new clubs, I would suggest that you ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” If you’re chasing improved performance and not getting fit, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. However, if you’re honest with yourself about your reasons for changing and the process you’re using, you’re unlikely to make a mistake.

Why do drivers get hotter as they age?

In fact, some people theorize that drivers actually get hotter as they age because the face thins out very slightly.

How often should I check my wedge tech?

If you want a modern cavity back wedge with more MOI and precise CG, it’s worth checking in every three to five years.

What does a good club fitter do?

A good club fitter will also speed up the search process and get you back on the course with confidence. With a good fitter, you can try all the relevant new drivers/irons/etc in one session, decide what you need to do, and get back to playing golf.

How often should you change your wedges?

In my experience, the average recreational golfer is wasting their money changing wedges annually. Unless you’re a regular in the short game area, your wedges should last two or three years before you see much loss of spin.

Can you wear out a golf club shaft?

However, if you use one of these clubs multiple times per round, you might take shaft wear into account after several years.

Do fitters tell you what clubs to fit?

This is one more reason why we’re such ardent proponents of club fitting. If your current clubs are performing as well as any new options, a good fitter will tell you that. If you’re missing out on ten yards of driver carry, they’ll tell you that, too.

How many yards ahead of a persimmon driver is a modern driver?

Unsurprisingly, we found that new drivers are significantly longer than old drivers. When looking at the group average, the modern driver was 30 yards ahead of the persimmon driver and 13 yards ahead of the driver from the 90’s.

Where is Matt from Plugged In Golf?

He's worked in nearly every job in the golf industry from club fitting to instruction to writing and speaking. Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.

Is modern driver more forgiving than old driver?

Though our small sample size doesn’t provide overwhelming data, and some of our “proof” is anecdotal, we believe it ’s fair to say that modern drivers are substantially more forgiving than old drivers. Of course, we know it’s fair to say this based on measurements like MOI, but we can also support it with what we saw in the testing.

What is the loft angle of a golf ball?

The loft angle should be about 10.5 to 12 degrees to help you get the ball up into the air on impact. A flexible shaft will provide more distance for the high-handicap player. Male golfers with a swing speed of less than 80 mph need a flexible shaft.

What shafts are good for golf?

Titanium shafts perform well for the advanced golfer, but they tend to be pricey. A titanium head is also recommended, as well as new composites of carbon and titanium for greater distance.

What to do if you hit a straight ball?

If you hit a straight ball or if you have a natural draw, stick with a neutral driver. Some newer drivers have adjustable parts such as weights and adjustable shafts to allow you to customize the club. Golfweeks' Adam Woodard breaks down the results from the match. Sharon Penn is a writer based in South Florida.

Why is it important to find the right driver for a golf club?

Drivers can be pricey, so finding the right fit is important so that you can hit your best shots off the tee. In recent years, golf club manufacturers have worked hard to lure golfers to spend hundreds of dollars to pursue their dream of hitting the ball long and straight with a driver.

Why do golfers choose drivers with the least amount of loft?

For many years, golfers chose drivers with the least amount of loft because it was commonly believed the lower the loft, the longer the ball would travel because they would hit it lower . New research indicates something different in that balls that fly higher, fly farther.

What is the right shaft for a driver?

The Right Shaft. There are three shafts that are made of different metals: steel, graphite and titanium. Drivers with steel shafts generally are less expensive and are heavier than the others. If you are a high handicapper, spend more money to buy a driver with a graphite or titanium shaft because their less weight will translate ...

How many flexes are there in a golf shaft?

Further, all three types of shafts come with five flexes: senior's, woman's, regular, stiff and extra stiff. If your ball carries less than 200 yards, choose a woman's shaft; 225 yards, senior's; 250 yards, regular; 275 yards, stiff; 300 yards, extra stiff. Finally, make sure you choose the right length of shaft.

Why do drivers have a bigger head?

Most players reason a driver with a larger head provides a bigger “sweet spot” so it's easier to get away with an off-center shot. They're right, but some drivers have such large heads that they get in the way of most golfers.

Do golf clubs have drivers?

But most golfers don't realize it is the attributes of a particular driver that lead to good results, not the fact it's the latest one available.

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Is It Time For New Clubs?

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One of the most popular questions that we receive at Plugged In Golf is, “When should I replace my clubs?” It’s a complex question that ties together some of the most exciting and most frustrating things about the game: high costs, the prospect of improvement, and making decisions when your head and heart want different t…
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The Guidelines

  • Let’s start with the two most cut-and-dried parts of the equipment replacement decision: club wear and technological advancement. If a club is no longer performing the way you want because it’s worn out, it should be replaced. Similarly, you don’t want to be swinging persimmon when everyone else in your group has titanium. Of course, all these suggestions will vary based on ho…
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The Big Question

  • If I were going to simplify the new equipment decision down to one simple question, it would be, “Is the new stuff better?” This is one more reason why we’re such ardent proponents of club fitting. If your current clubs are performing as well as any new options, a good fitter will tell you that. If you’re missing out on ten yards of driver carry, they’ll tell you that, too. A good club fitter …
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Other Reasons to Change

  • It’s worth acknowledging that there are reasons besides improved performance for changing clubs. Sometimes, especially with a putter, you just want a fresh look. If you’ve lost confidence in a club, there’s nothing wrong with trying something new. There’s also no denying that new clubs are fun. If changing equipment is part of the fun of golf for you, by all means, play three differen…
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