Full Answer
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.
When should you replace your golf clubs?
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.
Should you change shafts when buying a new driver?
Dan Sueltz of D’Lance Golf said the fitter should always be your first resource and your last confirmation that the change is right for you. That means considering new shafts, as much as shifting the movable weights in your new driver’s sole.
What are the best golf drivers for beginners?
A titanium driver, or multi-material driver like titanium and composite, that combines light weight and excellent strength is more expensive and for golfers who play more consistently. Stainless steel drivers will lend more weight to your swing, giving you more control on the descent.
How often should you replace golf driver?
3 to 5 yearsKeep in mind that 3 to 5 years of use is a general guideline and differs for all golfers. If you play 30 to 40 rounds per year then based on normal wear and tear you should consider getting a new driver every 5 years. If you play less than that, then you could wait for 5 to 7 years.
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.
How long does a typical golf driver last?
five yearsHow Long Should A Driver Last? How Many Rounds? If you play thirty to forty rounds per year, a reasonable number for an average golfer, your driver should easily last five years. This includes range time and any mulligans/provisional balls you may need.
Does a golf driver wear out?
A golf driver can go dead and lose its pop when there is a crack, or defect, in the club face. This can be caused by faulty manufacturing or weakness in the driver head, and affects distance and performance.
Is 9.5 or 10.5 driver better?
The ideal driver loft depends on your swing speed and the attack angle. Average players that swing the club less than 95 MPH will likely find that a 10.5-degree driver performs the best. Better players who can control their drives and want the most distance will lean more towards a 9-degree driver.
What is 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.
Do new drivers really add distance?
Distance. Newer drivers have newer technology that helps give golfers more distance but it depends on the year it was made in terms of drastic differences in length. A 20 year-old driver will have less distance than a new driver. Ball speed and driver faces are two factors that have changed over time.
Why have I lost distance with my driver?
0:102:26Tip of the week: No distance with the driver? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt can be something as simple as the loft setting on the driver. Now. Does that mean that it changesMoreIt can be something as simple as the loft setting on the driver. Now. Does that mean that it changes no but sometimes your swing starts to change a little bit. So remember we have adjustability.
How long is Tiger Woods driver?
Tiger Woods – 498 yards at the 2002 Mercedes Championship.
Do you lose distance with old driver?
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.
What degree driver hits the farthest?
The low loft of a golf driver is very surprising from the perspective of physics. Everyone in freshman physics learns that the optimal launch angle for a projectile - the angle that makes a ball fly the farthest - is 45 degrees.
Should I get new irons or driver?
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.
How do I know which driver to buy?
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 long are you classed as a new driver?
If your insurance carrier goes by driving experience, you may be considered inexperienced until you have driven for at least three years. Some carriers consider you inexperienced for far longer, though, so make sure to contact your carrier and ask so you can get a direct answer.
What is considered a good driver?
There are at least two different sets of driving skills that make someone a good driver: technical skills and safety skills. Technical skills include steering, reflexes, smooth braking and acceleration, ability to judge distances, and other measures of the driver's ability.
How long are you considered a new driver in Mass?
Massachusetts law states that for the first six months with a license, new drivers under 18 may not drive a car with any passenger under 18 unless the new driver is accompanied by a person who is 21 who: Has at least one year of driving experience.
Will You Get More Distance?
The majority of golfers thinking about investing in a new driver in 2022, will want to see an improvement in their distance. From our experience, a good fitting, no matter how old your current driver is, is likely to help.
Can You Expect More Consistency?
The bigger area of improvement is with spin rates. In years gone by, mishits would either see a big drop off or a drastic rise in spin. Resulting ball flights would be significantly different depending on where on the face you made contact.
What Can You Expect From The Sound And Feel?
Just as with the aesthetics, the feel of a driver is subjective. We recently posted a Twitter poll, asking our followers about what they search for in the sound/feel stakes and here is what they said:
Is There Good Value To Be Had?
For the drivers you see used most commonly on Tour from PING, Titleist, Callaway and TaylorMade you’ll need to stump up somewhere between £400 and £500. For most people this makes any purchase a carefully considered decision but before we all start bemoaning the price of modern-day drivers, it is worth adding some context.
Will They Help You Hit It Straighter?
The manufacturers understand what regular golfers need and that’s why each year we see new, draw biased models enter our best drivers for slicers buying guide. It would be fair to say that in the past, some of these have lacked the same level of desirability of the standard versions in the same family. Not any more.
How Often Should You Replace Your Golf Driver?
That is not to say you need to replace your driver every year with the latest model. Keep in mind that 3 to 5 years of use is a general guideline and differs for all golfers. If you play 30 to 40 rounds per year then based on normal wear and tear you should consider getting a new driver every 5 years. If you play less than that, then you could wait for 5 to 7 years. However, if you play more, you should learn more toward the 3-year side of that spectrum just because you put more impact on your driver more frequently.
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.
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.
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.
When should I replace my driver?
Finally, it’s time to take a look at when you should start thinking about replacing your current driver with a fresh one. There are several aspects to consider when making this decision, and here are the four most important ones:
How long should a golf driver last?
The average golf driver should last an average golfing enthusiast approximately five years with reasonable, moderate use. This usually entails about thirty to forty rounds of golf every year. This leads to the conclusion that players who play less than thirty rounds a year should consider replacing their driver after seven years, while those who play less should not wait longer than four years.
Does a new driver make a difference?
The most important factor when purchasing a new driver for many golfers is whether or not it will make a difference and improve their game. That depends on two things – the driver they’re currently using and the driver they’re thinking about purchasing.
What are the common injuries in golf?
Injury: Common golfing injuries, such as problems with the elbow, knees, and back, reduce swing speed, and lower distance.
What happens to the golf ball when it changes altitude?
Elevation: The higher the altitude, the further the golf ball will fly, and changes in altitude can result in changes in distance.
Why is my driving distance decreasing?
These factors are: Temperature: Cold temperatures can reduce your driving distance for as many as ten yards.
Is it good to replace a driver?
However, don’t prematurely jump to the conclusion. Drivers can last for five years and longer, so couple the age of your driver with other telltale signs for replacement before reaching a decision .
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.
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.
How long is a golf driver?
No standard length exists for a driver. Every manufacturer offers different models with varying lengths (usually 43.5” to 47”) but drivers continue to get progressively longer, with some even reaching 48” (the maximum allowable). That’s because in most cases, the longer the shaft the faster the head will travel. However, if it’s hit off-center, it may actually decrease distance. Also, the longer the shaft the harder it is to control and hit the ball squarely. So the best thing to do is choose the longest driver possible that you can still hit consistently and accurately. Remember, you’re not driving for show; you’re driving to put yourself in position to score.
What does a driver do in golf?
Your driver sets the tone for the rest of your game. A fairway splitting first shot puts you in position to score well, but a mis-hit off the tee can leave your game lacking and your confidence wavering. So choosing the right driver is crucial. At tgw.com, we have a wide selection of drivers, and one of them is perfect for you. But before you begin your search, it’s best to understand specific aspects of a driver so you won’t be overwhelmed and can make an informed decision.
What shafts are used in golf clubs?
Drivers are equipped with graphite shafts usually offered in different flexes. For the majority of golfers, the shaft included with the driver will work just fine. Weight is what you’ll want to pay attention to. You don’t want a shaft that’s too heavy. As far as flex, if your drives carry between 230-250 yards, a regular flex is best for your game. If your drives carry any more or any less than that yardage range, you’ll need to adjust your flex to stiff or senior/ladies, respectively. For a deeper dive into the world of golf club shafts, check out the TGW Golf Shaft Buying Guide.
Why do golf clubs swing sideways?
Many golfers think they’re not good enough to get custom-fit clubs, that the flaws in their swing will override any potential benefits of clubs built just for them, but fitters say the reason many players hit it sideways is because they haven’t been custom-fit. Trying to swing golf clubs whose length, weight, lie angle, shaft flex or grip size don’t match the body encourages players to make unnatural compensations that prevent them from developing proper mechanics. Choosing this type of driver will cost you a little more time and money, but it ensures you’ll get a perfectly-fit driver.
How many yards should a golf drive be flex?
As far as flex, if your drives carry between 230-250 yards, a regular flex is best for your game. If your drives carry any more or any less than that yardage range, you’ll need to adjust your flex to stiff or senior/ladies, respectively. For a deeper dive into the world of golf club shafts, check out the TGW Golf Shaft Buying Guide.
Can you adjust the face angle of a golf club?
Using only a wrench, golfers are now able to adjust the face angle, loft and lie angle without the help of their local club fitter—or having to buy a new club altogether. Golfers can alter the club dynamics to suit their desired ball flight or pick up a few additional yards of carry. Many manufacturers insist an adjustable driver gives you every advantage. However, others disagree, citing a more expensive price tag, additional weighting in less than ideal locations, and confusion about all the different setting combinations as reasons to play a traditional, non-adjustable driver.
Can you custom order a driver?
Many drivers can also be custom ordered. Customers can select a custom shaft and grip, as well as length fit to them. All custom orders are placed directly with the manufacturer and assembled by the experts that make the clubs. This is a great option if you have been custom fit for a driver.
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.
Does Newer Mean Better?
Every year, equipment manufacturers tell us that their latest products are the longest, straightest clubs ever created, and every year, thousands of golfers buy new drivers in the hope that it’s true.
