Knowing when to use a driver can be confusing for a novice. Golf is more popular than it ever has been, which means more people are looking to fine-turn their game by investing in the best golf clubs that are available. Drivers will be available in any type of reputable golf shop, but you need to know when to use them.
A driver is the longest type of club in a player’s arsenal, featuring a big metal clubhead, which adds weight when you are driving a ball long distance. This is why a driver is reserved for long par-4 and par-5 holes. A lot of the top golf swings of all time feature a driver.
When buying a driver, it is vital to ensure it is of a high quality, which is why it is a good idea to read reviews about the club you are considering before you purchase it. By doing this, you can pick up on any red flags, if there are any, and you will know to look elsewhere. Not only this, but it is advisable to buy from a reputable and well-known brand in the golf industry, such as Titleist, Cleveland Golf, PING, Callaway, TaylorMade, and Nike Golf. If you do this, you can’t go too wrong.
How To Choose A Driver
There are so many drivers on the market nowadays, which can make it difficult to narrow down your search. But, by considering the points below, you are certain to find the perfect driver for your requirements.
The first thing you need to do is take a look at the material the club has been made from. The best golf drivers will be made from titanium and/or carbon composite, as they are lightweight yet generate enough power. You should also consider the brand that made the driver. Some of the best brands in the industry include Titleist, Callaway, Nike, and Cleveland Golf.
The shape of the driver is also important. In recent years, manufacturers have been moving away from the traditional shape driver. The first company to do this was Nike with their Sumo Squared Driver. The reason for the appearance of a square-headed driver is that the Moment of Inertia (MOI) can be increased because the weight is moved to the perimeters. These clubs are also helpful when aligning tee shots. Nevertheless, it does all come down to personal preference and what suits your game better.
The size of the head is also important, with most drivers on the market today having a head between 440 and 460cc. The bigger heads offer more forgiveness while those closer to 400cc are for players that like to shape the ball more in the air. If you consider these factors, you should have no problem finding the perfect driver for you.
What Materials Are Drivers Made From?
Golf club drivers are available in abundance, with so many different models and shapes to choose from. When purchasing a driver, there is a lot to consider, and one aspect you need to look at carefully is the material that has been used to make the driver.
The material the driver is made from is especially important when you consider that the aim is always to hit the ball as hard as you can. Preferably, you want to hit the ball down a fairway, not into the trees! Thus, you need a material that gives you the ability to generate a lot of power. Because of this, you will find that the vast majority of golf drivers are made from carbon composite or/ and titanium. These materials are beneficial because they are lighter than steel, which makes it easier for the golfer to swing the club and gain the level of accuracy required. They also allow manufacturers to make a big head, with 460cc being the biggest that is allowable. These clubs have an excellent sweet spot.
One thing to note is that a trampoline effect occurs when the driver makes contact with the ball. Basically, on impact, the face will ‘give’ slightly, but it recovers itself in a second. You are not allowed anything above 0.83 in terms of the Coefficient of Restitution. This ensures the rebound speed is not too high. Clubs above this level are not manufactured anymore, but they may be sold, highlighting the importance of choosing a premium quality company.
Choosing The Right Shaft Flex
Before you purchase a driver, you need to determine what shaft flex is right for you. Why it is important to choose the right shaft flex? Well, this is a part of the driver that has an influence on both accuracy and distance. If you are to maximize these two qualities, you need to get the shaft flex spot on. Generally speaking, if you have a high swing speed, you should opt for woods that have a stiffer shaft, as this will increase accuracy. However, if you are a player with a slower swing speed, you should look for a more flexible shaft, as this will allow you to maximize distance.
So, how is a shaft flex measured? You have Ladies (L), Senior (A), Regular (R), Stiff (S), and Extra Stiff (XS). The latter two are recommended for those with a higher swing speed, i.e. if you have swing speed between 90 and 105 mph, you should go for a Stiff shaft flex, and if you have a speed over 105 mph, you are advised to choose an Extra Stiff shaft flex. Someone with a driver swing speed between 80 and 95 mph is recommended to choose a Regular shaft flex. A Senior shaft flex is for those with a driver swing speed between 70 and 85 mph. Finally, if your swing speed is less than 70 mph, a Ladies’ shaft flex is advised.
Guide To Head Shapes
The latest golf drivers are available in various shapes, sizes, and designs, and one thing that differs now is the shape of the head. For many years, there was one traditional round design, but today you can choose between a squared head and the round version. In fact, Titleist even flirted with the idea of a triangular head, but this never went ahead.
So, should you go for a square head or a round head when looking for golf drivers? Well, this all depends on your playing style and getting the perfect swing. The square head driver was developed by Nike, with the Sumo Squared driver being the first one to come onto the market. The reason they created this type of head was so that they could move the weight to the perimeters with the purpose of increasing the Moment of Inertia (MOI). For those who are unaware, MOI measures the stability of an object and the resistance to twisting. Therefore, when it comes to golf, it used to measure the forgiveness of the club. It’s important because golfers don’t always hit the ball at the centre of the face of the club. Another benefit of square clubs is that players can visualize the line of the shot with greater ease, allowing for better alignment of tee shots. Nevertheless, round heads have their benefits, and a lot of people find these drivers a lot easier to use, especially if just starting out.
Which Loft Is Right For You?
When buying a driver, you need to ensure you select the right loft for your game. For those that are unaware, the loft is the term that is used to describe the angle of the face in regards to the vertical. On golf drivers, in particular, the loft tends to be anything from eight degrees to 13 degrees. But, how do you determine what the right type of loft for you is?
Well, higher loft drivers, i.e. those between 12 and 13 degrees, tend to be best for those with a slower swing speed. A lot of juniors and seniors opt for a higher loft as it helps them get the ball airborne more easily. However, if you are a powerful golfer, a lower loft club is ideal. They have a slightly lower trajectory but in the hands of a powerful player, they can go quite some distance. Those who cannot generate the speed required will struggle with these clubs. In truth, most people tend to go for something in the middle – 9-11 degrees. In fact, it is believed that this is what 90 per cent or more of us own. If you don’t feel your swing is particularly slow or fast, this would be the safest option.
So there you have it: everything that you need to consider when choosing a driver and playing golf. A driver is one of the most important clubs that you need to have in your golf bag, so it is vital that you choose with care, especially considering how many different options there are to choose from today. Having quality clubs can make a massive difference.
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