Shaft
The shaft can have a huge impact on your game and it is an important item you need to consider when choosing your golf driver. Shafts can be classified in two kinds in terms of material – steel and graphite. Graphite are usually more popular and they are often used by seniors, ladies, and those with slower swing speed. Unlike steel, graphite is lighter which can provide greater swing speed which translates to more power. Because of the flexibility of graphite, you sacrifice a little bit of control. Steel on the other hand are generally heavy which can reduce power if you have a slow swing speed. The advantage though of a steel shaft is having more control. Other than the material of the shaft, you also need to consider the shaft flex, shaft torque, shaft kick-point, and shaft weight.
Shaft Flex – The ability of the shaft to bend as you swing can have an effect on the power generated on the ball depending on your swing speed. Generally, if you have a low to average swing speed, you might get the greatest distance in using regular flex. If you have a high swing speed though, you might benefit more with a stiffer flex. The flex can also affect your tendency to hook or slice depending on your swing action.
Shaft Torque – Torque, on the other hand, is the ability of the shaft to twist. The range usually is between 3 to 6 degrees. Low torque shafts tends to generate a lower ball trajectory and are recommended for stronger players. Shafts with higher torques are usually recommended for weaker players because of the softer feel.
Shaft Kick-Point – Another characteristics of a shaft which can affect the ball trajectory is the kick-point. If you would like a low shot trajectory, you should get a shaft with a high kick-point. On the other hand, a low kick-point usually generate a high shot trajectory.
Shaft Weight – Choosing the proper shaft weight for your swing speed can help in increasing your clubhead speed which translates to power and distance. As a general rule, if you have a slow or average swing speed, you should get a shaft with a lighter weight. Heavier shafts are suited for players with fast swing speeds since clubhead speed is not a problem.
The Grip
Finally, but definitely not the least is the grip. Your hand size will determine your grip size. Basically, you want a grip which you are comfortable with and which gives you control on the club. There are different materials and compounds used in the grip but this is usually a personal choice. A couple of the grips have features which help in hand alignment.
Photo credit: idreaminir
There’s so much to think about when you’re buying a new golf driver. Aside from the price tag, you have to look at the clubhead design, material used, size of the clubhead, shaft, loft, grip, etc. Ultimately, the end goal is to have a driver that would give you extra distance off the tee without sacrificing consistency and accuracy.
In this article, we will look at the common things that you need to consider when choosing your new driver. You should have a general idea of what to look for after reading this article.
Clubhead Design
Titanium is quite popular among the modern-day drivers. Because it is lighter, manufacturers can create a larger clubhead without making it too heavy. A larger clubhead will also have a bigger sweetspot which makes it more forgiving for off-center hits.
Club faces have also been made thinner, creating a trampoline or “bounce” effect know as COR. Because of this extra bounce, the ball will travel faster and add distance.
Recently, manufacturers have also begun using titanium in conjunction with ultra lightweight graphite. The reason behind it is to enable the manufacturer to re-position the weight in the clubhead. A weight positioned lower and further back will promote a ball flying high with less spin, for better carry and roll.
Taking that a little bit further, some golf drivers now have moveable tungsten weights. this would allow you to alter the club’s weight distribution based on your swing. If you tend to fade the ball you can position the weights to promote a draw and vice versa. You can move them to encourage a lower or higher ball flight, too. Check out the Taylor Made r7 425 and Masters MC-Z700.
Many golf drivers now have moveable tungsten weights, allowing you to alter the club’s weight distribution. If you tend to fade the ball you can position the weights to promote a draw and vice versa. You can move them to encourage a lower or higher ball flight, too. Check out the Taylor Made r7 425 and Masters MC-Z700.
With so much choice, there’s no easy answer when it comes to choosing the right clubhead design. The best advice is to try a range of styles and see what works best for you.
Loft
On impact, the club loft imparts the initial launch angle of the golf ball. Depending on your swing (shape and swing speed), choosing the right loft can produce more distance but on the other hand choosing the wrong one can be detrimental to your tee shots. If struck correctly, a lower lofted club face will produce more distance, but if you tend to slice, you are likely to need a higher loft. For high handicappers or golfers with slower swing speeds, a loft of 11 degrees or higher is usually beneficial in getting the ball in the air. For low handicappers and those with faster swing speed, 10 degrees or lower usually add distance. Professional golfers even have loft lower than 9 degrees.
Stay tuned for the second part of this article.
Photo credit: brtsergio
