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.
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With tons of golf drivers reviews on the internet and the technological advancements of the modern-day drivers, understanding the terms can be difficult. We will help you dissect the reviews by explaining some key terms.
Clubhead Size
The first thing that you usually see is the clubhead size. Because of the introduction of titanium, larger clubheads are now popular especially for the high handicapper. Unlike steel, titanium is much lighter which gives the manufacturer the ability to create larger clubheads. The popular size among high handicapper is the USGA limit of 460cc clubhead size. The idea is to have a larger clubhead for a “larger sweetspot.” This makes it somehow easier to have a good contact with the ball.
Launch Angle
The next is the launch angle. This refers to the initial angle of the golf ball at impact. Launch angle is affected by the loft angle of the club. A higher loft angle gives a higher launch angle which translates to greater distance. Beginners and high handicap golfers usually have trouble getting the ball to have a high trajectory. A loft angle of 11 degrees or more will usually benefit these kinds of golfers. Tour players usually prefer drivers with 9 degrees or less and mid handicap golfers have drivers with 9-11 degrees.
Adjustable Weights
You’ll find some modern-day drivers with “adjustable weights.” These drivers have adjustable weights in the sole or internal weighting to help golfers reduce a slice or a hook. Slice golfers should have a driver with a draw bias while hook golfers should have a driver with a slice bias.
Moment of Inertia (MOI)
Moment of Inertia or MOI refers to the ability of the clubhead to resize twisting when off center shots are made. The higher the MOI the better since these clubs will be more forgiving for off center shots. Beginners should look for drivers with high MOI rating between 5800 to 5900.
Center of Gravity (COG)
Another term seen when reading golf driver reviews is Center of Gravity (COG). Center of Gravity can affect the flight path of the ball. A low COG usually have a higher flight path compared to a driver with a higher COG. High handicappers should focus on drivers that have a low CG.
Coefficient of Restitution (COR)
Coefficient of Restitution (COR) refers to the “trampoline effect” on thin-faced drivers that generates extra distance as a result of an extra bounce off the clubface. The higher COR makes the golf ball leave the clubhead faster (i.e. higher momentum) for a fixed impact speed. The current limit according to USGA for COR is 0.83.
Now that you know the common terms mentioned in driver reviews, you are better equipped in finding the driver that would help your game.
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