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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