Driver issue

[kid2]

Evening Girls and Boys,
Iv got something bothering me,iread an article in a magazine today that said the average club golfer should be using a driver with at least 12* of loft.
Whats puzzling me is that i use a 10.5* stiff shafted MacGregor that i get a good flight and carry from but is prone to the occasional tantrum and hit a big high fade or worse..... Im thinking of changing this for and MD GOLF Superstrong Ti 460 and im wondering should i get this in 12* stiff also and would the square be better.

 

[RGDave]

I think the 12 degree idea is not necessarily for everyone.

I have owned (probably) 10 drivers over the years and always end up with a 12 degree. With a medium swing/clubhead speed I find the compromise between outright distance and use-ability always seem to fall on 12 degrees. I have a 10 and a 13 (winter) which both come out now and again, but not permanently.

I've never seen the sense in hitting 80-90% good shots when 100% is possible (regardless of direction!!). On a good day, every ball from my driver gets airborne and travels a decent distance. If I was trying to hit the 3 or 4 longest holes in 2, then things might be different.

You've got to try and few and learn from experience. A youngster with a good swing and decent speed could easily hit a driver with 11 or 10 degrees, but would the extra few yards really make the difference on a mid handicap?

I often play with two juniors (off 17 and 20) who use 10.5 degree drivers. They do OK, but now and again hit a dodgy one, so my ball sat miles down the fairway suddenly looks to make more sense.

It's the choice we all have to make. I don't think I'd say there are hard and fast rules, but certainly anyone should be able to hit a 12 degree driver...for every degree lower, you need to ask yourself, am I really getting full value...

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I have heard that before about higher loft for a lot of club golfers. Clearly more loft = less side spin and so in theory straighter shots with more carry.

That said I agree with RGDave in that its not for everyone. Whilst those struggling with the big stick and a persistant slice may get some help, if you have a half decent swing then there is probably more to gain from a 10.5 (or lower if you're good enough)

 

[kid2]

Thanks lads i just said id throw out a few feelers.
I dont have a problem with distance im probably slightly above average there and never had a problem getting the ball airborne either. The direction can be wayward at times but its still out there.
Iv had my swing measured at between 102 and 112mph.
Maybe i just need to slow things down just a tad to get more consistent

 

[johng]

IMO and following recent experience I would say that shaft length and flex is more important than loft alone. I have used 8.5 upto 13* drivers over the years.

Having my current shaft shortened to 44" has given me the best driving results ever. My STR8 is now set to neutral as opposed to 2* closed when the shaft was 46" long and on the weekend I measured a 266 yard drive - straight down the middle of the fairway - even better it was the one I was aiming at .

The average driver length on the PGA tour is 44.5" yet most manufacturers want to sell club players with a shaft at least 1" longer than this - just makes the club harder to control and swing on plane regularly.

Good luck looking anyway.

John.

 

[USER1999]

I always used a 9.5 degree driver, but at my c/f, they recommended an 8.5, as I get way too much back spin with a higher loft. Their view was that higher lofted drivers are not for everybody. Especially not me.

 

[kid2]

Ill just have to do some field tests so guys i suppose....
I may just stick with the 10.5 stiff as im getting a pretty good flight