Driver loft - optimal angle

[woody69]

I have the TM RBZ with the adjustable head that is currently set to standard loft at 10.5*. I can increase it to 12* or decrease it down to 9* apparently. Perhaps an impossible question to answer, but what would I expect to see happen if I did that in theory? I assume lowering the loft will create a lower flight path, but as I have a relatively slow swing (approx 90mph last time I checked whilst buying the driver) I assume I wouldn't get enough spin and would probably lose distance, where as if I increase it it will help generate more spin and help with distance and now we're out of the worse of the weather it won't hit the deck and just splat down?

I currently hit approximately 60% of my drives on to the fairway and average a distance of approx 220 - 240 yards. They have a left to right shape with the occasional "power fade" (read massive slice).

I know just getting down the range and trying the adjustments myself is the way to go, but I wondered if any of you clever people that understood swing paths and ball flight etc could educate me as to what "should" happen and if it's something worth doing for someone who is a 21 h/capper and fairly average off the tee. I want to try and get that 60% as high as possible, but I don't want to lose too much distance

 

[Hacker Khan]

Shouldn't most amateurs have a driver loft as big as possible? I have a Nike Covert driver and it's set on the max loft as I have read more than once that, unless you are well into single figures, you need as much help with then loft as you can get.

 

[shewy]

15 degrees launch with 3000rpm backspin for that swing speed if I recall is the optimum launch conditions.

 

[duncan mackie]

I have the TM RBZ with the adjustable head that is currently set to standard loft at 10.5*. I can increase it to 12* or decrease it down to 9* apparently. Perhaps an impossible question to answer, but what would I expect to see happen if I did that in theory? I assume lowering the loft will create a lower flight path, but as I have a relatively slow swing (approx 90mph last time I checked whilst buying the driver) I assume I wouldn't get enough spin and would probably lose distance, where as if I increase it it will help generate more spin and help with distance and now we're out of the worse of the weather it won't hit the deck and just splat down?

I currently hit approximately 60% of my drives on to the fairway and average a distance of approx 220 - 240 yards. They have a left to right shape with the occasional "power fade" (read massive slice).

I know just getting down the range and trying the adjustments myself is the way to go, but I wondered if any of you clever people that understood swing paths and ball flight etc could educate me as to what "should" happen and if it's something worth doing for someone who is a 21 h/capper and fairly average off the tee. I want to try and get that 60% as high as possible, but I don't want to lose too much distance

you are on the right track with your observations but the following may help a little...

1. because the ball can only spin on one axis, the more 'backspin' element present the more it masks the effect of any 'side spin'
2. all other things being unchanged the more loft the more backspin
3. launch angle and backspin will combine with ball speed to deliver an optimum - for your speed you may find that higher launch and more spin aren't detrimental to distance; you need to establish this yourself.

Personally I would dial in 12 degrees and play a few rounds with it like that; I'm not a huge fan of resolving such issues on the range for most handicap golfers because there are so many other factors that come into play ie what happens on the range isn't a reflection of what happens on the course for many!

I am prepared to bet that 12 will work better for you on many levels

 

[Alex1975]

It depends on your dynamic loft.

 

[FairwayDodger]

Shouldn't most amateurs have a driver loft as big as possible? I have a Nike Covert driver and it's set on the max loft as I have read more than once that, unless you are well into single figures, you need as much help with then loft as you can get.

Possibly some truth in that for high handicappers but overall too much of a sweeping generalisation, I think. I hit my driver pretty high and usually with too much backspin (from the rare times I've been on a flight monitor); all of which is costing me distance. My driver is 9 degree loft by default and I recently adjusted it to the lowest setting, with positive results.

I think it's more about angle of attack at impact rather than the loft of the driver (which is only one factor).

 

[jimbob.someroo]

The other thing to remember is that by adding loft, you will in effect close the club face slightly. So, if you change up to 12* you could potentially straighten out your left to right shape.

I wouldn't advise going down to 8* as this would have the adverse effect and could enhance your 'power fade'.

There was a pro fitting video recently (Mannesero maybe?) who had his driver set at 12*, certainly not just the higher guys that could benefit from increased loft

 

[jimbob.someroo]

I think it's more about angle of attack at impact rather than the loft of the driver (which is only one factor).

Also, this is possibly the most important piece of info. If you're hitting down on the ball like you would with an iron, in theory you need to increase your loft (and have a driver lesson ...)

If you're hitting up on it massively, as FD said, lower the loft should produce better results.

 

[Hacker Khan]

So in conclusion, it's a bit of a crapshoot!

 

[woody69]

you are on the right track with your observations but the following may help a little...

1. because the ball can only spin on one axis, the more 'backspin' element present the more it masks the effect of any 'side spin'
2. all other things being unchanged the more loft the more backspin
3. launch angle and backspin will combine with ball speed to deliver an optimum - for your speed you may find that higher launch and more spin aren't detrimental to distance; you need to establish this yourself.

Personally I would dial in 12 degrees and play a few rounds with it like that; I'm not a huge fan of resolving such issues on the range for most handicap golfers because there are so many other factors that come into play ie what happens on the range isn't a reflection of what happens on the course for many!

I am prepared to bet that 12 will work better for you on many levels

Thanks for the info and the tip. Very helpful. I'm convinced enough to definitely try it and see what happens and hopefully we will have a positive outcome!!

The other thing to remember is that by adding loft, you will in effect close the club face slightly. So, if you change up to 12* you could potentially straighten out your left to right shape.

I wouldn't advise going down to 8* as this would have the adverse effect and could enhance your 'power fade'.

There was a pro fitting video recently (Mannesero maybe?) who had his driver set at 12*, certainly not just the higher guys that could benefit from increased loft

Also, this is possibly the most important piece of info. If you're hitting down on the ball like you would with an iron, in theory you need to increase your loft (and have a driver lesson ...)

If you're hitting up on it massively, as FD said, lower the loft should produce better results.

I don't hit down on my driver (well 99% of the time I don't!!), but what you have said is why I'm slightly "concerned" that if I upped the loft I'd end up skying everything. I used to have a 13* and although it usually went straight, it started getting to the point most would go very high and distance would suffer. I guess I just have to get out there and try a few rounds with an increase and a decrease and see what works better for me!

Thanks all for the advice.