What Degree Driver ?

[leeleggett]

Well after a fitting session at Thorpe Wood in Peterborough Simon advised me that a 12degree driver will give me the launch angle I needed.

I did use a R7 Duel 9.5 degree however after changing to the MX 500 11.5 I am hitting more fairways. Only down side is I have lost around 30-50yards.

What are the advantages and disadvantages to a higher degree loft.

I have been thinking about changing to a higher degree square driver? how have people found them ?

 

[GB72]

I have been through just about every driver in the book and I have found that the combination of a shorter shaft and a higher loft keeps me straight with litte if any loss in distance. Certainly I had a 10.5 degree loft on all my previous drivers and thought that was fine but that was part of my problem. I am now up to 12 degrees and hit far straighter. Depending on your problem, a square driver is not the cure for everything. It never reduced my slice.

You must be in the same area as me, I live just north of Stamford and play at Thorpe Wood quite often.

 

[Junior]

I was told that as you should start with a HT or 12 degree driver and as your handicap starts to come down you should lower the loft on your driver for increased playability. Important to make sure your custom fitted.

I've just been custom fit by TM and have the Burner, 9.5 degree 50g stiff shaft. it goes quite high but I seemed to be nailing that combination better then any others. Couldn't get on with the Superquad at all.

 

[RGuk]

I have been using a 12 degree driver for years (albeit not playing for some of that time).
I started with 10/11 degree drivers and had a 9 degree taylor made during my best years.
I have to say that 12 is a great choice for all but the best players, but a bit will depend on your swing (of course!) and if you are "evolving" as a player.
I sometimes hit poor shots with my 9 degree, despite having a reliably repeating swing.....I've never hit a bad one with the 12 (other than simply messing up!) and t.b.h. the distance difference is cancelled out by using it almost every hole, whereas with a lower loft, you might resort to your 3 wood on a lot of holes.....
I don't tee it massively high (this is important, I feel) and let the club do the work, I love it and will not ever change now.
If a pro thinks it's right, go with it, once you are hitting it well, I'd be surprised if you are losing very much distance...and all this for ease of use and guaranteed quality flight and strike.

Dave