Connect with us

Equipment

Selecting the Correct Driver Loft

Published

on

Driver Loft

Photo via @digital__jedi

Bombarded with the countless drivers that hit the market on a regular basis, we’re often all to quick to rush and purchase one based on flashy commercials and promises of more yards and better accuracy.  But, do you ever really put enough thought into finding your correct driver loft?

Odds are you don’t, and that’s nothing to be embarrassed about.  In truth, loft is one of the most misunderstood aspects of selecting a new driver.

The market is flooded with drivers that range between 4-20 degree lofts with the most common lofts ranging between 9 and 11 degrees.  However, what is good for one player’s swing may not work for another.  In fact, there are quite a few factors that go into determing the correct driver loft for your individual game.

So in order to determine your ideal driver loft, you have to first start by correctly assessing your swing (something that can be done at most golf stores).  That said, here are a few steps to help you determine the appropriate driver loft degree.

Assess Your Swing Speed

First, try to assess the speed at which you swing your driver. This can be done by visiting the local golf store and using one of their demo club/club fitting simulator screens.   If your pro shop or local golf store doesn’t have a simulator to do this you can also use a tool like the SwingTIP to measure swing speed on your own.

If none of this equipment is available to you, there are also inexpensive swing speed apps that you can download right to your smartphone to get a general idea of your driver swing speed.

Once you know you’re swing speed the next step is knowing how it relates to driver loft.  Generally speaking, if you have a low swing speed, then the higher loft driver is for you, and vice versa.  The reason for this is because the greater the club head speed, the more backspin is imparted to the ball, and therefore less loft is required for best trajectory.

The average touring professional has a swing speed of 113+ mph and the average driver loft on tour is around 8.5 degrees.  This combination of high swing speed and low loft is the reason you see them averaging 300+ yards per drive.     Alternatively, the average amateur golfer will have a swing speed somewhere between 60 and 100 mph (depending on gender, build, skill level, and many other factors).  If you fall in the 70 mph or under range, it’s best to select a driver with a loft of around 18-19 degrees (similar to a 5-wood).  Most average handicap golfers will have a swing speed of around 80-90 mph and would benefit from a driver loft of anywhere from 10-12 degrees.  If yourswing speed is 100 mph or more you can often step up to a driver with less than a 10 degree loft (9.5 degrees is quite common in this swing speed range).

But swing speed isn’t everything.  No matter what your swing speed you have to make sure you’re playing with a loft that you’re comfortable with, and one that gives you the greatest possible consistency.

Swing Consistency

Speaking of consistency, a lower lofted driver will increase the side spin at impact when the club face is open or closed, making it much harder to control a lower lofted driver.  This is important to keep in mind because any inaccuracies or deviance in your swing path is going to be dramatically amplified if you use a lower lofted driver.  For this reason, even players with incredibly fast swing speeds should still consider going with a slightly higher lofted club if they struggle with inconsistencies in their ball flight.  A higher loft will help to eliminate at least a portion of the side spin that results from these errant swings.

Compare

After assessing your swing speed and considering your swing consistency take some time to compare the feel of drivers within the loft range you’ve selected.   You’ll see a significant difference with very slight loft changes. Whether it be more inconstant flight paths, longer carry, more pop-ups, etc., look for trends to develop within each loft, try to find one that feels right and creates the trajectory you desire most often, and, if possible ask the pro to assist you to determine which is right.

Keep in mind that shaft stiffness and torque should be the same for each club face you are comparing to ensure that your comparison is consistent.

Lee Westwood Tips: Getting FIt Into The Right Driver

No Description

Keep in mind that swing speed is the main factor in determining which loft is appropriate for you.   Stop by the local golf store, grab a few drivers and ask the pro in the store to help measure you speed.  Once you determine the mph associated with your speed, you can easily begin to narrow down a loft range that’s right for your game.


(Cover Photo Credit)

Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Trending

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x