Golf Buyers Guide - Drivers
The driver is the club you are most likely to use from the tee. They come in a variety of different sizes, lofts, club head types, shafts and more. Choosing the right option for you will come down to your ability and budget.
Club Head Type
The club head type is separated into approximately 3 size groups and 3 materials that the club head is made out of.
Club Head Sizes
Club Heads come in 3 sizes. These are:
Standard – Measure between 150-160 cubic centimeters (cc). These clubs offer better control but give a smaller sweet spot on the club face.
Mid Size – Mid Size offers a decent option between standard and over size. They measure between 185-200 cc and offer a balance between a decent sized sweet spot and a decent amount of control.
Over Sized – Over Sized typically measure anything between 230-250 cc. This is the largest club head size and generally offers the biggest sweet spot but the least control. It must be noted that some club heads are now available with a size up to a massive 450cc, which offers a lot more distance and control, but comes at a price
Club Head Materials
Club Heads Materials are usually one of three options. These are:
Wooden Heads – This is a typically outdated club head which has been replaced with the better technology offered by steel and titanium heads.
Steel Club Heads – A cheaper option than the titanium heads. Typically weighs a little more too. Due to the weight the club head tends to be a little smaller. Many traditionalists like these clubs and are not in favour of the technological advances of materials such as titanium.
Titanium Club Heads – The most expensive, lightest and strongest option. Typically these club heads have a larger club head, larger sweet spot and is a little more forgiving of mistimed shots. The downside is that they are more expensive.
Choosing a shaft for your driver?
Drivers come with an option of two different shaft types. These are:
Graphite shafts
Graphite shafts tend to be more expensive than steel shafts. They offer more flexibility as they are lighter and offer greater flexibility in the shaft. This leads to a much more powerful strike of the ball, though this can come at the expense of accuracy. Graphite shafts tend to be less durable than their steel counterparts.
Steel Shafts
Steel Shafts tend to be a little cheaper than graphite shafts. They are a little stiffer and are suited to stronger golfers that are willing to sacrifice a little distance for more control. They are also more durable than graphite shafts.
Shaft Flex
Flex is the amount of bend in the shaft. A higher flex means that when you swing the club the shaft will bend more, generating more power. Shafts generally come in 5 different types. These are Ladies, A (for seniors), Regular, Stiff and Extra Stiff. Getting professional advice is a good idea when it comes to choosing the right shaft.
Club Head Loft
The club head loft is a measure of the angle of the face of the club. The more loft a club has, the more control is offered but this is at the expense of distance. This works in reverse, where lower handicap players often tend to take lower loft drivers so they can maximize their distance on the drive.
The speed of your swing can also be a factor in choosing a club head loft. These lofts can fit into the following categories (though these are not definitive and may require professional advice).
Fast Swing – 7.5-9.5 degrees loft
Medium Swing – 10-11.5 degrees loft
Slow Swing – 12-13 degrees loft
Price
Drivers generally vary from £50 for a basic model and up to £400 for a new top of the range model. If you have the budget for a top driver, it will offer you an advantage from the tee. As with all golf clubs, we recommend getting some professional advice before buying.