With so many drivers on the market with so many different elements to choose from, it can initially seem bewildering. So to help you, here’s our guide to the factors to consider when deciding which is the best driver for you.
Driver technology is ever-evolving with a new season’s stock always aiming to outperform older stock. Almost all new drivers now come with the maximum 460cc clubhead size with only a select few available with the smaller size ‘tour’ head. Often only the most experienced players who are looking to manipulate and shape the ball benefit from this alternative size. The multi-material clubhead has been developed to achieve optimal aerodynamics and has helped golfers improve clubhead speed, increasing the maximum distance mark. These drivers incorporate titanium and carbon composites which help distribute weight into areas which boosts ball speed, launch and spin.
The loft of a driver is the degrees from the vertical of the clubface; it determines the launch of the ball and the direction in which the ball will head to. It’s important to take the time to evaluate what loft would suit your play best, forget what your favourite golfer uses. Your skill is exclusive to you and can easily crumble with the wrong equipment choices. Instead, maximise your distance and skill with an appropriate loft choice that allows you to play your best game. New drivers often come with an adjustable loft sleeve allowing you to alter the loft of your driver up to 2 degrees either way, which covers most player’s needs. The slower your swing the higher the loft should be. For example, a player with a swing between 95 and 104mph would require a 10 to 11-degree loft whereas a loft between 7 and 9 would be better suited to a player with a swing between 105 and 115mph. A higher loft means less spin which causes a straighter shot, therefore if you struggle off the tee with a slice a higher loft option would help. To reduce the shot shape, an offset driver is a good choice; these are great for players consistently fighting a bad slice.
There are different aspects to a golf shaft that can affect your performance: the shaft flex, kick-point, torque rating and length. You should carefully consider what shaft suits your play best before making your order. The latest models mostly have stick shafts as standard but also have a variety of other shafts available with different characteristics and performance traits. If you play with a slower swing (usually speeds <80mph) a soft regular, senior, lite flex driver would be ideal whereas if you play with a swing of high-speed swing (>100mph) you should probably consider an extra stiff flex driver. From different shaft technology to custom-fit lengths of a shaft, finding the right shaft and flex in the driver, unique to you, is vital.
A golf club’s length is measured from the top of the grip down to where the clubhead meets the ground. The length of your driver can substantially improve your play, complementing your swing speed and ability. The standard length for a driver has increased to 45.5 inches for most manufacturers which means better clubhead speed and distance. However, if you’re not careful a longer driver can skew strike accuracy resulting in lower average distance. If you’re looking for greater control and accuracy when in play, decrease your driver length by no more than 1.5 inches and you’ll feel a positive difference in your game.
There are plenty of driver grip options to choose from, take your time in choosing the perfect grip suited to your style and play, although it’s useful to note it’s possible to swap and change golf grips after purchase if you still feel you haven’t yet found the perfect fit. The grip size should be the first thing you consider; a grip that’s too small allows for too much hand action which can often lead to pulling the ball whereas a grip that’s too big totally limits wrist pronation and movement which can cause you to slice or push the shot. Here’s a rough guide when it comes to choosing the best grip for you: have a small-size glove? Go for an undersized grip. Medium-sized glove? Choose a regular grip. Large sized glove? Add an extra 2-3 wraps. Extra-large sized glove? Mid-sized or even jumbo golf grips in some cases.
It’s always worth investing a fair amount into your driver, after all, it’s one of your most important clubs. Snainton Golf stock drivers across the board in terms of price with drivers available from £50 all the way up to £650. If you’re looking to maximise accuracy and distance, we would recommend you go for the higher-priced driver options incorporating up-to-date technologies, better-quality materials and bespoke designs. However, if you’ve just started out or are looking for a good quality purchase without the extras, a lower-priced alternative will do the trick.