Driver degrees...

[Kilted Arab]

Does it really make a huge difference if your driver is 9.5 or 10.5 degrees? Should hackers only go for 10 or 10.5?

 

[nsherman2006]

well drivers are so finnicky, i think it does matter. When you are talking about a few extra yards, you need to optimize launch angle and spin rate, so the driver/shaft/loft combo that produces the best results for you may not produce the same results in a different loft. Hackers dont specifically need higher lofts, and playas dont necessarily need lower lofts. I am not a playa by any means(crummy 6 handicap), but i hit drivers from 6-9 degrees. Above that and it goes balooning. However, there are some scratch golfers or better who play higher lofted drivers. It's all about what works for you, but as a generalization, higher loft yields straighter, higher launching, and for most golfers, longer drives, which usually helps out most hackers, while lower lofted drivers produce a flatter, more workable trajectory that may be preferred by better playas. JMO

 

[Rufio]

nsherman hit the nail on the head. I always used to think that the loft made the biggest differences in trajectory, but it is all mainly in the shaft. It's best to talk to someone and tell them exactly what kind of flight you are looking for and have them recommend something to you. For example, I thought all stiff shafts were equal, but each different style has different flex points which makes a dramatic difference between each other. I'm around 9-10 handicap and I hit an 8.5 degree driver with a shaft that works for me because I prefer a much lower and boring ball flight. Hope this helps at all haha...

 

[mediaguru]

The shaft can almost be more important than the loft. If it kicks too much, it can turn an 8 degree into a 12...

 

[Rockford35]

I have an 8.5* driver and I can still bring rain with the height i get on it. It's all about the shaft, as far as I'm concerned.

There is something to be said about helping the ball get up a bit more. But, if you like high balls with a bit more roll, get a lower loft. But ultimately, it's not gonna make that much difference to us hacks.

R35

 

[Kilted Arab]

But ultimately, it's not gonna make that much difference to us hacks.

R35

Thanks for the answer, but you're still not in the Hack Club!

 

[dave.]

Sorry,but I disagree,its not all about the shaft.I think we (handicappers) like to think it is,but we aren't pros who hit consistent strikes with consistent swings.To a handicap golfer first and foremost is getting enough loft on the driver to get carry,then its teeing it up high enough,then its swinging the club properly.I think the shaft is totally over played for handicap golfers.Yes its important and makes a difference,of course they do,but the shaft is nowhere near as important as having enough loft and teeing the ball high enough.Beginners in particular will get all worked up about something they should forget until they are off at least 4.

 

[P_102]

Definitely the shaft...(sorry Dave), as long as your swing has the power to flex the shaft, there's where the most difference lies, IMHO. I use a 7.5 degree driver and hit it higher than most I know, higher than my 13 and 17 degree woods....would like to hit it lower though....any recommendations on a shaft to bring it down? Currently stock shaft (stiff, maybe says firm) on a 350 Cobra.

 

[DaveE]

Does it really make a huge difference if your driver is 9.5 or 10.5 degrees? Should hackers only go for 10 or 10.5?

KA, I think it's all about trying different head shaft combinations.

My old TM 360 was 9* but had the stiff stock shaft in it. My new Cobra is a 10.5 and has the stiff NV shaft and I have a lower ball flight now than I did with the old driver.

I know it's hot over there but you're gonna have to go outside and hit some balls. And you better get on it before the wife comes home. :wow:

 

[Rockford35]

Definitely the shaft...(sorry Dave), as long as your swing has the power to flex the shaft, there's where the most difference lies, IMHO. I use a 7.5 degree driver and hit it higher than most I know, higher than my 13 and 17 degree woods....would like to hit it lower though....any recommendations on a shaft to bring it down? Currently stock shaft (stiff, maybe says firm) on a 350 Cobra.

P,

Try something with a mid or high kick. The Lower kick shafts (which is probably what your cobra has in it to induce a higher ball flight, which is what alot of guys want, but for you and myself, we'd like a little lower...) get that ball up in a hurry.

Check through Golfsmith's site. They have shaft specs at the bottom of all their shaft decriptions that show kick, torque and tip specs. You could give something a go and always swap it out back to the OEM shaft if it wasn't up to snuff.

R35

 

[P_102]

Thanks Rockford..

 

[nsherman2006]

P102, want a backup for 80 bucks? LOL

seriously, try a shaft like the Aldila NV or Grafalloy Blue. Better yet, go to golfsmith.com and look at the bend point/launch profiles of all the shafts and find one that appeals to you

 

[dave.]

P_102

no need to apologise I agree the shaft can make a huge difference if you can load a shaft on a regular basis,but what handicap would that be? under 5 maybe? I'm not disagreeing,but when you read posts by beginners worrying shafts on their 8.5 driver when they tee it up a cm high,you have to wonder what book they have read.

9.5* regular shaft 460 head and tee the bugger high,then worry about shafts when you start to break 80

imho

 

[Youngun5]

i have an 8.5* TM with the stock stiff shaft, and the ball just soares now, with tons of spin which is really killing my distance, but i'm still hitting anywhere from 285-315 and as accurate as i ever have.. would it be something to worry about?

 

[Rockford35]

i have an 8.5* TM with the stock stiff shaft, and the ball just soares now, with tons of spin which is really killing my distance, but i'm still hitting anywhere from 285-315 and as accurate as i ever have.. would it be something to worry about?

Ya, 300 yard drives down the pipe are a sign of the apocalypse. Your best bet is to buy a new driver.



R35