What degree driver should a beginner use?

What loft driver should i use?

If we were to discuss the best driver’s loft about 15 years ago, things would have been much more straightforward. Back then, it was a common perception (and proved one, too!) that the drivers with higher lofts were suitable for beginner golfers.

And there was a straightforward and reasonable explanation behind this. A driver with a higher loft produces higher and faster ball speeds if your swing speed is slower. The comparison between the short irons and long irons is enough to comprehend the logic behind this, as the short irons have more degrees and, therefore, are easier to hit. And this was taken for granted. However, things have got complicated, and the logic behind this claim is getting twisted.

‘How come?’ you might ask. Well, the main ‘culprit’ is the new technology of the modern driver. The swing changes play some role here too, but the technological advancements in drivers have been the main reason why the theory of ‘the higher loft-the better the driver for beginners’ isn’t a 100% valid anymore. And, by the way, if we have to rely on the ‘iron-comparison explanation,’ short irons do not deliver much distance, do they? But what everybody wants from their driver is extra speed, distance, and a straight ball flight.

Why modern drivers rely on more than loft

If you are a tech-savvy beginner golfer, then you probably have a clue that there’s a world of differences between the modern golf drivers and the ones used at the beginning of the new millennium.

Take a look at the latest golf drivers’ designs. If you compare the Callaway’s Epic Flash driver or the Mavrik driver with some basic drivers, such as the Pinemeadow PGX driver, this difference is striking.

From Artificial Intelligence face design with variable face thickness, multi-material construction, adjustable lofts, and movable weights allow exceptional custom-fit launching conditions and optimal performance.

These features have largely impacted the way you play golf, so with them, you can even play with a lower-degree driver provided you swing with an upward angle of attack, and the center of gravity is deep and low.

However, there’s one more thing you need to bear in mind when comparing high-end drivers with regular drivers for beginners- the price point! You see, buying such a premium driver will cost you about five times more the price of just an ordinary driver. So, the first question a beginner golfer might ask is, “Are they worth it?”

Well, that depends on what you expect from your driver and how you take the game. But most importantly, how’s the new technology related to loft selection?

Links for golf instruction:

• Calcutta, Golf
• Fitting, Golf club
• Golf swing recording
• Do you need adjustable clubs?
• Chipping rule of 12, Golf
• Golf handicap breakdown
• Regular flex vs stiff flex shaft
• Golf handicap rules
• Golf Swing Mechanics Matter
• Golf attire for ladies

One-piece construction

Even though these drivers are usually considered basic in their craftsmanship, they can perfectly fit beginner golfers’ needs, as they are usually higher lofted and extremely lightweight. Take the Pinemeadow PGX, for example. It’s an offset, 10.5-degree driver that is very lightweight and with a large sweet spot. Although its loft is not very high, the large clubhead and the construction itself allows golfers to square the ball at impact, helping them reduce slices. This option is perfect for golfers who are on a budget and who occasionally play golf.

Fixed hosel design

Some drivers for beginners come with fixed hosel design and still deliver ultimate speed and distance. Such is Cleveland HB Turbo Driver that comes with an ultralight hosel, counterbalanced graphite shaft, and deep CG for optimal ball speed and distance. With the purchase, you select from a 9, 10.5, or 12-degree option, or in case you slice the balls, then there’s the 10.5-degree, draw type driver. It has been one of the best drivers, and as you can notice, the loft selection is not too high.

Adjustable loft settings

The loft adjustability is a modern feature and allows players to personalize the driver to match their skills and the angle of attack. In this case, you can experiment with various settings to find your perfect match.

If you consider the best drivers for beginners, then some striking models are worth mentioning. The Callaway models feature the OptiFit adjustable sleeve and those intended for high handicappers such as the Rogue, the XR, or the X Hot driver. The Ping G400 or G410 are models that allow 8-way loft manipulation and extreme forgiveness as well.

The Tiger Wood’s featured brand, TaylorMade, has released some incredible models that can be loft adjusted and, at the same time, promote straight, low spin ball flights. From the latest SIM MAX forgiving driver, or the M series, particularly the M2, M4, and the M6 models to the RBZ driver, novices can rest assured that they’ve made a long term investment into a great driver that offers a blend of technology and optimal playability.