How to Choose a Golf Driver

What Is a Golf Driver?

A golf driver is the club you reach for when teeing off. There are two main parts to a golf driver—the club head and shaft. A driver has the largest head of any golf club to offer an expansive surface area for solid contact with the ball, while the long shaft maximizes swing speed to generate distance.

Types of Golf Drivers

There are several types of golf drivers based on the head construction. Our Golf Experts highlight the top three types. If you have additional questions about the type of driver that works for you, stop into your local SCHEELS and speak with a Golf Expert about getting fitted.

• Game Improvement: If you're looking to improve consistency, a game-improvement driver could be a good option. This type of driver is designed with larger sweet spots providing greater forgiveness and stability on off-center hits. Often beginners or players with slow swing speeds use a game improvement driver to improve consistency and reduce mistakes so players can gain more confidence at the address.

• Offset Drivers: These drivers help reduce slices and promote a draw shot by adjusting the club's center of gravity and face angle. They are a great choice for golfers who struggle with slicing off the tee box.

• Adjustable Drivers: This type of driver allows for customizable features like loft, lie angle, and weight placement, offering more versatility to suit different swings and course conditions. Game improvement and tour drivers can have.

Features to Consider when Choosing a Golf Driver

Although simple in construction with the club head and shaft, golf drivers are complex. There are several features to consider when choosing a driver that will impact your performance from the tee box. Our Golf Experts highlight the main four features to consider.

Golf Driver Head Size

The head size of a driver is measured in cubic centimeters (cc). The size of the club head influences forgiveness, stability, and shot control. Most modern driver heads are 460cc, offering a larger surface area to increase the size of the sweet spot so off-center hits are less likely to lose distance and accuracy. This larger head also provides a higher moment of inertia (MOI), reducing clubface twisting on impact to keep shots straighter.

You'll see smaller driver heads, which allow for greater maneuverability, lower spin, and better control. These are best suited for lower handicap or professional golfers.

Loft

The loft of a driver affects how the ball launches and how much spin is generated, influencing both distance and accuracy. Driver loft is measured in degrees and usually ranges from 8 to 14 degrees.

• High Loft Driver (10.5 to 13 degrees): Ideal for beginners, high-handicap players, or those will slower swing speed (under 90 MPH)

• Low Loft Drivers (8 to 10.5 degrees): Ideal for advanced golfers with fast swing speeds (greater than 90 MPH).

Shaft Flex

The flex of a driver shaft refers to how much the shaft bends during your swing, influencing the power and accuracy of your shots. Choosing the correct shaft flex is important for maximizing distance and maintaining control. Shafts typically come in a few different categories and are determined by your swing speed.

Driver Shaft Flex Chart

Choosing the correct shaft flex ensures the most power and accuracy. Refer to the chart below for a general idea of which flex fits your swing speed. If you have additional questions, our Golf Experts offer custom fittings too.

Shaft Length & Weight

The shaft length and weight can influence spin, launch, and overall performance.

• Length: Most men's driver lengths are between 45 and 46 inches in length, while most women's drivers are between 43 and 44 inches. Shorter drivers can offer better accuracy, while longer ones can provide more distance. Choosing the right length depends on finding a balance between distance and accuracy that matches your swing.

• Weight: The weight of the shaft influences your swing mechanics and overall comfort. A lighter shaft (between 50 and 60g) is suited for players with slower swing speeds and beginners as they're easier to swing, and generate more clubhead speed and distance. A heavier shaft (between 70 and 85g) is ideal for faster swing speeds as it provides more control and stability.

When choosing a golf driver, there are a lot of factors to consider from head size and loft to shaft flex, but many of the industry-leading golf brands like TaylorMade, Callaway, and more offer a wide selection so you can find the perfect fit. If you have additional questions about choosing a golf driver, stop into your local SCHEELS to speak with a Golf Expert.

Ready to find your perfect driver? Visit us in-store for a custom fitting with one of our SCHEELS Master Fitters!