10.5 nope 9 yes

Okay so to say I have had issues with my driving capabilities since starting golf is an understatement. My 1st driver was a Taylormade Burner 10.5 stiff recommended by a salesman at Golfsmith. Never hit it well and it actually cracked so i got a replacement and picked out the Cleveland DST 10.5 regular flex. This time was hooked up to the monitors at Golfsmith. Again was told 10.5 was my proper club degree. Anyway while in SC my father actually like my Cleveland driver and since he still didn't own one and mine was only hit a few times I gave it to him. He threw me $125 for it and I bought a Callaway Diablo Edge 9 in a regular flex. Decided on this without testing it but described my swing speed and what always happens on my drives to a salesman at the Pga Superstore. Anyway 3 rounds later and I am consistently hitting straight around 220. Very pleases so far. No more high hooks. I still get the occasional crap drive but that's where my game is at.

What's happened to your ball trajectory, lateral ball movement etc since the change?

Ball trajectory is a lot lower, it comes off the face more like a line drive that doesn't get higher than lets say 7 feet off the ground. The lateral movements are not as noticeable as before I  guess. Not sure I understand the 2nd part of question.

I think he is asking how the ball flys left to right. do your drives have a draw tndency or a fade tendency.

If your drives never get more than 7 feet off the ground, you likely need some adjustments made to your swing. Get that in order, then you can be properly fit to a driver.

+1 on the above post--thats what I was think'n too.

I think he was just saying that it keeps lower. Getting a ball to go 220 yards while only going 7 feet above the ground would require an absolutely beastly swing.

As long as you feel comfortable swinging the club, and the results are good keep at it. There's always room to improve of course.

If you are driving in the 220 yard range then a lower ball flight is not something you want to be looking for. Also remember that as loft decreases the effect of sidespin is increased, so bad shots will actually travel further off line. My guess is it's either the face angle of the new driver or the shaft bend profile that you feel as an improvement, but based on the stats given I'd still say you are going in the wrong direction as far as loft is concerned.

Yeah I would agree 100 percent. You should invest in getting your swing balanced with help from an experienced teacher, then most likely get more loft to help promote that swing.If you can find a teacher that also fits, this will benefit you the best.Do you know your SS?

7 ft ......... should be around 70 ft if you want a really long drive .....

I probably didn't do a terrific job in detailing my swing with my new 9 degree driver. I have a slow to moderate swing speed of an avg. of 88 mph. I decided to go to a 9 loft because I wasn't happy with how I was driving the Cleveland DST in 10.5. Was able to basically get some cash for it and apply it to a new driver so after speaking with a sales guy at PGA Superstore I decided to try something new. I wanted a more forgiving driver as well as wanting to eliminate the ballooning effect I was getting from the 10.5 drivers I had used. I would agree my swing is not great and a few lessons would help but none the less went with the Callaway Diablo edge in a 9 loft and regular shaft and for the most part I a hitting more fairways. The trajectory is very low off the driver and seems like only 7 feet of course it rises but it is a drastic difference from the 10.5's and I really am enjoying it. I almost purchased the Titleist 909 D2 in a 9.5 with a regular flex. Such a good looking club but held off because I didn't feel my game needed such a quality club. But man it is good looking at address.

88 Mph is about R and also a 10.5 would be better for your ss .... so I would say if you still have your old driver ..... spend your money on Lessons !

Well the love affair has ended. I think you guys are correct about swing speed equaling a 10.5 and reg driver and lessons. I contacted a golf pro waiting for a response. Should I take a flier on a used driver for around $112 -$144 both with reg shaft 10.5 degree or just wait to hear back from pro?

88 mph and 10.5 degree loft.........Honestly I would say before you get any driver go get some lessons with someone.   The reason I say that is because if you get a 10.5 degree driver or less, with that SS you will continue to not be able to transfer your weight properly.  The only way a SS of 88 could ever get a 10.5 degree driver to go somewhat straight would be to add a lot of loft, and never transfer your weight ( which is where you get all your power, control...). This is why you would balloon balls, because you have too low of loft, not to high.  People build their swings around clubs...many people do not realize that there clubs will make them swing a certain way, because you react to ball flight.....so if you see your driver slicing on you, you will figure out a way to make it go straight.  With a lower SS and low lofted driver, you are always going to have a hell of a time with it....because its just way to strong for you.

So my advice would be to go get some lessons, and learn how to transfer your weight again. Get a balanced swing, then have them fit you to a driver that will help you make that motion. You will see you will get a LOT more distance and control this way. more loft meaning 13-16 degrees. Big manufactures make equipment way to strong for the average player, so it will be hard to find the right loft for you with most of them. Ping might be the best, but I always recommend the little guys!

* If you don't want to buy a driver right now, the best option might be to get a lesson to learn how to get to your left side, then just use your 3 wood off the tee. Make sure your using your 3 wood, or a driver with enough loft in the lesson so you can see how different the ball flight is. You will be rewarded for a good motion...Then once your starting to transfer your weight, use your 9 degree driver....you will see you will get penalized for making a good balanced swing. ( slice big time!)

Good luck!