Why do i hit 3W longer than Driver

So....I have a Cobra S2 driver 9.5 with stock stiff shaft.  I also have a SQ2 13 3 wood with an aftermarket Aldila X-stiff shaft.

I bought both clubs used and that is the way they came....

My question is why do I get a nice boreing flight with the 3W but when I hit the Cobra I get this super high flight with hardley any roll once it hits the fairway?

I hit they 3W about 260 and I hit the driver a little less...

Is it the shaft maybe?

Like most looking to get the most distance that I can, but don't understand why i hit the 3W better/father since it has more loft and a small steel head..........seems like my ball flight just hangs in the air with the driver and the flight is not peircing at all....

I have also found this to be the case with a cobra driver I was using this past year.  Not shorter than my 3 wood, but not as long as my other drivers.  The shaft could be one reason, perhaps you have achieved a more optimal launch angle with your 3 wood.

I used to have that problem with all drivers so, in my case, the shaft was not the issue. I had a really bad over the top swing that put a lot of spin on the ball. As soon as I took some lessons and learned to stop coming across the ball and casting the club from the outside my shot shape with the driver went from a high fade with virtually no bounce and roll to a nice draw that seems to roll forever if and when it hits the fairway.

I was told that it was the launch angle. More air, to a point, means longer distances.

Dunno. I only out distance my 3 wood by about 20 yards. :)

But then again, I am only new to the game. :)

my guess is that is a shaft issue. a change in shaft can make a huge difference. anymore i am unable to hit any wood with a regular flex shaft with any accuracy or consistency, i need at least a stiff, and am able to hit much farther with a stiff shaft than a regular flex. it's worth a try, you can pick up great shafts on sale at golfsmith.com

No, More carry does not mean more distance, I have hit nice high draw shots with my driver and then I have hit low hooks that have gone at least 15 yards farther than when I flush a big high drive in no wind. The great big high draw carries farther then doesn't get much roll where the low hook carries less and runs for ever, ther isn't a linear relationship between the two.

I dont think you are getting the best launch angle and spin rate from your driver. Maybe try a higher lofted driver. or maybe your strong 3 wood is just amazing!

Yeah that 13 degree SQ2 does feel amazing...and the ball flight is like a rocket.....

I think I am going to considering getting a different/stiffer/shorter shaft put in the driver...???

I wish I was rt handed as I could demo quite a few of them........

For a while I had the same problem, but found it to be more mental than physical.  I had more confidence in my 3w so I'd be more likely to hit it at normal swing speed and swing through. Because I had issues with a slice I found myself slowing down and trying to "steer" the driver which killed the distance.  It's not uncommon, guy I played a round with yesterday never took his driver out, said he'd rather know that he's going 220 yards straight with his 3w than take a chance with the driver for an extra 20 yards.

I've been going back and forth with the same issue. I can pick up my 3 wood and pop one out there about 240 with a good swing and know it wont be leaked too far in either direction, or pull the driver and maybe hit it 250 on a good day, but risk going OB.

I usually only pull driver if the tee shot suits my eye. I've been spending a good amount of time working on my driving, though, and it is getting much better.

Clubs are:

Cobra Speed LD-F 15.5* 3 wood(Graphite Design Tour AD-YS stiff shaft)

Burner Superfast 9.5* @ 45" (with R9 Fujikura Motore 60g stiff shaft)

Nike made a 13* version of the SQ driver they called the "Lucky 13". Maybe that would be your ideal club, once you sort your shaft flex out? Sounds like a little more loft is improving your launch angle.

FWIW, I see so many guys buying 9.5* stiff or extra stiff drivers, when for a good chunk of players, a 10.5* regular is much more ideal. Best thing to do is go to a real golf shop with a launch simulator and get fitted. You'll quickly get a feel for what you need in a driver and shaft combo.

I have the same Nike SQ 3 wood (stock shaft) and it's hot. There are plenty of times I hit it as far as I do my driver. Longest 3 wood I've ever hit. Maybe a shaft thing but I think the club is just hits long.

+1 on the SQ 3-wood. Also, if I recall...3-woods are not held to the same USGA rules as drivers when it comes to club face velocity etc. I think this is why a lot of 3-woods tend to have "hotter" faces than some drivers. This could also have something to do with it.

*Please correct me if I'm wrong here*

I too hit my 3W better than driver.  I have a very strong grip and when I come through the ball I tend to close the face, so the driver hasn't got enough effective loft most of the time to get going.  My 3W is usually good for 240+, so I simply don't carry it half the time.  One of my last rounds I out drove everyone in my foursome, although they weren't very good players, and I was more accurate as well.  They insisted on hitting driver when I think the fairway would have been theirs with a shorter club.  I even use my 5I quite often, especially when the 3W doesn't seem to be working.  Driver...pooey!   I am still working on the driver though.

Going to get a $40 driver fitting Saturday...hope this guy knows his stuff..

http://www.leathermangolf.com/club-fitting.php

Some guy named Curtis Eudy......anybody know this guy?