Driver Loft

[JGus]

Just trying to get some opinions on driver loft affects. I have used 9.5 or 9.0 degree drivers in the past but feel that I am not really getting the proper height on my drives. I am planning on buying a new driver (TM R9 SuperTri) at the end of April and am considering getting a 10.5 degree, for those who have changed lofts on their driver, what differences have you seen?

I have been told that you have better control with a 10.5 then you do with a 9.5/9.0, but not sure I fully believe that. I guess my main concerns are will I loose a lot of distance and does it actually help to control the ball better?

Thanks!

[Gioguy21]

In all honesty it depends on your own swing. For instance, I have two drivers, an FT-5 and an FT-IQ...with 9 and 10 degree lofts respectively. I am more accurate with the 5, while getting more distance/carry from the IQ. I have a higher spin rate on the higher lofted driver according to the launch monitor i was on. If you can, get yourself fitted for the driver. Check out various shafts, lofts, and different drivers (i see you're an avid TM fan but limiting yourself to one brand is kinda niave...especially if you can hit another club better despite a different brand). Wish you luck man, never know, could just need a new shaft in that G5 of yours.

[wrx_junki]

Like the guy said above, it all depends on your swing. I'd say go with the 10.5, I've been hitting it about 240 yards of carry and 0-20 yards of roll depending on conditions. I don't think that you will lose any distance at all by going 10.5 but will gain more carry. Of course this can vary person to person.

[etlreams]

Shaft kick point also has a lot to do with this. A 9* driver with a low kick point is probably going to have a similar trajectory/carry than a 10* driver with a high kick point. Etc etc. And I am being very GENERAL, of course. just trying to say the shaft is equally as important, if not more so, than the loft degree of the driver head.

[Crey23]

  etlreams said:

Shaft kick point also has a lot to do with this. A 9* driver with a low kick point is probably going to have a similar trajectory/carry than a 10* driver with a high kick point. Etc etc. And I am being very GENERAL, of course. just trying to say the shaft is equally as important, if not more so, than the loft degree of the driver head.

Couldn't agree more!!!!!

[Steve Keeler]

  JGus said:

I have been told that you have better control with a 10.5 then you do with a 9.5/9.0, but not sure I fully believe that. I guess my main concerns are will I loose a lot of distance and does it actually help to control the ball better?

More loft does = more control, just go hit a bunch of different lofts. The shaft you play as well as the ball you play will also determine your optimum launch/loft. Fitting would help like Gioguy21 said. Good luck!

[Gebus]

It really really depends on your swing. If you are some one that doesn't load up through impact consistently a low kick shaft will kick you in the ass because on a good swing you'll launch it normal on a bad swing it could go all over the place. If you have a higher kick point shaft with a higher lofted driver, even if your swing is not loaded exactly the same it should still launch at around the same angle. One note though a driver with a bit more loft you'll get more spin, which if you have too much kills your distance and makes slices and hooks a little more pronounced.

[JGus]

Thanks to all for your input. I have, and will again test multiple drivers before buying one, and will look at getting fitted for the best results. I do prefer TM clubs as I feel more comfortable and confident with them, but I drove the ball better with the G5 then other drivers at the time. After hitting a few balls with the new R9 I really like the feel of it, but do agree that getting fitted and putting the proper shaft on the club is the smart thing to do. And will also swing other drivers to make sure I buy the right one for me.

Thanks again!

[allin]

  etlreams said:

Shaft kick point also has a lot to do with this. A 9* driver with a low kick point is probably going to have a similar trajectory/carry than a 10* driver with a high kick point. Etc etc. And I am being very GENERAL, of course. just trying to say the shaft is equally as important, if not more so, than the loft degree of the driver head.

But the higher kick point driver with higher loft might spin less for the same trajectory. More and more once you have the right flex the shaft kickpoint contributes more to spin, not as much as loft and ball, but significantlly. This why some pros are choosing this combination so that the get both carry and roll.