High lofted driver ?

[ronaldkuntoro]

Golf manufactures are starting to release drivers greater than 10.5 degree or more. Nike even got a 16 degree on its Sumo.

Does a high lofted driver give more consistent and straighter shot?

[alomar123]

I dont think so, I think it just helps those with a slower swing speed get the ball up.

[damnitdave]

don't know if this is the true answer but with the higher lofted clubs it reduces the chances of side spin to the ball... hence why its easier to hit the higher lofter clubs straighter.... tried a 13 degree ping before and all my shots were like moon shots... only way to bring it down is to deloft the club.... so if u add loft to a 13 degree driver it can turn into like a 5 wood

[ronaldkuntoro]

The reason I asked this because.... I jumped from a 9.5* to 10.5* last year. Somehow those occasional nasty slice gone since using 10.5* driver.

I also tee the ball lower, only 1/4 of the ball over the head. Used to tee about 3/4 above the head, my shot are all over the place.

[James_Black]

don't know if this is the true answer

exactly, that's why it's harder to hit a fade/draw with a LW compared to a 5i.

so to answer your question bluntly. Yes, but wind will become more of a factor and you'll hit shorter shots.

[GaijinGolfer]

Some people believe that higher loft will give you straighter shots. The theory is that more backspin = less sidespin. Im yet to see any studies or evidence that prove that is true though. I used to game a Mizuno MX-560 12* driver and I hit my Taylormade R9 10.5* driver just as straight as I did the Mizzie.

[damnitdave]

lol it will help if its a downwind.... just shoot that baby to outer space and watch her ride

[sean_miller]

Golf manufactures are starting to release drivers greater than 10.5 degree or more. Nike even got a 16 degree on its Sumo.

11 and 12 degree drivers were pretty common in the mid-90s.

That Nike sounds like a 3-wood.

[ronaldkuntoro]

11 and 12 degree drivers were pretty common in the mid-90s.

Yes I read that before.... Manufactures increase the length and decrease the loft of their drivers so golfer can shoot longer than before.

But can you really shoot consistenly with todays driver? I don't even agree with lighter driver heads will increase swing speed because it will just ruin your tempo.

[nuck81]

I play with a 12* but have a 9.5* waiting after I improve and get a consistent swing. I really dislike the light huge headed drivers. Having a little weight in the swing always makes me feel more comfortable. Probably why I hit my 3W and 3hy almost as far.

[DocWu1948]

I have a Taylor Made R7 draw driver that is labeled HT. I suspect it is 12 degrees or more. Rationale was that it would produce less side spin to combat the slice but the closed face on the head probably did more there . In practice, I hit it straighter than my previous driver, if you liked balls that came down with no forward roll. And as mentioned earlier, it was a liability on a windy day. I switched to a regular loft driver and I'll take the better ball flight.

My recommendation is, unless you only play occasionally and never practice with no potential to get better, get a regular loft driver.

[iacas]

Some people believe that higher loft will give you straighter shots. The theory is that more backspin = less sidespin. Im yet to see any studies or evidence that prove that is true though. I used to game a Mizuno MX-560 12* driver and I hit my Taylormade R9 10.5* driver just as straight as I did the Mizzie.

Yes - a wedge can put just as much sidespin on the golf ball as a driver can. The thing is the vector via which sidespin is expressed is a vector horizontal to the ground, and the ball with a higher lofted club doesn't travel as fast or as far in that direction as with the longer clubs, so sidespin is given less of a chance to express itself.

[kpaulhus]

Yes - a wedge can put just as much sidespin on the golf ball as a driver can...... so sidespin is given less of a chance to express itself.

I was gonna say..... I have been able to work some wedges a little bit for the tough pin locations, but not like working the ball with a driver or 4 iron.