Finding the best loft for your driver

[marlo]

i'm wondering about if i should go with a 9 degree diablo edge or the 10 degree. ... i was swinging a 10.5 nike dymo before i busted it and felt that i was ballooning some balls a little too much.  im headed to the local golf shop in the next few days to hit both lofts.

i've looked at a couple different sites to get an idea of what my launch angle should look like on the monitor. i also read my swing has a lot to do with it, whether i strike the ball coming down, level or coming upwards. im probably a downer or level.

one site i read said that a swing of 105mph and 14.5 degree launch angle would give you a 300 yard drive in moderate weather conditions.

** so i just wanted to get you guys' opinions on a good launch angle. **

-- my club head speed is 107-110 mph and my ball velo is around 145-155 -- my spin is consistent around 3000 to 3500

[Gerald]

Ballooning has little to do with the loft, it is more like hitting the ball near the top edge of the face.

If your spin rate (measured) at 3000-3500 ..... I would say a bit too much, but it might well be so high because your angle of attack.

With 107-110 mph you have enough speed to get a ball up in the air with a 9 degree head, but it is easier to stay in the fairway with a 10.5 or 10 than with a 9 degree driver.

It is not always the case that a 1 degree stronger loft will give you a longer drive, most people hit further with a higher lofted driver, maybe less roll, but roll might bump your teeshot into the rough........

You could also consider a higher loft with a stiffer shaft or with a shaft with a higher kickpoint...... etc.

[LankyLefty]

I don't think you will be able to the difference hitting them into a net.

In any case Id go with the 10. 10 or 10.5 are generally the accepted choice for most average people. People with high swing speed and good fundamental repeatable swing might go for a 9 degree. If your a pro golfer with a very high swing speed and a very good swing you can even go an 8 (or less). For people who play to a sizable handicap, like you and I, in theory a 10 degree driver should hit more fairways while giving you plenty of distance and that's a good thing when your trying to lower your hcp.

[the19thhole]

A few years ago now I played a 7.5* driver with swing speed averaging 110mph because all the pros did. When I got fitted for my current driver the guy advised me to go slow down and go with a 10.5*. I now swing around 104mph sometimes less and can get it out to average 275yds. 290yds on a good day, but the main point is it's so much straighter going with the 10.5.