Hi fellas,

During my last lesson, my coach pulled out his Callaway fitting cart and let me have a go of different drivers with various shaft options.

I couldn’t believe it when I trialed the FT-5 Draw in a 13 degree. After hitting about 25 balls with it (all consistently straight – a huge surprise to me), and after analysing trajectories, swing speed etc by eye and via his laptop computer, my coach recommended that I buy a 13 degree driver (not necessarily from his store).

I just wanted to know if there are any young to middle aged guys who use a 13 deg driver? Judging from the OEM sites and talk around my club, 13 deg is usually for older golfers and women who do not hit the driver long? I am 30 years old 6’’ 1’’ and 95kg, so strength is not an issue here.

I would really appreciate your comments…........

Research by Callaway and other manufacturers is that the theoretical optimal driver launch angle for the modern ball is in the vicinity of 22 degrees.

And that it’s unachievable. There are tour pros playing high loft drivers. To get closer to it.

YEP. 14deg 949MC hl wishon driver, Shafted with fuji E360 reg shaft cut to 43.75” swingweighted @d7, I’ve got a neg angle of attack. I’m 30 6’2” 110kg swing speed of 103mph, quick tempo, late release, this club really works for me it’s been in the bag for over six months now. I know of a couple of golf pros using 13deg+ drivers. Don’t worry about the number on the bottom it’s how you hit it.

I get close with a 12 and have played with a 14 for a while that was great fun.

Forget what is printed on the bottom of the club and use whatever works for you to hit the fairway and as far down there on average as possible. Ego is one thing, score card another:)

yes a golfing mate only 35years old after being fitted uses a 13 degree driver improved his drives heaps.

Yep I use a 13.5 degree driver (Callaway Big Bertha) as I was told my by fitter that I should use a high loft driver as well. I’m 35 and my swing speed was a little on the slow side yet distance wise I was able to keep up with the younger or stronger folks.

Forget what is printed on the bottom of the club and use whatever works for you to hit the fairway and as far down there on average as possible. Ego is one thing, score card another:)

Best piece of advice I’ve seen in a forum for a while.

As my first golf coach said “golfers should always leave their egos in the carpark…. you’ll score better”

Get fitted for your clubs. If you need a 14 degree or a 9 degree, use what you need. It’s all about ensuring optimal launch conditions for that little white ball of joy!

Golfer: “Hi Pro, I need a new driver..” Pro: “Lets look at your swing probably nothing wrong with your driver”

NO WAY! NOT ME! I use a 12.5º…:)

9.5 baby….you guys are a bunch of nana hitters!

(although I hit guru’s 12 pretty well when I gave it a run ;))

Hi fellas,

I am 30 years old 6’’ 1’’ and 95kg, so strength is not an issue here.

I would really appreciate your comments…….....

Strength is rarely an issue in golf. The only real issue, as far as driver loft goes, is clubhead speed. You can be built like a brick $hithouse but unless you can swing the clubhead fast, you will need a more lofted driver.

As a rough guide, unless your swing speed is over 115mph, forget anything with less than 10* loft. And, unless your swing speed is over 95mph, forget using a driver with less 12* loft. So the vast majority of golfers should be using a driver with 12*+ loft.

Mick

Hi Mick,

I swing at 98mph.. Your theory suggests that the 13 degree will suit my swing speed.

Because I have changed my entire setup, ie grip and swing just recently, I can’t afford to try and swing the club quickly, rather swing at a good tempo, so hopefully everything I learn comes together nicely.

longandstraight, check out the following link:

http://www.wishongolf.com/e...

and look at the table under the following subtitle:

“The Most Sure Fixes for Distance Improvement”

It shows the ideal driver loft for maximum ‘carry’ for various swing speeds and angles of attack. I generally select slightly lower lofts to increase roll and maximise overall distance but it will give you an idea.

Interestingly, it shows that the ideal driver loft for your swing speed and a level angle of attack is 13*. :-)

Mick

Thanks Mick, Will have a look now. Regards

Yeah, I noticed a huge improvement going to a 11 degree head from my 9.5 degree. Mind you, after a while I found I was hitting it way too high and not getting any roll, so I switched back to the 9.5 and now am hitting on a similar arc to when I first switched to the 11 degree. Swing must have shifted a bit, eh?

Col

The majority of golfers use drivers with a loft that is too low. For example, 8.5/9/9.5. Add to this, the shaft is more important. My driver is 10.5 but I sometimes use a 12 degree driver. Of all things, my 3 wood is 12 degrees with a std length shaft. I get more distance with a 10.5 driver than say an 8.5 driver. All I do is have my driver 1 inch longer. Every person I have either taught, fitted or whatever over the years hit it better with a driver that has more loft. As their handicap improves, maybe they can go lower. Play well mate.

Thanks for the replies thus far guys, really appreciate it.

I’ll be honest with, I felt really awkward ordering it, and one particular rep in the store looked at me as though I was an alien and said “13 degree in stiff flex?” with a condescending look.

With my swing speed and characteristics, I feel this driver is the one for me….

With my swing speed and characteristics, I feel this driver is the one for me….

Stick by your convictions. You could well be on the right track. The store assistant is just demonstrating his ignorance.

Mick