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By: Dr. Barry Lotz
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Why Switching To a Higher Lofted Driver with a Big Head OR Big Heads, Big Lofts = Longer Distance The basic undeniable fact of golf: the longer the ball stays in the air, the farther it’s going to go. Period. With the advent of new ball technology, today’s golfers can take advantage of matching the right loft and the right ball to extract longer distances. At least 90 percent of average recreational golfers stand to benefit and would see better results immediately if they could add 1 to 3 degrees of loft to their drivers.
High lofts are classified as those with lofts between 11º and 16º. Changes in golf technology and a greater understanding of optimal launch conditions have seen Touring pros switch from 7.5ºand 8.5º drivers to 9.5º to 10.5º for maximum distance. The new norm, larger heads (430cc – 460cc) with 11º -16º lofts target slower swingers (50 -95 mph) who struggle to get sufficient lift and spin, ideal spin or rpm, being between 2500 to 3,000 rpm. The reason these large heads with high lofts produce results is that the extra size means less curvature because of a higher moment of inertia (resistance to twisting), and therefore is more stable on hits away from the sweet spot. Some manufacturers, such as TaylorMade, have a Draw version (R5D) where the center of gravity has been moved towards the heel, to work in combination with a closed face angle to produce draw trajectory. These high lofted, large-headed drivers are also more stable on hits away from the sweet spot that in turn tighten shot dispersion equaling straighter and closer shots from the centerline. Because the backspin level is high enough, it offsets the sidespin produced in these off-center hits and prevents a slice or a hook. This is obviously beneficial on those 35 to 40 yard fairways found on typical courses. Another option from all this new technology is the ability to choose a driver that can be manipulated to suit your swing. Many manufacturers offer different models of either adjustable screw weighting or preset configurations, such as neutral setups or draw setups and 440cc to 460cc heads. These modifications to the center of gravity are working in conjunction with high lofted drivers to produce the spin and launch angle to generate distance, mainly when the weights are placed in the back of the clubheads. The high lofted drivers can be enhanced even further when they are built with a draw bias or a draw-enhancing weight configuration which should produce drives with an average of 13 to 15 yards less rightward movement than those with a neutral setup. Simply stated, the draw-bias drivers hit the ball more left than drivers with a neutral setup AND usually produce longer drives. According to TaylorMade Golf’s head of research and development, Pick a driver that gives you as high a trajectory as you can get without sacrificing accuracy. When you feel you are uncomfortably high, take the loft one step down to see if you are still as consistently long nine out of 10 times. If in doubt, take more loft rather than less The following drivers merit your attention, as they are the best in the high loft domain. It should be noted that not all drivers described below offer weighting systems or different biases, but nevertheless do produce results. Two important points to remember are that different manufacturers measure loft differently, but generally are within one degree of the stated loft, unless they intentionally label them lower than the actual loft to overcome the ego barrier to accept higher lofted clubs. Secondly, it’s all about ball performance and not just the stated loft on the driver. Just remember to test drive and find what works best for you. Select a driver that gives you as high a trajectory as you can get without sacrificing accuracy and find a ball that gives you the best feel and distance with your driver. I highly recommend starting with an 11º loft if your swing speed is 85 mph and a 14º to 16º loft for slower swing speeds.
Citing the biggest footprint in golf, the SasQuatch uses Nike’s NexTi titanium face, taking the center of gravity deeper than any other driver. Nike’s Powerbow technology, placed on the back of the driver, expands the perimeter of performance, making it easier to get the ball up and hit it straight. The Powerbow adds a trailing volume of mass to apply more power and control to the ball without overstepping the 460 cc legal limit. The aesthetics as well as the setup at address are confidence boosters. The ball simply rockets off the face and it seems the slower you swing, the straighter and further the ball flies. The SasQuatch is available in both a Tour 460 cc version and a Standard 460cc version and features a proprietary Diamana shaft with various flexes. Standard version $359.00 Tour Version $419.00
This is an extremely easy driver to hit and the feel is exceptional. $299.99
$299.99
With its precise weighting positioning inside the back of the club head, Callaway is able to customize the center of gravity in three configurations for each loft – draw, neutral and fade. For those who do not like to tinker with screws, this is the way to go. $399.99
The men’s version of the Cyberstar CT is offered with a 460cc head with the highest loft of 10.5º degrees only. Though only having a 10.5º loft, the performance of this club is outstanding, launching the ball as though it has 12º of loft and comparing most favorably with the other drivers mentioned in this article. $349.99
The Bazooka has a series of internal disks in the heel of the head that helps the average player more easily square the club at impact. The heel weight, along with the closed clubface, is designed to counter the sidespin that creates a slice. The UST graphite shaft is geared to produce a counterclockwise motion in the club head that also contributes to squaring the clubface. A truly excellent value and a top performer in the high lofted driver category. $179
$399.99
$299.99
Playing with any of the above drivers, the serious golfer will definitely improve their enjoyment of the game and probably their handicap too. One caveat though; whatever you do purchase, ensure that you are custom fitted to obtain the highest benefits from these drivers. A good club fitter with a launch monitor can help find you the right loft AND the right ball for a winning combination. |
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Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America. He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America, the California Golf Writers Association, and serves both as a Consultant and Mediator to the golf industry. He is also the author of numerous books, including “333 Best Web Sites for Golfers” and his current book, “How to Build Business Relationships Through Golf” is in the Top Ten Golf Business Book’s best seller list. He can be reached at www.pgtaa.com or drlotz@cbsgolf.net |
Nike Sasquatch Lucky 13 and 16º
WOW! What a driver! This driver has an affinity for finding fairways. Every one of our testers fought to use and or buy this driver. The 460cc is imposing yet so very easy to hit with the new proprietary Diamana shaft.
This 460cc club head features an all titanium body. It has two changeable weight screws which include two 7 gram pre-positioned in two ports in the club, plus one 2 gram and one 12 gram screws that are adjustable to achieve either a draw, neutral and fade bias.
Callaway’s latest and in short supply, is the best of their composite series of drivers. Both Annika and Phil are devotees of this driver, though in lower lofts.
Yonex, the leader in graphite technology, just released their new composite driver that offers a strategically placed tungsten weight near the rear of the soleplate, which helps lower the center of gravity and square the face at impact.
The Bazooka HL (Hot Launch), though having the smallest sized club head, features a four-piece, forged titanium clubhead with a super thin face, thick soleplate and a UST shaft with a low kick point to enhance launch angle, promote ball flight and spin rate.
The updated version of the outstandingly successful G2 driver, the G5 features a lower CG (center of gravity), improved internal weight placement that gives the G5 a higher MOI for more control, stability and forgiveness. Its variable face geometry produces increased ball speed. This driver, in the opinion of our testers, ranked tied as Number #1 with the Nike Sasquatch. Our testers raved about the ease of use, the distance and accuracy and the overall feel and aesthetics of the club. Offset models are also available.
- Bloodline Golf Vale Putter – www.bloodlinegolf.com
- Callaway Epic Max Star Driver and Apex UW Utility Wood – www.callawaygolf.com
- Cleveland CBX ZipCore Wedges – www.clevelandgolf.com
- FootJoy Thermal Performance Full Zip Vest – www.footjoy.com
- Graphite Design’s Tour AD IZ shafts - www.prochoicegolfshafts.com
- JumboMax Golf Grips - JumboMax.com
- Odyssey 2-Ball Ten, Triple Track Ten – www.odysseygolf.com
- Sacks Parente Series 18 Cavity Back Flange Blade Putter - www.sacksparente.com
- Sqairz Golf Shoes – www.sqairz.com
- Tour Edge Exotics Pro 721 Drivers & C721 Fairway Woods – www.touredgegolf.com
I recently was examining swing sequences of some of the greatest players in history. Knowing that some of these players favored a draw as their standard shot while others preferred a fade, I sought to identify swing features within each group that would explain their respective ball-flight tendencies. Something profound emerged that I think will benefit all golfers, especially those cursed with a wicked slice.