What to Consider When Buying a Driver?

At Handmade Custom Clubs, we understand that the driver is one of the most important clubs in golf. Buying the right driver can make a huge difference to your performance and confidence on the course. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate guide to help you buy the perfect driver, optimized to answer all your questions and improve your playing experience.

Why is it important to choose the right driver?

The driver is the club used for initial shots off the tee. Its design is geared towards maximizing distance and minimizing errors, making it an essential item for any golfer. However, not all drivers are created equal, and choosing the right one can make a big difference to your golf game.

Key factors such as loft, which influences launch angle and spin; head material, which affects forgiveness and control; and shaft flex, which impacts accuracy and trajectory, must be carefully considered. Additionally, advances in technology allow for custom adjustments to suit your swing. With the right driver, you can gain confidence and significantly improve your performance on the course.

Key Factors When Buying a Driver

Loft: The Angle That Defines Your Launch

Loft is the angle of the clubface, and is one of the most important factors when choosing a driver. This angle determines the launch angle and the amount of spin the ball will have when hit, which directly influences the distance and direction of the shot.

• Beginners or players with slow swing speeds: A high loft (10.5° or higher) helps generate a higher launch angle, making it easier for the ball to fly farther and reducing the risk of errors. This is especially helpful for players who tend to hit the ball with less power or consistency.
• Experienced players with high swing speeds: For those with a fast, consistent swing, a lower loft (8° to 10.5°) allows for optimized distance by reducing excessive spin. These players typically have more control over their technique and can take advantage of a driver with advanced features to maximize their performance.

We recommend also considering how loft interacts with other driver factors, such as the player's angle of attack and other key metrics within the swing. Technological advances in modern drivers allow for custom loft tuning, offering the ability to try different setups and find the best fit for each playing style. If in doubt, a custom fitting is the best way to determine which loft setting best suits your needs and goals.

Head Material and Construction

The materials used in the construction of the driver significantly impact its performance and feel. Choosing the right material not only affects forgiveness and control, but also the durability and overall behavior of the club:

• Titanium: This material is known for being lightweight and extremely strong. Its ability to expand the sweet spot makes it a popular choice among golfers of all levels. It also allows for larger clubhead sizes without increasing weight, which improves forgiveness on off-center hits and provides more confidence off the tee.
• Carbon: The incorporation of carbon into driver construction has revolutionized modern club design. This ultra-light material allows weight to be redistributed to specific areas of the club, such as the perimeter or the back, optimizing the center of gravity for a higher launch and better control. It also helps reduce vibrations at impact, providing a softer feel.

Head Size

Modern drivers typically have a volume of up to 460cc, the maximum allowed by the USGA. This size is designed to maximize forgiveness and offer a larger sweet spot, which reduces errors on off-center hits. However, head size not only affects forgiveness, but also the maneuverability and control of the club.

Shaft Weight and Flexibility

The shaft is just as important as the driver head, as it directly influences swing speed, ball trajectory and overall feel of the shot. At HCC we understand that each player has specific needs, so we make custom fittings to ensure the best possible combination:

• Flexibility: Shaft flexibility is crucial to adapt the club to your swing speed. For example, Regular shafts are ideal for speeds between 80-95 mph, as they offer a balance between control and distance. For speeds above 110 mph, an Extra Stiff shaft is recommended, which provides more stability and precision, avoiding excess flex that could affect the trajectory.
• Weight: The weight of the shaft also plays a determining role. Light shafts allow for a higher swing speed, favouring players with less power or beginners looking for maximum distance. On the other hand, heavier shafts are ideal for advanced players who prioritise control and consistency in their strokes.

Adjustability

Many modern drivers feature adjustment systems for loft, face angle and weight. These adjustment systems are a key innovation that allow players to tailor the driver to their specific needs and the conditions of the golf course. The ability to modify these settings brings great flexibility to the game, offering numerous advantages.

How to Test and Choose a Driver?

At HCC we believe that the best way to buy a driver is to try it out to make sure it perfectly suits your playing style and needs. Below we explain the best practices for choosing the ideal driver:

Perform a Professional Fitting

A fitting is key to finding the ideal driver. This personalized process includes the evaluation of different technical parameters that affect your performance:

• Swing speed: Determine which shaft flex and weight are most suitable.
• Angle of attack: Helps adjust loft to optimize launch and distance.
• Spin rate: Controlling the spin of the ball is essential to achieving a consistent trajectory.
• Average distance: We look at how to maximize your distance without compromising accuracy.

With this information, and other key performance metrics, at HCC we fine-tune the driver to your individual characteristics, ensuring it is tailor-made for you.

Using Golf Simulators

Simulators are a valuable tool for evaluating driver performance in a controlled environment. These devices provide detailed data on:

• Trajectory of the ball.
• Distance reached.
• Exact swing metrics.

Plus, they allow you to try out multiple drivers in a short amount of time, making it easy to compare options to find the one that best suits your swing.

Testing Abroad

There's nothing better than combining simulator data with an open driving range. Testing the driver in a natural environment allows you to better evaluate the performance of the club and really see the feel and ball flight it gives you.

At HCC we recommend combining these three points to ensure that the driver you choose is the right one for you, maximizing your performance and confidence in every shot.

Common Mistakes When Buying a Driver

At HCC we want you to avoid these common mistakes, as they can significantly affect your performance and experience on the golf course:

1. Choosing the wrong loft: A loft that doesn't fit your swing speed or playing style can reduce both distance and control. For example, a loft that's too low for a beginner can result in a low trajectory and loss of distance, while a loft that's too high for an advanced player can result in excess spin.
2. Not performing a professional fitting: Using a generic driver without customizing it to your needs limits your performance and prevents you from taking full advantage of the club's capabilities. A professional fitting allows you to find the perfect driver according to your measurements, swing and goals.
3. Prioritize brand over features: While some brands are more recognizable, the most important thing is that the driver fits you. Don't just go by the hype; evaluate aspects such as material, adjustability and shaft.
4. Neglecting the shaft: Choosing the wrong shaft can affect accuracy, trajectory and the overall feel of the club. Factors such as shaft flex, weight and balance are key to optimal performance.

Recommendations by Level of Play

At HCC we adapt our recommendations to your level, however, these recommendations are very generic and it is necessary to perform a correct fitting so that you can buy the best driver for your golf:

Beginners

• Drivers with large heads (460 cc).
• High loft (10.5° or more).
• Flexible shaft (Regular or Senior).

Intermediate Players

• Adjustable drivers to suit different styles.
• Moderate loft (9° to 11°).
• Regular or Stiff Shaft.

Advanced Players

• Drivers with advanced customization options.
• Extra Stiff Shaft for high swing speed.

At Handmade Custom Clubs we create the perfect Driver for your Swing

If you have already decided to buy a driver, visit our Online Golf Shop and discover the ultimate golf club customization experience, where you can personalize any aspect of your club.

At HCC, we are specialists in creating custom golf clubs, for this reason, we recommend that you book a fitting with us so that we can study your swing and so that you can get the best driver for you. If you have any questions or would like us to advise you, do not hesitate to contact us.