Is a 13 degree loft too much for a driver??

Question

I am currently looking at last years Nike SasQuatch sumo2 driver, Cobra L/M with a 12 degree loft and also a Cleveland Hibore XLS driver. I am a very high handicapper and wish to put the ball in the fairway more then I am doing right now. The Nike has a 10.5 and a 13 but I am worried about the 13 being way too much loft. Being a high handicapper would a 13 be better for me??

Answer 1

Really a demo day is the best way to figure out which driver is best for you.The major companies all list demo days in your area on their web site. They are alot of fun too. What could be bad hitting dozens of clubs for free. But, two answer your question - I love my 149 dollar Nike Ignite called Lucky 13 for the 13 degree loft. You might even find a used one for much less. The only time I hit it too high is when I use a bad swing, nothing bad abt the loft.

Answer 2

Consider buying a 2 wood (I have one) which has 13 deg loft.  I also have a 9 deg driver.  Some days if I'm not driving it well I switch to the 2 wood.  It is also a good long fairway club.

Answer 3

Most ametuers should be using more loft on their drivers. Many think that since the pros use a less lofted driver then that is the one they should be using. This is not the case. Most golfers should be using a 12.5° or 13° driver.

It is more important that the shaft be of the right flex, for the average golfer that would be a regular flex. Too much flex and you will be compensating for your swing every time you play and you will not be happy with your drives and probably wonder why.

Answer 4

You'll get a higher ball flight with the 13 degree driver.  You can always be fitted for the club.  That is what I would do.

Answer 5

no shouldent be a problem. don't start worrying about ur clubs or ur game will get all off buy what "U" think will work for "U" and be confident with that trust stay away from the bogey man good luck and hit the links. However I don't seggest the sumo I haven't head very good things about it.

Answer 6

Clubmaker studies over the years have indicated that most amateurs do not play with enough loft on their drivers. 13 likely is not too much.

Answer 7

if you are a long hitter then 10.5

if you are a short hitter then 13

Answer 8

It really depends on what kind of ball flight you prefer and, since you are a high handicaper it probably does not matter considering not all of your swings are going to be completely the same.  Some times you may de-loft your driver or add loft depending on where your hands are on impact.  I'll use two different scenarios that are possible and likely  best for you.  1.  Tiger Woods plays a high loft driver but he tees the ball down farther then the average pro.  

2.  Most pro's tee the ball way up and hit it on an up swing so they get more air under the ball and in turn it flies farther.  Now theirs an upside and a downside to both for example one: you could hit the ball on a down swing and lose loft and it won't fly as far, or you can hit it too high and it won't get any roll.  Example two:  you could miss the ball entirely and sky the ball which this is the most common mistake among high handicapers or, you could hit it on out to inward swing and you will hit a big fade and it will fly way right. also a common mistake.  I would personally suggest a higher lofted club and tee it down about half a pinky's distance from the ground.

Answer 9

Well, how are you hitting your current driver? Are you currently hitting a 10.5* and does it fly low or high? Is it going far or falling short?

If you're hitting the ball with a slow swing speed and it's currently flying short, then go try the 13* to get you up in the air and flying.

If you're hitting it fairly high and already have a good set swing speed with good distance, try the 10.5*.

Answer 10

I wouldnt worry about that being too much loft for you.   Go out and swing it and see how you like it.