Is a lower degree driver better for distance?

Question

I have a 8 degree, 9 degree and a 10.5 degree drivers, which one is better for distance?

Answer 1

It depends on your swing. Typically, a lower degree (or flatter face will give more distance), but if your swing does not put much height on the drive, a higher degree may lead to more distance.

Answer 2

Some golfers get better distance with a 3 wood than their driver. It all depends on the golfer.

The less loft will give a lower tragectory. Used incorrectly it will also put the ball on the ground a lot earlier than it should and the ground will kill the distance.

You need to take them all to the driving range and determine which is best for you.

Answer 3

This totally depends on your swing. You should go to a place that can fit you based on your swing speed and launch angle. The perfect launch angle will dictate the greatest length--combining the right trajectory with the right amount of roll.

Answer 4

It produces a lower ball flight, which is good if you are playing into the wind, and yea, it will give you a little more distance, but if  you hit your 10.5 smooth and true, as you do the rest, hit the one that is most comfortable in your hands,  I would see the forcast for the round, and adjust your driver accordingly.

Answer 5

It is, but you mess with ball flight and control which could have adverse effects on your game.

Answer 6

If you are not a top rated amateur with a more than moderate swing speed, you will find that the 8,9 degree drivers will be much harder to hit and will give your ball flight less trajectory. If your fairways are hard and roll is a significant  factor for distance, those clubs might work for you.The 10.5 will give you both the trajectory and roll and is a better choice where fairways are irrigated.

Answer 7

High launch angle with low spin rate, that's the key to distance and the only way you will know which driver is best is to hit all 3 of them from a launch monitor, most every "big box" golf discount house has one and it is well worth the small fee they may charge to find out.

Answer 8

The one that is optimal for your swing speed and tempo.

The key to distance is a combination of optimal spin rate, launch angle and clubhead speed (and other variables).

If your driver swing speed is lower than 90mph.. you should put the 8 and 9 degree drivers down in the basement and let them collect dust.  You'll be better off with a 10.5 degree driver.

Answer 9

It REALLY depends on how you hit.

Lower lofts benefit people who hit long distances with any club/have fast swing speed, hit a high trajectory and/or high spin

Higher lofts benefit people who hit shorter distances and/or hit a lower trajectory and/or low spin.

If your ball ballooons (rises), use a lower loft, if it seems not to stay in the air as long as it should, use your 10.5.

My case...I can take it pretty deep.  My 7 degree gets me good long hits, while my 9.5 makes them go ridiculously high, and they stall.  Most people I know who have tried my 7 can barely get any carry but do fine with their 10.5.  Thus it depends on the person.

It can't hurt to try them all and see how it goes.  If the distances are so close you can't tell, just use the one that feels best.

Answer 10

You need to hit them and see which one goes further for you.  The lower degree loft will fly lower (good in windy conditions) and probably get more roll.  On the other hand the higher degree will fly higher (more carry) and may result in the same or longer distance.  It is also important to consider which you hit most accurately as being in the fairway is more important than five yards further in the rough or trees.

Answer 11

It is, but you lose ball flight.

Answer 12

Yes.

Answer 13

Shallower the degree the more distance and the less accuracy.