What golf driver is right for me?

Question

I am 6'5'' 285lbs. currently i hit a 3 wood about 315 w/ roll and an 8 iron around 185-200 in no wind new ball conditions.. I have a 188mph clubhead speed and i lash out when i swing. Currently i dont use a driver but i would like to start to pick up some yardage. Im asking the following.

1)What type of driver to get, what loft, shaft/shaftflex/grip and grip size.

I hit a Cleaveland Launcher approx.. 370 with a slight draw. It was a 9 degree loft w an extrastiff shaft and a +1/32 grip should i look for these specs when buying a driver for myself?

Answer 1

I'm not quite as big as you but I swing pretty hard.  The problem I had for a long time was the heads breaking off the driver due to the stress of off-center hits on the shaft (with about 105-110 mph swing speed).  If you don't make center contact, I would think you will break a bunch of drivers too.  I've got a Callaway FT-i with the square head.  It's designed to be better on off-center hits and I don't feel the twisting in the shaft like I do with my R7.  I broke four Taylormades and a couple other drivers before getting the Ft-i.  I would look on callawaypreowned.com.  You should be able to get one for less then $300 there.

The only caveat is that because of the high MOI, on center hits are a little shorter than with a driver built for maximum distance on the sweet spot (such as an R7 or Burner).  For me, my average drive (about 275) is higher with the Ft-i (due to the forgiveness), but my maximun drives are longer with my R7 (about 15 to 20 yards).

My FT-i is a 9 degree neutral biased with stiff shaft.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Go to Golfsmith.com.  This site will show you where the nearest store is to you.  Go there and hit as many drivers as you want until you find one that fits your game.  They people that work there are highly trained in the golf industry, and will assist you with your purchase.  I buy everything I own from them.

Answer 3

your clubhead speed and supposed club distances dont match up friend.  hate to break the news to you.  you might hit an 8 iron 200 if you catch it thin and hit a cart path...

Answer 4

Go get fitted for one at your local pro shop for specifications.  As far as the brand of driver to get, there are several brands to choose from that make excellent equipment.  I'm partial to Nike and love the new Sasquatch Sumo 5000.  I'm 10 inches shorter than you and hit a drive as far in yards as you weigh the last time I played.  I weigh about 110 lbs less than you.  Imagine what you could do with that driver built to your specifications.  Nike should pay me to sell their stuff, but they got some guy named Tiger to do that.  Ever heard of him?  He's a beast.  Anyway,  I've heard good things about the TaylorMade Burner.  Golf magazine rated the Ping G10 the best for distance.  There's a number of quality equipment out there, just test them.

Answer 5

Considering that the professionals on the REMAX long drive tour average 350 yards, and that the PGA Tour average is right around 300 yards, I don't know why you'd bother to hit a driver. You outdrive them all with your three wood.

As for clubhead speed, you claim to be swinging 50mph faster than Tiger Woods.

I suggest you quit your day job and go pro.

Answer 6

The way you hit that cleaveland I'd say get that driver!!

Answer 7

I hate to jump on the hater pile, but I'm with the last answer-er....121 on club speed & 370 on driver distance....not really jiving, but if you're truly busting it like this...I think you need to check into the LDA  association & see what they recommend equipment wise, that won't fall apart after a month of herculean swings....

Answer 8

i dont believe you with all the specs. you must have a crappy short game if those are true. go get a x stiff shaft on a titleist driver.

Answer 9

swing slower and you'll drop stokes.  Thats my only advise for you.

EDIT:

OK... so youre still swinging really fast for an amateur... and if you are hitting 370, you should go out and earn a few bucks on the REMAX challenges