What is the difference between a 9.5, 10.5 & HT degree loft on a driver? Are they suited for different levels?

Question

I'm buying a new driver shortly and wanted to know if this would have a major bearing on the performance of the driver I purchase. Thanks.

Answer 1

The 9.5 will play worlds different than a 10.5. The reason is backspin. The lofts are designed to allow for different swing-speeds. A person with a 100 mph speed will not gain anything by using the 10.5 or higher lofts because of the extreme backspin that will be imparted. This will cost distance (but WILL increase accuracy). Now, a 90 mph speed will normally find a 9.5 barely acceptable. Not enough carry time to get good distance. This player WILL benefit from the higher lofts. Finally, if you swing slower than say 85 mph (with the driver) you will benefit from the 10.5, or anything in the High Launch department. Also, if you CAN'T hit a driver straight, you will find it EASIER to find the fairway with any higher lofted driver. One final note. One degree if a HUGE difference if you go from a 9.5 to an 8.5. If you try it you won't believe how bad the lower lofted drivers suck. I play 200 rounds of golf a year so I don't play "macho" games. If it doesn't work, I scrap it for something better.  Go with the highest loft and softest shaft you can feel comfortable with. Forget what your "manly" friends tell you. It's all in the score.

Answer 2

In calm conditions the 1 degree will not matter too much.  It may matter a lot in windy conditions.  If you are not getting fitted( I recommend getting fitted) test out the different lofts and different drivers and go with the best ball flight. Do not purchase without trying a few at the range. Demo days or  your golf clubs demo's will give your plenty of choices.

Answer 3

Major bearing? Short answer: No.

The difference in loft would show up if you had a perfect strike, with only the loft being changed. The 9.5º driver is designed to keep the ball a little closer to the ground, for a more line-drive type drive, while the 10.5º loft will get a bit more height to it's flight. Those are both pretty standard lofts - lately I've been seeing driver lofts creep up (Nike has a "Lucky 13º" Sumo, for example).

If you want to spend the time and money to get fitted - that is, have your swing analyzed so you can tailor your clubs to your percise swing - you may get a recommendation for one loft over the other.

For the most part, unless you are at or near a scratch golfer level, I personally don't think 1 degree of loft is going to matter. That said, if it's something you'll think about each time you address the ball, then it may be worth it to you to look a little deeper.

As with most every equipment question, the best solution is to spend some time and demo a few different clubs or lofts and see what you hit most consistently and which makes you feel most confident and comfortable.

Best of luck!