Jump to content

higher loft driver


just plain bill

Recommended Posts

Been using a ping k15 10.5 in an attempt to gain more ydg...something just wasnt happening at the rate I thought it could...put the rapture 12* in play yesterday and today...picked up 30 to 40yds (gps)...nice high draw...amazing! Let two guys use it yesterday and they crushed it (one guy had a g20 9*) for some reason I have always driven best with a 12... also, today, #9, 96 out...ball went in the hole! Thrilling! Anyway, it's nice to pick up the ydg off the tee after experimenting...put me in much better position on most holes...give it a try!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 153
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

I have a 12* adjustable 915d2 that I crank down to 11.25*. Currently using a 9.5* Epic set up to 10something*.

I'm right on the swing speed and launch angle threshold where I need to play the longer carry, but on a day when I've eaten my Wheaties, the lower loft is longer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There are HL options, but there is also the Women’s option. You could always buy a women’s adjustable driver head and put your shaft in it, make sure the head gets some weight added to it and there you go

Driver:    2021 Cobra Rad Speed Peacote 9* w Kuro Kage 60g Silver TiNi Dual-Core Shaft 

Fairway Woods: 2014 Adams Tight Lies 14° 3 Wood w Kuro Kage 65g Shaft tipped 1 inch

                           2015 Adams Tight Lies 22° 7 Wood w Kuro Kage 65g Shaft tipped 1 inch

Irons:  2016 Nike Vapor Fly 4-AW   

 Wedges:  2017 Cleveland CBX 56°& 60°wedge              
Shafts:  Matrix Ozik Program F15 85S Graphite Shafts 4i - 60°

Grips:   Superstroke S-Tech + 2 Wraps
Putter:  Gamer -  2020 Odyssey Stroke Lab 7s Black w Superstroke Claw 1.0 grip at 35in.

             Backup - Custom Built Bastain Milled Prototype w Px 6.0 shaft and Lamkin Deep Etched Cord Grip at 33in.

                           Ball:  Taylor Made 21' Rocketballz            Bag:  Ogio Fuse Whiskey            Glove: MG Dyna-Grip Elite             Current Shoes: True Linkswear Motion phx

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I normally start my round with the 16, staying outa trouble cuz there's nothing worse than a bad start, lol...itll do 190-210 under normal conditions, swinging nice and easy... (man, I used to hit that 240+ back in the day) once I start feeling it, I break out the lower lofts (I dont do any warmup cuz I start crushing it on first tee and get in trouble. Plus I focus a lot better on every shot/putt...weird, I know, but it works for me) I was giving some serious thought to the m4 with the unusual face, and was ready to plunk down the dough if it helped my game, but the rapture may just be the answer, again...hmm...$500 saved...hmm...g700 irons look sweet! Hmm...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a KZG GF460 HL with an True Temper EI-70II that I love. Mid-high bend profile shaft with a 12 degree head is mojo. The EI-70II is still a great shaft, IMO.

Adams Speedline 9088UL 10.5* AXIVCore 69 Black (S) Ping G SF Tec 3W, 5W Alta 65 (R) Ping G 4H,5H Alta 70 (R) Ping G 6-U TT XP 95 (soft R) Ping Glide 54*, 58* WS TT XP 100 (R) Ping Darby Sigma G

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You may well find that the VAST majority of golfers are playing Drivers that are high launch but don't realise.

I have a Ping G20 and 10.5°, nice club still that is up with most newer clubs I've demoed. I had a friend, a club builder, check it out and the head is in reality 13.9 degrees !!!

 

 

He tells me that this is the norm and that most companies do this, with Taylormade and Mizuno being the worst culprits.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I played a GBB 13,5 last season. This offseason built a Ping G812 Head (15*) at 44.25” to be my new gamer. I need launch as I tend to slam the face shut at impact.

Ping G430 Max 10.5 Tensei Orange AV Raw 55 Reg

Ping G430 SFT 5w 19* Alta Black Reg

Ping G430 SFT 7w 23* Alta Black Reg

Tour Edge Xrail 5h 26* Graphite Design G-Series Reg

Ping G425 6-UW Alta Slate Reg

Ping Glide 4.0 56* WS Nippon Z-115

Cleveland CBX Full Face 2 60* DG Spinner

Cleveland Smart Sole C 4.0 

Ping 2023 Anser D

Handicap: 8.2

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The one thing I can recommend to anyone looking for a driver is to keep an open mind. The OP did and was pleasantly surprised.

 

I had a similar experience. Last fall, I played in a member/guest tournament and won a TM M2 in the raffle. Since it was basically free, I decided to go to my local club fitter and get it set up properly. I spent over an hour on the GC2 launch monitor and got plenty of data. Throughout the process, the club fitter didn't let me know which adjustments he was making. This is also something I would recommend so you don't adjust your swing based on preconceived notions. When it was all said and done, the M2 was setup in the "higher" hosel position which is 4* closed and +2* loft. I never would've tried this setup, as I don't slice the ball. What I didn't know until the end of the fitting was that he set it up this way because my spin was too low (around 1,500 in the neutral setup). With a healthy bit of skepticism, I went to an outdoor range to test the configuration. Sure enough, I was a hitting the ball the long and straight. I've since moved these settings to the M1 that I'm currently gaming with the same results.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I bought a Cobra F7 this off-season, so I have not had time to try different settings yet. Do you think if I set it to 11.5 or higher I might get more distance ?

 


Callaway Paradym X
Callaway Mavrik 3 wood
Callaway Mavrik 5 wood
Callaway Mavrik Irons 

Mavrik hybrids
Odyssey White Hot RX 7 putter

Maxfli tour S

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I bought a Cobra F7 this off-season, so I have not had time to try different settings yet. Do you think if I set it to 11.5 or higher I might get more distance ?

 

yup... jack it up

 

higher loft and possible angle of attack, it will go for days

Driver:    2021 Cobra Rad Speed Peacote 9* w Kuro Kage 60g Silver TiNi Dual-Core Shaft 

Fairway Woods: 2014 Adams Tight Lies 14° 3 Wood w Kuro Kage 65g Shaft tipped 1 inch

                           2015 Adams Tight Lies 22° 7 Wood w Kuro Kage 65g Shaft tipped 1 inch

Irons:  2016 Nike Vapor Fly 4-AW   

 Wedges:  2017 Cleveland CBX 56°& 60°wedge              
Shafts:  Matrix Ozik Program F15 85S Graphite Shafts 4i - 60°

Grips:   Superstroke S-Tech + 2 Wraps
Putter:  Gamer -  2020 Odyssey Stroke Lab 7s Black w Superstroke Claw 1.0 grip at 35in.

             Backup - Custom Built Bastain Milled Prototype w Px 6.0 shaft and Lamkin Deep Etched Cord Grip at 33in.

                           Ball:  Taylor Made 21' Rocketballz            Bag:  Ogio Fuse Whiskey            Glove: MG Dyna-Grip Elite             Current Shoes: True Linkswear Motion phx

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wouldn't mind having a driver with a higher loft than 10.5 as I'm naturally a low spin player with a negative AOA and my swing speed is average at best (90-95 MPH).

10.5 deg Titleist 905R with stock UST Proforce V2 Shaft (Stiff flex)
Titleist 990 (3-PW) with stock Dynamic Gold in S300
Taylormade V-Steel 5W & 3W with Grafalloy Prolaunch Red shafts (Regular Flex)
2011 Adams Tom Watson signature wedges in 52 and 56 degrees with stock steel shafts (Player's Grind)
Rife Island Series Aruba Blade Putter

 

"Loft for loft, length for length, and shaft for shaft, the ball will go the same distance when hit on the sweet spot regardless how old the iron."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I'm late 60's yo, around 80 mph swingspeed. Was fit for my current 12* driver by a Ping rep outside with monitor.

 

I'm playing my Ping G 400 SFT 12* at standard setting after playing it for a bit at very slightly open in the small minus (11.4* according to Ping. I'm aware of the discussions about loft really not changing if you sole the club etc.) Decided that I preferred the square look and that subconsciously I might be getting a bit flippy at times with the slightly open face.

 

Conversely, I can start to swing left over time with a closed face that can actually lead to fades/slices/heel shots. Crossfield has at least one video discussing this. If I decide on a specific shot to close or open the face a touch I 'd prefer to do that old school with my hands.

 

One thing I've had to work on with this 12* driver (and one I had briefly before) is not to overtilt and actually lose power and distance being too conscious of the extra loft and desire to launch. If that makes sense how I describe it. Now that I'm relaxed on that a bit I'm getting a few more yards of carry generally than I was at the small minus, without trying to over-manipulate the club .

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oddly enough, the proper launch angle and spin rate for your swing & SS WILL result in you longest drives!!!!

 

BT

 

Dr#1 Cobra Speedzone 10.5 – HZRDUS Yellow HC 65 TX @ 46”
Dr#2 Mizuno STZ 220 9.5 (10.5) - HZRDUS Smoke IM10 65 Low TX @ 46"

Mizuno ST190 15 - HZRDUS Smoke Yellow 70 TS @ 43"
Mizuno STZ 220 18- HZRDUS Smoke Yellow 70 TS @ 42"
Mizuno MP15 4-PW - Aldila RIP Tour 115 R
Cobra MIM Wedges 52, 56 & 60 – stock KBS Hi-Rev @ 35.5”

Odyssey V-Line Stroke Lab 33.5"
Grips - Grip Master Classic Wrap Midsize

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Golf is not a one size fits all and blanket advice like this isn't really good to give to uneducated golfers, or at least people who havent spent a decent amount of time on trackman being fit.

 

I would suspect OP and his pals have fairly neutral to maybe even negative AoAs, possibly lower-ish swing speeds, such that 12* drivers are actually increasing their distance. If I ramped up to 12* my drives would probably be 150+ft in the air and I'd likely lose 40-50 yards total distance because I have a very high launch angle and AoA. I need very low static loft and lower-ish spin. Lucky for me I actually know this about my swing.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Golf is not a one size fits all and blanket advice like this isn't really good to give to uneducated golfers, or at least people who havent spent a decent amount of time on trackman being fit.

 

I would suspect OP and his pals have fairly neutral to maybe even negative AoAs, possibly lower-ish swing speeds, such that 12* drivers are actually increasing their distance. If I ramped up to 12* my drives would probably be 150+ft in the air and I'd likely lose 40-50 yards total distance because I have a very high launch angle and AoA. I need very low static loft and lower-ish spin. Lucky for me I actually know this about my swing.

Good points. I've amended some points on my post to my particulars and being fit to the driver.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Golf is not a one size fits all and blanket advice like this isn't really good to give to uneducated golfers, or at least people who havent spent a decent amount of time on trackman being fit.

 

I would suspect OP and his pals have fairly neutral to maybe even negative AoAs, possibly lower-ish swing speeds, such that 12* drivers are actually increasing their distance. If I ramped up to 12* my drives would probably be 150+ft in the air and I'd likely lose 40-50 yards total distance because I have a very high launch angle and AoA. I need very low static loft and lower-ish spin. Lucky for me I actually know this about my swing.

Good points. I've amended some points on my post to my particulars and being fit to the driver.

Not calling anybody out here, just that one man's experience can't be applied to another without reason first. If somebody has a high AoA with speed, a 12* driver will be a total disaster for them. Same thing with a lower lofted driver and low to negative AoA... They do need the loft. This is why DJ and some pro's are in 10.5* drivers (least he was last year)... Gotta get fit.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

If you're under 85mph w the driver, without getting into needless detail about angle of attack and spin loft, then you will benefit from more loft, bc you'll increase total distsnce x by increasing height y, bc of the shape of the parabola. 

If you're bt 85-95mph, it depends on your angle of attack and spin loft, and you need to do some trial and error to see if you hit that 220-250 zone with more or less loft.

If you're over 95mph, you will probably increase distance x with less height y, bc your ball speed lends itself to a flatter parabola w lower launch.

These are generalities. There are occasional fast swingers who do better w more loft bc of extreme AoA and spin loft. And there are similar extremes on the other end. We've all played w older dudes who launch low and roll out, who might not see more x distance w more loft.

But those generalities typically prevail.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I play a 13° Rapture off the tee with success. Before that my most successful driver was a Yonex i-ezone 10°. I have been salvitating over the Jbeam Premium black 535 for too long now at an 11-11.5° loft at ½° open. I think quite a few people would benefit from some extra loft on the driver.

[b][color=#8b4513]Wyoming[/color] [color=#ffd700]Cowboys[/color][/b]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You may well find that the VAST majority of golfers are playing Drivers that are high launch but don't realise.

I have a Ping G20 and 10.5°, nice club still that is up with most newer clubs I've demoed. I had a friend, a club builder, check it out and the head is in reality 13.9 degrees !!!

 

 

He tells me that this is the norm and that most companies do this, with Taylormade and Mizuno being the worst culprits.

 

Make sure he is rotating the head to a 0* face angle in his spec gauge. Many Ping heads...and others as well, will rest with an open face in a measuring gauge (even if stated as "neutral"), so if they are measured at that open angle it will result in a higher loft reading than Ping would measure for you.

 

Even then, for what I've measured, most Ping drivers that are stamped as "10.5" will actually measure at about 12*, give or take the tolerance that is always there with every brand

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Interesting info here! Good read! Back in the day, 20yrs ago or so...I tried 9.5, 10.5, and was too wild with the lower lofts...picked up a 12* cobra, stock reg shaft, and the party started! Because the higher loft kept me in the fwy most of the time, it allowed me to swing as hard as possible, and I could really crush it...I was able to win the long drive in a tournament in Phoenix...I actually crushed one 380yds in Albuquerque on a par 5...those were the days, lol...not bragging, believe me. I AM pointing out that even if you're a banger, 12* just might keep you out of trouble, yet add ydg off the tee at the same time...my recent experiment with a 10.5 had to come to an end cuz I was hooking too much and getting in trouble...that darn rapture has given me more confidence, and ydg, and a draw instead of a hook! I suspect I have a high angle of attack, and about 88mph ss, if that helps...but I sometimes play with someone who is younger, has a real golf swing, and can crush it into the trees...I ask them to try the 12* and they invariably hit it long and straight...in fact, when they hit the 16* teed down, they crush it way out there as well... more loft has helped me...it may or may not help you...but it's something to consider if you're not happy with your lower lofted driver for whatever reason. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'd love for someone to explain how the physics work with high launch shafts. I've read about them but it's confusing. I can hit it good but it's almost the same as going up 2-3* putting something like the aldila DWS in the club. It just launches high as can be. Same with my gamer ilima. Meant as a fairway shaft but let's me Play 10.5.

 

Lots of knobs to turn to find the correct set up for sure.

G400 Max 9* Ventus Red 5X, SIM Ventus Red 6X 

Callaway Mavrik 4 (18*) - AW (46*) Project X 5.5

Vokey SM4 50* SM5 56*

Cameron Phantom 5S

Link to comment
Share on other sites

All I know is I love this €^¥«%¢# game! Also, I kinda like my current gear, but I'm willing to try something different at any time, lol.... example: sunday I tested one of the TM m drivers, and I couldnt stand it...adjustable drivers dont feel right to me...and when the g700s come out, im gonna be all over em...or I might keep my karstens and put graphite in my wedges cuz my shoulders are killing me... what a game...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Our picks

    • 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Discussion and links to Photos
      Please put any questions or Comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Thorbjorn Olesen - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ben Silverman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jesse Droemer - SoTX PGA Section POY - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      David Lipsky - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Martin Trainer - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Zac Blair - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jacob Bridgeman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Trace Crowe - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jimmy Walker - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Daniel Berger - WITB(very mini) - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Chesson Hadley - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Callum McNeill - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Rhein Gibson - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Patrick Fishburn - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Peter Malnati - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Raul Pereda - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Gary Woodland WITB (New driver, iron shafts) – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Padraig Harrington WITB – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      Tom Hoge's custom Cameron - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Piretti putters - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ping putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Kevin Dougherty's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Bettinardi putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Erik Barnes testing an all-black Axis1 putter – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Tony Finau's new driver shaft – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
       
      • 7 replies
    • 2024 Valspar Championship WITB Photos (Thanks to bvmagic)- Discussion & Links to Photos
      This weeks WITB Pics are from member bvmagic (Brian). Brian's first event for WRX was in 2008 at Bayhill while in college. Thanks so much bv.
       
      Please put your comments or question on this thread. Links to all the threads are below...
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 31 replies
    • 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Matt (LFG) Every - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Sahith Theegala - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Cameron putters (and new "LD" grip) - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Bettinardi MB & CB irons - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Bettinardi API putter cover - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Swag API covers - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Golf Pride Reverse Taper grips - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 15 replies
    • 2024 Cognizant Classic - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #1
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #2
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #3
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #4
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Brandt Snedeker - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Max Greyserman - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Eric Cole - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Carl Yuan - WITb - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Russell Henley - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Justin Sun - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alex Noren - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Shane Lowry - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Taylor Montgomery - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jake Knapp (KnappTime_ltd) - WITB - - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Super Stoke Pistol Lock 1.0 & 2.0 grips - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      LA Golf new insert putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Garsen Quad Tour 15 grip - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Swag covers - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jacob Bridgeman's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Bud Cauley's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Ryo Hisatsune's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Chris Kirk - new black Callaway Apex CB irons and a few Odyssey putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alejandro Tosti's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 2 replies
    • 2024 Genesis Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #3
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #4
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Rory McIlroy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Sepp Straka - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Patrick Rodgers - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Brendon Todd - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Denny McCarthy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Corey Conners - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Chase Johnson - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tommy Fleetwood - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Matt Fitzpatrick - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Si Woo Kim - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Viktor Hovland - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Wyndham Clark - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Cam Davis - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Nick Taylor - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Ben Baller WITB update (New putter, driver, hybrid and shafts) – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Vortex Golf rangefinder - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Fujikura Ventus shaft - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods & TaylorMade "Sun Day Red" apparel launch event, product photos – 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods Sun Day Red golf shoes - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Aretera shafts - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Toulon putters - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods' new white "Sun Day Red" golf shoe prototypes – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      • 22 replies

×
×
  • Create New...