Everyone wants to hit longer drives, which probably explains why custom driver fittings are so popular at GolfBox Custom.

However, a misunderstanding our Master Fitters commonly encounter revolves around the idea that lower-lofted drivers are preferable to higher-lofted drivers.

This mistaken belief often has its genesis in the assumption a driver that produces a lower trajectory will see the ball roll out and gain extra yardage when it hits the ground.

However, as our GolfBox Custom Master Fitters will attest, a driver needs to attain a certain apex height for it get within touching distance of achieving its maximum distance potential.

To identify optimal driver loft, our Master Fitters monitor several essential metrics to first understand launch angle, and then see how it influences spin and total distance.

UPSWING OR DOWNSWING?

The ideal path for a driver swing sees the driver face collect the ball on the upswing. This is called an upward angle of attack, or a positive angle of attack.

However, every golfer’s swing is unique. For a variety of reasons, many golfers can’t achieve a positive angle of attack and actually hit down on the ball with their driver. This creates a downward, or negative, angle of attack.

A golfer’s angle of attack has a significant bearing on the loft they’ll need on their driver.

GolfBox Custom Master Fitters accurately gauge angle of attack through GC Quad launch monitor data.

DYNAMIC LOFT

Custom fitters also measure dynamic loft in a driver fitting, which is closely connected to angle of attack.

Dynamic loft is an assessment of the club’s loft at the point of impact. If a player has a positive angle of attack, dynamic loft will always be greater than the static loft of the club. Conversely, a negative angle of attack results in a dynamic loft lower than the static loft of the club.

If dynamic loft is too low, it can result in a closed club face, low launch and low spin — factors that can inhibit distance off the tee.

However, when dynamic loft is too high it can also negatively impact distance by creating a popped-up, high-spinning ball flight.

SWING SPEED AND APEX HEIGHT

Once a player’s launch parameters have been assessed, our Master Fitters can determine a driver loft to rectify any delivery issues.

To finetune driver loft, an assessment of swing speed and apex height is then undertaken.

Players with faster swing speeds tend to achieve the “Goldilocks” apex height with a lower loft on their driver, creating more carry and total distance.

For players with slower swing speeds, adding loft will often help them achieve the desired apex height to create extra carry and a longer total driving distance.

Our Master Fitters at GolfBox Custom are experts at identifying the unique combination of driver head, shaft and loft to maximise distance and performance off the tee.

Book a Driver Fitting at GolfBox Custom to unearth the perfect driver and driver loft for your game.

‍