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Large vs. Small Driver Heads

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  • #1

    Large vs. Small Driver Heads

    I'm not really up to speed on the latest driver technology. I understand that the larger the driver head, the larger the sweet spot should be. But I have a couple of other questions about large head drivers.

    1. At what point does the larger head create more drag and slow your swing speed?

    2. Are these heads heavier or lighter than the smaller ones? If they're the same, then the momentum should be the same. The only advantage would be more forgiveness for off-center hits. Kind of like the blade iron vs. cavity back iron comparison.

    3. Why aren't 3-woods large like the drivers?

    4. What face dynamics are improved by the bigger driver face (i.e. does the bigger face act like a bigger trampoline)?
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  • #2
    Re: Large vs. Small Driver Heads

    Originally posted by Yukon Jack
    1. At what point does the larger head create more drag and slow your swing speed?
    In a lab, I'm sure there's a point of diminishing returns. In real life, there's not enough drag to slow your swing speed in the head. (Unless you filled the entire head with lead).

    Originally posted by Yukon Jack
    2. Are these heads heavier or lighter than the smaller ones? If they're the same, then the momentum should be the same. The only advantage would be more forgiveness for off-center hits. Kind of like the blade iron vs. cavity back iron comparison.
    They're generally all within 10 grams of one another. And yes, the forgiveness in a huge head is greater than in a smaller one.

    Originally posted by Yukon Jack
    3. Why aren't 3-woods large like the drivers?
    They are. They're called High Launch or High Loft drivers. (14º or 15º). Heck, Nike has their lucky 13 driver (13º)

    Originally posted by Yukon Jack
    4. What face dynamics are improved by the bigger driver face (i.e. does the bigger face act like a bigger trampoline)?
    The main thing for a bigger head is more distance on off-center hits.

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    • #3
      Re: Large vs. Small Driver Heads

      One more addition:

      The reason why a 3 wood is not big is because you need to be able to hit it off the ground without a tee. Having a big head doesnt allow the ball to be picked up directly off the ground. In the past, people used to hit their driver off the fairway but this is pretty much impossible these days with the size of the head.

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      • #4
        Re: Large vs. Small Driver Heads

        ^ good reason.

        I actually don't bother with a 3 wood.

        I go directly from driver to 3H (19º hybrid). The 10 or 15 extra yards I might gain from a FW won't put me close enough to one putt, so I hit 3H and then have to take one more club than I would have had I hit 3W.

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        • #5
          Re: Large vs. Small Driver Heads

          Try the Titleist 904F fairway wood. Gorgeous small head, traditional look, fantastic club. easy to manage trajectories, low stinger or high spinner.

          Comment

          • #6
            Re: Large vs. Small Driver Heads

            Originally posted by Yukon Jack
            I'm not really up to speed on the latest driver technology. I understand that the larger the driver head, the larger the sweet spot should be. But I have a couple of other questions about large head drivers.

            1. At what point does the larger head create more drag and slow your swing speed?

            2. Are these heads heavier or lighter than the smaller ones? If they're the same, then the momentum should be the same. The only advantage would be more forgiveness for off-center hits. Kind of like the blade iron vs. cavity back iron comparison.

            3. Why aren't 3-woods large like the drivers?

            4. What face dynamics are improved by the bigger driver face (i.e. does the bigger face act like a bigger trampoline)?
            Maybe it just takes time to adjust, but right now I'm hitting a Biggest Big Bertha and I've hit some of the "monster" head drivers and have found the distance and forgiveness claims to be minimal at best

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: Large vs. Small Driver Heads

              Originally posted by iaingolfs
              Maybe it just takes time to adjust, but right now I'm hitting a Biggest Big Bertha and I've hit some of the "monster" head drivers and have found the distance and forgiveness claims to be minimal at best
              Well, we should by now be aware that most of these claims are marketing hype. The handicap for average-joe is virtually the same as 50 years ago, so maybe larger heads, increased COR etc have little impact on score.

              Anyone looking for a new club(s) should try out several different clubs with several different shafts and buy the one(s) they like, regardless of its make, model, size or age.

              Unfortunately, we tend to buy what the marketing people tell us to buy.

              Comment

              • #8
                Re: Large vs. Small Driver Heads

                Originally posted by peter3
                Well, we should by now be aware that most of these claims are marketing hype. The handicap for average-joe is virtually the same as 50 years ago, so maybe larger heads, increased COR etc have little impact on score.

                Anyone looking for a new club(s) should try out several different clubs with several different shafts and buy the one(s) they like, regardless of its make, model, size or age.

                Unfortunately, we tend to buy what the marketing people tell us to buy.
                The large head does inspire confidence at address. Can find no appreciable difference in length when using smaller head clubs. Trouble is manufacturers attempt to brain wash us with advertising hype etc.

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                • #9
                  Re: Large vs. Small Driver Heads

                  Originally posted by peter3
                  Well, we should by now be aware that most of these claims are marketing hype. The handicap for average-joe is virtually the same as 50 years ago, so maybe larger heads, increased COR etc have little impact on score.

                  Anyone looking for a new club(s) should try out several different clubs with several different shafts and buy the one(s) they like, regardless of its make, model, size or age.

                  Unfortunately, we tend to buy what the marketing people tell us to buy.
                  Couple things, mostly agree above about the marketing etc. I think there are some very good drivers out there which are as good if not better then the Callaways and Taylormades but that the perception is otherwise due to marketing.

                  As for Handicaps, you have to remember that most of your strokes are around the green, so a driver probably won't be an end all fix to your game. But I think that some people could pick up 20-30 yds by getting the current technology and a driver which fits their swing. Now is that necessarily relate to scores, I am not sure. Tiger won a lot of tournemnts with a steel shafted driver and has now switched to graphite, he picked up distance but is he shooting any better, not so sure.

                  Bob

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Re: Large vs. Small Driver Heads

                    Originally posted by auldyn
                    The large head does inspire confidence at address. Can find no appreciable difference in length when using smaller head clubs. Trouble is manufacturers attempt to brain wash us with advertising hype etc.
                    i have to agree that the larger heads do inspire confidence. I took out my pros personal ping g2 yesturday and its the first time ive really used a driver sice i started playing over a year ago. I tried my friends small headed callaway and found i could hit maybe 4 yards atleast extra with the g2. With irons i find the smaller ones are the more confidence inspiring ones, but definately try a big driver, i think once you gt the right one the results will amaze you.

                    just to add as it was my first round with the driver i felt it made so much difference to my game it was unbelevable. rather than the usual 3 iron, lay up to the top of the hill with a pw, 7 iron near green, chip on and maybe a one put for par on the 1st at bewdley pines, i could hit a driver, 8 iron, chip on and put for a birdie. Obviously im not always gonna be hitting that good, but the added forgivingness really mades a heck of a difference to how many shots you have to make, and simplifies your game.
                    sorry about the essay hehe
                    ash

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Re: Large vs. Small Driver Heads

                      Originally posted by Yukon Jack
                      I have a couple of other questions about large head drivers.

                      1. At what point does the larger head create more drag and slow your swing speed?
                      2. Are these heads heavier or lighter than the smaller ones?
                      3. Why aren't 3-woods large like the drivers?
                      4. What face dynamics are improved by the bigger driver face (i.e. does the bigger face act like a bigger trampoline)?
                      1. The delta on the Drag is probably not measurable.
                      2. Weight is limited by USGA/R&A specs -- I'm pretty sure. That's why the golf manufacturers are so busy finding ways to move weight around.
                      3. 3 wood is used off the fairway as well as off the t-box so you need a shallower face.
                      4. Trampoline effect is technically called the Coefficient of Restitution or COR which is limited by spec by USGA and R&A will go into effect in a couple of years. There are many non-conforming clubs though! Make sure your buddies are playing by the rules!
                      http://golf.about.com/od/faqs/f/cor.htm

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Re: Large vs. Small Driver Heads

                        James, there is no restriction on the weight of the head.

                        The idea of moving weights around is simply to influence ball flight, not to keep a head conforming.

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