How to choose a driver in 2026
Loft, shaft flex, head volume and face angle — what you need to know before your first driver or upgrade.
Loft: 9°, 10.5° or 12°
Loft sets launch and spin. Beginners and swings under 90 mph (≈145 km/h) suit 10.5°–12°.
Faster swings (100 mph+) work with 9°–10.5°. Modern drivers adjust ±1.5°, so don't overpay for the 'perfect' degree.
Shaft flex
Senior (A) / Regular (R): up to 90 mph. Stiff (S): 90–105. X-Stiff: 105+.
Too-stiff shaft kills distance and pushes the ball right (right miss for righties).
Head volume & MOI
460cc is the legal max and gives maximum forgiveness. Smaller heads = more workability, less forgiveness.
Face angle
Draw-bias (closed) helps a slice. Neutral is universal. Open face is for skilled fade players only.
Before buying — get a fitting
A 30-min fitting at GOLFI.lv measures swing speed and attack angle and finds the right loft + shaft. Worth more than a €200 upgrade with the wrong shaft.
FAQ
Does a beginner need an expensive driver?
No. Start with a 200–400 € previous-season model. The gap to the newest release is tiny, the saving is large.
How do I know the shaft is too stiff?
Low ball flight, regular right miss, no distance even on a pure hit.
Do I need an adjustable hosel?
Yes — lets you fine-tune loft and face angle after fitting or as your swing changes.