If you are a golf enthusiast, you already know that having the right tools is arguably the best way to take your golf-playing skills to a whole new level. And one of the tools you’ll need to have at your disposal is the right-sized golf driver head.
Whether you are a professional or an amateur golfer, your driver sets the tone for your game. So, selecting the right driver is imperative. To help you figure out what is best for you, I’m here to help you make the right decision when it comes to choosing between a small-headed driver and a big-headed driver. Below I break down what might be important for you.
First and foremost, it is imperative to note that golf driver heads are measured, by volume, in cubic centimeters. Nearly all drivers in today’s market range between 440-460 and cubic centimeters in size.
What Is a Small Headed Golf Driver?
Just as the name suggests, small head golf drivers refer to golf clubs that boast a relatively smaller surface area. As earlier explained, the surface area of a golf driver is usually measured in cubic centimeters. Generally, small heads range between 380 and 400cc.
It is also worth noting that they usually feature somewhat longer, thinner shafts attached to the heads. However, this doesn’t entirely imply that small head golf drivers are all the same! In case you didn’t know, each small driver has its own distinct features as well as pros and cons. This simply means that you should find a small driver head that suits your individual preference and requirements.
In terms of skill level, virtually all golf experts agree that small golf driver heads are a great option for experienced or skilled golfers. To be more precise, the smaller the golf head driver, the further the maximum distance and workability will be. What’s more, it also enhances your ability to adjust your shots. As a result, smaller driver heads will suit players with advanced skills.
Benefits of Small Headed Golf Drivers?
- Smaller golf head drivers offer players an opportunity to alter angles and perform fairly sharper turns. This feature enhances the accuracy of golfers who crave precision.
- It is also important to mention that small golf head drivers offer more control to the player. You can effortlessly manipulate the direction of the swing with a smaller head driver at your disposal.
- What’s more, small golf head drivers boast long and thin shafts that allow golfers to cover relatively longer distances when they hit the ball. They allow you to make somewhat sharper and faster swings, and this can significantly increase the speed of the ball off the face.
- Also, compared to their large head driver counterparts, small head drivers typically produce a lower amount of spin, a feature that can make them suitable for beginners as well as those who need help with controlling the trajectory of the ball.
In terms of disadvantages, one major drawback of small golf head drivers is that they are only suitable for experienced golfers who value precision. While they may offer more control, smaller head golf drivers also compromise distance to allow for a better shot with a reduced risk for errors.
Are Bigger Driver Heads Better?
As we earlier explained, 460 cubic centimeters is the maximum size permitted for a golf head. And this means only bigger head drivers will feature such a surface area. You may be wondering why there is a regulation regarding the size of drivers’ heads.
In case you didn’t know, this is because drivers with more surface area will result in an increased amount of energy being transferred to the ball. And this means the ball will travel longer distances than normal. To help prevent such a scenario from happening, the regulatory body, the USGS came up with the maximum limit of 460 cubic centimeters.
Advantages of Bigger Driver Heads?
- As you may have realized, big driver heads boast a far much greater surface and this simply implies that they are highly forgiving when it comes to striking the shot. Contrastingly, small driver heads have an equally smaller surface area, requiring players to strike or rather hit the ball with increased accuracy.
- Bigger sized golf head drivers are also preferred when striking the ball over relatively shorter distances. This is mainly because they feature somewhat thicker and shorter shafts. What’s more, they are typically a bit heavier.
- Finally, bigger sized golf driver heads are known to produce larger spins. In comparison, a golf driver featuring a smaller head significantly decreases the ball’s spin level. And if you are an amateur or an aspiring golfer, you’ll find this feature highly attractive because it will allow you to almost effortlessly control the trajectory of the ball, significantly minimizing the chances of making mistakes.
What other factors should you consider when looking to purchase a golf driver head?
Apart from size, other essential factors to take into account may include?
- Loft: This dictates how low or high the ball will jump off the clubface. It is usually measured on a vertical axis. Most drivers have a loft range of between eight and twelve. Loft simply adds backspin to the ball, allowing it to initiate or generate lift and rise into the atmosphere. Simply put, the more loft at your disposal, the more backspin you will generate. In this regard, for faster swings, less loft is preferred whereas, for slow swings, a greater loft is needed.
- Shaft Flexibility: This is usually described as the motor of your golf club. This is because it significantly influences your swing performance. The material you select determines the flex, which is simply the bend of the shaft while you’re swinging the club. The slower the swing (Best Driver for Slow Swing Speed), the more flex is required whereas for a player with a fast swing, a fairly stiffer shaft should be preferred.
- The shape of the driver’s head: It plays a significant role in both performance and aesthetics aspects. With all the research and developments, there are a ton of features that manufacturers have implemented into their golf drivers to make them better than the competition.
What Size Driver Head Do Pros Use?
At the time of this article, the top five golfers are as follows:
| Golfer | D. Johnson | J. Rahm | J. Thomas | C. Morikawa | T. Hatton |
| Driver | TM Sim Driver | Callaway Epic Speed | Titleist TSi3 Driver | TaylorMade SIM2 Max | Ping G425 LST |
| Head Size | 460cc | 460cc | 460cc | 460cc | 455cc |
My point here isn’t to show you that I can make a very average graph, but to show you that most of the top golfers are still using a driver with the maximum allowable sized head.
Personally, I think that the technology is so advanced that manufacturers are able to make a driver with a bigger sweet spot (not that golfers ever shank their drivers) while still allowing the golfers to shape their shots, similar to a small driver head.
Wrapping up Golf Driver Heads
If you are in the market for a new golf driver head, I hope that this article will help make the best decision when it comes to choosing between a small and big golf driver. In the end, it boils down to your personal preference and skill level. If you are an amateur golfer, you’ll certainly find larger sized drivers an attractive option because of the advantages explained above. On the other hand, if you are an experienced golfer, you’d prefer a smaller sized driver head because of enhanced precision and other factors.
Once you’ve selected the best driver head for you, check out my blog on how to hit your driver straight and far.