Golf is a sport that requires precision, skill, and the right equipment to excel in. One of the most important pieces of equipment in golf is the driver. The driver is the longest club in the bag and is used to hit the ball the farthest distance off the tee. Two common types of drivers are the 440 and 460 drivers. In this article, we will discuss the differences between these two types of drivers and which one may be best for your game.
What is a 440 Driver?
A 440 driver is a type of driver that has a smaller clubhead size than the more common 460 driver. The 440 driver typically has a clubhead size of around 440cc, which is smaller than the 460cc of a traditional driver. The smaller clubhead size of the 440 driver allows for more precise shot-making and better control over the ball.
What is a 460 Driver?
A 460 driver is a type of driver that has a larger clubhead size than the 440 driver. The 460 driver typically has a clubhead size of around 460cc, which is the maximum clubhead size allowed under USGA regulations. The larger clubhead size of the 460 driver allows for a larger sweet spot, which can increase the forgiveness of the driver and help to reduce mishits.
Pros and Cons of the 440 Driver
Pros:
- Increased precision and control over shots
- Smaller clubhead size can lead to better ball flight
- Can be easier to shape shots with a smaller clubhead
Cons:
- Smaller clubhead size can lead to less forgiveness on mishits
- May not produce as much distance as a 460 driver
- Can be more difficult to hit for golfers with slower swing speeds
Pros and Cons of the 460 Driver
Pros:
- Larger clubhead size can increase forgiveness on mishits
- Can produce more distance than a 440 driver
- Easier to hit for golfers with slower swing speeds
Cons:
- Less precision and control over shots
- Larger clubhead size can lead to less workability
- Larger clubhead size can be visually distracting for some golfers
Key Differences Between the 440 and 460 Drivers
Clubhead Size: The most significant difference between the 440 and 460 drivers is the size of their clubheads. A 440 driver has a smaller clubhead, while a 460 driver has a larger clubhead. The size of the clubhead can impact the driver’s performance in several ways.
Sweet Spot: The sweet spot is the area on the clubface that produces the best results when hit with the ball. The larger clubhead of the 460 driver provides a larger sweet spot, making it easier to hit the ball solidly and reducing the chances of mishits. The smaller clubhead of the 440 driver has a smaller sweet spot, making it more difficult to hit the ball squarely.
Forgiveness: Forgiveness is the ability of the driver to minimize the impact of mishits. The larger sweet spot of the 460 driver provides more forgiveness than the smaller sweet spot of the 440 driver. The larger clubhead of the 460 driver also provides more perimeter weighting, which can increase the driver’s forgiveness.
Control: Control is the ability to shape shots and hit the ball where intended. The smaller clubhead of the 440 driver allows for more control and precision when hitting the ball. Golfers who prefer to work the ball and shape their shots may prefer the 440 driver.
Distance: Distance is a crucial factor when it comes to the driver. The larger clubhead of the 460 driver can generate more speed and power, resulting in more distance than the smaller clubhead of the 440 driver. Golfers who prioritize distance over control may prefer the 460 driver.
Club Head Size Comparison
| Driver Model | Club Head Size (cc) | Loft Angle | Lie Angle | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titleist TS1 | 440 | 9.5 | 58.5 | 315 |
| Titleist TS4 | 430 | 10.5 | 58.5 | 315 |
| TaylorMade SIM2 Max | 460 | 10.5 | 56.5 | 349 |
| TaylorMade SIM2 Max D | 460 | 10.5 | 56.5 | 350 |
| Callaway Epic Max LS | 460 | 9.0 | 58.0 | 316 |
| Callaway Epic Max | 460 | 10.5 | 58.0 | 322 |
| Ping G425 Max | 460 | 9.0 | 58.5 | 349 |
| Ping G425 LST | 445 | 9.0 | 57.5 | 335 |
| Cobra RADSPEED | 460 | 10.5 | 58.0 | 314 |
| Cobra RADSPEED XB | 460 | 10.5 | 58.0 | 318 |
Launch Angle Comparison
| Driver Model | Club Head Size (cc) | Loft Angle | Ball Speed (mph) | Launch Angle (degrees) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titleist TS1 | 440 | 9.5 | 160 | 11.5 |
| Titleist TS4 | 430 | 10.5 | 157 | 12.0 |
| TaylorMade SIM2 Max | 460 | 10.5 | 162 | 11.5 |
| TaylorMade SIM2 Max D | 460 | 10.5 | 163 | 11.3 |
| Callaway Epic Max LS | 460 | 9.0 | 157 | 11.8 |
| Callaway Epic Max | 460 | 10.5 | 160 | 11.6 |
| Ping G425 Max | 460 | 9.0 | 160 | 11.6 |
| Ping G425 LST | 445 | 9.0 | 159 | 11.8 |
| Cobra RADSPEED | 460 | 10.5 | 160 | 11.4 |
| Cobra RADSPEED XB | 460 | 10.5 | 163 | 11.1 |
Forgiveness Comparison
| Driver Model | Club Head Size (cc) | Moment of Inertia (MOI) | Forgiveness Rating (1-10) | Face Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titleist TS1 | 440 | 4600 | 7 | Variable thickness face |
| Titleist TS4 | 430 | 4600 | 8 | Variable thickness face |
| TaylorMade SIM2 Max | 460 | 5700 | 9 | Twist Face |
| TaylorMade SIM2 Max D | 460 | 5800 | 9 | Twist Face |
| Callaway Epic Max LS | 460 | 6000 | 8 | Jailbreak A.I. |
| Callaway Epic Max | 460 | 6000 | 9 | Jailbreak A.I. |
| Ping G425 Max | 460 | 5800 | 9 | Dragonfly Technology |
| Ping G425 LST | 445 | 5700 | 8 | Dragonfly Technology |
| Cobra RADSPEED | 460 | 5600 | 9 | CNC Milled Face |
| Cobra RADSPEED XB | 460 | 5400 | 9 | CNC Milled Face |
Price Comparison
| Driver Model | Club Head Size (cc) | Price Range (USD) | Shaft Options | Adjustability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titleist TS1 | 440 | 499-549 | Various | SureFit CG |
| Titleist TS4 | 430 | 499-549 | Various | SureFit CG |
| TaylorMade SIM2 Max | 460 | 529-599 | Various | Loft Sleeve |
| TaylorMade SIM2 Max D | 460 | 529-599 | Various | Loft Sleeve |
| Callaway Epic Max LS | 460 | 529-599 | Various | OptiFit Hosel |
| Callaway Epic Max | 460 | 529-599 | Various | OptiFit Hosel |
| Ping G425 Max | 460 | 499-540 | Various | Dragonfly Technology |
| Ping G425 LST | 445 | 499-540 | Various | Dragonfly Technology |
Which Driver is Best for You?
The best driver for you depends on your individual golf game and preferences. If you are a golfer with a slower swing speed and struggle with mishits, the 460 driver’s forgiveness and larger sweet spot may benefit your game. If you prefer control and precision over distance and have a faster swing speed, the 440 driver may be the better option for you.
It is essential to consider the loft, shaft, and other features when selecting a driver. Getting fitted by a professional is the best way to find the right driver for your game.
