Golf is a sport that involves hitting a ball with a club, with the objective of getting it into a hole in as few strokes as possible. One of the most important aspects of golf is the driver, which is the club used to hit the ball off the tee on the first shot of each hole. Square-headed drivers are a type of driver that have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their unique design.
What are square-headed drivers?
A square-headed driver is a type of driver that has a square-shaped clubhead instead of the more traditional oval or pear-shaped clubhead. This design provides a larger hitting surface and a higher moment of inertia (MOI), which helps to reduce twisting on off-center hits and increase ball speed and distance.
Benefits of square-headed drivers
The primary benefit of a square-headed driver is the larger hitting surface and higher MOI, which can help golfers hit straighter and longer drives. This is particularly helpful for golfers who struggle with slicing or hooking the ball. Additionally, the square shape of the clubhead can help golfers align the clubface more easily at address, which can also lead to more accurate shots.
Drawbacks of square-headed drivers
One of the potential drawbacks of square-headed drivers is that they can be less forgiving on mishits compared to other types of drivers. This is because the weight distribution of the clubhead is often more towards the back and sides, which can lead to a higher spin rate and less distance on shots hit off-center. Additionally, some golfers may find the square shape of the clubhead to be less aesthetically pleasing than other shapes.
Popular models in the market
There are several popular square-headed driver models in the market, including:
- TaylorMade SIM2 Max: This driver features a square-shaped clubhead with a large hitting surface and adjustable weights to customize the ball flight.
- Callaway Big Bertha B21: This driver also has a square-shaped clubhead with a high MOI and adjustable weights for customization.
- Cobra Radspeed XB: This driver has a slightly rectangular clubhead shape, with a high MOI and adjustable weights for customization.
- Ping G425 Max: This driver has a more traditional oval-shaped clubhead, but with a high MOI and adjustable weights for customization.
Evolution of square-headed drivers
Square-headed drivers first gained popularity in the mid-2000s with the introduction of the Nike SQ Sumo driver, which had a distinctly square-shaped clubhead. Since then, other golf equipment manufacturers have followed suit and released their own versions of square-headed drivers. Over time, the design of square-headed drivers has evolved to incorporate various weight distribution systems and adjustability features to help golfers fine-tune their ball flight.
How to choose a square-headed driver
When choosing a square-headed driver, golfers should consider factors such as their swing speed, ball flight tendencies, and preferred level of adjustability. Golfers with slower swing speeds may benefit from a driver with a lighter overall weight and a higher loft to help them generate more clubhead speed and launch the ball higher. Golfers who tend to slice the ball may benefit from a driver with adjustable weights that can help them promote a draw bias. Additionally, golfers should consider the look and feel of the clubhead, as they will be using it for every tee shot.
Square-headed drivers and the Rules of Golf
Square-headed drivers are legal under the Rules of Golf, as long as they conform to the size and weight limits set forth by the governing bodies. The USGA and R&A set a limit of 460cc for the volume of the clubhead and a maximum length of 48 inches for the shaft. Additionally, the total weight of the club cannot exceed 200 grams.
Square-headed drivers for high handicappers
Square-headed drivers can be particularly beneficial for high handicappers, who are typically looking for a driver that is forgiving on mishits and helps them hit the ball straighter and longer. The larger hitting surface and higher MOI of square-headed drivers can help to reduce the effects of mishits, while the square shape of the clubhead can help golfers align the clubface more easily. Additionally, many square-headed drivers have adjustable weights and loft settings, which can be helpful for high handicappers who may struggle with consistency.
Square-headed drivers for low handicappers
While square-headed drivers may be particularly appealing to high handicappers, they can also be a great option for low handicappers who are looking for a driver that offers a unique combination of forgiveness and distance. Low handicappers who prefer a more traditional look may opt for a square-headed driver with a more subdued design, while those who value adjustability may choose a model with multiple weight and loft settings.
Square-headed drivers vs. traditional drivers
While square-headed drivers have become increasingly popular in recent years, many golfers still prefer the more traditional oval or pear-shaped drivers. Traditional drivers may offer a more classic look and feel, while some golfers may find that they offer a better combination of distance and forgiveness. Ultimately, the decision between a square-headed driver and a traditional driver will come down to personal preference and what works best for each individual golfer.
Custom fitting for square-headed drivers
As with any golf club, it’s important to get properly custom fitted for a square-headed driver. A custom fitting can help golfers find the right combination of clubhead design, loft, shaft, and grip to optimize their ball flight and maximize their distance and accuracy. Many golf equipment manufacturers offer custom fitting services at their retail locations or through certified fitting centers.
Square-Headed Drivers Comparison
| Brand | Model | Loft (degrees) | Head Size (cc) | Shaft Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TaylorMade | SIM2 MAX | 10.5 | 460 | Fujikura Ventus 4T |
| Callaway | Epic MAX LS | 9.0 | 460 | Project X HZRDUS |
| Titleist | TSi4 | 8.0 | 430 | Mitsubishi Tensei |
| Cobra | RADSPEED XB | 9.0 | 460 | Fujikura Motore X |
| Ping | G425 MAX | 9.0 | 460 | Ping Alta CB |
| Cleveland | Launcher HB Turbo | 10.5 | 460 | Miyazaki C. Kua |
| Mizuno | ST-Z | 9.5 | 460 | Fujikura Ventus |
| Srixon | ZX7 | 9.5 | 460 | Project X HZRDUS |
| Honma | TR20 460 | 10.5 | 460 | Vizard TR20-50 |
| Wilson | Staff Model | 9.0 | 460 | Fujikura Atmos |
Square-Headed Drivers for High Handicappers
| Brand | Model | Loft (degrees) | Head Size (cc) | Shaft Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cobra | F-MAX Airspeed | 11.5 | 460 | Cobra Airspeed |
| Callaway | Big Bertha B21 | 10.5 | 460 | RCH 45 |
| Ping | G Le 2 | 11.5 | 460 | Ping ULT 230 |
| TaylorMade | SIM2 MAX-D | 12.0 | 460 | Fujikura AirSpeed |
| Wilson | Launch Pad | 13.0 | 460 | UST Mamiya Helium |
Square-Headed Drivers for Low Handicappers
| Brand | Model | Loft (degrees) | Head Size (cc) | Shaft Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titleist | TSi3 | 9.0 | 460 | Mitsubishi Tensei |
| Callaway | Epic Speed | 9.0 | 460 | Project X HZRDUS |
| TaylorMade | SIM2 | 9.0 | 460 | Mitsubishi Diamana |
| Cobra | RADSPEED | 9.0 | 460 | Fujikura Motore X |
| Ping | G425 LST | 9.0 | 445 | Ping Tour 65 |
Square-Headed Drivers for Seniors
| Brand | Model | Loft (degrees) | Head Size (cc) | Shaft Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TaylorMade | SIM2 MAX D-Type | 10.5 | 460 | Fujikura AirSpeed |
| Callaway | Big Bertha B21 | 10.5 | 460 | RCH 45 |
| Cobra | F-MAX Airspeed | 11.5 | 460 | Cobra Airspeed |
| Ping | G425 MAX LST SF Tec | 10.5 | 445 | Ping Alta CB Slate |
| Titleist | TSi1 | 10.0 | 460 | Kuro Kage Black Dual |
| Srixon | ZX5 | 10.5 | 460 | Project X HZRDUS Red |
| Mizuno | ST-Z | 10.5 | 460 | Fujikura Ventus Blue |
| Honma | XP-1 | 10.5 | 460 | Vizard FP55 Light Spec |
| Wilson | Staff Model | 10.5 | 460 | Fujikura Atmos Tour |
| Cleveland | Launcher HB Turbo | 10.5 | 460 | Miyazaki C. Kua |
Square-Headed Drivers for Women:
| Brand | Model | Loft (degrees) | Head Size (cc) | Shaft Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Callaway | Big Bertha REVA | 12.5 | 460 | Callaway RCH 40 |
| TaylorMade | SIM2 MAX Women’s | 11.5 | 460 | TaylorMade Tuned Performance 45 |
| Cobra | F-MAX Airspeed Women’s | 15.0 | 460 | Cobra Airspeed |
| Ping | G Le 2 Women’s | 11.5 | 460 | Ping ULT 230 Ladies |
| Titleist | TSi1 Women’s | 14.0 | 460 | Mitsubishi Bassara E Ladies |
Conclusion
Square-headed drivers are a unique type of driver in golf that can provide golfers with benefits such as a larger hitting surface and easier alignment. However, they may also have drawbacks such as being less forgiving on mishits. Golfers should try out different types of drivers and find the one that works best for their individual swing and game.
