Square Headed Drivers

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.

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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

BrandModelLoft (degrees)Head Size (cc)Shaft Material
TaylorMadeSIM2 MAX10.5460Fujikura Ventus 4T
CallawayEpic MAX LS9.0460Project X HZRDUS
TitleistTSi48.0430Mitsubishi Tensei
CobraRADSPEED XB9.0460Fujikura Motore X
PingG425 MAX9.0460Ping Alta CB
ClevelandLauncher HB Turbo10.5460Miyazaki C. Kua
MizunoST-Z9.5460Fujikura Ventus
SrixonZX79.5460Project X HZRDUS
HonmaTR20 46010.5460Vizard TR20-50
WilsonStaff Model9.0460Fujikura Atmos

Square-Headed Drivers for High Handicappers

BrandModelLoft (degrees)Head Size (cc)Shaft Material
CobraF-MAX Airspeed11.5460Cobra Airspeed
CallawayBig Bertha B2110.5460RCH 45
PingG Le 211.5460Ping ULT 230
TaylorMadeSIM2 MAX-D12.0460Fujikura AirSpeed
WilsonLaunch Pad13.0460UST Mamiya Helium

Square-Headed Drivers for Low Handicappers

BrandModelLoft (degrees)Head Size (cc)Shaft Material
TitleistTSi39.0460Mitsubishi Tensei
CallawayEpic Speed9.0460Project X HZRDUS
TaylorMadeSIM29.0460Mitsubishi Diamana
CobraRADSPEED9.0460Fujikura Motore X
PingG425 LST9.0445Ping Tour 65

Square-Headed Drivers for Seniors

BrandModelLoft (degrees)Head Size (cc)Shaft Material
TaylorMadeSIM2 MAX D-Type10.5460Fujikura AirSpeed
CallawayBig Bertha B2110.5460RCH 45
CobraF-MAX Airspeed11.5460Cobra Airspeed
PingG425 MAX LST SF Tec10.5445Ping Alta CB Slate
TitleistTSi110.0460Kuro Kage Black Dual
SrixonZX510.5460Project X HZRDUS Red
MizunoST-Z10.5460Fujikura Ventus Blue
HonmaXP-110.5460Vizard FP55 Light Spec
WilsonStaff Model10.5460Fujikura Atmos Tour
ClevelandLauncher HB Turbo10.5460Miyazaki C. Kua

Square-Headed Drivers for Women:

BrandModelLoft (degrees)Head Size (cc)Shaft Material
CallawayBig Bertha REVA12.5460Callaway RCH 40
TaylorMadeSIM2 MAX Women’s11.5460TaylorMade Tuned Performance 45
CobraF-MAX Airspeed Women’s15.0460Cobra Airspeed
PingG Le 2 Women’s11.5460Ping ULT 230 Ladies
TitleistTSi1 Women’s14.0460Mitsubishi 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.

Author

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  • Ray Barnes

    Ray Barnes, our Senior Staff Writer and a Golf Analyst with a PhD in Sports Analytics, is a beacon of insight in the golfing world. With a deep understanding of the sport's nuances, statistical analysis, and a talent for demystifying complexities, he provides in-depth analysis and captivating narratives that engage golf enthusiasts worldwide.

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