Overview

Your driver and fairway woods (or metal woods) are key to distance off the tee and long shots from the fairway. Picking the right ones depends on factors like shaft flex, head size, loft, and your swing speed.

Key Points

• Shaft Flex: Swing speed typically dictates flex choice—slower speeds benefit from more flexible shafts, while faster swingers often prefer stiffer options for control.
• Loft Adjustability: Many modern drivers allow you to adjust loft. Tweak it to find a balance between maximum distance and manageable ball flight.
• Fairway Wood Loft: Most golfers use a 3-wood and 5-wood. If you struggle hitting a 3-wood off the ground, a higher lofted fairway wood (or hybrid) might be a better bet.
• Head Size: A larger driver head (460cc) is typically more forgiving. For woods, test different head sizes to see which inspires confidence and suits your swing.

Practical Tip

Always test your driver and fairway woods at a range (or simulator) before committing. Track how the ball launches and lands. The goal is consistent distance and a predictable flight pattern, not just raw yardage.