Understanding the Three Driver Head Types

The golf equipment market is filled with more driver options than ever before, and understanding the three fundamental types of driver head designs is the first step to identifying the one that matches your swing.

High-MOI drivers are designed to be extremely forgiving. They achieve this by pushing weight to the perimeter of the clubhead, which creates a larger sweet spot. These drivers are ideal for the golfer who prioritizes forgiveness and consistency over raw distance. If you frequently miss the center of the clubface, a high-MOI driver will help you hit straighter shots and retain more ball speed on mishits.

Low spin drivers are engineered to reduce backspin on the golf ball. They typically have a shallower face and a center of gravity (CG) that is positioned more forward. For players with high clubhead speed, too much spin can cause the ball to "balloon" and lose distance. Low spin drivers tend to work best for those with fast swing speeds (typically 95 mph and up) who already generate a lot of natural spin.

The standard, or “core,” driver head is designed to be a balanced option, offering a mix of forgiveness and distance. They often feature an internal weighting system that allows a club fitter to manipulate the center of gravity to fine-tune launch and spin characteristics. Given their balanced qualities, core heads will work well for the majority of golfers. If you're looking for a driver that can be customized to suit your unique needs, a core driver with movable weights is an excellent choice.

Of course, while a manufacturer's marketing can be appealing, the only way to know which driver head type is right for you is through a professional fitting, and whether you would like a quick phone consultation or a full-scale Tour Van Fitting in person, the team at 2nd Swing is perfectly suited to find the perfect driver for your game.