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June 02, 2005

Golf Drivers: Titanium vs. Stainless Steel

Titanium is lighter than stainless steel given a specific volume. What does this mean? The biggest we can make a stainless steel driver is about 260 cubic centimeters (cc) in volume. To go bigger than that, we have to use titanium. Currently we can take a titanium driver up to a whopping 500 cc's in size.

Most players are using a titanium driver because it allows for a bigger sweet spot and hitting surface, resulting in a much more forgiving club face. With titanium, oversized heads still remain lightweight. Larger titanium drivers weigh the same, and in some cases are even lighter, than stainless steel drivers of a smaller size.

Will a larger driver will allow you to hit the ball further? The simple answer is no! A larger hitting surface will be more forgiving, however it will not generally translate to longer drives. It is also common to over-swing with titanium drivers because they are so light. It is important to maintain fluidity in your swing. Just because the head is bigger doesn’t mean you can take an enormous hack at the ball and expect it to go straight; it is better to let the club do the work!

Stainless steel drivers are still available, but they are becoming less and less popular. Some prefer a smaller club head when looking down on the ball at address. We have seen golfers who initially thought that titanium club heads were too big eventually make the transition to a larger 330cc to 400cc head. In this game, it takes time to get used to the new products that result from advances in technology and design.

The next time you are deciding whether to go titanium or stainless steel, think about the above mentioned advantages, and what is going to feel most comfortable in your hands and for your game.

Posted by tom at June 2, 2005 01:54 PM