The Complete Guide to Buying a Golf Driver

Choosing the right driver is one of the most important equipment decisions you’ll make as a golfer. It sets the tone for every hole and when you find the right one, it can completely transform how confident you feel off the tee.

But with so many makes, models, and features available, finding that perfect driver can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or shopping for your very first, ARC Golf is here to make it easier.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the key things to consider, from loft and shaft flex to head size and adjustability, so you can find a driver that suits your swing and helps you hit longer, straighter tee shots.

Driver Basics: The Essentials

The driver often called the “1-wood” is the longest club in your bag and built for maximum distance. With the biggest head and lowest loft, it’s designed to launch the ball high and far down the fairway.

It’s also the most expensive club in most golfers’ bags and can be the toughest to hit consistently. But with today’s technology, even amateur players can find drivers that offer the perfect balance of distance and forgiveness.

Modern engineering has made huge strides in recent years. Drivers now feature multi-material designs, aerodynamic shaping, and adjustable features that let you fine-tune launch and spin. In short, today’s clubs are smarter, more forgiving, and better suited to different swings than ever before.

Golf club hitting a ball on a tee with grass in the background

When Should You Upgrade Your Driver?

If your driver is more than a few years old, there’s a good chance you could gain extra distance and forgiveness by upgrading. Materials and designs have improved rapidly when it comes to drivers – even a model that’s 3–5 years old may feel noticeably different compared to today’s options.

A well-cared-for driver can last many seasons, but if you’ve noticed your shots losing distance, ballooning higher, or curving more than they used to, it might be time for a change.

How Much Should You Spend on a Driver?

Let’s be honest golf gear can get pricey. But that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank to find a great driver.

For most golfers, a quality second-hand driver in the $150–$300 range will deliver top-tier performance without the new-club price tag. Shopping pre-owned is one of the smartest ways to access premium brands and technology at a fraction of retail cost (and help you save money).

Every driver we sell at ARC Golf is carefully inspected, verified for authenticity, and backed by our satisfaction guarantee so you can buy with complete confidence.

Understanding Driver Head Size

Most modern drivers range from 440cc to 460cc, which refers to the volume of the clubhead — essentially, how large the driver appears at address. This size plays a major role in how the club performs and feels.

A 460cc driver is the maximum size allowed in competition and is designed to be as forgiving as possible. The larger head offers a bigger “sweet spot,” helping to reduce the impact of off-centre hits and maintain distance even on mishits. These models are ideal for golfers who prioritise consistency, confidence, and forgiveness off the tee.

On the other hand, 440cc drivers typically have a more compact shape that appeals to experienced or confident players. The smaller head allows for more workability and shot-shaping control, giving skilled golfers the ability to manipulate ball flight and trajectory more easily. They also tend to produce a slightly lower, more penetrating ball flight.

While drivers within this range might look similar at first glance, small variations in head size, shape, and internal weighting can dramatically affect forgiveness, feel, spin rates, and launch characteristics. Choosing the right head size ultimately depends on your swing speed, skill level, and personal preference at address.

What Materials Are Modern Drivers Made From?

Gone are the days of wooden clubheads. Today’s drivers are typically made from titanium, carbon fibre, or a combination of both — materials chosen for their strength, light weight, and responsiveness.

Titanium remains a favourite for its powerful energy transfer and durability.

Carbon composite designs use lightweight panels to save mass, allowing more weight to be placed lower or deeper in the head for added forgiveness.

Many modern drivers blend both materials, giving golfers the best of both worlds: stability and speed. This smart use of materials lets brands fine-tune launch angles, spin rates, and forgiveness — so you can find a driver that complements your natural swing.

Close-up of golf club heads with a dark background

Shaft Length and Flex: Finding the Right Fit

The shaft plays a huge role in how your driver feels and performs. Most drivers fall between 43 and 46 inches in length, with 45 inches being the most common for a good mix of distance and control.

Longer shafts can create extra clubhead speed — but they’re also harder to control. Shorter shafts can improve accuracy, especially if you tend to miss the fairway.

You’ll also want to consider shaft flex, which affects how the club releases through impact:

Ladies (L) – Designed for slower swing speeds, helping increase launch and distance.
Senior (A or M) – Great for moderate swing speeds.
Regular (R) – Suits most average-speed golfers.
Stiff/Strong Regular (SR) – Suits golfers that are in-between regular and stiff swing speeds.
Stiff (S) – For faster swingers seeking a lower, more controlled flight.
X-Stiff (X) – Ideal for very fast swing speeds, typically seen in stronger players or professionals.

Choosing the right flex can instantly improve your trajectory, consistency, and feel.

Loft, Face Angle, and Adjustability

Driver loft typically ranges between 8° and 13°, and small changes can have a big effect on your ball flight.

Lower loft (8–10°): Produces a flatter trajectory for faster swingers.
Higher loft (10.5–13°): Helps slower swing speeds launch higher with more carry distance.

Face angle — how open or closed the clubface sits at address this also affects shot shape.

Open faces promote a fade or slice.
Closed faces encourage a draw or reduce slices.

Most modern drivers include adjustable hosels and moveable weights, letting you tweak loft, spin, and bias to match your swing. It’s like getting a mini custom fitting every time you play.

Our Range of Golf Drivers

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Elevate Your Drives with ARC Golf

We hope this guide has helped you understand the key factors behind finding the right driver for your game.

If you’re ready to explore options, browse our full range of used drivers at ARC Golf — all quality-checked, performance-tested, and ready to ship anywhere in New Zealand.

At ARC Golf, we make shopping for authentic second-hand golf clubs simple, secure, and affordable. With fast nationwide delivery, verified clubs, and a flexible return policy, you can shop confidently and focus on what really matters, enjoying your next round.