The Complete Guide to Buying New or Second-Hand Drivers
Drivers – the basics
Your driver is the club designed to hit the ball the furthest distance, and it’s usually the first club you reach for on a par 4 or par 5. While distance is the headline feature, forgiveness, launch, and consistency are just as important when choosing the right driver.
Buying a second-hand driver is a smart way to access high-quality technology without paying full retail prices, especially as many golfers upgrade drivers frequently.
Key Things to Know About Drivers
Loft
Loft plays a major role in how easy a driver is to hit.
- Lower loft (8°–10°): More distance potential, harder to launch
- Higher loft (10.5°–13°+): Easier launch, more spin, more forgiveness
For most golfers, more loft leads to better results.
Head Size
Most modern drivers range between 440–460cc.
- Larger heads offer more forgiveness on off-centre strikes
- Smaller heads tend to suit very consistent ball strikers
Shaft
Drivers almost always come with graphite shafts.
- Lighter shafts help generate swing speed
- Shaft flex should match your swing speed and tempo
What to Look for When Buying a Second-Hand Driver
- Clubhead condition: Cosmetic marks are normal; avoid dents or cracks
- Shaft suitability: Correct flex, weight, and length for your swing
- Loft and adjustability: Adjustable hosels allow fine-tuning
- Grip condition: All grips should be in good, playable condition
Choosing a Driver Based on Your Ability
Beginners
Look for:
- Higher loft (10.5° or more)
- Large, forgiving clubhead
- Regular or senior flex graphite shaft
- Avoid low-spin drivers such as PING LST or Callaway Triple Diamond unless you have a very high swing speed. Low-spin models are harder to launch and less forgiving, making them unsuitable for most beginners and mid-handicap golfers.
High-Handicap Golfers
Best suited to:
- Forgiving, draw-biased designs
- Adjustable drivers if available
- Mid-weight shafts for control
Consistency and launch matter more than raw distance.
Mid-Handicap Golfers
You may prefer:
- Balanced distance and control
- Adjustable heads for fine-tuning
- Slightly lower lofts once strike quality improves
Second-Hand vs New Drivers
Second-hand drivers provide excellent value, allowing most golfers to access high-quality technology at a lower cost. They are ideal if you want performance without the premium price and are suitable for beginners, high-handicap, or even mid-handicap players.
New drivers, on the other hand, offer advantages such as:
- Custom fitting options for shaft length, flex, and weight
- Adjustable loft and trajectory features
- Perfectly matched grips and consistent performance across the set
If you play frequently or are looking to optimise your driver to your swing, a new driver can offer more precision and long-term consistency. For many golfers, however, a well-chosen second-hand driver performs just as well and represents excellent value.
