Does a Super Short 40" Driver Work?

[@watsonitis]

This video is old but this is such a good test. Love this.

[@coegj]

PVP this story is from way back. Several decades ago an older friend of mine was losing distance do to age and men's club just to stiff for him, so he came to the course with his wife's set of clubs, it was a miracle for him in that he hit her driver higher and twenty yards farther than his. His wife's irons went higher and a little farther but stopped on the greens better, so. So he traded his whole set in on a ladies set and kept his ability to compete with the guys for a few more years before a sickness took him from us. He always said that taking our money from us on the course was more important than playing with ladies clubs, we miss him still. So, just saying.

[@petervonpanda]

Yeah, I totally agree. First, it's nice to keep playing and spending time with friends however you can. I'm actually against "ladies" anything anymore. I can play better now with short clubs (a new update video is coming), and I wanted to replace my bag since my clubs are so short, but ladies bags are all purple and pink. Why can't they just make smaller bags? I'm now convinced that most people play clubs that are probably too long... giving up distance but gaining accuracy and hopefully less frustration. I think people should play what works for them and forget about any oof the "recommended" specs.

[@Alandale45]

May his soul rest in peace

[@martywize5909]

Just demo’d the new Wilson D9 ladies 7 iron, great club,high,accurate and long with 40g graphite shaft. Just ordered the full set and I’m a 60 yr old male!

[@bobnodzo535]

Due to a back issues I’ve gone to Wedgewood hybrids ladies shaft to go with my Callaway driver with a senior shaft at 65 I swing easier and find more fairways. Like they say guys it’s about the number on the card not the label on the club

[@LanceCampeau]

I have a specially modified 30" driver (an old Northwestern 275cc metalwood head). I use it ALL the time for punching out of bunkers, from under trees, back to the fairway, for hitting tee'd stingers into the wind, etc... I've hit over 200 yards from the rough with this thing. No joke, it has completely changed my game.

[@Teadrinker710]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@paulaskey1508]

I have a “Fiver” Callaway Rogue 13.5 draw with a 5 wood length shaft (with a heavier head weight to help increase swing weight) have lost about 20 yards, but am yet to miss a fairway. Total fairway finder, has saved me countless shots, love it !

[@petervonpanda]

I love it! It's a great way to rethink the game!

[@eltonsi]

If you’re still experimenting with a suitable driver setup, I recommend the junior Cobra line. You get two shafts and I’ve found the 43’ setup perfect for my LTDx 12° dialed down to 10.5° which also flattens the lie angle.

[@ct5589]

Im going to be experimenting with a ~40" driver soon- Trying different lofts/lies/stiffness. 19 months ago I suffered a back injury that has made me completely change the way I swing a club. I can no longer swing past the 75% mark, with any club, or I risk over-extension injury. But my game is strong with swinging less (50-75%) in all my irons and hitting a long iron off the tee. I've just needed to adjust distance and play small ball. Just need to experiment to find a driver I can swing shorter & more upright. Judging by this video- It's going to be a fun search!!

[@petervonpanda]

I am still playing the 40" driver and think I have it dialed in. Loft is the key. Depending on speed, you might need a 12 degree driver. I'm playing mine at 10.5 degrees, slightly higher than I'd play a normal driver but I'm getting basically the same distances now.

[@6thgun820]

I game the PXG 0811+, weight system works well, PXG put the same system on the new mini driver. Looking forward to your PXG 0811 reviews

[@laurieharper1526]

Thanks for this. I am 67 and a beginner (a few pals have been taking me out recently and getting me started). I struggle with the driver in particular. I am 6ft, with very long arms and it feels as if I'm swinging a boathook. A friend let me try her driver last time out - being a woman's club, it was several inches shorter than mine - and it was a lot easier to hit. I'm still at the stage of trying to hit the ball consistently at present, so getting fitted would be pointless as a fitter would not have any consistent data to work with. I figure that the easier I can make hitting the ball, the more confidence it will give me, which should help me improve. I've picked up several cheap used drivers to experiment with and am going to try cutting the shafts down by varying amounts. All the best from the UK.

[@petervonpanda]

Hi Laurie! I think that's a great idea! I think hitting it consistently and in the sweetspot outweighs the distance. My dad took up golf too, and I actually shortened his driver down to 39 inches which is where he was comfortable and hitting it reliably well. I think some players probably need an extra inch over standard, but for me, it's been nice to disregard conventions and play with what works.

[@mbrum3230]

Cut em...straight better than long.

[@lucasplays4705]

Cleveland Chipper… confidence-boasting club.

[@bdkbdk8005]

Maybw try a senior flex but a 42 inches which you can find 2nd swing and it may get you close to your 45 inch driver. Thanks for the good content I just subscribed! I haven’t played in 10 years and getting back into it.

[@johnniejay]

Manufacturers are simply making clubs now that are too long for the club golfer. The best players in the world on the PGA and LIV Tours are using drivers that are between 43-44.5 inches. Most club golfers are being sold this dream that they will hit the ball further with the latest and greatest new driver.....which they will, probably 1 in 20. The fact is that for the other 19 they're actually sacrificing accuracy AND distance by playing these new drivers with 45+ inch shafts. I would virtually guarantee that 99% of the time, if you cut your driver down by 1.5-2 inches you will see an improvement in consistency off the tee.

[@nicholashambleton-garcia9339]

I just cut my down two inches and hitting significantly more fairways. I wish I had of known this sooner. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@JojohnWick]

Long you can cut it. But if they gave a short, you cant add it. Driver must be custom if you had ideal swing. Just buy the head only

[@beimsteiner]

My iron swing is getting quite solid, but when I have to shift to driver all hell breaks loose. I have a Wilson Triton driver that I'm going to mod to a shorter shaft as right now with the long shaft I'm not hitting with my actual assertive swing, I'm always holding back because I have no feel with the long shaft.

[@fitnessrealty]

I like how fun you make this!

[@petervonpanda]

Thanks, Fitness Realty!!

[@mizzo9]

Great video. I just cut my Titleist tsr2 driver down just 1 inch and added a heavier weight. I actually hit it further and with much more control. Wondering if I should have cut more but I’m happy with the results

[@Oldguitar57]

Me too brother. I just bought an off the rack Wilson Launchpad driver and its a toaster on a fishing rod…Im def chopping it off and making a club I can stand to look at

[@seancoxe1094]

I really enjoyed this video, Peter. I don't have the resources to do the kind of testing you're doing, but I did swap the shaft from my Callaway Mini 1.5 mini driver into my 2015 Callaway GBB driver (about 2" shorter). I made it a little more upright (draw bias) and added 2* of loft (from 10.5 to 12.5). Dispersion is MUCH better, but I did lose about 10 yds. distance, on average.

[@petervonpanda]

Sounds a lot like me. I agree. I think I've been conditioned to just play what's available and have been underestimating the mental value of playing something more consistently. This was definitely a splurge so I could share results more immediately. Otherwise, I would've just kept swapping shafts on the same head. Interestingly, The Mini Drivers are now expensive and hard to get.

[@bowl816]

I have a 40” driver. A Taylormade Miscela, yes a ladies driver. It’s a 14 degree, 40” driver that goes about 225 and straight, a true fairway driver. I also have a Callaway X-Hot with a 47” shaft. I hit this baby 265-275 and usually also straight. So I normally use the Callaway. When I am struggling I can use the 7 wood, or the Miscela.

[@bristolreiki]

Fitted a Cobra ladies 5W 40 inch shaft (UST 4F1) with Radspeed XB 12 degree driver head. Due to slipped disc - hope to hit it soon. Overall driver length now 42.5 inches from bottom of club face to top of grip

[@michaelhatch1994]

A couple of years ago I bought an old metal shaft 8.5 degree driver (at a "Play it Again" shop). Cut it down to a 7 iron length. Didn't work so well as it hooked horribly. Added a few bits of lead tape here and there and positioned the ball literally an inch left of my left foot on a tall tee. Yesterday I lashed a 270 yard drive in 8c (46f) temps, with some "found in the bushes" no name ball. Mind you the wind was with me and the ball never got over 30' in the air, so lots of roll. That's the same distance I get (on a good day) from my steel shaft 12.5 degree Ping (from 20 years ago because I'm too cheap to buy a new one) when I hit it straight (1 in 3)....🤣

[@Bevo_Baker]

I swapped in my three wood shaft in my driver just to see how it went. It worked so well for me

[@rickdeestrada9659]

I'm hitting a Great Big Bertha II I1* 41" shaft Driver...at first I was caution swinging not to fast but got more confident since I was hitting fairways almost 95%. So I increase my swing speed and not only hitting the fairways almost 95% of the time I'm getting more distance then my 45" shaft driver. Trust me, it gives me a high level of confidence when I'm up to drive!!!!

[@rickdeestrada9659]

Update... I've really made a change... I have a Callaway Big Bertha 816 and made it 42 inch driver and at 8* loft... I tee my golf ball high and I'm hitting equally as long as I did long ago and as long as my golf buddies.

[@danstory4286]

Ever since I got a SIM Max, I keep getting videos on my feed about drivers. (sigh) I changed our from the Ventus Blue 6S that came with it because it was too floppy and the torque was huge. In it's place, I installed a Tensei AV x-flex with only 3.4° of torque. Now, tilting back a little and poking the ball into the sky, I hit the ball 300+ again, like I did in my 40s.

[@FKNSENDIT]

I'm 5'8 an always played a 45in driver an best thing I ever did was drop to a stiff 42in I still hit 280 to 300 but super accurate now ,point an shoot, using the flash now maybe soon jump to the epic

[@rulonjjj]

Did you add weight to the head?

[@pobodysnerfect9270]

This is why the taylormade mini brnr is my favorite club. I hit it 260-275 carry (270-289 total) off the tee, and never slice it. Nice fades down the fairway.

[@khale7180]

I have the same club head speed at 45.75" and 43.75".

[@joeyfranchini7499]

Amazing video dude!

[@chucklucas8747]

Just cut my cobra speed zone shaft down to 44.5 in my drives are straight an about 180-200 yards not bad for 75 year old I also put the loft from 10.5 to 11.5 by the way love your play pen

[@mbrum3230]

Not bad all brother

[@taylordist895]

I believe each 1/2” taken off is 5 yards shorter in distance. You should try lengthening to 42 3/4”Nicklaus,or 43.5 Tiger, during his best run. Might get back 20 to 30 yards.

[@brucei8767]

I'm 68...head speed rarely over 85 mph. Today I put a 40 inch shaft on my ping 410. Much more consistent. Today was my first time trying this at the range. Will take me a bit to make the final decision, but right at this moment it seems clear. Shorter is better for me.

[@krusher74]

For every 1" cut of the shaft you loose 3 swing weights. So if you have cut 5" off the shaft you have lost 15 swing weights, one swing weight at the head is 2grams, so if you want to get your swing weight back to "normal range" where you can feel the head you need to add 30g of lead tape to the head. you are currently playing it as a very light kids swing weight. you would be better going 42,5/43,5 5wood/3wood length.

[@McsMark1]

Hi Peter, Do you still use your shortened driver? Prior to seeing your video today, I've ordered an old Callaway 6.5° driver (ebay) and intend to shorten it and see if I can pickup distance while staying on the fairway more often. Best Mark

[@krusher74]

6.5!

[@jtboise1]

So, this begs the question: If a standard driver is around 46-46 inches, and you like the results with the 40" - except for the distance, then why not try a 42" driver shaft or even 43"? I have a spare driver and I'm going to have it cut to 43" to start with (R-flex) and then I can go down from there if I don't like the dispersion. Thanks for the video. Always fun trying to figure out this crazy game we all love.

[@petervonpanda]

You and I are thinking alike. I made shafts for every increment. This was pretty early in my process where the length made both the distance and dispersion super reliable... like a giant hybrid. Right now, I play a 42 inch driver because I eek out a little more distance and can still keep it in the fairway. I think the actual length will vary for everyone by height. I looked at some photos of Bryson and other golfers to see what their actual driver lie angles were, and realized I need a much shorter driver or my swing was going to have to be much flatter.

[@jtboise1]

So, I played 9 holes today and my driver was giving me fits so I choked down 4 inches. My 45" was now a 41" and I just hammered every shot straight. I'm 71 and hit my driver 220 (best shot of the day) and straight. So, I decided to try it on my 6 hybrid (6- iron). Choked way down and just killed it straight and 25 yards longer than normal. We'll see if this keeps up but now with my longer clubs I feel "free" to just swing the club and I'm not disappointed. So, no need to cut my clubs when I can just choke down. I love it.@@petervonpanda

[@rhettoracle9679]

Varying the variables to achieve consistency, counterpointed with the benefits of a custom fitted club present an interesting dichotomy. Peace

[@adorable6385]

They say that Tiger Woods is having trouble with his iron, especially around the cuffs and collars

[@creggleston]

You should try a 42 in shaft. Meet in the middle

[@petervonpanda]

You read my mind! I actually made a 42 inch shaft too and tried that out but only wanted to compare the two extremes.

[@creggleston]

@@petervonpanda well if you wanna try my epic it has a shifting weight and id love the mavrik 9*

[@petervonpanda]

The Epic is phenomenal. I’ve seen the numbers suggesting that the Rogue, Epic, and Mavrik all perform the same.

[@docstruthers]

The data works. To lose only what 8% distance but gain tighter grouping that’s great!

[@davidcole2337]

Also I cut my Callaway Mavrik Driver down to 44" and it actually made a difference. I am 5'9 and 45.5" felt too long

[@krusher74]

its wrist to floor that dictates you club length, you could be 5.9 with short arms and need a long than standard club.

[@mattv291]

I shortened a driver to 40 inches for my 11-year-old and I hit it for the fun of it and hit it pretty straight and about 220 yards. I did realize that I had to add another ounce or two of weight to compensate for the amount of weight loss in the shaft, but it went very straight. At least eight out of 10 shots went right down the fairway in the middle. I went and shortened my driver down to 43 1/2 from 45 1/2 and I’m hitting it way straighter more consistent. I didn’t lose any yardage only gain accuracy.

[@aydenfrac]

I cut mine down to 43.5. Maybe lengthen the driver a couple of inches. I would just recommend cutting it down 2” at a time.

[@mrhobbles]

Wow that's so stupid! Thanks for doing this. I'm looking at single length and Wishon EQ1 fairway woods (40 inch length). Your video is the closest thing I can find on KZbin. Looking at your setup and results, would pushing the ball forward in your stance and teeing the ball higher gain some distance with the short driver? Keep dispersion gains from the shorter shaft and maybe match the distance of your longer driver by teeing it up like your on the long drive tour. My Driver has been behaving lately. But outside of the driver 7/8/9 irons things have been inconsistent and sometimes uncomfortable. Really considering single length for next season.

[@R3LAPZE]

i want that 40" senior flex driver!

[@scotto6120]

Did you try switching the heads with the shafts to see any different results?

[@psychedelic-guitar-art]

Good work!

[@adellase]

5" is too much to cut it down, it's basically hybrid length. 1 - 1.5" and properly adjusting swing weight is a better idea.

[@glennwisse6271]

Very interesting video. I love your enthusiasm. Just subscribe👍👍 If I may suggest though, you should try and fix your swing so you’re not fighting that fading/slicing shot so much. Find a good coach, work with him/her. For the investment and the enjoyment, you really could make progress. You are a cool dude and any coach would love to work with you. I’ll bet you could turn that 85mph to 95mph and that driver would carry 240 to 250. And you’ll hit it square and in the middle more often. Love your channel. Keep making golf fun!😁👍😎😎

[@petervonpanda]

Glenn, you are spot on! I haven’t worked with a coach, but I’ve been working on my swing and now play a draw, aiming down the right side of the fairway and usually drop it on the left side. I play three different shafts (the 3rd and newest one is now my gamer and a video about is coming next week). Still playing 40 inch driver, 232 average with my R flex shaft, 245 with Autoflex and 250 with my new shaft. So I think your numbers are bang on!

[@Jeffrey2323]

I use a 44in 12 degree loft driver. My drives are a lot more consistent than before. Sure, regularly, your friends will out drive you……but by the end of 18 holes, you have less heartaches. Believe me.

[@jonathanbloom7654]

This is a perfect discussion and wish I had seen it before I cut my clubs. I'm pretty new to golf. I got all my clubs free from a neighbor (super old). They were all way too long (I'm only 5:4). I cut them down, but not at all scientific like you. I just did the driver, not sure of the length, but I took too much off. But I'm hitting it way better, although not at all far. I would love some more tech help as I improve. How can I contact you, Peter?

[@krusher74]

for every 1" you cut off the shaft you loose 6 swing weights, it take 2g on lead tape at the head to get 1 swing weight back. so you need 12grams of lead lape on the head for every inch you chop off or you wont be able to feel the head when swinging nf time it. Its all online just google swing weights

[@neilshaw]

Hey Peter. Kia ora from New Zealand. This video is three years old. Do you still play with a shortened driver? I have started gripping down on my driver by 3 or 4 inches and finding I'm hitting straighter and (oddly) longer drives. I was thinking of buying a new (used) driver and get it cut down. I'm 68 and like standing over the ball, but I use a shorter swing. It's working great, but wonder if you stuck with the shortened driver.

[@petervonpanda]

Yes, I play a 40 and 42 inch driver exclusively now depending on which course I play. I just have 2 shafts that fit my Ping driver and can swap the shafts.

[@zoflo728]

As you gain confidence and speed. Build a shaft an inch longer

[@punchborg]

Launch angle should actually be higher on the short driver

[@johnnyberglund841]

Hi, are you a short guy? Myself use a 47 "driver, have very short backswing, swingspeed aver 80m/h, hit drive 180Yards,+-20Yards. No problem finding fairways, but will shortend a driver like you and test, Tnx for sharing, Johnny D Bergh PGA Teach retired Sweden

[@petervonpanda]

I am short and have somewhat long arms which is why I started experimenting with shorter clubs. Now I’ve shortened everything, including my putter.

[@jonkempner1924]

Did the shortened driver hit longer than your three hybrid?

[@ginge5168]

Wilson staff Triton driver for the adjustment you require could work 👍🏻

[@davetheplugpalumbo1621]

I just but my hyprid 4 shaft on my nike vapor flex driver.. yet to try it out.

[@krusher74]

the nike driver heads are renounded for having poor ball speed of the face.

[@DrGolf-li4jt]

You cut down too much. I went to a 43.5” driver senior shaft and I am hitting further and straighter than with my 45.5” regular shaft.

[@aydenfrac]

Me too bro!!! 👍🏻

[@PNWLiving1725]

Not sure. I tried my 3 wood shaft on my driver, and I went 20-30 yards less than what everyone is say. So I went back to my driver and enjoyed the 20-30 yards I was mixing

[@Paul-viking]

Did you try the 40" shaft in 9* driver head?

[@petervonpanda]

Yup! I play a 9 degree head now. I have a 40 inch and a 43 inch driver

[@loadedrhino2864]

My dirver is 41 inches so this doesnt surprise me at all

[@ronnieprater]

Go to a lower compression ball

[@jimmyleonardi4035]

May i know how tall r u ? Cause i have problem like u using 45" shaff

[@petervonpanda]

I’m 5’8”, Jimmy!

[@jimmyleonardi4035]

@@petervonpanda thx for sharing Peter

[@davetaylor8733]

45+ inch is ridiculous for most people

[@mariancernak4653]

hi my friend :-) ....how tall you are please? because i having a bit of truble with my driver is well... and i thing i will make it shorter litle more as i did. it is now 3/4 of inch shorter. i am looking for to cut of another 1inch more. I am 5.4 ft tall

[@petervonpanda]

Hi Marian, I’m 5’7” but I also have long arms so my hand to door distance is shorter than usual too. I definitely benefited from the shorter driver and love it!

[@krusher74]

search wrist to floor measurement online, clubs dont go on total height.

[@R3LAPZE]

how tall are you?

[@davidcole2337]

If you are 5'6 might work?

[@krusher74]

club are fit to wrist to floor measurement not height, you could be short but have very short arms and need a longer that standard shaft.

[@DavidHinsley-b6k]

Yes only if we had this information at the

[@tikka300wsm5]

Why not just use a 3 wood?

[@geoffcohen613]

Its same with putters. Playing a 35 or 36 inch putter is not for all golfers who would putt better with 30 inches 76 cm

[@MrBigTexFyre]

If you can bend down that far. At 60yrs old, 6’3”, long putting practice sessions hurt my back. So I use a 36” putter. I refuse to switch to long putters.

[@jeffjob6995]

Peter... are you still gaming a 40 inch driver ?

[@petervonpanda]

Still am, Jeff!!!

[@jeffjob6995]

@@petervonpanda That's interesting... my longest club (minus the driver) is my 2 hybrid from ping for the very same reason. I control is so much better than a 3 or 5 wood that are a couple of inches longer. So when I saw your video, it made me think about making that change.

[@jimwalter5498]

Nah I just choke up on my 46nhalf Bang storm cb457 12 degree with ys6plus shaft, moe norman swing freddy couples tempo, which I practice for the last 18 months in my back yard driving net due to covid staid off the coarse here at the golden era nine holer(3017) here off gilman springs(tmi) in san jacinto, went to the 2616yard echco hills down the road a piece, this coarse makes ya feel like bryson, with fairways so tight you have to walk single file, was hit every fairway missed one green in reg. One putted that green n shot 36par but thats not the point...i also practice 100 to 150putts everyday from 5 to 7 feet. and after 60 some years devoloped. A reliable stroke by watching the pros. and how long a stroke they make from that distance...now heres the point....ya drive for dough...blah blah and two rather famous fellows had this to say play your own game...and another said if the back of your left hand. goes to the flag, the ball can only go one place...n practice practice practice...nuf said

[@ianshepherd6476]

Split the difference and loft it down more 14 is way too high probably. 44.5-45 would be good for you anything more is too long for almost everyone

[@krusher74]

he's creating a lot of spin loft and loosing distance.

[@brotherbread6549]

I have a 10 inch driver. Right down the middle every time.

[@blakeperry2843]

i wonder if his wife approves😂😂

[@user-wc9re3vl6q]

Why go to that extreme, experiment with max two inches to start with and go to a club fitter to shorten it! I’m going to grip down a inch or two on my standard one and look online to see if I can find a proper shorter shaft.

[@user-wc9re3vl6q]

Forgot to say the video was great and really enjoyed it! Thanks for doing the experiment so we all can benefit by saving money! 👌🏼😀

[@petervonpanda]

Excellent point! What I didn't show was that I built drivers at 1 inch increments all the way down to 37inches (ie, true one length). I was thinking about doing a video about the true one length 37" driver, as I averaged 222 yards with it. The 40" seemed like the best overall with trade-offs. Currently, I'm averaging 232 yards with my stock shaft and 245 with the Autoflex shaft.

[@creggleston]

Also if you want you can we can trade heads i have the epic flash

[@matt7iron]

Did you Read Hogan's Book 5 Lessons, your swing plane is Shattering the Glass Plane from the Neck to the Ball.

[@petervonpanda]

I haven't. Is there somewhere I can learn about it online or should I buy the book? Is is about getting more clubhead speed?

[@matt7iron]

@@petervonpanda I brought mines at an old bookstore in Berkeley Calif, I haven't checked Amazon but I did see a copy inside my Main Library for Loan, check your Main Library.

[@Wiz51]

@@petervonpanda Steve Pratt is a good source on gaining clubhead speed. You can watch his videos here on KZbin.

[@lavrentievv]

43"1/2 or 44" will suit you.

[@geoffcohen613]

For the last 15 years, every OEM brand name drivers bring out a new model driver made with space age material that is claimed to go 10 yards longer than previuos years club. The stupid thing is golfer believe them and keep buying the new club. And the have trouble hitting 2024 model so they buy the 2025 model hoping it will impròve thier game..

[@blkwdo123]

Peter go to 42 inches.

[@kennethbraun1568]

Too short. Try 42-43” length. You overdid the change.

[@lucasplays4705]

Ka-ching. $$$ 😢

[@jeffreybone3445]

To much talk. Hit the ball, give the results.

[@yongsuh9198]

He should get a 9⁰ with a 42" and put the ball closer to the left heel, which should give a positive angle of attack.

[@petervonpanda]

Great suggestion! I'll give it a try!

[@frankielambardo9268]

The reason you spray it all over is because your downswing and follow through are not correct.