Adjustable Weights On A Golf Driver Explained

We recently published a guide on loft sleeves and how to fine-tune them for your driver. Adjustable weights take things further, offering even more control over common ball flight issues and performance goals. Although adjustable drivers have been around for nearly two decades, many golfers still don’t fully understand how to make the most of these features. This guide breaks down how adjustable weights on a driver work, the problems they can solve and how to dial them in properly.

How adjustable driver weights work

Adjustable weights are small, movable pieces of metal within the driver head that shift the club’s center of gravity (CG). By changing the CG, golfers will notice changes in ball flight, spin rates and launch angles.

It’s important to note that adjustable weights differ from adjustable hosels (loft sleeves). Adjustable hosels allow golfers to alter loft and lie angles independently of weight adjustments.

Types of adjustable weight systems

There are two main types of adjustable weight systems in drivers.

• Sliding track system: This system allows the weights to move horizontally along the sole of the driver, creating fade or draw biases.
• Screw-in or removable weights: These weights are typically placed in fixed positions but can be changed to heavier or lighter options.

Different manufacturers use their proprietary weight systems but the principles remain consistent.

Common driver problems solved by adjustable weights

Adjustable weights in the driver head help fine-tune the ball flight and launch. Here are a few examples of how to use these adjustable weights to your advantage.

Problem: Ball flight too high with too much spin

Move the adjustable weights forward, closer to the driver’s face. This shifts the CG forward, lowers launch and reduces spin. Also lower the loft using your adjustable hosel. Too much loft at impact often influences high ball flight and excessive spin.

Problem: Ball flight too low

Position adjustable weights further back in the clubhead. This increases the driver’s dynamic loft, raising ball flight and spin, which is ideal for maximizing distance and carry, especially in soft conditions.

Problem: Slicing the ball

Move adjustable weights toward the heel side of the clubhead. This promotes a draw bias, encouraging the clubface to close more easily at impact and reducing the slice.

Problem: Hooking the ball

Shift adjustable weights toward the toe or further back in the head. Toe weighting reduces the clubface’s rotation, helping maintain a more neutral face at impact and preventing hooks.

Who needs adjustable weights?

Adjustable weights benefit golfers who regularly struggle with consistency or have pronounced tendencies like slices, hooks and/or excessively high/low ball flight. They are also valuable for players who understand their misses and want to optimize performance. The technology is there so use it!

Adjustable weights don’t need frequent changes once you’ve found an optimal setting. Initially, spend time experimenting on the range or with a professional fitter. If your swing changes or you are playing different conditions, you may need to adjust the weight again.

How to adjust your driver’s weights

Always check with the manufacturer’s guidelines when adjusting the weights on a driver. Here are the basic steps to adjust your driver’s weights.

1. Identify your miss: Determine the consistent ball flight issue you want to correct.
2. Loosen screws or adjust sliding weights: Use the wrench provided by the manufacturer to move or replace weights.
3. Move weights strategically: Heel for slice correction, toe for hook reduction, forward for lower spin/higher speed and back for higher flight and stability.
4. Re-tighten securely: Ensure all weights are fastened to prevent unwanted movement or loss during play.

Final thoughts

Adjustable weights aren’t complicated once you understand their function. By effectively using these adjustments, you can correct common issues. You have the driver technology available to you so use it to your advantage.