Modern clubhead
 

The old science designed a club head for less wind resistance.
The promotion of Hogan "speed slot" was an example of the theory of the day.
Todays heads are very large with expansive face area. Would seem to hold "lots" of wind.
What are the facts and the Numbers that support them?

The "old" British ball was 1.62 in min. diameter standard.
They are now 1.68 min?(I think).
I recall palmer getting 25-30 yards more carry with the driver in The Open. (With Persimmon I will note.)
When did the standard change?

The Bear

Along with Bear's questions, I would also be curious if anyone can uphold or debunk the claims of Jack Hamm with the "old" Hammer driver and his new Hammer X? The infomercials seems to claim that his drivers not only produce less wind resistance, but also can pick up speed in the down swing? Hot air or truth?

I believe way too much marketing is designed to sell product rather than reveal truths. When viewing these ads, one needs to have a good crap detector.

Speaking of drivers...
 

I had a very weird driver filled with cork! It was like hitting a marshmallow! And the ball seemed to sink into the club forever.

Getting back to the bigger and faster question, I'm not a physics guy, but I did buy a used Adams Speedline driver for $80 at Golfsmith.

Regular flex, 9.5 degree, and it has given me a little more carry (10 yards) and more roll (10 yards) when swinging.

But I know this old guy in MN, Jerry, he bought a Titlist driver and he payed $$$$ for it and he hits the crud out of it while hitting! He is a stud! And he has nice friends and a great family. His golf guy, Kevin is very good, too.

:)

YBGF

I remember the old British ball , yes it went further but it also cut through the wind, which might have been its chief advantage..........A friend of mine swore they putted better but I dont know about that, maybe.

I say we all go back to them. Golf would be easier.

I think there's something to the head size thing. I'm under the impression that some manufacturers are scaling back to a head closer to 400 cc's due to the wind resistance "issue". I don't have the numbers but it makes some sense.

Personally I can't stand the modern drivers and continue to use a 385cc head size. Monster heads and light shafts produce way too much "downstroke blackout" but all the big equipment manufacturers continue to convince the golfing public that they can provide a bigger sweetspot if you're willing to part with 400 large. When will people realize that a sweetspot is just that.... a spot, and it's NOT the size of a quarter as some advertisements profess.

cg