460cc vs 430cc vs 400cc Driver – How Much Difference Does Driver Head Size Make

460cc vs 430cc vs 400cc Driver – How Much Difference Does Driver Head Size Make

When we are looking for a new driver, most of us are concerned with the distance element. Then we look at the loft and the shaft flex. A factor we often overlook is how the size of a driver head impacts our long game.

What driver head size is the best for your game? Well. In this post, we are looking at 460 cc vs 430 cc vs 400cc driver heads. We will delve into the pros and cons of each. To help you determine which size suits your game the best.

 

Introduction To Driver Head Size And Why It’s So Important?

The further we hit a club, the more we open ourselves up to wayward shots. That is why a forgiving driver can go a long way to keeping you out of trouble hole after hole. The bigger the head of your driver, the more forgiveness it will provide.

 

Furthermore, larger heads tend to promote straighter flight. Whereas smaller heads are easier to help you shape your shots.

 

Small Driver Head Vs Large Overview

Pro And Cons Of 460cc Head

Pros

• More forgiving
• A larger sweet spot for consistent distance on off-center strikes
• Well suited to beginners and higher handicaps

Cons

• The larger head may be offputting to lower handicap golfers
• Less shot shaping ability
• Slower

 

Pros And Cons Of 400cc Head

Pros

• Better shot shaping ability
• More control for lower handicap players
• Longer shafts on these drivers promote accelerated clubhead speeds
• Deliver more distance for superior players

Cons

• Less forgiveness
• Lower MOI
• Not suited to beginners or high handicappers

 

What About The Pros and Cons Of A 430cc

Pros

• Moderate level of shot shaping ability
• Moderate forgiveness
• Ideal for mid-handicappers looking to shape their drives. But not give up forgiveness

Cons

• Less forgiving than a 460 cc
• Lower MOI than a 460 cc
• Not advisable for higher handicappers

 

 

Should Anyone Use A Small Head Such As The 400cc?

Not every golfer is suited to a 400 cc or smaller head size. The reason for this is due to the lower level of forgiveness provided by these heads. Higher handicappers are best off using a 460 cc driver due to the enhanced sweet spot and amplified forgiveness.

400cc used to be the standard until the limit was increased making larger drivers a lot more common place.

It is for the reasons above that lower handicapper’s best suit a 400cc head. They can do with less forgiveness and demand a club that enables them to shape their shots with ease.

 

Is It Legal To Have A Driver Head That Is Bigger Than 460cc?

According to GolfWeek’s Mike Southern, “the volume of a driver’s head cannot exceed 460cc.” Therefore anything bigger is forbidden.

The 460cc is large enough. I have even heard some players compare it to a watermelon on a stick.

 

How Much Difference Does Driver Head Weight Make?

The heavier the head of your driver is, the lower your ball flight will be. Players with slow swings may struggle to get the ball airborne consistently with a heavier driver head.

Conversely, faster swinging players may balloon their tee shots if the driver’s head is too light.

 

Other Factors To Consider – Shaft Length – Shaft Weight?

Those of you with fast swing speeds may benefit the most from a stiff or extra stiff shaft. As it is heavier, it will reduce the risk of a ballooned shot.

If you have a moderate swing, I would suggest a regular flex shaft for your driver. While slower swingers will enjoy the most success with a senior or ladies flex shaft that is lighter.

 

How To Find The Perfect Driver Head Size?

The most accurate way to find the best driver head size for your game is to get fitted by your local pro or golf retail store.

They will be able to analyze every element of your swing to identify which head will benefit you the most.

If you have your own launch monitor. You can analyze the data yourself to determine which head size you perform the best with.

If possible, take the drivers out for a round or two to see how you go on a course. Understandably, that is not always possible, but it is the best option.

 

Best Small Headed Drivers Mini Review

TaylorMade Original One Mini Driver

Key Features

• Twist face technology corrects the face on off-center shots for straighter tee shots
• Ultra-low CG enabling a higher launch off the tee and use off the fairway
• Speed pockets are added for additional flex below the middle of the face for lower spin and increased distance
• Adjustable loft capability

Overall Score: 88/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

 

 

Callaway Men’s XR

Key Features

• Optimized aerodynamics reduces drag and increases clubhead speed
• CG positioned 17% lower for optimal launch
• Loft adjustability
• Delivers accelerated ball speeds

Overall Score: 92/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

 

 

Honma TR20 Driver

Key Features

• The weight in the sole is optimized to increase clubhead speed
• Internal grooves help to accelerate ball speeds
• Adjustable weights to enable ball flight preference

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

 

Best Large Headed Drivers Mini Review

Callaway Epic Max Drivers

Key Features

• Jailbreak speed frame technology promoted increased ball speed across a wider surface of the face
• Forgiving
• Sliding rear weights for your preferred flight

Overall Score: 96/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

 

Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Drivers

Key Features

• Turbocharged cupface increases the COR ability of the driver across the face
• Lower CG for optimal launch capabilities
• Deep weighting provides enhanced MOI
• Promotes faster clubhead speed

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

 

TaylorMade M5 Drivers

Key Features

• Faster ball speed
• Promotes a square strike for straighter shots
• Twist Face technology helps to reduce side spin
• Adjustable weights to set your preferred ball flight and launch

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

 

Conclusion On 460cc vs 430cc vs 400cc Driver Heads

Driver head sizes can have an impact on your overall performance off the tee. There is no perfect driver head size because it depends on what benefits you the most.

So, in concluding our review of 460cc vs 430cc vs 400cc driver heads. Larger heads offer more forgiveness and would benefit high handicappers the most. 430 cc driver heads work best for mid handicappers. While the smaller, workable 400cc heads should only be used by lower handicap golfers.

If you are in the market for a large-headed driver, I recommend testing the Callaway Epic Max driver. While those of you after something smaller can find out more about the Honma TR20 Driver here.