Dynamic loft! What is it?

Dynamic loft refers to the loft angle of the clubface at themoment of impact with the golf ball, rather than the static loft, which is theloft angle of the clubface when it's at rest. The dynamic loft is influenced by several factors including the golfer'sswing technique, the angle of attack, the shaft flex, and the position of thehands at impact.

For example, your 7iron might have 30 degrees of static loft but once you subtract your angle of attack and a couple more degrees of forward shaft lean at impact, you might find the loft you present at impact is around 24 degrees.  

So, what is the perfect dynamic loft?

It always depends on your speed and the ball flight you require. As a general rule, around 70% of a clubs’ static loft is a good dynamic loft goal, however you need to take into account your swing speed.  If you have a slower swing, having a low dynamic loft will produce a lower flight and maybe more total distance but potentially without enough spin to stop the ball when it hits the green.  If you play a course that requires high, soft approach shots, then a dynamic loft that is 75 - 80% of the clubs’ static loft might be more beneficial.  

To reduce your dynamic loft, take the following into account- the greater your angle of attack, generally the lower your dynamic loft and the further forward your hands get at impact also reduces dynamic loft. To increase, do the reverse.

Dynamic loft plays a crucial role in determining the launch angle, spin rate, and ultimately the trajectory and distance of the golf shot but be careful to use it in conjunction with spin rates.  As always, if you are in doubt as to whether you are presenting the club with an inefficient amount of dynamic loft, speak to our PGA Professionals to get the right numbers for your golf swing.

A 7-iron's dynamic loft is the clubface's angle at impact

A 7-iron's dynamic loft is the clubface's angle at impact, typically between 24° and 30°, depending on your swing. This is lower than its static loft (the resting angle, which is usually 32° to 35°) due to forward shaft lean and a descending blow. Dynamic loft is influenced by your swing's angle of attack and shaft lean, and optimizing it is crucial for consistent launch and distance. 

Static vs. dynamic loft

• Static loft: The loft of the club when it is at rest on the ground. For a 7-iron, this is typically between 32° and 35°.
• Dynamic loft: The actual loft of the clubface at the moment of impact with the ball. It is almost always less than the static loft due to the way a golfer swings.

Factors affecting dynamic loft

• Angle of attack: Hitting down on the ball (a negative angle of attack) will decrease the dynamic loft.
• Shaft lean: Leading with the hands and having forward shaft lean at impact will reduce the dynamic loft.
• Swing path: The direction of your swing affects the angle of the clubface at impact.
• Impact point: Hitting the ball on the sweet spot helps achieve the intended dynamic loft, while off-center hits can alter it.

Why dynamic loft is important

• Optimal trajectory: The correct dynamic loft provides a trajectory that maximizes carry distance while still allowing the ball to land softly on the green.
• Distance control: Too much dynamic loft results in a high, short shot, while too little can make the ball fly too low and roll out excessively.
• Consistency: A golfer who can consistently produce the same dynamic loft with each swing can achieve greater consistency in their distance and ball flight.