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Dynamic Loft
Dynamic loft is the actual loft presented by the face at impact — not the loft stamped on the club. It is the main driver of how high the ball launches.
Dynamic loft differs from static loft because of shaft lean, attack angle, and how the hands deliver the club. Forward shaft lean (hands ahead of the ball) de-lofts the face and lowers launch; hanging back adds loft. Combined with attack angle it sets the spin loft, which governs spin. Controlling dynamic loft is how skilled players flight the ball down in wind or hit it higher to hold a green.
Example — On a launch monitor
A 34° 7-iron delivered with forward shaft lean might present only 27° of dynamic loft, producing a penetrating flight.
Related terms
- Launch AngleLaunch angle is the vertical angle, in degrees above horizontal, at which the ball leaves the face. Together with spin it determines how high and far the ball flies.
- Spin LoftSpin loft is the angle between the dynamic loft of the face and the attack angle at impact. It is the primary driver of spin and a key lever for controlling distance and flight.
- Attack AngleAttack angle is the vertical direction the clubhead is moving at impact. Negative means hitting down on the ball; positive means hitting up.
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