Smash Factor

Smash factor is the ratio of ball speed to club speed.

It shows how efficiently the club transfers energy into the ball. A higher smash factor means more ball speed for the same swing speed, which usually leads to longer distance. For example, a smash factor of 1.50 with a driver means the ball speed is 1.5 times the club speed. Drivers typically have the highest smash factor potential because of their larger, more flexible faces.

Fitters use smash factor to evaluate contact quality and overall efficiency. If smash factor is low, it often means the golfer is missing the center of the face, using equipment that doesn’t match their swing, or delivering the club inefficiently. Adjustments in head design, loft, shaft profile, or tee height can help increase smash factor. When it improves, golfers gain distance without needing more swing speed.