If you’re fighting a slice, you’ve probably asked yourself this question at least once:
Should I focus on changing my swing, or would a different driver actually help?
It’s a fair question — and one that confuses a lot of golfers. The truth is that both swing training and equipment play a role, but they don’t solve the problem in the same way.
Understanding when to focus on technique and when equipment can help is the key to finally seeing straighter tee shots.
The Short Answer
Swing training fixes the root cause of a slice.
A driver can reduce how severe the slice becomes.
For most golfers, the best results come from using both together, not choosing one over the other.
What Actually Causes a Slice?
Before deciding between training or equipment, it’s important to understand what causes a slice in the first place.
Most slices happen because of:
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An open clubface at impact
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An out-to-in swing path
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Setup issues like ball position and alignment
These are swing-related problems. No driver can completely eliminate them on its own. If you want a detailed breakdown of the mechanics behind slicing, this guide explains it clearly:
👉 Why golfers slice their driver
Why Swing Training Is the Long-Term Solution
Swing training addresses the source of the slice.
Benefits of focusing on swing training:
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Corrects clubface control
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Improves swing path consistency
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Transfers to every club, not just the driver
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Builds long-term confidence
Even small setup adjustments — like squaring the clubface before gripping the club or fixing ball position — can dramatically reduce a slice.
That’s why many golfers see improvement quickly once they understand what’s going wrong. A step-by-step approach is outlined here:
However, swing changes take time. Muscle memory doesn’t change overnight, especially for golfers who’ve played a certain way for years.
Where Drivers Come Into the Picture
This is where equipment can help.
Certain drivers are designed to:
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Promote a square clubface at impact
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Reduce side spin
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Increase forgiveness on mishits
These features don’t fix your swing — but they can make your misses playable while you work on improvement.
For many golfers (especially seniors or players with slower swing speeds), the right driver can mean:
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More fairways hit
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Less frustration
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Better confidence off the tee
We cover slice-friendly designs in detail in our guide to the best drivers for seniors who slice, which highlights what to look for and who benefits most.
When a Driver Helps More Than Training (Temporarily)
A driver may offer immediate benefits if:
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Your slice is moderate, not extreme
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You already understand the issue but struggle to execute consistently
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You want better results while working on swing changes
Modern driver designs can reduce the severity of a slice even if your mechanics aren’t perfect. That’s why many golfers see instant improvement after switching to a more forgiving, slice-friendly driver.
When Swing Training Should Be the Priority
Training should come first if:
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Your slice is severe and consistent
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You slice multiple clubs, not just the driver
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You’re willing to practice and make changes
In these cases, equipment alone won’t solve the problem — it will only mask it.
The Best Approach for Most Golfers
For most players, especially recreational and senior golfers, the best approach is:
✅ Train first — then support with equipment
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Learn why your slice happens
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Fix setup and swing fundamentals
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Use equipment to reduce punishment on misses
This balanced approach delivers faster results and long-term improvement.
Some drivers are designed specifically to help golfers square the clubface more consistently, which can be helpful during this process. We break down one such option in our SF1 Driver review.
What About Cost and Effort?
Swing training:
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Costs time and effort
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Produces lasting improvement
Drivers:
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Cost money
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Provide immediate confidence and forgiveness
There’s no wrong choice — only the wrong expectation. Equipment supports improvement; it doesn’t replace it.
Key Takeaways
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Swing training fixes the cause of a slice
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Drivers reduce how damaging a slice becomes
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The best results come from combining both
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Seniors and slower swingers often benefit more from forgiving drivers
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Understanding why you slice is the first step to fixing it
Final Thought
If you’re deciding between swing training and a new driver, don’t think of it as an either-or choice. Learn what’s causing your slice, work on the fundamentals, and use equipment that supports your progress — not fights it.
That’s how golfers stop chasing fixes and start seeing real improvement.