Yes, a Krank driver can add more distance, but not in the magic way most people hope. The real question is: can it add distance you can actually use on the course, without turning your shot pattern into chaos.
Krank has become a hotter topic in recent years because it is a distance-first brand, and because Bryson DeChambeau has used
heads in competition and spoke positively about performance.
“It’s probably performed the best I’ve ever had in the past five years in professional golf for me.” - Bryson DeChambeau
This post explains where distance gains really come from, who benefits most, and how to choose the right Krank head and build. If you want the big-picture overview of the whole Krank driver range first, read: Krank Drivers UK: The Complete Buyer’s Guide + Fitting Guide.
If you want to test your current driver against Krank and see what is real for your swing, book here: Krank driver fitting at Outtabounds.
Quick links
- How distance actually happens
- Where Krank can add yards
- Who benefits most
- Which Krank head should you choose
- Why fitting matters more with Krank
- Realistic expectations
- FAQs
How distance actually happens (the simple version)
Distance is not one thing. It is a chain:
- Ball speed (how fast the ball leaves the face)
- Launch (how high it launches)
- Spin (how much it spins, and what direction the spin axis tilts)
- Strike location (where you hit the face, which changes all three above)
- Dispersion (distance only matters if it stays in play)
A driver can feel “hot” and still not add playable yards if launch and spin are wrong, or if strike is not stable. The fastest route to more distance for most golfers is: more ball speed through better strike, then better launch and spin, then a tighter pattern.
Where Krank can add yards
Krank’s Formula FIRE concept leans into face engineering and energy transfer. Rewritten into golfer language, the goal is:
- Keep ball speed high, especially when you miss slightly
- Improve how efficiently your swing turns into speed
- Reduce the “dead-face” feeling some golfers get with certain heads
In the best case, golfers see gains from one or more of these:
1) Better centre contact
This is the biggest one. A driver that matches your delivery can move your strike pattern toward the centre. That usually increases ball speed and reduces the worst mishits. Sometimes the “distance gain” is not the head being magic, it is the build making you strike it better.
2) Higher ball speed on near-centre strikes
If your current driver is poorly fit, too spinny, or you deliver it inconsistently, a properly matched head and build can produce higher, more repeatable ball speed. This is where golfers sometimes see immediate gains.
3) A better launch and spin window
Plenty of golfers hit low-launch, high-spin drives that float and stall, or low-spin knuckleballs that fall out of the air. The right loft and shaft profile often adds more total distance than a “hotter face” ever will.
4) A tighter shot pattern (which creates usable distance)
If you are taking penalty shots or hitting recovery shots often, you do not need a driver that adds 10 yards. You need a driver that keeps you on the hole. A tighter pattern can be worth far more in scoring than raw carry distance.
If you want to understand why off-centre strikes curve the way they do, read: Krank Golf: Bulge and Roll Explained.
Who benefits most from a Krank driver?
Krank tends to make the most sense for golfers in one of these groups:
- You want more ball speed but your current driver feels “flat” even on good strikes.
- You are a stronger player and want a distance-first head with a build that stays playable.
- You want a fitting-led solution, not a guess based on a loft number.
- You want a specific tee strategy, like pairing a conforming driver with a mini driver style “fairway finder”.
If you mainly want a tee club that prioritises control, the Mini Driver is worth considering: Krank Formula FIRE Mini Driver UK.
Which Krank driver should you choose if distance is the goal?
Krank’s Formula FIRE TOUR lineup is commonly discussed in three main heads, built around different speed and distance profiles. The simplest way to choose is: pick the head that suits your swing and your competition needs, then fit the build.
Formula FIRE PRO TOUR
If you want a distance-first driver with the cleanest route for golfers who compete, the PRO TOUR is typically the starting point. It is positioned as “pro golf conforming” and is designed for players who want strong ball speed with control.
Formula FIRE X TOUR and XX TOUR
These models are often discussed as distance options aimed at moderate and slower swing speeds. Krank also states these heads have not been submitted for conformity testing in the same way as conforming list inclusion. If you compete, it is important to choose the correct head and confirm your rules.
For a straight answer on legality and competition use, read: Are Krank drivers legal?
Why fitting matters more with Krank (and how we do it)
With many mainstream drivers, you can sometimes get away with “close enough”. Krank is more specialised, so the head choice and build matter more. Distance gains usually come from fixing the chain: strike, launch, spin, dispersion.
At Outtabounds we fit drivers in a simple, repeatable way:
- Baseline your current driver (ball speed, launch, spin, strike location, dispersion)
- Test the right Krank head for your speed and goals
- Dial in loft before you chase shafts
- Choose shaft profile to improve timing and centre contact
- Set length and swing weight so you can actually repeat the strike
- Validate against your gamer using the same ball and conditions
If you want to do this properly, book here: Krank driver fitting at Outtabounds.
Grip note: if you use JumboMax, tell us
Grip size can influence how you release the club, how you control the face, and where you strike the face. If you already play oversized grips, including JumboMax, mention it before your fitting. We can build and test your driver with the grip that helps you repeat your delivery.
Realistic expectations: how many yards can you gain?
Here is the honest answer. The yardage you gain depends on what is currently limiting you.
If your current driver is poorly fit
You can sometimes gain meaningful distance quickly, because the new setup fixes launch and spin and improves strike. This is where golfers occasionally see “wow” gains.
If your current driver is well fit and you strike it well
Your gains are usually smaller. You might still gain a few yards from a better launch window or slightly higher ball speed, but the bigger value may be a tighter pattern and more confidence.
If your strike is inconsistent
The best “distance gain” is often not peak carry. It is fewer low heel spinny floats, fewer heel cuts that fall short, and fewer toe hooks. More stable strike equals more stable distance.
The best way to judge a new driver is not your single longest shot. Judge it by:
- Average carry
- Average total
- Dispersion (how wide the pattern is)
- Worst shots (how bad the bad ones are)
What should you do next?
If you want to chase more distance the smart way, do this:
- Read the main guide so you understand the lineup: Krank Drivers UK: The Complete Buyer’s Guide + Fitting Guide
- Book a fitting and test your numbers: Krank driver fitting at Outtabounds
- If you already know the head you want, shop here: Krank drivers in our shop
FAQs
Will a Krank driver automatically add 20 yards?
Sometimes you will see big gains, but it is not guaranteed. The biggest improvements usually come from improved strike and a better launch and spin window, not from one “magic” head.
Which Krank driver is best for distance?
It depends on your swing speed, strike pattern, and whether you need a conforming option for competition. For many golfers who compete, the PRO TOUR is the simplest starting point, then you fit the build to your delivery.
Is a mini driver better for distance than a driver?
Not usually for maximum carry, but it can be better for playable distance on tight holes because it can tighten your pattern. Read: Krank Formula FIRE Mini Driver UK.
What is the fastest way to know if Krank will add distance for me?
Test it against your current driver using consistent balls and a consistent environment, and look at averages. Book here: Krank driver fitting at Outtabounds.
Do I need to worry about legality?
If you play competitions, you should choose the correct head and verify your rules. Read: Are Krank drivers legal?.