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why does a whole set of golf irons not have the same length shaft

by Dr. Hank Emmerich Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

One of the reasons they are difficult to hit is the length of the shaft. This means the clubhead is far away from the center of control in the golfer’s hands. Single length irons don’t have this problem. All of the shafts are the length of a mid-iron, often a 6-iron or 7-iron.

As a club is longer (as well as lighter), then it can be swung faster up to a limit. The increased length provides greater leverage and speed to hit the ball further if solid contact is to be made. Shorter clubs are designed not for length, but rather precision.

Full Answer

What does the same shaft length for every iron mean?

The same shaft length for every iron in the set means the posture, the ball position and the swing itself are exactly the same for your 4-iron as they are for your wedge.

Do all golf clubs have the same shafts?

As the shafts are all the same length and the heads all weigh the same each club will have an identical shaft flex and swing weight. MOI (moment of inertia) will be identical for each club. The bounce angle and offset for each club is identical (with the exception of the sand wedge).

Why do golf clubs have different lengths?

There are two different reasons for varying the length of the clubs. The first of which is the distance one hit each club. Two of the key components to distance are primarily the loft of the club, while a secondary is its length. One might reason if all the clubs were the same length, then it might be easier to replicate each shot.

What are the different lengths of golf irons?

A standard set of golf irons has clubs of all different lengths. The shorter irons are the wedges, nine iron, and 8 iron. Then you have mid-length irons and then finally long irons like the five, four, and three iron. As you move up in the set, the irons get quite a bit longer.

Why aren't all irons the same length?

In a traditional iron set - what some have started referring to as "variable-length irons" - each iron in the set is a different length. The irons get shorter as the number gets higher. A 5-iron is shorter than a 4-iron; a 6-iron is shorter than a 5-iron; and so on.

Are all iron clubs the same length?

A standard set of golf irons has clubs of all different lengths. The shorter irons are the wedges, nine iron, and 8 iron. Then you have mid-length irons and then finally long irons like the five, four, and three iron. As you move up in the set, the irons get quite a bit longer.

Should all my clubs be the same length?

As for all of his irons being the same length and being legal, the PGA Tour has no jurisdiction on whether or not his clubs are too long, too short or all one length. The only governing body to make rulings about equipment would be the USGA and the R&A (The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews).

Are all 7 irons the same length?

If you've been playing this game for a while, you know how crazy this sounds. To think about having a pitching wedge be the same length as a long iron is a hard concept to get your head around. In general, all brands that offer single-length irons are around 37-38 inches (which is a normal 7-8 iron length).

Do any pros use one length irons?

DeChambeau is currently the only Tour player who uses single-length irons, but Norman said he thinks that could change in the future.

Can any irons be made one length?

For all intents and purposes, it is just not feasible to build a single length set from an existing incremental length set of irons. In a Single Length set, all the clubheads must be designed and manufactured to be the same exact headweight AND with the same lie angle.

Why are iron shafts different lengths?

As a club is longer (as well as lighter), then it can be swung faster up to a limit. The increased length provides greater leverage and speed to hit the ball further if solid contact is to be made. Shorter clubs are designed not for length, but rather precision.

Why are Bryson DeChambeau clubs the same length?

The idea is similar in nature to a theory proposed by Homer Kelley in his book, "The Golfing Machine," where he suggests players choke down on their clubs to make sure they're the same length to promote one swing with one ball position and radius.

Does Bryson DeChambeau use same length clubs?

Pro Tips spoke with DeChambeau about his decision to use one-length irons. He shared the benefits he has seen and why he thinks they can assist golfers of any skill level. “These clubs can benefit literally everybody in the world,” DeChambeau says.

Did Bobby Jones use single length irons?

Although the concept of making each iron in a set the same length is not new (Bobby Jones used single length irons in 1930 to win the Grand Slam), never before has there been so much attention given to single length.

Who should play single length irons?

Single-length iron sets could be a good option for beginners and high handicappers. This group would only have to use one iron setup, which could accelerate learning. And they'd likely struggle less with longer-than-standard scoring clubs than with standard-length long irons.

Does iron shaft length affect distance?

Our testing has shown conclusively that there is absolutely no measurable difference in distance due to the standard 1/2″ incremental shaft length increases between clubs. The only affect of the standard length increases between clubs is to make each successively longer club harder to hit.

When were single length irons invented?

The idea for single-length irons goes back at least to the 1930s, probably much earlier. An antecedent can be found in a set of irons Bobby Jones designed for Spalding, in which every two clubs were the same length (3- and 4-iron were the same length, 5- and 6-iron, and so on). Probably the first true, mass-produced single-length set was ...

What is a 5-iron set?

In a traditional iron set - what some have started referring to as "variable-length irons" - each iron in the set is a different length. The irons get shorter as the number gets higher. A 5-iron is shorter than a 4-iron; a 6-iron is shorter than a 5-iron; and so on.

What is the difference between lie angles and clubheads?

The clubheads are all identical weights; the lie angles are all identical and about 10-degrees more upright than typical . The point, DeChambeau says, is to "create a swing that's consistent from club to club, that doesn't have a lot of moving parts to mess up.". And it works for him.

When did DeChambeau start making his own irons?

When he was 17 years old, under the influence of his instructor at that time plus the instructional book The Golfing Machine (by Homer Kelley, published originally in 1979 ), DeChambeau fashioned his own set of single-length irons (they were all the length of a traditional 6-iron).

Who is the only golfer to win the NCAA Championship?

And it works for him. In 2015, DeChambeau joined Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, and Ryan Moore as the only golfers to win the NCAA Championship and U.S. Amateur Championship in the same year. In 2016, DeChambeau won his first pro tournament, the Web.com Tour 's DAP Championship. And in 2017, DeChambeau became ...

Is single length iron new?

Single-Length Irons Are Not New. There are new technologies in golf all the time, but there aren't a lot of new ideas. So it's not unusual for old ideas to get recycled, expanded upon, tweaked, improved on, especially once the technology catches up to the idea. The idea for single-length irons goes back at least to the 1930s, probably much earlier.

Do you have to move the golf ball forward or back?

No need to move the golf ball forward or back in your stance depending on the club used; no resetting to adjust to a club's length; no swinging more or less upright, no more one-plane or two-plane to adjust to club length. This is the major selling point and should benefit golfers of all skill levels.

What does the same shaft length mean on a 4-iron?

The benefits are at once obvious and complex. The same shaft length for every iron in the set means the posture, the ball position and the swing itself are exactly the same for your 4-iron as they are for your wedge.

What are the two sets of irons that are sold at traditional golf retail?

Before we go any further, let’s start here: According to industry research firm Golf Datatech, the two sets of single-length irons currently being sold at traditional golf retail—Cobra’s King F7 One and King Forged One , introduced last October—account for less than 2 percent of all irons sold. Impressive, perhaps, but not quite a revolution.

Why is Skaggs single length?

He thinks single-length makes the game easier and less time consuming to both teach and practice.

Who invented the single length iron?

David Edel, the golf inventor who developed the single-length irons that originally helped make Bryson DeChambeau famous, thinks the best way to understand the concept is to go back to the theories of a heretical Franciscan friar of the 14th century.

Who invented the irons?

Developed by long-time physician Mike Lytle and veteran club designer Jeff Sheets, the theory again emphasizes simplicity, and it’s somewhat similar to the first set of irons Bobby Jones designed for Spalding in the 1930s, which featured matched lengths in pairs through the set.

Is the range of a 9 iron shorter than a 4 iron?

The total range of distance between 4-iron and 9-iron was shorter with the single-length set than with the traditional length, a verdict that independent golf research Dave Tutelman found to be similar throughout single-length designs.

Who is the 14-handicap golfer?

Bowden, a one-time 14-handicap who took his game to the professional level by playing single-length irons, believes the logic is irrefutable and feels the obstacles are largely the result of “we’ve always done it this way” thinking.

What are the different lengths of golf irons?

A standard set of golf irons has clubs of all different lengths. The shorter irons are the wedges, nine iron, and 8 iron. Then you have mid-length irons and then finally long irons like the five, four, and three iron. As you move up in the set, the irons get quite a bit longer. The problem that this has caused for golfers is ...

Why do golfers put long irons in the bag?

For most amateur golfers, the long irons sit in the bag because they are afraid to use them. If that describes you, then distance should not be a concern when switching to the one length irons.

What irons did Bryson use for Cobra?

These F8 irons are the first set that Cobra introduced in the one length, and they have since made them in the F9 and the Speedzone as well.

How tall should a golf iron be?

Golfers that choose one length irons should make sure that they are in the recommended height range for this club. If you are taller than 6’0 and shorter than 5’6″ you should look at a custom fitting for the one length. Within this range, then you should be fine to stick with the standard one length golf clubs.

What shafts does a Pinhawk have?

These Pinhawk come with Mitsubishi Bassara graphite shafts in the Stiff Flex. Each of these clubs has the same shaft length, shaft weight, head weight, and lie angle. When you put each one of these in your hands, you can swing with that same consistent golf swing you are used to.

What is a one length iron?

The One Length iron concept is a reasonably new idea in the world of golf. One-length irons have become very popular very quickly. Some golfers will try and have golf clubs cut to length and adjusted to make them a one length set. The technology behind the one length irons is unique and exciting.

What is the most popular iron in golf?

Some sets are made with all clubs the same length as the eight or six iron, but the seven ir on is the most popular. You will still need to make sure you get your clubs fitted adequately for you; in fact, it is more important with the one length than with variable length.

What are 1 irons made of?

Because the 1 Irons are made with a harder-type cast steel (17-4 stainless), you won’t have to worry as much about the loft and lie angles drifting over time. Left Handed Clubs. If you are a left-handed golfer, fortunately they are available for you. Customer Service. It is excellent.

How many different swings can you learn with a club?

With a conventional set of clubs, you must learn and master 12 different swings using 12 different postures, swing planes, and ball positions. This means a lot of practice and it’s likely you’re going to have trouble making this work for you consistently.

Why is one plane swing better?

The one plane swing produces a dramatic increase in ball striking consistency because there are fewer moving parts. Add a set of clubs that have the same length, weight, flex, etc., and you’ve got a powerful match.

What is the purpose of every club in a set?

Every club in the set fits property which allow you to make a fluid, power swing. It just makes sense that in order for you to maximize your golfing potential, all of the irons within your set should have the same fitting and dynamic attributes as your favorite iron (same length, weight, flex, etc.).

Do new golf clubs come on the market every year?

Every year new golf clubs come on the market and each manufacturer raves about all the new specs and improvements that lead you to believe that new club is the one that will finally improve your rounds. Problem with that theory is that every year supposedly brings a better club.

How many yards between irons for practice tee?

How the sets fared on the practice tee: Manufacturers (and fitters) often say you want to have 10-yard gaps between irons. None of the panelists had the “appropriate” gapping with either test set. Consider checking your yardages on a launch monitor. The findings could make you re-think your set makeup.

What are the pros and cons of golf?

On-course: PROS AND CONS 1 Tee shot on par-3: The 4- and 5-irons in the single-length set were much easier to hit consistently and accurately, with tighter dispersion on the greens. 2 Tee shot on par-4: Same as above. High handicaps took a liking to single-length 4- and 5-irons and found them a comfortable fit. Initially, single-length long irons felt strange to the better players, but they adjusted and hit these irons better, too. 3 Long-iron approach to elevated green: Ball flight with single-length 4- and 5-irons was much lower, which hurt stopping power on greens. Slower head speeds and shorter shafts (7-iron length) can make it more difficult to hit shots as high and far. 4 150-yard approach from the fairway with short irons: In both sets, the 8-PW performed similarly, although the single-length model felt a bit more powerful at impact. 5 140-yard approach from fairway bunker with short irons (8-PW): Testers tended to hit shots heavy with the single-length 9-iron and PW. But solid shots carried up to five yards farther with the single-length model. 6 Chip shot: Though better players needed a little time to adjust to the single-length wedge, it positioned the hands more forward and produced more spin, so shots stopped quicker. Even so, the standard-length wedge had more consistent dispersion.

What are the benefits of EQL irons?

The benefit of these irons, proponents say, is simplicity (you have the same posture, and hence the same swing, every time), which leads to more consistent contact. This is hardly a new idea. In 1989, Tommy Armour Golf debuted a similar concept, EQL irons, but sales were poor, and the idea never took off.

Who is the only golf pro to use a single plane swing?

Bryson DeChambeau thinks outside the (tee) box. The former U.S. Amateur champ is the only Tour pro who uses a single-plane swing while playing irons that are all one length (nearly identical to a 7-iron). Is DeChambeau merely an eccentric outlier, or is there something to single-length irons?

Is single length iron good?

Single-length iron sets could be a good option for beginners and high handicappers. This group would only have to use one iron setup, which could accelerate learning. And they’d likely struggle less with longer-than-standard scoring clubs than with standard-length long irons.

Which iron is flatter, a mid iron or a short iron?

The short irons have flatter lie angles than the mid irons, and the mid irons are flatter than the long irons. That may sound strange, but keep in mind that static measurements don’t often match their dynamic equivalents.

What lie angle does the Cobra One length have?

As has been stated, early Cobra One Length clubs did have same lie angle (62.5 for King Forged and F7) but changed in the F8 series and later to progressive lie angles. I actually prefer the app 62.5, hence why I still play them. To each their own!

Is the F9 SL a #7 iron shaft?

Its already written above here, the F9 SL is using a ordinary shaft set, so its NOT a #7 iron shaft in all clubs, even if that would be the logic choice when length and head weight is the same. The weights for the "irons", becomes the same, its from "irons" to "wedge" the weight goes up.

When the shaft is correctly oriented in respect to its inherent flex plane, it will resist twisting to any other

When the shaft is correctly oriented in respect to its inherent flex plane it will resist twisting to any other position when placed under load and will remain stable through impact. It is as if the club-head is riding on rails through the impact zone.

What is shaft flex?

There is no standardization in the golf industry as to shaft flex which means that one brand’s stiff flex shaft might be the equivalent of another brand’s regular flex shaft, and a particular brand’s regular flex shaft might be the equivalent of another brand’s senior flex shaft, and so on.

What iron did Jack Nicklaus bend?

There is a story concerning Jack Nicklaus where he bent his #8 iron (his favorite iron) during a tournament round. He took it to the tour van to replace the shaft and told the technician that it was a stiff shaft. Upon testing, the technician told Jack that it was, in fact, a regular flex shaft. Jack berated the technician for a few minutes ...

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