One length iron fitting

[Striker Ace]

If I get fitted for one length irons, do they measure me for my optimal length? Anyone know how they measure you for your optimal length? I also wonder would my hybrids be measured for the same length?

[WristySwing]

I would assume it would be the same as any other fit. Find the proper length/lie/grip size/shaft that gives you optimal flight and feel. For hybrids there seems to be a pretty stark contrast, many like the SL hybrid others despise it and went back to progressive length hybrids.

[Stuart_G]

There really isn't an optimal length. Or rather it's really a trade off between distance and control and each person has to make a decision on what their priorities might be on how to balance the two.

Second, each single length head design is really designed around being played at a certain length based on the designed weight of the head since the combination of head weight and playing length needs to result in a manageable swing weight or club MOI. So the best length can depend on which model head you choose to use or demo.

How you want to manage the Hybrid is another choice. It would seem to me to defeat the intended purpose of the single length set to play them longer but most hybrid heads are not designed to be played at the shorter lengths and can be difficult to get heavy enough to do so. So many play them at the longer lengths and are happy with the results. (To me that makes the choice to play a single length set more questionable than the choice to play the hybrids longer would - but that's just me).

[Striker Ace]

Hmm, interesting point about head weights and MOI based upon shaft length. I'm a higher handicap with an inconsistent strike but my most comfortable and most consistent strike comes from my 9 iron. So I would imagine that the fitter would make all of the irons at the 9 iron length? So based on that, a custom order would have to be placed to the manufacturer? No?

[Stuart_G]

That really just might mean the combination of length, total weight and head weight was best with your 9 iron in your current set, it doesn't necessarily mean a good fit could not be found at other lengths. Now it would be a good place to start to convert your set to an MOI matched set. And it can be used to help estimate what the best head weight or MOI might be for other lengths but it might be a bit short for a one length set and loose you too much distance in the lower lofted irons or the single length heads you choose may be too light for that length. 8i or 7i length is a much more common recommendation for amateurs.

[Striker Ace]

Good info, thank you guys. I may take a ride to TXG when the border reopens!

[WristySwing]

TXG doesn't fit for single length clubs. When I was there and asked about it they said they don't really see benefits to it for many people. They brought in some Cobra heads to try a few years ago when they came out and found little success over them compared to a well fit traditional progressive set.

[Striker Ace]

So it comes down to my swing and swing plane then. Very well, Golftec and a regular set of clubs it shall be.

[ARL67]

I think Cobra made a mistake in choosing 37.5" as their standard length ( typical stock 6i length ). Most high or mid cappers can't hit their 6i any good either, so why make a whole set based around a length one struggles with. I have always felt that the longer a club gets the worse one makes reliable contact. The reason most hit their 9i better than their 5i is shaft length, not the loft. By better, I mean finding the centre of the face.

I think Wishon's Sterling and EQ1-NX sets based on 36.5" ( typical 8i length ) is a much better choice, assuming one is not too tall ( I'm 5'9" ). For me, my favourite club in the bag over the years is an 8i, regardless of the sets I've had, and even going back to when I was a golf newbee and sucked. I have EQ1-NX on order for PW-5i, 4H, 3W. I plan to build PW-5i to 36.5" , but probably add 3/8" to the 6-5-4H, and experiment with the 3W a little longer and shorten it as I see fit. I already have a set of LW-SW-GW at 36.25" and will use those with the EQ1's.

OP if you are now off of Single-Length, consider an easy 3/8" MOI re-build ( 3/8" increments and 0.5 SW per club ) of your current set. Keep your 8i at stock 36.5" length, make your 9-8-Wedges SL at 36.125, then your 7-6-5-4 in 3/8" increments from 36.5". Compared to stock length, your 4i will end up 1/2" shorter, 5i 3/8" shorter, 6i 1/4" shorter, 7i 1/8" shorter. The 0.5 SW change per club will keep them swinging with the same "heft".

[Noodler]

 

And do the MOI build using any of the ascending weight shafts available (TT AMT, Ping AWT, Nippon AMC) and reap the benefits of a "poor man's" MBI build (which improves upon MOI matching alone).

[Howard_Jones]

If you have gone away from SL, but still wants a MOI matched set, ive composed this 6 options as alternatives to SL and the classic 4/8" between clubs.

The chart is based on a #9 iron as "favorite", so we leave that club as it is, and BUTT CUT to the new play length by using the butt cut chart, then add those grams head weight needed on each club to get them to a progressive SW, equal to MOI matched. (1.33 SWP inch)

We can simply order "what ever we like" from OEM where we focus on the spec for the #9 iron (like plus 0.5" if needed), and say you want grips loose in the box. Then its silly easy to just but cut, and add tungsten powder and cork down the shafts before you add grips on, so we DONT have to go to a Custom club maker to get it, you can do it yourself.

The "longest" option is the 10.7 mm between clubs. This option DONT demand any head weight reset, but cut alone takes care of it all, all other "shorter" between club options demands head weight reset you find in the chart at the bottom. Play lengths specified is when "standard" play length is the starting point, but both "difference" and head weight reset is the same if starting point is a set thats plus 0.5"on play length, since those numbers is "relative" to your #9, what ever specs that club has. (assuming the others is 4/8" longer with the same SW value)

We DONT need to cut anything to figure out where to go. Take your longest club, and "tape down" play length equal to what you plan to cut off, add the grams needed from the chart above as lead tape on the head, and try that club off.

Example, #3 is your longest iron, and you want to try the shortest DIY option for a#3 iron possible.

The chart say "butt cut 30 mm", so "tape off" 30 mm play length from your grip, and add 9.4 grams head weight.

This club belongs to the 7.70 mm between clubs slope, and will now have the same MOI value as your #9

When you have found the best "longest iron" (maybe its the 3/8" set up?), then you know whats play length progression you should use..

..Tape and Lead tape and some trial and error is all it takes.