Utility Iron Loft - 18/2 vs 20/3

[iangolfNC]

Has anyone tried utility irons in both 18 and 20 lofts? What did you find were pros and cons if you had to pick only one for your bag? Is the 18 much harder to launch?

For reference, driver swing speed is 105-108

[B_of_H]

depends on you, the shaft, and the club...and what you want to do with it.  all things being equal more loft = easier to get in the air.  If you want a utility that goes high and far then the 3 with a longer/lighter shaft might be a good compromise.  

[SugarLandGolfer]

9 minutes ago, B_of_H said:

depends on you, the shaft, and the club...and what you want to do with it.  all things being equal more loft = easier to get in the air.  If you want a utility that goes high and far then the 3 with a longer/lighter shaft might be a good compromise.  

That’s what I chose on my sub 70 699 utility. 

[Pepperturbo]

I don't know why they are called utility.  Can't use them out of all sorts of conditions.  Anyway, depending on shaft and your mechanics, 18 or 20 are NOT hard to launch.  The bigger concern is which loft and its distance fit into your bag.  There are no cons, just depends on your mechanics and how forgivable the head is.

 

I use my 17' 2 iron off the deck, tee and from reasonable rough.  Outside those situations, I will use a more lofted iron.

 

Edited January 25, 2021 by Pepperturbo

[MattyO1984]

Happy medium of getting one and bending it to 19?

 

That’s what I did with my 712U and it has been in the bag for years now.

[dbelles1]

You should have plenty of speed. Find the right shaft and you will be golden. You could just go right in middle at 19°.

[iangolfNC]

Thanks everyone for your comments! I will try the 18 and if not bend it to 19

[sbjinx]

It’s about the yardage gaps. When I was playing my BS J15s my 4 iron was 23* (180) so the 20* 3 hybrid was perfect (190-200). With the Mizunos my 4 iron is 21* (190) so the gap is too close with my current hybrid. I’m going to try and bend it 1* stronger in hopes of getting 200+ but if not, I’ll be looking for a new hybrid (likely 18*) on BST soon.  

[bnperrone]

All else being the same, 2* of difference shouldn't be a dealbreaker on hitting the club well. As for deciding between them, that simply depends on what else you have in your bag and what shots you encounter. Do you want something a little longer than a 4-iron or a little longer than a 3-iron?

[manima1]

These driving irons launch so high/easily that neither loft should be a problem at your speed.  I'd go with the 18 (2)for a little more pop off the tee.  I commonly choke it down an inch to cover that distance gap that the 20 (3) would cover between the 18 (2) and my 4 iron.  Works out really well.  My choice is the srixon U45 - definitely recommend taking a strong look at the srixon utilities, they are the best out there in my opinion.

[iangolfNC]

I am getting the ZX U, any shaft recommendations? Deciding between AD DI 95 S / MMT 105 S/ KBS TGI 100 S / Steelfiber 110CW 

[manima1]

I matched my irons, S400.  I'd start with matching your irons and if you feel like you need more pop with a lighter graphite option then explore that.