Challenges After Changing Loft

[robin_w]

Hello everyone,

 

After trying some new irons this year, I decided to stick with my Callaway Paradym irons. Although I'm capable of hitting a more player iron, I simply love their feel. The only modification I need is increasing the loft by 2 degrees (from 29 to 31) to achieve softer landings and higher spin.

 

However, this adjustment has introduced some unexpected challenges, notably, I've been hitting a lot of thin shots. I suspect that the increased bounce and the altered leading edge complicate proper ball contact, especially on mats.

 

My swing data for the 7 iron indicates an attack angle of about -6 degrees and a club path of around 2 degrees. I usually take a deep divot.

 

I'm reaching out to see if anyone here has made similar adjustments and encountered the same issues. How did you manage this change?

 

Or perhaps I should consider purchasing something else (Ping i230, PXG 0317T, and Mizuno 243 felt the best during fitting). If there's any reason to switch from Paradym, it's likely the loft; having a 29-degree 7 iron and a 43-degree pitching wedge seems excessive.

 

Cheers

[moostache]

You could go down the rabbit hole of shafts to modify the launch and make up some height there. What about the feel of the Paradyms do you like? I played them for a bit and they feel hot, which isn't a bad thing, but if you like that feel, I would say it feels like a lot of the other hollow body player's distance type irons (770/90, T150, 0317T). Have you tried the Apex Pros?  Unfortunately, that's what you're going to get with the Paradym irons, ball go far. I haven't had too much issues stopping balls on the green with them, I just ended up liking the T150s better.

[robin_w]

13 minutes ago, moostache said:

You could go down the rabbit hole of shafts to modify the launch and make up some height there. What about the feel of the Paradyms do you like? I played them for a bit and they feel hot, which isn't a bad thing, but if you like that feel, I would say it feels like a lot of the other hollow body player's distance type irons (770/90, T150, 0317T). Have you tried the Apex Pros?  Unfortunately, that's what you're going to get with the Paradym irons, ball go far. I haven't had too much issues stopping balls on the green with them, I just ended up liking the T150s better.

 

I feel the head is heavier so I can control the face angle better

 

No I didn't try the apex pro, the fitter didn't like it so didn't like me try it

 

I usually don't have too much issues stopping balls, but a course I play a lot has very firm green...

 

[moostache]

1 hour ago, robin_w said:

 

I feel the head is heavier so I can control the face angle better

 

No I didn't try the apex pro, the fitter didn't like it so didn't like me try it

 

I usually don't have too much issues stopping balls, but a course I play a lot has very firm green...

 

 

Fair enough. You are correct that you are adding bounce by adjusting the lofts. You can have some issues on very firm fairways.  I live in the desert and I really had issues getting the Paradyms into and through the turf. To an extent, the drop in spin with something like a PD iron should be made up for with an increase in launch, hopefully giving you somewhat similar amounts of stopping power.

 

Regarding the head feeling heavier, that sounds very relative to a high swingweight (which my Paradyms had) that probably just works better for you, meaning a good fitter/builder should be able to get most any set of irons in that same target.

 

Or you can do the non WRX thing and give yourself time to adjust 😂🤷‍♂️

[robin_w]

On 3/5/2024 at 12:47 PM, moostache said:

 

Fair enough. You are correct that you are adding bounce by adjusting the lofts. You can have some issues on very firm fairways.  I live in the desert and I really had issues getting the Paradyms into and through the turf. To an extent, the drop in spin with something like a PD iron should be made up for with an increase in launch, hopefully giving you somewhat similar amounts of stopping power.

 

Regarding the head feeling heavier, that sounds very relative to a high swingweight (which my Paradyms had) that probably just works better for you, meaning a good fitter/builder should be able to get most any set of irons in that same target.

 

Or you can do the non WRX thing and give yourself time to adjust 😂🤷‍♂️

 

Thanks again! I never really paid attention to swing weight, I will mention that during my next fitting. If I can change SW, then this opens up lots of new possibilities...

 

 

[Stuart_G]

On 3/5/2024 at 10:55 AM, robin_w said:

However, this adjustment has introduced some unexpected challenges, notably, I've been hitting a lot of thin shots. I suspect that the increased bounce and the altered leading edge complicate proper ball contact, especially on mats.

 

My swing data for the 7 iron indicates an attack angle of about -6 degrees and a club path of around 2 degrees. I usually take a deep divot.

 

If you're that steep - it's not a problem with the bounce hitting first - even on mats.    The the bounce could be influencing it if there is some kind of sub-conscious adjustment to the swing as a result of the change in feel of the turf/matt interaction.

 

I would have the lie angle checked - it's possible they were modified when the loft was bent.

 

[jholz]

My inclination is always to point to a swing - rather than equipment - issue. As such I have several questions...

 

1  How long have you had/played the adjusted irons? It usually takes me 8-10 rounds to become completely comfortable with new equipment. 

 

2. Given the modification and your stated goals (i.e. you want "higher" shots that "hold greens")... are you sure you aren't trying to "make" that happen? Are you scooping the ball or something? Has your swing changed in any way?

 

Rather than looking at shaft changes - I'd point to technique as the culprit here. Those irons should produce a shot that will stop on the green for you - whether at 43* or 46*.  

Edited March 7 by jholz