Extend shafts vs. buy longer shafts?

[adambommb29]

I'm 6'5" and realized early on that I would need to have my clubs extended nearly an inch. So in my first couple of sets I had extensions put in. I hated them because I could feel the extenders coming loose and they would rattle from time to time. A couple of years ago I finally went all out and got fit for a set of Cleveland CG4 Tours. The set I ordered was one inch over standard and four degrees upright.

 

Because of my height, I never seem to be able to take advantage of all the deals I find. I have been thinking about picking up a CG11 for $46 on rockbottom.

 

So I was at Golf Galaxy the other day and was inquiring into how much it would cost to bring in a new wedge that I may purchase, and have it reshafted and bent up four degrees. The guy said it would be about $35. He then asked why I don't just get extensions put in instead, which would make the price $10(including bending the shaft upright.) He said that he could insert the extender so that it would "never" come loose.

 

This brings me to a couple of questions. Do extenders significantly change the characteristics of the club? Has anyone ever had a good experience with shaft extenders? Should I just continue to order my clubs longer and not bother with extensions?

 

I'm in the market for a new set of irons as well and I like the idea that I may be able to get a deal on a closeout and not have to shell out a don of cash for a new, custom set. I'm open to all suggestions and recommendations.

 

Thanks.

[BDLz]

I'm not a big fan of the extensions (plastic, wood, etc.) available from most companies. If you know a reputable clubbuilder or repair guy, they should be able to use some old steel shafts to extend any steel shafted iron without much effort or cost. Much more effective than the other options out there in my opinion.

 

BDLz

[adambommb29]

The guy at Golf Galaxy said he would actually use old steel shafts for the extenders.

[dennis4190]

Used shaft extender in my hybrid, played with it all summer,had no problems at all.

[dlefty]

Have the club-tech at the Golf Galaxy you were at extend them. They use the good steel extensions from The GolfWorks. If prepped and epoxied correctly, they won't come loose on you unless subjected to abnormal temperatures for long periods.......same can be said for a clubhead to shaft bond.

[ava7ar]

I'm 6'3" and I've been playing with steel insertions for about 3 yrs up until this year that I upgraded to some Ping i10. Never had an issue with the extensions. In fact, my cousin is playing the very same clubs right now with no issues.

[OldSkoolTexan]

Have the club-tech at the Golf Galaxy you were at extend them. They use the good steel extensions from The GolfWorks. If prepped and epoxied correctly, they won't come loose on you unless subjected to abnormal temperatures for long periods.......same can be said for a clubhead to shaft bond.

 

+1, with epoxy and proper prepping, only a 1" should be fine.  Im 6'2" and I like to play em long as well.  Ive never had a graphite or steel extension loosen.  TECHNICALLY, they say you can go up to 2", but with irons I wouldnt go past 1" ext..  Who knows, you might want to checkout a diff iron shaft later, then you can do them right at that time.

[andre112]

aside from extension, material in cg11 head is very easy to fracture.

[generalpatton]

I use extensions all the time. If I'm ordering a new set of irons, I'll get them built to the proper length but with wedges and whatnot I always end up buying them stock and putting an extension in. I play everything +1/2". Never had a problem with any I've epoxied in. I'd go for the deal on the club and just have it set up how you want.

[adambommb29]

What do you mean "the material in the CG11 head is easy to fracture?" Are you refering to having it bent upright?

 

When you order an upright club from a manufacturer, do the bend the club or are they just using a mold that is already set upright? I figure they bend the club.

[Awsi Dooger]

I'm 6-4 and using extensions, steel and universal, in many clubs, anywhere from 1/4 to 1 1/8, most 1/2 or 5/8. Just try to remove one and you'll no longer worry about unsteadiness.

 

Two nights ago I had to remove an old universal extension to lengthen an iron 1/2 inch by installing a new extension. It was nearly a half hour labor over the stove. Sometimes you swear it will never budge. Even after all that time over the stove on high it's a yank job with pliers and a pick to remove the plug and main section.

 

Do the epoxy right and it's a brick. Plus, it's more satisfying and confidence inspiring to play something you partially created.

[oldironman]

I have to agree with everyone that extentions are fine if done right. Be sure you rough up the inside of the shaft and wipe it off with acetone. Thats the part a lot of people don't do.

[andre112]

What do you mean "the material in the CG11 head is easy to fracture?" Are you refering to having it bent upright?

 

When you order an upright club from a manufacturer, do the bend the club or are they just using a mold that is already set upright? I figure they bend the club.

 

Yes, I mean that CMM material is very prone to fracture when being bent.

It's in a not recommanded list for lie/loft adjustment.

http://golfworks.com/images/art/Iron%20Mod...20Not%20Rec.pdf

Cleveland suggests to send it back to facotory for bending.

Just want to you be aware of this problem before your purchase.

 

When you order upright clubs from a manufacturer, they bend it.

I think PING has molds for different angles, but I'm not sure.

[kipp]

What do you mean by "rough up" the shaft? Serious question sexual undertones aside.

[BCC]

Fine sand paper to remove the chrome and rough the surface for bonding purposes...