Why do JDM irons have reverse offset?

[potuna]

I had and sold a set of Epon 502s. Great feeling and performing irons but the reverse offset drives me crazy. I don't need any offset in the short irons but can use some in the long irons. It seems that Mizuno gets it for the US market but a lot of JDM irons are a** backwards, why?

[vertigo88]

Before we get into this discussion any further, could someone please show me a club with reverse offset?

[ghodges]

From what I've been told, there are VERY few reverse offset designs anymore (i.e. - newer models). And just for clarification I assume you mean more offset in the shorter than the longer irons.

[potuna]

[quote name='ghodges' date='19 May 2010 - 12:01 AM' timestamp='1274241709' post='2452197']
From what I've been told, there are VERY few reverse offset designs anymore (i.e. - newer models). And just for clarification I assume you mean more offset in the shorter than the longer irons.
[/quote]

That's what I mean, the 502s are a brand new iron. If you look on Tourspec most of the JDM irons have reverse offset

[ghodges]

[quote name='potuna' date='19 May 2010 - 12:07 AM' timestamp='1274242035' post='2452208']
[quote name='ghodges' date='19 May 2010 - 12:01 AM' timestamp='1274241709' post='2452197']
From what I've been told, there are VERY few reverse offset designs anymore (i.e. - newer models). And just for clarification I assume you mean more offset in the shorter than the longer irons.
[/quote]

That's what I mean, the 502s are a brand new iron. If you look on Tourspec most of the JDM irons have reverse offset
[/quote]

Are you talking about offset or face progression? For example if you look at all of the TaylorMade JDM clubs none of them have reverse offset, but the "face progression number" increases from long irons to short irons.

BTW, for those unfamiliar with the distinction here is a explanation of the difference:

[url="http://www.tourspecgolf.com/forum/t27356.html"]Offset vs Face Progression[/url]

Below is a couple of sentences from the beginning of the explanation.

==========

I thought I'd make a post clarifying how the Japanese manufacturers use Face Progression instead of Offset.

There have been one too many times where people have been confused by FP numbers using them as offset and saying that Japanese irons like the r7 Forged have "reverse offset (more offset in shorter than longer irons)" or other JDM irons have humongous offset. This is NOT the case.

[coops]

Go here to see the tourspec sec on epon 502's
http://www.tourspecgolf.com/Epon-Forged-2010-AF302-Irons-5PW-1

You can see for yourself, the offset decreases from 4 down to PW (4 iron 4.2mm offset, PW 3mm) - note Tourspec list these specs with offset and not the 'usual' Japanese face progression term which would account for possible confusion.

And if you want less offset in the shorter irons, simply order yourself a mixed set with 302's in the shorter irons (and/or the blades....).

Coops

[potuna]

I stand corrected, the 502s do in fact have less offset in the short irons. Thanks for the clarification.