Fitting for graphite clubs

I have determined thru several measurements that my club length requirement is "one inch over."

Assuming the standard 5 iron is 37.5" in steel and 38" graphite, does that mean that my steel 5 iron would be 38.5" and graphite 39"?

My basic question is whether the graphite should only be "1/2 inch over" since it is already .5" longer than steel or should the full one inch increase should be applied to the graphite shafts.

Thanks

Ken B
NJ hacker

How did you determine that you were +1 on your irons? Was it through a professional fitting? If so, were you fit with steel shafted of graphite shafted irons? Going a full inch on the graphite will probably mess up the lie angle. Anyway, most clubs I have seen only have a 1/4 inch difference between the stock length of steel and graphite. Maybe you are looking somewhere different than I am, but both TM and Callaway have a .25 difference.

I have a question.

In all manufactures irons clubs like ping, mizuno, etc, the standar spec for graphite shaft are .25 inches longer than standar spec for steel shaft?

I am not sure about all manufacturers, but I know that new offerings from both TM and Callaway only have a .25 inch difference between standard length of steel and graphite.

As a tall guy (I'm assuming you are too), my advice is play the shortest clubs you are comfortable with.

Bigger people tend to be stronger than avg. size people, and your longer arms will give you a bigger arc on your swing even with regular length clubs. Swing speed won't be a problem for you.

Control is another matter. Every extra inch between your shoulders and the clubhead reduces your control. As a tall person, you are at a disadvantage when it comes to control.

The extra length on the graphite shafts is there, because with the lighter shaft people can get more swing speed (but it comes at the sacrifice of control, even for avg. height people.)

Distance hitting has two parts: swing speed & hitting the sweet spot on the club. It doesn't matter how fast you swing the club, if you don't consistently strike the sweet spot on the club you won't drive very far. On the other hand, even with a moderate tempo swing you can have good distance if you consistently hit the sweet spot on the club.

According to some of the online charts, I should be playing a club 2 inches longer than regular. I play 3/4 inches over regular. I've found I'm comfortable with that length. If you can't get club fit, then go to someplace (like Golfsmith) where you can try out various length clubs and see what you are comfortable with. You may be surprised that longer isn't always more comfortable (even for a tall person.)

If you are looking after the longest length possible, because you think it will increase your swing speed and help your distance, don't do it. Just get ultra-light shafts, but don't make them extra long. The lighter shafts will help your speed, and keeping them shorter will help your control. That combo will give you a better chance of CONSISTENTLY hitting long drives than extra long shafts will.

Thanks Hytrew, very informative. Actually, I was liking the longer shaft due to my back (less hunched over). Your advice to try different shaft lengths is good, I will do that.

The extra 1/2" in graphite came into play to try making the swingweight the same, however a good clubmaker can adjust this internally.

SO, if you were fitted for 1/2" over standard, then play that regardless of shaft material.