Negatives of Offset in Irons?

[Val Raj]

I have a couple of different irons I play with. An older Ping G game improvement iron which has quite a bit of offset, and a newer Matlby PTM iron which are still cavity back, but look more like a player's iron than a game improvement one. The Maltby has a lot less offset. The offset on the ping didn't really bother me until i got the Maltby PTM. After i got used to the offset of the Maltby, the Ping G looks downright weird with the larger offset. I hit both just fine, and typical ball flight is quite high on both irons. 

What are the negatives of offset? Is there something w/ offset that could potentially be a crutch if I wanted to improve the quality of my iron play?

[GolfLug]

If the clunky look doesn't bother you then I have heard it is easier for some to start hooking with high offset irons. Of course it could be a good thing for others. Depends on who you ask. 

[boogielicious]

2 hours ago, Val Raj said:

I have a couple of different irons I play with. An older Ping G game improvement iron which has quite a bit of offset, and a newer Matlby PTM iron which are still cavity back, but look more like a player's iron than a game improvement one. The Maltby has a lot less offset. The offset on the ping didn't really bother me until i got the Maltby PTM. After i got used to the offset of the Maltby, the Ping G looks downright weird with the larger offset. I hit both just fine, and typical ball flight is quite high on both irons. 

What are the negatives of offset? Is there something w/ offset that could potentially be a crutch if I wanted to improve the quality of my iron play?

I think a lot of offset also makes it harder to aim the face. It tended to make me align more left. 

[tomvk77]

It looks weird to me to have an iron with a lot offset. I get the feeling i can’t get a straight flight out of it. I guess people who hit the ball all over the clubface will benefit it. I prefer a cleaner look, thats why i love my mizuno jpx 921 forged irons, clean look with a little help

[Val Raj]

On 6/17/2021 at 12:11 PM, boogielicious said:

I think a lot of offset also makes it harder to aim the face. It tended to make me align more left. 

Yup, when i switch from my maltby PTMs which have a lot less offset to the Ping G irons, i have to take extra care to ensure that it is pointing in the right direction --- otherwise it tends to point to the left. I have some markings on my grips which helps ensure the grip/alignment is consistent. 

[saevel25]

On 6/17/2021 at 10:06 AM, Val Raj said:

What are the negatives of offset? Is there something w/ offset that could potentially be a crutch if I wanted to improve the quality of my iron play?

Depends on your swing. 

I could be wrong, but offset influences the following

1) launch angle and spin rates because it moves the CG back
2) Causes most people to aim the club more left at address
 

[DrvFrShow]

I don't like a lot of offset. I have Cobra F9s, but I play hybrids starting at 6. I find I'm hitting the ball straighter with the longer clubs than I did. Hybrids are Ping G425s. With the irons I just line up and open the club face a little... well it looks like I'm opening the club face to target, but I'm not.

[billchao]

On 6/18/2021 at 3:50 PM, saevel25 said:

launch angle and spin rates because it moves the CG back

It’s only a few mm at most, right? Wouldn’t you see more of a difference from changing the kick point in a shaft?