Anybody use shortened clubs?

[kekoa]

I'm about 5 8 and callaway recommended i shorten my irons by 1/2 inch. Has anyone else done this? Positives/negatives? I assume i may lose a little distance, but should make up for it in accuracy.

When i hit a few balls with a shortened 6 iron, it just felt better and mor comfortable for me.

thanks

[Fastrack]

I have done that....not so good experience. I am about same height, got 1/4 inch shortened following custom fitter’s recommendation.

As you said, sacrificed distance (15 yard for 1/4 in for me, ouch!) but without gaining much of accuracy for me. I was unhappy for a long time and end up getting 1/4 longer….what a great waste of money.

I think swing plane is the single very important consideration for club fitting beyond simple fact such as height, distance of wrist from the floor, swing speed/tempo....as same body construct with similar swing speed and tempo may use different swing path. My swing is more upright and appreciates longer length.

If you can demo same 6i in different length of shaft, try out first before huge regret.

[king]

If you are thinking about cutting the shafts down, beware, because it will make the shafts stiffer.

[The Gill]

BE CAREFUL! Each club manufacture's "standard" club lengths are different. Lots of times you'll find game improvement clubs longer than players clubs. To be safe, check the clubs specs and compare to what you got now.

[Divot Tool]

If you are thinking about cutting the shafts down, beware, because it will make the shafts stiffer.

It depends on where you are cutting from. Butt cut shafts at -1/2" will not change the flex drastically, if at all....however if trimmed from the tip, I would imagine so. I'm not sure that clubfitters cut from the tip all that often because of this. Regardless, at -1/2" Your swingweight will change of course. I think you should consider your static measurements according to what the manufacturer suggests, as they usually have this stuff all charted out. Then, perhaps hit balls with impact tape @ various lengths to see which yields the best results (impact). I find a slightly shorter club, produces consistently more solid shots than a slightly longer club.

[andre112]

if you went thru a proper fitting session and they suggested you shorten them.
I would go ahead and do it.
If you just did some online fitting with some static numbers, I wouldn't shorten them yet. Instead, I would make a 1/2" mark on the grip and start playing them by gripping down.
See how that works out for you.
When you are ready to cut them down, take your clubs to a PCS certified clubmaker and get it done there while making sure flex, swing weight, lie are also adjusted accordingly.

[kekoa]

It depends on where you are cutting from. Butt cut shafts at -1/2" will not change the flex drastically, if at all....however if trimmed from the tip, I would imagine so. I'm not sure that clubfitters cut from the tip all that often because of this. Regardless, at -1/2" Your swingweight will change of course.

you are correct. callaway shortens from the butt. they don't tip it. with the 6.0 project x rifle shaft, the shaft actually becomes a little less stiff and lighter if that makes any sense.

i hit balls today and seriously hit the ball about 10 yards shorter, but straighter. I am going to play with them this weekend and see whether or not i made the right decision.

[shortgame85]

I am 5'6" in height. I have purchased two sets of irons in the past 6 years. Both sets were placed after a fitting session with a pro. Both sets were ordered -1/2". My first set was from Callaway, the second from Titleist.

I really can't compare my distances with my irons and a standard length set because I've rarely hit standard length clubs. When I do, I naturally choke down about a half inch.
Therefore, I can't say if I'm losing much yardage per club.

I do know that a -1/2" club seems to feel and look better to me at address than a standard length club.

I hope this helps.

[nykfan4life]

It won't neccesarily result in a loss of distance if you are uncomfortable with you irons.

[Eore]

last year i got my new irons and i was 5 foot 1 (yes, that small) i had trouble controling where the club was. now i'm 5'9, and hitting the ball really well. i would try different shaft lengths in store, cuz their is some difference depending on your swing

[kekoa]

It won't neccesarily result in a loss of distance if you are uncomfortable with you irons.

????? i dont' understand.

[larlev]

If you are thinking about cutting the shafts down, beware, because it will make the shafts stiffer.

Not if cut from the butt...which is the proper place anyway.

[larlev]

I went out this morning w/ my new/old 43" driver and had a blast..I would spray all over the place, cut my old driver down from 45.5" and was amazed.

It's funny how the big companies convince us that the new 45.5 and 46" drivers are great, they are harder for us hackers to control. That means more $$$$ to instructors, more $$$ for videos, more $$$$ for books, all in the hope we can hit 300yds. It all comes around....

I can hit it 300yds easily w/ my Snake eyes driver, problem is that it's usally in the other fairway.

Goto the range and choke down 2" on your driver...you'll be smiling

FWIW...I don't buy into all the marketing BS....can you tell?