Considering Clubs + 1/2" shaft length --- Good Idea?

[roverT7]

I've come across a used set of clubs I'm interested in purchasing...but they are 1/2 inch longer than standard. I've always played standard length clubs, so I'm not sure I should buy them.

I'm 6' tall and I have an upright swing. Any thoughts in general? Am I tall enough that it won't matter?

[NM Golf]

Get fitted. The Ping website has web fitting that gets you started. It can tell you based on height, arm length, etc, what you most likely need in the way of special fitting. Although only a fitting swinging a club can be completely accurate.

I am 6' tall and I use clubs that are 1/4" long.

[JackieTreehorn]

The main thing to worry about is how far your wrists hang from the floor. Take a measurement and then look at the Ping static fitting website for an general idea. If you have long arms 1/2"+ may be too long. but if you have normal or short arms they might work. If you think they are too long, then just grip down a half inch or you could cut the shaft with a shaft cutter when you re-grip your irons.

[roverT7]

Yes, I agree with fitting. I guess my question was more focused on whether, assuming I am best fitted for a standard length shaft, the additional 1/2" in length would be incredibly detrimental, or if it would be a wash (ie, I could grip down, etc.). And I should stress that these are used clubs. If they were brand new, I'd insist on a full fitting process. But if I can get a deal, I will accept a little hardship in the near term.

So you can just cut the extra length at a later date?

[LottaBalata]

I'm guessing, even with your upright swing and height, they will be too long. I'm 6'2"--just did a wrist to floor measurement yesterday--ended up being about 36 to 36 &1/4. The chart I was using claimed that I needed sticks about 1/4 longer. I feel comfortable with standard size length, but I'm going to be trying a set with lie adjusted upright 1*.

Oh, and the fitting will be a good idea

[roverT7]

Interesting. Also, I put my swing style in just as info. I would think having an upright swing would be even more of a negative for going with longer clubs. I would think that flatter swingers could accomodate longer shafts more easily. Does this make sense?

[JackieTreehorn]

One thing to note is that the "standard" length for a club can vary over 1/2" for different brands. Also, you can easily cut shafts with a little blade that traces circles around the shaft (probably pretty cheap at Golfsmith). Then just regrip (which you might have to do anyway). Or let a shop do it...shaft shortening will probably not be too much extra on top of the regrip price at a golf shop (vs. lie angle tinkering which takes more effort).

Note that your effective shaft stiffness will slightly increase but probably not much for only 1/2".

[roverT7]

Interesting...thanks for the info!

Rob

[blackxpress]

Adding to what JackieTreehorn said, standard length today is roughly 1/2" longer than standard length was, say, 10 or 15 years ago. Plus, graphite shafts are slightly longer than steel shafts for some reason. The point is, though you say you've always played with standard length clubs, standard length is a relative term.

[Dub]

6'5" here and you can see what I play in my sig lines.


I do tend to grip down a bit..not too much.....just enough to get a nice feel where my pinkie finger (crooked from football injuries) can better wrap around the grip.


I don't think 1/2" is gonna make a hill of beans difference.....just my overly simplistic opionion.

As mentioned above...you can always cut down the shafts a bit when it's time for fresh grips.

[Three Putt]

It depends a lot on your impact position on an impact board. If you have a flatter swing plane the 1/2" might not be very noticible. If you have a more upright swing it might really throw you off.

My irons are 1/2" long and bent 2 degrees upright. I'm 6' 2". I have a more upright or "steep" swing with my irons. I can't hit standard length and lie irons very well, so when someone says "hey, you gotta try this iron, I usually pass"

Obviously getting fitted would be the money best spent.