Are Mizuno Irons shorter?

[Tommy]

Based on very positive feedback from others in the Forum, I purchased a set of used Mizuno MP-30s several days ago.

When I place them side-by-side against my Titleist 804.0S and Ping i5 irons (stock specs) they appear to be approximately 1/2 inch shorter than the Titleists and a little less than the Pings i.e. from 3 to PW.

Is this normal i.e. are stock Mizuno clubs cut shorter than Titleists, Pings and other brands?

Thanks.

EDIT/UPDATE: I just checked the website of all three and the Titleists are .25" longer than the Pings and Mizunos. Appears the ones I purchased were cut down! Practically speaking, will this make any difference? Thanks.

[iacas]

When I place them side-by-side against my Titleist 804.0S and Ping i5 irons (stock specs) they appear to be approximately 1/2 inch shorter than the Titleists and a little less than the Pings i.e. from 3 to PW.

People typically don't cut down clubs 1/4". You say the Titleists are 1/4" longer per the spec, and your eye says it's 1/2". That's only 1/4" difference. I don't think anyone cut down your clubs...

[Tommy]

People typically don't cut down clubs 1/4". You say the Titleists are 1/4" longer per the spec, and your eye says it's 1/2". That's only 1/4" difference. I don't think anyone cut down your clubs...

Point taken, thanks Erik.

[gas_can]

Tommy,

I'll have to agree with Erik and say that they were likely not cut down.

The difference usually arises in the fact that different companies utilize different methods of measuring clubs. Titleist calls their "standard" 5 iron length 38", but that's ungripped. The butt cap of a grip adds a solid 1/4" to the overall length of the club.

Mizuno measures their length, 38" 5 iron, gripped.

Mizuno typically also has flatter lie angles compared to Titleist, so I hope you get that checked out as well.

Hope that answers your question.

[Tommy]

Tommy,

As usual Gas_Can, you've provided the most thoughtful AND helpful response. Your explanation is assuring and I will definitely get the lie angles checked.

Practically speaking, will the .25 to .5" difference really make any difference. I appreciate there is a signficant difference in the design of the 804.0S and the MP-30, but all things being equal, would it make any difference? Thanks, as always.

[golfchief]

1/2 inch will not make any difference, each persons hands are different sizes so the proper grip for you may be 1" shorter on the same club as the person with the larger hands.
That is one of many reasons why we hit the same club different distances, I will not go into swing speed,path, lie ,etc.
If that is the club YOU hit best and you like everything about the club and you can afford to play it,buy it.

[gas_can]

As usual Gas_Can, you've provided the most thoughtful AND helpful response. Your explanation is assuring and I will definitely get the lie angles checked.

Tommy,

1/2" will definately make a rather significant difference. For each 1/2" your clubs are over "standard" they will play a degree more upright. So in addition to Titleist's already upright lies, they will play a bit more since the club is longer. I'd definately get the Mizunos on the lie board and make sure you're contacting the sole on the center of the club.

[FAHooGolfs]

Tommy,

Would that explain why with my old Mizuno's, I was fitted at 1 degree flat but with my PINGs I'm now a white dot (1 degree upright)?

[wachesawgolfer]

Wrist to floor measurement (dominant crease to floor) is a good starting point for club length. Have a store measure it properly and you may find you could use a different length than standard to make more consistant contact easier.

[iacas]

Wrist to floor measurement (dominant crease to floor) is a good starting point for club length. Have a store measure it properly and you may find you could use a different length than standard to make more consistant contact easier.

It's just that - a good starting point. I truly believe a good fitting

must include a dynamic fitting. Otherwise a static fitting just gets you in the neighborhood. It's a small neighborhood, but you may be one or two houses away (1 degree too upright, 1/2" too long, whatever...).

[Tommy]

Tommy,

Gas_Can, if I understand you correctly (and I might be reaching here)...is it reasonable to assume that, by adjusting the lie angle, you can adjust for the length of the club i.e. without having to resort to replacing the shafts?

Thanks.

[iacas]

Gas_Can, if I understand you correctly (and I might be reaching here)...is it reasonable to assume that, by adjusting the lie angle, you can adjust for the length of the club i.e. without having to resort to replacing the shafts?

I'll attempt to answer for him until he gets the chance...

Since a proper fitting includes getting both (length and lie angle) correct (among other things), I think that attempting to fix one by changing the other misses the point: you want both things to be correct. You're basically thinking of taking a club that's improperly fit for you and making it even MORE improper a fit.

[gas_can]

Would that explain why with my old Mizuno's, I was fitted at 1 degree flat but with my PINGs I'm now a white dot (1 degree upright)?

FAHooGolfs,

Typically, with a longer club you would expect to bend them flatter since they play effectively more upright. However, several other things may have changed with your swing to necessitate the change in lie angles. Did the fitter do a dynamic fitting or simply a static fitting? The two often yield vastly different results. Do you know what lengths your Ping's and Mizuono's are? I'm a big fan of doing fittings outside off grass. Many, many golfers make some pretty drastic changes with their swing and tempo inside off carpet since it's such an unnatural atmosphere. Also, being able to see ballflight is the most important dictator in final fitting.

[gas_can]

Gas_Can, if I understand you correctly (and I might be reaching here)...is it reasonable to assume that, by adjusting the lie angle, you can adjust for the length of the club i.e. without having to resort to replacing the shafts?

Tommy,

Although length and lie angle are very closely related, they should be fit seperately. Length typically affects contact on the face (center, heel, toe). Lie angle dictates contact on the sole and direction of the shot. A club that is standard length and lie flatter than a club that is 1/2" longer than standard. However, a change in lie angle does not affect length. Ideally, you would want to find the longest club you can hit consistently, and then bend for lie correctly so contact is made in the center of the sole.

[Mike Boatright]

http://www.mizunousa.com/golf/products/mizuno-mp-69-irons

You guys are all wrong mizuno is way shorter.

[Ernest Jones]

[URL=http://www.mizunousa.com/golf/products/mizuno-mp-69-irons]http://www.mizunousa.com/golf/products/mizuno-mp-69-irons[/URL] You guys are all wrong mizuno is way shorter.

It only took you six years to come to that conclusion?