Advantage of thin faced Irons

[Joei]

I understand that reducing face thickness in irons will allow more perimeter weight distribution, but as far as distance goes, if a well struck iron hits the ball first and compresses the ball against the (big ball) earth what advantage will there be in have more face flex?  I think all most all the iron distance gains are attributed to loft decreases.  Any opinions on the subject?

[WUTiger]

I'm concerned about the long-term durability of the clubs. I'd rather have a thicker-faced 5 iron that goes 5 yards shorter and lasts for 10 years, than a thinnie that might bend up during season 3.

[saevel25]

I'm concerned about the long-term durability of the clubs. I'd rather have a thicker-faced 5 iron that goes 5 yards shorter and lasts for 10 years, than a thinnie that might bend up during season 3.

Not when your one of us who change equipment every 5 years ;)

Honestly, i doubt there is a durability issue. The grooves will probably wear out before the face takes any structural damage for being to thin.

[David in FL]

I understand that reducing face thickness in irons will allow more perimeter weight distribution, but as far as distance goes, if a well struck iron hits the ball first and compresses the ball against the (big ball) earth what advantage will there be in have more face flex?  I think all most all the iron distance gains are attributed to loft decreases.  Any opinions on the subject?

Just to clarify one common misperception......with a properly struck iron, the ball does not compress against the ground. The dynamic loft of the iron is positive (even though the angle of attack is not) and as a result, the ball is launched upward off the club face.

[PirateJim]

From what I have gathered the thin face with some at least purported spring action to help kick up ball speed started a while back in the metal woods and has only sort of recently become an important marketing check point for some irons. Mostly the game improvement segment where longer now equates to better. I am, perhaps, atypical because extra distance from my irons really doesn't get my blood pumping. What I wonder/worry (mostly worry) about is if these thin springy faces don't encourage hot spots, and perhaps dead ones too, on the club face? I don't care if I hit my 7 iron 140, 150 or 160 yards nearly so much as being able to count on hitting it a consistent distance repeatedly! Anyone with knowledge on the subject have thoughts on consistency of distance with these new designs?

[Dave40]

From what I have gathered the thin face with some at least purported spring action to help kick up ball speed started a while back in the metal woods and has only sort of recently become an important marketing check point for some irons. Mostly the game improvement segment where longer now equates to better. I am, perhaps, atypical because extra distance from my irons really doesn't get my blood pumping. What I wonder/worry (mostly worry) about is if these thin springy faces don't encourage hot spots, and perhaps dead ones too, on the club face? I don't care if I hit my 7 iron 140, 150 or 160 yards nearly so much as being able to count on hitting it a consistent distance repeatedly! Anyone with knowledge on the subject have thoughts on consistency of distance with these new designs?

That's where the quality of the club head makes a difference. The thickness of a thin faced iron must be very precise to avoid hot spots and dead spots.