Does iron shaft length truly matter?

[rookie101]

Hi everyone

I have been thinking of putting a new(for me) set of irons together and have naturally been doing some background research into what length to have the shafts. I am 6'2" and still growing, btw.

I came across a website which held measurements for traditional 70s lengths which led me to think, why not play them this length now? Surely it would lead to a more compact and controlled swing?

Furthermore I have always been recommended/fitted for plus size shafts and found them to feel unwieldy, which in the long irons is a very bad feeling.

I was just wondering whether any one else had been thinking a similar thing/had any views on the topic?

Zach

[WUTiger]

... I came across a website which held measurements for traditional 70s lengths which led me to think, why not play them this length now? Surely it would lead to a more compact and controlled swing? ...

I'm not sure why you think this. In the 1970s, steel shafts were all fairly heavy, about 120 to 130 grams per shaft. Now, golfers have a full range of heavy, medium, light and superlight metal shafts. And, graphite is also available. And, shaft length and lie angle are much easier to adjust than in the 1970s.

The GolfWorks instructors said that golf shafts are longer these days, in part, because today's average person is taller than the average 1970s person.

You need to get fitted based on how you strike the ball.  You need to hit some shots, and get some launch monitor data to make use in making your decision.

Fingertip-to-floor and a person's height may be good as a rough starting point, but until you get the launch data, and see what lie angle-shaft length you need, don't go cutting shafts or bending hosels.