Weight tape on irons? Why?

[powertrip240]

I just picked up a set of used Cleveland TA4 irons, and some of them had weight tape on them. Without thinking, I went and removed the tape. Now I'm wondering if I shoud have left it there and tried them first with the tape.

What are the benefits of the weight tape? Let me mention that I am definitely not a long ball hitter. My 4 iron is lucky to get 180 yards. I have a somewhat slower swing. Would weight tape help in getting some more distance?

[tinman115]

powertrip, the lead tape won't affect your distance or trajectory (atleast not noticeably). lead tape is primarily used to change swing weight.

hope that helps

[powertrip240]

I figured it had to do with swing weight, but what exactly is swing weight, and how does it affect distance and trajectory?

[tinman115]

as far as i know, swing weight is a measurement of how the weight is distributed throughout the club.
a high swing weight means the clubhead feels heavier.

it's more relevant for swing speed and tempo than it is for distance and trajectory.

if you're looking for a smooth and controlled swing, you'd should go for higher swing weight

if you want more clubhead speed, then you should go for a lower swing weight

[DaveLeeNC]

In the range of swingweight changes that most folks implement (2-4 SW points), the dynamics at impact and the fundamental properties of your clubhead are little changed - and your clubhead speed isn't going to change much either. For example if you were to tape 3 dimes to the bottom of your driver clubhead you would raise the SW around 4 SW points.

However how things feel may change a lot (for some folks) and that may or may not be important to your results and your swing consistency. But unless a different SW improves your swing in some manner, it won't help (or hurt) your distance.

dave