Significance of + 1/2"

[jowlar]

While having some wedge lies adjusted, my fitter suggested that I play shafts +1/2" in my irons. What impact would half an inch have on performance?

Could this be accomplished through shaft extensions rather than new shafts? Would extensions effect flex, swing weight, and lie?

I need new grips anyway so I was considering adding some extensions and using a lighter grip.

I guess that I have a hard time believing that a 1/2" could make a big difference so I need some convincing.

[Gapwedge]

While having some wedge lies adjusted, my fitter suggested that I play shafts +1/2" in my irons. What impact would half an inch have on performance?

Tape a quarter to your club head. That is 3 swingweight points. 1/2"= 3 swingweight points. If you normally swing a D0 swingweight it will be D3 with the 1/2" extension. The lie will be unaffected. I am guessing shaft extensions can be added effectively if done right and I don't think you will notice any change in the flex.

[BD57]

Gap's right about the swingweight effect & use of extensions vs. reshafting to the new length. I disagree with him re: lie - it WILL affect it somewhat (longer will make the club play more upright, shorter makes it play flatter).

My teacher suggested I add 1/2" to my irons a few years ago for "posture" reasons - - -

[bca42]

While having some wedge lies adjusted, my fitter suggested that I play shafts +1/2" in my irons. What impact would half an inch have on performance?

I'm 6'3" and having been fitted for irons in the past, the max I have been recommended to add is a 1/2" and though provided as an option my fitters have not seemed to be really taken by the idea. It was presented as, "well you could add a 1/2" if you want." Not convincing enough for me. Maybe you're taller and it would help, but some of the others are right about what else it impacts. Good luck!

[Gapwedge]

Gap's right about the swingweight effect & use of extensions vs. reshafting to the new length. I disagree with him re: lie - it WILL affect it somewhat (longer will make the club play more upright, shorter makes it play flatter).

That may be true and then again may not be in regard to lie change. The ulitmate truth can be found using a lie board with tape on the club sole. The hand position and the actual swing has as much to do with the correct lie position as does one's height, etc. I would suggest hitting on the lie board before and after the extension to see what impact it makes. To me more length means less control and I would not be in favor of extending the shafts unless the fitting calls for it.

Thanks BD57 for keeping me straight.

[Everardo]

While having some wedge lies adjusted, my fitter suggested that I play shafts +1/2" in my irons. What impact would half an inch have on performance?

Length will affect posture and impact (as well as other factors)

Could this be accomplished through shaft extensions rather than new shafts? Would extensions effect flex, swing weight, and lie?

yes extensions will work fine. It will affect flex, swing weight and lie but a good club repairer will factor these changes in.

I need new grips anyway so I was considering adding some extensions and using a lighter grip.

Lighter grips will also affect swing weight. So the combination of a longer club and lighter grips will increase your swingweight a few points or so.

I guess that I have a hard time believing that a 1/2" could make a big difference so I need some convincing.

Heck I adjusted my own clubs by 1/4" and it made a big difference and improved my contact. If you a really concerned about it then have 2-3 clubs adjusted and see how they play.

[BD57]

Gap:

You're right of course that how the club plays will depend on how it is swung. My comment was premised on "all other things being equal" - if the swingweight / balance changes by adding 1/2", it's possible that all other things wouldn't be equal.

In my case, it was suggested because I have a tendency to stoop over at address & then stand up as I swing the club; I'll also 'shorten' the club by straightening out the 'left shoulder - hands - clubhead' line (wrists arch).

The goal of my set-up isn't to get the clubs to fit my swing; we're looking for clubs that reward a proper swing, i.e., my clubs are fit to where the club should be, not where it necessarily is.

Which is (IMO) one part of fitting that's not given nearly enough attention by clubfitters.

[Gapwedge]

Gap:

BD57, Based upon your 4.9 handicap I would say your swing is not far off from being very, very good and I bet it is pretty dang repetitive. It is hard for a fitter to fit an inconsistent swing of a higher handicapper. A patient fitter will work with the golfer until a pattern of swings is established and honest feedback from the golfer is constructive. My point was this. If the golfer had a pattern of consistent swings and the lie board recommended bending the lie to 2* flat then I would have the irons bent 2*. It may not be a perfect swing, but it is the most consistent swing the golfer has based upon his handicap. For example, let's say mid-single digit handicapper has an early release (a slight casting) on the downswing where he does not hold his wrist cock closer to impact (the perfect release). Do you fit him with a shaft flex and bend point based upon the early release or anticipate he will improve his swing and hold the wrist cock closer to impact and fit him with the stronger shaft? The shaft characteristics would be different for the two swings IMO. If the golfer improves over time another fitting may be required. I am not disagreeing with your fitting assessment.