TPE filled iron heads

[Tom the Golf Nut]

Would anyone know if the thermoplastic polymer that is injection molded into hollow bodied iron heads change properties in colder weather. I've been trying to find out but the internet has failed me. I have noticed a sound change and a slight distance reduction when I played golf in the 40 degree temperature range. 

Does this material lose some of its rebound tendencies? I know it is more to deaden the sound but it does have elastic properties allowing for thinner club faces.

Is it getting firmer as it gets colder? I know colder air reduces ball flight as well.

Or it could have been possible that I had an active imagination that day?  But I'm sure there is some data out there.

[Jmikecpa]

Also cold had a affect on the ball, a cold ball does not compress as well as a warm ball. In the olden days of the early 2000’s we used to play the Precept Lady ball when it got cold. Felt better and flew very similar to the ball you would play in warmer weather. Try a softer ball when it gets colder out.


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[Jmikecpa]

And for the original question I am not sure the iron heads have much to do with it. The top end of my bag is PXG Gen 3T and I don’t see any real difference in the cold when I switch the ball out.


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[twyatt700]

Would anyone know if the thermoplastic polymer that is injection molded into hollow bodied iron heads change properties in colder weather. I've been trying to find out but the internet has failed me. I have noticed a sound change and a slight distance reduction when I played golf in the 40 degree temperature range. 
Does this material lose some of its rebound tendencies? I know it is more to deaden the sound but it does have elastic properties allowing for thinner club faces.
Is it getting firmer as it gets colder? I know colder air reduces ball flight as well.
Or it could have been possible that I had an active imagination that day?  But I'm sure there is some data out there.

I actually am an expert in TPE, it’s a common material used in prosthetics. So to answer your question, yes. But the same goes for all materials in cold weather. The steel used in irons, titanium, urethane, etc... the colder temperatures reduce the responsiveness of the materials ( the molecules are moving slower in colder temps). Essentially the materials don’t flex and respond as quickly so the transfer of energy is less and you get less speed. The lower your swing speed the more the is exasperated. The tpe is less affected by the temperature so that’s not where you’re loosing the distance. It’s more a factor of the face not flexing as much. The more the club is engineered the more effect the temperature will have on it. That is why you don’t see the professionals having as much issue with temperature as us mere mortals. Hope that helps. It’s a bit of a rant but I love this nerdy stuff. Simple physics and molecular chemistry really


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[Tom the Golf Nut]

1 hour ago, twyatt700 said:

I actually am an expert in TPE, it’s a common material used in prosthetics. So to answer your question, yes. But the same goes for all materials in cold weather. The steel used in irons, titanium, urethane, etc... the colder temperatures reduce the responsiveness of the materials ( the molecules are moving slower in colder temps). Essentially the materials don’t flex and respond as quickly so the transfer of energy is less and you get less speed. The lower your swing speed the more the is exasperated. The tpe is less affected by the temperature so that’s not where you’re loosing the distance. It’s more a factor of the face not flexing as much. The more the club is engineered the more effect the temperature will have on it. That is why you don’t see the professionals having as much issue with temperature as us mere mortals. Hope that helps. It’s a bit of a rant but I love this nerdy stuff. Simple physics and molecular chemistry really


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Well that explains it. Or should I say gives me an excuse.  It just didn't feel or sound right. I usually don't play when it gets down near 40 degrees so it won't be much of an issue.  Thanks for the information.

My brother in law made prosthetics and braces. He recently retired. But I remember he made the back brace and other requirements for Christopher Reeve (Superman) after he broke his back after being thrown from a horse many years ago.  

[twyatt700]

Well that explains it. Or should I say gives me an excuse.  It just didn't feel or sound right. I usually don't play when it gets down near 40 degrees so it won't be much of an issue.  Thanks for the information.
My brother in law made prosthetics and braces. He recently retired. But I remember he made the back brace and other requirements for Christopher Reeve (Superman) after he broke his back after being thrown from a horse many years ago.  

That’s pretty cool! I do the same thing, many years from retirement though! But yeah hope that settles your concern!


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