One Length Scoring Clubs

[Shankster]

I’ve been thinking about this for a few days.  And I think I would thoroughly enjoy it if my 8 iron - 56 were all the same length.  Just a matter of having a club builder mat swing weight and gap them properly.  But I am growing to dislike 35.5” wedge shafts, I get too steep with them… yea, a swing fault most likely.

[GolfSpy_APH]

I would give it a try. I've always been curious about one length. I think the new forged TEC in one length would be great. That being said in scoring clubs it would seem to make a bit more sense as the gaping seems to get worse the longer the shot. 

Do you think the note delicate shots would be any different or more or less tricky with the added length? Full shots i still could see soon increases maybe?

[russtopherb]

I will say that in the short time I got to demo a one length set, the scoring clubs were my absolute favorites. I've never been able to hit those high perfect wedges that stop on a dime save for with one lengths.

[MDGolfHacker]

I tested the Cobra F8 one lengths.  It felt strange to hit a one length wedge out of a bunker and more times than not I didn't make it out (I'm a terrible bunker player to begin with but having a longer club to hit I think messed with my mind more so).  I've since switched back to standard length wedges (still terrible out of bunkers but only less so, ). Now from the fairway it's wasn't such a big deal hitting a full one length wedge.

 

MDGolfHacker

[Shankster]

I’m looking at it for the fact that I’m getting old.

[Kansas King]

I like the concept of one length irons but I think there is a better middle ground to reduce the single length compromises. I wish more companies made a dual length set or a set designed for less length progression. The only dual length set I'm aware of is the Pinhawk set from Hireko. The Pinhawk set is designed for the 3,4, & 5 iron to be 38" and the shorter irons at 36.5". I think this is a better balance between scoring and long irons that having every iron at 37" to 37.5". I've always found that people stop using one lengths because the compromise is too great in the long run. You could also try building a set with less length progression, starting longer at the wedge and working up from there. It may be a little ugly as it will likely require lead tape but you or a club fitter should be able to work out the math so excessive amounts of lead tape aren't required. 

[cnosil]

9 minutes ago, Kansas King said:

I like the concept of one length irons but I think there is a better middle ground to reduce the single length compromises. I wish more companies made a dual length set or a set designed for less length progression. The only dual length set I'm aware of is the Pinhawk set from Hireko. The Pinhawk set is designed for the 3,4, & 5 iron to be 38" and the shorter irons at 36.5". I think this is a better balance between scoring and long irons that having every iron at 37" to 37.5". I've always found that people stop using one lengths because the compromise is too great in the long run. You could also try building a set with less length progression, starting longer at the wedge and working up from there. It may be a little ugly as it will likely require lead tape but you or a club fitter should be able to work out the math so excessive amounts of lead tape aren't required. 

EQUS golf is another option; they use 3 lengths: https://www.equsgolf.com

they were part of most wanted testing back in 2017.  

[Kansas King]

11 minutes ago, cnosil said:

EQUS golf is another option; they use 3 lengths: https://www.equsgolf.com

they were part of most wanted testing back in 2017.  

Those are interesting. Ultimately, I think the progressive set as we have it today is the way it is because it maximizes performance. I do like the EQUS idea of three lengths and I especially like their attention to detail regarding MOI and CG matching to make the set feel right from top to bottom. I'm curious if they are still in business or not because everything is sold out online. 

Ultimately, I think my one big hang up with the whole one-length concept is the claim about only needing one swing. I like the idea but does anyone every consciously pull out a longer or shorter iron and say to themselves "I need to use my flatter swing from this 5-iron since it's longer". I don't think so. I think most people who are experienced golfers know that on days you have truly good swings, you can hit every club in the bag without issue. I'm fully on board with the idea of maybe shortening the longer clubs in the bag to improve control, however. I don't think the end solution is single length. In fact, I think the ultimate solution to fitting is variable progressive length sets but fittings will involve finding what the best length is for the shortest and longest iron, then building a progressive set between those two lengths. The challenge will be getting companies to build iron heads with enough weight adjustability to fit a wide range of lengths. 

[wdbritt]

I've played Cobra one lengths for over 2 years now and I wouldn't go back to regular stepped set for anything. The only problem I had was not having an iron longer than a 6. I had 3,4 and 5 one length Cobra hybrids,that I did not like, to fill out the set. I recently got a used Cobra one length 5 iron to replace the 5 hybrid. Then I added 5 and 7 Mizuno DD Sure fairway woods to replace the 4 and 3 hybrids. I'm so happy with the Mizuno's that I'm looking for a 3 wood as well. The DD Sure's are are a one length type set. The difference is that the set is divided into 4 lengths fairway woods, hybrids, short irons and last the wedges. The biggest issue is that the Mizuno's are apparently rare in the US and therefore expensive.

[Shankster]

3 minutes ago, wdbritt said:

I've played Cobra one lengths for over 2 years now and I wouldn't go back to regular stepped set for anything. The only problem I had was not having an iron longer than a 6. I had 3,4 and 5 one length Cobra hybrids,that I did not like, to fill out the set. I recently got a used Cobra one length 5 iron to replace the 5 hybrid. Then I added 5 and 7 Mizuno DD Sure fairway woods to replace the 4 and 3 hybrids. I'm so happy with the Mizuno's that I'm looking for a 3 wood as well. The DD Sure's are are a one length type set. The difference is that the set is divided into 4 lengths fairway woods, hybrids, short irons and last the wedges. The biggest issue is that the Mizuno's are apparently rare in the US and therefore expensive.

Learned something new tonight.  Thanks for sharing that information.  Never heard of those particular Mizuno’s.

[silver & black]

11 hours ago, Shankster said:

I’m looking at it for the fact that I’m getting old.

Old?... you???  Not even close yet, my friend.

[Shankster]

Just now, silver & black said:

Old?... you???  Not even close yet, my friend.

Age number wise perhaps… wear and tear… at least +20

[silver & black]

Just now, Shankster said:

Age number wise perhaps… wear and tear… at least +20

I hear ya. I did significant damage to myself early on in my life with Martial Arts, Mtn. Biking and Tennis... and a few other dumb things...lol.

[TDubbGolferGuy]

On 5/18/2022 at 11:37 AM, Kansas King said:

I like the concept of one length irons but I think there is a better middle ground to reduce the single length compromises. I wish more companies made a dual length set or a set designed for less length progression. The only dual length set I'm aware of is the Pinhawk set from Hireko. The Pinhawk set is designed for the 3,4, & 5 iron to be 38" and the shorter irons at 36.5". I think this is a better balance between scoring and long irons that having every iron at 37" to 37.5". I've always found that people stop using one lengths because the compromise is too great in the long run. You could also try building a set with less length progression, starting longer at the wedge and working up from there. It may be a little ugly as it will likely require lead tape but you or a club fitter should be able to work out the math so excessive amounts of lead tape aren't required. 

I would agree with your premise.  I’ve been playing a dual set of Cobra irons for 2 years now that I really enjoy.  On the Cobra website, I had to buy each club individually, but I basically bought Forged-Tec 7 through gap standard length, but the 4-6 are King SZ game-improvement are 6-iron length.  I’ve reallly enjoyed the set as I bought them, however, I’ve found that I have a distance gapping issue with the 4 and 5 iron.  Functionally, they both go between 200 to 220 yards.  So, I’m basically in the market for a standard-length driving iron as I’ve never really enjoyed hitting hybrids (my own personal bias/mental block).  However, I really didn’t like looking at a standard-length wedge, but I could possibly go single-length to the gap.

Basically, I really like the idea of single-length clubs, and I hope that they’ll continue to put research $$ behind the concept.

Y’all have a great spring and summer!!

[DeBartola_B]

After 2 years I have ended my own personal One Length experiment.  Even though I had played some quality golf with the one lengths in the bag, saw my handicap get as low as it has ever been, I decided to move away from them for multiple reasons.  For one the distance with the high irons(4-6) was substantially shorter than I had previously hit the ball, this created a strange gap between irons and hybrid/woods where I found myself having to hit 60-75% hybrid shots and hoping I judged it the right way.  For me that is never a recipe for success.  Finally I was never really comfortable with the PW and GW with the one length set.  On full swings they were ok, but anytime I needed to flight it differently or hit a knock down wedge it also felt awkward and inconsistent.  The only thing I loved with the one lengths was the consistent ball flight with each club(this is the reason I made the switch 2 years ago) but ultimately the lack of distance and uncomfortableness with the scoring club led me to switch back to standard length clubs.  I do think 2 years is long enough to give it a good try and I do not regret putting these in the bag at all.  I have small children and I have actually thought that a one length junior set would be a great idea to teach them to play if they ever become interested.

[Macdubh]

For what its worth. I have had all my wedges the same length as my pitching wedge for quite some time and I like it a lot better. 

[Mark In Land O Lakes]

I've been using the Cobra 1-length irons for about a year now, and I like them.  For me, the best part is that my swing set-up is the same for every iron.  I don't have to adjust ball position or how far I am from the ball.  It just reduces variability.    It is not a cure-all, but I think it has helped.  Some clubs I think I hit better; but clubs I had trouble hitting before, I still had trouble hitting.  Like my 5-iron, which I eventually replaced with a 5-hybrid; and I'm still lousy out of a greenside bunker with my sand wedge.  But I can't blame the clubs for that.

[WaffleHouseTour]

I've really liked my one length - and have been very happy with the wedges.  Less variability has been a big plus (especially since my skillest coach has me working on posture and set up to fix some bad habits I picked up over the winter).  My one complaint is that the Cobra one length hybrids tend to really really draw (hook?).  I find I have a good gap with the 5h and 4h.  But boy, do I fight a big sweeping draw/hook.  I've got the F9s in the garage, and play the Forged-TEC Black in my bag. Big fan. I play those wedges better than the shorter/variable style.  I definitely get more height.  Took a bit of getting used to w the wedges, like a week.  But I wouldn't trade em.

[saz0418]

I have played 1L irons for more than 8 years -- first as custom fit set of Wishon Sterling irons, and then Cobra F8.  I still game the Cobra irons, 7i through GW.   I had a 55 degree wedge made 7i length to gap into the set.   But lately I have been playing conventional lengh 52 and 56 and 60 degree wedges at the bottom of the bag.  I sometimes carry the 1L 6i as well.  Otherwise, I move into a 5h (25 degree TM Stealth) and 4h (Callaway Xr).    I like the consistency of short irons through GW all being the same set up, length, ball postion, etc.   I also like that I can grip down a little for in-between yardages and not worry about hitting it thin.   GW is probably the last club in the bag that I use for a full swing (about 100 yards).   The shorter wedges are for half shots, pitching and chipping.  I can hit full half wedges, but I am more likely to hit a partial PW or GW than the shorter club for, say, 75 yards because the swing is shorter and less can go wrong.    Anyway, I would fully suggest you explore the 1L.   You always have options for the longer irons (or shorter ones) if one or the other in the 1L does not suit you.  I mix and match all the time just for the sake of confidence and results.    For reference, I am 63 and play to a single digit index.     Good Luck and enjoy the journey.   

 

[Bang60]

On 5/19/2022 at 1:12 PM, silver & black said:

I hear ya. I did significant damage to myself early on in my life with Martial Arts, Mtn. Biking and Tennis... and a few other dumb things...lol.

Yeah Martial arts was good while I was training 25-30 hours a week with the constant bruising lol, did that for 3 years and thought I was pretty good and was looking for fights on Friday night lol, lucky nobody was interested and I was in my 40s so bloody stupid. My knees and wrist’s are not good…

[Chadvb]

I am about a year and half into my own experiment with a similar concept. Originally started with my 2 favorite length clubs. LW to 8 iron were GW length, 7-4 iron were 7 iron length. Of course making the correct lie changes and Swing weight changes. After a few months I ultimately landed on standard length LW - 7 iron and kept the one length 6, 5, 4, iron at 7 iron length. I found I needed 5 degrees between 4 (20 deg) and 5 iron (25 deg) and 5 and 6 iron (30 deg) to get my distance gaps correct. I also went to Mizuno MP 18 fli hi head in the 4 and 5 iron. 

I originally did this with X100 shafts but now have Modus 105x, something about the Modus 105x made this a lot better. I really liked the concept but my golf/scoring didn't reflect it until I made 1 final change, and that was to really focus in on Swing weight. I got some GP Tour 25 grips and went to town where needed on lead tape and play my LW at E0, SW at D8 and everything else at D6. I also built up my grips a tiny bit. All of this was in an effort to eliminate the pull hook. I am about 10 rounds in and its worked beautifully, when I hit it left it just seems to be a pull and the hook part is gone, some even drift back to the right which has been missing from my game for years but in general my miss is now a little bit right and not left of left.  

This isn't for everyone, but anyone that hits the ball high enough, I would consider it. I don't worry nearly as much about making solid contact with my long irons anymore, even on the days when the ball striking isn't all there. I also find I can actually flight a 4 and 5 iron down in the wind, a shot that traditionally I would try but it would always drift up on me. 

Final changes - I haven't pulled the trigger yet, but I am considering adding a little bit of length back to the longer irons. I am thinking of adding .25 inch to the 6 iron, .5 inch to the 5 iron (so 6 iron length) and .5 or .75 inch to the 4 iron. The reason is when the ball is on an awkward lie (and really when is it other then on tee) it can feel a little awkward. I would also like to see a little more pop on the 5 and particularity the 4 iron as I would love another 5ish yards carry with it for 2 shots I often have at my home club. 

Edited June 28, 2022 by Chadvb

[Kansas King]

18 hours ago, WaffleHouseTour said:

I've really liked my one length - and have been very happy with the wedges.  Less variability has been a big plus (especially since my skillest coach has me working on posture and set up to fix some bad habits I picked up over the winter).  My one complaint is that the Cobra one length hybrids tend to really really draw (hook?).  I find I have a good gap with the 5h and 4h.  But boy, do I fight a big sweeping draw/hook.  I've got the F9s in the garage, and play the Forged-TEC Black in my bag. Big fan. I play those wedges better than the shorter/variable style.  I definitely get more height.  Took a bit of getting used to w the wedges, like a week.  But I wouldn't trade em.

You may try some lead tape positioned towards the toe on your hybrids. I personally find most hybrids, especially when built for GI, are either too light or too draw oriented. Lead tape is about the only solution and it can work well but it may not always be pretty cosmetically. 

[Bang60]

9 hours ago, Chadvb said:

 I got some GP Tour 25 grips and went to town where needed on lead tape and play my LW at E0, SW at D8 and everything else at D6. I also built up my grips a tiny bit. 

Yeah I did similar, my T200 Irons are D4 and I'm thinking of trying D6 but thought it was too much. My 4iron is D2 and I can get 194metres out of it well once I hit it perfect when I was laying up 25metres short to avoid bunkers, bunkers in NZ are crappy dirt lol. So more lead tapeology happening here, appreciate your feedback...

[scratchnurse]

My wedges are all my 48/54/58 are all the same length(50*). has really revolutionized my wedge game. 

[Firebird]

When I was looking at new clubs 10 years ago I tried one length. I actually liked the 3-7 irons but the issue I had was with the 8-PW. To me it just felt wrong and I found the SW to be the worst. I am a very good bunker player but with the one length I really struggled. BTW, my wedges are almost all the  same length. I actually thought about getting a custom set with 3-7 one length 8-9 one length etc.

[Korban61]

I have used Single Length irons for about 10 years now. Started off with a used set of 1Irongolf.com, then bought some Pinhawks, then had a club builder fit me for some Sterling Irons (LW-4i).  I love them, and have no problem hitting full and partial wedge shots with them. I use the LW, which has very little bounce, to get out of wet dirt/sand bunkers, and I use the SW & GW from 30 to 70 yards partial wedge shots. I also chip with them. I do use a Cleveland CBX 58° wedge for under 30 yards.

I have had my current set about 5 years, and am considering getting the Wishon EQ1-NX Single Length next.