Transition irons set using different shafts as the transition -- what do you think?

[wanabe]

Hi fellas, just thought I'd float an idea/question and see what you all thought.  I have made up a couple of sets over the winter due to having time on my hands because of my rehab from back surgery and one of the sets of heads I used was a Leyland Transition set of heads.  So I was just thinking about the idea of transitioning within a set.  I read an article by Terry Kohler a while back where he said that this was a good idea.  Well, I got to wondering if one could transition in a set based on using different shafts vs diffrent heads and what that might be like.  I am thinking of building a set, all "A" flex, but transitioning from graphite low bend point shafts for the 5 & 6, to graphite mid bend point for the 7 & 8 to steel low bend point for the 9 & PW.  What do you think?  Crazy idea?

[cnosil]

We transition like this as we move through the set,  the shafts in the driver may be a different profile than the woods or hybrids; typically irons all match and then we get to wedges.   The question I would have is what are you trying to accomplish?    I could see it for the long irons especially if you struggle with launch.

[wanabe]

I'm 73 (almost 74) and have lost alot of distance over the last 5 years ( I used to hit my 7 150, now it's more like 135).  I have also got some serious issues with my back so I can't swing like I used to so I was wondering if I could help myself out by trying to put in shafts that would be most oriented to the specific clubs.  I have continued to used steel in my wedges (50, 54, 58) looking for more control and I was just kind of wondering if having steel in the 9 and PW would help along those lines (not looking for distance in those irons as much as accuracy and cotrol).  Othrwise I would go with the different graphite in the 5,6,7 and 8,9, & PW and just not bother with the 3 step transition.  Partly this is just for fun and experiment (maybe even mostly : ).

[Kansas King]

I would probably say you're better off with only using two shafts to reduce variability but there are no rules against trying three shafts. Worst case scenario you change a couple shafts in the future if you don't like it. 

[richk9holes]

TT is selling this concept for $50 a shaft branded binary. Not so crazy I guess

Go for it, copyright Trinary,  

[chisag]

On 3/2/2023 at 2:16 PM, wanabe said:

Hi fellas, just thought I'd float an idea/question and see what you all thought.  I have made up a couple of sets over the winter due to having time on my hands because of my rehab from back surgery and one of the sets of heads I used was a Leyland Transition set of heads.  So I was just thinking about the idea of transitioning within a set.  I read an article by Terry Kohler a while back where he said that this was a good idea.  Well, I got to wondering if one could transition in a set based on using different shafts vs diffrent heads and what that might be like.  I am thinking of building a set, all "A" flex, but transitioning from graphite low bend point shafts for the 5 & 6, to graphite mid bend point for the 7 & 8 to steel low bend point for the 9 & PW.  What do you think?  Crazy idea?

 

... Golf forums used to have more "crazy" ideas like this one. I think if you can stay in the same brand of shaft it might certainly be fun to experiment. Of course some are already offering these like Steelfiber FC's the do exactly what you are thinking about. Higher, softer tip in the long irons and transitioning to stiffer tipped, lower launching short irons. I would not switch to steel in the short irons because they are just so different, especially for older players that are subject to vibration causing physical problems like tendonitis. But experimenting is fun, especially if you have shafts lying around. 

[funkyjudge]

11 minutes ago, chisag said:

 

... Golf forums used to have more "crazy" ideas like this one. I think if you can stay in the same brand of shaft it might certainly be fun to experiment. Of course some are already offering these like Steelfiber FC's the do exactly what you are thinking about. Higher, softer tip in the long irons and transitioning to stiffer tipped, lower launching short irons. I would not switch to steel in the short irons because they are just so different, especially for older players that are subject to vibration causing physical problems like tendonitis. But experimenting is fun, especially if you ahem shafts lying around. 

I used to play graphite shafts (90-95 gram S-flex) in my hybrids and irons and steel (115 gram Nippon wedge-specific shafts) in my wedges, but over the past two years or so I have gone to all graphite shafts from driver to 59* wedge. The only thing that I do that might be considered “progressive” is that my hybrid and iron set shafts weigh 80-85 grams, while the wedge shafts progress from 90g in the gap wedge to 100-110 grams in the most-lofted wedges.

Ironically, this idea came from Terry “The Wedge Guy” Koehler. He suggested that if I was using KBS Tour Graphite 80 shafts in my iron set, I should consider using a KBS TGI 90 shaft in my gap wedge and TGI 100 — or even 110 — graphite shafts in my other wedges, so I did this last year.

[Donn lost in San Diego]

I am now 68.  I can still swing reg flex on irons, but 3 wood and driver are now M = Mature or A flex.  I don't know how much longer I will use any shaft over 43 inches.  I might just take a good 3 wood A flex and add a 1/2 or 3/4 inch and call it my driver sometime in the near future.  Do what works for you.  But I would advise you not go to steel until you are in a 48 deg or higher wedge, on a typical Wedge shaft.  Watch your swing weights.  I finally learned it is best to keep them close.  I am not too keen on varying the flex points but I did not have back surgery (yet).  Knee & thumb surgery, yes. 

[IsaiasMarcos]

On 3/3/2023 at 2:16 AM, wanabe said:

Hi fellas, just thought I'd float an idea/question and see what you all thought.  I have made up a couple of sets over the winter due to having time on my hands because of my rehab from back surgery and one of the sets of heads I used was a Leyland Transition set of heads.  So I was just thinking about the idea of transitioning within a set.  I read an article by Terry Kohler a while back where he said that this was a good idea about snaptik.  Well, I got to wondering if one could transition in a set based on using different shafts vs diffrent heads and what that might be like.  I am thinking of building a set, all "A" flex, but transitioning from graphite low bend point shafts for the 5 & 6, to graphite mid bend point for the 7 & 8 to steel low bend point for the 9 & PW.  What do you think?  Crazy idea?

Transitioning from graphite low bend point shafts to graphite mid bend point shafts, and then to steel low bend point shafts as you progress through the set could potentially offer a gradual change in feel and performance as you move from longer to shorter icons. Graphite shafts tend to be lighter and can provide more distance and forgiveness, while steel shafts offer a different feel, control and potentially more accuracy. 
Regards

Edited May 9, 2023 by IsaiasMarcos

[vandyland]

I tried using regular flex long irons with my stiff flex mid and short irons and didn't feel much of a difference. I did that based on the success I had with "Otto-Phlex" with a senior shaft in my driver. That said, I do like having a senior shaft in my driver and a regular shaft in my hybrid, so go figure that.