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I have been fitted and measured several times. All the wrist-to-floor charts agree that I should be 1 inch over on my iron lengths. Clubfitter told me I need 38.25" for six iron, which is 1 inch over most standard steel six iron length.

My question is---since graphite is usually 1/2 inch longer than steel on any given set, does that mean my graphite iron should be a 38.75" six iron, or do I stay at 38.25" regardless of whether using graphite or steel?

Thanks

Ken
NJ hacker

You really should stay at 38.25 regardless of material used. The reason graphite is usually longer than steel is because a lot of manufacturers do NOT make two different sets of head for steel and graphite. With the lighter graphite shafts, the club swingweight feels a lot lighter than they would with steel, so they make it somewhere between a half inch to an inch longer so that the swingweight is similar to the steel shafted irons.

What you want you clubbuilder to do is keep the same length, but add weight to the heads to being the swing weight back up. Or don't worry about if you like the lighter swingweight. But, the properly fitted length doesn't matter on what material the shaft is -- the off the rack sets are built that way for the reasons I gave above.

So a person who is measured for "standard length" clubs would actually be getting clubs that are too long if he decided to go to "standard length" graphite shafts, correct?

Thanks

I would say so, Ken. The correct length and lie is based on a person's swing and posture and size. It has nothing to do with the material of the shaft.

Okay, Big....thanks!

Ken; If you need longer lengths, then go with what's recommended for you. Since you are going longer already, there is NO NEED to go the extra length with a graphite shaft to increase the swing weight. Going with longer shafts, will do that already, no need to do it twice. Clubs an in longer than standard will have a very high swing weight as it is. Might be too high for a lot of golfers, so you might want to bring this up with your club fitter.