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I have mentioned this else where on a thread that seems to be dying off so i will ask it here. The measurements I have had done all say that my shafts should be 1/2" longer than stock shafts. The two choices are complete reshafting which would cost a fair amount, or having 1/2" extensions epoxied onto the end of the shafts by a club maker/repair tech. They assure me that they can get the original (new) grips off and put them back on. Can anyone think of any adverse condition that would arise from using a 1/2" extensions as compared to new shafts that are just a 1/2" longer? When you order new clubs with longer shafts, do the big club makers actually put in longer stock shafts, or do they use extensions as well?

Kev, this won't be a problem for the clubmaker or for you having them extended 1/2" longer. And as far as shafts go I'm not aware of iron shafts that come in different lengths for a set (particularly steel ones), except for Harrison Tour Stars which are graphite and marked for each of the irons they should be used for as they are frequencied to the iron...a clubmaker will cut the butt end of the shaft to get the length of the particular iron and no extensions are used when building a new set. Where did you hear they used extensions for building a new set? This is incorrect information.

I didn't hear that they used extensions on new set, I was wondering if that is what they do. The local Dicks has a new set of TaylorMade HT irons for a great closeout price. The salesman at Dicks has a friend who is a club maker/repair tech who can "blow off" the original grips, epoxy the 1/2" extensions in and put the original grips back on. Then he can adjust the lie angle for me. Looks like I can have all that done for under $100.

Just to give an alternative opinion...don't! I've yet to see an extension that I liked! Get a new shaft cut to the right length!

Thomas can you explain about the issues you've had with extensions?...I've not heard of problems with extending shafts either graphite or steel....curious to hear of your experience.

Let me get a cost of that from my guy to see if he'd charge $11.00 a club to pull the grips, extend the club and check your lie angles...I think that's reasonable, but let me double check for you.

I had extensions in my old irons and I couldn't tell the difference. I woulda never knew that they were in there if I didn't put them in there myself. Simp

How much of an extension? 1/2" won't be that big of a deal, 1" perhaps...It's almost like shimmed shafts -- I don't know of anyone who would be able to tell the difference between a shimmed .335 into a .350 bore versus a .350 shaft, if done properly of course.

Thanks, that would be great. The issue here is that I have tried several clubs that I really like, but of course the costs vary widely. I actually tried and liked the Tour Edge Bazooka irons last year and was able to hit a demo club that was a 1/2" longer shaft and two degrees upright. It made a world of difference. There were other clubs that I was able to try in the same configuration, but they were like $700 Nike Slingshots and $800 Pings. My thought right now is to buy some cheaper yet reasonably good/forgiving irons now that fit and then buy better irons after I have taken alot more lessons and see if my swing changes much. I can get the new Bazookas for about $300 made to order. If I could get the Taylor Made HT's on the range or course for around $400, I might go that route. The Bazookas made it onto two different Hot Lists in the magazines this year. Seems Tour Edge is really trying to improve their standing without floating big endorsement deals.

That sounds reasonable, so are you saying the new set of TaylorMade HT irons at Dick's is about $300.00 + $100 for the extension/lie adjust which brings you to the $400 mark versus the Tour Edge Bazookas for about $300.00 made to spec (1/2" longer than standard and 2* upright)? What do the HT irons offer over the Bazooka's that's worth the $100.00 difference.

Just trying to talk it out with you here so you dial into the "right" decision if you will.

I've had very nice results with these

http://www.golfsmith.com/products/257S

Thats a really good question. I am not positive, but it seemed like the HTs had a bit sharper jump off the clubface. The Bazookas were the first clubs I tried in the proper configuration that felt really good. I am really looking for the most forgiveness I can get for the most reasonable price. The more I think about it, I tend to lean toward the Bazookas. Tour Edge has a lifetime warranty, and supposedly they can be in hand within a week. Really tempted to try and get them before my Florida trip, but really trying to make the right purchase and not a snap decision. The problem is that my Ram's besides being the wrong config which has me hitting everything off the toe (for the most part) have NO forgiveness at all. Almost every hit is hit smacking rocks. I've had maybe a dozen or so sweet spot hits with these clubs, but most of the clubs I have tested, I have consistantly been hitting shot after shot dead on perfect (or I just don't feel the mishits so bad).

No matter what, I surely wouldn't be doing the extensions myself. I wouldn't know where to start.

It is actually a very simple process, especially if one is not saving the grips.

He'd be saving the grips since it's a new set of Taylor Made HTs...and I do agree that it's not difficult for a do-it-yourselfer.