Importance/feel of head-shaft combo for irons

[thaar]

I'm getting the itch to upgrade my irons. I've had my same setup, Mizzy MP-60's, for roughly 10 years now. I have been very pleased with my irons to date, but I imagine the technology has improved quite a bit since their release. So I'm trying to determine the best approach to find the best iron for me. I was planning on taking my 6 and/or 7 iron to the PGA store to set a baseline on the swing monitor, then compare other clubs and record their performance and feel. The problem is, most clubs that can be demo'd have the stock shaft. I've been fit for a few different drivers and have felt a significant difference between shafts - does the same hold true for irons? If so, what is the best approach to narrow down the best iron? I was fit for my irons on the Mizuno fitting cart years ago, but don't recall hitting different shafts back then.

[Titleist_242]

Technology hasn't changed much. You're not missing out on much and your MP60s will feel as good as anything you test.

W that said,, if you want to try high end shafts like steelfibers or nippons, you probably have to order individually and test them out.

And no, head shaft combo is not as important or effective vs your driver. Kind of a preference thing or feel. 5-10 yards give or take and maybe a bit better dispersion, but nothing eye popping like finding a good driver head shaft combo.

[thaar]

Interesting. Would I benefit by upgrading my shafts, i.e. has shaft technology for irons changed that much? I currently hit Rifle 5.5 or 6.0 shafts.

[Stuart_G]

yes shaft can make a difference with the irons (just like with a driver) but no there is really no direct technological benefit - the newer shafts are not necessarily any better than the old ones. The performance is really just a function of how well the particular specs match your particular swing and preferences. The newer shafts predominantly just give more variations and options from which to find that 'best fit'. It may end up being one of the newer shafts or you may find it happen to be the same one you already play.

Typically the most important spec for an irons shaft (assuming you've already been fit for a proper length) is generally the shaft weight. For many it can have an important impact on the swing, particularly rhythm and tempo and consistency. 10 years ago, probably the majority of irons came with the standard TT DG at 120-130 gms. Now stock steel shafts might come in a wide range - from 85 gm all the way up to the heavy DG.s Graphite is available in an even wider range.

A wider option for bend profile and flex is also available. For some this can be used to tweak the ball flight a little but for most, it's largely a matter of getting something that feels good when matched with your swing.

However finding the best spec is very subjective and really a trial and error effort. You have to try out the different options, evaluate the results - both ball flight and feel, and choose based on that evaluation. A good quality fitter is ideal for this as they can guide (and shorten considerably) that trial and error process but if that's not an option the you can get some idea by trying different stock options or better, using the OEM fitting carts found at many retail outlets to try different shafts in the same head.

[Titleist_242]

[quote name='Stuart G.' timestamp='1430929891' post='11510355']
yes shaft can make a difference with the irons (just like with a driver) but no there is really no direct technological benefit - the newer shafts are not necessarily any better than the old ones. The performance is really just a function of how well the particular specs match your particular swing and preferences. The newer shafts predominantly just give more variations and options from which to find that 'best fit'. It may end up being one of the newer shafts or you may find it happen to be the same one you already play.

Typically the most important spec for an irons shaft (assuming you've already been fit for a proper length) is generally the shaft weight. For many it can have an important impact on the swing, particularly rhythm and tempo and consistency. 10 years ago, probably the majority of irons came with the standard TT DG at 120-130 gms. Now stock steel shafts might come in a wide range - from 85 gm all the way up to the heavy DG.s Graphite is available in an even wider range.

A wider option for bend profile and flex is also available. For some this can be used to tweak the ball flight a little but for most, it's largely a matter of getting something that feels good when matched with your swing.

However finding the best spec is very subjective and really a trial and error effort. You have to try out the different options, evaluate the results - both ball flight and feel, and choose based on that evaluation. A good quality fitter is ideal for this as they can guide (and shorten considerably) that trial and error process but if that's not an option the you can get some idea by trying different stock options or better, using the OEM fitting carts found at many retail outlets to try different shafts in the same head.
[/quote]

well put sir,

[Titleist_242]

[quote name='thaar' timestamp='1430924799' post='11509745']
Interesting. Would I benefit by upgrading my shafts, i.e. has shaft technology for irons changed that much? I currently hit Rifle 5.5 or 6.0 shafts.
[/quote]

in addition,, if you're hitting the original rifles.. i firmly believe they were of much better quality and feel (to me) before they got bought out by true temper. i love them

[nickrut]

I'd say one of the biggest developments is that graphite shafts have improved for irons substantially. Could be worth checking out.

[thaar]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Great input Stuart!