Retro lofts and lengths

[okie]

I finally succumbed to common sense and opted for a shorter driver shaft. I went back to 42.5 inches (from 44.5) Loss of distance was negligible, but percentage of on center hits increased.

As I continue to plot my way through TGM I have noticed that I have started to hit my irons too low. I simply have more forward shaft lean at impact than before. I know that can be overdone, but I prefer to err on that side of things!

So I was thinking of weakening my irons to pre-a five iron is really a four iron days! Has anyone done this? Would love some feedback!

[Toolish]

if you are going to weaken them a full club worth then be careful about bounce. 4 degrees of bend is a lot too.

May be better off leaving heads as they are, but modifying shaft lengths back to old specs if you are looking to go more retro. The number on the sole will be the only difference.

[okie]

Thanks for the heads-up! I figured going all the way back would be too much for the hosels anyway. I don't have a whole lot of bounce to begin with, but thanks for clueing me in on what should have been obvious,but wasn't!

[hg]

I finally succumbed to common sense and opted for a shorter driver shaft. I went back to 42.5 inches (from 44.5) Loss of distance was negligible, but percentage of on center hits increased.

As I continue to plot my way through TGM I have noticed that I have started to hit my irons too low. I simply have more forward shaft lean at impact than before. I know that can be overdone, but I prefer to err on that side of things!

So I was thinking of weakening my irons to pre-a five iron is really a four iron days! Has anyone done this? Would love some feedback!

O
Did you just modify your current driver and take 2 inches off the grip end of the shaft...did you have to do anything to maintain the swing weight.

[okie]

Gobs of lead tape! I kinda like the "tinkered with " look!

[RickPinewild]

Why not buy a old set of irons and reshaft them.

[okie]

That is a great idea! What I would like to find out is why club fitters only seem to be concerned for the "shrinking loft disease" with drivers, or say with a 3 wood, and not irons?

[RickPinewild]

I don't think that the loft on woods has really changed over the years, but irons are 4-6 degrees stronger than in the 70's. I have several sets of old Wilson Staff irons from 60's and 70's. As I recall, when I first started doing club alterations in the late 70's, a 5 iron was 37" long and 32* loft.