In recent years, the concept of single length of irons has gained momentum principally due to Bryson DeChambeau, PGA Touring Professional. DeChambeau has played Edel Golf and Cobra single length irons for the past five years.
A May 2017 Golf Digest article suggested that less than 2% of all irons sold are single length irons, up from 0% in early 2017. In addition, an unidentified source theorized that in ten years, 25% of all touring professionals will be playing single length irons.
The logic of single length irons is overwhelming however the “off the shelf” original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s i.e. Callaway, Cleveland, Mizuno, Ping, Taylor Made, Titleist, etc.) have been reluctant to jump on board.
My introduction to single length irons occurred in May of 2017. Local golf teaching professional, John Sokolowski, engaged his friend Frank Stranick (owner of FS Golf) to host a single length iron Demo Day. After my buddy and I finished our early Saturday morning round, and a few rounds to wash down our customary charred hot dogs, we scampered to the range to check out the fuss.
After a twenty minute session, my golfing buddy (Dave) scheduled an appointment with Frank for his single length iron fitting. I, on the other hand, a bit more conservative (a.k.a. cheap), decided not to stray from what seems to be my life long affection with my Ping G-5’s.
Benefits of Single Length Irons:
- The length of every iron is typically the length of a standard seven or eight iron.
- Simplicity, consistency, accuracy.
- Single length irons have the same length, lie angle, bounce, total weight, head weight, shaft weight and shaft flex. The setup position, ball positon, swing path and swing plane are the same as well. The only variable is loft.
- Single length irons are a far less complicated process for players at all levels, especially beginners.
- The fitting process for single length irons is a more personalized process.
Potential Issues/Criticisms:
- Shorter long iron shafts reduce speed, potentially lowering the ball flight and negatively impacting distance performance.
- Longer short iron shafts increase speed, potentially increasing the ball flight and positively impacting distance performance.
- Inconsistent yardage gapping between irons.
- Average golfers may not have the club head speed to compensate for the shorter long iron shafts.
- Lack of Acceptance:
- There is only one full time touring pro (Bryson DeChambeau) playing single length irons.
- OEM’s have not universally embraced the concept.
- Consumers prefer to align themselves with products played by touring professionals.
- Consumers are enamored with distance and are reluctant to make changes that might impact performance.
- Professionals and consumers have only played traditional length irons. A change of this magnitude would be disconcerting to golfing traditionalists.
Brief History of Single Length Irons:
- In a 2017 interview with David Edel (founder of Edel Golf) at the PGA Merchandise Show, David stated that Bobby Jones won his Grand Slam in 1930 with single length irons.
- In a July 2017 Thought Co article by Brent Kelly, Kelly stated that Bobby Jones tinkered with the design of single length irons for the Spaulding Company in the 1930’s. His design was a bit unique as every two clubs were the same length.
- 1986: Eric Cook’s Iso-Vibe Golf Company (Canadian company) sold single length irons in North America.
- 1989: The Tommy Armour Company introduced the first mass produced/mass marketed Tommy Armour “EDL” single length clubs in history. The set of irons were seven iron length and the set of woods were five wood length.
- 2016: Edel Golf introduced single length irons on a custom basis
- 2016: Sterling Irons introduced single length irons at eight iron length
- 2017: Edel Golf introduced the Edel “SLS-01” (Single Length System) at seven iron length.
- 2017: Cobra King Forged/Cobra “King F7” introduced single length irons at six/seven iron length.
Part two of “Single Length Irons – Back Nine Questions with Frank Stranick” a certified professional custom club fitter/club maker coming next week!
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