Lengthening irons?

Question

If I want to add length to my irons should I add a plug to the end and re grip or completely reshaft. Obviously one is much cheaper. I have heard that adding a plug on the end can affect the swingweight.

Answer 1

I would use the plug for a short term fix, but eventually if you want them longer get them fit to your swing. Golf is one of the sports that if you pay the price you get the birdie. The swingweight will change and so will your swing plane. Any minute change and you will see something different. You can do either but I would take them to a club fitter and let them decide with you. Then you can get the lie angle tested as well as a chance to determine if you have the proper flex on your current shafts.

Answer 2

A shaft extension and re-grip works fine and costs much less than re-shafting a whole set.  But as alluded to by others here make sure you need longer clubs.  If your arms are short for your body then you might need longer clubs, but that is the only reason.  If you think you are going to gain distance by increasing  your arc and clubhead speed beware of the effects it will have on the lie of your clubs,  swingplane etc.  You might cause bigger problems than you solve.

Answer 3

Get them re shafted that's better but cost more. I have a word of advice though making clubs longer effects lie angle.

Take your irons right now and set up on a garage floor. This really allows you to visually see the clubface the sole should be level if they are to long the toe will point up causing shots to Vere of to the left. I dont recommend it at all in fact loft really= distance control. If you want to do it that's fine but in order to counteract you would need special shoes that make you an inch taller than your current golf shoes its possible actually.

Your irons must be level on flat surfaces otherwise its actually the clubs fault.

Answer 4

either way you will change the swingweight.. I do all repairs for my home course and yes it costs a lot less to use extentions.  swingweight will change the same either way..

Answer 5

Lengthening a club 1 inch or shortening it by 1 inch will keep an effective swingweight  to the club.   Adding length is not a problem and is just as effective as reshafting but a lot cheaper. Keep the swingweight between C5 and D5 and you will have a good club.

Answer 6

Any way that you lengthen a shaft will increase the swing weight. Using a shaft extender is a perfectly acceptable solution, I've used them for several clients and they were very pleased with the results.

Answer 7

My suggestion is use a butt extension for now, and choose a club you hit well with. It will help you evaluate your decision, you may want to increase or decrease that number after you see and feel the results from your test run.

Adding length will alter swing weight to the heavier side. Adding 1 inch will likely raise it by 4 or 5 points (give or take). Swing weight is a comfort and playability factor, both very important factors so do consider it.

Adding overall weight (head, shaft length or both) will alter flex. Very heavy will play softer, Very light will play stiffer. Though 1" will probably not be enough to be drastic for you in this case.

Club building is a great hobby, a lot of fun I think. Good luck!