Single Length Irons Guy

Technology

Prior to April 2016, single length irons could only be found in sets that were technologically homogeneous throughout the set, which included the 1iron and Pinhawk SL sets. Around that time, Wishon launched a single length set that gave the option of either a standard 5-iron head or a 5-hybrid head.

Later in 2016, Pinhawk launched a complete single length hybrid head set, which could be purchased either as a set or as individual heads.

Also in 2016, a less-well-known set branded as Mazel began selling single length iron sets that included 4- and 5- iron heads that resemble the 360° quasi-hybrid heads.

In January 2017, Cobra released two single length iron sets, the King F7 One Length and the King Forged One Length. Cobra’s forged One Length set is the absolute first ever single-length forged set in the marketplace. This first was quickly followed up by the second set of forged irons to hit the market, Edel single length irons, designed by the guy who built Bryson DeChambeau’s first set of single length irons.

Price

Since single length irons shaft lengths are based the distance from your wrist to the floor, some companies choose to sell the iron heads without shafts (i-Win and Pinhawk), while others will only sell complete irons (Cobra, Mazel, Wishon, 1iron).

Prices for single length irons sets vary greatly, from $114 for a set of 5 through PW iron heads only to $1,299 for a complete set with shafts and grips.

You can check prices for single lengths irons on Amazon.com or eBay

Specs

For those of you who love to get into the technical specification details (which is highly likely since you’re interested in single length irons in the first place), you can compare all current single length irons sets with a typical standard iron set below.

Loft

Single length iron lofts are generally stronger than standard iron lofts — the stronger lofts are necessary to make up for the shorter shaft lengths to make the golf ball fly the same distance.

Lie

Single length iron lies are consistent throughout the set since the shaft lengths are all the same.

Offset

Single length iron offsets vary from set to set, with some offsets consistent throughout the set while others change from iron to iron.

Bounce

Single length iron bounces vary from set to set, with some bounces consistent throughout the set while others change from iron to iron.

Head Weight

Single length iron head weights are consistent throughout the set — the consistent head weights and shaft lengths ensure that the swing weights are the same throughout the set as well.

Step-by-Step Single Length Iron Selection Guide

Most iron selection guides start off with having you identify your ability level and/or handicap. Single length sets do not require this step since all sets work equally well for all handicap players.

Since the optimum single length irons shaft length is determined by your specific height and swing plane, you may want to purchase one single length head and shaft to determine if your selected shaft length works best for you before you purchase an entire set.

Step 1. Choose Iron Heads

This is the most personal preference based decision when choosing single length irons. Your decision may be based on reviews, brand preference, price, and/or technology.

Step 2. Determine Shaft Length

The primary way to determine your proper shaft length is to measure from your wrist to the floor when wearing regular tennis/running shoes (not golf shoes). You should stand as tall/straight as possible and have someone else measure for you.

There are a couple of guides available for selecting your single length irons length (see below), but they actually differ slightly in their guidance. I had to try three different shaft lengths before I settled on the one that worked best for me.

If the guidance for your measurement varies (like 34” for example), I suggest that you try the longer shaft length first. If the longer shaft length doesn’t work for you, you can have the shafts butt-trimmed in 1/2” increments later.

1iron

Pinhawk SL

Step 3. Choose Shaft Flex

Shaft flex determines how much the shaft will bend during the golf swing — the faster the swing speed, the stiffer the shaft should be (see chart below).

The iron speed refers to the club head speed at impact, which you can find by going to your local golf retailer and using their simulators.

For the tempo, if your downswing time is: less than 1 second = Fast, 1.0 to 1.25 seconds = Medium, and greater than 1.25 seconds = Slow.

Step 4. Choose Shaft Type

Most golfers use steel shafts, but graphite shafts are lighter and absorb vibration better. From a performance standpoint, you may hit graphite shafts 5 yards farther, but at a price premium of about 10% to 15% above equivalent steel shafts. Also, since graphite shafts flex more, your accuracy may suffer when using them.

Step 5. Choose Grips & Grip Size

Choosing the right size grips is essential since you can lost 3-4 shots a round just by having the wrong sized grip.

You can find a nice online grip fitting tool here: https://www.golfpride.com/fit/

Please note that I used the fitting tool for myself and it recommended standard sized grip. However, in my experimentations over the years, I’ve ended up with midsize grips with 1 extra wrap of tape underneath. It’s really a personal choice, and I encourage you to try one size larger than you’re used to if your ball striking is erratic (i.e. you typically miss irons shots both left and right).

Where to Buy

You can purchase Pinhawk single length irons at PinhawkGolf.com – all other single lengths irons can be purchased on Amazon.com or eBay