On Spec
On Spec: A deep dive into iron specs and “loft jacking”
With so many new iron releases being announced, host Ryan Barath gets deep into the world of iron design and specs—most specifically loft.
The topic also revolves around trying to fit an iron-based on handicap and why that is a flawed model.
It was a week of slump busting in professional golf and host Ryan Barath breaks down the wins on the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and the Champions Tour, thanks to wins by Rory McIlroy, Moriya Jutanugarn, and Alex Cejka.
The second part of the show covers the Kirkland Signature Wedges and the fantastic value they offer to golfers — even with their limited options.
In this episode, host Ryan Barath breaks down the best way to evaluate your set of clubs from top to bottom and how to use technology to your advantage when it comes to building a combo set.
Host Ryan Barath shares his conversation with Sam Bettinardi of Bettinardi Golf that covered everything from the manufacturing process, working with tour players, and their major win on the LPGA Tour by Patty Tavatanakit at the ANA Inspiration.
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Rickie Fowler makes equipment change to ‘something that’s a little easier on the body’
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Timbo
Jan 20, 2021 at 9:39 pm
I have been playing a set of Ping Eye2 black dots since my dad handed them down to me in high school. This past season, I’ve been struggling with the gap between my 9 iron and PW. Just a month ago, I discovered two critical things 1) I have only been playing with 13 clubs the last 10 years or so, and 2) this delofting trend. I realized that I can purchase a “gap” wedge by buying a Ping i3 PW. So now I am 9 (45°), i3 PW (47°), PW (50.5°), SW (57.5°). Next season I’m hoping the i3 hits that sweet spot.
It also totally makes sense now that I tend to outdrive all my friends, but just barely squeak by them with my irons.
Rich Douglas
Jan 18, 2021 at 11:17 pm
It doesn’t matter. If you want to be fooled by lowered lofts, fine. But the key is being able to pull the right club for the right shot.
Jacked lofts on their own are irrelevant. But when accompanied with longer shafts, they create an illusion: the number have simply shifted; the irons are the same.
When combined with changes in launch angle, however, the player can get more distance from a higher-numbered club. But why? Is that really the reason? I’d much prefer knowing the distances than being worried about the number on the club.
The very notion that distance matters in irons is ridiculous. Consistency matters. Accuracy matters. Gapping matters. But not distance. Want more distance from your 6-iron? Pull the 5 and hit it well.