
How do single length irons work? Single-length irons are exactly what they sound like: Every iron in the set is the same length. In a traditional iron set - what some have started referring to as "variable-length irons" - each iron in the set is a different length. The irons get shorter as the number gets higher. Click to see full answer.
Full Answer
What are single-length irons and how do they work?
Single-length irons are exactly what they sound like: Every iron in the set is the same length. In a traditional iron set - what some have started referring to as "variable-length irons" - each iron in the set is a different length.
Do single length Irons really increase distance?
Advocates of single-length irons believe that iron length plays a much smaller role in distance than traditionally believed and that what role it does play can be made up for in single-length irons through properly matching club characteristics, including weighting properties, to the golfer.
Are all the Irons the same length?
Rather than all the irons being the same length, they can be grouped into subsets so that, for example, the 4-, 5- and 6-irons are the same length; the 7-, 8- and 9-irons are shorter but the same as each other; and so on for the wedges.
Do one length Irons make a difference in swing plane?
Not only do one-length irons impact your swing plane and angle of attack, but it also improves your shot dispersion. By swinging irons with the same weight and length, you strike the ball in the sweet spot more consistently.

Do you lose distance with one length irons?
Luckily swinging with a one-length iron set should not make you lose distance. You may see a few yards difference with your long irons, but your short irons will likely end up going a few yards further. Sometimes the longer length on the short irons gives them a bit more distance, but it won't be significant.
Why would you use one length irons?
One-length irons allow you to stand to the ball in the same way regardless of the iron you're using, in theory helping with consistency of strike and club speed. Essentially you can swing the same way regardless of what club you have in your hand.
Are one length irons a good idea?
Single-length iron sets could be a good option for beginners and high handicappers. This group would only have to use one iron setup, which could accelerate learning. And they'd likely struggle less with longer-than-standard scoring clubs than with standard-length long irons.
How do you hit single length irons?
Bryson DeChambeau's 3 tips to hitting single-length ironsAdjust your ball position. If you've looked into one-length irons, you've probably heard that the higher-lofted clubs go higher than their variable-length equivalents, and the lower-lofted clubs go lower. ... Embrace the versatility. ... Accept the learning curve.
What is the downside to one length irons?
The Cons of Single Length Irons Just as the consistent length of the shaft makes the long irons easier to hit, it makes the short irons more difficult to hit. This can impair the confidence of new and experienced golfers alike, as they expect the short irons to be the easiest clubs to hit solidly.
Do any pro golfers use single length irons?
DeChambeau is currently the only Tour player who uses single-length irons, but Norman said he thinks that could change in the future.
Did Bobby Jones use single length irons?
Although the concept of making each iron in a set the same length is not new (Bobby Jones used single length irons in 1930 to win the Grand Slam), never before has there been so much attention given to single length.
Does Bryson DeChambeau use one length wedges?
If you didn't know already, DeChambeau uses one length clubs which basically means he has a shaft the length of a 7-iron in each of his clubs (irons and wedges) for a more consistent swing plane across the set.
Do shorter golfers need shorter clubs?
Shorter golfers are often better served with shorter clubs, while the lie angle (how the club sits on the ground) may also need tweaking. If your clubs are too long and/or upright, you'll be forced to adjust away from a swing that's natural for you.
Is Bryson DeChambeau's driver the same length as his irons?
That's right. DeChambeau plays all of his irons -- all of which have unique names -- with the same 37.5-inch shaft and has been doing it since 2011, when he made the switch -- from 3-iron to 60-degree wedge -- with coach Mike Schy.
Where do you place the ball for one length irons?
Single length irons and fairway woods are designed to be played using a center of stance ball position.
How far should you hit a 7 iron?
Average 7 Iron Distances are following: Beginning golfers- 100 yards (men) or 60 yards (women) Intermediate golfers- 135 yards (men) and 75 yards (women) Advanced golfers- 165 yards (men) or 140 yards (women)
My Personal Experience with Single Length Irons
Before going in to the details, it is worth saying that I know this subject pretty well. Unlike most of the people who have been spouting off online, I have actually had a single length set of irons for the last three years.
Do They Give Correct Distance Gaps?
The next arrow thrown in the general direction of single length is the idea that distance gaps won’t be the same. Specifically, the short clubs will fly too far and distance will be compressed at the other end of the bag with longer irons flying shorter.
Will I Put Single Length Irons Back in My Bag?
Which brings me back to, well me! After all this, you might be wondering why I don’t play my pinhawks all the time. Currently they are in one of (yes, really, there are a few) my back up bags. Their starting spot is in the hands of a lovely shiny set of Wilson blades. So didn’t they work for me?
Who used single length irons?
It may seem like something new and a bit funky to some but Bobby Jones, the greatest amateur player of all time, used single length irons. Most people just accept that variable length irons are the norm as that is what they have always used and that is all they are likely to see when they walk into the pro shop.
What brand of irons are single length?
Soon after turning pro he signed a deal with Cobra prompting them to release their own single length irons in the form of the F7 and Forged One models. Cobra then introduced the F8 One and are also offering hybrids and wedges in single length too. Wishon are the third brand to offer single length with their Sterling irons.
How many irons did Homer Kelley use?
To start with he took some old Nike VR iron heads and added a traditional six iron length shaft into each.
Can you use a 7 iron in a bag?
Every iron in the set has shaft which is the same length. That length will usually be that of a 7-iron. So the theory is that you can use your 7-iron swing and set-up with every iron (and hybrid and wedge) in the bag. This means you essentially have the same one plane for all of your iron swings helping you make your technique more consistent ...
One Length Irons vs. Traditional Length Irons
There are quite a few differences between one length irons and traditional irons. Although the length may seem like the only noticeable difference, as we know in golf, one change will spark a series of results and impacts.
Who Should Play With Single Length Irons?
Now that you have a better understanding of what single length irons are, the big question becomes, who should use them? Several different types of golfers can benefit from a set of one length irons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Switching to single length irons is a big adjustment. I know I was not sold on the concept until trying it out for myself. Here are some of the questions that I get asked most often about this one length technology.
Conclusion: Are Single Length Irons Are They Worth It?
Single length irons are well worth the money you pay if you can benefit from what they offer. If your irons are the strong point in your game, the single length concept may not be necessary. However, if you experience any inconsistency or lack of confidence in your irons, it is worth considering single length irons.
Why are long irons so hard to hit?
They can be intimidating for new golfers and experienced players alike. One of the reasons they are difficult to hit is the length of the shaft. This means the clubhead is far away from the center of control in the golfer’s hands .
Is a single length iron easier to hit?
Single length irons don’t have this problem. All of the shafts are the length of a mid-iron, often a 6-iron or 7-iron. Thus, the long irons in a single length iron set are much easier to hit.
Is there a single length iron?
The Selection of Single Length Irons is Still Limited. As single length irons have only appeared on the golfing scene fairly recently, the selection available is fairly limited. Most of the major manufacturers do not offer a set of single length irons.
Can you play with single length irons longer?
However, it is the reality for playing with single length irons now.
What is a three iron wedge?
The term is used to describe a set of irons, usually from three-iron to pitching wedge, that have the same length of shaft which is usually the length of a seven-iron. Of late they have been popularised by Cobra.
When did Chris Evans switch to Cobra irons?
He switched into Cobra one-length irons at the start of 2019 and has tracked his performance throughout the year. As we reach the end of 2019, he highlights both the good and the bad points of using one-length irons.
Does Mike Arccos have iron play?
Well thanks to the one-length technology, and the shot-tracking analysis by Arccos, Mike felt that his iron play, which usually is one of the weakest parts of his game, definitely improved over the year.
Can you swing the same way regardless of what club you have in your hand?
Essentially you can swing the same way regardless of what club you have in your hand. Bryson has coupled this with a single plane swing to “create a swing that’s consistent from club to club, that doesn’t have a lot of moving parts to mess up.”.
How many yards between irons for practice tee?
How the sets fared on the practice tee: Manufacturers (and fitters) often say you want to have 10-yard gaps between irons. None of the panelists had the “appropriate” gapping with either test set. Consider checking your yardages on a launch monitor. The findings could make you re-think your set makeup.
What are the benefits of EQL irons?
The benefit of these irons, proponents say, is simplicity (you have the same posture, and hence the same swing, every time), which leads to more consistent contact. This is hardly a new idea. In 1989, Tommy Armour Golf debuted a similar concept, EQL irons, but sales were poor, and the idea never took off.
Who is the only golf pro to use a single plane swing?
Bryson DeChambeau thinks outside the (tee) box. The former U.S. Amateur champ is the only Tour pro who uses a single-plane swing while playing irons that are all one length (nearly identical to a 7-iron). Is DeChambeau merely an eccentric outlier, or is there something to single-length irons?
Is single length iron good?
Single-length iron sets could be a good option for beginners and high handicappers. This group would only have to use one iron setup, which could accelerate learning. And they’d likely struggle less with longer-than-standard scoring clubs than with standard-length long irons.
One Length Irons Pros And Cons – Who Should Use Them?
Bryson DeChambeau is a player synonymous with smashing bombs and using data to give him a deeper insight into his game. But the ‘Mad Scientist’ as he is known is also credited with reviving the single-length iron movement.
One Length Irons Overview And Their History
The conversation surrounding single-length irons has gained in popularity thanks to DeChambeau’s antics.
Why Have Single Length Irons Become So Popular Lately?
I have already mentioned that Bryson DeChambeau can be credited with the rejuvenation of the one-length iron movement, but why does the debate persist?
Bryson DeChambeau And Single Length Irons?
DeChambeau decided to experiment with single-length irons after reading The Golfing Machine by Homer Kelly. Kelly was of the view that we should use one plane angle for every swing.
How Long Are Single Length Irons?
Golf Monthly’s Sam Tremlett writes that single-length irons should measure the same as a 7-iron, traditionally 37 to 38 inches.
Are One-Length Irons Any Good?
One-length irons bring consistency to your game and relieve you of one less worry.
Should High Handicappers Use Single Length Irons?
I like the idea of high handicappers using single-length irons because it allows you to focus more on striking the ball and swinging easy.
