A question for RC

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By Warren B

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  • 6 Replies
  1. Warren B

    Warren B

    Hi Ryan,

     

    I have a quick question regarding my AP1 irons. I was recently fitted for a set of AP1 irons 5-9 with DG X100 shafts. I have found these to be good straight shooters however, I have found that my yardage gap between my 5 and 6 iron is a measley 5 yards (excess spin maybe? or the fact the difference is 3degs?).

    Generally my 5 iron carry is around about 190y and my 6 iron is about 185y and with the height they come down at they obviously don't roll out much.

    When being fit my 6 swing speed was 97mph and I hit the AP2s further with the same shaft. I did however, go for the AP1s as I am still in a learning phase and was concerned I was not go enough for them (in the past 6 months I have lowered my handicap from 18 to 12 though.)

    My question would be, do you believe I should have my 5 iron bent 2 degs stronger or go down the Ben Crane route and through in the 25.5 deg hybrid? I already have the 21 deg with x flex ahina 90 shaft and am getting on great with it (its the first hybrid I have ever owned).

  2. Ryan Crysler

    Ryan Crysler
    West Palm Beach, FL

    I would head back to the lie/loft machine, grab the current specs, then retest on a launch monitor. I suspect the 5 iron is the issue, but I would caution against another hybrid. The six iron should spin around 6000. The 5 should be around 5000 and 5 mph faster. If not, adjust the 5 loft until we get you desired carry, 5mph faster, and near 5000 spin. If loft doesn't work, then fill the gap between 6 and the 21 hybrid with either another 21 with increased loft or a 24.
  3. Matthew S

    Matthew S
    Mississauga, ON

    Sorry I had to read your post like 3 times I kept getting side tracked on the 97mph swing speed and that you were fit to AP1 irons. As a fitter I know there are some extreme exceptions to all of the fitting rules however I would assume with that swing speed that you hit the ball very high with those irons. It also leads me to think that you may not be the best of ball strikers and maybe instead of strengthening that 5 iron you would be better off with the more forgiving hybrid. Like RC said the best is to get on a launch monitor with the problem clubs and see what the numbers are and where you can improve. Post some numbers and we can help you out for sure.
  4. Warren B

    Warren B

    Thanks for your responses. I'll give you a bit of background info. I learnt to play aged 13 and played regularly until I was 16 (handicap 18) before other sporting commitments (sprint swimming) prevented me from playing more than once a year. Now 23 (and now playing 3 times a week for the past 9 months) I have had many years of powerlifting (bench, cleans, squats & snatches) experience therefore enabling to swing an x100 on average 97mph (have been recorded at 101 mph).

    The problem I have however, is that I strike my long irons poorly. I am now scoring in the high 70s and low 80s but this is due to my woods and wedge play. I found myself the other day hitting my 21deg 910h off the tee on a 450y par 5 just so I could hit the same hybrid in to the green!

    When being fit for the AP1s the fitter and myself thought that I would benefit more from having more forgiveness and thus hitting the ball straighter than worrying too much about the spin (I hit them very high!). We did however, come to the conclusion that I might 'outgrow' the AP1s within a year or two. This may very well be sooner than first thought as I am hitting my 48 degree vokey 10 yards less than my 41 degree 9 iron! 

    What also didn't help was that I was at the time of fitting I was still using the same irons I had owned for 10 years which were 10 years old when I got them so I was instantly sold with how much easier they were to hit!!

    I would like some thoughts as to the disadvantage of another hybrid except it might get lost in the wind! I am from London so normally play parkland courses although I played links golf on the Devon coast all last summer as I was at University down that way.

    Unfortunately I am going on holiday to Cyrus tomorrow so will be unable to get on a launch monitor for a least a few weeks and I have very little chance of finding a 24deg fitting hybrid when I get back (I am a lefty!).

  5. Ryan Crysler

    Ryan Crysler
    West Palm Beach, FL

    I would definitely look at wedges when you get back as well...since you cited poor wedge play!  That AP1 is pretty strong lofted and a need at 45, 50, 55, 60 is most likely in order. That's our typical AP1 guy...we also have 52, 58, 62/64. 

    RC

  6. Warren B

    Warren B

    Sorry Ryan, my real strength is my wedge play and my driving.

    I use 48, 52, 56, 60 & 64 and I use every one every round!

    The 64.07 has been a great club for me since adding it last month.

    Any negatives on a 24 degree hybrid?
  7. Ryan Crysler

    Ryan Crysler
    West Palm Beach, FL

    Really no negatives other than creating high launch and spin.  Some players may need it!

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