Question:
Lie angle and shaft length are interrelated inasmuch as the longer the shaft, the flatter the lie will need to be (and vice-versa). But before you start lopping off an inch from the end of your clubs, consider that shaft length also affects the width of the arc, which has a direct affect on clubhead speed. The length of the club also affects the overall weight and swing weight of the club, both factors in feel and performance. There’s no simple answer. I’ve often thought about going with longer clubs, but the inconsistency I’d probably add to my ball-striking ability would be unacceptable. I’ve occasionally thought I’d be better off giving up some distance in return for more consistent ball striking and going with shorter clubs. But I can ill-afford giving up the length. Yet I seem to hit more solid golf shots whenever I choke down, which I know is no coincidence. It’s a veritable connundrum. And then I go out and shoot a good round and say to myself, "ah, the hell with it, my clubs are fine the way they are." Randy My golf website: http://wwwgolfer.home.mindspring.com My real-life website: http://www.goldenbrownvo.com My RSG Roll Call profile: http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/brownr.htm RSG FAQ: http://ttsoft.com/thor/rsggolf.html
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been considering getting custom fitted for a set of clubs, and I’m trying to understand some of the concepts involved, especially lie angle. Looking at the specifications for iron heads, there seems to be no fixed standard for lie angles. One model of club head may have a 60.5 lie in a five-iron, while another may be a half or whole degree different. If I were fitted and told I needed 2 degrees upright, would that hold true for any set of heads, or is that only true for a given set of heads, with another set requiring only a one-degree adjustment? I am also a bit confused by the relationship between lie angle and shaft length. It seems that flattening the lie would have much the same effect, at least at address, as shortening the shaft. Upright would be similar to lengthening the shaft. Is one a substitute for the other, or is the purpose of the lie angle adjustment an attempt to account for slight imperfections in the swing (inability to return the club head to it’s exact address position at the time of impact)? Thanks, Randy Melton
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been considering getting custom fitted for a set of clubs, and I’m trying to understand some of the concepts involved, especially lie angle. Looking at the specifications for iron heads, there seems to be no fixed standard for lie angles. One model of club head may have a 60.5 lie in a five-iron, while another may be a half or whole degree different. If I were fitted and told I needed 2 degrees upright, would that hold true for any set of heads, or is that only true for a given set of heads, with another set requiring only a one-degree adjustment? I am also a bit confused by the relationship between lie angle and shaft length. It seems that flattening the lie would have much the same effect, at least at address, as shortening the shaft. Upright would be similar to lengthening the shaft. Is one a substitute for the other, or is the purpose of the lie angle adjustment an attempt to account for slight imperfections in the swing (inability to return the club head to it’s exact address position at the time of impact)? Thanks, Randy Melton
The key to getting a lie angle fitting is to figure out what degree you are. Once that’s determined you use that number off the standard for whatever irons you’re interested in. For example if you need a 61-degree five iron, that would be one degree upright for a 60-degree standard, or one degree flat for a 62-degree standard. Seve — ~~We get to carry each other~~
Response:
I’ve been considering getting custom fitted for a set of clubs, and I’m trying to understand some of the concepts involved, especially lie angle. Looking at the specifications for iron heads, there seems to be no fixed standard for lie angles. One model of club head may have a 60.5 lie in a five-iron, while another may be a half or whole degree different. If I were fitted and told I needed 2 degrees upright, would that hold true for any set of heads, or is that only true for a given set of heads, with another set requiring only a one-degree adjustment? I am also a bit confused by the relationship between lie angle and shaft length. It seems that flattening the lie would have much the same effect, at least at address, as shortening the shaft. Upright would be similar to lengthening the shaft. Is one a substitute for the other, or is the purpose of the lie angle adjustment an attempt to account for slight imperfections in the swing (inability to return the club head to it’s exact address position at the time of impact)? Thanks, Randy Melton
Response:
First, go to http://www.americangolfworks.com/products/custom.htm and check their chart to see if you fall into "normal" club length ranges. Then go see your custom clubmaker. Pick the head you like best… he should have some clubs made up with that head that you can hit. But first, have someone hold the iron in hitting position with the sole flat to the floor… now walk up to it and see if it’s comfortable for you to grip the clib and swing. Finally, with the iron (which we’ll assume has a "regular" lie) hit some shots off a driving mat with a piece of masking tape on the sole. The impact mark should line up with the center of the face. If the mark is 1/2" toward the hosel, you probably need 2 degrees flat. If 1/2" toward the toe, 2 degrees upright. Any custom clubmaker should be able to do this for you… and you’ll be a lot better for it. Good luck… Dick Weld – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been considering getting custom fitted for a set of clubs, and I’m trying to understand some of the concepts involved, especially lie angle. Looking at the specifications for iron heads, there seems to be no fixed standard for lie angles. One model of club head may have a 60.5 lie in a five-iron, while another may be a half or whole degree different. If I were fitted and told I needed 2 degrees upright, would that hold true for any set of heads, or is that only true for a given set of heads, with another set requiring only a one-degree adjustment? I am also a bit confused by the relationship between lie angle and shaft length. It seems that flattening the lie would have much the same effect, at least at address, as shortening the shaft. Upright would be similar to lengthening the shaft. Is one a substitute for the other, or is the purpose of the lie angle adjustment an attempt to account for slight imperfections in the swing (inability to return the club head to it’s exact address position at the time of impact)? Thanks, Randy Melton