Single-length clubs?

Question
I recently discovered a very interesting website touting the benefits of the single-length club (all irons the same length).  This site went on to say that the only reason we have clubs with varying lengths was due to a manufacturing decision and not performance criteria.  I'm sure you've heard of this concept so I won't bore you with the details, but I will ask: 1)Is single-length truly better? 2)If so (the reasoning certainly seems logical), why isn't it presented as a club-fitting option? 3)Have any modern pros tried it and what was the outcome?

Thank you for your answer to these questions and any other insight you can provide!

J

Answer
Jason,

It's not a "new" idea, but it's an interesting one.  I think many golfers might get some help from this idea.  I've done quite a bit of clubfitting in my career and believe me...sometimes the things that work are very unusual.  You asked me in your first question if this single-length shaft idea is "better".  My answer is yes, if you get better results from them.  If you can get your hands on a demo set and try them, you might find that they are better for you.

Question #2 comes down to a matter of practicality.  Most clubfitters are using sets of clubs made by a certain manufacturer.  If the manufacturer doesn't make single-length shafts for their iron sets, the pro can't fit you that way.  I'm qualified as a Henry-Griffits, Titleist, Zevo (remember them?) and Taylor-Made clubfitter.  None of those companies make single-length iron sets.  And if the lofts are not properly adjusted for the length of shaft, you would hit all of your irons within 20 to 30 yards of each other.  I'm not saying that single-length irons sets shouldn't be offered by clubfitters.  I'm just telling you why they aren't.

The answer to your third question is most revealing...because if single-length iron set were truly superior, some tour pros would be hitting them.  The consistency of shaft length eliminates one of the variables between irons.  Tour players are most interest in hitting their irons a certain distance on a certain trajectory.  They would hit an iron that was better...if it were better.  Apparently they don't think it is better.  There are lots of things that are good for tour players but not good for average or recreational players.  Single-length iron shafts may be an idea that is good for average players but not good for tour players.

Hope my answer helps you with your research.  If you get to hit some demos of these clubs, I'd love to hear your experience/results.

Sincerely,

Paul Dolman