Single length vs. variable length irons: The ultimate test

Single length vs. variable length irons: NCG verdict

I have enjoyed using the single length irons out on the course this year and on the whole I think my iron play improved and I gained more confidence.

My long irons, in particular, have been better but I’m not so sure my shorter iron play has.

My home course, Hillsborough, isn’t that long and I’ll often have a 9, pitching wedge or gap wedge in my hand for a second shot.

So I feel like improving my short irons would be the best way to improve my scoring.

But I’m really happy hitting my long irons and hit a few 5- and 6-irons off the tee so wouldn’t want to give that up.

And although the launch monitor numbers look better with the variable length long irons, I can assure you the dispersion was much tighter with the One Length.

I feel I can hit my numbers, and targets, time after time.

So putting all of the launch monitor and on-course data into the mix, my conclusion is that a set which is single length from 4 to 6 and variable from 7 to gap wedge.

But I had to pick a set of irons to go and shoot my best score on the course tomorrow, it would be the single length.

I played a round recently with a set of variable length irons and it seemed to me like the transition back from One Length to variable was tougher than that switching to single length in the first place.

One of the problems I have, you see, is that it’s only Cobra who are offering irons in One Length. And I like to play the field.

It’s my job to test out new equipment and when I like something, I put it in my bag. Maybe over the winter I will practise more with variable length for that reason.

But my overall conclusion is that single length irons do work, there are no problems with them and if you are struggling with your iron play I would thoroughly recommend giving them a try.

More information on One Length irons can be found on the Cobra website.