-I'm buying a set of JDM irons that are 1/2" short of my normal playing length. i.e. 5 iron is 37.5".

-Since this set's lie angle is flat for me, I was told that bending the irons 1* upright will increase the length by 1/2" - thus no need to reshaft...

-Any experts care to weigh in whether this is correct?

The length stays the same, but it being upright will make it feel longer at address, yes. But if more upright isn't what's good for you, it defeats the purpose. You'll only be fixing one problem by adding another. Lie is extremely important, more so than length. Your main goal is to hit the ball with a square club face.

Edited March 25, 201311 yr by jaygolf

sorry answered wrong question...

Edited March 25, 201311 yr by RIduffer

The length does change when you adjust the lie angle. Look at the diagram

Edited March 25, 201311 yr by charge

The height changes, not the length.

What's the difference between height and length? By bending the club 1* upright, I've brought up the grip end by 1/2"... What am I missing?

What's the difference between height and length? By bending the club 1* upright, I've brought up the grip end by 1/2"... What am I missing?

I think length is measured on the back and to the bottom of the heal while height would be from the bottom of the toe.

I think what Jay is saying is that the playing length of the shaft has not changed with the lie angle just the height off the ground the end of the shaft is...

Ha, we are kidding right? You install a shaft in a club and trim it to 36 inches (or any other length) it will always be 36 inches not matter how much you adjust the lie. The only way to increase or shorten a club is add an extension or cut the shaft off.

Now, by adjusting the lie the handle may be closer or farther away from the ground because of angle but the shaft length is still the same.

Actual length does not change with lie adjustments, however the handle does end up closer to your hands, or you don't have to bend as much down, by adjusting lie upwards. It's the difference between sensory and actuality. For playing purposes, adjust the lie according to what suits you and only then adjust the length if needed.

BTW, there is no need to buy new shafts if you are only adding an inch or less. Butt extensions will do the job just as well.

Shambles

Jay and Doc are right. It's just static length vs effective length or playing length which changes slightly.

To the TS, get some lie tape, hit quite a few balls and see if you do indeed need lie adjustment. You never know.

Adding length will add effective lie angle too. So if you try a club with standard length shaft and you are deemed to need a bit more of an upright lie, adding length to the shaft might very well do the job. Adding length AND bending the lie more upright might give you too much of an upright lie.

Edited March 26, 201311 yr by Vegaman

Jay and Doc are right. It's just static length vs effective length or playing length which changes slightly.

To the TS, get some lie tape, hit quite a few balls and see if you do indeed need lie adjustment. You never know.

That reminds me I must check mine!!