Scrap Iron
On The Eh Team
As the title asks what is good and bad about a wide sole and a narrow sole in a set of irons. Is one easier to hit off a tight lie or out of the rough, maybe one gives a higher launch.
Wide sole vs Narrow sole Benefits and Drawbacks?
Jeanthemachine
Earl of Limerick
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2010
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- 2,795
- Reaction score
- 3
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- Englewood, Florida, United States
- Handicap
- GHIN 7.7
The wider sole should provide some bounce which could be useful in soft turf but could bounce off firmer soil. The opposite for narrow soles in that they are more apt to dig in soft or wet ground but respond better on firm fairways.
Generally, wider sole irons have a lower and deeper center of gravity and will help get the ball up in the air more easily with a sweeping swing versus hitting down and through the ball. This isn't true for everyone, but it is a common trait of higher launching clubs to have wider soles.
I have the Karstens which have a wide beveled sole and biggest thing I notice is when you hit it fat the ball still goes pretty far. whereas my r11s would just dig in and the ball would go maybe 10 yards lol.