When looking for golf irons online, you may get confused by all the different specs and terms you find, especially as a novice. For instance, you may encounter someone selling an uninstalled 4-iron shaft. How long would that be, and how would that affect your game?
An uninstalled 4-iron shaft is typically around 37 in (94 cm), but it can be a ¼-inch (0.64 cm) longer or shorter, depending on the manufacturer. The longer it is, the better because you can adjust it to fit your height. An installed shaft would be around 1½ inches (3.8 cm) longer.
In the rest of this article, I will explain more about 4-iron shafts and their various lengths according to different manufacturers. I will also answer any additional questions you may have about this particular topic.
What is the Typical Length of an Uninstalled 4 Iron Shaft?
Every manufacturer produces uninstalled or uncut shafts to allow modification according to different specifications. If you encounter an uninstalled shaft, you can take it to a club maker and determine the ideal length for your needs.
Shafts come in different lengths, from 36 inches (91.4 cm), which is a 9-iron shaft, to 40 inches (102 cm) or a 2-iron club. Of course, different manufacturers have their own systems, so these lengths may vary by a half or a quarter of an inch (0.64 cm).
Generally speaking, an uninstalled 4-iron shaft is about 37 inches (94 cm) long, give or take a quarter of an inch (0.64 cm).
However, certain manufacturers can offer 38 inches (96.5 cm) uninstalled 4-iron shafts, which are ideal if you want to be safe and see how much you need to trim.
When installed, the shaft length will increase by about one inch and a half (3.8 cm). Calculate the final playing length of your shaft before you decide to buy an uninstalled shaft and take it to your club maker.
How Do I Know if My Iron Is Too Long?
The length of your shaft is crucial because it determines the path, angle, and distance of your shot. If your shaft is too long or too short for you, you will notice how it feels to handle and use it. Additionally, your game will probably suffer.
When your shaft is too long for you, you may start to get tired much more quickly. If you notice that you are getting winded after only a few shots that would typically have little to no effect on you, your shaft is probably too long for your height.
You will also be standing straight, as opposed to the slightly bent posture that is perfect for swinging. Naturally, this will affect your gameplay.
Moreover, you may notice that your shaft is too long when you can’t hit the ball consistently, and the ball may fly higher than you intended. You may also feel that you’re not achieving the needed distance because you’re constantly hitting the ball with the toe of your club.
Conclusion
Most iron manufacturers produce uninstalled shafts, allowing club makers to modify and trim them, if necessary, to fit every player’s needs.
An uninstalled 4-iron shaft is typically around 37 inches (94 cm) long, but the length can vary depending on the manufacturer. The longer the uninstalled length is, the more you can modify it to your liking.