While manufacturers continuously introduce new heads and shafts, the core setup of iron and wedge sets has remained relatively stagnant for years. Enter combo-length iron sets, such as Avoda Golf’s Origin Series, which challenge conventional norms and promise superior accuracy into and around the green.
Currently, the market offers two types of iron sets: variable-length and same-length, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Traditional variable-length irons/wedges comprise 10 different shaft lengths and head weights, necessitating a different setup and swing for each shot into and around the green. This complexity can make consistent ball striking with irons and wedges challenging. In these sets, higher-lofted clubs have heavier heads on shorter shafts. The heavier wedge heads result in faster ball speeds, reducing spin and control around the green.
On the other hand, same-length irons address many consistency issues associated with variable-length sets. However, players with slower clubhead speeds may struggle to achieve the desired height, spin, and carry distance with 4-, 5-, or 6-irons at a 7-iron length. Additionally, shorter players may find it challenging to adapt to playing wedges at a 7-iron length.
Scoring Clubs vs. Long Approach Clubs
A set of irons/wedges can be divided into two categories: scoring clubs and long approach clubs.
Scoring Clubs
Scoring clubs, typically ranging from the lob wedge to the 8-iron, are used for shorter to medium-distance approach shots and aim to achieve maximum accuracy close to the hole. These clubs require different swing lengths to control three main elements: launch, ball speed, and spin rate. However, with traditional variable-length clubs, these elements are harder to control due to constant changes in setup and swing when switching between clubs.
Additionally, the changing head weights in traditional variable-length scoring clubs—where the lob wedge head sometimes exceeds 300 grams—create a higher smash factor, leading to faster ball speeds. This reduces friction and sacrifices spin/control.
Long Approach Clubs
Long approach clubs, typically 4- to 7-irons, are meant to cover specific yardage gaps consistently with a full swing and are rarely used for varying swing lengths or in-between distances. Although same-length sets can improve consistency in ball striking, they may sacrifice carry distance if players cannot generate enough launch and spin. Progressively longer shafts with lighter heads in long approach clubs allow players to gain launch and spin, creating stopping power for challenging longer approach shots.
Why Combo-Length Solves These Problems
A combo-length set, like the Origin Series from Avoda Golf, is split into same-length scoring clubs and variable-length long approach clubs. The scoring clubs, from lob wedge to 8-iron, are all played at a standard length of 36 inches—roughly equivalent to a 9-iron. This small increase in shaft length for wedges is easy to adjust to within a couple of swings.
With all scoring clubs at the same length, players need only one setup and swing. This significantly enhances the ability to consistently control launch angle, ball speed, and spin rate.
Moreover, uniform scoring club lengths result in standardized head weights, reducing the weight of the lob wedge by as much as 25–30 grams compared to traditional variable-length wedges. A lighter wedge head produces more spin. If two clubs have the same loft but one has a significantly lighter head, the lighter head will produce a lower smash factor, which increases friction and spin. Hitting both clubs the same distance, the lighter head produces higher spin—a substantial advantage for tricky shots within 50 yards. Players can strike the ball firmly without fear of it jumping off the face, giving greater control and confidence for critical shots around the green.
Other Advantages
Traditional clubs have a 3–4 degree loft gap, offering limited flexibility at the longer end of the bag. In contrast, combo-length sets, like the Origin Series from Avoda, feature a 5-degree loft gap in the same-length scoring clubs and a 4-degree gap in the variable-length long approach clubs. This means that in the Avoda combo-length set, only 10 clubs are needed to cover a range from 19 to 60 degrees of loft. Most traditional sets would require 11–12 clubs to achieve the same coverage.
This strategy frees up space in the bag for an additional club while maintaining the same distance coverage as a traditional variable-length set. Players could carry a driving iron and a 5-wood simultaneously for different flight options, an extra lob wedge with a unique sole grind for occasional awkward short game shots, or even two drivers—one for accuracy on tight tee shots and another for distance on wider holes. The choice is now yours, thanks to the flexibility provided by combo-length sets.
Conclusion
Combo-length iron sets, like the Origin Series from Avoda Golf, are designed for golfers who seek the best of both worlds: consistency in scoring shots and flexibility for long shots. Whether you’re a seasoned player facing varying shot requirements or a beginner looking to improve, combo-length clubs offer a unique advantage. They simplify the short game with uniform lengths while tailoring options for longer shots. This innovative approach is particularly beneficial for players who struggle with consistency or want equipment better suited to their playing style.
Embrace the freedom and flexibility of a combo-length set, and elevate your game to new heights.
