Orikoru
Tour Winner
If people are saying launch angle should be half the loft of the club, then I should be launching 6 iron at 12 degrees?? That doesn't sound right.
Is there a rule of thumb for launch angle vs club's loft?
- Thread starter sjw
- Start date
Lucifer MorningStar
Well-known member
Actually it’s about right and data proves it. But part of the equation is swing speed with that club as well as per below.
6-Iron Launch & Performance Chart (By Swing Speed)
Slow Speed (65–75 mph): 15°–17° launch (130-140 yd carry)
Average Speed (75–85 mph): 14°–16° launch (140-155 yd carry)
Fast Speed (85–95 mph): 13°–15° launch (155-175 yd carry)
Very Fast (95+ mph): 12°–14° launch (175+ yd carry
So you’d need to know your swing speed for your optimum launch. My 6 iron is 27° and my launch with my swing speed should sit in the 13°–15°, which is about right as I usually hit it around 172-175yds, with a launch angle of 13.6° and club head speed of 92mph and spin of 6300rpm.
Edit: if you can’t get your head round it this’ll blow your mind. I launch my 4iron at 11.4° and spin average is 4250, it goes nice and high with a decent carry. The maths do math! It’s just about creating compression with optimal speed & spin.
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Taz
Journeyman Pro
As Ross mentions in the video it's also nice to have some stopping power so angle of descent is crucial to.
Lucifer MorningStar
Well-known member
That’s why the spin and speed is an important part of the equation to get the height and descent angle.
I’ve always been lucky in that regard I generate a lot of spin and peak height with a normal shot . Was always taught essentially 1000rpm per iron is optimal and it’s what I’ve always worked on and got. As long as you’ve got the speed it Helps to hit the ball with enough spin to keep it up for distance, descent and stopping power.
It’s a bloody complex game and there’s so many variables and why it intrigues us so much. I’m an absolute nerd when it comes to golf data it’s borderline obsessive
Orikoru
Tour Winner
Well I would be in the slow category by those metrics.
Lucifer MorningStar
Well-known member
So you compress your irons properly , your launch should be around 15-17° to give you optimal height and descent.
What’s your actual clubhead speed with a 6 iron and spin rates are as they’ll contribute massively and have you ever measured your launch with anything other than driver ?
We are only talking ideals here there will be variations based on swing patterns, speed, spin, strength and club delivery. But it’s a nerdy topic and I love it
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SteveJay
Head Pro
Interesting thing about the Trackman data for me was the peak height comparisons. I have read before that all clubs should have similar peak heights but always wondered how close they should be - those stats confirmed it is actually very similar throughout the bag.
As someone who hits the ball high, its something I maybe need to work on to maximise effectiveness (distance & control).
As someone who hits the ball high, its something I maybe need to work on to maximise effectiveness (distance & control).
Neilds
Assistant Pro
Does it really matter? Yes, in a perfect world, with a perfect swing in perfect conditions then the maths will work. Any other time it is just background noise that will get in the way and ruin people's swing. Just hit the ball!
Lucifer MorningStar
Well-known member
And despite all
The science behind and chase for perfection your point is the one of ultimate truth of it. Hit the ball have fun and enjoy the walk.
