I was just thinking about this subject today.
Most assuredly irons were heavier back in the day, add to the fact the clubs were manufactured heavier, pros like Hogan and others would make them heavier still by adding lead tape to the head.
Seems that most of the great ball strikers seemed to prefer heavier clubs.
Now I am no expert on any of this, but from what I have read you can count on the modern clubs always being longer in length and the lofts stronger than vintage clubs. I think we can all agree on that.
The modern club being lighter and longer with stronger lofts is an effort by the manufacturer to increase the swing speed of the average recreational player, thereby increasing the distance of a shot. Also to fool the low info folks among us into thinking that they are hitting that 7i, that used to be a 5i, 220 yards or whatever.
What is sacrificed? Control. Control of the swing, the club, the hands, the club head and the golf ball.
Golf is still a game of feel and you sacrifice feel if you are swinging a whip as opposed to a shaft. Not saying you can’t control a whip, just be prepared to put in the practice, and its just not the same feel or control you can have over a heavier, stronger object. You may not swing as fast, but I’d lay odds you’d have more control.
I am wondering if I setup my more modern set of clubs with the same length shafts as vintage clubs, or .25 inches shorter than standard would I actually gain more control in my swing and control of the club?
Choking up on a driver helps my driver swing. Wouldn’t a slightly shorter shaft in all my clubs accomplish the same thing?
Question for jrich99 - Your MP 68 5i has the same lie angle as a '72 MacGregor 5i?