Question

10.46K viewsJanuary 8, 2024

SilverSpade 18 January 7, 2024 0 Comments

I currently play Haywood combo set 4-6 CB & 7-W MB. I have no issues getting good elevation but I become inconsistent when I reach my 21 degree 4I. I am considering building a KE4 Tour FDI Hybrid in a steel shaft to replace the 4 iron and maybe even the 19 degree 2 iron in steel when it becomes available.

The FDIs look similar in shape to the Tour Edge Iron-Woods and Cleveland Launcher HL Halos, which claim to be very easy to elevate off the turf, but I have yet to read any Maltby reviews that compare the three different brands.

Could you please tell me:

How easy are the KE4 FDI’s to hit off the turf in comparison to the other super game improvement irons?
If I went for steel shafts, could I get them cut to standard 4 Iron 38.5″ and 2 iron 39″ without losing any playability or distance compared to the graphite hybrid shafts you offer which are typically cut .5 inches longer respectively?
Regarding steel shafts, I notice you recommend a steel hybrid that is lighter than a standard iron shaft. I play TT Dynamic Gold 115g Mid Stiff. What do your foresee being a possible negative issue if I used a 115g steel shaft (in .370 hosel) instead of the lighter steel hybrid shafts?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Britt Lindsey Answered question January 8, 2024

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Answer 1 · 2024-01-09T16:25:56+00:00

Not familiar with the Haywood and have not evaluated the Tour Edge or Cleveland product. That being said, I personally play the #3 and #4 FDI (with my TS4 5 thru GW) and believe they are as good a long iron/hybrid as I have ever hit. They have been in our line-up in one form or another for quite a few years. I can hit stingers, or high shots. Good off turf or the tee. I would recommend them for anyone looking for an alternative to long irons or even the peanut shaped hybrids.

As far as shafts, they can be used with steel shafts if that is what you prefer. If you use steel and cut them .5 inches shorter, you will most likely not hit them as far as a similar lofted hybrid with the lighter weight graphite shaft at .5 inch longer length. Longer club at a lighter weight should go a little farther. I use the SteelFiber 95 Stiff in mine and love them. My set is the Nippon 120 steel in Stiff. Not sure I see where we recommend a steel hybrid shaft with the FDI’s. We may have in the past, but we sell many more with graphite than steel.

You can use the same shaft that you use in your set, the TT DG 115g Stiff, no problem. If you like them there is no reason to think they will not work for the FDI”s. If you are wanting something a little lighter and are wanting to be able to hit these a little farther, you might consider what I did, going with a 85,95 or even a 105g graphite option as a transition. I used the SteelFiber 95 but did not make them longer that I would have normally. They are standard #3, and #4 iron lengths.

I think you’re just going to have to try one and see how it works, with whatever combination you think will give you the performance you are looking for. You may get it right the first try, but you may not and have to adjust. I do not thin you can go wrong with the FDI. Once you dial it in, I think you will really like it.

Britt Lindsey

Hi Britt,

Thanks for the very detailed reply…much appreciated! I am happy to read that the FDI’s are forgiving and able to launch. I think I would prefer metal vs. traditional hybrids and the ability to add a steel shaft is appealing.

A couple of notes FYI:
– when building a custom FDI via your website, it gives an option for steel shaft and the dropdown option presents a “Project X, U-Steel Hybrid Shaft”. This aligns with your suggestion that a lighter and longer shaft will likely give more distance. I may try this.

-Unfortunately, my TT Gold 115g Mid has a .355 Tip OD but the FDI Hosel ID calls for .370. I presume I need to make sure the shaft I choose is .370 also to ensure a fit.

Thanks again for your reply…it was very helpful!
@Rlafoone

Oh? Thanks for the suggestion. I wasn’t aware of this solution but it makes perfect sense.