In making the MPF ratings, do you by chance measure the amount of offset? My preference is for a club with low to minimal offset, but I’d like to find this in a head with a high MPF rating. To further complicate this, I’m primarily working on the long irons, and it appears many sets increase the offset incrementally for the long irons. Thanks.
We do not measure the offset as a part of the MPF equation. However, models with more offset usually have a more rearward cg location, which can have a positive affect on the MPF rating. Many models have progressive offset, with more offset in the longer irons progressing to less in the shorter irons. The more offset in the longer irons is designed to improve the playability in the harder to hit long irons. More offset, as I just mentioned, moves the rearward cg further back which can make it easier to get the ball in the air, and also gives the clubface a little more time to square in the impact zone. It is not necessary to have more offset in a design for it to have a high playability. As an example, you could look at our DBM and TE forged irons. Both have very little offset (.100″) and are both Super Game Improvement designs. In determining if more offset would be a benefit, you must determine if the player needs assistance in getting the ball airborne. If so, the combination of a low, rearward cg and offset are features that could be a benefit. Also, the look of the offset must be acceptable. Some players simply do not like the look. If they do not like the look of an offset iron, no matter how much they may need the benefits associated with offset, they most likely will struggle with an offset design.
Britt Lindsey
We do not measure offset as a part of the MPF equation, but generally clubs with more offset will have a greater rearward cg location, which is part of the equation and will affect the MPF in a positive way. We do look at the offset and do measure it on our designs, of course. The reason there are a lot of models that have progressive offset, with more offset in the long irons, is that more offset can be a game improvement feature. More offset in the longer, harder to hit long irons improves the rearward cg location and allows more time for the clubhead to square in the impact zone. All that being said, you do not have to have a lot of offset to have a club that has high playability. As an example, our DBM and TE cavity backed forged irons have very little offset (.100″) and are both Super Game Improvement designs. The playability comes down to the reaward cg, the horizontal cg and the vertical cg, as well as the MOI. The amount of offset one pays comes down to whether or not the player likes the look with more offset, and if the offset enhances their ability to hit more consistent shots due to the reasons I mentioned above.
Britt Lindsey