A used iron set title packs a lot into one line. Take this one: Callaway Mavrik Pro 4-AW Iron Set X Flex Std Length. That is the brand and model, the clubs in the set, the shaft flex and the length. Here is how to read each part.
What does 4-PW mean?
It is the range of clubs in the set. 4-PW means the 4 iron through the pitching wedge: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and PW. That is 7 clubs.
| Listing | Clubs included | Count |
|---|---|---|
| 4-PW | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, PW | 7 |
| 5-PW | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, PW | 6 |
| 5-AW or 5-GW | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, PW, AW or GW | 7 |
| 4-AW | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, PW, AW | 8 |
| 6-PW | 6, 7, 8, 9, PW | 5 |
What do AW, GW and UW mean?
They are the wedge that fits between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge. AW is approach wedge, GW is gap wedge, and UW is Ping's utility wedge. Same job, different names by brand. Many newer sets come with one because pitching wedges have gotten stronger.
What does a comma in the club range mean?
It means a club is missing. 6-7, 9-AW is a 6, 7, 9, PW and AW with no 8 iron. Sets like this cost less, and you can usually fill the gap with one of our single irons.
What does combo mean?
A combo set mixes two models, usually a more forgiving head in the long irons and a players' head in the short irons. The title lists both models, like P790 / P770 Combo.
What do the flex letters mean?
- L or W: Ladies or women's flex, the softest.
- SR: Senior flex, between ladies and regular. See senior flex iron sets.
- R: Regular. See regular flex iron sets.
- S: Stiff. See stiff flex iron sets.
- X and TX: Extra stiff and tour extra stiff, for very fast swings. See X stiff iron sets.
- Uniflex: A shaft made to play between regular and stiff.
Flex is one part of fit. Shaft weight matters too, and graphite is usually lighter than steel. You can shop graphite or steel iron sets.
What do +0.5" and Std Length mean?
Std Length means the clubs are the maker's standard length. A plus or minus number means each club is that much longer or shorter than standard. +0.5" is a half inch long. -0.75" is three quarters of an inch short. Taller players often play longer clubs, and shorter players shorter ones, but your posture and arm length matter as much as height.
What about Lefty and Fitting Club?
Lefty means left-handed. Fitting Club means the club came from a fitting cart, so it is often a single 7 iron with a shaft or length used for testing. They are a cheap way to try a model.
Check the lofts and lies
On any used set, lofts and lies can drift with use. A quick loft and lie check helps the set play like it should.
Need help picking?
Stop by our Farmers Branch shop, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and hit a few sets on the simulator. Or browse all used iron sets online.
FAQ
How many clubs are in a 4-PW iron set?
Seven: the 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 irons plus the pitching wedge.
Is 5-PW or 4-PW better?
Most golfers are better off with 5-PW plus a hybrid in place of the 4 iron. Better ball strikers often keep the 4 iron.
What does SR flex mean on a golf club?
Senior flex. It is softer than regular and suits slower swing speeds.
