In our forums, our members have been discussing the benefits and downsides of playing HL (High Launch) irons. WRXer ‘jjfcpa’ kicks off the thread, asking:

“Just looking for some feedback on the advantages and disadvantages of the HL model irons that Ping (G430), Taylormade (Qi10), JPX923, and Callaway (AI Smoke HL) are now offering?

If you are a slower swing speed golfer (senior primarily I’m guessing), would you consider one of these?”

And our members have been having their say on the subject in our forum.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

• POKeefe: “Advantage and Disadvantage: They go higher, fly straighter, and are chunkier which can be confidence inspiring. This is ideal for a lower speed player who struggles to get the ball airborne but bad for a higher speed player who can easily balloon golf balls.”
• Roejye: “I think it’s the ability to give you more launch. Yeah, a lower lofted iron will give you more distance, but how predictable is that if that distance is based on roll-out. Theoretically, giving someone with slightly slower swing speed with the other characteristics of a GI/SGI iron would help launch the ball better.”
• erock9174: “I don’t think there are any disadvantages to HL irons.  It’s all about providing a fitting need.  Not everybody needs super strong lofts to win the distance battle.  While I am not quite old yet…do turn 48 this year, I have always hit the ball the same distance pretty much since I started golf 30 yrs ago.  I just have a nice easy deliberate swing and try to keep the ball in play with accuracy.  So anything stronger than a 26* 6i never works for me.  I think that is helpful going into club purchases for me.  Also hollowbody irons rarely work for me either.  I seem to generate more height and spin with cavity back irons.”

Entire Thread: “What are the advantages and disadvantages of using HL irons? – GolfWRXers discuss”