What is a 6 Iron Golf Club? Length, Distance & Loft

What is a 6 Iron Golf Club?

If you are new to golf, irons are generally used for a variety of shots from different distances, and each iron is designed for a specific range. They are more lofted than most woods, which means they have a higher trajectory and usually travel shorter distances.

The 6 iron is typically used for medium to long shots, anywhere from 150 yards to 180 yards. Most golfers use it to hit shots from fairways, rough, or even sand traps. The loft is between 24 and 31 degrees and is great for landing the ball on the green with a little backspin.

Editors Choice
Callaway Golf 2023 Paradym Individual
9.7

Callaway Paradym irons are an aesthetically pleasing set of players distance irons that offer game-improvement qualities, while still having a players look at address, making them a great choice for golfers looking for forgiveness and style. 

Top Pick
TaylorMade SiM 2 Max Iron Set Mens
9.2

The TaylorMade Sim 2 Max Iron Set Mens is a modern game improvement iron that features a thick top line, moderate offset, and wide sole to lower CG. Its sleek design, unreal sound and feel, and optimized performance make it a great choice for golfers looking to improve their game.

Budget Pick
Callaway Golf Rogue ST MAX Individual Iron
9.1

Callaway Rogue ST MAX irons feature high strength steel combined with A.I. designed Flash Face Cup for more ball speed and spin rate consistency, as well as precision tungsten weighting and patented urethane microspheres for improved launch and feel.

The length of a 6 iron is also important, as it affects the trajectory and distance of your shots. The standard length for a 6 iron is 37.5 inches for men and 36.5 inches for women, but some golfers may have clubs that are an inch or two shorter or longer.

When Should you Use a 6 Iron Golf Club?

9 Iron and 8 Iron

The 6 iron is perfect for approach shots, as well as for getting out of tricky situations like the rough, under the trees, or from a fairway bunker. It can also be used for tee shots on shorter holes, or for any shot where you need more control over your ball.

If you are lucky enough and your ball lands on the fairway, a 6 iron can be used for a green-in-regulation (GIR) shot. This is when you hit the ball onto the green and it stops within 10 feet of the hole, or closer.

I quite often use the 6 iron as my go-to club when I am in the 150-175 yards range as I know that I can trust the club to give me the yardage that I need whilst also providing me with a high degree of accuracy.

What you have to have in mind though is good course management. If the hole is playing long, maybe you should lay up in front of the green and attack with a Wedge or 9-iron.

What Are Some Pros and Cons of Using a 6 Iron?

Of course, like every club, there are some pros and cons of using a 6 iron.

Pros

  • It’s great for approach shots and landing the ball on the green with backspin
  • The loft is perfect for hitting the ball out of tough lies
  • Easier to hit than 5 iron
  • Relatively good distance
  • Comes in handy from the rough or traps
  • Rescue from under trees

Cons

  • Shorter distance than 5 iron
  • A little bit harder to hit than 7 iron
  • Less forgiving than hybrids
  • Can be more difficult to control than shorter clubs

Length

Golf Clubs

One of the main things that you need to think about when choosing a 6 iron is the length. The standard length for a 6 iron is 37.5 inches for men and 36.5 inches for women, but some golfers may have clubs that are an inch or two shorter or longer. The graphite shafts are also available in 38 inches for men and 37 inches for women.

If you are taller, you might want a longer club, and if you are shorter, you might want a shorter club. The length of the club will affect the trajectory and distance of your shots, so it’s important to choose a length that is comfortable for you.

I have a standard length 6 iron and I am very happy with it. It’s the perfect length for me and I can hit the ball the distance that I need. If you are not sure, I would recommend trying out a few different clubs at the driving range before you buy one.

Alternatively, you could get your clubs fitted, which is where a professional will measure your height and help you choose the right length for your clubs.

Distance

The average distance for a 6 iron is between 150 and 180 yards for men and 130 and 160 yards for women. Most amateur golfers will hit their 6 iron somewhere in the 150 to 170-yard range.

The distance of your shots will depend on your swing speed, the angle of your clubface, and the loft of your club. If you are hitting the ball well, you should be able to hit your 6 iron around 160 yards.

If you look at Tour players, they can hit their 6 iron between 183 – 229 yards. This is after years of practice and perfecting their swing, so don’t expect to be hitting the ball that far just yet!

Loft

The loft is the angle between the clubface and the shaft, and it affects how high or low the ball will travel. The 6 iron has an average loft of 30 degrees. Most manufacturers make clubs with lofts that range from 24 to 31 degrees.

The loft of the club will also affect the trajectory and distance of your shots. If you want a higher trajectory, you should choose a club with more loft. If you want a lower trajectory, you should choose a club with less loft.

Another factor that will affect the ball flight is weather conditions. The ball will fly further in summer due to the warmer temperatures and softer turf.

How to Hit a 6 Iron Golf Club?

To hit a 6 iron, take your stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and the ball in the middle of your stance. For a slightly longer shot, position the ball closer to your left foot (for right-handed golfers), and for a shorter shot, place the ball closer to your right foot.

The 6 iron is one of the clubs you hit down on. This means that the club should be in front of the ball at impact. To achieve this, make sure that you take a divot after the ball. If you don’t, it means that you are either hitting up on the ball or you are topping it.

Control your tempo at your upswing and don’t try to hit the ball too hard. The club will do the work for you. A good way to control your tempo is to count “one-one thousand, two-one thousand” as you swing. This will help you keep a consistent tempo and avoid overswinging.

Hips and shoulders should turn together and your weight should transfer from your back foot to your front foot. The club should be in a position where your arms are extended but not locked, and your wrists are cocked.

At impact, the clubface should be square to the target line and your weight should be transferred to your front foot. Follow through with your swing and finish in a balanced position.

Best Iron Set for Beginners and High Handicap Golfers

PING G425 Iron Set

Ping G425 - 7 Iron

Ping G425 Iron Set is everything that a mid-to-high handicapper could ever want in an iron set. The G425 Irons are designed to deliver distance, forgiveness and feel in a more compact shape, making them the ultimate game-improvement iron set.

The looks of these irons are classic and modern at the same time, which is sure to make them a favorite among golfers of all skill levels. The G425 Irons feature a variable-thickness face for increased ball speed, higher launch and improved spin control around the greens.

They are designed to be easy to hit and offer the ultimate in performance and forgiveness, making them great for golfers of all skill levels.

Pros

  • Distance and forgiveness
  • Perfect for mid-to-high handicappers
  • Great distance and accuracy
  • Forgiveness on off-center hits
  • Great feel and sound

Cons

  • Looks might not be for everyone
  • Shorter distance than other irons
  • No other cons
Our Pick
PING G425 Iron Set

If you are a beginner or a high handicap golfer, the Ping G425 Iron Set is an excellent choice. 

  • Super Forgiving Irons
  • The ball jumps off the face 
  • Great for Beginners and High Handicappers
  • Good for faster swings too
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Best Iron Set for Mid-Handicap Golfers

Cobra 2022 King Forged Tec Iron Set

Cobra-Forged-Tec-X-7-Iron

The Cobra King Forged Tec irons are an impressive addition to the market, with a sleek and elegant finish that makes them look like they can add a lot of distance to your game.

These clubs have been engineered to provide the perfect blend of forgiveness, accuracy and distance, making them the perfect choice for mid-handicap golfers.

This set is packed with technology that helps to improve accuracy and launch, giving you the confidence to take your game to the next level.

Pros

  • Incredible distance
  • Sleek and elegant design
  • Suitable for low to mid-handicap golfers
  • Great feel and sound
  • One length option available

Cons

  • Not as forgiving as other clubs
  • May be too expensive for some
Our Pick
Cobra Forged Tech X Iron Set

The Cobra King Forged Tec irons are the perfect choice for mid-handicap golfers who are looking to improve their accuracy and distance.

  • Clean, traditional look
  • Excellent feel and feedback
  • Plenty of forgiveness
  • Great value for money
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Conclusion

A 6 iron golf club is available in different lengths and flexes to fit the needs of each golfer. The average distance for a 6 iron is between 140 and 170 yards but can vary depending on swing speed, angle of clubface, and loft of the club. Most amateur golfers will hit their 6 iron somewhere in the 150 to 170-yard range.

To hit a 6 iron, take your stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and the ball in the middle of your stance. The club should be in front of the ball at impact, and you should take a divot after the ball. Control your tempo at your upswing and don’t try to hit the ball too hard. The club will do the work for you.

If you are looking to improve your game, the 6 iron is a great club to practice with, as it can be used in a variety of situations. It is also a good option for beginners, as it is not too difficult to hit and can be very forgiving.

Continue Reading…

  1. What is a 9 Iron Golf Club? Length, Distance & Loft
  2. What is a 8 Iron Golf Club? Length, Distance & Loft
  3. What is a 7 Iron Golf Club? Length, Distance & Loft

The Golf Bandit
The Golf Bandit

Hi, I'm Jan. I love golf and I have been playing for a while now. I really enjoy trying out new golf clubs and equipment, and like to review them on my blog. I consider myself lucky as I have access to the latest clubs and gadgets, so I can get a feel for how they perform on the golf course. I also like to share my tips and tricks on how to improve your game, so if you're looking for help with that then look no further! Thanks for visiting, and I hope you find something useful here.

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