If you've spent any time looking at our adjustable steel clubs, you've probably noticed that we offer two primary handle options: the Cadi Club and the Shorty Club.
One of the most common questions we get is simple:
"What is the actual difference between them?"
At first glance, they look almost identical.
They use the same loading system, the same construction, the same knurling, the same pommel design, and the same durable materials. Both are built to handle serious training and both can be loaded to match your strength level.
The biggest difference comes down to one thing:
Handle length.
The Shorty Club uses an 18 inch handle while the standard Cadi Club uses a 24 inch handle.
That six inch difference changes the way the club moves far more than most people expect.
Why Club Length Matters
When you increase the length of a club, you increase the leverage.
More leverage means more torque. More torque means the weight feels heavier during movement, even if the actual amount of weight on the club stays exactly the same.
This is one of the reasons why club training is so unique. The position of the weight often matters just as much as the weight itself.
The longer Cadi Club creates a slower, more deliberate swing pattern. You feel the pull of the club more throughout the movement and many athletes enjoy the additional challenge that comes with the longer lever.
The Shorty Club creates a much tighter and faster movement pattern. Because the handle is shorter, it feels more compact and easier to maneuver, especially during single-arm work.
Neither is better.
They're simply different tools designed for different preferences and training goals.
Why We Like the Shorty Club for Single Arm Training
The Shorty Club has become one of our favorite options for single arm club work.
Movements like mills, shield casts, pendulums, and other flowing club exercises often feel smoother with the shorter handle.
The shorter lever reduces some of the torque created by the club, allowing many athletes to develop confidence and coordination more quickly.
The compact design also creates a tighter swing path, which can be especially useful when performing club mills.
For taller athletes using heavier loading configurations, the standard Cadi Club can sometimes get surprisingly close to the ground during certain single arm movements. The Shorty Club helps eliminate some of those concerns while still providing all the benefits of club training.
Why We Still Love the Standard Cadi Club
The standard Cadi Club remains incredibly versatile.
The longer handle allows you to experience more leverage and creates a unique training stimulus that many people enjoy.
It works exceptionally well for both single-arm and two-handed training and serves as a great bridge between traditional club training and short mace-style training.
In many ways, the Cadi Club behaves almost like a short bulava or compact mace while still maintaining the versatility of a club.
For athletes who enjoy feeling more pull throughout the movement, the standard handle often becomes their preferred option.
Which One Should You Choose?
The answer depends on your goals, body size, and training style.
If your focus is primarily single arm club work, mills, faster movement patterns, and a more compact feel, the Shorty Club may be the better fit.
If you enjoy longer leverage, greater torque, and maximum versatility between single arm and two handed training, the standard Cadi Club is probably the better choice.
The good news is that neither option is wrong.
One of the core ideas behind CK Maceworks has always been building tools that fit the individual athlete. Different heights, different training styles, and different goals all deserve equipment that supports those differences.
That's exactly why both options exist.
Watch the video above for a full breakdown and demonstration of how the Cadi Club and Shorty Club compare in real world training.