New irons?

[achiro]

My current irons are an off brand I think I bought at Golf USA a few years ago. I can't hit them worth crap so I'm thinking of getting new. I think they are a bit short for me and are a pretty straight blade design. Even with a pretty clean hit on just the ball, they kind of hurt my hands. Anyway with all the different brands: Titleist, Taylormade, Calloway, Ping, etc, etc. What is the real differences? Do you recommend one over the other? Why?

[Mjcpr]

Maybe your hands are just pussies.

[The]

http://www.ironmaiden.com/fromfeartoeternity/images/FFTE_800.jpg

I like it.

[SoonerofAlabama]

I was expecting either this:

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/3579/ironman5984.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/841/ironman5984.jpg/)

Or this:

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/24/steamiron.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/713/steamiron.jpg/)

[picasso]

If you're not good you shouldn't be hitting blades.

[Turd_Ferguson]

My first set of iron's were the Wilson Staff blades. I learned to play with them back in the 80's. Around 92 or so, I bought some Ping Eye 2's, and couldn't believe the difference a cavity back made. I now have the Callaway X-12's I bought back in 2k, courtesy of the Newcastle Casino. I still hit them to this day and wouldn't change. I've tested the Taylor made's, Titelist, Cleveland's and a few others...didn't like them like I do the Callaway's. I'd would like to upgrade to the X-24's, but I don't see that coming anytime soon...

[StoopTroup]

PING

[Turd_Ferguson]

If you're not good you shouldn't be hitting blades.I would say, if you learn to hit blades, you will have a pretty good game with cavity backs...

[picasso]

I would say, if you learn to hit blades, you will have a pretty good game with cavity backs...

If you learn to hit blades then why buy cavity backs?

I'm just saying those aren't the easiest to start out with.

[Condescending Sooner]

I say Callaway. Since they changed their iron design around 04, most of the other companies have copied them. Easy to hit, nice high flight, and lots of backspin. Like Picasso said, if you are not really good, you shouldn't be playing blades.

[Turd_Ferguson]

If you learn to hit blades then why buy cavity backs?

I'm just saying those aren't the easiest to start out with.OK, if you learn to strike the ball well with a blade, but still have issues pushing or pulling the ball, cavity backs are gonna be your best friend...:D

[XingTheRubicon]

If you're not good you shouldn't be hitting blades.

that

[Boomer.....]

Go to a golf store or demo day at a course and try different brands. Get a feel for which ones you can hit best and get them custom fitted.

I agree with the no-go on blades.

[StoopTroup]

Go to a golf store or demo day at a course and try different brands. Get a feel for which ones you can hit best and get them custom fitted.

I agree with the no-go on blades.
Good idea....it's why I just said spend some money and go with Ping especially if you've started having problems that you think are related to the right length of the clubs. Grip is as important IMO.

If he finds a cheaper club that can help though....By the damn things.

[Mjcpr]

I have a set of Mizuno's that I like but I'm thinking most any set will work for you unless you are a really, really good player and have very specific needs. I'm fairly certain my crappy shots aren't the result of my clubs.

That said, getting new clubs is fun. :D

[Partial Qualifier]

I'm betting that if achiro's set is a Golf USA off-brand as he says, they aren't technically 'blades' or forged-iron, non-cavity-back clubs. But personally, I wouldn't strongly urge someone who grew up playing blades to wholesale switch to a set of cavity backs anyway. Other people would (will..) disagree with me. I grew up playing blades and have tried switching to "more forgiving" cavity-backs several times, and I can't get the feel of 'em because the feedback is totally different.

Again, I'd suggest cavity-backs, but not too strongly. If a golfer tries cavity-backs and decides he doesn't like them, I wouldn't give him the ol' Golf Galaxy hard-sell about it. Just personal opinion.


Go to a golf store or demo day at a course and try different brands. Get a feel for which ones you can hit best and get them custom fitted.



I second this. Or hell, just pick a set that looks good to you, then get them fitted to your swing.

[Turd_Ferguson]

just pick a set that looks good to youGood idea. IMO, the look of the club while addressing the ball play's a large role in how well you strike the ball...

[Serenity Now]

Get a good set of x-16's or so off of ebay.

[landrun]

Good idea. IMO, the look of the club while addressing the ball play's a large role in how well you strike the ball...

I agree with this.

Also, what is your handicap? I don't care how long you've hit blades, if you're not breaking 90, go with a player improvement club.

I like my Taylormade irons.

[Serenity Now]

I'd say if your not sub 80-85 player improvement clubs would benefit you. Back when I was about a 5 hc my brother switched me cars hiding from some woman and I had to play in the club champ with his x-14's. Straight, long and high. I was tempted then. I've since switched to some cleveland ta-3's. I'm no 5 anymore. Damn kids!

[Boomer.....]

Get a good set of x-16's or so off of ebay.
Heck, you can get new X-20s for low $200s online.

[soonersponge]

I got the new Taylormade Tour Preferred MC irons and like them so far. I ditched my titliest blades for them. I can't control as well as the blades, but I hit them flush more often.

[StoopTroup]

I agree with this.

Also, what is your handicap? I don't care how long you've hit blades, if you're not breaking 90, go with a player improvement club.

I like my Taylormade irons.

I've seen some players with them and I've heard very few of my buds say a bad thing about them.

[StoopTroup]

I got the new Taylormade Tour Preferred MC irons and like them so far. I ditched my titliest blades for them. I can't control as well as the blades, but I hit them flush more often.

They are a sweet looking designed head....

http://www.productwiki.com/upload/images/taylormade_tour_preferred_mb.jpg

[StoopTroup]

Achiro....I don't know what Sponge paid for his but here is a set on EBAY....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170656912635+&clk_rvr_id=242227166273

Item specifics
Condition:
New other (see details): A new, unused item with absolutely no signs of wear. The item may be missing the original packaging, ... Read moreabout the condition
Club Type: Iron set
Dexterity: Right-Handed Brand: TaylorMade
Gender: Men Model: Tour Preferred MC
Flex: Regular Shaft Material: Steel

You are bidding on a set of 2011 Taylor Made Tour Preferred Irons Muscle Cavity Right Handed. Set Makeup is 4-PW (7 clubs total). The shaft is the Dynamic Gold R300 REGULAR flex. These irons are +1/2 inch in length and standard lie. This is a perfect set of irons for a golfer wanting a precision set of irons!

[SoTxSooner85]

You can't really buy bad irons anymore as long as you stick to the name brands. They are all really good.

Confidence is one of the most important things for an amatuer in my opinion.

If it looks hittable at address it more than likely will be.

Customer service and proper fitting are other considerations.

Ping is the best at both of these.

[CowboyMRW]

I have the X-22's. I love them.

[soonersponge]

They are a sweet looking designed head....

http://www.productwiki.com/upload/images/taylormade_tour_preferred_mb.jpg

Those are the MB's. They are the blades. I got the MC's.

[StoopTroup]

Those are the MB's. They are the blades. I got the MC's.

Opps. I was surfing through Taylors site. I didn't know they made so many different Models. The MB I posted.....I really like the looks of those. Are the MB's last years Model?

Here's a MC on Ebay. They look nice too. About $100+ more though? The MB looks like you could maybe keep them a bit cleaner?

http://cgi.ebay.com/TaylorMade-Tour-Preferred-MC-Iron-set-Golf-Clubs-/150619872372?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item2311a4dc74

http://www.higolfclubs.com/images/201104/goods_img/741_P_1303825776450.jpg

[soonersponge]

Opps. I was surfing through Taylors site. I didn't know they made so many different Models. The MB I posted.....I really like the looks of those.

It is a blade, but has a big head for a blade. I just want something easier to hit.

[StoopTroup]

It is a blade, but has a big head for a blade. I just want something easier to hit.

Ahhhh....so it's got a larger head than the MB. I didn't see specs on them. I'll go look Closer.

[achiro]

Before starting this thread I was looking at the burner 2.0and the superlaunch burners. Why the MB MC over those?

[Curly Bill]

Golf clubs are a very individual thing. I'm with those that recommend going to a golf shop with some knowledgeable folks that can help you get what you want and need. IMO just asking on-line you're gonna get a thousand different opinions and many of them not very helpful.

That being said: it is fun to talk clubs so don't mind me. :D

[soonersponge]

Mc and mb have same size head. I am just saying the mb blade is a bigger head blade than say titliest.

And tour preferred irons are the best Taylormade makes. Burner and super launch are just cheaper irons. Different technology. Does not mean they are not best for a person. I demo the whole set for a while before I choose.

[StoopTroup]

Mc and mb have same size head. I am just saying the mb blade is a bigger head blade than say titliest.

And tour preferred irons are the best Taylormade makes. Burner and super launch are just cheaper irons. Different technology. Does not mean they are not best for a person. I demo the whole set for a while before I choose.

My Uncle's BIL was the Pro out at Page Belcher for a long time. I'm not sure if he's still there it's been years since we spoke. After GrandPaw died we kind of got out of pocket. Bastid never hooked me up. :D

[GKeeper316]

My current irons are an off brand I think I bought at Golf USA a few years ago. I can't hit them worth crap so I'm thinking of getting new. I think they are a bit short for me and are a pretty straight blade design. Even with a pretty clean hit on just the ball, they kind of hurt my hands. Anyway with all the different brands: Titleist, Taylormade, Calloway, Ping, etc, etc. What is the real differences? Do you recommend one over the other? Why?

yes you need new clubs. but not yet.

first buy some lessons from your local club pro and learn how to properly swing a golf club. then get some custom fit clubs.

good clubs are an investment in your happiness. don't go cheap.

[lexsooner]

My current irons are an off brand I think I bought at Golf USA a few years ago. I can't hit them worth crap so I'm thinking of getting new. I think they are a bit short for me and are a pretty straight blade design. Even with a pretty clean hit on just the ball, they kind of hurt my hands. Anyway with all the different brands: Titleist, Taylormade, Calloway, Ping, etc, etc. What is the real differences? Do you recommend one over the other? Why?

There's only only way to find out: go demo the clubs at the driving range. Some courses have stockpiles of clubs which equipment sales persons leave with them, and you can demo them for free.

I have Callaway X-18s, steel shaft, which are really good clubs, but I am looking to go back to graphite because I have not adjusted well to the extra weight of the steel. My Dad plays Cobra seniors, and they are great clubs. I may change to Cobra graphite in the future.

[achiro]

Golf clubs are a very individual thing. I'm with those that recommend going to a golf shop with some knowledgeable folks that can help you get what you want and need. IMO just asking on-line you're gonna get a thousand different opinions and many of them not very helpful.

That being said: it is fun to talk clubs so don't mind me. :D

I agree with everything you've said here and had always planned on trying some clubs out before I buy. I just thought I might be able to narrow some things down before then.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

Different opinion here.

If you suck now, you're gonna suck later with fancy clubs. I play my old ISTs but I had an ancient set of Tommy Armour blades I got when I first started. I broke out the wedge the other day and absolutely fell right back in love. With a God knows how old blade.

The beauty of it is that a "player improvement" club is simply going to soften the blow of what it is you're screwing up. Yeah, it'll add some distance, give you a bigger look, all that cool stuff. But what will a blade do for you? You'll KNOW when you mi**** a ball. You'll KNOW when you're off. And if you're paying attention, you'll know when you groove one.

Point being, if you want to shave a few strokes and make up for a few gaps in your game, go with something new. If you want to eliminate those gaps, stay in the blades and work on your game. And once the gaps are filled, see where you're at.

[soonercruiser]

My current irons are an off brand I think I bought at Golf USA a few years ago. I can't hit them worth crap so I'm thinking of getting new. I think they are a bit short for me and are a pretty straight blade design. Even with a pretty clean hit on just the ball, they kind of hurt my hands. Anyway with all the different brands: Titleist, Taylormade, Calloway, Ping, etc, etc. What is the real differences? Do you recommend one over the other? Why?

Find a "Demo Day" at your local course, and hit them for yourself!
Clubs are like personal tastes for the feel of the golf ball.

[fadada1]

as soonerfans resident PGA professional, a fully stocked demo day is a wise thing to consider. if you have the ability to try a few different shafts, definitely do!!! every manufacturer makes great clubs now - competition has made everyone work harder to make solid products.

that being said, the top "heads" are all nearly the same between manufacturers - they all are basically designed the same way, depending on "game improvement" or "performance-type" clubs. the most important component is the shaft. depending on your tempo, swing speed, how you "load" the club, release, etc... the type and make of shaft can drastically change your ball flight.

once you get the shaft correct, then start to try different clubs (ping, titleist, callaway, taylor made). narrow it down to 2; if both are the same in performance, pick the one that looks best to your "eye".

if you play a lot of golf, don't be afraid to spend a few extra bucks to get something that fits you and suits your game. with that, get properly fit for length and lie.

good luck and hit 'em straight.

[achiro]

as soonerfans resident PGA professional, a fully stocked demo day is a wise thing to consider. if you have the ability to try a few different shafts, definitely do!!! every manufacturer makes great clubs now - competition has made everyone work harder to make solid products.

that being said, the top "heads" are all nearly the same between manufacturers - they all are basically designed the same way, depending on "game improvement" or "performance-type" clubs. the most important component is the shaft. depending on your tempo, swing speed, how you "load" the club, release, etc... the type and make of shaft can drastically change your ball flight.

once you get the shaft correct, then start to try different clubs (ping, titleist, callaway, taylor made). narrow it down to 2; if both are the same in performance, pick the one that looks best to your "eye".

if you play a lot of golf, don't be afraid to spend a few extra bucks to get something that fits you and suits your game. with that, get properly fit for length and lie.

good luck and hit 'em straight.

The only issue I have with that is that I don't know that my swing is consistent enough to get a good look at what I need. I'm just getting back into golf after a few years away. The clubs I have are terrible though, I hit just about anyone else's better so I want to get some new. Maybe a 'tween set for now that is of enough quality to help for a few years? Or maybe a decent set with the plans to have the shafts changed later rather than buy a whole new set? Thoughts?

[WichitaSooner]

The only issue I have with that is that I don't know that my swing is consistent enough to get a good look at what I need. I'm just getting back into golf after a few years away. The clubs I have are terrible though, I hit just about anyone else's better so I want to get some new. Maybe a 'tween set for now that is of enough quality to help for a few years? Or maybe a decent set with the plans to have the shafts changed later rather than buy a whole new set? Thoughts?

In that case pick something from here:

http://www.tgw.com/customer/search2.jsp?scid=1541&ILC-MENU

[Turd_Ferguson]

Don't know if it's still there, but there used to be a Golf shop in the same strip that Pancho's is in there on 240 and Penn. Guy has some good used equipment at good prices plus, he can fit them at no extry charge...

[Boomer.....]

Also check http://www.rockbottomgolf.com/ and http://www.callawaygolfpreowned.com/.

[sooneron]

I'm thinking about trying some Mizuno JPX 800s. They sound hella nice. I started on Staff Blades and got down to around an 8-10 handicap. We have kids now, so practicing at least twice a week and at least a round per week doesn't fit into the equation. Now, I'm lucky to play bogey golf. I have some Callaway X14s right now that I got back in 01. I have never had much confidence in them. I think part of that had to do with the look of them at address as they look so fat. I hit the irons pretty well - average distance with an 8 is 155 or so when I'm loose. I hit my 4 around 200. I would like to say that I was CRUSHING the ball off the tee last week with my 2 iron! :D
Driver received a no confidence bid on the front 9. :(

[sooneron]

I think I'm going with the Adams CB2 forged irons. I have hit them a few times. I'm bringing my old Callaways to Nompton next weekend and leaving them there for golf in God's country. No more golf for the season after that, I guess. I really like the feel of the CB2 s. SAweeet! Plus they look zehr kewl.

http://www.productwiki.com/upload/images/adams_idea_black_cb2.jpg

[8timechamps]

If you're not good you shouldn't be hitting blades.

I learned this the hard way.