average players using better player irons...

[haplesshacker]

I play with mizuno mx 17 irons and for me there the best club for someone 14-16 handicap.Ive used them from new for about 4 years,and the ball goes where I want it to,so all in all Im happy,but the problem is,I realley want a set of mx 300,but I dont know weather if I could use them

I changed earlier this year from the MX19s to the MX300s. For some reason I just couldn't get comfortable with the 19s at address. I also used to have an awful hook. So I guess the offset wasn't helping me much. I tried Ping G15, I15, MX200s (didn't get on with the look of them) MP52s and 68s (though just as a bit of fun!). The MX300s came out best suited to me.

My scores have tumbled this year, though tbh, there are other factors involved as well. But the left side of the course is less troubled by my shots.

Let's put it this way. If I can kind of use them (I'm by no means good at this game!), then I'm sure that more folks can use them. I like the look of them, they sit better at address for me, and the consistency is a lot better. They'll also do me for years, well that's what I've told the Mrs.

So a double whammy for me. Better looking clubs, and better scores.

As others have said. Just go and try different types and see how you get on.

 

[Macster]

'You won't buy this sort of iron to improve your golf. You are either a good ball striker, or you are not. If you are, then you will be fine, regardless of h/cap."

I disagree.

Although I'm not in exactly the H/C bracket that the OP is referring to, I was off 12 when 2years ago I decided that I didnt like my Ping Zing 2's for some reason. They were powerful clubs, and very long, but I grew tired of the thick top line, and fancied a change.
I listened to all the views about unforgiving 'players type' clubs, but went for some AP2's anyway, and yes, it took me about 2/3 months to bed in with them, before finally feeling at home etc.
However, without a doubt, they actually improved my ball striking, as you know when you've connected well.
Indeed, I found I could 'shape' shots better too, left or right, and last year saw me get to 9.2 for the 1st time in my life, at 47 !

This year, some Titleist CB's have found their way into my bag, and I just love them. No harder to hit, but substantially more beautiful, I cant see me ever going back to a chunky looking iron.....ever.

Make of that what you will.

 

[slugger]

'You won't buy this sort of iron to improve your golf. You are either a good ball striker, or you are not. If you are, then you will be fine, regardless of h/cap."

I disagree.

Although I'm not in exactly the H/C bracket that the OP is referring to, I was off 12 when 2years ago I decided that I didnt like my Ping Zing 2's for some reason. They were powerful clubs, and very long, but I grew tired of the thick top line, and fancied a change.
I listened to all the views about unforgiving 'players type' clubs, but went for some AP2's anyway, and yes, it took me about 2/3 months to bed in with them, before finally feeling at home etc.
However, without a doubt, they actually improved my ball striking, as you know when you've connected well.
Indeed, I found I could 'shape' shots better too, left or right, and last year saw me get to 9.2 for the 1st time in my life, at 47 !

This year, some Titleist CB's have found their way into my bag, and I just love them. No harder to hit, but substantially more beautiful, I cant see me ever going back to a chunky looking iron.....ever.

Make of that what you will.

This is interesting... How long had you been playing golf before you decided to change. I'm only in my 3rd year of playing so have clearly lots to learn.

My handicap is going in the right direction though and i'm hoping to come down below 18 and keep going in the next few months. Had hoped to be there already but bad injury and long holiday have kind of ruined this season of golf for me so far. I'm hitting the ball well enough again though. Scored 77 + 2 blobs (playing matchplay) on The Montgomery course at Kinross at the weekend. My review of that is in the reviews section.

 

[Nikki]

I think you would want to improve your golf, by being able to shape shots...

 

[Adrena1in]

Interesting thread. I often wondered, as a 16 H/C'per, what (if any) different I would notice if I bought some blades or something, suited to very low HC'pers.

Another good question would be at what point to "professional" clubs make a positive difference. < 10 H/C? < 5 H/C? Scratch?

 

[BROOKIE]

thats what Im trying to say,just because we have an higher handicap,doesnt mean we dont hit the ball well,maybe if we had better clubs we become better players.Ive beaten players in matchplay format,simply because they dont play enough and take their handicap for granted

 

[patricks148]

I got my Mizuno MP57 when i got down to 10 and had been playing 3 years then.

I find blades not as unforgiving as i first thought. Got myself a set of MP32 blades with the same shafts as my 57's to use in winter to improve my ball striking. I've gone to using them full time after shooting 3 under at Tain on saturday.

I would suggest trying some not 3 iron a 6 would be better

 

[justagolfer]

I have used Titleist Ap2s for two seasons now...previously used X series then tried Burners. They were the last straw. I disliked the thick top line and wide sole and the generally chunky look…Also seemed a bit heavy for my build.

When I stopped to consider the quality of my ball striking I realised that I did not require game improvement clubs. Suggest you do the same. When you practice don’t just look where the ball goes. Get some labels for the irons and check your strike, and work on improving that. My H/C came down and I hope to get to single figures this year ( if I can sort out my putting ) currently 10.8 and about to collect my pension.

The AP2s may by some standards appear difficult to hit. I would disagree. Big chunky heads and thick soles that bounce all over the place are not all things to all people.

By the way 14 to 16 is betetr than average.

 

[Macster]

Well, I'd been playing for nearly 20yrs before I tired of my Zings, which I'd used for perhaps 10+yrs.

I'm not sure its relevent though. I do think that the bigger chunky 'more forgiving' type clubs are exactly that, but I dont want 'forgiving', I want an iron that inspires me to hit the ball like its supposed to be hit, not scooped up and slugged forward in a hopeful fashion that it will find the green.

A crisply struck 5 iron that flies with a penetrating flight but stops on the flat stuff is what I want, or a 3 iron that I can draw off the tee, etc etc....

There is nothing more inspirational than hitting consistent shots like that.

 

[RGDave]

Interesting thread going on here.

I've been giving it some thought and I reckon if I was to go "the other way" i.e. try some better player irons and had the money, I'd probably look no further than Titleist, Ping or Mizuno and simply choose whichever they offer for a mid h'cap.
I'd then try the next one up and see if I still got on OK.
One of the Titleists (AP1?) has an impressive rating for forgiveness.

 

[Spinn77]

Yep, really interesting thread this one... i've been fighting an urge to upgrade my irons (thye're prob 10 years old and newer technology must help a bit more?)

I'm eyeing up the MP52's, or perhaps the AP's or maybe the Nike VReds. I'd need to try them and get a fitting, but im pretty close to doing it i think.


Not sure exactly what my current clubs are - prob GI's i would have thought, and certainly not ugly i dont think - but i hit decent irons so think i can step up a bit more

 

[Nikki]

Looking at those mizzy's of yours I'd say go for the mp 52's...

 

[HomerJSimpson]

If it is purely Mizzys you are after then go to a demo day and try themout first. If you like what you try then a C/F session would give you the ideal set up as well as the sleek head you are after.

However if you aren't restricting yourself purely to Mizuno then the R9 TP's are pretty good although a thicker topline than some and the same goes for the X20/22 tours although the X forged are still a small cavity backed club with a blade set up.

Basically most top manufacturers produce better player irons which will be out and out blades or small cavity backs. Its impossible to say which is best for you and the old adage of try before you buy rings true. Check out the AG website as they regularly have demo days at their stores or check out the manufacturers sites and see where they are demonstrating. Otherwise check out the local pros and try on their practice ground.

 

[kid2]

Slugger, the best advice I would give is that it isnt the irons that will make the biggest difference, stick with what you have and get your game down with the wedges, if you are using old or high handicap wedges then this is the area to focus on.
Getting back to irons, it depends what you want to do with them, callaways styled clunky headed clubs give a more forgiving contact but send the ball very high. If you want to hit the ball lower, they wouldnt be for you. Blades can go high also depending on the shafts and can be shaped a lot better. The next question you want to ask yourself is this, if you cant hit the ball straight intentionally, what chance do you have with clubs designed for manouvreability (sp)?
Swallow the pride and get what works best, not what sparkles and sounds best.

Brendy, I have to disagree with your post in that there is conflicting information in it....

I think that Irons can make a big difference you've said it yourself in your reply......"If you cant hit the ball straight intentionally what chance do you have with clubs designed for manouvreability"

Also your take on not being able to work the ball with GI clubs is way off.....I can keep the ball flight down with my clubs and can Iv seen them been shaped by my mate off a 6 handicap left and right.......Although i cant do it at will it has happened my once or twice on the rare occasion....


Slugger here's my 2 cents for what its worth.
I changed from wilson Di7's to beautiful W/S FG Tours (Similar clubs to harrington)
There players cavity backs......They are sweet and one day i hope that ill have a game consistent enough for them but here's my story...Like some of the lads have said...Short Irons pretty forgiving, Mid Irons a Little less and long Irons even though they have progressive offset will certainly put manners on you.... I shot a PB with these but i had to be honest with myself they hindered more than helped....If your only having a slightly off day at all then they'll bite you in the ass and wont apologise....

Now im a firm believer in the phrase nothing ventured nothing gained but the coice is yours mate and you will always be wondering what the actual outcome to your post would be unless you actually put a set of Players C/B's in play...Everyone plays differently and what works for 1 wont work for the next but have fun trying them anyway...See if you can borrow a demo set for a few rounds and see how you get on.

Iv since changed for Cobra S2's and really love them...There only 4 rounds old but are much more user friendly and certainly let you know when you've not caught one from the middle.....They take enough divot are workable,long,straight and look well in my bag and i wouldnt swap them for the world...RGDave had recommended me to try them and im glad i did....I also tried the Mizzy MX200 and they are sweet also but i just wanted something a little quirky and different from the norm. Que the S2's....Sweeeet.l

 

[kid2]

As i mentioned in my OP, it's not necessarily about blades, it's about more aesthetically pleasing clubs and clubs that are going to help me in the wind and improve my score.

Dont take this the wrong way slugger but you wont get a club to help you in the wind......Its your swing you need to sort there mate....Ball back in your stance more club and swing easier and shorter taking spin off the ball....Practice this and you'll be able to do it with any club ill bet.......

 

[sev112]

SLugger
I was in the same predicament about 7 or 8 years ago. i bought (after much trying out) some MIzuno Zoid Trues, which are a forged blade/muscleback. I loved them (and still do) like one of the family. They forced me to sort my swing out, and the 6, 7 , 8 , 9 and W are truly beautiful clubs that i played very well with.

Unfortunately, looking back, i can't honestly say the same for the 5, 4, and 3.

I bouight my Hogans this summer, and that has given me much more consistency at 3, 4, and 5, while losing nothing from 6 upwards.

I think your 900s are a loveley set of clubs, Dont know whether you get on with teh 3 and 4 hybrids, but the 5 6 and 7 irons are very well made, and with that hollow head are very forgiving. Your 8 9 and Wedge are not quite blades, but they are very good forged short clubs.

I can understand you looking at the Wilsons though - they are a very good looking club.

 

[brendy]

Kid, Irons can make "a" difference, just not the biggest difference.

GI irons have larger heads, larger forgiveness which is geared towards getting off centre hits away and straighter.
Players irons are designed to help manouvre the ball.
Having the right tools for the job is the mantra, trying to bend GI is more difficult to do and judge.

When was the last time you heard of a callaway X etc being recommended for lower handicappers who desired more shaping strings to their bow?

As I said, a lot of folks cant hit a straight ball yet want to shape a ball at will, that is like trying to run before you can crawl.
Any time I get on the range is spent on fades and draws, I dont just practice trying to hit straight as I think I get by ok with my defaut type of shot. The difference between my old X16 pros and the AP2s was like night and day. I felt like I had to really fight my swing and exxagerate it to get a fade, with the titleists it feels like I am setting up correctly to do it.

 

[Macster]

I think there is a mis-conception here - THE hardest shot in Golf is a 'straight' shot. Its a perfect strike from a perfect swing, and something that most of us, and most Pro's dont even do.

Straight-ish is more what we do, some with draw, some with fade, and its being able to switch or play the un-natural shape that is easier with the 'players type clubs.

And without opening a huge bag of worms up, its not that difficult, and you shouldnt change a thing about your swing.
Its the slightest adjustment of feet that gets the fade or draw we all seek, and its not something that only the Single lads can produce.

 

[kid2]

Kid, Irons can make "a" difference, just not the biggest difference.

GI irons have larger heads, larger forgiveness which is geared towards getting off centre hits away and straighter.
Players irons are designed to help manouvre the ball.
Having the right tools for the job is the mantra, trying to bend GI is more difficult to do and judge.

When was the last time you heard of a callaway X etc being recommended for lower handicappers who desired more shaping strings to their bow?

As I said, a lot of folks cant hit a straight ball yet want to shape a ball at will, that is like trying to run before you can crawl.
Any time I get on the range is spent on fades and draws, I dont just practice trying to hit straight as I think I get by ok with my defaut type of shot. The difference between my old X16 pros and the AP2s was like night and day. I felt like I had to really fight my swing and exxagerate it to get a fade, with the titleists it feels like I am setting up correctly to do it.

Understandable Brendy and i do agree with you that they can make a difference and in some cases not massive...I know that ultimately its down to the ability of the player...But why are so many companies producing Irons for tour players now that are CB's...They know that forgiveness is a big issue for all players including pro's who also need workability but you cant put all your eggs in one basket as such.....There are many different types of GI Irons ....... My S2's for instance have less offset than most which makes them workable have a staggered sole which makes them play like a players club from all lies are workable and are forgiving but each to there own.....Cally's as you well know have serious amounts.....Making them alot harder to shape.....Eventually i know that ill have the ability to shape shots but i also know that the current irons i have will let me do that....... As i said im my post nothing ventured nothing gained and i think that the OP should try Players CB's just for closure on his question.... Many people can advise him on there experiences and opinions including me but ultimately he has the last say.......

 

[big_russ]

thanks for the reply.

what clubs did you use previous to the mp62s and have you noticed if the ball stays lower for you?

I was using Hogan Apex plus before the Mizuno's that were fitted with Nippon 1050GH stiff shafts which due to the shaft launched the ball quite high.
I am finding thet the ProjectX is helping with a more penetrating flight.