Custom fitted clubs? Which ones and where to buy?

[STUE]

Hi all
I am in the market for custon fitted irons and am a bit unsure of the best way to purchase them. I am keen to actually get measured up by someone who knows what they are doing rather than just buying online. Any advice on the best way to proceed? I play off about 22 (not official) but am looking to invest in irons that will be a bit forgiving as well as allow me to develop my game. I've got up to £450.00 to spend.

 

[G1BB0]

where are you located? that will help get some sound advice

theres plenty in that price bracket as I was looking down that root recently but went with a standard set until I get better (might take a while haha)

 

[STUE]

I live in the Scottish Borders area with Edinburgh being 45 mins away. My dilema appears to be whether to go to a golf pro at one of the bigger clubs to be fitted or to go to one of the big stores etc. for this to be done.

I quite like the Wilson Di9's but have heard that the chrome plating near the head of the club can chip. Given you are looking at £300.00 I don't think I would be very pleased if they looked damaged / worn in the space of a few rounds.

My current clubs are:

Hippo ITX 3 Wood
Hippo ITX 7 Wood
Hippo oversize 9 Wood
2 iron hibrid
Wilson Staff irons with steel shaft (stiff flex) and extra thick grips
Maxfli Mallet putter

 

[Ethan]

You could go to the Mizuno National Fitting Centre in Cumbernauld. Fitting is free, no obligationto buy, and you would have a spec sheet for what suits you.

 

[full_throttle]

as an alternative to the above, go to a golf superstore, try a few sets and then check online to see when that manufacturer has a custon fitting day at a venue close to you.

 

[bobmac]

Stue, are you over 6 feet, hands like shovels and a very fast swing speed?

 

[STUE]

Thanks for the suggestion. The only issue I have with that is that the spec that I get will only be applicable to Mizuno clubs and (from what I gather) no use for any other make. If I was to go to a pro who does 3 - 4 different makes in the same place, would this give me the opportunity to try several different clubs and have more flexibility with choice etc.

The suggestion of a golf superstore does appeal but will they be looking for me purchasing the most expensive as opposed to what works best for me?

 

[STUE]

Nearly completely correct, I am 6'2", hands as described (shovel like) but my swing speed is slow - average.

 

[SatchFan]

Re: Custom fitted clubs? Which ones and where to buy?

STUE - there is an American Golf store in your area. Down on the south coast I was very happy with the service I received but there is a touch of "Can we close a deal?" about them. I would recommend custom-fitting to anyone, particularly someone like yourself being on the tall side. There have been some really good posts on the forum so it's worth searching through and reading up.

 

[bobmac]

Stue, if I was you, I'd suggest you chat to your local pro.
Look for a part exchange with a similar set of irons with Regular and take a few lessons.
As your technique improves and you learn a more repeatable swing, THEN get fitted for a new set.

Would you get fitted for a new custom made suit, then go on a diet?

 

[G1BB0]

Would you get fitted for a new custom made suit, then go on a diet?

thats a very good way to describe it and exactly why I decided to stick with off the shelf until a handicap/ability requires me to go custom

 

[richart]

Would you get fitted for a new custom made suit, then go on a diet?

[/QUOTE]




Guilty conscience old timer ?

 

[bobmac]

Would you get fitted for a new custom made suit, then go on a diet?

Guilty conscience old timer ?

Just remind me...you are older than me right?

 

[STUE]

Thanks for all the advice, I will consider my next move very carefully. It's interesting as most of the advice I have received from different players and shops etc. has indicated that getting custom clubs should be the first move.
Thanks again folks, it's nice to hear some advice that is about my game and what's good for me rather than for the till.
Cheers
STUE

Incidentally, what should my handicap be before I consider moving to custom clubs?

 

[richart]

Guilty conscience fellow old timer ?

[/QUOTE]


Is that better ?

 

[Ethan]

Stue, if I was you, I'd suggest you chat to your local pro.
Look for a part exchange with a similar set of irons with Regular and take a few lessons.
As your technique improves and you learn a more repeatable swing, THEN get fitted for a new set.

Would you get fitted for a new custom made suit, then go on a diet?

Bob

Did I miss a bit where the OP said he was not someone who had been playing for years?

Going to a pro is fine, much better than going to American Golf anyday (see threads passim), in my opinion, but the choices available these days have gone beyond 'Regular or Stiff, sir?'. I don't see why the OP should not get properly fitted, at least to determine what he might consider. No requirement to buy now or later.

 

[STUE]

Excuse my ignorance but I am assuming that the "OP" is me? If so what does "OP" stand for?
I have been playing for a while but just not often enough due to various factors. Good days - I am 15 over par but have not been able to get out enough to improve on this (including rediculous weather over 6 months of the year).

 

[fundy]

OP is original poster, ie the thread starter

 

[STUE]

Re: Custom fitted clubs? Which ones and where to buy?

Thanks for that.

 

[bobmac]

I'll keep my opinions to myself in future