New irons

[Linestony]

Hi guys, this is my first thread so here goes!
I've been playing golf now for around 6/7 months and have really got the bug for it!
I'm looking to upgrade my irons from the cheap Wilson efforts that I have currently. My dilemma is what to go for?
I am still a 28 handicapper because I'm yet to enter any comps. But I'm going round in around 87 - 92 which is equivelant to a 18/23 hc on my course.
So I'm after something that is pretty forgiving but also something that will serve me well in the future when hopefully I can get that hc down!
So if you guys have any recommendations that would be great! Thanks in advance, and great forum by the way!

 

[virtuocity]

Welcome along! First thread of many, we hope.

There are 100s of different irons out there, as you know. For forgiveness, you'll be looking at a cavity back iron set. You also have the option of getting a combo set (see Adams and Ping Karsten as examples) where the longer clubs are actually hybrids.

18-23 is good for only playing 7 months, you may well be one of these annoying people who have a natural talent and will chop that handicap pretty quickly. Either way, don't discount buying second hand. Ping clubs (G5, G10, G15, G20, G25, G30) will hold their value. They are clubs designed to be fitted to your swing and height so check out their fitting guide online (they operate a coloured dot system indicating length etc). G15s are going second hand at only £100 less than what I paid for them brand new 3 years ago.

Other options include going and getting fitted, if that's your thing and you're looking to spend a chunk on brand new clubs.

Feel free to scout about online, post some links and there will be a host of people happy to offer their opinion. However, nothing beats trying them out, so a major retailer (if there's one local to you) might be the first place to visit to have a try.

Lastly, stick around and, if you're brave(!), try to make it to one of the many excellent forum meets (see 'Arrange A Game' forum for more details).

 

[Linestony]

Cheers for the reply virtuocity. I have been doing a bit of browsing on the Internet and I seem to keep looking at taylormade TP MC. And the taylormade RSI 1. I'm not sure why but I think the TP mc's seem to be quite a good bridge between the high to mid handicapper, with a kind of blade type appearance but with the added benefit of having the cavity. And the RSI 1 seem to be a good quality game improvement iron, although they have quite a hefty price tag!
I haven't looked at the ping irons but I'll get online and have a good look at them! As with everything these days there's just way too much choice!!

 

[virtuocity]

Taylormade are a great company, but with their constant new releases, if you plan to sell your clubs in the next couple of years, don't expect much of a return. Rocketbladez/Speedbladez/SLDR irons go pretty cheaply and, without trying to be insulting, would do just a good a job for a 18 handicapper than brand spanking new ones.

Sounds like you're attracted to buying new- hit up an American Golf (or equivalent) near you and book a fitting. Not the most comprehensive experience i.e. they won't have 100 different shaft options, but it will give you a chance of hitting a range of clubs to see what looks and feels nice in the hands.

Oh- don't discount Wilson. The new D200 (and their predecessors- the D100) are really good clubs and at a good price. Other good quality budget options include MD, Benross (great company) and Cleveland.

 

[Odvan]

Hello mate and welcome.

Similar to you, I upgraded my 21yo Hippo irons once I'd decided to actually start playing 'properly' some 3 yrs ago.

If you get the chance to swing the Mizuno JPX800HDs do so, that's what I ended up with and although I bought brand new (that was my 'I'm committed' statement to myself) they can be had for a very good price now.

If you are going to buy brand new then do ensure you get a proper fitting though.

 

[Linestony]

Funny, I've just read an article about taylormade irons and it said exactly what you've just said about their constant changes and new ranges being released so often!
I'm not bothered either way with regards to wether I go for new or used, I just wanna make sure I get a decent set that suits me and will last for years to come.
If I can get a bargain set on eBay then all the better!

 

[chrisd]

Funny, I've just read an article about taylormade irons and it said exactly what you've just said about their constant changes and new ranges being released so often!
I'm not bothered either way with regards to wether I go for new or used, I just wanna make sure I get a decent set that suits me and will last for years to come.
If I can get a bargain set on eBay then all the better!

Hi and welcome


If you find a set of clubs on EBay you like do your best to ascertain that they are genuine, there are so many fakes around

 

[Linestony]

Hi chrisd
I notice you use mizuno jpx 850's, they were a set that caught my attention, how have you found them?

 

[massivebelterlad]

I have just ordered the JPX 850 forged and a couple MP T-5 wedges. Loved them at the fitting.

 

[Dan2501]

Give the Nike Covert 2.0's a go. Unbelievably forgiving, look great, not too off-set and have a superb noise and feel.

[video=youtube;Yrv-tJ-dpIc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yrv-tJ-dpIc[/video]

 

[craigstardis1976]

Hi Linestony:

There are thousands of used clubs out there. I am in the USA and although I do not know if it is the case in the UK, every big golf store usually has a big rack full of used equipment to browse.

Old does not have to be mean no longer relevant. My teaching pro helped me pick out a set of Tommy Armour 845's that must be at least fifteen to twenty years old. I swing them much better than my generic Walmart irons. Compared to modern heads these are smaller but still have a cavity back and can be had for the price of a round at a decent course. Another advantage is the lofts are evenly spread out not bunched up in the longer irons and the PW is 48 degrees and I use a 54 degree sand wedge and a 60 degree lob wedge. No need for a gap wedge!

Just throwing it out there...

Craig

 

[dougieb]

Set of Ping G series irons would be a good option, forgiving but not offensive to look at.

 

[Jimbop90]

Depending on which Wilson irons you've got, don't write those off just yet! I bought some G30 irons because rightly or wrongly I assumed they would offer a big improvement on my Deep Red II's - a week later they were on ebay.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Welcome along. Well done on your progress to date. Keep it going. Loads of clubs out there and ideally try beforeyou buy if you can, especially if you go for a newer model. Not so easy buying over the internet via e-bay

 

[inner-hole]

Taylormade are a great company, but with their constant new releases, if you plan to sell your clubs in the next couple of years, don't expect much of a return. Rocketbladez/Speedbladez/SLDR irons go pretty cheaply and, without trying to be insulting, would do just a good a job for a 18 handicapper than brand spanking new ones.

Sounds like you're attracted to buying new- hit up an American Golf (or equivalent) near you and book a fitting. Not the most comprehensive experience i.e. they won't have 100 different shaft options, but it will give you a chance of hitting a range of clubs to see what looks and feels nice in the hands.

Oh- don't discount Wilson. The new D200 (and their predecessors- the D100) are really good clubs and at a good price. Other good quality budget options include MD, Benross (great company) and Cleveland.

I just picked up a mint set of TaylorMade RocketBladez 6-SW for £113 on eBay, for me they are a fantastic upgrade for not much money at all.