New Shiney Dilemma

[alansd]

Looking for some advice on what to do about getting some new irons. Currently using some old TM R7 that I picked off the shelf when I started playing a few years back. Have dropped about 9 shots off my handicap since then and always promised myself a decent set of irons when I got my handicap under 10. Now off 9.7 so time to have a look about.

My problem is finding time to go get fitted. Got a baby and do long days at work and am getting more tempted just to nip into the local range swing a few clubs and see what I like the feel of. Is custom fitting now essential or am I going to get something better by doing it the old fashioned way!

I don't want to waste money buying something that's no better suited than my current irons but with family, work, golf and other commitments I just don't see when I would be able to get booked in for a proper fitting.

Any advice on the difference between custom fit and buying what feels right would be appreciated.

 

[Alex1975]

Static fit: is the length, lie, loft, grip size of my clubs correct.

Dynamic fit: is the launch, spin, carry, roll & so on optimum for my swing.

I think at your level you would gain a huge amount from being fully fitted, both in length and accuracy and mentally. It costs no more and takes no more time than going to the range and trying some clubs. What if you try six sets of irons from six different manufactures and the best fit for you was the shaft in set A the head of set B the grips on set C and the lie angle in set D?

What is your ball striking like? Are you solid from tee to green or would you say your game is more about chipping and putting?

If you spend an hour or two with a good pro or fitter on a launch monitor who does the fit as part of the clubs price then I PROMIS you will get a better set of clubs for you!

Last question, do you care about brand or do you just want the best clubs for you?

 

[alansd]

I dont care about brands, just want to get the best set for me, although I did hit some MP53 last weekend and they looked and felt pretty nice.

I would say I am a pretty decent ball striker and always thought my length with irons was a strength but since investigating I see TM was strengthening the lofts even in the mid 2000's when the R7 came out. My main problem is GIR (less than 30%) which is why I think new irons may help

 

[jason6r]

My GIR was somewhere in the 35% region and I took my irons to a great club fitter (Lee Porter), who checked that the shafts were appropriate for my swing speed (they were) and made them all 2* upright vs standard. He also ground my Gap Wedge to better suit my game/course. That was about 4 weeks ago and although I've been playing or practising 5 times a week since then, my ball striking, distance control and general iron play is so much better after the fitting. GIR today was 67%. I'd definitely recommend getting fitted.

 

[alansd]

Thanks for the advice guys, went today and tried a couple of sets and didnt get on any better with anything than my existing Irons so will leave it for now as my handicap is still coming down. Will wait until I can go get properly fitted and can afford to buy whatever clubs suit me. A the moment would be a bit tight if my "ideal" clubs were top of the range numbers with expensive shafts.

Am going to take the plunge and get a GPS unit and try and figure out consistent distances with my current clubs and see if I can improve my scoring that way.