Recommendations for mid-standard irons.

[RGuk]

Hi y'all.
I've been thinking about trying out a few more irons with the idea of buying a set once my lessons are done with.
I rate my irons, always really liked them, but part of me thinks they might be a bit off the pace compared to a modern iron. Also, I'm getting close to the 4th (?) re-shaft, they are really rusty now.
I sold my oversize set (same model, almost) because they were a bit too offset and not as pure off a good strike. I had a look at Callaway BB06 and MX-19s but both seem to be targeted at mid-high. I reckon I could do with all the help possible to launch the ball well, but the offset and "big-ness" of them seems so scary. Mizuno say the MX-19 is for 12 h'cap and up....but surely a lot depends on the quality of your iron play. I feel my iron play is no better than anyone I play with off 12-20. I'm straighter (probably) than a 20, but don't exactly relish anything other than a short iron to the green.
Is there anyone who uses irons that are possibly a bit too "improver" for them? Anyone see any problem with going all-out for a max-forgiveness iron set other than the offset? Anyone bought a set of easy to use irons and made good improvements despite already being half-good as it is?
I'd love some ideas......

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Dave,

You are doing yourself an injustice. I've seen your ball striking first hand and you are not in the market for game improver clubs. I didn't think you were excessivle short and hit the ball on a nice flight.

As we know there are a myriad of clubs out there that give a player a little extra help. If you are looking for something that doesn't have too much of a cavity (like the X20 for example) you could look at the TaylorMade R7's or the MX19.

I have to say I tried the MX19 the other week and didn't get on with them. I found them a tad heavy in the head for my liking. The Wilson clubs have a good write up and like the R7's there loft is a little stronger than standard so you may benefit from a little extra distance.

Isn't one of the new Titleist set aimed more at the mid handicap bracket (not sure which one) and they do look sexy in the pics.

If you are looking for a couple of wild card suggestions I'd recommend the Ping I10 which is more or a traditional looking club but supposedly still player friendly or look at the Cleveland or Yonex sets.

Have to say my X20's although custom fitted did seem to be 5 yards down on distance compared with the R7's which I'm sure has a lot to do with the higher flight I got. The problem with most of these "improver" clubs is that they tend to have a thick top line so if you are a bit of a purist they are going to sit a bit ugly certainly to start with.

Not sure I've really answered your question but at least I hope I've given you some food for thought. The wisely sages of the forum will probably steer you in a better direction than me

 

[Nico]

Having a nearly midnight crisis RG?

Try R7 TP with R300 shafts.

Went to Silvermere with a good pal (off 18) who hit the awesome the other day and there was a set on Ebay for less than £300.

 

[golfer1]

Hi Dave,

I've recently been looking for a new set of irons and wanted something with a bit more of traditional look, but which also had an element of forgiveness. I went for Mizuno MP57's. I ordered them from Direct Golf on Tuesday, and they arrived on Friday, so I was all set to go on Sunday. All I can say is WOW!

If you give them a try you won't be disappointed.

Brian

 

[TonyN]

You can try my x20's tonight dave. Might bring the bro in law too, he has bb06 irons so if he comes you can try his.

As for suggestions the titleists homer are talking about i think are the ap1's me and brendy were nattering on about in another thread.

 

[medwayjon]

I would swerve the Cobra Pro CB's if you were thinking about them at all. The demo clubs all have rifle shafts in which are god-awful in my eyes.

 

[Parmo]

The MX19s are a great club, they are on the heavy side but I like that as it gives me more control, they are aimed at players from 10-28 and my game has greatly improved since switching to them.

If you want something not as forgiving try the x20s, the BB06 are decent and alot lighter compared to the MX19s, my mate uses them and I find them a lot better than the BB08s.

It also depends on your budget I got my MX19s for £249 + free Mizuno new decade grips, 3-sw & custom fitted with delivery included. You could try the MX25s which second hand can be picked up for as little as £325. The best way is just to pop down to AG or somewhere like that and get then to pass you clubs and without looking at them to much just select the best for you.

I play off 20 and have a pretty decent swing and my iron play is pretty good. I went for the MX19s because I want the weight of them as with lighter irons I tend to force it leaving me wide open to off centre hits and injury. With the MX19s I have the weight of the club and just let it do the work and the ball flight is better, it has also been reflected in my driving as well.

 

[The23rdman]

I think the recomendations manufacturers give are basically nonsense. It depends entirely on the players swing. A game improvement club might be ideal, a players club might be ideal. Without going and swinging a load of bats you'll never know.

I'm about the same standard and probaaly have the same issues, Dave, and I really loved the MX23s and 25s. Might be worth checking out the new Macgregor range too.

 

[RGuk]

Hey, some good ideas, thanks.
My pro reckons I should try the AP1.....better get saving!
I'm not doing a thing before my lessons are done.
I will certainly try BB06 and Cobra and anything by Mizuno.....I've had many Mizuno sets, I don't know why I was so down on the oversize T-zoids......couldn't wait to get rid of them. On a budget, the new Benross veloCT could be worth a look too. As with most things in my life, I tend to wait for a moment of fate or luck with big capital purchases. Maybe I'll be back on track pretty soon and will end up sticking with what I know.....

 

[thecraw]

Do yourself a favour and just go and get fitted for a set of Pings. Best clubs and service money can buy, Ping customer service is also second to none!!!!

 

[Parmo]

Not sure the price tag of £500 is so nice for what they are.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Dave,

If you went down the Mizuno line would you not get anything as a trade in from your pro. If not, and I'd give him first refusal, I'm sure AG will give you something. It may not be much but any money off must help.

Don't rush into anything. Like I said I thought you struck the ball solidly adn who knows, after your lesson when you are swinging well again you might not feel the need to change. If you do, enjoy the experience. I love trying different clubs and specs and if I could change regularly would go through the process every 6 month or so. Sadly until my lottery numbers come up that ain't going to happen

 

[RGuk]

As a footnote to this thread, I met up with TonyN at a faraway range to try the range, try some clubs and maybe find a taker for my MD EQL. Tony felt the EQL had the same characteristic as me; i.e. the head is cracking but for some reason, shots tend to get blocked right. Interesting to note that "somewhere" I read that the shaft has been designed to fight the problems of a typical golfer (slice) so, in a way, the claim might be true!!

Tony bought along his X-20s and borrowed a BB06 7 iron off a mate to let me have a go. Both of these irons are AMAZING! There is nothing else to say...I loved them...both...little or nothing to choose. I'd heard about the "rainbow" trajectory and forgiveness, but I wasn't quite prepared for how well they went. Thanks to Tony.....I could happily play with a set of these.

 

[brendy]

The Callaways are like big toys, very easy to hit but I had to chop mine in after a couple of games as I couldnt stop tugging the shorter irons left and they were not as flexible when it came to low and half shots.
Id say get them though as they will help you get down a few shots guaranteed.

 

[TonyN]

Dave your very welcome mate. Thanks for the oportunity to try out your clubs too. Had fun at the range, and got home in time for the football

Just to confirm guys, Dave really did hit these clubs well, probably better than me

Will defo take you up on ya offer mate and you'll have to come play upton with me some time.

Like i said i'll let you know what the discount golf shop are flogging them for.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

As you know I had the X20's and they really are easy to hit even if you don't catch it flush. However from a aesthetic viewpoint they are quite chunky with a heavy top line (much in the same way as a Ping).

I'd be tempted to give the R7's a go Dave as I think you will get a better slightly more penertrating flight with your swing and thay have a marginally thinner top line when you look down at the ball

 

[RGuk]

Cheers Tony, I'll look forward to a game sometime. I got home in 32 (11 minutes less) thanks to bugger all traffic. Might go up again and use the credit up.

We have the makings of a "borders" golf team (4 ball) with you, me and dave3498. I'll see if the newbie from south shrops is keen, unless you can induct someone into forum addiction from your way. We could take on the Manchester/Midlands guys in a mini ryder cup!

The range cracked me up.......how funny , the ball loads, you take a practice swing, the ball goes underground only to re-appear 10 seconds later.

And all those Nike clubs......must have been 20 £grands worth of every last wood and iron they make. Didn't expect to walk into the middle of a demo day.

 

[RGuk]

I'd be tempted to give the R7's a go Dave

Point taken, defo, need to get a demo for a real range/course go. I'm looking (right now) for a TM demo day. Cheers.

 

[TonyN]

sounds like a plan that, i wreckon i can get the bro in law to join us. Or my pro mate if thats not cheating haha.

Unless any other forumer reading would like to join in!

Range was funny wasn't it. Good tho that ya dont have to bend down every 10 seconds. Shame not much to aim at.

You prob could of got away with taking that bag of 50 drivers, he wouldnt of missed them. He had another 500 anyway.

And watching that chap in the barca shirt made me realise my swing aint to bad, poor lad