Should I get new irons?

[Scorpio520]

I currently have Callaway X-18 irons and I have been looking at buying some new ones. I was looking at the Taylormade R7 CGB or the Callaway x22 irons. Would these newer clubs benefit my game enough for me to buy them, or should I stick to the x-18s. Also can you list some other good irons for a high handicapper so I know what to go test. Thanks.

 

[Guns]

Why not try a fitting session with your club pro?

I am also looking for some new clubs, I went down to the direct golf store in Walsall good selection but no Ping (thought G10's are supposed to forgiving and I am told shorter shafts) but me and my buddy got really fed up everything we looked at the guy said that will not suit you and handed us a John Letter club. Every time when I looked at irons, when I was looking at drivers and then when I looked at a 3 wood, there was a trend being set and then he said he would give me a free John letter bag if I bought 2 items. I would at least like a little varity.

 

[Redwood]

Why not try a fitting session with your club pro?

Good advice. I would always recommend a fitting session with your pro, or at a good club with good fitting facilities (a la The Belfry). I think they knock the price of the session off the set of clubs if your buy from them, but could be wrong, I have been in the past.

I am also looking for some new clubs, I went down to the direct golf store in Walsall good selection but no Ping (thought G10's are supposed to forgiving and I am told shorter shafts)

Clubs with shorter shafts in general should be easier to hit and control, but Ping have no shorter shafts than any other irons, so I'm not sure what you've been told there.

 

[Jamie_N]

Generally the price of the custom fitting session is deducted off the cost of buying any clubs. Its just to stop people being custom fitted, then passing on their fit details to anyone else who have an offer etc on the irons.
Definately get custom fitted. The pro can determine the right kind of iron for your game and what shaft suits your swing etc, meaning that you end up with a much more suitable club than just saying I like the look of this!
That said, mention to the pro that you like a certain set of clubs and if they think they could be suitable they are aware that you prefer them over certain others.
I cant remember who did the fit, but a friend of mine went for a swing and club analysis, was charged £50, but they recommended he did not change his club, it suited him as well as any they could offer! So you might end up saving money as well! I have to say that I think that situation is rare!

 

[Parmo]

Very over rated custom fitting and only makes a difference to Cat 1 players who have narrow margins, the rest is just a confidence thing so you think you are playing better due to them being c/f when in fact a standard set would have done just the same but you pay higher retail price.

 

[CarpeDiem]

I only got my irons C/F because it was included in the price, although it turned out I wasn't very far of standard so it didn't make much difference. But If it wasn't included in the price I would of had it done anyway because then they become a personal set unique to you.

 

[mono217]

C/F imo is the future of golf and if he wants too then he will.

 

[slugger]

Very over rated custom fitting and only makes a difference to Cat 1 players who have narrow margins, the rest is just a confidence thing so you think you are playing better due to them being c/f when in fact a standard set would have done just the same but you pay higher retail price.

Where's your evidence to support this? What you're saying is that a 28 year old 6'5" 18 handicapper would be able to use the same clubs as a 75 year old 5'4" 18 handicapper!

 

[Jamie_N]

I dont want personally to get involved in a CF debate, although I do believe that such a debate is certainly warranted and good!
I simply think that a pro could assess the swing and recommend a set of clubs that would suit the player, regardless of whether the player then has the clubs fitted.
I would never make a significant investment in a new club without the opinion of a pro on the suitability of the club for me, and a wee opinion of the build quality etc overall!

 

[RGDave]

I currently have Callaway X-18 irons and I have been looking at buying some new ones. I was looking at the Taylormade R7 CGB or the Callaway x22 irons.

I can't answer for you, but here's my thought.
The X-series (most, if not all) are about as forgiving as you can get. The 16s were doddle to hit and the 18's almost the same, only a much nicer looking club i.m.o.
The newer versions are just updated models, not necessarily to persuade existing owners to get the most up-to-date, but all the companies need to keep the models ticking over.

I think what I mean by that is this; a golfer looking for new irons is almost certainly NOT going to choose an old model in the shop/pros from 2 seasons ago when there are the currect and "best" on offer from another make. I don't prescribe to the theory that the big boys (Ping,Cally,TM,Mizuno) are just tempting us with a new range every season.....could be some truth in it???

I reckon all you might gain is a big hole in your pocket.

I tried the 16s and 18s recently and have tried the 20s and 22s. I love Callaway clubs, for the consistency and forgiveness. What I don't like is "dead" feel after even the best of hits and the general chunky-wunkies to look at.

I chose a set of Mizuno Forged irons over a set of X-18s the other day. The good shots with the Mizunos were better and I really believe that I am close enough to the sweet spot (especially the progressive short irons) to not need the extra help of the forgiving Callaways.

The Mizunos are about 1/2 the forgiveness of the Callaways as tested on the mpf......I believe it.....it's difficult NOT to hit a straight-ish and good distance shot with the Callaways, but even the good ones are a bit vague??? could be me.

For all their "blurb", Taylor Made make quality irons but almost nothing as forgiving as Callaways. Ping make a good few G.I. irons (almost nothing but, in truth) but I don't find them as sweet as a properly hit quality forged iron albeit with a bit of technological help.

 

[KeefG]

I dont want personally to get involved in a CF debate, although I do believe that such a debate is certainly warranted and good!

And we're off again with the C/F debate....

Its been done time & time & time again ladies, can we not let this one lie? lol

 

[Parmo]

Very over rated custom fitting and only makes a difference to Cat 1 players who have narrow margins, the rest is just a confidence thing so you think you are playing better due to them being c/f when in fact a standard set would have done just the same but you pay higher retail price.

Where's your evidence to support this? What you're saying is that a 28 year old 6'5" 18 handicapper would be able to use the same clubs as a 75 year old 5'4" 18 handicapper!

Anyway I was only winding you C/F pros up. C/F has done nothing for me.

 

[The23rdman]

Very over rated custom fitting and only makes a difference to Cat 1 players who have narrow margins, the rest is just a confidence thing so you think you are playing better due to them being c/f when in fact a standard set would have done just the same but you pay higher retail price.

Parmo, with all due respect what qualifies you to make a statement like that? Have you had custom fitting done by a professional fitter?

 

[Parmo]

Very over rated custom fitting and only makes a difference to Cat 1 players who have narrow margins, the rest is just a confidence thing so you think you are playing better due to them being c/f when in fact a standard set would have done just the same but you pay higher retail price.

Parmo, with all due respect what qualifies you to make a statement like that? Have you had custom fitting done by a professional fitter?

As mentioned I was winding you guys up. Yes I have had a fitting and it made no difference to my game, adding two tapes to a grip isnt custom fitting its about knowing your grip is to small and doing something about it yourself, nothing major.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Scorpio

I think for anyone on here to give you some rational answers without going into the C/F debate we'd need some more information like your handicap, how often you play and your stock good and bad shots

 

[CrapHacker]

Snake Eyes Viper XT irons review
Review Date: 23rd April 2009
Snake Eyes Viper XT
Price: £399.00
A review of the Snake Eyes Viper XT irons, an oversized set created with maximum distance as the main focus. Price: £399 (S) £429 (G)
See full specification
Design and Tech Benefits

The Snake Eyes Viper XT irons are an oversized set created with maximum distance as the main focus. The heads are weighted in a way that helps square the face at impact. All of the shafts are hand Pured for improved accuracy throughout the set, while the deep cavity backs provide extreme forgiveness.

This set of clubs should suit golfers who would benefit from oversized heads and need to find extra yards from their irons, or want Pured shafts without added expense.


As reviewed in GM.

They don't get mentioned on the forum, coz noone seems to be a fan, but if I had the budget to afford them, I'd definately give them a try.

 

[CrapHacker]

Cobra SZ Irons
Price: £385.00
The high levels of technology that have gone into this new Cobra set mean they are decent value for money with high forgiveness. Price: £385 (S) £455 (G)
See full specification
Design and Tech Benefits

A low-profile head on this new set of Cobra SZ Irons is designed with a full cavity in order to help produce high-launching iron shots. A wide sole, urethane insert and heel-toe weighting all help forgiveness levels when you don't quite find the middle.

Golf Monthly Verdict
The high levels of technology that have gone into this set mean they are decent value for money. The extremely low centre of gravity is immediately noticeable thanks to the height they produce on shots throughout the set. If you usually struggle with iron-play, these could really help inject some confidence into your all-round game.
Reviewer: Golf Monthly

Another intersting review. And another manufacturer that will CF for you