Should I keep these?

[phil78]

Hi all, I'm looking for some advice on my clubs , specifically the irons.

I've joined Balbirnie Golf Club in Fife this year and am currently playing to gain a handicap. This is the first year I've played anywhere close to regularly since around 2000 when I was a member at Banchory GC and played off 12.
The one card I've handed in so far was for a 88 (71CSS off the whites) and I'm generally playing to around 14-16.

I currently use a set of browning automatics that I bought 2nd hand in the mid 90s, and they are actually the only full set of irons I've owned. Given that when I bought them they were far from new am I potentially missing out on some help with distance/control given how clubs have moved on?

I hit them OK most of the time so am stuck in 2 minds. I can't afford to splash out 300-400 or more on a brand new set but am wondering if it'd be worth picking up a decent 2nd hamd set of newer sticks from gumtree of the like?
Given i am only playing once a week or so I know my swing and so on aren't fantastically consistent so maybe I am better just sticking with what I know rather than wasting money on something that won't be of any benefit but then I have a nagging doubt that I might not be helping myself by perservering with these.

Thanks for any opinions.

 

[ArnoldArmChewer]

Welcome, welcome.

They dont appear to be the cutting edge in technology but clearly you hit them ok. My guess is you would find a newer club more forgiving.

 

[palindromicbob]

Depends what you are after. You can't be playing to badly with those but depends on what your bad shots are as to what would be best.

You can pick up good second hand sets on here from time to time so keep your eyes peeled. Can also pick up brand new sets of older models for significantly less than original retail. I got my Wilson ci11's for £230 brand new.

 

[Alex1975]

Welcome. Its a questions only you can answer and that is why you don't have a flurry of responses but in truth it is highly likely you find both performance and forgiveness from a set of cavity back clubs. I would be willing to guess that would also translate into better scores and confidence.

 

[Alex1975]

This is just the first set of irons I came across in our for sale section for example.

http://forums.golf-monthly.co.uk/sh...ormade-R9-irons-4-PW-regular-kbs-stock-shafts

 

[phil78]

Cheers for the answers

I think I'm just glad no one was of the opinion "they are awful , get rid now!.
Will keep an eye on the sale section but I guess there isn't any reason to rush into a change.

 

[Bratty]

This is just the first set of irons I came across in our for sale section for example.

http://forums.golf-monthly.co.uk/sh...ormade-R9-irons-4-PW-regular-kbs-stock-shafts

These would certainly be fantastic irons! Thanks for the bump, Alex!

Those Brownings do look rather unforgiving, so I would think any newer set would help, especially on mis-hits.

 

[Jungle]

You should have a chat with Craig Connelly, the pro at Balbirnie.

He might sniff out a bargain for you. Failing that there is always plenty of sets available on Gumtree.

 

[Foxholer]

Your current clubs will not be helping you!

Mizuno MX-23 or MX-25 are the clubs I always recommend as an economical step up! I knew a guy who bought some when off 22 and was still playing them when he was off 4. forgiving, workable and rather nice looking too - certainly not fugly!

Around the price of Bratty's - really good too if they suit you - and plenty available on Gumtree/Ebay.

But as posted, the Pro is possibly the best source of advice for you. If he doesn't know your game already, he can soon check it out!

 

[palindromicbob]

Cheers for the answers

I think I'm just glad no one was of the opinion "they are awful , get rid now!.
Will keep an eye on the sale section but I guess there isn't any reason to rush into a change.

My only thought about your current irons was "my poor hands would be stinging on every shot"

 

[groundskeeperwilly]

A newer set should be a bit more forgiving, maybe longer and probably more likely to do you for a few more years. Gumtree, e-bay, Golf Bidder etc etc all have plenty of offerings. The classifieds here usually have things at a decent price - could always put up a 'Wanted' ad to see what folk have to offer you! I usually have a 'spare' set that are for sale.....

If you have any regular playing partners it might be worth having a few hits with whatever they are carrying just to see what they are like while you're out on the course. It might just show you that you're happy with what you've got or that you should really look for a change.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Welcome. I would have thought the shaft and head technology will have moved on significantly. I would have thought something a little more forgiving with a cavity of some description will help you especially on the off centre hits. I guess it depends if you have the funds and the inclination to splash out. On the plus side nothing better than trying new clubs and plenty of good ones out there to give a hit to