Tried some new clubs..

philly169

philly169

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I went to Direct Golf this evening to have a look at some new irons, xmas bonus due next month, and wanted to have a go with the MP59's but they didn't have any, but they did have the R11's and I thought I'd also have a go with the AP2's as i've always had a thing for them..

I asked the chap at the till, who was the store manager, if I could try them out so he went and taped them up. He then asked what I played off, I said 21 to which he looked at his shoes and sucked in from his teeth to produce a tisk sound and said, "well you can try to hit these clubs, but you should really go for clubs closer to your handicap"

I thought what the hey, I want something to challenge me... Hit the R11 and every shot went straight, just felt like there was too much height and didn't really get the flight i wanted. Tried the AP2's which he said I wouldn't be able to hit and hit them perfectly, straight and long. I was glad for this as it had annoyed me he had practically said I wasn't good enough to use them. The only problem was I felt they were pulling me through my downswing a bit too much.. Went back to my MX950's and was striking them really well with a nice flight.

So I went back to the till and when he asked how i got on, I was pleased to say really well thanks!

All in all, I think I'm going to stick to my original plan of changing when i hit 15 handicap. I still like the JPX Pro's...
 
You weren't seriously looking for the mp59's were you? If you think the jpx are beyond you at the moment the 59's are some way past that.
 
He was probably going to sell you some Adams or John Letters pieces of junk given the 'closer to your handicap' comment.

They really need a slap in that place... offensive idiots from start to finish. I've played blades since I was a 21 handicapper. Hardly done damage to my handicap did they.
 
I have said since they came out last year that the JPX800 pro were a classy club and it was a close call between getting those or I15's as a Chrimbo present last year. In the end I decided to stick with what I had. I thought the R11 had a decent ball flight with the regular KBS90 shaft and tried a Dynamic Gold (heavier than the KBS) which I didn't like and then a Dynamic Gold XP which although heavy gave it a much higher flight.

I think the R11 is going to be about finding the shaft that fits for me. The stock shaft is a tad too heavy for my liking and although I'm sure after a few games I'd be use to it I don't want that nagging voice in the back of my head. The club itself is by far one of the longest and most forgiving I've hit and still has a nice feel even with range balls and even I can hit a fade and draw with it as required.
 
Chilly, it wasn't a go but he might have a point. Until you show them different they can only make assumptions. You did that well done.
Jonny - u are undoubtedly in the minority. Most players will do better with some forgiveness.
 
Once I took the AP2's back to the till and explained that i felt i was getting pulled through the down swing, one of the younger lads started to explain in a lot of detail about the shaft and how that probably made it feel heavier, it was the dynamic gold. he explained the different shafts and how they effect certain aspects of the club and was alot more helpful than the store manager..
 
What's the point of waiting until you are a 15 handicapper before changing? It could (could) take you another 2 years to get down to your target by which time any clubs you are trying now will be old hat, and you wouldn't want to buy them anyway! Get out there and spend some money.
 
He was probably acting in your best interests though in an arrogant manner. Were you hitting of grass or mats- big difference.
 
Agree that MP59s might be a tad unforgiving for a 20 h/capper but it all depends on what your game is like. I'd have thought JPX Pro or AP2 would be a reasonable choice for any player who takes the game seriously whatever their ability and especially for someone who is improving. If you have just started out your handicap could really tumble next year.

I wouldn't set your self a specific target h/cap wise but maybe best to change when you have a reasonable degree of consistency with your swing/ball striking and feel that what you are currently using is no longer suitable for you. However I wouldn't change for the sake of it on the basis that you should have clubs that are in theory more suited to your ability. The only real test of a club is whether you like it and it works for you. Lee Westwood uses Ping I10s - a classic mid handicappers club. Don't recall him rushing out to get a set of blades just because he got to be world No 1.
 
He didn't say "no you can't try them" he gave you some sound advice based on what we all know. Cavities are easier to hit than blades, and in the main higher handicappers are better off with cavities. Its not about how well you hit your good shots, its about how forgiving they are with your bad shots. And off 21 its fair to assume you hit a few bad shots.

Turn it on its head. If you'd bought blades and struggled, then posted you'd bought blades, people would be slagging the guy off for selling them to a high handicapper.
 
I should point out that I hate Direct Golf with a passion these days so they are never going to get any praise or 'benefit of the doubt' from me.

As far as I'm concerned it's a shoddy operation staffed by blokes who would be better served working for one of those rip off used car lots.

As for blades not being suitable for higher handicaps... I still don't see the point. If you strike it reasonably well then why not use them? Irons, drivers, short game, putting... there are many reasons people play to a high number. It might not be anything to do with their iron play and making that assessment based on handicap is just plain insulting and unprofessional.
 
Jonny, blades are no good for MOST high hcps - maybe the player who is just starting out and is going to get low anyway but they are the minority. If you are an older gent then yes, you learnt with blades but this doesn't mean this theory needs to be inflicted on everyone, you were one of the 'going to be half decent anyway players' - don't think that this can be applied to just anyone though, at this hcp (21) use cavities - make the game more fun and a bit easier.
 
Smiffy said:
What's the point of waiting until you are a 15 handicapper before changing? It could (could) take you another 2 years to get down to your target by which time any clubs you are trying now will be old hat, and you wouldn't want to buy them anyway! Get out there and spend some money.
Click to expand...

What he said.....

As long as you get the right shaft - go for it !!
 
Jonny said:
He was probably going to sell you some Adams or John Letters pieces of junk given the 'closer to your handicap' comment.

They really need a slap in that place... offensive idiots from start to finish. I've played blades since I was a 21 handicapper. Hardly done damage to my handicap did they.
Click to expand...

Brand snobbery, Adams make some cracking golf clubs and their hybrids are the most used on the USPGA Tours, te CB irons are also fantastic. As for John Letters, they have just moved to a purpose built facility in St Andrews and are making top range equipment at present, I believe that Jezz was there last month seeing the new range and facilities.
 
I am quite surprised at the reaction that you got. I have always had spot on service there (assuming you mean the DG on the A14). I have never had them try and force Letters or Adams on me though I normally try an Adams club along with anything else as they are generally very good kit. They have certainly never had any problem with me trying any club I want though they are normally a bit more tactful (if they think a club may not suit my ability they will bring out some that they do think may be good for me). When my dad game back to the game after 10 years off they fitted him for his irons and were excellent, spent nearly 2 hours with him on the range talking him through everything and what has changed since he last bought clubs.
 
GB72 said:
I am quite surprised at the reaction that you got. I have always had spot on service there (assuming you mean the DG on the A14). I have never had them try and force Letters or Adams on me though I normally try an Adams club along with anything else as they are generally very good kit. They have certainly never had any problem with me trying any club I want though they are normally a bit more tactful (if they think a club may not suit my ability they will bring out some that they do think may be good for me). When my dad game back to the game after 10 years off they fitted him for his irons and were excellent, spent nearly 2 hours with him on the range talking him through everything and what has changed since he last bought clubs.
Click to expand...

I've always had spot on service from the younger lads, all really keen and know thee stuff willing to let you try anything and give you sound advice, I was just surprise at the store manager not being as good service wise as the younger guys.

Yeah it was the Cambride store on the A14
 
Brand snobbery? Not really... but being handed a driver and then the statement "this is the best driver on the market and it suits everyone... If you can't hit it then you're at fault" clearly says to me that it's purely junk that they make a stupid markup on. Same with John Letters... They flog it to everyone without any care as to whether it really is the most appropriate club for the player in question.

Incidentally I'm referring to the Romford store rather than anywhere else.

As for the blades thing. I refer to the original statement. It depends on why that person is a 21 handicapper. In some cases blades aren't an issue... so why not try them. For the "professional" to say that they aren't appropriate without knowledge of the swing/strike/iron consistency of the player in question is bloody terrible. And not something that should be happening.
 
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