Blades Versus Cavity Back Irons.

Mr. Larson

Hi folks, I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to all the equipment and gadgetry so bear with me and thanks for reading.

I have a set of cavity back Lynx Irons for about 7 years now and I guess it's about time I changed them. They are in decent nick considering their age, as I haven't played much in that time and I'm only getting serious about playing now, since I recently joined a Golf Club. I'm exploring all possibilities at the moment and I'm wondering if I should stick with a similar type of iron or consider bladed Irons.

I'm not too bad at ball striking or accuracy, it's around the greens where I mess it all up, so I'm wondering what might be most suitable.

More about my game:

(all distances including roll - I don't really generate that much backspin ball would usually run forward about 10-20 feet on a mid to low iron)

SW about 70 - 80 yards PW about 110 - 125 yards
9 I about 125 - 135 yards
8 I about 135 - 145 yards
7 I about 155 yards
6 I about 165 yards
5 I about 175 yards
4 I about 180 yards
3 I about 25 yards

I've usually got a fade on longer irons, I tend to pull or draw my 8, 9, PW, SW. Need to sort that out - something simple no doubt. I don't top or shank that many shots, my tendency would be to take too much mother earth, by chopping down too much, robbing distance - probably from taking the head up.

I bought a cleveland wedge recently and I'm loving it, stops the ball dead on the green, so I'm doing due dilligence on whether or not Irons like this one (bladed) would be useful before dismissing it completely. I'm pretty sure they wouldn't be for me but just want to be sure.

Any suggestions or recommendations welcome...

Mister Sifter

I'd certainly stick with the cavity backs mate. Even if you decide to change, get another set of cavity backs. If you think your three iron is hard to hit at the moment, a blade is the last thing you need. Hitting a bladed wedge is alot different to the rest of your irons. (i have 4 bladed wedges and they are all different from my set of irons.)

I'm not too up on all the technicalities of the swing so i'll let someone else answer your queries on what your doing wrong.

One thing i would say to consider is a couple of these hybrid / rescue clubs doing the rounds at the moment. They seem to be helping alot of those who normally struggle to hit their 3 and 4 irons.

Marshy

Blades are usually only recommended for very good players really (professionals or low single figure handicap players). Cavity backs are generally much easier to hit for the amateur player. Having said that many pros use them too so its definitely advisable that you stick with them if you're relatively new to the game.

Mr. Larson

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated - I'm 95% sure I'll stick with cavities alright. I was exaggerating about the 3 iron, a bit, by the way. I just never really use it because on my course there is no real need for it and then when I do pull it out elsewhere, I shouldn't expect to nail it everytime.

I recently bought a Spalding Rescue (3) and although it takes a little getting used to, I can hit it pretty straight about 220 yards off the tee without too much effort - which is an incredibly useful tool for those Par 4's with trouble left or right. It's taken a good few rounds to be able to hit it well though, so if anyone out there is thinking about getting one or struggling with one they currently have, my advice would be to persist because it's a great tool to have in your bag.

BrianD3

What's wrong with your current irons? A good clean and a new set of grips might give them a new lease of life, just because you have them 7 years doesn't mean that you have to change.

Re: the difficulty you have hitting your 3 iron, from what I read when people have probelms with low irons its often due to a lack of clubhead speed so maybe work on that.

Mr. Larson

What can I say - I like shiny new things but point taken.

I'll look into that about clubhead speed - thanks for the tip.

TheDoc

you could also have a goo at combo sets or half blades. I dont know if mizuno make anything like the mp30's anymore. I have them they are kinda half blade and i changed from the taylormade rac o/s and noticed a massive improvement.

If you are a consistent ball striker, then blades are nice. Lovely feel. But they are for feel players. If you walk yards out on everything then dont look at blades. They are a total feel club imo.

Cavity backs now a days have all the benefits of blades, spin, shot shaping etc.

I'd either re furbish your lynx set or go grab a nice set of cavitys.

As for swing fixes, if your problems around the greens no set of irons will improve that. That unfortunatly means you need to put some hard work in fixing it.

Scoring irons going left usually indicates that
A) you dont put these clubs back in your stance as you do.
your wrists are too weak and break through impact.

But also i noticed you mention you fade the ball. Would i be right in saying then your feet may aim a bit left of target? Scoring irons tend to go where your feet and shoulders aim. So if you are fading long irons but pulling short irons. I'd say its as easy as checking your alignment.

cson

I'd reccommend blades and before anyone shoots me this is the reason;

You'll have to improve your striking to hit them therefore while your game may suffer at the start by the time you get used to them you will have improved your swing.

Adiaga 2

If you're a novice I'd say stay with cavity backs. I'd love a set of blades but I know my ball striking isn't quite up to it so have to keep the ego in check. Mizuno have the MP-60s now which are very similar to MP-30s that the Doc mentioned. They are pretty much blades but with a very slight cavity back making the a little more forgiving. I demo-ed a 6 iron and it felt lovely but anything longer than that I'd probably struggle.

Beware the Jabberwock my son..

Adiaga 2

oops

milltown

[DM]-TheDOC- wrote:

your wrists are too weak .

Jebus!
The lad comes on here looking for advice and you insult him?

Mr. Larson

Hehe... so just to recap - The reason I can't hit my 3 iron is because I swing like a girl and I'm pulling my scoring irons because my wrists are too weak. Thanks lads. ** hangs head in shame and packs gym bag **

:rolleyes:

TheDoc

:P

you know what i mean when i say weak wrists.

wise arse

madds

Stay with the cavity's [cavities?]......unless you are playing off single figures and playing ~3 times a week, you run the risk of ruining any enjoyment you are getting from the game. Blades are notoriously difficult to hit if you are not playing regularly.

Clubs have come a long way in 7 years so I would also advise that if you feel you need a change....go on, spoil yourself.

Have a look here - Golf Digest Hot List 2007