When do you upgrade your clubs?

dan_ep82

I started golfing in September this year after I bought a Wilson 1200 GE beginner set.

Since I've added a Cleaveland 5 Wood and a 52 Deg Tiger Shark Wedge that I'm genuinely happy with.

I'm happy with the clubs I have at the minute. I'm finally hitting my driver consistently straight and my irons are getting better the more I play.

I'm hoping next year to replace the irons with something a bit less beginner orientated like the Burner OS series (new or second hand) to keep me going for a few years. First I want to get a few lessons,get competent with the set I have and eventually join a club and start working on an official handicap.

So thats where I'm at,

What makes you decide to upgrade?

Is it looks,technology, or something different?

Do you get fitted for your clubs?

Does money become a factor leaving you taking your second option or do you pick the one that suits you no matter the price,even if it means saving for longer/spending more money?

Have you upgraded and thought it made a difference?

Finally, whats the best clubs you've ever used?

John Divney

I upgraded at the start of this year, from older Wilson Game Improvement, to Wilson Staff forged Player cavity. (Fg tours)

The better I got the more I hated how oversize the face was. My Iron play improved I think because the dispersion was better, I visually preferred the iros, and I really enjoyed the feel compared to the shovels. But my swing had improved drastically by that stage, some people think only scratch or low Cappers should play them, but I think that is nonsense. To my eye they don't look small at all, but compared to the GI Wilsons they are a lot smaller. My brother plays Wilson FG 59 blades, now they are small, and for excellent ball strikers.

What matters is you have a cavity back, personally all players should use them from mid irons down, the slight forgiveness in off center or low on the face shots, saves strokes for players of all levels imo.

I think Mizuno are doing great stuff in Cavities that span handicap ranges, JPX 800/825, and some of their forged cavities. ANd their older game improvement Irons are still top quality. I've played many rounds with an old set of MX irons, and recomedn them.

dan_ep82

John Divney wrote: »

I upgraded at the start of this year, from older Wilson Game Improvement, to Wilson Staff forged Player cavity. (Fg tours)

The better I got the more I hated how oversize the face was. My Iron play improved I think because the dispersion was better, I visually preferred the iros, and I really enjoyed the feel compared to the shovels. But my swing had improved drastically by that stage, some people think only scratch or low Cappers should play them, but I think that is nonsense. To my eye they don't look small at all, but compared to the GI Wilsons they are a lot smaller. My brother plays Wilson FG 59 blades, now they are small, and for excellent ball strikers.

What matters is you have a cavity back, personally all players should use them from mid irons down, the slight forgiveness in off center or low on the face shots, saves strokes for players of all levels imo.

I think Mizuno are doing great stuff in Cavities that span handicap ranges, JPX 800/825, and some of their forged cavities. ANd their older game improvement Irons are still top quality. I've played many rounds with an old set of MX irons, and recomedn them.

I didn't broach the subject of player irons because,to be honest, I don't really know anything about them.

Do you mind me asking how long you were playing with the old irons before you upgraded?

My swing has improved dramatically since I started. Thats not to say its a good swing,it just means I can actually hit the ball and usually get it to where I want it

GreeBo

I'm on my second set (both second hand) since taking up golf 20 odd years ago.

I upgraded to my current (TM RAC MB) because my first set were very old, no name beginners clubs (they won me a captains prize though!)

I think you upgrade when you have money and see something nice, unless you bough extreme game improver's and have since improved!

dan_ep82

GreeBo wrote: »

I'm on my second set (both second hand) since taking up golf 20 odd years ago.

I upgraded to my current (TM RAC MB) because my first set were very old, no name beginners clubs (they won me a captains prize though!)

I think you upgrade when you have money and see something nice, unless you bough extreme game improver's and have since improved!

Thats the kind of use I'm looking to get out of my second set,5-10 years.

The "Ooo.. shiny! " kind of buying is what I'm trying to stay away from,if I buy something I want it to improve my game in some way. Last thing I want is to turn some very nice irons into some really expensive spades lol

shane0007

I'm on my 3rd set in 23 years. First was Wilson 1200, then Ping Zing 2 & now Callaway X20's.
I've changed my drivers, fairway woods & putters a lot more though. Just ordered the new Taylor Made ATV wedges 52 & 60.

kelbal

dan_ep82 wrote: »

Thats the kind of use I'm looking to get out of my second set,5-10 years.

If you upgrade your irons now, and get a decent set that suits you, there's no reason you shouldn't get at least 10 years out of them. I bought a 2nd hand set 5 years ago, and can't see any reason to change them unless they literally break!

Good to hear you say you don't want to get in a cycle of going for shiny new stuff - but I'm with you on the beginner sets. They're fine for people getting started, and for the person who plays 3 times a year, but they're typically big clunky things with very little feel. I do agree that to move your game to the next stage, you'd need to get a reasonably decent mid-level set.

I've said it on other threads - I'd strongly recommend having a set that includes at least 2 hybrids to replace your long irons.

I'm a Ping man myself - as an all rounder iron you can't go wrong with the G range of irons (G5, G10, G20). Lovely clubs, very forgiving. The i range of irons (i5, i10, i20) are for the bit more experienced golfer. You'll see options on donedeal/adverts - you can pick up a great set for a fraction of the price you'd spend in a shop. Do watch out for the colour dot on pings, as they might be set up wrong for you.

Edit - had a quick look on DD, I personally think it would be mad spending big money on new irons when there's deals like this out there....

http://www.donedeal.ie/golf-for-sale/rbz-driver-and-ping-g10-irons/5748055

these are also an ok price...........

http://www.donedeal.ie/golf-for-sale/g10/5514588

dan_ep82

kelbal wrote: »

If you upgrade your irons now, and get a decent set that suits you, there's no reason you shouldn't get at least 10 years out of them. I bought a 2nd hand set 5 years ago, and can't see any reason to change them unless they literally break!

Good to hear you say you don't want to get in a cycle of going for shiny new stuff - but I'm with you on the beginner sets. They're fine for people getting started, and for the person who plays 3 times a year, but they're typically big clunky things with very little feel. I do agree that to move your game to the next stage, you'd need to get a reasonably decent mid-level set.

I've said it on other threads - I'd strongly recommend having a set that includes at least 2 hybrids to replace your long irons.

I'm a Ping man myself - as an all rounder iron you can't go wrong with the G range of irons (G5, G10, G20). Lovely clubs, very forgiving. The i range of irons (i5, i10, i20) are for the bit more experienced golfer. You'll see options on donedeal/adverts - you can pick up a great set for a fraction of the price you'd spend in a shop. Do watch out for the colour dot on pings, as they might be set up wrong for you.

Edit - had a quick look on DD, I personally think it would be mad spending big money on new irons when there's deals like this out there....

http://www.donedeal.ie/golf-for-sale/rbz-driver-and-ping-g10-irons/5748055

these are also an ok price...........

http://www.donedeal.ie/golf-for-sale/g10/5514588

If I could get a set that lasts me as long all the better. It'd mean more money to spend on games of golf and it would appeal to the other half

I find when I'm looking down at the irons from address they look quite thick,it probably makes no difference but it makes it feel like I'm hitting it with a brick at times even when it connects well,but at this stage its the result that counts I suppose.
I have a 4H that came with the set and I've yet to hit it well. I need to practice with it and the 3W. It just feels weird to swing but I should practice more with it.

One of the reasons I mentioned the Burner OS irons is that they're only €300 new at halpennygolf at the minute so I'd imagine by next year they'll have a very reasonable second hand price.

I'm going to try and get to a demo day nearer the time when I want to upgrade even if I end up buying second hand.

GreeBo

I think the only reason to buy brand new is for the shiny factor.
The quality of the clubs you can afford new will more than likely not be as good as what you would get second hand for the same price. The value in second hand clubs is very, very good.

For Paws

GreeBo wrote: »

I think the only reason to buy brand new is for the shiny factor.
The quality of the clubs you can afford new will more than likely not be as good as what you would get second hand for the same price. The value in second hand clubs is very, very good.

+1 for 'pre-loved' clubs

Always best to stick with quality though ; go Mizuno

zuutroy

GreeBo wrote: »

I think the only reason to buy brand new is for the shiny factor.
The quality of the clubs you can afford new will more than likely not be as good as what you would get second hand for the same price. The value in second hand clubs is very, very good.

Also for the custom fitting factor!

I started playing again this summer after not having played since about 1996 (when I had a set of battered John Letters butter knives!) and bought Cobra S3 Max off the shelf. Added a Titleist 910 Driver and 3 wood and a hybrid and then decided to go for a custom set of Ping G25 irons which are 1" longer, a bit more upright and have jumbo grips. Got 3 Vokey wedges with the same spec to go with them. Have had very little chance to use all of them yet but I'd imagine I'll have them for years.
I shudder to think what my total spend on gear since I started back is!

dan_ep82

zuutroy wrote: »

Also for the custom fitting factor!

I started playing again this summer after not having played since about 1996 (when I had a set of battered John Letters butter knives!) and bought Cobra S3 Max off the shelf. Added a Titleist 910 Driver and 3 wood and a hybrid and then decided to go for a custom set of Ping G25 irons which are 1" longer, a bit more upright and have jumbo grips. Got 3 Vokey wedges with the same spec to go with them. Have had very little chance to use all of them yet but I'd imagine I'll have them for years.
I shudder to think what my total spend on gear since I started back is!

I actually have some old John Letters clubs (not a full set) in a bag I got years ago for very little, I can hit the 5 surprisingly well, but they do look very thin and the face is quite small.

Did you go for a fitting and they recommended an extra 1" or did you just try the 1" longer irons?

Rikand

shane0007 wrote: »

I'm on my 3rd set in 23 years. First was Wilson 1200, then Ping Zing 2 & now Callaway X20's.
I've changed my drivers, fairway woods & putters a lot more though. Just ordered the new Taylor Made ATV wedges 52 & 60.

also on my 3rd set in 23 years

had a childs starter set from age 8-11, then i got a full set of irons when I was 12(my dad won them in a competition and I claimed them! ). Upgraded to my current set of irons 4 years ago.

I used my cut down 3 wood till I was 14, got a proper 3 wood that lasted me till I was 25 when I bought my first Driver. I added a 5 wood to that 5 years ago.

I have had my current putter since I was 12 ( 19 years ).

zuutroy

dan_ep82 wrote: »

I actually have some old John Letters clubs (not a full set) in a bag I got years ago for very little, I can hit the 5 surprisingly well, but they do look very thin and the face is quite small.

Did you go for a fitting and they recommended an extra 1" or did you just try the 1" longer irons?

They recommended them, but he knew before I had hit a ball as I'm 6'5. Numbers showed about 7-10 yards extra and better dispersion straight away. I had initially wanted Rocketbladez but again the numbers were a bit better with the Ping. Pity I only found out at the end they were about €150 dearer

Dbu

8 years my last set of irons lasted, re gripped them 5 times sold them for €100 recently on done deal
upgraded to Mizuno JPX 825 pros and love them.

kelbal

Dbu wrote: »

8 years my last set of irons lasted, re gripped them 5 times

5 re-grips in 8 years:eek:
Do you play with chain-mail gloves

Dbu

kelbal wrote: »

5 re-grips in 8 years:eek:
Do you play with chain-mail gloves

Lol, just play a lot and they wore away from hacking out of the trees:D

alxmorgan

kelbal wrote: »

5 re-grips in 8 years:eek:
Do you play with chain-mail gloves

They recommend you change once a year. If you play more than once a week then more often

Not sure who they are or whether they are over the top but 5 in 8 years not a lot I would think

kelbal

alxmorgan wrote: »

They recommend you change once a year. If you play more than once a week then more often

Not sure who they are or whether they are over the top but 5 in 8 years not a lot I would think

Guessing its the club/grip manufacturers recommend this:)

Maybe I'm naive and not taking care of my gear properly, but unless there's noticeable deterioration on the grip, i.e. the 'grooves' on the grip wearing away, or the grip worn lower in spots - I'd assume they're fine. The only time I've ever re-gripped my clubs is when I bought my set 2nd hand. I wouldn't have a particularly strong grip, so maybe that has something to do with it.

alxmorgan

kelbal wrote: »

Guessing its the club/grip manufacturers recommend this:)

Maybe I'm naive and not taking care of my gear properly, but unless there's noticeable deterioration on the grip, i.e. the 'grooves' on the grip wearing away, or the grip worn lower in spots - I'd assume they're fine. The only time I've ever re-gripped my clubs is when I bought my set 2nd hand. I wouldn't have a particularly strong grip, so maybe that has something to do with it.

Only thing I'd say here is that as it's so gradual you might not notice. But go pick up a new club (no gloves on) beside your own and see if there is a big difference. I am always surprised how much of a difference there is

charlieIRL

i have to admit i'm a looper for changing clubs around. Buy something and its grand for a while then hear or see something else and it gets stuck in my head until i buy it!!!

razorblunt

Great thread, timely too.
Been for a few lessons and it's been pointed out my clubs dont need the additional +1 on the shaft, this was recommended in store when I picked them up years ago. Added to that I need a thick grip apparently.
Do certain clubs come with a thicker grip or is it simply a case of adding a thicker grip on?

Going down the 2nd hand route also as I couldn't justify the shiny price tag.

Dbu

razorblunt wrote: »

Great thread, timely too.
Been for a few lessons and it's been pointed out my clubs dont need the additional +1 on the shaft, this was recommended in store when I picked them up years ago. Added to that I need a thick grip apparently.
Do certain clubs come with a thicker grip or is it simply a case of adding a thicker grip on?

Going down the 2nd hand route also as I couldn't justify the shiny price tag.

thicker grips are created by putting extra layers of tape when re gripping, your pro would let you know that

kelbal

charlieIRL wrote: »

i have to admit i'm a looper for changing clubs around. Buy something and its grand for a while then hear or see something else and it gets stuck in my head until i buy it!!!

There's hope yet for a Celtic Tiger recovery

zuutroy

I got jumbo grips on everything and they all feel like they sit much better in my hands now. Seemingly the test is that there should only be a very slight pressure on the heel of your thumb from the tip of your middle finger.

brendan_donegal

Doesn't really matter what clubs you have new, old, cheap or expensive. They have to fit you. Custom fitting is a best spend you will ever do in golf. If they fit you, you hit them well. Now quality of fitting is another matter, if you pm me I'll send you my recommendation.

brendan_donegal

Doesn't really matter what clubs you have new, old, cheap or expensive. They have to fit you. Custom fitting is a best spend you will ever do in golf. If they fit you, you hit them well. Now quality of fitting is another matter, if you pm me I'll send you my recommendation.

spacecoyote

Speaking of Re-grips, this deal is up on JustTreats today that some might be interested in. Re-gripping of 7 clubs in Hollystown for €28:

http://eu.nmb.ly/lcxep

GreeBo

brendan_donegal wrote: »

Doesn't really matter what clubs you have new, old, cheap or expensive. They have to fit you. Custom fitting is a best spend you will ever do in golf. If they fit you, you hit them well. Now quality of fitting is another matter, if you pm me I'll send you my recommendation.

Lessons are far and away the best money you will spend in golf.

Senecio

brendan_donegal wrote: »

Doesn't really matter what clubs you have new, old, cheap or expensive. They have to fit you. Custom fitting is a best spend you will ever do in golf. If they fit you, you hit them well. Now quality of fitting is another matter, if you pm me I'll send you my recommendation.

I've never been a big advocate for fitting of irons. Driver on a launch monitor yes, but not irons. I've always bought 2nd hand off the shelf irons, my current set R7 TPs have been with me for 6 years now. Don't see a need for a change anytime soon.

Dbu

GreeBo wrote: »

Lessons are far and away the best money you will spend in golf.

+1

RoadRunner

If I'm avg height (5-11) without a crazy swing then can I just assume I don't need fitting?

spacecoyote

Standard length club should be fine I'd imagine for that height.

Maybe just go in to a shop & try the mizuno swing analyser, 3 swings & it should tell roughly what type of shaft you would need on them.

Is imagine off the shelf should be fine. After that it's just tryibg a few different sets out & finding the one thats nicest to your eye.

As mentioned earlier a couple of lessons should be at the forefront of your thoughts though

dan_ep82

spacecoyote wrote: »

Standard length club should be fine I'd imagine for that height.

Maybe just go in to a shop & try the mizuno swing analyser, 3 swings & it should tell roughly what type of shaft you would need on them.

Is imagine off the shelf should be fine. After that it's just tryibg a few different sets out & finding the one thats nicest to your eye.

As mentioned earlier a couple of lessons should be at the forefront of your thoughts though

With the sale McGuirks are having I'm hoping to go up and get the €40 fitting with the flight scope to see if it can tell me anything useful. If it turns out I hit much better with the other irons than my current the €40 is knocked off if I buy them.

With some of the prices they're new clubs for near second hand money:eek:

spacecoyote

dan_ep82 wrote: »

With the sale McGuirks are having I'm hoping to go up and get the €40 fitting with the flight scope to see if it can tell me anything useful. If it turns out I hit much better with the other irons than my current the €40 is knocked off if I buy them.

With some of the prices they're new clubs for near second hand money:eek:

If you're set on mcguirks I'd say go for kinsealy & you can get a fit on a range as opposed to in a bay. Think Karl Herbert is the pro that does it in there

dan_ep82

spacecoyote wrote: »

If you're set on mcguirks I'd say go for kinsealy & you can get a fit on a range as opposed to in a bay. Think Karl Herbert is the pro that does it in there

Thanks for the tip!

zuutroy

Remember that the €40 you spend on the fitting in Kinsealy can't be claimed back against the cost of your clubs though.

dan_ep82

zuutroy wrote: »

Remember that the €40 you spend on the fitting in Kinsealy can't be claimed back against the cost of your clubs though.

Ah, I didn't notice that.

Will the one in Blanch be able to tell me much the same things?

Any, if anyone knows, what will the flightscope be able to tell me?

zuutroy

dan_ep82 wrote: »

Ah, I didn't notice that.

Will the one in Blanch be able to tell me much the same things?

Any, if anyone knows, what will the flightscope be able to tell me?

Not sure about Blanch. Karl O'Keeffe did mine in Airside and on flightscope was looking at things like launch angle, average distance, dispersion, spin rate, and smash factor.

dan_ep82

Kind of on topic,

Was at the driving range today and noticed they have some demo clubs and tried out a demo of the rocketballz,R11 and MC Tour 6i

Couldn't get over how well they all felt/hit compared to my own beginner clubs
Wasn't great with the MC Tours although the feedback was great through the club. Hit the rballz and R11 really well (for me at least) with the R11 winning out having the straighter amount of shots and look/feel

The biggest difference besides having more consistent straight shots was the sound and feel. With the wilsons it felt like I was clacking them off the ball (range balls in fairness) where as the R11 felt sooo good. No clackiness while still giving me more feedback than the wilson.

TrapperChamonix

Taylor Made engineer in sound to the ball strike. So not surprising it sounded better. Makes no difference to where the ball goes!

John Divney

TrapperChamonix wrote: »

Taylor Made engineer in sound to the ball strike. So not surprising it sounded better. Makes no difference to where the ball goes!

Very important to how you perceive the club feels though,

TrapperChamonix

You've been drinking the cool aid.

John Divney

TrapperChamonix wrote: »

You've been drinking the cool aid.

Nope, it's true.

Two clubs together, both give same feedback through the hands on centred shots, (how could we possibly detect such differences through hand anyway, would be minuscule).

But one has a sound that makes somebody think one club feels better over the other. We relate the feeling in the hands to the ears and form the overall picture.

I think that is not the same as Taylormade making up bulllsht then fitting science around it, but rather using science to sell their bullsht

spacecoyote

Yeah, it's a big part of how mizuno build their irons too supposedly.

A big emphasis on how the club's sound at impact, harmonic impact technology or something like that they call it

GreeBo

spacecoyote wrote: »

Yeah, it's a big part of how mizuno build their irons too supposedly.

A big emphasis on how the club's sound at impact, harmonic impact technology or something like that they call it

"harmonic impact technology"?
Thats handy that the acronym spells "HIT" huh?

I could care less how my shot sounds unless it tells me where off-centre I hit it tbh.