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11 handicapper looking for advice on irons

  • 13-04-2018 12:08pm
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 272 ✭✭


    Hello, new enough to boards & 1st thread so go easy on me :)

    Background: I golfed a good bit when I was younger (12-16 yrs old) & gave it up for a good while (35now). Played a small bit of society stuff (3or4 rounds a year) from about 5 yrs ago until 2yrs ago. Then decided to become a member & make golf my pastime. Started back off 12 (in July16) & got down to 11 in early 17 but stuck on 11 all year.

    Played PP last year (great craic!) & had a good run in the club matchplay. I strike the ball pretty well & far enough & I'm hoping to get down to single digit this year. Anyway, I was out with two 5 handicappers & a 10 handicap last night in Bruen practice. They all said that my irons are fairly out dated (they are!) & if I went for a fitting & bought new irons it'd help me a lot.

    finally on to my question, I'm currently using callaway x14's with graphite shafts (3i - SW)... they are 20years old. I'm not looking to spend a huge amount on an upgrade at the moment (wife & I are saving) so I think that discounts ForeGolf (we all know the thread :) ) which my friend (6) used & rated highly. If I was to go to American Golf or McGuirks (Cork) & do a fitting with them & look at clubs in the sub €600/650 range (25% off @AG is massive aswell) do you think it'd be worth changing now? Or should I hold off & invest in a fitting with FG or with Padraig Dooley in Glanmire?

    I know some will ask questions in the hope of helping me out & I'll do my best to answer.

    *sorry for long OP!!!


«13

Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 17,574 ✭✭✭✭Mantis Toboggan


    Off 11 myself and targeting single figures. I was in a similar situation where by my clubs where oldish and also blades. Also wasn't looking to spend mad money. In the end got fitted for the Ping g400's in American golf. Got a good deal in black Friday week and got the full set including fitting for €520.

    Really like the clubs and hitting them well despite playing little golf due to the weather. Definitely recommend them. I think getting fitted is the way to go whether it's foregolf or anywhere else once you trust them.

    Free Palestine 🇵🇸



  • Registered Users Posts: 272 ✭✭kennethrhcp


    Tyson Fury wrote: »
    Off 11 myself and targeting single figures. I was in a similar situation where by my clubs where oldish and also blades. Also wasn't looking to spend mad money. In the end got fitted for the Ping g400's in American golf. Got a good deal in black Friday week and got the full set including fitting for €520.

    Really like the clubs and hitting them well despite playing little golf due to the weather. Definitely recommend them. I think getting fitted is the way to go whether it's foregolf or anywhere else once you trust them.

    cheers for that Tyson! tbh I think most irons these days might be an upgrade to mine. Nice to read a good experience with AG, seem nice fellas anytime I go in


  • Registered Users Posts: 15,780 ✭✭✭✭Seve OB


    I read Graphite shafts and thought..... Yea, this guy needs to change his clubs alright

    My advice, just have a look around, find somehting you like the look of and see where you can hit them for practice and who is going to offer you the best deal

    I would also recomend you just look at your irons now. Spend the whole budget on them. Maybe get driver etc for your birthday/chrimbo. Ie.just ask everyone to give you vouchers


  • Registered Users Posts: 272 ✭✭kennethrhcp


    Seve OB wrote: »
    I read Graphite shafts and thought..... Yea, this guy needs to change his clubs alright

    My advice, just have a look around, find somehting you like the look of and see where you can hit them for practice and who is going to offer you the best deal

    I would also recomend you just look at your irons now. Spend the whole budget on them. Maybe get driver etc for your birthday/chrimbo. Ie.just ask everyone to give you vouchers

    thanks for the reply Seve! ya the 2 lads off 5 were shocked I was playing graphite shafts. right, getting booked into AG & i'll see how it goes.

    I'm in love with my driver (Cobra Fspeed) & cant see me switching that out anytime soon


  • Registered Users Posts: 787 ✭✭✭mafc


    Would recommend AG too, have had a few fittings with them the most recent for new irons. Pleasant experience and no hard sell. Tallaght store if it’s close to you and ask for Ciaran. Best of luck


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  • Registered Users Posts: 3,052 ✭✭✭big_drive


    If you could figure out your specs and what shaft suited along with length you could pick up a serious set 2nd hand in the €250 - €300 price range. Great value sets around


  • Registered Users Posts: 8,391 ✭✭✭spacecoyote


    mafc wrote: »
    Would recommend AG too, have had a few fittings with them the most recent for new irons. Pleasant experience and no hard sell. Tallaght store if it’s close to you and ask for Ciaran. Best of luck

    +1 on Ciaran in AG Tallaght.

    Very sound man & will spend as much time with you as is needed. I got my current irons from him & must have spend at 2-2.5 hours in the shop trying different sets & options.

    Had no pressure & bias towards any particular set either


  • Registered Users Posts: 17,574 ✭✭✭✭Mantis Toboggan


    I went American golf in Tallaght also, very good store!

    Free Palestine 🇵🇸



  • Registered Users Posts: 398 ✭✭bmay529


    Depends on your swing. I am 6' 2", reasonably fit and was fitted for graphite shafts by Leonard Owens in Royal Dublin many years ago when about 30, playing off 14, looking to get down. I used X14 irons with firm graphite shafts for years. They were always regarded as very good and forgiving clubs and I got down to 7 using them. Last year I replaced them with Mizuno JPX900 forged irons and S5 wedges all with Recoil F4 (stiff) graphite shafts and have been really preased with them, nice feel from the soft head and shaft (Mizuno had no upgrade charge for the Recoils). They are as precise as steel. Try them and see what you think, especially if you have been used to graphite. There is absolutely nothing wrong with graphite as long as you are happy with the weight and feel. I tend to like lighter clubs.


  • Registered Users Posts: 272 ✭✭kennethrhcp


    mafc wrote: »
    Would recommend AG too, have had a few fittings with them the most recent for new irons. Pleasant experience and no hard sell. Tallaght store if it’s close to you and ask for Ciaran. Best of luck

    Cheers for recommendation but I'm down in Cork. it is good to read ppl had good experience in AG!


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  • Registered Users Posts: 272 ✭✭kennethrhcp


    big_drive wrote: »
    If you could figure out your specs and what shaft suited along with length you could pick up a serious set 2nd hand in the €250 - €300 price range. Great value sets around

    I know the original specs of my current clubs & I hit them well enough. So I guess ill go in to AG & see if anything suits better & go from there.

    thanks for the reply


  • Registered Users Posts: 272 ✭✭kennethrhcp


    bmay529 wrote: »
    Depends on your swing. I am 6' 2", reasonably fit and was fitted for graphite shafts by Leonard Owens in Royal Dublin many years ago when about 30, playing off 14, looking to get down. I used X14 irons with firm graphite shafts for years. They were always regarded as very good and forgiving clubs and I got down to 7 using them. Last year I replaced them with Mizuno JPX900 forged irons and S5 wedges all with Recoil F4 (stiff) graphite shafts and have been really preased with them, nice feel from the soft head and shaft (Mizuno had no upgrade charge for the Recoils). They are as precise as steel. Try them and see what you think, especially if you have been used to graphite. There is absolutely nothing wrong with graphite as long as you are happy with the weight and feel. I tend to like lighter clubs.

    thanks for that! i'm 5'9"/10" and swing fast enough (in comparison to some I play with). the friend I mentioned off 6 went with the JPX900 forged (from FG) & rates them highly. I've no idea re graphite vs steel shaft really.

    I'm thinking of looking at:
    Mizuno JPX900
    Taylormade M1/2/3/4 (not really too sure the differences)
    Titilest 718 AP1
    Callaway steelhead XR/Rogue
    Cobra F8/7
    Ping G400

    so most popular models really :rolleyes:
    I don't like the idea of losing my 3i, but looking at specs most 4i's these days are lofted like my current 3i.


  • Registered Users Posts: 744 ✭✭✭ShivasIrons


    Cheers for recommendation but I'm down in Cork. it is good to read ppl had good experience in AG!

    If you’re looking for an iron fitting, indoors on a mat is nearly a waste of time. No turf interaction and can’t see the true flight of the ball. Head somewhere where the fitting is outdoors.


  • Registered Users Posts: 272 ✭✭kennethrhcp


    If you’re looking for an iron fitting, indoors on a mat is nearly a waste of time. No turf interaction and can’t see the true flight of the ball. Head somewhere where the fitting is outdoors.

    ya that's what friends were saying but tbh (& I know ppl say it's a myth) I don't think i'm at a level where a full on fitting will really be worth it (along with trying to save at the mo). I'm just looking for a better set of irons & I'll work away again on getting a bit lower & maybe if I can get down & start playing some bit consistent a full fitting in a few years will be worth it.


  • Registered Users Posts: 744 ✭✭✭ShivasIrons


    ya that's what friends were saying but tbh (& I know ppl say it's a myth) I don't think i'm at a level where a full on fitting will really be worth it (along with trying to save at the mo). I'm just looking for a better set of irons & I'll work away again on getting a bit lower & maybe if I can get down & start playing some bit consistent a full fitting in a few years will be worth it.

    Getting a fitting doesn’t mean you have to buy. Why not go for one to see if a difference can be made? There’s not much to lose.


  • Registered Users Posts: 5,839 ✭✭✭Russman


    I’m going to very slightly buck the trend here, it might be blasphemy on a golf forum !!
    From what you’ve said, both in terms of golfing ability & characteristics (height, speed etc) and your legitimate want to avoid spending an arm and a leg just yet, it sounds like you’re probably going to end up with some class of a “stiff” shaft, be it s300, PX 5.5, PXi, Nippon etc. Obviously a full on fitting will possibly dial everything in to the nth degree (then again fitters can often differ in their approach too), but IMHO if you get a set that’s in the right ball park you’ll be fine. I’d say go to somewhere that has the Mizuno swing analyser gadget, see what 3 shaft options that throws up, then find a set you like the look of with one or other of those shafts.
    X14s are classic irons, so I’d say stick with something that still offers as much forgiveness as you can bear to look at, nobody “needs” better player irons to progress. The irons you mentioned are all good, the purist in me says Mizuno but that’s just because I like the shape of Mizzys. I guess the Pings would probably hold their value best, maybe, and would definitely be as forgiving as pretty much anything out there.


  • Registered Users Posts: 272 ✭✭kennethrhcp


    Russman wrote: »
    I’m going to very slightly buck the trend here, it might be blasphemy on a golf forum !!
    From what you’ve said, both in terms of golfing ability & characteristics (height, speed etc) and your legitimate want to avoid spending an arm and a leg just yet, it sounds like you’re probably going to end up with some class of a “stiff” shaft, be it s300, PX 5.5, PXi, Nippon etc. Obviously a full on fitting will possibly dial everything in to the nth degree (then again fitters can often differ in their approach too), but IMHO if you get a set that’s in the right ball park you’ll be fine. I’d say go to somewhere that has the Mizuno swing analyser gadget, see what 3 shaft options that throws up, then find a set you like the look of with one or other of those shafts.
    X14s are classic irons, so I’d say stick with something that still offers as much forgiveness as you can bear to look at, nobody “needs” better player irons to progress. The irons you mentioned are all good, the purist in me says Mizuno but that’s just because I like the shape of Mizzys. I guess the Pings would probably hold their value best, maybe, and would definitely be as forgiving as pretty much anything out there.

    thanks for the reply. I'll go to AG next weekend & see the craic & if it doesn't feel better than the x14s i'll sit tight until later in the summer (after bruen) and reassess.

    I think p.dooley in glanmire does mizuno (along with a few other brands) but unsure if he uses the mizuno swing analyser


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,608 ✭✭✭BigChap1759


    Worth trying somewhere that has the mizuno shaft optimizer, will get you in the right ballpark for steel shaft


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,608 ✭✭✭BigChap1759


    Worth trying somewhere that has the mizuno shaft optimizer, will get you in the right ballpark for steel shaft

    Think Halpenny have them and there shouldn’t be a charge


  • Registered Users Posts: 140 ✭✭Bottle


    If you get fitted for irons I would recommend not placing the order there and then, I would go to the range with your own clubs and see if you can borrow a couple of the custom fit recommendations and see how you get on. It really gives you an idea if they are the correct fit for you without a sales guy giving you the sell. I did it last year and it paid off, the shaft that was recommended and had all the good numbers launched really high in reality.

    McGuirks in Kinsealey off the service, not sure if is available in Cork.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 3,497 ✭✭✭Hoboo


    On to golfbidder.co.uk, set of apex CF16's, sorted.

    http://www.golfbidder.co.uk/models/5969/Callaway_Iron_Set_Apex_CF16.html


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,091 ✭✭✭backspin.


    I think p.dooley in glanmire does mizuno (along with a few other brands) but unsure if he uses the mizuno swing analyser

    The mizuno jpx 900 hot metal seems to get good reviews.


  • Registered Users Posts: 272 ✭✭kennethrhcp


    thanks for the replies lads, I've been chatting to few ppl who I golf with & they've advised me to stick with my current irons until at least after the bruen (if I make the team) & not go messing with them as I'm swinging/striking pretty well.

    after yesterday's round I think it's clear it aint the irons holding me back... it's in around the greens & silly mistakes. think i'll put the irons change on the back burner for a month or 2 & pop into the club pro for a lesson or 2 in the coming weeks.


  • Registered Users Posts: 744 ✭✭✭ShivasIrons


    thanks for the replies lads, I've been chatting to few ppl who I golf with & they've advised me to stick with my current irons until at least after the bruen (if I make the team) & not go messing with them as I'm swinging/striking pretty well.

    after yesterday's round I think it's clear it aint the irons holding me back... it's in around the greens & silly mistakes. think i'll put the irons change on the back burner for a month or 2 & pop into the club pro for a lesson or 2 in the coming weeks.

    It’s a fallacy to think that new irons will take some time to get used to. Remember the only reason to buy new clubs is for improved performance and that will happen very quickly and doesn’t take long to get used to.


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,472 ✭✭✭stockdam


    I was just about to answer when I read the last post from kennethrhcp above........as you said you need to focus on what is holding you back and it's very rarely that it's the clubs.

    People throw shots away by doing silly things. Like taking driver out every hole when they either cannot hit a driver or else they don't need to. Focus on where you would like to play your next shot from and don't just blast away with the driver. Next find out why you aren't getting up and down from 30 yards in. Look at a good player and you may be surprised that they don't hit the ball much better but they are better around the greens and are picking up a shot to you every 2nd or third hole.

    New shiny clubs are great but they usually do not solve swing faults or brain farts.


  • Registered Users Posts: 272 ✭✭kennethrhcp


    It’s a fallacy to think that new irons will take some time to get used to. Remember the only reason to buy new clubs is for improved performance and that will happen very quickly and doesn’t take long to get used to.

    I hear you but my fear is distance control & not just striking well/forgiveness. with my current irons I know exactly what i'll take at certain yardages & the new clubs with the stronger lofts/increased tech would take a bit of getting used to. Bruen is only 4 weeks away (which I kind of forgot when I posted OP)


  • Registered Users Posts: 272 ✭✭kennethrhcp


    stockdam wrote: »
    I was just about to answer when I read the last post from kennethrhcp above........as you said you need to focus on what is holding you back and it's very rarely that it's the clubs.

    People throw shots away by doing silly things. Like taking driver out every hole when they either cannot hit a driver or else they don't need to. Focus on where you would like to play your next shot from and don't just blast away with the driver. Next find out why you aren't getting up and down from 30 yards in. Look at a good player and you may be surprised that they don't hit the ball much better but they are better around the greens and are picking up a shot to you every 2nd or third hole.

    New shiny clubs are great but they usually do not solve swing faults or brain farts.

    this is where i'm really struggling/messing up. some weeks it's decent but others I just seem to forget how to chip around the greens. I'll get a few lessons to try sort me out... will still look for the new shiny clubs tho later in the year


  • Registered Users Posts: 553 ✭✭✭morrga


    Went from 18 to 11 with AP1 and got Titliest AP3 end of last year. Best iron by a mile. AP3 has brought me to a new level of ball striking and accuracy already and only 4 months in. You will not regret it. Gary in AG Dundrum looked after me great.


  • Registered Users Posts: 80 ✭✭miltonkrest


    Seve OB wrote: »
    I read Graphite shafts and thought..... Yea, this guy needs to change his clubs alright

    My advice, just have a look around, find somehting you like the look of and see where you can hit them for practice and who is going to offer you the best deal

    I would also recomend you just look at your irons now. Spend the whole budget on them. Maybe get driver etc for your birthday/chrimbo. Ie.just ask everyone to give you vouchers

    sorry if this is a stupid question: whats the issue with graphite ?


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  • Registered Users Posts: 834 ✭✭✭Ronney


    The only real getting used to is Distances control as the lofts on your X14 will be a club weaker than most modern sets.

    Not long till everyone can hit there 36 degree Pitching wedge 150


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