what are cons of game improvement clubs (intended for high handicappers)

[CR McDivot]

Originally Posted by moonducks

hey guys,

i was wondering...(esp regarding irons)

what are the cons of game improvement clubs that are usually for people with high handicaps?

what are the actual differences compared to a higher-end forged irons?

thanks!

There are no real cons for the beginning or high handicapper in either GI or SGI irons. The actual differences will likely be that blades or musclebacks will have a better look at address, little or no offset, a smaller "sweet spot", and more "feel". A mishit shot is immediately apparent with blades or musclebacks... so much so that your hands will sting as well as your ears. GI and SGI tend to somewhat disguise this mishit feel, but less so the resultant ball flight.

Usually, GI or SGI irons incorporate perimeter weighting that may lessen the effect of a swing that does not impact directly on the "sweetspot". They may also have a sole that has more "bounce" (a wider and more or less angled sole) to alter turf interaction, and a modified vertical center of gravity to promote higher launch angle, etc.

These MAY produce better results for those whose skills are not refined. The verdict is not really yet in as to whether this will aid or hinder one to develop a refined swing.

[Mac62]

Originally Posted by CR McDivot

...A mishit shot is immediately apparent with blades or musclebacks... so much so that your hands will sting as well as your ears. GI and SGI tend to somewhat disguise this mishit feel, but less so the resultant ball flight...

This is something I've always pondered.  I play SGI clubs (see sig) and don't think I have any better feel than the next guy, but I can easily feel a mishit and identify if it was off the heel or toe.  No, my hands don't sting, but I can tell from the sound and feel of the hit whether I got the sweet spot or not.  Sure, they help with mishits and maybe you don't lose as much distance as you would with a "player's" club, but IMO you can still tell that you didn't get the sweet spot.  Am I really the only one who can feel it when playing with GI/SGI clubs?  I find it hard to believe I'm that gifted compared to the rest of the golfing world.

[Zeph]

To me a GI iron is hard to hit in-between shots. If you hit the sweet spot it wants to go the same distance whether it is a 3/4 swing or 90% effort. The offset irons make some sense to me also but not so much with the drivers. I would rather work on my swing/address than buy a closed face driver but I can see where an offset iron would be less work and seem more natural for some. Some pros play longer GI irons but you can't half-a^^ those shots anyway.

Is that correct? How would that work out?

[thanw]

Originally Posted by Zeph

Is that correct? How would that work out?

I have read this effect discussed elsewhere. My experience is limited as I play i3+ blades but I can tell you that a 3/4 shot with my 7, 8, 9 iron (when struck properly) goes almost as far as a full shot. Don't know why exactly maybe the perimeter weighting and thinner face? I have a bit of trouble getting the distance right on in-between shots. Those aren't true GI irons but I also don't get a great deal of forgiveness from them either. What I get is a straighter shot with less effort that is workable but not aberrant.