Graphite Or Steel???

[Jasborne211]

I have been playing for about 9 months. I currently own a set of Dunlop steel irons and I have been offered a full set of Taylor Made Firesole graphite irons for £40. The only thing I am wondering is if they will help my game. I am 6ft2 with a relatively slow swing that I have been told is very good. I have tried the Taylor Made's on a range and felt k with them.

[newtogolf]

Welcome to the site!

It used to be graphite was for seniors and woods but that mentality is starting to change.  Graphite shafts are typically lighter and absorb more impact than steel so you feel less in your hands and arms.  The downside is that some people don't believe they are as stiff or consistent across the set as steel shafts.

Manufacturers are making some big strides with graphite and more manufacturers are pushing graphite shafts in irons, but this is true of newer shafts, not the ones you're considering.

What really matters is the shaft flex.  You're a big guy but don't say how old you are or what your swing speed is so it's hard to tell what shaft stiffness is best.

We have some very experienced club builders on this site @WUTiger @LBlack14 who can provide you more detailed explanations.

[Jasborne211]

Thanks for your help.

I am 26 and I don't know my swing speed. I will go for a fitting because I am also considering getting some longer clubs because of my height. Are the Taylor Made clubs I have mentioned worth £40 ($66)?

[newtogolf]

Thanks for your help.

I am 26 and I don't know my swing speed. I will go for a fitting because I am also considering getting some longer clubs because of my height. Are the Taylor Made clubs I have mentioned worth £40 ($66)?

If they are the same Firesole clubs I've seen on ebay  (copper badge on back of club) if would depend on their condition.  They are at least 13 years old so I'm not sure they are much of an upgrade over what you're playing.

[Keith White]

Taylormade Firesole are quite old but if they are in good condition they are worth £40.  Some pro's use graphite - Sneds switched to them. But as previously commented these are more modern graphite.  You are right to get fitted, if your tall then standard probably wont help your address position, and your swing speed can be matched to the right shafts.  It helps a bit to have it right, and helps with your confidence.

[Jasborne211]

Ok. Thanks for your help.

[WUTiger]

Jasborne211 ,

First of all, welcome to the site. Hope you're getting some spring sunshine in England.

As for your post, I see you are considering Firesoles with graphite shafts. First of all, what do the Firesoles give you that your Dunlops don't? More consistent feel, maybe better physical fit? Just wondering.

£40 would be a good price, if the irons are still in good shape. That said, do the Firesoles have the M-70 bubble shafts? The bubbles have a thicker portion just below the grip, and could increase your maintenance costs: clubsmiths complain that the bubble shafts are extremely difficult to regrip, and if you broke the shaft you would have hard time finding a replacement.

(My brother still plays Firesole 3W and 5W w/ bubble shafts.)

Another thing to consider would be lie angle. You want the sole of the club to be flush to the ground at impact. Here is a Hank Haney video on how to do  "self check" of the lie angle of your irons, to see if they are right for your swing. http://video.golfdigest.com/watch/hank-haney-the-lie-angle-check

Let us know what you decide.

[Jasborne211]

No sunshine here, not yet anyway. They're in quite good condition from what I can tell. They have S-90 written on the bubble. I don't think they are 13 years old as previously suggested. The video was helpful because I do tend to hit it right and that explains a reason why. At this point in my game I don't feel I should spend too much money on good clubs. I found that I hit the ball well with the Tm's. They straightened the ball from a more natural stance but given my height I do wonder if I need a longer club. I have bought them now and if I end up feeling they are no better I can make my money back. Thanks for your advice.

[WUTiger]

... I found that I hit the ball well with the Tm's. They straightened the ball from a more natural stance but given my height I do wonder if I need a longer club. ...

At 6-foot-2, you might be able to use standard-length clubs if your arm  length is proportional to your leg length. If you're hitting the ball fairly straight "from a more natural stance," chances are the Firesoles fit pretty well.