Looking to buy my first set of clubs? Recommendations?

ryns2 · July 24, 2006

I have played a bit the last few years but for the last month have been playing at least once a week, I am currently using a hand me down set of Wal-Mart clubs and now want to get rid of one excuse for my poor golf score So for these new clubs I have been leaning torward this Admas Tight Lies set for 400
http://www.tgw.com/customer/category...TEGORY_ID=7195
But recently I have thought about piecing together a bag with these Adams GT3 irons $200 http://www.tgw.com/customer/category...TEGORY_ID=7024
although I would like a set with hybrids and the steel shafts are important. Then get a TaylorMade R580 driver for $150 http://www.tgw.com/customer/category...TEGORY_ID=4090 and have $50 left over for a putter or a new bag.

So i guess I am asking if that set is a good choice or if I should make a bag with that driver and a set of irons? Thanks a lot, I know their are a lot of these questions but the amount of clubs out their to pick from is overwhelming.

**JSF35** · July 25, 2006

I'd go with the bag/irons/driver setup over the complete set. The GT3's and the TaylorMade driver are higher quality clubs.

**ragontona** · July 25, 2006

If money is a concern, I'd also peruse eBay or the used section of your local golf shop. Good bargains can be found on what were top-of-the-line clubs only a couple of years ago.

ryns2 · July 26, 2006

If money is a concern, I'd also peruse eBay or the used section of your local golf shop. Good bargains can be found on what were top-of-the-line clubs only a couple of years ago.

I haven't been paying attention to clubs until now. So what were the top of the line clubs a few years back?

UpandDown · July 26, 2006

Club designs and technologies change quickly. What does not change is the benefit from being properly fit. No matter what you buy, make sure to have the lie adjusted properly for your stance and swing. Also, have each club's loft measured to know what you are hitting. For example, many PW were lofted at 50 degrees until a couple of years ago when many manufacturers starting making the pitching wedge, say 46 degrees. Lofts have changed in recent years. Eventually, a gap wedge might be appreciated.

As for brands... Ping & Callaway consistently produce game-improvement irons. G2s were big a couple of years ago, I think. Typically, game-imprv irons are cast, and I prefer forged which is why I like Mizuno. My Mizuno MX clubs are forged cavity backs which offer improvement with sweet forged feel. They MX-20s were replaced by the MX-23. You might be able to find a decent set of MX-20s on eBay.

I think you are on the right path with the hybrids. The future looks to be hybrid, and I see the 2,3,4 iron moving to the attic for many players one day in the near future.

With hundreds of options for you, take the time to hit several clubs. Golf is about more than swing mechanics. The club needs to look good to your eye at address, as well as perform well on the course. If you are not confident in your equipment, you will suffer where it matters... the scorecard. Best wishes.

By the way... I have zero ties to Callaway, but they have superb customer service. While other companies may do as well, no one does customer service better than Callaway. That could be a factor for you.

**shortgame85** · July 26, 2006

I agree with the previous posts that discontinued models of irons, hybrids and drivers can represent superb bargains. However, there is really no substitute for getting fitted by a professional for your clubs. That being said, I also wish to agree with the advice given by a previous contributor to this thread about hybrids. They just seem to be so easy to hit. I am especially fond of the Cobra Baffler and I have seen it with the Aldila graphite shaft on eBay for around $110, and with the steel shaft for $99. I would bet this club is about to be replaced with a newer model, as its sister company, Titleist, is about to introduce a few new products in a month or so. When and if that happens, the price of the current Cobra hybrid should drop even further. I would strongly suggest that you give this hybrid a try. Cobra also makes very fine and relatively inexpensive game improvement irons. You should really check these out, too. Best of luck to you.

foma · July 26, 2006

Baffler is on sale at TGW for 119, if you're concerned about buying on ebay.

**shortgame85** · July 26, 2006

I just checked out the TGW website and, indeed, the Baffler with the Aldila shaft is just $119, down from $149. I also checked on shipping and found out that TGW offered free UPS ground. So, I would consider this much better than eBay, since one must pay shipping on top of the sale price when buying on eBay ( at this time; that may change, of course, in a few days ). I've never purchased anything from TGW; I have with success from eBay.

foma · July 26, 2006

Sometimes TGW tacks on a "handling" fee, but that's like 2-3 bucks. So it's really not "free" shipping but it is a nominal amount.

ryns2 · July 26, 2006

Actually, I live in Wichita, Kansas where TGW (The Golf Warehouse) is located and they have a showroom. Their prices are the same locally as the website so I can go try out or buy anything with no shipping worries.

I was looking at these Cleveland irons compared to the Adams GT3
http://www.tgw.com/customer/category...TEGORY_ID=6975

or these Taylor Made irons
http://www.tgw.com/customer/category...TEGORY_ID=4270

They are each $100 more than the previous pair but if I am going to piece together a bag I can spend $400 now and pick up a few more clubs down the road. So are the Taylor Made worth the extra bucks over the Clevelands or Adams?

UpandDown · July 26, 2006

I consider Adams, Cleveland. and TaylorMade to be equal in quality. Since you have access to TGW and can demo/test, I would try all three brands and then decide. Forget the label on the club and let the feel and performance dictate. You ask, "Are the Taylor Made's worth the extra bucks?" If you hit the TaylorMade clubs better than the Adams or Cleveland...heck yes they are! Most of us do not buy new irons regularly, so what's a couple of hundred $$ more if you like them? Just get a proper fit with whatever club you choose.

ryns2 · July 27, 2006

http://www.tgw.com/customer/category...TEGORY_ID=5490
These Cobras might not be as forgiving. Am I right?

UpandDown · July 27, 2006

Based on the description of these clubs at TGW, I would guess that they are not as forgiving. If a club has "workability", it typically does not forgive mis-hits as well. Also, most game-improvement irons launch the ball more easily with a higher trajectory. These Cobras provide mid-high flight. So... compared to the other irons you have considered, I would agree with your comment.

**shortgame85** · July 27, 2006

In the Cobra line, you should consider the 3400 I/XH set, which retails new for about $599 4-GW, steel shaft; or the 3100 I/H set, which retails for about $499 4-GW, steel shaft. I'm no shill for Cobra; these are just very easy to hit. The best time to buy might be in September or October as the retailers are begining to clear out inventory as the season winds down. If any of the major manufacturers are introducing new irons at that time, then what we now consider current irons will be discounted. The best advice is to try several brands and styles to see what looks the best to your eye, feels the best to swing and to hit. When you narrow your selection to a couple or three sets, see a pro and get fitted.

**Rafcin** · August 2, 2006

In the Cobra line, you should consider the 3400 I/XH set, which retails new for about $599 4-GW, steel shaft; or the 3100 I/H set, which retails for about $499 4-GW, steel shaft. I'm no shill for Cobra; these are just very easy to hit.

I just got email from TGW.com - they've cobra sale:

http://www.tgw.com/main.jsp?SITE_ID=...il/080206.html you might want to take advantage of it if you consider them...

**shortgame85** · August 2, 2006

I just got the same e-mail. Apparently, this is a model close out sale and represents a good buying opportunity. With the economy as sluggish as it is, this is pretty much a buyers market for consumer items such as golf clubs, especially close outs.

ryns2 · August 2, 2006

Thanks, I went by The Golf Warehouse and tried out several clubs and decided to buy the Adams GT3 set of irons. They were on sale $20 off. They felt really good and they come with 2 extra wedges. The price is also nice at $179 I can afford to put a little more on my next purchase...a driver.

Now for a driver I am looking at the Taylor Made R580, a used Cleveland Launcher Comp 460 or an Adams driver to match the irons. I hit a Ping G5 last night along with a used Titliest driver but they did not feel nearly as nice as the Cleveland. When I pick up my irons I am going to try out a few more. Any suggestions?

One more thing, I have been looking at used clubs because my budget is $200 but I won't be able to have them fitted to me, correct?

**SuaSponteMn** · August 2, 2006

My suggestion would be to avoid purchasing the old "all in one box" kit. If you think about it, that's essentially what you're playing right now. Sure the quality might improve a little but the idea is still the same. My wife bought one of those deal very early on in her attempt to learn the game and it has caused more setbacks than if would've just bit the bullet and spent a little more. I have no ties to Callaway either (although I did play their irons until very recently) but they definately make good game improvement irons. I believe most places you could get the 2004 model for under 500.00 brand new. My suggestion with drivers would be to wait until you're confident that you know what you like from a feel perspective, I'd continue using the one that came in your set until you're 100% sure you know what you want (399.99 is a lot of money to spend just to find out you don't care for it)

Just my thoughts....

-EDIT

Congrats on your purchase, as for fitting, I believe the only value to that with your driver is determining what type of shaft suits your needs (I've heard it's usually a pretty bad idea to have the lie adjusted on woods); , you can have shafts replaced on clubs new or used. best way to do that is try em out while you're there. They should still be able to fit your irons, I know most places now do that as part of the purchasing process. I don't see why they couldn't bend those irons a few degrees if they determine you're flat or upright from standard...

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