Where to go to get an un-biased equipment recomendation!?

I've been all over this winter with an interest of buying my new irons, but cant seem to get anyone who I trust, that knows enough about equipment to actually make any sense at why I should get one set over another. I know there are many variables, but I have a hard time talking to anyone that just tells me to buy what they have or what the pros use... Golf Galaxy is too damn busy for any one person to give any attention, and I havent found anyone there that knows shit. local pro shops are just out of controlled price, and wont help you if you dont want to buy that day. Ugh... This is annoying!

Any advice!?

I actually had a good experience @ Edwin Watts as far as getting fitted properly (swing speed, ball speed, spin rate, ball flight, blah blah blah) and I actually waited a week to make a decision. I must have spent about 45 minutes getting fitted and another 1/2 hour deciding on what options I had.

The other big golf outfitter in my area is Golfsmith and they were just as attentive to my brother-in-law when he bought the FTi. Plus he liked the 90 days and 90% trade option...which I like too and wish EW had that as a program. You might want to go to your local big chain at off peak hours, too.

As the case in many professions you will always find differening opinions and views.

Here are two lists, one of PCS (Professional Clubmakers Society) builders in your area and the other is of Certified Rifle Centers in your area. Hopefully one or more of these can help you in your quest

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Awesome! Thanks alot guys, i'll check this stuff out as soon as I can.. I'll have to see how close a golfsmith is to me.

Much of anyone's iron choice comes down to preference. But keeping your handicap in mind is important as you choose.

Variables:

• Forged or cast? A feel thing. If you like the feel of forgings that'll inform your choice.
• Deep or shallow divots? Dictates the amount of sole you may want and how much bounce.
• Descending or sweeping blow?
• Do you make good use of long-irons from the fairway? If not, hybrids probably would revive your long-iron game.
• What do you like to look at visually? Thick or thin topline? Big or small head?
• Do you miss right? If so, a little more offset may help you.
• What is your swing speed? This will determine shaft flex.

Once you answer those fundamental questions then you can begin looking for appropriate irons. Then it comes down to personal preference. Just about every major manufacturer has an iron that fits any criteria and need you may have.

I do, like you, wish that people would answer the questions you're asking with something more than I like "Iron X." There is an iron for every need and preference. Once you answer the need and preference question it gets pretty easy. What does your game demand and what do you like to look at in your bag and at address?

Answers to the questions above.

1. Forged or cast? I could care less, as long as they were aesthically pleasing. I've only had 1 set of clubs since i've starting playin. I dont know the diff.

2. I usually make huge divots

3. I'd lean towards me having a sweeping swing

4. Could never hit long irons well. I think they're too long. (never fitted) I'll keep options open to Hybrids.

5. I prefer Thin toplins. Callaway's thickness messes w/ my head! (X18s for ex)

6. I have a significant draw with all my iron shots

7. Swing speed w/ irons is between 80-88mph. Driver = 115mph or so.

I'd prefer to stick w/ my rifled steel shafts, but dont know the diff or if they're better or worse than S300s?

i'm surprised with a 4 handicap like yours, you wouldn't know enough about your own swing to pick out your own irons from trying, etc.

[QUOTE=muskegman;43663]Much of anyone's iron choice comes down to preference. But keeping your handicap in mind is important as you choose.

Variables: [LIST][*][*]Do you make good use of long-irons from the fairway? If not, hybrids probably would revive your long-iron game.[*]What do you like to look at visually? Thick or thin topline? Big or small head?[*]Do you miss right? If so, a little more offset may help you.
LIST]


I don't believe based on my personal research that offset affects direction much. It does increase effective loft for those who have trouble with long irons. Lie has more effect on tendancy to push / pull shots.

The statement MaRx that he has a shallow swing but takes big divots is puzzling? Shallow swings usually equals shallow divots and steep swings deep divots. As a four handicap you are most likely to benefit from hybrids used as a2 iron replacement, or possibly a 3 iron. Rifle flighted shafts definitely have different characteristics from Dynamic Gold. Gas can gave a great explanation 2-3 weeks ago.

I understand how you feel about the esthetics, that was factor in my recent club purchse. Consider the game improvement versions of forged clubs as well as read some online reviews.