Transition Sets (blade to cavity back)

What do folks think about irons that transition from blade short irons to cavity backs? Given the recent discussions about "players irons" for mid-cappers, seems like a good topic.

I've just switched from the Hogan Apex Edge Pro irons to the Apex FTX, a set that has blades from fairway wedge to 8-iron and modest cavity backs in the longer irons. They have progressive -- but minimal -- offset, narrower soles and a thin top-line throughout. The now discontinued FTX's are available on Ebay (some stores seem to still have some new sets) and a number of other manufacturers make transition sets: Nike and Titleist come to mind. Others, like Mizuno, offer mixed sets of different models through custom order.

I'm a huge fan of Hogan irons. They perform great, and look even better. I love my Edge Pros and I switched to them from more perimeter-weighted clubs for greater control and feedback. I'm trying out the FTX combos for just the same reason. My initial experience is encouraging. I feel confident at address and though miss-hits with the 8-iron can sting a bit, they're reasonably forgiving overall. Good contact is as sweet as it gets, I've never tried an iron that feels as good on solid contact as the Hogans. When I don't hit it pure I can feel exactly where the miss was. On good shots, I feel a better control over trajectory. Less offset helps to ward off the hook I generally fight with long irons. The mixed set seemed like a good choice for helping me improve my swing and consistency... with practice, of course.

Who else has taken -- or rejected -- the same route?

Back in the day I carried the original Tommy Armour 845s in 3-5 irons and Hogan blades in 6-pw. I think many golfers, especially better ones have taken this route in the past. I believe the popularity of hybrids is changing this a little. Certainly the clubmakers like Adams, A1os, and Mizuno MX900, already do this for higher handicappers. It does make sense as long as your gaps work and feel is not compromised.

Man, those clubs look nice! I went from full cavity clubs to the 735s from Titleist once I hit a certain score and really decided that I wanted to improve. At first I was worried because they looked really small compared to the irons I was using, but after a few sessions on the practice range my comfort level settled in. Having played them for a little less than a year now, I can say that my ball striking has greatly improved party due to, as you pointed out, the feedback from the mishits.

For me, as an improving player, the benefits have been evident. I still have a little forgiveness for my 3-7 irons because of the slight cavity. But, if I'm brave enough I can still try and work the ball either way. And, having the blade-like shorter irons has forced me to improve my contact and that alone has dispersed itself throughout the rest of the set.

I had never thought about making up my own set as has been mentioned earlier, so I'm glad that these companies are now starting to incorporate this methodology into their rack sets.

I think the combo clubs are a great idea, I almost went with the Nike Pro Combo tours but I do have one question,

How often do you hit a 4 iron and when?

I played yesterday and I hit it once, on a 170yrd par3 into a huge head wind (missed a 4fter for birdie, doh). I didn't bring out the 3 iron once, are there lots of opertunities to hit a 210-220 yrd shot?

I am inclinded to ask myself, what are the chances that I am going to hit a perfect 4 iron and land on the green? Then I ask what are the chances I will hit an ok 7 iron and then a ok SW onto the green?

If you are hitting alot of 3,4, 5 irons is it because you have problems off the tee or are you just a short hitter? Either way wouldn't make more sense to use hybrids instead of long irons, especially if you are hitting one almost every hole?

Look like a stunning set of irons. Quality finish and better looking than cluncky thick soled cavity backs.

I use a hybrid 3, and will probably replace my 4-iron with a hybrid later this summer. That said, I hit a pretty predictable little draw with my 4 iron on short par 4's and longer par 3's. With my current swing, 5-iron is the longest club I have complete confidence in... not that I hit it perfect every time, but I feel really good over the ball with it. :)

Good point. If none of my woods are going straight off the tee, I'll tee of with my 3 iron or 4 iron just to get something in the fairway. It may still leave me 160+ back, but at least I'm not having to drop or hit from underneath a tree. I'm still having good luck and success with my 3 and 4 irons, but I have started looking at what hybrid options are available for when the time comes that I just don't feel confident in either.