Need Advice on New Irons - Please Help! Thanks!!

Hello All,

It's been about 8 years since I bought new irons. I've outgrown by old Callaway x18 irons (too small).

I'm a 9 handicap (23 years old, decent ball striker).

I've been pretty out of the loop the past few years on new technology, so I was wondering what are the hot irons I should try out for an intermediate player like myself when I go to get fitted (I'm usually shooting between 78-85 now though I can be inconsistent at times since I'm coming off a long break - used to be as low as a 5 handicap as a senior in high school on the golf team). Point being I need clubs that I can hit now, but will still work if I get back down to my old handicap and re-develop consistency w/ ball striking.

Any help/advice or recommendations are greatly appreciated. Thanks for the help everyone!

Best,

KG

I am older than you but with a somewhat similar golf history- I like the used Mizuno MP-52 irons I picked up a few months ago.  This is not their newest or hottest model, but think it offers a good balance for our skill range.  You could look it up, but I think the MP-53 replaced the 52 if you want to get something new.

There are tons of good options available for a ~9 handicap player... what is your budget, and what type of a look and feel do you prefer.

Coming from X-18s, most better players irons will look and feel very different.

I have the Nike Pro Combo Cb's. The pocket cavity in the 3,4,5 irons make it so easy to hit. Im a 13 hcp with ok ball striking and i have no problem with these clubs. I also got a great deal with Nike. They added $100 to a trade in and gave me a free VR Pro wedge. I got $999 worth of clubs for $720. Also try the Taylormade MC, they were going to be my 2nd choice. Super soft feel and very easy to hit.

I was actually playing on my dad's AP2's for a while when I was around a 6 just because they were more like "players" clubs than the x18s. My price range is basically anything. Thanks for the help!

Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely check out the MP-52's and 3's. I actually have a friend that's a little worse than me and he swears by the MP-52's. He's a great ball striker, just can't chip or putt to save his life haha. Thanks!

Try some Cobra AMP or Cobra AMP Forged, depending what you would like. I recently tested the AMP's TaylorMade Rocketballz, Callaway Razr X and X Tour, and the Cleveland CG 16. I really liked the CG 16 and the AMP irons. It is all about feel so it would be best for you to demo some the next time you are on the course.

You might try the Callaway RazrX Tours or the Cleveland CG16 Tours.

The Callaway rep came through the local Golfsmith last month, and two of the shop's clubfitters really liked these irons. Plus, RXT offers a variety of shafts, something useful for a player pursuing a single-digit HDCP.

The CG16 Tours are a solid club. Got to test hit this one at a golf expo, and even I could handle a lighter shafted version.

I don't know if there are any Bridgestone reps near you, but I was in a similar search recently and decided on the J40 irons.  (Dual Pocket Cavity for the 3-4 irons, and Cavity Backs for 5-P).  I love them.  They are forged, and people on this forum often say that Mizuno, Srixon, and Bridgestone make the best forged irons around.