Help Selecting New Irons

Originally Posted by bort

Hi all,

I'm a new member here, I hope it's OK to post a new thread.

I'm looking for some new irons.  I'm around a 4 handicap.  I've played most of my golf with ping eye 2s, until about a year ago someone gave me some Callaway X16s, which is what I'm using now.

I'm considering getting some cavity backed forged clubs.  I recently went to a Titleist fitting.  I hit the 712 CBs which were nice, but I'm not sure if I'm a consistent enough ball striker to play these clubs.

Any suggestions for irons in the same realm as the 712 CBs that strike a good balance between feel/playability and forgiveness?

I asked the fitter about the AP2s and he said I would hit the ball way too high and lose distance.  I tried them and I felt like he was right.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by bort

Actually, yes.  In fact, if you look closely enough, you can see an impression of FDR on my 8 iron.

Originally Posted by bort

Hi all,

I'm a new member here, I hope it's OK to post a new thread.

I'm looking for some new irons.  I'm around a 4 handicap.  I've played most of my golf with ping eye 2s, until about a year ago someone gave me some Callaway X16s, which is what I'm using now.

I'm considering getting some cavity backed forged clubs.  I recently went to a Titleist fitting.  I hit the 712 CBs which were nice, but I'm not sure if I'm a consistent enough ball striker to play these clubs.

Any suggestions for irons in the same realm as the 712 CBs that strike a good balance between feel/playability and forgiveness?

I asked the fitter about the AP2s and he said I would hit the ball way too high and lose distance.  I tried them and I felt like he was right.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by k-troop

You played for years with Ping Eye-2s, and the fitter is telling you that the AP2s are too much GI?  That seems a little BS to me, but I wasn't there.  (BTW not calling you a liar, so hope it's not coming out that way.)  I played Mizzy MP-57s (forged player's cavity) for 4 years, and recently switched to AP2s.  I get a little higher launch, but I also switched to the slightly higher-launching KBS Tour shaft vice the old standard TTDG.

Put the TTDG (or a PX) shaft in the AP2, and I have no doubt that the flight will be comparable to what I had in my MP-57s, which is basically the same club as the 712 CBs.

Not saying you shouldn't get the 712 CBs.  They're great, great clubs.  My top 2 choices for a player's cavity are AP2 and 712 CB.  I just think that it's odd the guy would say that.

Originally Posted by Mr. Desmond

Since you're talking Titleist and if you strike the ball somewhat consistently, I'd suggest a combo set since lofts are consistent between the CBs and AP2s. Depending on your forgiveness point, I'd say 6-PW in CBs and AP2 in 4-5i, and a hybrid for a 3i. Of course, the breaking point could be 7i-PW, the point where you feel you need the added forgiveness. Of course, you should also be fit to the shaft so you don't get too high or spinny.

And don't like ego get in the way. We see people on these forums getting clubs and shafts that are too much for them but feed their ego. With shafts, high is good; high and spinning too much - not so good.

Originally Posted by bort

I played in high school (15 years ago) which is when I had the ping eye 2s. I have just never been really into the technology of golf.  (I don't even know what you mean when you say the AP2s are too much GI).  I never wanted to spend lots of money to upgrade my clubs since I didn't play much after high school.  I'm starting to enjoy the game a lot more now and I'm looking to upgrade.

I'm definitely trying to not let my ego get in the way here.  The only thing I care about is knocking strokes off my game.

My current clubs - Callaway X16 have rifle shafts.  I do hit them quite high, but I enjoy the high ball flight and trajectory.

Thanks for the replies.

Originally Posted by Mr. Desmond

Rifle shafts - but 5.5, 6.0, 6.5 Flex?

If no ego, then a combo set may work perfectly for you - the break point for the combo being where you think you want or need the added forgiveness. Since this game relies much on mental confidence, only you know that point where your mind and body are one for a club.

You might look for newer shaft options - Rifles are old school popular in the mid 90's to early 00's.

After ho'ing for many years, I find it's best to buy what fits you and what you love - and pay for it once. Some guys buy irons every year, some every 2 months - it's ridiculous, but some just love to try new things. I prefer the 5 year plan in irons, and then look up and see what's out there, depending on club wear and tear.

Originally Posted by bort

I don't even know what rifle shafts off the top of my head.  I'm sure they are stiff, but that's all I know.

I definitely want to buy only once in the foreseeable future.  How do you guys find what fits you?  Is it simply a matter of trying lots of options?

Originally Posted by Mr3Wiggle

How is a 3.8 handicap asking these questions?

Originally Posted by bort

Haha I know, it's kind of pathetic.  In the years that I stopped playing often, I feel the technology has passed me by.  It was a lot more simple back in the day.

Originally Posted by Mr3Wiggle

Well, now there are launch monitors.  Go to a place that has one and hit lots of different clubs.  If they have a launch monitor they should have a fitting cart for at least one brand.  Probably have multiple brands.

Originally Posted by bort

Yeah I'll do that thanks.  Any comparable clubs to the 712CBs that you guys recommend checking out?

Originally Posted by bort

I don't even know what rifle shafts off the top of my head.  I'm sure they are stiff, but that's all I know.

I definitely want to buy only once in the foreseeable future.  How do you guys find what fits you?  Is it simply a matter of trying lots of options?