Is buying new irons worth it?

Iron technology hasn't progressed too much since your r7 TP's came out but that isn't to say that you can't benefit from new sticks, especially if said sticks are fitted for you.

I have been playing golf for about two years now. I shoot in the low 80s and my irons are 14 year old Callaway Big Bertha Golds. I have visited a number of golf stores and talked about upgrading, all the salespeople tell me that there are no clubs that much better than mine worth buying unless I want to spend a bunch of money for forged irons. Now, if a set of Harry Potter clubs hits the market I might consider changing. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unforgiven93 

I'm trying to justify spending $1000 on new irons because.... Well... I want them. But I guess I should probably just get my r7s fitted. If it really won't make much difference, and I'm already used to these irons.

Part of becoming a good golfer is to have patience and wisdom. I think you have both. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unforgiven93 

I'm trying to justify spending $1000 on new irons because.... Well... I want them. But I guess I should probably just get my r7s fitted. If it really won't make much difference, and I'm already used to these irons.

If you want to justify it, the R7 TP irons are not the softest feeling irons made ... They were harsh to me. My son played and liked them, but he was a high speed player.

Iron development has evolved to thinner, springier faces and have moved the cog back and lower.  You see more multi-materials - cast heads with forged faces, for example. There are more GI "players" clubs now than previously. Clubs with forgiveness but not too much offset or a thick topline. Heck, they even have slotted irons now - and probably more in the future.

So yes, irons are better now and you can justify it.

Are you working with a golf pro, or are you self-taught?

I would suggest you track your game for a few rounds in the spring and find out things such as:

• GIR
• Fairways hit.
• GIR from fairway
• Scrambling percentage (getting a par or better when you miss the fairway)
• Percentage of sand saves
• Consistency of rounds. If over 10 rounds, your range from a 68 to a 78, your performance portfolio is different from someone who ranges from 69 to 73.

Then, do Pareto analysis: Find your biggest source of error, fix it, look for second-biggest, fix it, etc.

As an 0.2 HDCP, you should know if your irons are holding you back.

Friendly opinion - it doesn't sound like you need a new set of irons, you're simply in the want, which is fine, that's why we're all equipment junkies.  My only recommendation, and take this with a grain of salt (I'm a +14), is to stick with your current iron manufacturer.  If you're hitting to a +0.2, then you've obviously become accustomed to the sound, feel, look, trajectory, and distance control of your current set.  Going to a shiny new forged or cavity back set will calm your inner equipment demons, but it may play havoc on your game.  Good luck.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unforgiven93 

I don't honestly think my irons were the main factor holding me back (obviously that isn't to say there is no room for improvement there, I just think other parts could use more work.) I think it is mainly putting that is my problem. In my final tournament in the summer I shot a fantastic 68, with 3 three putts. I do that kind of thing all the time, not necessarily the -4 part, but shooting low 70s with multiple 3 putts. While we are on the topic of putting, I know equipment doesn't play a large role with putting specifically, its all feel, but do you think the added confidence of a new putter would help at all?

But at the same time, I would love new equipment.

@Mr. Desmond: Do you have any you would suggest specifically for me to try?
 

After reading the above, I suggest you prioritize.

1. Get an Edel Putter Fitting and Aimpoint Lesson

Indiana is not far from Erie PA. I know it's all relative, but I live in Texas, and we think nothing of driving 240 mi to get somewhere good.

See Erik - get fit for an Edel and get an Aimpoint Lesson from him. That will do you the most good for your game.

Heck, while you're at it, have him fit you for some Edel Wedges - you may not buy them, but they'll be next on your list.

2. That may leave you enough money to fit your current irons. The problem with buying new irons in stock form is the stock setup and inconsistent build for superior players like yourself. If you're playing competitively, though, I'd think you'd want conforming irons - and the R7 TPs are not conforming. 

Tell us what you like and don't like about your irons. If your irons are not holding you back, but your short game is the weakness, attack it first, and get irons later. That's your best revenge.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unforgiven93 

Who is Erik, and what is an Aimpoint lesson? I have heard of Aimpoint before, but I don't really know what it is. I looked up Edel putter fitting and I didn't see anything in Erie, PA?
I probably should've mentioned that 68 came with 16 greens and two of them were under GIR, and I believe I ended up with 32 or 33 putts, so it wasn't awful, but could've been better.

Try one of the admins -

http://thesandtrap.com/t/63941/seriously-could-you-have-made-it-to-the-tour#post_795229

the guy in post 4 - iacas

Aimpoint is about reading greens scientifically

Search around the site and you should see plenty - or go to http://www.aimpointgolf.com

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unforgiven93 

Who is Erik, and what is an Aimpoint lesson? I have heard of Aimpoint before, but I don't really know what it is. I looked up Edel putter fitting and I didn't see anything in Erie, PA?

Hi. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unforgiven93 

Hi :P 

 

Apparently I'm blind because I swear that wasn't there when I looked, haha.

 

So..  see Erik and get a putter fit to me and an Aimpoint lesson.     I'll think about it.  

 

If you're going for priorities - putting is what you indicated.

If you're going to purchase irons and want a softer feel and more precision, I'd suggest a combo set with cavities in the long to mid irons and blades in 7-PW if your ballstriking works - you might try Titleist, Nike, Mizuno, or Miura for a combo set or a made up combo set.

If I were shooting in the high 60s low 70s I would be VERY careful what I changed, even my "old" irons There is a lot of eye candy out there but given your expertice in golf you probably know that already.