Purchasing new clubs

Ok, so I am thinking about purchasing some new irons. I'm not sure on what I really what. I have never actually figured my handicap since HS and I don't remember what it was then. I play a lot of local courses in my county and when I travel I play nice nice courses. I played 9 holes Friday shooting 10 over par.Generally I shoot between 40-50 range on 9holes, and  85-95 on 18. My goal is to break 80. I play a Men R flex Graphite. I drive about 150-175yrds. I don't play with 3 or 4 irons and sometimes struggle with a 5 & 6.

Any suggestions?

Do you have a Golfsmith or Golf Galaxy near your house?  If so, go there and try as many different sets as you can and see which feel the best for you.

No, small town. I plan on just going to Dicks Sporting Goods, or Pro AM in Columbia though. Only problem with that I have experienced is sometimes you get someone who really doesn't know & you can't really test them out like I want to. I thought about just talking to the Pro at the course too. Just was hoping to get info from anyone about there favorite irons.

I've went in a hit Taylormade R11( which I really liked) & I think I'm going to hit Nike Victory Red Speed and Mizuno JPX 800

I recommend Dicks Sporting Goods. The pros at mine are very nice and helpful.

Both Golf Digest and Golf have issues out with iron reviews. I've read through both a few times just because I am curious about what's out there. More than just reviews, they make recommendations based on what type of player would benefit.

Well reading your info the Mizuno jpx 800 ( 825 ) are a good fit.

Otherwise you should check out.

Cobra S3

And i hear some good things about the wilson D100 clubs. ( also available in a lady setup )

You could go for Taylormade but you got to pay a big price for them, and custom made productions

take for ages.

Only thing you should do is get fitted for the right shaft. Club head have a more personal touch i think.

Club head is personal preference and which style fits your skill level. Blades would be too much. In the different skill levels, you got a lot of brands and models. You should find a fitter, get some advice and try out different clubs. Shafts are a result of a fitting process. We can point you in the general direction, but ultimately we can't know what will work best.

If you have a golf club with a fitting center or a local club builder I would start there. If not, check nearby towns / courses. You are having some issues that proper equipment will rectify. Getting properly fitting shafts and the right mix of clubs will go a long way towards your overall improvement. Jim