Strata Plus Vs Adams Speedline Vs Adams Speedline Super S

Hey folks,

I'm 35.  Been playing golf occasionally for 15 years (few times a season...some seasons more, some seasons less).  With that infrequency, I've never gotten good...not even intermediate level.  I average a 64 on 9 where the course is primarily par 4's.  Part of that is due to horrible putting which kills my score, then also a bad slice on my driver (often causing me to lose balls...again killing my score), and finally 40% horrible shots with my irons.

I'm looking to get a new set of clubs on a budget.  Looking for a complete set with bag for max $400 on sale.  I want something that's more forgiving to help my irons inconsistency, and something that might include a driver which may not be as prone to slices.  A decent putter would be icing on the cake.  Would be great if I could grow into them too, if I were to get better.

In my budget, I've found the (Callaway) Strata Plus 16 set, the Adams Speedline, and the Adams Speedline Super S.  The Strata Plus is the easiest on the budget for sure, and it has hundreds of positive reviews out there.  But, I'm wondering if I'm better off with one of the Adams sets as possibly distance could be better and they might support both beginner and intermediate so that I could grow into them?  That's a complete guess though.  In the end, forgiving is more important than distance anyway, so if I went with Adams, they would have to be good for beginners too...but I'm not sure if they are.

What's the thoughts on the three?  Which would you choose and why?  Anyone have a recommendation?

Thanks a lot!

Though plenty of good golfers have started on boxed sets I recommend you check out used/new clubs on the secondary market. There are plenty of used but very nice sets out there that offer much greater quality for the same price. Boxed sets are made more cheaply and have looser manufacturing tolerances. Poorly gapped lofts, flex and weight difference will make consistent performance more difficult. Finding the right deal on ebay or craiglist will obviously require a bit more research but you'll get a better product in the end. Unfortunately July is probably the worst time to buy a set of clubs, all the real deals come in the winter months.