I voted no, back in college I played the Titleist Tour 100, synthetic balata, driver was either Titleist PT 8.5, J's Professional Weapon, of Taylormade Burner 7 degree. Average carry distance was 270 (actual, paced measurement), 5 iron 190, 56 degree wedge 105. I try to stay one generation behind the 'New' equipment, except golf balls, but this is now also available, but over the last 20 years I have found that distance has been the same, yardage lost is age related. The 'new' irons are all jacked up lofts paired with higher launching shafts, and needing to purchase 'gap' wedges, and dropping the 2 and 3 irons. So in summery, 905R, Super Deep LB, Tour Preferred R9, 910 D3, all have more face area to impact the ball, and that has moved weight away from the center of gravity, resulting in better outcomes for impacts outside the 1/2 inch sweet spot. New ball old clubs (pitching wedge being the gap wedge) now 240 yards carry, 5 iron 170 yards, 56 degree wedge 85-90.
