Surly Bastage

That was my first thought and may be what I end up doing. I looked at those, but the website irritated me so much I took them off the list. I am a Surly Bastage after all. Any other recommendations?

It does not sound stupid at all. I like it except for the building a platform part. I might consider digging a hole and placing the head into it so the bristles are about even with the ground. I assume it will forgive fat shots, but this set-up will be for hacks and non-players so that is probably a good thing. Anyone know where I can get an extra wide one (front to back)? I am also considering a Dura-Pro High Tech mat http://www.dwquailgolf.com/training/highTechMat.html Anyone use one of these?

Mostly hackers will be hitting off of it. Will those mats hold up well and is there a means for securing them or will they go flying forward like I have seen in some peoples swing videos?

I am looking for a mat to use for ~40 yard shots. Would like something around $50 that will hold up well. Any suggestions?

He suggested I look at RAC OS, I assume they can be made +1-1/4 inch. With my standard set I was gripping at the very end of the grip maybe even a hair off the grip. So with a +1 inch club, he said gripping down that far would make the club more secure. It sounds a little odd to me, but under his teaching I have been striking the ball much better on average. However, I have been attacked by the shanks on several occasions as well.

Everyone keeps saying how important it is to get fitted, but I have been fitted a few times with different answers each time. 1. Standard length and lie. 2. + 1/2-inch length, 2 deg. upright lie. 3. + 1 inch length, standard lie. I know different fitters may reach different conclusions, but this seems like too wide range of suggestions. I am taking lessons from the guy who did the third fitting, he has me gripping down ~3/4 inch from the end of the grip. Does this sound right? I am ~6'2" tall, with a wrist to floor measurement of 38" and a bad lower back. So now I am confused/frustrated. Any comments would be appreciated.

The MX-25 and the Apex Edge are both cavity backs. Are you saying that a cast club made to the same dimensions as a forged club will be easier to hit. I do not want turn this in to a cast/forged thread, but I find that hard to believe.

Just spoke with a Callaway rep. at a local Golf Expo and he explained they do not advertise the Hogan clubs much because the response (or lack thereof) does not justifiy it. I do not care about the advertising, but I would like to put my hands on the Apex Edge. They only had the FTX and a few wedges at the expo.

I think you hit it. The first guy tried to put me in specific positions based only on the numbers. So I had way too much to think about.

All I care about is how they look at address and how they perform. I do not care one bit about over-hyped technology. I think the buzz factor is somewhat circular in that certain brands get more advertising, so the public is more aware of them and asks about them, then they get onto the Hotlist for more advertising. I like the way Golf Magazine does their review better. They have more people (a wider range of handicaps) smacking balls and providing feedback. I believe they also tell you each participants current clubs and who purchased what as a result of the testing.

The Hogans and Mizunos are both forged, though I do not care about the manufacturing process. Looks-wise, I like how they set-up. They do not look like a big block of metal on the end of a shaft, though that type of club may be better for me right now. Feel-wise, I am still too inconsistant to make a good judgement. I was hoping to get some comments from folks who have hit 'em both a few times.

**** Good advice. I hope to get my swing in good enough shape to buy the new sticks sometime this spring, but I am in no rush. I plan the get advice from the pro who is changing/improving? my swing as to when I might be ready. You are correct, I will probably have 'em at least ten years. I want to narrow down my choices to about three so I can take them to the range. So far I have only hit into nets, except for some RAC OS's. Hit nice shots with them and they seemed very forgiving, but they just did not feel that great, although, again, that may be just because of my inconsistant ball striking. I am curious as to other opinions comparing the MX-25's and the Apex Edge's.

The 23's and 25's did have the same shaft. I hit them at different places but it was on a mat each time. I hit other clubs (Taylor Made Rac OS, and a few others) decently when I tried the 23's. I just figured the 23's and the other Mizuno's were not a good fit for me, so I was surprised 25's felt so nice the other day. I generally take a wedge or 5 iron to the field about five times a week for a few shots while walking the hound. It is getting a little cold for that right now, though. I also get out to the range at least twice a month and do slow motion drills in the house. By the way, why do the Hogan's not get much love?

Looking to buy new steel shafted irons. I do not change clubs often (two sets in 23 years). Currently taking lessons (changing my swing quite a bit… or at least it feels that way) and want a club that will fit me now and if/when I lower the handicap. Consistently hit the MX-23’s thin (hit the MX-17’s and the MP’s thin as well). Hit the MX-25’s and liked them. Why the difference? I have an older version Apex Edge 5 iron; like how it sets up, like the feedback. How do the newer versions compare? As inconsistent as my swing is, it is difficult to determine whether model A feels better than model B because it suits me better or I happen to put some better swings on it. I am starting to think it does not matter what I buy. I do not like thick toplines or bulky looking clubs. Will not buy Titleist or Cobra (have a grudge against Footjoy so I do not buy anything within The Acushnet Company). Have hit about everything into a net, but want to get to the range with a few. Any comments/suggestions?

I am about seven lessons in. I went to one pro for about three lessons before switching to another pro. The first pro did not work for me, not that he was not good, but his teaching methods did not seem a good fit for me. I like the second guy. He seems to rely on the numbers as a guide rather than putting me in exact positions based on shoulder tilt etc. The video feedback has been great. I felt like I was staying level in my swing, the tape showed me picking my head up in the backswing. Now I feel like I am squating down during the backswing, tape shows me staying level. In summary, I think it is more about the pro than the fancy tools. A good pro can help you without any tools, but having the tools helps. All the fancy tools will not help you if you have a bad pro, or one that is not a good fit for you. I think you will know rather quikly whether the pro is a good fit for you. Do not hesitate to switch pros if it is not working out. Good luck