Help a guy pick some irons!

[inferno19]

Hey all,
I'm a medium-high handicapper who's looking to get a new set of irons to replace a 25+ year old set of Wilson Staffs. These Staffs served me well as a hand-me-down, but it's time to move on.

I hit my irons low, and hit the long irons (3,4) very well. This is why I was shocked to see many of the new technologies and companies don't offer a 3I...only to read that the lofts are just adjusted. Anyways, I'd like to stay away from hybrids (Adams boxers, etc) and try to stick with pure irons.

I tend to fade the ball a bit, but I wouldn't call it a problem. Fairly consistent. Looking for some forgiveness but definitely some playability, as well. I don't swing fast (90-95), either.



I was going to get a set of Cobra S9's off ebay, but that fell through and I'm now reconsidering my choice. I think maybe it wasn't a good idea to get "Super Game Improvement" clubs, as I don't want to be lulled into a false sense of security. On the other hand, I don't want to get beyond frustrated with a set of players' blades.

This is what I've narrowed it down to:

Cobra FP (inexpensive, good reviews)
Cobra S9 (expensive, could be deceiving. A bit garish looking, too).
Taylormade R7 (not the draw version. I don't want a built in draw.)
Callaway X-18 (Only thing I don't like about these is the hosel and head size)
Cleveland CG Gold
Wilson Staff ci7


Now, my question is...

What do you recommend for someone who wants high ball flight, some forgiveness, and a bit of distance, to boot?

Thanks for your help, guys.

[ERC7.5]

I had posted a similar question a while back. Here is a link to it. There are some good recommendations/options there.

Hope that helps!

[Caddyshack]

from the clubs you have listed i would recomend the CG golds they are a great mix of game improvment and traditional club, they are soft and smooth and suprisingly (i cant spell) long. Dam good value too, i tried just about them all ping callaway tm ..... cost wasnt an issue but it just so happened that they were the cheapest and the best for me

[YogiTKE]

I hit the 2007 S9's and absolutely love them. Before, I used Cobra blades from the early 80's. Being you're a mid-high handicapper, I think they'd be great for you. I don't like working the ball and that's why I went with the S9's.

[mich3210]

I just ordered a set of the FP's from TGW. I got a great deal on the 2007 model (which got better reviews than the 2008's). When I was looking during last season I originally went specifically for the S9's. I hit them, and decided that they were just too soft. They felt great, but I got no feed back what so ever on miss hits etc. I want some forgiveness, but I what to know when I am doing something wrong so that I can improve.

So I started looking at "game improvement" rather than "super game improvement". I narrowed my choices down to the R7, X-20 and FP. I hit all 3 together and decided I liked the FP. To me they looked better at address than the other two, and I hit them just as well. Plus they were less expensive. I will try to write up a review after then come in and I get a chance to play a few rounds with them.

[tigertail75]

i'm in a similar situation, 19 handicapper looking to improve. currently playing hand me down x-14. feels good when u hit it flush, but not exactly the most forgiving esp long irons. x-20 seems to be a natural choice but seems like cobra is giving callaway a run for their money, so will check out the fp. anyone had any experience with r7?

[shortgame85]

Hey all,

It's hard to wrong with any of the irons you've listed. The best advice for you is to get fitted for your game improvement set by a pro. If you can get to a Golfsmith or similar type store, you can get fitted and try most of the clubs you've mentioned.

Last year's model of the Cobra FPs are, in my opinion, superb clubs. I have tried them with the stock Aldila graphite shaft and like them very much. Since they are discontinued, you can pick up those irons with either the steel or graphite shafts for quite a discount. I think the key for you is to swing as many of these clubs as you can in a fitting session with a pro. Good luck.

[allin]

Don't be afraid to try some brands you haven't heard as much about, thats how I ended up with mine (Wilson CI6) last years model. I was all set on Mizuno MX-25 or Cobra FP and saw these and traded off just to have something to compare to when testing, and ended up buying them. Other than puzzled looks and zingers from golf buddies (did those come from Walmart or I didn't know they still made golf clubs) it has been a completely positive experience.

[mustangbryk]

Try the Taylormade Burners xd ....i love them.

[Badds#1]

You should try the Taylormade R7 or the taylormade R7 draws.

The r7 Draws are a cavity back with the heel that is weighted for a draw if you are constantly hitting a slice or even a fade.

The R7 irons are a more medium handicappers irons with offset but not as much as the draws. They are a good iron.

Both irons have the most modern technology

[Big_M]

from the clubs you have listed i would recomend the CG golds they are a great mix of game improvment and traditional club, they are soft and smooth and suprisingly (i cant spell) long. Dam good value too, i tried just about them all ping callaway tm ..... cost wasnt an issue but it just so happened that they were the cheapest and the best for me

I loved my TA-5's and considered the reds when I chose my current set... the golds are a great club.

It's hard to wrong with any of the irons you've listed. The best advice for you is to get fitted for your game improvement set by a pro. If you can get to a Golfsmith or similar type store, you can get fitted and try most of the clubs you've mentioned.

I couldn't agree more.

[SubPar]

At your level any perimeter weighted irons will do. Just get something you feel good looking down at. A club that feels good when you look at it or swing it will serve you well till you get your handicap down to 15 or less.

When I started out I bought some knock-offs from a friend for $150. I told myself, until I could break 90 with those clubs I wouldn't buy a better set. Once I shot under 90 I got more serious about equipment. But until you have some skills, the sticks won't make any difference.

Buy "used". You can get good deals on demo clubs or used clubs. With a 36 handicap, clubs are not your primary concern just yet, so look for a good value buy.

SubPar

[obsessedgolfer]

try the cleveland hibores or the new big bearthas they both have a very inovative veriable sole technology which means that the sole of the 3 iron is comparable to a hybrid and the sole of a 9 iron s compareable to a traditional 9 iron

[hipcheck4u]

I am a 36 like you and bought a set of Ping G10 irons last fall after trying many of the same clubs you mentioned: S9s, FPs, CG golds, X-20s, etc. I love the G10s- the ball flies high and long, and the clubs interface with the turf beautifully. You owe it to yourself to try them. Have fun shopping!

[Intgolf72]

I think you would be well off with any of the mid improvement irons such as

Ping I 10/I 5
Cally X 18/20
Cobra FP
Cleveland CG Gold/Red doesn't matter to me, they seem the same when ive hit em.

I would reccomend you try the New Ping I 10 or the I 5s if your looking a little cheaper. also X18s can be had pretty cheaply now.

[Intgolf72]

I am a 36 like you and bought a set of Ping G10 irons last fall after trying many of the same clubs you mentioned: S9s, FPs, CG golds, X-20s, etc. I love the G10s- the ball flies high and long, and the clubs interface with the turf beautifully. You owe it to yourself to try them. Have fun shopping!

I 10s are better......just saying :D

[thedub]

CLEVELAND CG GOLDs....

you will LOVE THEM, i DO!!!!

[marpr]

It's hard to wrong with any of the irons you've listed. The best advice for you is to get fitted for your game improvement set by a pro. If you can get to a Golfsmith or similar type store, you can get fitted and try most of the clubs you've mentioned.

I totally agree. It is worth the extra money to have them fitted with the correct shaft/lie angle.

ps: the CG Gold's look amazing.