7 Handicapper Looking for Advice...

[Chris5573]

I currently have a handicap of 7.3, and I am playing with a set of Taylormade RAC OS-2's that I've had for about 2 years. I bought them because of their forgiveness, at that time I had a 12 handicap. Now that I have improved, (and hope to continue to do so), I am thinking about switching to a set of irons that are not under the "Game Improvement" category. I am not a great player by any means, but I can hit draws and fades and my distances are about average for my handicap level. I have been thinking of demo-ing Taylormade R7 and R7 TP's, and Tour Burners. I'm not sure if I am ready for a "TP" or "Tour" set or not...are these clubs meant for low handicappers, as in less than 5? If any of you are in the 4-10 handicap range, what kinds of irons do you play? Any feedback would be appreciated!

[Dent]

I consider 7.3 good. If you base your skill on your handicap, thats insulting to the rest of the 7's .

I suggest the Ap2's, or the Ping S58's, they are both blade/cavity back clubs, that offer forgiveness, along with the playability, perfect for the lower-high handicapper.

[eberryhill7]

I currently have a handicap of 7.3, and I am playing with a set of Taylormade RAC OS-2's that I've had for about 2 years. I bought them because of their forgiveness, at that time I had a 12 handicap. Now that I have improved, (and hope to continue to do so), I am thinking about switching to a set of irons that are not under the "Game Improvement" category. I am not a great player by any means, but I can hit draws and fades and my distances are about average for my handicap level. I have been thinking of demo-ing Taylormade R7 and R7 TP's, and Tour Burners. I'm not sure if I am ready for a "TP" or "Tour" set or not...are these clubs meant for low handicappers, as in less than 5? If any of you are in the 4-10 handicap range, what kinds of irons do you play? Any feedback would be appreciated!

You absolutely try some players irons too see if you like them. I'd go to a golf store and hit every players iron that they have and see which one is the best for you, but if you just like the feel of your RACs better just stick with them.

[DDBowdoin]

I may be the only person who thinks the AP1 and 2 are just plain UGLY! I'm sure they perform very well but I can't stand looking at them, wow

[Dent]

I may be the only person who thinks the AP1 and 2 are just plain UGLY! I'm sure they perform very well but I can't stand looking at them, wow

The Ap1's are nicer because they have some colour in them, but Have you seen them in person? They look alot nicer.

[drewman02ths]

I am about a 7 as well and I hit the taylormade tp irons and love them. However, I was wondering why i wasn't hitting them as far as my old set and found out yesterday that each iron has a higher loft than standard. I am assuming so because tour caliber players aren't concerned as much with distance??? I had them all bent about 1 degree stronger for a little added distance. You can definitely play them. I had the same reservations you did and it worked out well.

[DDBowdoin]

The Ap1's are nicer because they have some colour in them, but Have you seen them in person? They look alot nicer.

I have seem them in person... you go from the 735's to the 695mbs and thats a nice transition into modernizing the aesthetics of the brand but this is a pretty massive step

[Chris5573]

I am about a 7 as well and I hit the taylormade tp irons and love them. However, I was wondering why i wasn't hitting them as far as my old set and found out yesterday that each iron has a higher loft than standard. I am assuming so because tour caliber players aren't concerned as much with distance??? I had them all bent about 1 degree stronger for a little added distance. You can definitely play them. I had the same reservations you did and it worked out well.

Thanks, that's good to know that they are working out for you since we're at about the same level. I'm off all next week, and I plan on trying out the R7 TP's and Tour Burners. I was hoping to try out the RAC LT's too, but I guess they're too old since I can't find them in the stores anymore.

[CG031]

I'm a 12 handicap but a solid ballstriker because I play about 5 times per week. I have the exact same siutation that you are in. Same set of irons, I'm playing the OS-2 right now as well. I like them for the most part, but the ball flight is so high and I draw the hell out of them because of all the offset. Let me know what you think of clubs you demo. I'm going to try out some new irons myself...I heard the Hogan Apex Plus are good, try those.

[Surefire]

However, I was wondering why i wasn't hitting them as far as my old set and found out yesterday that each iron has a higher loft than standard. I am assuming so because tour caliber players aren't concerned as much with distance???

Interesting that you say this. Is it not that most game improvement clubs are now really strong, rather than traditional players clubs are weak?

Is this not all to do with if you hit a new 8 iron the same distance you hit your old 7 iron you will buy the new set. Even though it is the same set but the 7 now has an 8 written on the bottom of it! Clever marketing!

[jamesbei]

you can definatley play "players Irons" i play off 8 with MP-60's, love them!

[bigphil]

i just went through the same thing....i have been playing x-14's for the past 5 years and needed some new clubs because they were just not doing it for me anymore. I went to the range and demo'd several different clubs (x-20 tour, x-forged, ap2, mp-57, mp-67, cobra pro cb). i went into thinking i was going to want the x-20 tour being a callaway fan, but after hitting them i wanted to puke. i then hit all the other irons throughout a period of about 1 month, to finally choose the cobra pro cb. i would have never thought i would buy cobra's, but the clubs are smokin hot!!! best advice is to just take a couple weeks and hit all the "players irons" you can, i bet you'll be surprised to what you end up choosing also....dont forget to get custom fitted! not only by a professional, but do you own testing as well. play around with different shafts (if you can), lie angle, and lengths. it helped me out A TON when i went to order my new irons. i took the pro's advice and my own testing into cosideration when i got the new clubs (he said +1/2" and +2º, but +1/4" and +2º felt the best to me and produced better shots). good luck!

[DavidFehertysBike]

For any other reason than just to hit a consistant cut shot or fade, players irons might be a better option for you. I find that clubs with less offset make alightment less confusing as well.