Your thoughts on my possible new "bag"

[bogeyme]

Ok, since I've joined I've flip flopped back and forth on what brand of clubs I was going to buy. My current set up like I've mentioned in the past are 13+ year old clubs that were made for me from sticks and rocks. Ok some maybe not sticks and rocks but I might be able to play a little better with those. I've put some serious thought into what I wanted to buy and I think I have finally come to my decision. If I can (and I really hope I can) replace everything in my bag except for the putter I just bought this is the route I will most likely go.

Driver: Taylormade Burner 10.5* stiff
Fairway wood: Taylormade Burner 3wood stiff
Irons: Callaway Big Bertha I-brids 3-PW (SW and other Wedges maybe)

I have not decided on if I will get the Big Bertha SW or anyother wedges. Here's my reasoning behind picking these clubs. I'm a high handicapper. I have a huge slice problem off the tee with a driver or wood but I don't want to limit myself by buying a "draw" driver. I would like to correct my slice instead of "painting over" the slice. With my high handicap in mind the BB irons seem like a good set to get me a little more on target with where I need to be.

What do you guys think about my choices? Yeh, Nah, who cares. I don't mind hearing them all.

[Open-Faced Club Sandwedge]

I have a huge slice problem off the tee with a driver or wood but I don't want to limit myself by buying a "draw" driver. I would like to correct my slice instead of "painting over" the slice.

I'm not much of an equipment expert, so I don't have much comment on your choices, except that I 100% agree with your thinking in the quote above. You'll get much more satisfaction (and much lower scores in the long run) out of improving your swing than compensating for it. The draw driver would probably only act as an enabler and make your swing flaws even worse.

-Andrew

[907golfer12]

Ok, since I've joined I've flip flopped back and forth on what brand of clubs I was going to buy. My current set up like I've mentioned in the past are 13+ year old clubs that were made for me from sticks and rocks. Ok some maybe not sticks and rocks but I might be able to play a little better with those.

I think the driver and fairway wood is a great choice, but the irons, I don't think the same thing. For one, the BB i-brid's are like $1,200 for the whole set. But the more important part is they will, like you put it "paint over" you iron problems. I would suggest getting, if you want to stay with Callaway, the X-20's. They are still very forgiving, but as you improve you will not need to irons, or as it is put "grow out of your irons." I know 2 lower handicaps (2 and 6) that both play the X-20's.

But if you are not set on Callaway I would also check out TaylorMade R7, Mizuno MX-25, Nike CCi, and other Game Improvement Irons. Since I see that you plan on improving, and working at it I would stay away from Super Game Improvement irons. If you need more help for irons, I would suggest checking out the Golf Digest Hot List, sorry I don't have a link. Hope this helps, and good luck finding the set you love.

[nasabogey24]

First and foremost I would recommend getting custom fit for your new clubs. You might think that it costs a lot of money to get fitted but it's really not. I mean if you are planning on spending a lot of money on new clubs you might as well spend a little extra for a good fitting.

Also, the TM driver you referenced buying comes equipped with a 46" shaft. Trust me when I tell you that swinging a 46" driver would be horrible for a slicer. Unless of course youre 6'5". I also wouldnt spend that kind of money on irons either. I could only justify spending that much on a set of fully customized forged irons like the ones from Scratch Golf. No cast irons are worth a grand or more--period.

Just my 2 pennies.

[Dub]

I really admire your desire to get the slice worked out first.

I'll go so far as to say that your choice of clubs will change, too, once the slice is gone. I say this because you will be making a better pass at the ball and hitting it more solid....most likely.

When that occurrs, I'll bet you change change your desire for clubs.

I personally can't see paying the $$$ for the irons you've described. I think you'll want something more conventional once you get about the business of hitting the ball straighter...more solidly....I honestly do.

I'd advise getting a lesson....working on it.......maybe get another....work on that.....all the while saving your bucks!!!!!

Golf is funny....you can easily be lured into thinking your game is simply one major purchase away from greatness.....over and over again.

[Dub]

I should have added something else: I've been seeing some great prices on new sets of Callaway X20 irons.

If you aren't hung up on a certain brand then give the Ping G10s a look too.


In any case, the golf shops will fit you for no additional price.


Get a couple of lessons first...get your grip, stance and swing grooved for the results you want.....then get fitted for the clubs.


Good luck. Again, I commend you for not trying to put a bandaid on a slice when you can get past it so quickly with the right instruction and practice. You'll be such a happier golfer as a result. Within a month's time you'll be able to rule out right side misses....what confidence that will inspire.

[bogeyme]

We all might be talking about a different set of clubs here. The Big Bertha's that I'm talking about run about $500. I would never pay over about $600 for a set of irons the way I play. My iron play if fairly good. I can hit my irons straight. It's my drives that I have a problem with. Lessons don't sound like a bad idea. Would it be ok to get a new set of irons for now, get a few lessons with the driver and clubs over all and then invest in a new driver? I don't think getting lessons on my current irons will do me much good. I guestimate that I'm about 2 clubs behind with my old irons. I'm hitting a 4 or 5 when I should be hitting a 7. Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

[BOMBINTHEDRIVER]

Don't get those irons. They are sooooooooooooo overpriced for the quality of them. Look at some TaylorMade's, Nike CCi, Mizuno MX Line (or MP line if your dedicated), X-18, X-20, X Forged, maybe even some Wilson Staff's. A buddy of mine has the Pi7's and they are great, and not that expensive.

Driver is nice, so is the 3W.

[907golfer12]

We all might be talking about a different set of clubs here. The Big Bertha's that I'm talking about run about $500. I would never pay over about $600 for a set of irons the way I play. My iron play if fairly good. I can hit my irons straight. It's my drives that I have a problem with. Lessons don't sound like a bad idea. Would it be ok to get a new set of irons for now, get a few lessons with the driver and clubs over all and then invest in a new driver? I don't think getting lessons on my current irons will do me much good. I guestimate that I'm about 2 clubs behind with my old irons. I'm hitting a 4 or 5 when I should be hitting a 7. Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

The Big Bertha i-brids, which are the irons you mentioned in the first post retail for 1,300 for steel shafts, and 1,500 for graphite irons.

[Cody]

Guys, he's talking about just big berthas. His confusion comes from the fact that the 3 and 4 iron are avalible as regular irons or the "i-brid" shape.

The irons you think he wants are they FT I-brids which do retail for a ridiculous amount. Now the big berthas. I wish i would have tried a pair of those out for a while. Callaway just catches my eye so much but i don't have a damn club of theirs in my bag. My dad owns big berthas and i used them in my last match and i loved them.

That being said they aren't the type of club that i want. I am in love with my nickent irons. The big berthas have a large topline and if that doesn't matter to you go ahead and buy them.

BB I-brid


FT I-brid

[bogeyme]

Guys, he's talking about just big berthas. His confusion comes from the fact that the 3 and 4 iron are avalible as regular irons or the "i-brid" shape.

Thanks for those pictures. I am looking at the Big Bertha's. Sorry for any misunderstanding. I hit them again last night at Golfsmith. I liked the feel and everything on these. I also hit the Burner driver last night and liked it. I think I'm pretty set on the Burner. I also found a used set of Big Bertha's for $440 and they sell for $600 new. I've looked on e-bay and found a couple sets of Big Bertha's for $500 so that might be an option too instead of buying from Golfsmith.