Considering "game improvement" irons, seeking a little advice.

[Sherlockian]

I am finally realizing that I may need to invest in a set of GI irons. I love my X-16 Pros, but I think I need to look into some new irons. I got the X-16s several years ago, before my shoulder and knee surgeries. Now I cannot swing with the "force" or "speed" that I used to and actually think new irons might help my game. I was considering reshafting with regular flex, but I could buy or trade up for less money. My instructor has recommended this change and suggested a few sets. I am a loyal Callaway fan and have checked out the BB06 and 08 models. I have hit both of them on the simulator(gained distance as far as the sim is concerned) and like both equally. The i-brids of the BB08 are really impressive, but I like a traditional iron shape. My only worry is the offset compared to my X-16s. I play with a slightly strong grip and believe that I could go more neutral to deal with the offset. Does anyone have these or have used these? What is your experience? I also welcome any advice on other GI irons.

[st0wgolf08]

I am finally realizing that I may need to invest in a set of GI irons. I love my X-16 Pros, but I think I need to look into some new irons. I got the X-16s several years ago, before my shoulder and knee surgeries. Now I cannot swing with the "force" or "speed" that I used to and actually think new irons might help my game. I was considering reshafting with regular flex, but I could buy or trade up for less money. My instructor has recommended this change and suggested a few sets. I am a loyal Callaway fan and have checked out the BB06 and 08 models. I have hit both of them on the simulator(gained distance as far as the sim is concerned) and like both equally. The i-brids of the BB08 are really impressive, but I like a traditional iron shape. My only worry is the offset compared to my X-16s. I play with a slightly strong grip and believe that I could go more neutral to deal with the offset. Does anyone have these or have used these? What is your experience? I also welcome any advice on other GI irons.

I think the BB and the I-brids would qualify as super-game improvement, but my r7s are considered game improvement and I like them pretty well. They just launch the ball way too high for me. I'm looking into some x-forgeds to lower the ball flight,

[Sherlockian]

I have a set of "inexpensive" Dunlop No Problem 2 irons that I purchased at an estate sale last year, just cleaned out the garage and found them. I am going to experiment with them this week. They resemble Big Bertha and Adams irons( 3 and 4 hybrid, normal 5-PW) with a wider sole, larger offset, and "mid firm" shafts(feel like regular). If I experience an improvement with these, I will have answered some of my questions.

[st0wgolf08]

I have a set of "inexpensive" Dunlop No Problem 2 irons that I purchased at an estate sale last year, just cleaned out the garage and found them. I am going to experiment with them this week. They resemble Big Bertha and Adams irons( 3 and 4 hybrid, normal 5-PW) with a wider sole, larger offset, and "mid firm" shafts(feel like regular). If I experience an improvement with these, I will have answered some of my questions.

Sounds good, I agree with trying them out, the best way to find out about something is doing it. Good luck

[RocketSauce]

what about a set of the Bridgestone CG Oversized irons? they are VERY forgiving and can be bought brand new for under $200 on ebay. They are also available in mid-sized... theres also a set of Dunlop Tad Moore TM-02 irons that can be bought brand new for under $100 that are very forgiving and they look good too...

[flopdarock]

its tuff to find GI irons that have a 'traditional' iron shape...
i think id go to a shop an just hit a bunch of demos an see where you stand

[LottaBalata]

I talked with a guy at the range during the summer. I could see his new BB's in the bag. . .very nice to look at! So I talked to him after I watched him take some nice cuts. He also had a previous set of Callaways and was more than impressed with the new BB's.

As far as the hybrids. . .Once you can take your eyes out of it, and realize you should hit these babies the same as your irons, you'll love them. I def. say go for the 08's.

No i don't own them. I have set of clones that I use from time to time that are designed from the 06's. I hit them very well. I just prefer to bag other iron sets I guess.

[RocktimusPryme]

I sorta think nobody does game improvement like adams does. That being said I love my CG golds, i believe they are considering game improvement, but still hold a realiatively player iron shape. Im switching to the CG reds in january, need to go to stiff shafts anyway.

[ks8829]

I always say, bring in your iron, maybe a 7 iron or 6 iron and try out another similar club of another company and see what works for your swing and what looks good to your eye and compare the difference with your irons you are using.

I like the Mizuno mx 25 irons for about $200 - $300 used or Mizuno Comp EZ for under $200.

[Sherlockian]

I always say, bring in your iron, maybe a 7 iron or 6 iron and try out another similar club of another company and see what works for your swing and what looks good to your eye and compare the difference with your irons you are using.

That is what I am going to attempt tommorrow. There is a local shop here with a nice selection of demo clubs for decent rental fees. I am hoping to pickup a few from several makes to try out and see what happens.

[jmoc]

I like the Wilson Staff Di7, but I think the heads are large so you may not care for them..... jmoc

[ChiChiIsMe]

I finally hung up the old blades last year and chose Cobra FP's. WORLDS of difference. Get fit for whatever you get, that's more important than WHAT you get.

[walfice]

Ping Rapture irons are supposed to be good super GI irons and look pretty cool too, little pricey though. Or maybe try the new Nike Victory Red full cavity irons.

[miller72]

yea. i have heard great things about the VR full cavities... I cant say that i ahve hit them, but the do look great, also take a look at the x-20s my father has them and they play pretty well...

[Sherlockian]

I like the Wilson Staff Di7, but I think the heads are large so you may not care for them..... jmoc

I finally hung up the old blades last year and chose Cobra FP's. WORLDS of difference. Get fit for whatever you get, that's more important than WHAT you get.

Ping Rapture irons are supposed to be good super GI irons and look pretty cool too, little pricey though. Or maybe try the new Nike Victory Red full cavity irons.

All three of these have made it on my test list. I have been a Callaway fan for several years, but I am finally looking at different makes. I had a set of Wilson Staff blades back in high school that I loved. Those Di7s look sweet and are more like I am searching for. One of my favorite local shops are Wilson Staff dealers and I have "eyeballed" them several times. I think Paddy has helped bring the brand back. The Cobras are nice as well. The Raptures would be awesome I believe, but are way out of my price range unless I could find a used set. Another issue with Pings, the closet retailer/dealer is around 150 miles away.

My test list so far is: #1 Wilson Di7 #2 & #3 Big Bertha 2008 & 2006 #4 Adams A3 Cobra FP and Transition S Mizuno MX-100 and 950 Ping G10 , G5, and Rapture Taylormade R7 Bridgestone J36 Combo I am trying to hide the list from my other Callaway clubs, they might have an uprising.

[HarrowGolfer]

I played Callaway BB's for 12 years before buying new irons this year. I too thought I would go with GI instead of SGI. Then I hit the Cobra S9's. Great club, and to me it does not look like a SGI. Set does not include hybrids, so you can still order a 4 iron if that's what you prefer. These were not even on my radar until I talked to a single digit handicap at the golf shop and he said these are the irons he plays. As long as you are trying different clubs I'd give these shot.

[jmoc]

I had a set of Wilson Staff blades back in high school that I loved. Those Di7s look sweet and are more like I am searching for. One of my favorite local shops are Wilson Staff dealers and I have "eyeballed" them several times. I think Paddy has helped bring the brand back.

I've just about wacked my 4 irons until I got the Di7's, they are so easy to hit. I got the 4 to GW + SW on ebay, brand new for like $275 several months ago. They are the club of choice for "Scrambles" where I want all the forgiveness and help I can get.

... jmoc

[Sherlockian]

I've just about wacked my 4 irons until I got the Di7's, they are so easy to hit. I got the 4 to GW + SW on ebay, brand new for like $275 several months ago. They are the club of choice for "Scrambles" where I want all the forgiveness and help I can get.

Thanks jmoc and everyone that gave their advice, I have decided to wait for a little while on getting new irons. Since the temps are dropping, I am only playing once a week and not getting to the range much. I did demo several of the clubs on my list today and narrowed them down to the Wilson Di7, Cobra FP, and Adams A3. All of these gave me around 10 yards gain per iron, I think the lofts have a little to do with that, but the regular flex shafts are probably most responsible. I was a little worried about hooking(golf shot not profession) due to the offsets, but had no problems. I am going to give it a month or so, to make my decision and save the money for the set. With the holidays here, my "play" money is less than normal. Funny thing, I took the Dunlops along to try also. They performed for me as well as the others, so I have clubs to use until I decide. I really like the hybrid 3 and 4 that are in the set. Heck they worked so well for me, I may keep them for awhile and use the money on more lessons. Thanks again for all of the advice and recommendations that everyone has given. It is nice receive advice based on experience and not ego or brand worship.