Scared of new irons?

[kpaulhus]

Sounds really dumb, but have you guys ever felt that you wernt good enough to step up to the next level. My handicap is a 17 right now and I attribute that to terrible course management on 2-3 holes a round. I can shoot a 40-43 on the front and let one hole ruin a below 90's round.

I am currently using the Callaway X-18's and want to get an improved better looking iron. I know everyone raves about the Mizunos, but personally I was looking at the Callaway X-22 tours. I ahve read some bad reviews on them.

Can you rank the following in playability. Obvouisly Im not ready for blades or Tiger's irons, but I would like a better set that still provides some forgiveness.

Titleist AP2's
Callaway X-22 tours
Mizuno MP whatever, I have no clue. But they look nice.
I would prefer not to hit TaylorMade's cuz for some reason we dont get along.
Nike ? no idea about this brand.

Just a little more backround, I live and die by my Up and Downs. I get about 25-30% GIR and my putting has been 30-32 the last 6 rounds. Cant really work the ball with my irons and am working on hitting a draw with the driver. I can slice it if I try lol. So working an 8 iron right to left or vice versa from 145 towards the flag is not in the equation yet. I just want to get on the green. Ill let my average putting do the work. My life goal is to shoot in the 70's. Once I do so I want to break par....but I have to get there first.

[becksfan2185]

Don't take this he wrong way... but if you can't break 90, you probably don't need players irons. You don't work the ball with your irons, and say that you're just trying to get it on the green. I think you're good with the x-18s. I game the x22s (non-tour, just regular ones) and they fit my game and where I'm at now. Not that I'm a great golfer or anything, but I seem to be in the same boat as you... trying to hit greens and strike the ball consistantly. Don't make the game any harder by switching to a club that narrows your sweet-spot and penalizes you for mis-hits.

There are about 10,000 threads on this forum about irons - specific brands you mentioned, players irons vs. game improvement, upgrading older sets, etc. But, I'm sure there are some folks out there that can comment on the specific ones you mentioned, if you really feel like you need to upgrade.

[Grndslmhttr3]

You'll probably have trouble with brands such as Titleist and Mizuno as they're geared towards higher-skilled players; they will not have the forgiveness you're looking for.

[kpaulhus]

Thanks guys thats what I figured. Not taken the wrong way at all. Until Im shooting low 80's consistantly Ill game a GI iron. For some reason I dont like the X-22's from a graphical standpoint, thats why I considered the tour model. Clean cut and not too busy.

[ControlJunkie]

I have a different approach, but before I go any further, I have to ask, how much do you play and practice?

[Ash1974]

I waited until I was shooting mid 80's regularly before looking at trading in my GI irons.

IMHO I wanted to learn to strike the ball better before getting any lower than 17 as GI irons will hide your bad habits on misshits etc.

I went for the Ping i15's from Ping G10's and did not have any isues hitting a 7 or 4 iron on the range after several try's/visits.

I did try the Mizuno and Nike VR Split cavity (same type of "players irons") and could bot get on with these but the i10's/i15's I could hit fine.

So give them a try.

[Dub]

I agree with Ash1974 on the player's cavitiy backed irons that PING is making.

The I series seem to offer that clean look you described liking in the Callaway Tour models yet these PINGs do offer some forgiveness, too. The stock AWT shaft is a beauty, too. It's gonna help you get the ball up and soaring.

I know what you mean about living by the up & downs. I miss too many fairways and greens and find myself scrambling a ton. It is fun sometimes...really puts a demand on creativity.

Gonna play later this morning and hopefully tomorrow, too. My goal is to knock down the 150 marker from the tees and hit the center of the green. I'm going to warm up on the putting green and really get a feel for those lag putts and then some 6 footers.

[leo3]

I agree with your thoughts that the X22's graphics are gaudy, but your X18's are probably an ideal fit for your game, as you describe it. Going for "the next level" in clubs is over-rated. I know lots of single digit handicappers playing Callaway X series, Ping G series, Taylormade R-7's, etc.. Many of us have the ability to play a more "players" club, but don't have the time to devote several range sessions a week to keeping our swing on the level needed to produce the same scores we get with a game improvement iron. It is all about the score, right? Just my opinions....

[kpaulhus]

I have a different approach, but before I go any further, I have to ask, how much do you play and practice?

I play 6 rounds a month, and am at the range twice a week. Once to hit with my long irons, and once to practice bunker shots, chips around the green, and putting.

[kpaulhus]

I agree with your thoughts that the X22's graphics are gaudy, but your X18's are probably an ideal fit for your game, as you describe it. Going for "the next level" in clubs is over-rated. I know lots of single digit handicappers playing Callaway X series, Ping G series, Taylormade R-7's, etc.. Many of us have the ability to play a more "players" club, but don't have the time to devote several range sessions a week to keeping our swing on the level needed to produce the same scores we get with a game improvement iron. It is all about the score, right? Just my opinions....

I agree. Honestly I think the X-20's look great but Im waiting until they get below $300 for the steel shafts. I have graphite shafts in my X-18's because I bought them used and really didnt know any better. They were a big step up from my sports authority brand clubs though. I swing a 6 iron 91mph so I need the steel shafts.

[etlreams]

I see you have the Titleist AP2 irons on your list. If you are really in the market for new irons and aren't sure you're ready for "players irons" - perhaps the AP1s would be a good transition club?

I game the AP1s and love them.

Not sure how they would compare to the X-18, though. Don't know a lot about the Callaway iron line - if the x-18s are considered GI or Super GI.

[ControlJunkie]

I play 6 rounds a month, and am at the range twice a week. Once to hit with my long irons, and once to practice bunker shots, chips around the green, and putting.

If you're up for the challenge, I say go for a little more demanding club if you want it. The reason I say that is if you stay dedicated to it, it will make you a better player in the long run. Besides, the line between players irons and GI irons is blurring pretty rapidly, and you may be surprised how well you hit some of the newer irons that have been mentioned in previous posts. Have you had the opportunity to hit anything else besides what you currently have?

If you're looking for a few suggestions on what to try, I'd say the Nike VRs, both full cavity and splits, as well as the Titleist AP1s/AP2s, Mizuno MX-200/MX-300, and the Ping i10s.

[kpaulhus]

I have only hit different clubs at Golf Galaxy so I can really get a true reading on my shots, but I hit the Callaway X Forged clubs, way too expensive, Ive hit the burner irons, but have yet to try anything Miznuo. Ill be in Tampa this weekend so Maybe Ill convince my GF to go to Edwin watts or Dicks with me and try out some new stuff.

[ND Fan]

I know a lot of good players still using Gi irons. Ego has never put a ball into the hole. Play with whatever you play best with.

[Touchofabricklayer]

I bought my mizuno mp 60's about 5 months ago ( i was about an 8.5 handicap at the time) and i was hesisitant to spend alot of money of clubs and not like them or w/e but i have to say it was a great investment and if i can recommend anything buy mizunos or the ap2s you wont be disappointed

[kpaulhus]

Thanks guys. I think Im going to wait a few more months to see if Callaway comes down any on their X-20's. Ill get some players irons when I get to that single handicap.

[kleraudio]

I just took the "leap" this week and bought some Mizuno MP57's. Best damn iron my hands have ever touched.

I know that I dont have quite the game for them yet, but Im a sick individual and like the challenge. When you hit them clean, you will know why people only play Mizuno irons.

I will never play another brand iron again!

If your up to it and plan on playing a lot, take the plunge man! If it doesnt work out, well you still have your old clubs to fall back on.

Jim

[Ash1974]

I just took the "leap" this week and bought some Mizuno MP57's. Best damn iron my hands have ever touched.

Totally agree mate

Also there is nothing wrong with using GI irons as a low hadicapper, also there is no reason that a beginner should not use players irons/blades, if they have the time and patience they will learn to hit them the same as I learned to hit my G10's it will just take a little longer On this note I also agree that the Players Irons to GI irons gap is getting closer, With Ping the i15's have moved closer in forgivness to the G15's than the i10's were to the G10's, but I don't think that is a bad idea if thats what you want, if not then you choose a players iron like the Nike Half cavity forged or Mizuno MP's etc. Try as many as you can and you will know which ones are for you, and don't get hung up on brand loyalty play what is best for you in all catergories, Driver through to Putter.