At what handicap should you change your irons?

[Woters]

Very interested in what people here will answer to this question. Im considering changing my irons to something a bit more advanced, my congu handicap for last year is 16 but im realistically playing off 10-12 & getting lower. Was thinking of something like ping i15, callway x forged, titleist ap2 etc.

Waste of money or change for the better??

[FX(TM)]

I see why you would do so, but I've always maintained the same thing; if you feel comfortable and are still dropping shots with your current clubs, there's no need for new ones!

Don't fix what isn't broken, and all that jibber jabber.

Of course, take some irons out for a test drive, and if there is a very noticeable difference in your performance, by all means, get new ones.

But I just don't see the need in wasting money on new irons until you have officially hit the limit where you cannot improve your game any further with those irons.

Anyway, that's just my two cents. If you did want new ones, I'd recommend the PING i15's from the list you said however, they're beautiful clubs, and I felt confident when I hit them on the range!

[Leftygolfer]

everyone is different. Impossible to say when. I tryed a player's cavity and hated them. But others who have higher handicaps swear by less forgiving irons.

[Zeph]

How can you handicap be 16 if you play to 10-12?

Chances are great that you don't need new clubs. The best players play with everything from blades to cavity backs, the majority actually the latter. If you feel that your clubs don't suit your swing or game anymore, you might consider getting new ones, but don't let the handicap determine it.

If you are not fit for your current clubs, that could be one of the reasons for getting new ones. When you get below handicap 15, the swing is somewhat OK, so one can get fit to clubs without fearing you grow out of them anytime soon.
My best advice would really be to think if you need new clubs, if you do, go to a pro shop and hit various clubs. If you don't feel that much difference, you might see that you don't need it afterall. There is no handicap that you should get new clubs at. Anyone can get from handicap 36 to scratch with the same clubs, granted they are not some cheapo stuff where the loft of the 6i and 7i is the same.

[Woters]

my official congu handicap was made last year around August time, but I now shoot on average 4-6 shots better consistantly now than then, & my golf club will not accept new handicap adjusted cards until our season starts proper which here in england will be end of the month... im hoping to submit new cards & get my handicap adjusted accordingly.

[max power]

There is no time when you need to switch irons. The switch is almost always made because you want an excuse to buy new irons (I've done it). If your handicap is dropping rapidly it would seem like your irons are working really well for you.

[Teklabz]

Read: I love new shiny things, help me rationalize spending some cash!!!!

I just did it a few weeks ago myself, wife still fuming.

[BonoVox]

Read: I love new shiny things, help me rationalize spending some cash!!!!

Pretty much it. I am fighting that urge too!

[robbo323]

Well I played my GI irons till I became about a 13 and since then I've been playing my AP2s. I made a huge switch from a GI iron to more of a players iron and I went form Graphite shaft to steel. To me the biggest difference was the steel shaft and not to mention I got my set of AP2s custom fitted for just under $700, was on a JC golf team and had a deal with Titileist. I'd say you are well in the range of better player irons but I probably wouldn't change till I was a solid 10 or so because even a 10 can blade a shot and I feel horrible when I miss one with my irons.

[Shindig]

It isn't your handicap that should determine this, but rather how well you hit your irons and what you want out of your irons.

[right handed phil mickelson]

It depends on the person really. I've had my cavity back irons for about 3 years now and I still love them. I can still play up to my ability with them. If I ever change irons I'm going to Cleveland CG7 Tour irons and nothing else. Those are the only other clubs that are just beautiful when I hit them.

So for you, I'd say wait till you're single-digits and then go for something that still has some forgiveness left in it. Good luck and have fun.

~RHPM

[shades9323]

I am a 10 handicap. Last year I switched to some "players" irons. I found out that I need a more forgiving iron. My short game has kept my HC steady. This year I am switching back to GI irons. Went for Titleist DCI's to Macgregor MT Pro CM's last year. I just traded those for some Ping G5's. Why make the game harder than it is already?

[plugged]

I was playing off a 21 HC last year when I upgraded from Callaway X-14's to Mizuno MP-57's. Some folks said these would be too difficult for me, but I actually hit them better. I can't see going to anything more difficult until my game improves significantly (if ever).

[GaijinGolfer]

I wouldnt suggest switching to a player's iron until you are at least a 10 handicap. It depends upon your ballstriking though. If your ballstriking is good but your shortgame and/or putting sucks, your handicap could be higher.
IMO though, there really isnt any point where you, "should" switch to more advanced irons. If you like your GI irons and hit them well, there is nothing wrong with sticking with them.

[Cussin hacker]

Why change if you are playing your current irons well and getting better? I don't get the need for everyone to buy players irons as their HC drops. Many tour players play GI drivers and irons.

[anthonykim3]

i am a 3 i know need to update it , and i still play mx 25's , even though theres no handicap ranges really on irons i set a goal for myself and said i will get new irons when i am a scratch golfer

[Woters]

Thanks for all the responses so far, if Im honest my new wedge, putter, driver & ball etc have helped enormously in reducing my score (very decent clubs IMO)

So it was a natural conclusion to think that purchasing new & better clubs may also aid in getting my handicap down to single figures. I will continue with these for another while & see how I get on over the season. If I get to 9-10 I will look again at new clubs & hopefully you guys can help me decide on what would be good to get!

[Jon K]

Thanks for all the responses so far, if Im honest my new wedge, putter, driver & ball etc have helped enormously in reducing my score (very decent clubs IMO)

Be careful here .. switching to new drivers, wedge and putter is different than switching from a game improvement iron to a players iron. Players irons are no joke and you'll most likely lose quite a few strokes by switching to a players iron. You need to be an amazing ball striker to hit players irons consistently well and we all know to be a good golfer, you need consistency. I would suggest making the transition by going slow. first, find the players set you want to ultimately switch to ... then purchase them by the club .. maybe add your PW-8 or 7 first .. once you get those down, add some longer clubs. Hitting long players club irons is tough. You gotta be good. Real good. ... however with hard work, switching to a players iron will ultimately make you a better player IF you work hard with them. if you dont practice and just go out and play and expect to shoot better with a players iron, you'll be disappointed and go right back to your old irons.