My first weird shopping experience and some questions

[HytrewQasdfg]

Would highly recommend a custom fitting session rather than off the rack to give yourself the best possible start; its amazing the difference a properly fitted set of clubs will make even if you can't necessarily tell in what way at the begining.

How can you fit someone that is just starting out? The measurement charts are balogna. There are plenty of tall guys that have a flat swing, and plenty of short guys that have an upright swing. Until he has established some basic swing mechanics there is no way to fit him.

I still stand by my previous advice. Just go out and purchase an old, cheap beater set of clubs (from Play It Again Sports or even Goodwill). Take some lessons and get the basics of your golf swing down with them. Then you'll have enough info (about your swing, fitting, and club needs) to make a serious purchase.

[Krullpes]

You're certainly right about needing basic swing mechanics, I'd go so far as suggesting that he buy a cheap 6 or 7 iron and some lessons before even considering a set of clubs old or new.

With the basics out of the way and a fairly repeatable swing, I still think custom fitting benefits all levels of golfer, just in different ways. For a beginner, the right fit will encourage the correct setup and help stop bad habits from developing as he trys to overcome club fit and shaft related issues. Modern fitting technology is sufficiently advanced that anyone can benefit and tools like the Mizuno SwingDNA are good examples.

As the OP seems determined to get the best set or irons he can now (hopefully after some lessons to get that swing started), he may as take advantage of fitting too, especially given the cost of the irons he's looking at. I don't think you need to limit yourself to a banger set if you don't have to or want to and with quality forged irons you can always go back and get them refitted and have most elements adjusted as your game improves.

[Meddle]

went shopping today again.

I would vote for AP1 over MP-series Mizuno for a beginner. It's going to be easier for you to get out and play with that iron. Titleist makes equipment of top quality as well.

[denver_nuggs_15]

I'm going to say this again, would you tell a person who's never walked before to get any size shoe, and maybe get fit later? Hell no, you'd get laughed at. Why golfers are so lax on getting fit, I'll never know, but if they want to struggle to break 100, that's their thing.

Your analogy is weak. Fitting a golf club (properly) is much different than finding a shoe that fits. If you're suggesting the OP buy a set that is fit to his body type (height, length of arms, etc. - like those charts), that's fine. But there's no sense in doing dynamic fitting that we all know is best. His swing is surely too inconsistent right now and will definitely change with lessons. To the OP, I don't think I would get the irons fit just yet. Maybe get the lie changed if it's free, or a bearable amount, but I don't think a total fitting is necessary for a beginner. Mizuno MX300s are a good set, and you can definitely grow with them. Like others have already said, I would steer clear of the MP series for now since they'll make the game really frustrating for a beginner. Hope this helps.

[jamo]

I'm going to say this again, would you tell a person who's never walked before to get any size shoe, and maybe get fit later? Hell no, you'd get laughed at. Why golfers are so lax on getting fit, I'll never know, but if they want to struggle to break 100, that's their thing.

You don't need to pay to get "fit" for shoes.

[Shanks A Million]

You don't need to pay to get "fit" for shoes.

You also don't pay to get fitted for irons. If you do, never go back to that store again. Stores should bend to your lie angle for free, and companies will let you buy custom sizes, again, usually for free. I've never paid to have anything fitted except for some hard to bend wedges that I bought used.

[sean_miller]

You don't need to pay to get "fit" for shoes.

Not necessarily, but some people struggle for years to find a shoe that fits properly.

[Shanks A Million]

Your analogy is weak. Fitting a golf club (properly) is much different than finding a shoe that fits. If you're suggesting the OP buy a set that is fit to his body type (height, length of arms, etc. - like those charts), that's fine. But there's no sense in doing dynamic fitting that we all know is best. His swing is surely too inconsistent right now and will definitely change with lessons. To the OP, I don't think I would get the irons fit just yet. Maybe get the lie changed if it's free, or a bearable amount, but I don't think a total fitting is necessary for a beginner. Mizuno MX300s are a good set, and you can definitely grow with them. Like others have already said, I would steer clear of the MP series for now since they'll make the game really frustrating for a beginner. Hope this helps.

I hear this a lot, but it's flat out wrong. Your swing plane is your swing plane, it doesn't change much. I worked very hard at flattening my swing plane for probably a year. At the end of all of that work, the swing plane did change... 1°. Anyone can be fit with a good wrist to floor measurement, which will give you at least a close estimate. If that person is, say 4° upright, they will never learn the game properly with standard lie angles.

Again, you guys need to realize that I'm a very upright fit, and most of you have probably never really tried hitting clubs that were well off. I struggled for years just to make solid contact with the ball. When I did my first fitting, the guys were just floored at the fact I could even hit the club at all. The Adams irons I had were more than 3.5° too flat, and only the extreme end of the toe was getting down to the ball. My only choice was to hit it on the toe, or hit it thin. The only time I ever experienced pure contact was when the ball was popped up in the rough. When I had them fitted, all of a sudden, the game seemed so easy. The problem was, I had developed tons of swing flaws based on poorly fit clubs. If you need further evidence, Tiger Woods was fit for clubs from day 1.

[motteler621]

Im all for getting fit but I didnt have such a good experience at getting fit by the pros in my area. First I was fit for lie angle which said I was 2 degrees flat. I thought this was kind of off since Im 5'9. I just started playing again after 10 years so when I was fit my swing and address had some flaws. I found that I had my hands way down too low causing my swing plane to be flat. The butt end of the club should be pointing to your belt, mine was below that. So I adjusted that and got fitted again and I was standard lie. I was shocked by the change and went to another golf store and got fitted with the same result, standard. My point is lie angle can change easily.

[jamo]

I've never paid to have anything fitted except for some hard to bend

My point exactly. When newbies on the board here ask whether they should get nicer but used irons or so-so new irons, they are usually told to get the used ones because they are less expensive, let the player grow into them, and are not as much as an investment if they realize that they don't like the game. But, you can't get fit for those used irons, and bending them come with it a price. So they get whatever is on the used rack, usually "standard" loft, lie, and length. Because it is easier and quicker. I did just that when I bought my irons.

[Shanks A Million]

My point exactly. When newbies on the board here ask whether they should get nicer but used irons or so-so new irons, they are usually told to get the used ones because they are less expensive, let the player grow into them, and are not as much as an investment if they realize that they don't like the game. But, you can't get fit for those used irons, and bending them come with it a price. So they get whatever is on the used rack, usually "standard" loft, lie, and length. Because it is easier and quicker. I did just that when I bought my irons.

I bought my current irons after a reccomendation from

YOU ! I never even hit them before I bought them, but I knew they were the right flex and style. They were used, and my fitter bent them for free. It was the fact that my 588 was old and cast that I had to pay the $5 to bend it 3°.

Im all for getting fit but I didnt have such a good experience at getting fit by the pros in my area. First I was fit for lie angle which said I was 2 degrees flat. I thought this was kind of off since Im 5'9. I just started playing again after 10 years so when I was fit my swing and address had some flaws. I found that I had my hands way down too low causing my swing plane to be flat. The butt end of the club should be pointing to your belt, mine was below that. So I adjusted that and got fitted again and I was standard lie. I was shocked by the change and went to another golf store and got fitted with the same result, standard. My point is lie angle can change easily.

The guy who was fitting you should have pointed out that fact, and should have asked for more background information. My fitter here will watch you and make sure everything is ok, and if you have a fault, he'll point it out. When I went there, I was about 4° upright, but he noticed I was coming over the top, and coming down steep. I thought he was crazy, so I went down to the range with my camera, and sure enough, something that day was causing me to do it. I fixed it, went back, and he got the proper fit at 3° upright (2° with the Nikes).

[jamo]

I bought my current irons after a reccomendation from

You have a good fitter than, all of the places near me charge through the roof for fitting. So I guess you are right, there really is no excuse if you can find a good fitter.

[golfro]

seriously. unless you buy the set from the shop itself, its usually a charge anywhere between 30 to 50$ for most proshops around here.

[benchan1]

hey all, just an update. Did an impulse buy last night @ ebay - a used set of MP52 (i was told it is very good condition one) for $340.
Sorry, I know this is against some people's advice. But i reallly like it and it is pretty affordable in money-wise. So, let me challenge myself a bit to learn from a difficult set first. If fail, I will buy a cheap used 7 iron ...

Will update you guys my progress.

Btw, just met online a singaporen whose H'cap is 4 .... an ex-singapore national team and is developing a professional career in the tour ...

[benchan1]

Hi , just want to keep everyone udpated.

Today I bought a used MX-23 in good condition for US$35. Happy with that. I also got an opportunity to try hitting some balls with some brand new irons in a shop. Finally, I can get the feeling of forgiving and less forgiving by trying the MX300 and MP68.

I also see a very good condition used MP30 and even MP60 at the same price (US$35). But I want to stick with the more forgiving one for my loose iron and will get a more challenging ones when I buy a complete set. Now can go and hit some balls.

Thanks again everyone