beginner irons

[leo3]

Pre-owned would be the way to go, as you won't have too large an investment as you progress in the game, and possibly change your mind on equipment. With that said, any of the Callaway X series, (x-18, 20, 22, etc.) or Ping G series, (G-5, 10, 15) would be a great choice. Plenty of forgiveness for a newer player, but still the clubs of choice for lots of single digit handicappers.

[RDM#]

I'd say it depends on your budget, but Ping G15's are great clubs, but get fit for them, the great thing about Ping is you can buy a set and send them to ping to get the color changed and it is cheap, I bought a set of G15's 5-p maroon color code +1 inch, off ebay paid $389, sent them off to Ping for $75, which included shipping back, and they changed them to white code and +1/2 inch over standard, plus they regrip, if you go that route make sure you get irons that are within 4 color codes of what you should have or they won't bend them.

[dbuck]

For an absolute beginner I'd suggest something used that's been very recently re-gripped. You're gonna make a lot of ugly swings and be hitting off some pretty awful surfaces for a while - why F up a crisp new set of PINGs right away?

I think this is a great idea at this stage. You have to weigh which you have the more of, time or money, but I have seen some great buys at pawn shops, but you have to know what you're looking for. They will often negotiate as well. Savings to be had at Golfsmith, et al but that is their business so sometimes not as cheap as others, but there is a service factor.

+1 on the grips, if they aren't in good shape, put new ones on. That is the connection between you and the club.

[dbuck]

As to the type of irons, it is up to you and what you want to do, and what you like.

I haven't hit X-24's, but have hit X-22's, and in SGI they would be high on my list.

If you are committed to improving and willing to take a lesson or two, and spend time on the range, I might suggest slightly less forgiveness--more like a GI than SGI. Something that will be more forgiving than "players clubs" as they say and ease frustration, but not so forgiving that you can be sloppy.

If you just want to play a couple times a week, have fun, and improve gradually, go with something like the X-24's. I also expect the X-22's will come down in price soon.

[Bug Bunny]

If you go that route make sure you get irons that are within 4 color codes of what you should have or they won't bend them.

From what PING told me, this is only true of the older clubs. I just sent in a set of G5's in purple and they took them to green, no problem. They told me this is only true of the truly older clubs as most of the newer ones can be bent more, if needed. Cost me a total of $35 plus shipping there. That's $18 for the bend and I think they repaint as well (???) and $17 return shipping! GREAT deal if you ask me!!!!!

[RDM#]

When I sent my G5's and G15's in to be changed they told me they needed to be within 4 color codes, but who knows maybe it depends on who you talk to at Ping that day, but it is a great deal, other companies like Titleist will not take a shipment from a consumer for repairs or changes, Ping is great about it.

I would also suggest getting the serial number if you go with Ping, if you can, call Ping to verify they are real, they will be able to give you a history if any exists, with my G15's they told me they were green to start, then white, then maroon and now back to white for me.

[WUTiger]

Sounds like he already has a box-o-crap. He wants to upgrade.

I typed up most of my reply to

atthepin , and then went to lunch before I sent it. Looks like I missed several exchanges before I returned and hit "Post."

[sean_miller]

I typed up most of my reply to

That term popped into my head when I read his description of his current set - your post gave me an excuse to use it.