Upgrading clubs - Where to start?

[GixxerTed]

While being in the fairway is important. Where you score the most is your approach's and putting. Thus a good set of irons and putter is where i would start.

[limoric]

Pay a quick $49 and have your swing analyzed with a Mizuno computerized 6 iron.

This is one of the few post a agree with. Get fit for the proper shaft, it is the engine of your club and your grip is your only connection with the club.

Do not go for advanced technology and forgiveness, it will teach you nothing about the swing, if your fingers do not vibrate on bad shots, you'll have no feedback to improve on. If your current iron shaft is not right for you, you'll be getting new used irons (replacing shafts does not make economical sense). Once you know what shaft you should be playing, search for a clean mid-size muscle back iron (with proper lie angle), something like Cleveland CG2, most every manufacturer has an iron in this genre. Get a used driver with the right shaft, again, don't go for the most advanced technology, buy something clean. You can buy the I-mix drivers pretty cheap on ebay, with it, you'll have the ability to switch shafts as you improve. Newer used wedges are key, you can get mint wedges on ebay. x-forged, spin milled, cg12... Keep it simple and clean. Once you start to get better and understand why the equipment is not working, you can make adjustments, but it will rarely have anything to do with the head of the club. Buy up all the 6-iron demo clubs you can on ebay, I've picked some up for $5-$10. Even though you will be fit, it will be on a square mat with perfect conditions; not the same as the course, plus your swing will change regularly...you will need to tinker for the next few years, buy up a bunch of 6-irons with different shafts... 5 years ago I was a 25 handicap beginner with some ability. Since then, I've been through 5 sets of irons, 7 shafts, 5 drivers and too many wedges to count. Most everything bought on Ebay. I now have the proper flex for a grooved swing; proper kickpoint and proper swing weight, but most importantly, I know why. I bought my first new set of Irons this year and will likely play them for the next 5 years...

[newtogolf]

I agree with the fitting advice as well. I also thought I needed to work out my driver issues before getting fit, it turns out I was going about it backwards. I finally have a driver I can hit straight, and probably would have never figured out the right configuration if I didn't go for a fitting. I was fit for a stiff shaft even though my swing speed was a bit slow for one. He compensated for the stiff shaft with an 11* loft. I went to the range and was hitting around 225+ yards either straight or with a slight hook. For the first time, the driver feels good when I swing it, and the results far exceed previous drivers which I only seemed to slice.

[Jack]

Well I just got back from the fitting and I thought I'd share the experience.

On the monitor it was showing that I had a swing speed of 95-100mph and a spin rate of over 3300 (this was with a club I borrowed from my dad (regular flex, 12deg)).

So straight away he switched me to a stiff flex and dropped the loft of the club from 12deg to 10.5. This managed to get my spin speed to 2800 and a better ball flight. Basically my spin speed is higher because I tend to hit down on the ball, also delofting the club a little.

So we took a few clubs out on the range with the stiff flex and 10.5deg loft, and the one that we decided on that was within budget was the Ping K15.

Now I have done a little research on the club, but since it is quite new there isn't too much to be found. Anyone know anything about it? The other problem is that being a new club, I don't think finding a second hand one is going to be easy.

I think I'm going to have to try a few more clubs based on the spec mentioned before. Other suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

[limoric]

Well I just got back from the fitting and I thought I'd share the experience.

I was fit by a Ping fitter 4 years ago, ironically i was fit into the latest model driver "Ping Rapture"...I guess the G5 wasn't good anymore (it was also cheaper)...

You're a 36 handicap, buy any 460CC driver that is pleasing to the eye and has a firm or stiff, mid kick shaft. You will not benefit anymore from the K15 than you would the G2 (6 year old technology). You can get the first generation Callaway i-mix components brand new on Ebay for under $125, as your game progresses you can switch out shafts and heads. Nickent has an adjustable driver setup for under $150 new. You can also adjust these clubs for the season (cold winter more flexible shaft, warm summer stiffer shaft, etc, etc)... Don't put money into technology, put it into lessons...I can still break 80 with persimmon woods...

[delav]

I was fit by a Ping fitter 4 years ago, ironically i was fit into the latest model driver "Ping Rapture"...I guess the G5 wasn't good anymore (it was also cheaper)...

Agreed. If you like the look and feel of the K15, shop around for the G15, G10 and G5... all great drivers. Older stuff from TM and Callaway is just fine too.

For example, I've got this driver in my basement and played it for 4 years (not mine for sale): http://cgi.ebay.com/TaylorMade-R580-...c#ht_916wt_907 This club is 5 years old, can be had for less than $75, and I wouldn't put much on the line that my current driver, or anything at the golf shop are all that much longer. Shaft technology is what will really make a difference down the road, and until then, find a head that you like the look and feel of because they are all pretty darn good.

[CassinoNorth]

Go to your local golf shop and go straight to the pre-owned drivers and grab an R7 or something around $60.

[Old1964]

I know that buying a new club generates a pretty amazing feeling of elation. The hardest thing about purchasing a "used" club is that it isn't as cool to talk about it. However, celebrate the great deal you get. For instance, "I paid $65 for this club and just two years ago it was selling for over $300!"