Dilemma... Irons

[max power]

Yeah-you're just not being honest with yourself.  You're a good ballstriker...but you shoot 110 and can't hit the forgiving Nikes.  You don't like the thick topline...but you're hell bent on getting GI Cobra irons.  If the Cobras are a full club stronger than the Nikes you're not "gaining" any distance with the Cobras or "losing" any distance with the Nikes, you're hitting different clubs.  Doesn't matter what number it says on the sole-different clubs.  Keep the Nikes and take a few lessons.

  twinn-burner said:

Originally Posted by twinn-burner

I went to Dicks today and looked at the S2 and S2 max...

I hate to say this but they are not pleasing to the eye, i don't like the thick topline and they just seem way to "clunky".

That is what I like about my old Cobra 2 a thiner club and a thiner top line....might just get another set on ebay...LOL.

I do like the apperance at address of the Nike's.......

I see cobra is coming out with some S3 in the next few weeks...

E9 Face Technology™ and multi-material design combine to optimize all-around performance in each individual iron.

"The S3 irons are about better performance through technology. Our new E9 Face Technology provides the distance, feel and forgiveness golfers want from every one of their irons."

I think I am bias to cobras and might look into getting these.......

I hate to say this but I am not that bad a ball striker.....just my score does not reflect my game....LOL.

Also, the Nike's are about 3 to 4 degree more loft...IE Nike PW=47, Cobra=43.........i would say that would result in a loss of distance.....IMHO.

[dbuck]

As others have said, lessons first, then clubs.  If you have a natural swing, the teacher might not mess with it that much.  Basics are grip, stance,  alignment,shoulder turn, timing. Try to get these as close to "textbook" as you can and practice.

The clubs you have are quality clubs and won't hold you back from learning. After you have redeveloped your swing a bit, then get fitted if that appeals to you.

As for the lofts, that is mostly marketing. "Our 5 iron goes farther"  That's because it's a 4 iron!  If you hit the Cobra wedge farther than the Nike, that just means you have to buy additional wedges to fill in the gaps. I am not knocking Cobra clubs; everyone does it even among their own lines. Look at the specs for different Callaway lines for example, and you will see different lofts for the same # iron from one line to the other.  You don't really "lose distance", you just hit a different club.  After your game is more established, then you might find clubs with a spread of lofts, lengths and club head types that suit you better, but for now as long as the Nikes are not just too wrong, they won't hurt you.

[dbuck]

Ha, Max Power beat me to it on the lofts thing.

Also, if you have had the used Nikes a while, check the grips.  Have them regripped with a grip you like that fits your hand.  The best 60 bucks or so you can spend on equipment.

[nuck81]

All the NASA inspired variable thickness nuclear charged super lofted gold plated diamond crusted technology in the world won't fix a shitty swing.

But if you'd rather keep throwing down hundreds of dollars on shiny clubs to still not break 100, rather than $30 on an hour lesson then more power to you.

[twinn-burner]

  Harmonious said:

Originally Posted by Harmonious

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinn-burner

I hate to say this but I am not that bad a ball striker.....just my score does not reflect my game....LOL.

Exactly what game does a score of 110 reflect, if not ball striking?  Bowling? Again, I'll suggest a visit with a pro rather than spending more money on clubs that really won't help you at this time.

Your are right in some aspects.....numbers don't lie but can be very deceiving.......

I doubt if you saw me hit you would say i was a terrible ball striker....

[max power]

I'm not saying you're terrible-but it's clear you need some work, and you want to get better.  A solid ballstriker could switch irons and still make good contact, especially when switching from a cavity back to another cavity back.

  twinn-burner said:

Originally Posted by twinn-burner

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harmonious

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinn-burner

I hate to say this but I am not that bad a ball striker.....just my score does not reflect my game....LOL.

Exactly what game does a score of 110 reflect, if not ball striking?  Bowling? Again, I'll suggest a visit with a pro rather than spending more money on clubs that really won't help you at this time.

Your are right in some aspects.....numbers don't lie but can be very deceiving.......

I doubt if you saw me hit you would say i was a terrible ball striker....

[sean_miller]

  twinn-burner said:

Originally Posted by twinn-burner

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harmonious

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinn-burner

I hate to say this but I am not that bad a ball striker.....just my score does not reflect my game....LOL.

Exactly what game does a score of 110 reflect, if not ball striking?  Bowling? Again, I'll suggest a visit with a pro rather than spending more money on clubs that really won't help you at this time.

Your are right in some aspects.....numbers don't lie but can be very deceiving.......

I doubt if you saw me hit you would say i was a terrible ball striker....

I know what you mean. When I first started playing, breaking 50 on 9 holes was the benchmark. Once I was hitting in the 40s, breaking 40 was the goal. Multiply those goals by two (for 18 holes) and they're 20 stroke increments. I think it's possible to hit a lot of good shots in a round and not break 100.

When you see a shot in your mind (before you hit the ball) do you see the ball taking a specific path through the air toward target, or do you focus on keeping the ball between ditches without an idea of exactly where the ball will go? If it's the former, you probably just need to work on consistency, which only practice and time can do.  If it's the latter, you need lessons and/or a reality check.

[twinn-burner]

Understood....i total agree.  I just wanted to get some toughts from a different view point.

As far as lessons I have seen guys go to like a golf tech and people take a less from a local pro and not get much feedback.........you just get the same info..head down, arm straight and on plane...etc.

Same stuff we have seen on tv/heard for 100 years........

Like I said i have not had a lesson so i can't speak from first hand experience....

[twinn-burner]

Belive it or not...my short game is not bad at all....i am an avg at best putter.

my driver is either 275 middle of fairway or in the woods.....LOL. (just a fact)

Iron play i thought was pretty decent until recently (since i got the new clubs a month ago)....could just be in my head...

There are alot of reason I rarely break 110 but just wanted to focus on if the irons were OVER my head or not.....

  sean_miller said:

Originally Posted by sean_miller

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinn-burner

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harmonious

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinn-burner

I hate to say this but I am not that bad a ball striker.....just my score does not reflect my game....LOL.

Exactly what game does a score of 110 reflect, if not ball striking?  Bowling? Again, I'll suggest a visit with a pro rather than spending more money on clubs that really won't help you at this time.

Your are right in some aspects.....numbers don't lie but can be very deceiving.......

I doubt if you saw me hit you would say i was a terrible ball striker....

I know what you mean. When I first started playing, breaking 50 on 9 holes was the benchmark. Once I was hitting in the 40s, breaking 40 was the goal. Multiply those goals by two (for 18 holes) and they're 20 stroke increments. I think it's possible to hit a lot of good shots in a round and not break 100.

When you see a shot in your mind (before you hit the ball) do you see the ball taking a specific path through the air toward target, or do you focus on keeping the ball between ditches without an idea of exactly where the ball will go? If it's the former, you probably just need to work on consistency, which only practice and time can do.  If it's the latter, you need lessons and/or a reality check.

[sean_miller]

Any set of irons can be "over your head" if they don't fit your swing. That's part of taking a lesson. Even a free one - they're out there.

I can hit all sorts of tiny vintage blades and hit a bucket full of pretty decent shots. I'm disappointed when I hit a bad shot.

Give an iron with a wide sole and an offset head though, and I feel very uncomfortable standing over the ball. A good shot is a 50:50 proposition and I don't enjoy using them. Does that mean SGI irons are over my head?

  twinn-burner said:

Originally Posted by twinn-burner

Belive it or not...my short game is not bad at all....i am an avg at best putter.

my driver is either 275 middle of fairway or in the woods.....LOL. (just a fact)

Iron play i thought was pretty decent until recently (since i got the new clubs a month ago)....could just be in my head...

There are alot of reason I rarely break 110 but just wanted to focus on if the irons were OVER my head or not.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by sean_miller

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinn-burner

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harmonious

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinn-burner

I hate to say this but I am not that bad a ball striker.....just my score does not reflect my game....LOL.

Exactly what game does a score of 110 reflect, if not ball striking?  Bowling? Again, I'll suggest a visit with a pro rather than spending more money on clubs that really won't help you at this time.

Your are right in some aspects.....numbers don't lie but can be very deceiving.......

I doubt if you saw me hit you would say i was a terrible ball striker....

I know what you mean. When I first started playing, breaking 50 on 9 holes was the benchmark. Once I was hitting in the 40s, breaking 40 was the goal. Multiply those goals by two (for 18 holes) and they're 20 stroke increments. I think it's possible to hit a lot of good shots in a round and not break 100.

When you see a shot in your mind (before you hit the ball) do you see the ball taking a specific path through the air toward target, or do you focus on keeping the ball between ditches without an idea of exactly where the ball will go? If it's the former, you probably just need to work on consistency, which only practice and time can do.  If it's the latter, you need lessons and/or a reality check.

[max power]

I completely understand not being comfortable with a GI iron when you're used to blades, but I doubt that you couldn't start hitting good shots after a handful of practice shots.  Of course, there's no reason that you have to, but I'm sure you could.

  sean_miller said:

Originally Posted by sean_miller

Give an iron with a wide sole and an offset head though, and I feel very uncomfortable standing over the ball. A good shot is a 50:50 proposition and I don't enjoy using them. Does that mean SGI irons are over my head?

[Mr. Desmond]

I don't know what to say after reading all of these posts.

Hey, you've got to be comfortable with what you play and have confidence in the clubs. I'd hit various forums for used clubs, pick up something in game improvement, and get some lessons; or find a specialty fitter and get fitted; or find an iron you like and just have fun.

Another thing I'd do is get an inexpensive tri-pod, put a camera that takes video on it, and start the camera when you practice. You'll be amazed at what you see.

[Gordon McTavish]

  Mr. Desmond said:

Originally Posted by Mr. Desmond Another thing I'd do is get an inexpensive tri-pod, put a camera that takes video on it, and start the camera when you practice. You'll be amazed at what you see.

I imagine this would be a far better proposition if twinn-burner is determined to spend some money.  I've found video to be an excellent way to diagnose a fault... and better than throwing money at coaches who think getting high-handicappers to "roll their wrists" is the cure for all left-to-right ball flights.

[twinn-burner]

  Gordon McTavish said:

Originally Posted by Gordon McTavish

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Desmond Another thing I'd do is get an inexpensive tri-pod, put a camera that takes video on it, and start the camera when you practice. You'll be amazed at what you see.

I imagine this would be a far better proposition if twinn-burner is determined to spend some money.  I've found video to be an excellent way to diagnose a fault... and better than throwing money at coaches who think getting high-handicappers to "roll their wrists" is the cure for all left-to-right ball flights.

Not determine to spend money..i had my cobras for 13 yrs...i ran across a deal on the nike's and jumped on them....i got them cheap so i could sell them and recoup most of my money or at least that was the plan...if i did not like them to ditch them......I keep most of my stuff a very long time.

I just went from hitting a 7-iron 170 to 150 and felt it was a "culture shock"....as I was not expecting that at all.  I guess it was my ignorance....

[golfyboy4]

As some have said before me new clubs are not the answer to improve,thats where a pro comes in.but if you do not wish to become better faster a more forgiving iron would be for you.But new clubs=200$ 3 lessons-150-300 and that's clubs on the low side

[LargeMarge]

Burner, beyond fitting you correctly, clubs are not the answer. Play your cobras and be happy. Sell the Nike's and spend the proceeds on lessons from someone who actually can help you with your swing and or short game. PS: Dont just take lessons from anyone either. There lots of bad teaching out there too.

-LM

[twinn-burner]

Well........i have the irons on fleeBay.......I am hoping they don't sell (as I hate to give up on stuff).  If they do sell I am getting the new S3 irons, however I do like the ap1/2.....

I think I am going to just sit tight and see if I can progress with them........

However I am toying with getting a membership at a local course.....range/unlimited golf...etc.

[DannyB215]

To be honest with you, if the guy wants to spend $1k and still shoot in the 100's, let him do it, it's an experience that a lot of golfers will go through before realizing, holy crap, it's not the equipment, it's their game! I agree with you Twinn on the Cobra S2's, they look clunky, but my best advice is not to go by the look of a club, I'd try to stick with what you have and continue to practice and get to the range. It's a never ending story with the equipment, you get something brand new one month, and 3 months later the next technology comes out!! Good luck finding your game, it sure took me a while and I continue to try to improve every chance I get!