Looking for blades?!? FIND A SET OF THESE!

[vikramraju]

Hey guys,

Just wanted to share a quick thought. I am a high handicapper and didn't think I would use blades until I greatly improved my game (my rounds are still peppered with occasional nasty slices, chunks etc.). Till a week ago, I had a set of Burner 1.0s in the bag, but to be honest the fat top line of the clubs has always bothered me a little.

A week ago, I saw a used set of Ben Hogan APEX PC with a #3 shaft irons in a golf store for 50 bucks. Its was a full set, and apparently these forged irons had been made in the mid-80s and at the time were the hottest thing one the market. In fact, an elderly gentleman in the store was telling me about how they were the best clubs he has ever hit. Intrigued, I decided to give them a try on the launch monitor. The first thing I noticed was what a work of art these things were. Beautiful look at address, and just a gorgeous, timeless finish. I pulled out a 8 iron, and to be amazement, striped a shot to 2 feet of the par 3 hole projected on the screen. Mind you, it was the first time I had felt that "buttery" feeling of hitting the sweet spot on a blade. After about 10 swings I was sold and picked up the set. At worst, I figured it would be a cool little nostalgia piece to keep around or even better a good set of practice irons with little forgiveness so I could improve my ballstriking. Long story short, my Burners are now in the closet and I've been playing my best golf in a long time.

For those of you interested in a classic set of clubs that wont run in the $800 range, I strongly suggest looking for a set of forged Ben Hogans (pre-Callaway takeover). I've been snooping around and there are sets available on eBay etc. Even though they have been around for ever, they are far from antiquated and the combination of looks and underrated forgiveness are hard to match, from what I've seen.

Anyway, just thought I would share the experience because I know a bunch of y'all are looking for a new set of sticks for this season.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by vikramraju

Hey guys,

Just wanted to share a quick thought. I am a high handicapper and didn't think I would use blades until I greatly improved my game (my rounds are still peppered with occasional nasty slices, chunks etc.). Till a week ago, I had a set of Burner 1.0s in the bag, but to be honest the fat top line of the clubs has always bothered me a little.

A week ago, I saw a used set of Ben Hogan APEX PC with a #3 shaft irons in a golf store for 50 bucks. Its was a full set, and apparently these forged irons had been made in the mid-80s and at the time were the hottest thing one the market. In fact, an elderly gentleman in the store was telling me about how they were the best clubs he has ever hit. Intrigued, I decided to give them a try on the launch monitor. The first thing I noticed was what a work of art these things were. Beautiful look at address, and just a gorgeous, timeless finish. I pulled out a 8 iron, and to be amazement, striped a shot to 2 feet of the par 3 hole projected on the screen. Mind you, it was the first time I had felt that "buttery" feeling of hitting the sweet spot on a blade. After about 10 swings I was sold and picked up the set. At worst, I figured it would be a cool little nostalgia piece to keep around or even better a good set of practice irons with little forgiveness so I could improve my ballstriking. Long story short, my Burners are now in the closet and I've been playing my best golf in a long time.

For those of you interested in a classic set of clubs that wont run in the $800 range, I strongly suggest looking for a set of forged Ben Hogans (pre-Callaway takeover). I've been snooping around and there are sets available on eBay etc. Even though they have been around for ever, they are far from antiquated and the combination of looks and underrated forgiveness are hard to match, from what I've seen.

Anyway, just thought I would share the experience because I know a bunch of y'all are looking for a new set of sticks for this season.

There were definitely some great irons forged in the 80s, but the best Hogan irons (imho) were forged during the Spalding years. And I have 2 sets of PCs so that's not hater talk.

[lumpuckeroo]

There is no better feel in golf than puring a shot with a forged blade.  Congratulations on converting!  I've always felt that handicap really has no bearing on if you can play a blade or not, how well you hit irons is the key.

[newtogolf]

I picked up a set of Apex Edge Pro's on the suggestion of my instructor.  They were in great condition, and I understand what people say about feeling mishits finally.  My Diablo Edge irons are very forgiving, but a good shot almost feels the same as a bad one.  With the Hogans, I know as soon as I strike the ball if I struck it well.   I'm looking for a set of his older forged blades to try out and keep for historical reasons.

[delav]

Glad you found a set of great clubs at a good deal.  Keep track of your scores with the new sticks and post back.  There is a ton of helpful technology in modern GI clubs, that wide sole and larger face help account for the fat and otherwise poor strikes.

There seems to be a ton of groupthink surrounding blades on this board with mid-handicappers.  Perhaps the shots feel different, but I know for certain that if my index were above a 5-7 I'd be playing something other than a muscleback.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by delav

Glad you found a set of great clubs at a good deal.  Keep track of your scores with the new sticks and post back.  There is a ton of helpful technology in modern GI clubs, that wide sole and larger face help account for the fat and otherwise poor strikes.

There seems to be a ton of groupthink surrounding blades on this board with mid-handicappers.  Perhaps the shots feel different, but I know for certain that if my index were above a 5-7 I'd be playing something other than a muscleback.

I hit about the same with blades or cavity backs, but that's because my MBs and CBs have the same grind. The head is a little shallower on the MBs, so they're not as good if the lie is uncertain (some lies in the rough). I definitely use game improvement wedges (cleveland 588s and forged Hogans), a GI driver (PING G10), and a SGI putter (Odyssey WH #7). When I play a longer wide open course, in goes the 3w and 2-H and out come the 2-iron and 3-H. I pick my spots.

Anyway, I recommend blades as an option, but for most players, defintely not as their every day or travelling set - something a little more reliable makes the day more enjoyable on a strange course.