Looking for a new set of irons: Taylor Made Burner 1.0 or Burner Plus

[PhillyMac]

I am getting back into the game of golf, after many years away from the game. I was around a 10-12 handicap back then. Right now I am playing to about 16 handicap. I currently play the Cleveland TA3's, with stiff shafts. They are still pretty good clubs, but I am just not consistent with them. I know that the technology has changed alot in the last 5 years, and am looking to upgrade. I really like the Taylor Mades, and am asking for some feedback about the Burner 1.0 or Burner Plus. I am also open other recommendations. But don't want to spend alot of dough!

[Shindig]

I'm not a fan of TaylorMade's clubs, but I have what I believe is good advice that I (and a few others) give to everyone who is getting new irons, especially after some down time: 1. Get fit for them. Most companies do this for free. If you're getting TM irons, check their website for demo or fitting days. They'll fit you for loft lie length and flex for free, and ordering special on these is the same cost as buying off the shelf. You may think you aren't good enough for custom fit irons, but the fact of the matter is you aren't good enough to NOT have custom fit irons. Grip size is typically fit as well, and rarely has an additional cost (unless you have an odd consideration, like jumbo grips -- which are very worth it if you need them, I hear). 2. Get the ones you want. I don't just mean the brand, but if you aren't going to ever put a 4-iron in the bag, don't buy it. Order 5-A, and that'll be 7/8 of the cost of a set (and you get 7 irons instead of 8). Use the money you save towards a hybrid (if you're omitting from the top of the set) or a wedge (if you're leaving out from the bottom). 3. You can mix sets if you're so inclined, but both sets you're looking at are more or less in the same category, so I'll skip this unless you want to hear more. 4. Don't be seduced by new distance. Your lack of consistency is a good reason for a new set, as are the changes in technology. Sometimes people come back from a layoff and hit a 7-iron from a new set and it's 10 yards past their old one -- and has the loft of their old 6-iron. Just something to be aware of when shopping sets.

[Long Ball Larry]

I played the Burner 1.0s for about four months in 2009. They were super easy to hit and extremely forgiving (to the point of concealing mishits). They're lofted about a full club strong. I ended up replacing them with my current TPs when I got fitted because I wanted something with a thinner look at address that would force me to work on my ball striking.

If you don't mind the look of a full GI iron, the Burners would be a great option. I highly doubt someone at your level would like a SGI set like the Burner Plus. Given your desire to keep costs down, I would recommend checking out the TPs. They can be had for $400 something new on eBay.

[PhillyMac]

I will definately get fitted for them. My old TA3's were fitted for me as well. The only thing that was tweaked on the TA3's was the lie and shaft. I am a little older and just a little slower but I know my game is still there somewhere. I just need help finding the clubs that will get me back to my glory days of shooting 80's and 81's consistently! LOL! Like I said the TA3's were good clubs, but you have to be on your A game week in and week out to score and that was my problem then and that is my problem now.

Thanks for your help guys!