New irons - or not?

[golfingal]

Hi all,

I'm trying to decide if it would be worthwhile to get a new set of irons or just continue to use what I have.  Iron play is one of the strongest parts of my game, but my set is now about 6 years old.

I've only been playing about 7 years now and am a 5 handicap and win a lot on the local and regional level.

Even though I'm an older gal, I play men's clubs because I'm 6' tall and need the extra shaft length.

I hit irons higher than most gals I know and can work it right or left as needed.

My distances are usually spot on most of the time.

My irons generally go 10 yards (+/-) difference from one another - with an average 6 iron being 130 yards.  (+/-) another 10/club for draw, fade, hard, easy)

I've never had much backspin on short irons or wedges - never been able to figure that out - but I do generally hit down on the ball (not sweep it).

I play ~125 rounds a year.

Current irons - Ping G2 - Green Dot (Upright) Steel shaft, regular mens flex (the extra weight is no concern - lighter/flexier graphite does scare me a bit)

I love my Pings, and looked at the G10s, but boy do they look like the same darn irons to me!

The cavity back is nice and the face is just forgiving enough.  Going to Blades might be a stretch as I'm not getting any younger, LOL!  I have only one hybrid on my bag - a #1... it's nice for some types of shots, but my irons are way more precise.

I "fit" myself with the Ping Green Dots - I would go to some place like Max Out Golf Labs this time, but no longer live in California....recently moved to a small city back east with limited resources.

This all might be too much info - but trying to decide it's it's worth it for new ones - or stick with what is working well for me.....   Thoughts????

[shades9323]

Your comment about limited resources sealed the deal for me.  I would stick with what you have. They work well for you.

  golfingal said:

Originally Posted by golfingal

Hi all,

I'm trying to decide if it would be worthwhile to get a new set of irons or just continue to use what I have.  Iron play is one of the strongest parts of my game, but my set is now about 6 years old.

I've only been playing about 7 years now and am a 5 handicap and win a lot on the local and regional level.

Even though I'm an older gal, I play men's clubs because I'm 6' tall and need the extra shaft length.

I hit irons higher than most gals I know and can work it right or left as needed.

My distances are usually spot on most of the time.

My irons generally go 10 yards (+/-) difference from one another - with an average 6 iron being 130 yards.  (+/-) another 10/club for draw, fade, hard, easy)

I've never had much backspin on short irons or wedges - never been able to figure that out - but I do generally hit down on the ball (not sweep it).

I play ~125 rounds a year.

Current irons - Ping G2 - Green Dot (Upright) Steel shaft, regular mens flex (the extra weight is no concern - lighter/flexier graphite does scare me a bit)

I love my Pings, and looked at the G10s, but boy do they look like the same darn irons to me!

The cavity back is nice and the face is just forgiving enough.  Going to Blades might be a stretch as I'm not getting any younger, LOL!  I have only one hybrid on my bag - a #1... it's nice for some types of shots, but my irons are way more precise.

I "fit" myself with the Ping Green Dots - I would go to some place like Max Out Golf Labs this time, but no longer live in California....recently moved to a small city back east with limited resources.

This all might be too much info - but trying to decide it's it's worth it for new ones - or stick with what is working well for me.....   Thoughts????

[glock35ipsc]

  golfingal said:

Originally Posted by golfingal

Iron play is one of the strongest parts of my game, but my set is now about 6 years old.

Please don't take this the wrong way, but that line sounds like something my broke buddy would say about his vehicles.  "It's a great ride, but it's 3 years old now, so I need a new one."  Truth is, he's broke and can't afford a new one, but he is the "keeping up with the Joneses" type of person.  He doesn't need a new one, his current one will last for many more years, but he thinks he does.

That being said, if iron play is the strongest part of your game, why change it?  Especially if (as you put it.... limited resources) can't really afford a new set.  Is there an area of your game that you are looking to get better in?  If so, maybe your time and limited resources might be better spent there.  When was the last time you had them regripped?  That's one spot when limited resources can definitely make an old set feel like new again.

If your irons have been, and still are being good to you, get out a brush, maybe a little touch-up paint, and some polish and show them some love.

[tomvk77]

Hi,

This set is 6 years old and you play 100+ rounds a year,

I think your iron set needs replacement for a new fresh clubface.

Specialy the grooves on your old irons will be worn out.

good luck

[golfingal]

Thanks for the replies - to clarify - by "limited resources" I don't mean finances - I mean there is no "Max Out Golf Lab" equivalent - no high end analysis place that can really help tweak ones clubs to the absolute optimal setup.

Irons tend to wear - the grooves get softer and cut up after thousands of hits.  But arguably as pointed out - if it ain't broke - don't fix it.  ha ha

I guess it's the crispness of the contact and spin I am looking to help - which probably is most important on P-7 or so...

I realize that equipment/money doesn't buy better game - I'm self taught and it's all about practice and feel.  But - tighter iron shots = less putts = better scores!  :-)  Capitalizing/improving on the strong parts of my game can only help.

[shades9323]

I am sure you can find a superb quality fitter within a couple hours drive where you are now living.

  golfingal said:

Originally Posted by golfingal

Thanks for the replies - to clarify - by "limited resources" I don't mean finances - I mean there is no "Max Out Golf Lab" equivalent - no high end analysis place that can really help tweak ones clubs to the absolute optimal setup.

Irons tend to wear - the grooves get softer and cut up after thousands of hits.  But arguably as pointed out - if it ain't broke - don't fix it.  ha ha

I guess it's the crispness of the contact and spin I am looking to help - which probably is most important on P-7 or so...

I realize that equipment/money doesn't buy better game - I'm self taught and it's all about practice and feel.  But - tighter iron shots = less putts = better scores!  :-)  Capitalizing/improving on the strong parts of my game can only help.

[minty7890]

I'd recommend you keep your G2's.  I hit the G15s and own the i15s.  The G15s are the same as the G2s.  The newer irons will have the conforming grooves, so your old grooves may have more bite.  Golf clubs are not like cars, they last longer... especially irons.  If you want new shiny toys like I do every so often, than get the new irons.  But if you're looking for better performing irons, I'm afraid the shiny ones ill do the same.

[golfingal]

Thanks again all - I guess for now I'm going to probably wait on getting new ones.  The point about non-conforming grooves is a good one and the old grooves are good up until 2014 for amateur competitions - though by the end of 2011 pretty much all the new, old groove clubs will be gone off the market...