Purchasing new clubs

[pmm5557]

I am sure similar questions have been posted numerous time, so I apologize for the repetiveness of this post.

I am planning on buying a new set of irons within the next week or so and have narrowed my choices down to either Cleveland Launchers or Ping G2s. I have tried both of them out at my local shop, but they only have an indoor range, so it is a little hard to judge my ball flight in the 10 feet between the hitting mat and the net. Would anyone mind giving me their opinions on either set?

As far as background, I am a high handicapper (this will be my second full year playing). I would like a set of clubs that will make the game enjoyable now, but that I can also grow into. Also, the $150 price difference isn’t really a consideration.

[Rafcin]

...either Cleveland Launchers or Ping G2s....

I'm Taylor Made fan and didn't find a match for fine-tuned Quad r7 TP... but between these two - from my own experience - pick G2. Distance-wise similar, look similar with slight edge to G2, forgiveness - definite G2 edge, I think sound is the only complain I had about G2... But do you care how it sounds when it's way down the middle of the fairway ?

[pmm5557]

To clarify...
It sounded like you took my post to mean that I was considering buying a driver. Actually, I am refering to a set of irons.

[Rafcin]

To clarify...

oops, indeed - I wasn't aware Clev has "Launchers" irons ;) Haven't seen them, haven't hit them. Please disregard my response

[pmm5557]

Well, I at least appreciate the attempt.

[iacas]

Tell us a bit about your game? If you're a higher handicapper, I'd really consider going with the Pings. I know a lot of good players that still use the Pings they got 10 or 15 years ago.

[pmm5557]

This is my second full year playing and I guess it would be best to describe my game as it stood at the end of last year because I am still trying to get some of the rust out. I have never "truly" broken 100 (i.e. not using any mulligans). I normally hit a 6 iron 155 yards, but as is the case with most beginners, I am very inconsistent. Ummm, whatelse? I don't really have a problem with slicing or hooking, but more of a problem hitting shots fat or thin. I have asked various people at my local golf shop and they have all said that the Cleveland Launcher irons are the easiest to hit and that they would recommend them ahead of the G2s. Which leaves me a bit confused because I thought the G2s were supposed to be some of the easiest clubs to hit.

Another question I have is that I have always hit a 3 wood off the tee, but I am looking at getting the Ping G2 driver. I am a bit confused with the options of shafts and lofts. What are the differences between Aldila and Grafalloy? Based on the distance I hit my 6 iron (155 yards) does it seem like I would just need a regular flex shaft? Also, is 10 degrees probably the optimal loft to get for me? I should mention that I know it ultimately comes down to what feels right, but I just wanted to get input from more experienced people who have gone through this whole thought process before. Thanks!

[iacas]

This is my second full year playing and I guess it would be best to describe my game as it stood at the end of last year because I am still trying to get some of the rust out. I have never "truly" broken 100 (i.e. not using any mulligans). I normally hit a 6 iron 155 yards, but as is the case with most beginners, I am very inconsistent. Ummm, whatelse? I don't really have a problem with slicing or hooking, but more of a problem hitting shots fat or thin. I have asked various people at my local golf shop and they have all said that the Cleveland Launcher irons are the easiest to hit and that they would recommend them ahead of the G2s. Which leaves me a bit confused because I thought the G2s were supposed to be some of the easiest clubs to hit.

Between the Pings and the Launchers, pick the clubs you see yourself using the longest. In other words, as you get better, which are you likely to keep longer? What's their "playable range"? If one stops being effective when you hit an 18 handicap and the other at 9, I'd go for the one that ends at 9.

As for the shafts, get fitted. IT's free if you buy the driver, usually, and it's the best thing you can do for your game.

[muskegman]

My view with the G2's and the Launchers is that there isn't going to a tremendous amount of difference between the two clubs. It seems Cleveland kept the G2's in mind when the made the Launchers. Both clubs have similar qualities. Example: oversized heads, low center of gravity, big offset and overall qualities of a "game improvement" iron. I don't think that the differences are going to be huge between the two clubs. It might just come down to which set looks right to you... the set you feel most comfortable with.

I've read good reviews on both sets. The G2's were named Gold Digest's game improvement iron for 2005 and the Launchers have gotten great reviews from players. You might Google "G2 iron review" and "Launcher iron review" to see what players are saying. In the end its up to your personal opinion. I've got a hunch that if you stick with it either set will become very natural for you to swing and should help your confidence level.

Hope that helps.

[rs4duke]

dont forget about the taylormade HT's or OS's. since you are a high handicapper these clubs will get your ball up even on misshits. they are extremely easy to hit with great distance. i tried the ping g2 and dont get me wrong they are great clubs but the HT's are just as good with a lower price tag. i havent tried the launchers but i hear great things about them too. what you need to do is go to the store and try them out or even go to a demo show at your local range and see which set feels right for you.

[pmm5557]

I should have mentioned that I ended up going with the Launchers. It came down to how the clubs looked and felt at address and I just couldn't get used to the G2s. I tried some other clubs (TaylorMades included), and I ended up happiest with the Launchers. I have hit them twice at the range and played 36 holes with them and I must say that I am very pleased. I would definitely recommend them to any high handicapper looking for a set of clubs.

I also picked up the G2 driver and I never thought I would say this about a driver, but I can't stop the darn thing from going left on me. It isn't so much a hook but mor of a pull. Luckily, the ball usually ends up on the fairway, its just that it is always on the left side. Anyone lese have this issue?

[spikelessfool]

One thing you haven't considered is the lofts on the two sets of clubs. I think if you check, ping is really weak lofted. Cleveland and TM are a bit stronger. Which i think you will want later as you improve. Good luck.

[Everardo]

Forget blaming the clubs....no offense but if you truely haven't broken 100 then you need lessons not new irons, drivers or special shafts.

**I don't mean to sound like a grumpy man - It's a catch 22, you need decent clubs to play but you need a semi-consistent swing to have a good feel for the clubs...I wish you luck my friend.

Personally I started playing the G2's and loved them. I chose them becaue I liked the looks, I trust the company and I also live near them so I know if I needed adjustments I could get them done cheap and quick. Basically a set I can grow with.

[pmm5557]

Lessons would be pointless without practice and practice would be pointless without clubs. I have started taking lessons this year and if you read my first post, I have been playing golf for a total of maybe 4 months (3 months last year and 1 this year). Perhaps I am a slow learner, but from what I understand, most people haven't broken 100 after 4 months. Especially considering that I can only play occasionally on weekends considering that my job requires 80+ hours a week.

[Wizardvette]

Lessons would be pointless without practice and practice would be pointless without clubs. I have started taking lessons this year and if you read my first post, I have been playing golf for a total of maybe 4 months (3 months last year and 1 this year). Perhaps I am a slow learner, but from what I understand, most people haven't broken 100 after 4 months. Especially considering that I can only play occasionally on weekends considering that my job requires 80+ hours a week.

I'm in a similar boat. I've only played twice. Shot a 64 and a 70. 9 holes. I started with K-Mart clubs, but I too, wanted something that can grow with me and I can have them for awhile. I chose Nike CPR irons, and fairway woods. I will continue to use my Ram driver for the time being. Good luck in your quest.

[dipgolf]

Have you been fit by Ping yet?