Age=old Clubs=Upgrading-need help and advice -like everyone else!

[Flashpoint]

I'm a "just getting back to it" golfer who has been playing most of Sept Oct after 10 years off.  "Back in the day" I used to golf 2 x per week minimum.   Now Im getting back into that routine.

Right now I am a 15 handicap and 10 years older!  ;-)

Looking at new irons because......get this....

Im playing currently with a combination of my grandmothers 1970s clubs and my sons Jr Tour Calloways.

No really......

The grandma clubs are steel shafts, real wood clubs (Judy Rankin to be exact), love the feel of them.  The kids clubs are graphite and have a thicker blade and I like the sand wedge and pitching wedge better in the kids than grandma.  Play with a friend who has Diablos and am not "in love" with them but maybe I just need more work at playing them? (INSERT SUGGESTIONS HERE!)

I did purchase a new driver about 8 years ago so at least that is this side of the century.

I just recently did a quick fitting and I have a club head speed with a driver of about 85 mph and distance of 275 (using a 11 loft).  I have a fade to slice right caused by leaving the club face to open.  They recommended Men's senior Diablo Edge.

My pro friend sells them for $90 (Irons) per club but have seen them online for less.

Now I have also been getting more and more information on clubs, reading this board and others, talking to  people and I have generally looked at a couple other options.

But before that......since we are talking about upgrading

#1 do you think the IRONS are the way to go or pick something else to upgrade?

can't do it all at once so thought this was the fastest way to improve the set quickly.  But if you all think Wedges (money clubs) or hybrids or drivers would be better upgrades let me know.  Only so much money and I don't want to rebuy for a few years.

IF we go IRONS I have narrowed down to

DIABLO EDGE

Callaway X24

Bang Golf Center Cut (if you read this before I put mellow yellow , wrong ones)

Snake Eyes Python XLD

or????? (INSERT SUGGESTIONS)

or if I need to develop some more information let me know.

Thank you all for help!

GOAL=Scratch Golfer :-)

[bassplayer7770]

Since irons, wedges, and the putter get used most, I'd think those could be the best starting point.  Specifically, I guess it would make sense to get the irons first since there are more of them, but some sets will allow you to add a matching Sand Wedge as well.

As for fitters, there are all kinds varying in price.  I went through a fitting at GolfWorks, which used a launch monitor, so I got fitted for club length and lie, and the Driver fitting gave me info regarding swing speed, distance, and spin rate.  That can all be very useful, but it's probably similar to a lot of fittings at some of the more popular stores.  On the more expensive side of things, there are fitters who will actually spend more time with you and narrow down choices to specific heads, shafts, and more that give the results you need for your swing characteristics.  I met with a clubfitter last week, and he has a Flight Scope doppler radar which measures things like shaft droop, angle of club face at impact and more in addition to the typical swing speed, spin rate, launch angle, etc.  I'm seriously considering a fitting with him when the time comes.

[Flashpoint]

Holy smokes I didn't realize it was going to be that crazy for fitting :-)  I just got the basic run through at a local golf store that doesn't build clubs!

[bassplayer7770]

I just remembered another couple differences between the GolfWorks fitting and the clubfitter I met with last week.

The GW fitting was done indoors into a net, so the results were entirely dependent on the launch monitor and the impact labels used on the club heads.

The clubfitter I met with uses the Flight Scope radar and video on a driving range, so you can also see the results of your swing.  The video is used so he can see your swing in slow motion.  This can help see certain characteristics of your swing such as when you release your wrists in the down swing.  Once, at Golf Galaxy, I actually went through a lesson where video was used, and it helped me see the swing flaw I had at the time (extremely early release of my wrists), and that was just what I needed to improve my swing.

[Flashpoint]

yeah golf galaxy is exactly where they took a look.  I went with the idea of upgrading the set a few clubs at a time.  They took a look for about 15 mins, didn't charge me anything, used the computer analysis and came up with the Diablo Edge, Senior flex, ladies to small mens grip, and some thing about having the heads shaped 1 degree to correct the right fade.  I figured I just needed to hit them better rather than adjusting the club face!

[bassplayer7770]

Quote:

Holy smokes I didn't realize it was going to be that crazy for fitting :-)  I just got the basic run through at a local golf store that doesn't build clubs!

I wasn't trying to scare you or anything.  I just wanted you to know there are different types of fittings.  Some go into more detail and generally cost more, but there are those who find the money well spent.

My first fitting at GolfWorks was only an hour at most, which I think is probably pretty standard in most golf stores.  I used their recommended club lengths and lies when I built the clubs for myself, and the clubs have helped me improve my game.  I think the fitting at GW was $30, and that money went toward the components I ordered.  Other fitters will cost $100 or more, and that money will not always go toward an equipment purchase.

[bassplayer7770]

Quote:

yeah golf galaxy is exactly where they took a look.  I went with the idea of upgrading the set a few clubs at a time.  They took a look for about 15 mins, didn't charge me anything, used the computer analysis and came up with the Diablo Edge, Senior flex, ladies to small mens grip, and some thing about having the heads shaped 1 degree to correct the right fade.  I figured I just needed to hit them better rather than adjusting the club face!

"Having the heads shaped 1 degree" is probably a lie angle adjustment.  They probably meant adjust the lie angle upright by 1 degree to help correct your fade.  Lie angle adjustments are just one element of properly fitted clubs for you and your swing.  Did they determine you needed this lie angle adjustment simply by your flight pattern, or did they use a lie board?

Also, if you consider other irons, keep in mind different irons come with different "standard" lie angles, so it's very possible you may need more or less lie angle adjustment with a different iron set.

I really hope I'm not scaring you.  That is not my intention.

[Flashpoint]

Originally Posted by bassplayer7770

Quote:

angle adjustment simply by your flight pattern, or did they use a lie board?

Flight pattern

so with the 4 irons I am considering we might need different lie angle adjustment?  How would I determine that for each of the clubs that I am  interested in?

[bassplayer7770]

Originally Posted by Flashpoint

Flight pattern

so with the 4 irons I am considering we might need different lie angle adjustment?  How would I determine that for each of the clubs that I am  interested in?

Well, when I said different iron sets have different "standard" lie angles, I was referring to different models (something other than the Diablo Edge).  For example, the Diablo Edge 6-iron has a 62* lie angle.  The Bang Center Cut 6-iron has a 60* lie angle.

Most basic fittings will probably only check one iron for lie angle adjustments, and then they'll recommend the same adjustment throughout the set.  In your case, that would mean you'd have the lie angle of each Diablo Edge iron adjusted 1* upright.  There are some fitters who may check every iron the set, but not everybody wants to spend that kind of money on a fitting.

If you're asking how you'd determine lie angle adjustments for all the different models you listed in your original post, I'd think the best way would be to hit each of them using a lie angle board as well as watching ball flight.

[Flashpoint]

so if they were recommending the Diablo's with a 1 * adjustment upright and they have a normal 62*  would you take the Bang center cuts up 3*????  that seems like a TON! but maybe I am not getting it quite right.

[Grumpter]

If they are really telling you 85mph equals a 275 yard drive you probably want to find some other place to get tested.

[bassplayer7770]

Originally Posted by Flashpoint

so if they were recommending the Diablo's with a 1 * adjustment upright and they have a normal 62*  would you take the Bang center cuts up 3*????  that seems like a TON! but maybe I am not getting it quite right.

Well, mathematically, you're getting the right idea, but I think it's always best to actually hit the irons in question to determine the appropriate adjustments.

Plus, to make things more complicated, there are certain variances allowed regarding the specifications of club heads.  Generally, loft and lie angles are within 1* of what is stated as "standard" by the manufacturer/company (Callaway in this case).  In other words, manufacturing isn't perfect.

[rustyredcab]

To test Lie Angle: They "tape" the bottom of the club and you hit a ball off a hard board that marks the tape on the bottom of the club on the tape. Then you can see if the club is flat at impact or toe up or toe down. That's all there is to lie adjustment. You do this for a club you plan to buy since the "standard" lie angle can differ a bit.

Over all, if you want a full set, I'd consider a used set of irons that fit you. Once you get your swing back to your old playing days, you can stick with them or upgrade. Some great deals to be had on Game Improvement clubs that are only a few years old and have technology many years ahead of anything you could get 10 years ago. I'd also consider adding a 3-wood to the mix so you have a club that fits you on the tee. And I see used hybrids that are deeply discounted.

If you elect new irons, I like the idea of buying one at a time. Avoid the 2, 3, and 4 irons and pick up that used hybrid. Heck, consider starting with just a 5, 7, 9, PW and Sand wedge.  Once you hit the ball more consistently, and your yardages become somewhat predictable, start filling in the gaps. IMO, there is no reason to have clubs that fill every 10 yard gap of a perfect swing when you only hit a perfect swing once or twice a round.

I still have yet to fill in my 5 - 7 iron gap with a 6-iron. I have not missed a 6-iron one bit. I rarely have that 165 shot and a choked up 5-iron or a stretched 7-iron,is working great.

[bassplayer7770]

Originally Posted by Grumpter

If they are really telling you 85mph equals a 275 yard drive you probably want to find some other place to get tested.

Ya know, I was thinking that too.  I'm not sure science would allow that to happen unless you have some nice wind helping you out.

[Flashpoint]

not to much wind inside the building! Yeah I thought they were crazy, I haven't hit 275 yards ever.

Out on the course I play about a 200 drive or so because it fades right I am never really sure.

Remember I'm a lady so I'm either going to play a Ladies  club or a Senior mens for the most part.

Thanks for the advice rusty red.

I am pretty much rounded into shape after replaying for the past 2 months.  Sure I can be better but starter clubs aren't for me at this point.  The Grandma clubs and teen tour clubs ARE the re- starter clubs!  Sure I can't handle Razr probably but  would like to improve the technology a bit!  Ive played out of everyone else's bag for months now just test driving whatever they have that I think I want to use.  That gave me the idea I like steel shafts for IRONS for sure and certainly get better control from Senior flex than Regular.  Last week I played a 9 using only the 1980s 3,5,7,9 and a wood 3 and my 2002 Driver just to see which clubs I thought made the most difference.  I use my 9 at 100 yards, in the sand, in the rough,  etc etc.  Everything else just fills in.  Shot a 43.  Not great but given the clubs I'd say not horrible.   Given this information I figured I would like to at least purchase a 3,5,7, and 9 then use the teen tour graphite sand, attack and pitching wedges already in my bag.  Love my putter and the driver will due for now.   3 will have to fill in for fairway wood OR I'll use the real wood 3 I have been using (love that solid feel!)

I was taught in Northern Michigan going up and down hills with only a 3, 7, 9 driver and putter in my bag.  Having all these other options makes it so complicated :-)

Thanks to everyone for the advice!  I'm wondering about those sets I mentioned anyone with experience or ideas about them?

seem reasonable?

[rustyredcab]

I know several guys that play the Callaway 24's and like them. Not sure how they would fit your swing speed. One good player in my group, who is 72 years old, plays Cleveland CG 16's. They are light and he hits them great. They also look awesome. I know my instructors are very high on Adams for their customizability and ladies weight clubs.

[Ghetto P]

85 mph swing speed is really good.  Here you go. http://www.ebay.com/ctg/Callaway-Solaire-Ladies-Full-Set-Golf-Club-/81740164

[Flashpoint]

I pretty sure I am not going to get what I want out of a women's set! I am not sure but if I would I would think the Pro would have fit me into them?

The Calloway rep/pro fitted me in the Diablo Edge.

Im looking at the 24s because I like them but you're right not sure they will fit my relatively slow speed.

read so much nice about the Bang center cuts and Snake eyes with older male players that I looked into them and liked the specs.  Anyone play with them?

Checking out the Cleveland CG16 also, might be a good call.