Upgraded irons...horrible ball striking...Is this common?

[BrokeLoser]

So I went from playing a 15 year old set of irons, (Cobra knock-offs) stock length, stock grips, regular flex and bought a set of Callaway X-20's, steel uni-flex stiff shafts, 1/2 extended shafts and thicker grips. All the characteristics of the new clubs seem to fit me well. I'm 6 foot 2, 245lbs with big hands. The clubs feel awesome in my hands.....for whatever that's worth.

First off, I knew I wasn't buying a set of clubs that would automatically do magic things for my game. I understand there's going to be a bit of a learning curve with adapting to a new set of clubs and all but I played them today and my ball striking was horrible...and I mean horrible. I was blocking almost everything right, shanking off the hosel..etc. I know I should have went to the range and hit a bunch of balls before taking to the course but my father in law was dying to play a round and I had limited time.

Is this common? How long can I expect this to go on? Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[WUTiger]

Got to where you are in spring of 2009. Swapped out some Ping clones - used for 14 years - for X20 irons.

One early change was retraining my eye to see what the X20 iron heads looked like when "square" to target line at address.

Initially I was pulling shots, because I was closing the clubface too much, thinking it looked square. I started practicing address with square floor tiles at home, and saw right away I had face close.

It'll take a couple of weeks on range, and at home, to retrain the eye after you looked at Cobras for 15 years.

Also, you might try some swing drills: hit half 7 irons and half 5 irons, and then hit some full 7i and 5i. This helps build the clubs into your swing.

[Jazzfan]

I was told that when you go with longer shafts then you are used to then your impact will be a closer to the hosel.  I just switched to 1/2 inch longer shafts in the last 2 weeks and the same thing happened to me.  Mostly the impact off the hosel.  But after about 300 range balls and 3 rounds it feels perfect.  Stick with it you will be fine

[BrokeLoser]

Originally Posted by WUTiger

Got to where you are in spring of 2009. Swapped out some Ping clones - used for 14 years - for X20 irons.

One early change was retraining my eye to see what the X20 iron heads looked like when "square" to target line at address.

Initially I was pulling shots, because I was closing the clubface too much, thinking it looked square. I started practicing address with square floor tiles at home, and saw right away I had face close.

It'll take a couple of weeks on range, and at home, to retrain the eye after you looked at Cobras for 15 years.

Also, you might try some swing drills: hit half 7 irons and half 5 irons, and then hit some full 7i and 5i. This helps build the clubs into your swing.

I think you're exactly right with adapting to the change in the way the club appears at address.

Great advice...I'll give it all a shot...Thanks!

[BrokeLoser]

Originally Posted by Jazzfan

I was told that when you go with longer shafts then you are used to then your impact will be a closer to the hosel.  I just switched to 1/2 inch longer shafts in the last 2 weeks and the same thing happened to me.  Mostly the impact off the hosel.  But after about 300 range balls and 3 rounds it feels perfect.  Stick with it you will be fine

Thanks Jazz,,,good to know I'm not the only one...haha

[rustyredcab]

Likely a setup issue.

My bet is with the visual of the club face having you think square is not square or maybe the issue was that you did not set up square with your old clubs but learned to play them. My hybrids look open to me when they are square. For years, I made some sort of compensations to hit the ball straight. As my swing got better, I seemed to pull my hybrids (really just hitting within a closed face and who knows what other compensations). Now, I concentrate on swinging correctly and setting up with an actually square club face.

For other setup things like distance from the ball and posture, I'd try and find a mirror or use video to check that the new clubs have you setting up as you wish.

[JGulkCG]

This is common to people that just changed the setup of the club.  Especially if you have been playing with the previous clubs for more than a year.  You have to adjust to the new length and grip size.  Kind of like easing into new swing changes, but easier.  Hit the range and after a few sessions they should feel familiar.

[boomersooner13]

Originally Posted by BrokeLoser

So I went from playing a 15 year old set of irons, (Cobra knock-offs) stock length, stock grips, regular flex and bought a set of Callaway X-20's, steel uni-flex stiff shafts, 1/2 extended shafts and thicker grips. All the characteristics of the new clubs seem to fit me well. I'm 6 foot 2, 245lbs with big hands. The clubs feel awesome in my hands.....for whatever that's worth.

First off, I knew I wasn't buying a set of clubs that would automatically do magic things for my game. I understand there's going to be a bit of a learning curve with adapting to a new set of clubs and all but I played them today and my ball striking was horrible...and I mean horrible. I was blocking almost everything right, shanking off the hosel..etc. I know I should have went to the range and hit a bunch of balls before taking to the course but my father in law was dying to play a round and I had limited time.

Is this common? How long can I expect this to go on? Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Just did something similar.  I went from playing TaylorMade 360's for ~8 years, bought MP-59's about 2 weeks ago, and immediately sold them off and bought the taylormade MC's haha.  (they're the best club I've ever hit besides a blade)

To answer your questions: yes, it is common.  It's almost like, more or less, buying a new car.  It takes a while to get used to the sensitivity of the steering wheel, turn radius, height/depth, etc. You just have to become comfortable with it.

That being said, to answer "How long can I expect this to go on??".  Well, as long as you want it to.  As soon as you start your swing, your club is just another part of your body.  The quicker you become comfortable with it and trust it, the quicker you'll begin to hit solid and pure shots.

With my new MC's, I just went to the range, put the clubs in my hands, and just kind of swung it back and forth, watching it the whole way.  I know it sounds stupid and crazy, but I just sat there and watched its every move haha.  Once I did this, I pretty much said "okay, i see how it moves, how it feels, how it feels when it moves correctly", etc.  I hit a few balls with very smooth, easy swings, felt the response, and I was ready.

I'm not saying I'm some sort of God, but I've been playing the game for a while.  My swing mechanics didn't change, only the club did.  Once i realized and accepted that I was able to make slight and minor adjustments to hit the ball like I always have, but now even better.

FWIW though, new irons help more than you'd ever think.  I was a 9 handicap about a month or two ago but these irons have allowed me to work the ball more and give me much better feedback.  I was routinely shooting 78-81, but in the last 2 weeks I've played 6 rounds and haven't shot worse than a 76 (70 was my best.....trying to break that damn 60's barrier!)

Good luck.

[lumpuckeroo]

I switched from Mizuno MP62 to MP68 last summer and while those clubs are not that dissimilar, it took me 1/2 the summer to feel comfortable with my new clubs.  By summers end I was hitting them as well as my old clubs, but I think there is always a bit of an adjustment period.  Look at the Pros, even they will struggle some when they make equipment changes.

[Danattherock]

The first obvious question.

Are you standing 1/2" further from the ball?

Also, the X20 may have less offset than your Cobra clones. Big difference and some adjustment will be needed if applicable.

Hit the X20 Tours for the last 3 years before buying some Miura 9003's the other week. The X20's are great clubs.

My guess is you are just in need of some slight adjustments. Keep hitting them and don't be too hard on yourself for a week or two.

Also, smaller grips allow you to release faster. The larger grips you got now, while better based on your size perhaps, are a change.

Every change matters.. Less offfset, matters. Larger grips, matter. Longer clubs, matter..

Lots of variables man. Have fun at the range. I suspect in a few weeks you will be loving these clubs.

Such was my experience when I switched from my long term (7 years) Big Bertha irons to the X20 Tours.

-Dan

[BrokeLoser]

AWESOME advice everyone!

I'm so glad I found this site.

Ironically dumb question; (thanks Danattherock) with the longer shafts should I need to stand 1/2" further from the ball or should I simply not need to bend over quite as far?

Thanks again everyone...MUCH APPRECIATED!

[cruzthepug]

Originally Posted by BrokeLoser

AWESOME advice everyone!

I'm so glad I found this site.

Ironically dumb question; (thanks Danattherock) with the longer shafts should I need to stand 1/2" further from the ball or should I simply not need to bend over quite as far?

Thanks again everyone...MUCH APPRECIATED!

Having always played stock clubs, last year when I finally got fitted my new clubs are + 1/2" and it does take some time to get used to them. When I first took them out I hit the ball great, then I guess all my old habits came back and for several months it seemed like all my shots were mis-hits. Finally after taking some video I noticed my posture was slumped as well as my ball position was off. Now that I'm standing taller and I've got the ball back where it needs to be I'm very pleased with how I'm striking the ball.

[PhxHacker]

I'm having a similar experience. I'm glad I came across this thread. I've been playing Cleveland TA5 irons since 1999 and just purchased a set of Taylormade Rocketbladez.

Almost everything about the two sets are different. The new irons are a bit heavier, the heads are larger, the length is a 1/2 inch longer per club, and the grips are Different obviously and the lie angle is different.

I have taken them to the range 3 times this week and have been somewhat inconsistent so far. A fair share of toe hits, as well as fat shots and thin contact. Distances are sporadic at this point due to what appears to be an adjustment period I'm experiencing. However, when I make solid contact I can't believe the improvement in ball flight, loft, launch trajectory, weightless feel at impact, descending trajectory and flat out carry distance. At least a club and a half added distance. 

So far, I 'm a bit nervous but it sounds like I might be able to grow into them judging by some of the posts in this thread.

Edited April 17, 2016 by PhxHacker

[b101]

32 minutes ago, PhxHacker said:

I'm having a similar experience. I'm glad I came across this thread. I've been playing Cleveland TA5 irons since 1999 and just purchased a set of Taylormade Rocketbladez.

Almost everything about the two sets are different. The new irons are a bit heavier, the heads are larger, the length is a 1/2 inch longer per club, and the grips are Different obviously and the lie angle is different.

I have taken them to the range 3 times this week and have been somewhat inconsistent so far. A fair share of toe hits, as well as fat shots and thin contact. Distances are sporadic at this point due to what appears to be an adjustment period I'm experiencing. However, when I make solid contact I can't believe the improvement in ball flight, loft, launch trajectory, weightless feel at impact, descending trajectory and flat out carry distance. At least a club and a half added distance. 

So far, I 'm a bit nervous but it sounds like I might be able to grow into them judging by some of the posts in this thread.

Did you get fitted for the irons? If so, I imagine you'll know that the lie angle is correct. You're probably struggling most due to the weight and the length of the irons - the larger head is designed to look and be more forgiving. You will get used to them, but then, I imagine your ball-striking was pretty sporadic before? 

The full answer is that good clubs will only complement good technique - keep working on the swing and the results will come. I played the RocketBladez for a bit and liked them, they were really easy to launch and helped mask some of my issues with my low flight and angle of attack. Just keep persevering 

[PhxHacker]

8 hours ago, b101 said:

Did you get fitted for the irons? If so, I imagine you'll know that the lie angle is correct. You're probably struggling most due to the weight and the length 

Not yet, I purchased online and will be taking them to my local golf shop soon. With my old Irons I wasn't exactly sporadic, I had more of a push. I would miss right often until I aimed a little left. Aiming left of course, I would pull the shot and miss left. 

I guess I thought I would be able to magically make pure contact with the new taylormades day one, knowing full well that I still need to get them fitted properly to my swing. Hoping that a proper fitting is the only obstacle I'll be facing. I guess I was just looking for instant gratification. 

[newtogolf]

25 minutes ago, PhxHacker said:

Not yet, I purchased online and will be taking them to my local golf shop soon. With my old Irons I wasn't exactly sporadic, I had more of a push. I would miss right often until I aimed a little left. Aiming left of course, I would pull the shot and miss left. 

I guess I thought I would be able to magically make pure contact with the new taylormades day one, knowing full well that I still need to get them fitted properly to my swing. Hoping that a proper fitting is the only obstacle I'll be facing. I guess I was just looking for instant gratification. 

Irons are built differently, some are longer, have more offset, different head shapes and different grinds so it's not uncommon for mid-high handicaps to take some time adjusting to a new set.  

Unfortunately, getting fit after you buy a set is really too late.   Part of getting fit is making sure you have the right shaft for your swing and swing speed, right length and lie angle.  The clubs you bought are cast, so many golf shops won't try to bend them to adjust lie angle and those that are willing to, will likely only adjust it 1*.  

Hopefully it's just a matter of getting used to them and you won't need to replace shafts or adjust lie angle beyond what they are willing to bend it.  

[ppine]

In spite of all the slick advertising, and golf is full of it,  in order to hit the ball well you have to have some skill.

Fitted xyz's with new grips don't really help most people.  Some club designs are more forgiving than others.  They accommodate mishits better.  Club technology went through an important evolution in the 1980s and 1990s when  cavity back irons, and perimeter weighted clubs became common and available to everyone.  Since then there has been plenty of innovation, but nothing earth shaking like the concepts listed above.

Club technology in say the 1960s allowed for some great shots to be made and plenty of distance by professionals.  The penalty for missing the small sweet spot was severe.  When I was young and strong I had a nice set of persimmon Walter Haigen woods.  It was not that hard to hit past the 275 yard marker to the back fence at most driving ranges.  A poorly struck shot might only go 130-160 yards.  Irons had a lot more loft and didn't go as far, so we just used more club. Golf ball technology is still evolving.

Golf is like many sports in that equipment commands a lot of attention.  Too much attention, when practising a repeatable swing that works under pressure is really the goal.

 

Edited April 17, 2016 by ppine

[PhxHacker]

9 minutes ago, newtogolf said:

Irons are built differently, some are longer, have more offset, different head shapes and different grinds so it's not uncommon for mid-high handicaps to take some time adjusting to a new set.  

Unfortunately, getting fit after you buy a set is really too late.   Part of getting fit is making sure you have the right shaft for your swing and swing speed, right length and lie angle.  The clubs you bought are cast, so many golf shops won't try to bend them to adjust lie angle and those that are willing to, will likely only adjust it 1*. 

I went with the same shaft flex, regular steel. I knew going in that they were a 1/2 inch longer shaft then the clevelands I was playing with. I also was aware of the different loft and lie angles of each set looking at the specs of the clubs. My Clevelands were totally stock, and I learned how to hit them somewhat consistently. 

I just didn't realize how much of a difference one from another could be. I guess I've had similar issue when upgrading woods. Takes a while to get comfortable with the new club, but that's just one club sometimes two. A set of Irons in this case is 6 clubs, a little more daunting to me. I haveissues with adversity I suppose