Need New Irons...But Can't Afford 'Em

[danielgaz]

I just took some swings with last year's Ping G15 irons with 1/2" extension. Amazing change in distance and shot pattern, as opposed to my off-the-rack Tommy Armour 845s from the mid-90s. I can't afford the Pings, so I'm wondering if I should get the extensions put in my clubs and new grips to see if my game changes accordingly with properly-fitted clubs. Has anyone been up this creek before?

[tefunk]

There is not much of a difference between the G5s, G10s, G15s, or G20s.

One thing to make sure of is what color "dot" you were trying out.  Black dot (standard lie), blue dot, green dot, etc. ?

So if you know that, you can go on ebay and find a used set of the "G" series irons with a half inch extension and the lie (dot) that worked for you.  You can save yourself a lot of money and probably find something in really good condition.  Just make sure the seller is highly rated and is a reputable golf shop... that way you know you won't get hosed on a fake set.

[chilipepper205]

The color code is important. I had the same thing as you. I was playing with mid 00s Taylormade RAC irons and was struggling with them. I tried out a Ping I3 silver dot +1 inch and fell in love with them.

First, find out what lie angle (color code) works best for you and then go on ebay and find a set. You can find a great deal there (only paid $150 for my Ping I3's) and then sell your other set.

Or find a golf store the sells used clubs and see if you can trade your current set towards the Pings if you don't want to bother trying to sell them online.

[danielgaz]

Thanks for the advice. I don't remember what dot they were, but I assume they let everyone start off at standard lie, then adjust once they've commited to buying the clubs. There are a few other shops in town, but the price on these was amazing. eBay has never let me down, so I'll check there once I know my measurements and angles.

[Shorty]

Once you find out what color dot you are, go to eBay. But don't worry about the couloir dot you buy. Get them bent to your particular specs. They all start off the same at the factory. Bending them should be no problem. There are videos on YouTube that show how they do it at the Ping factory.

[dmnoland]

Ping charges $18 + shipping per set to adjust the lie angle but they will only change up to 3 degrees.