Thoughts on Upgrading Old Irons and Suggestions for Game Improvement Irons

[Lord Caldlow]

I'm a mid-handicapper that is currently using Titleist DCI Blacks (R shaft) manufactured around 1995. I hit the DCIs fairly well in the low irons, but I don't get great distance with the mid/long irons. They are in decent condition but I am wondering if I'm leaving some strokes out there.

I have a swing speed about 105 MPH and have a natural draw.  Is it worth it to invest in some new technology? Is iron fitting worth the small investment?

I'm not looking at Super Game Improvement Irons, I don't feel as comfortable at address due to the high offset of most newer Super GI irons.

I'm looking at Titleist AP1 712s, RBZ irons, and Callaway Forged Diablos if anyone has an experience with them. If anyone has other suggestions feel free to share.

Thanks in advance for the thoughts!

[xmanhockey7]

1. Yes club fitting is more than worth the small investment. And from what I've found many places will do it for free if you order the clubs through them.

2. I do think getting new irons, especially ones that are easier to hit, will benefit you.

3. Make sure you look at the lofts of all those clubs. Just because you hit the RBZ "6 iron" further than the AP1 "6 iron" does not necessarily mean you hit the RBZ clubs better. Example: AP1 6 iron is 29* the RBZ is 26.5* which equates to about half a club difference. Go with which one feels and looks the best to you.

[Lord Caldlow]

Thanks for the reply - I'm probably going to get fitted before I buy.

I'm not really locked into any brands I'm just trying to collect some feedback, but I concur it will probably more clear after a test session.

[WUTiger]

Originally Posted by xmanhockey7

1. Yes club fitting is more than worth the small investment. And from what I've found many places will do it for free if you order the clubs through them. ...

Solid advice above, LordC. If you've been playing the same irons since 1995, and you "have a natural draw," you likely have a very stable swing. People with fairly stable swings are the ones who benefit most from dynamic fittings.

(Simple static fittings are best for beginners, since their swings aren't set and change day to day.)

[lumpuckeroo]

Originally Posted by xmanhockey7

1. Yes club fitting is more than worth the small investment. And from what I've found many places will do it for free if you order the clubs through them.

2. I do think getting new irons, especially ones that are easier to hit, will benefit you.

3. Make sure you look at the lofts of all those clubs. Just because you hit the RBZ "6 iron" further than the AP1 "6 iron" does not necessarily mean you hit the RBZ clubs better. Example: AP1 6 iron is 29* the RBZ is 26.5* which equates to about half a club difference. Go with which one feels and looks the best to you.

Totally agree, I would also suggest looking at the Mizuno JPX 800, they make 2 versions of them and either one would probably be a good fit.

[Lord Caldlow]

Originally Posted by lumpuckeroo

Totally agree, I would also suggest looking at the Mizuno JPX 800, they make 2 versions of them and either one would probably be a good fit.

I have a fitting scheduled this week - the after talking to the pro I think we are going to test JPX800 Pros.  We are also planning on hitting Ping i20s, Titleist AP1 712s, Callaway X-22s, and a few others.

[Jmdmbike]

I did my first fitting when I bought my AP1 712's. Definitely helped me improve my ball striking. Highly recommend, enjoy the experience.