Forged Iron Blades - Question

[onlybereaved]

Hey all,

After using forged iron blades for a couple or a few seasons, I noticed that the nickel/chrome plate wears out.

I imagine that as long as the grooves aren't worn, this is normal and nothing to worry about...

For those of you who have experienced this, do you usually just keep playing these irons?  get them re-dipped (is that possible?) get new irons?

I have the original Nike Blades, as well as Mizuno MP-32's, and both are worn in the sweet spots with grooves still in-tact.

Ball flight doesn't seem to be affected - just wondering how long I can play these irons before having to retire them?

Thank you

[Mr3Wiggle]

Originally Posted by onlybereaved

Hey all,

After using forged iron blades for a couple or a few seasons, I noticed that the nickel/chrome plate wears out.

I imagine that as long as the grooves aren't worn, this is normal and nothing to worry about...

For those of you who have experienced this, do you usually just keep playing these irons?  get them re-dipped (is that possible?) get new irons?

I have the original Nike Blades, as well as Mizuno MP-32's, and both are worn in the sweet spots with grooves still in-tact.

Ball flight doesn't seem to be affected - just wondering how long I can play these irons before having to retire them?

Thank you

A lot of people who play blades like it when the chrome starts to wear.  Provided it looks like they are drilling the sweetspot.  Should not affect the performance of the club.  If you looked at Rory McIlroy's irons, you'd likely see this same sort of wear on the sweetspot of every club.

[GaijinGolfer]

All that is wearing off is the protective chrome finish.  It happens and it wouldnt stop me from continuing to play a set of irons.  Ive owned forged irons where the chrome had worn off to the point where the clubface would start to brown and they still worked great.

[Clambake]

I view that forged irons look fantastic at two periods in their life: when they're new and all shiny and beautiful, and when they're well used and have a thoroughly worn patina.    When they've been used a lot, all the little tiny dings from bag chatter and use kind of meld together, the plating wears off in spots, and they look like serious tools for someone who uses them extensively and with great pleasure.

It is only the earlier parts of their life that I don't like the wear.   There aren't enough chatter dings yet so the few that are there kind of stand out, and the little scuffs and gouges also are more noticeable.    They look like someone bought a nice set but just hasn't used them enough.    But in time they'll start looking wonderful!

[mhancock]

That is very common for blades. My Titleist 690's look the same way. As long as the grooves are still good and sharp, you are fine. I just wish my game was good enough to still play blades. I had to change equipment after shoulder surgery and taking a year off. I was a 2.6 handicap before but have slipped back to 7.6 now and just dont hit the ball as pure as I used to.

[Mr3Wiggle]

Just don't let them get looking like this.

[The Tin Man]

Originally Posted by Mr3Wiggle

Just don't let them get looking like this.

That's horrible......how can anybody do that to their clubs?

What hacker did that?  Must be that Ben Hogan guy.

[GaijinGolfer]

Originally Posted by Clambake

I view that forged irons look fantastic at two periods in their life: when they're new and all shiny and beautiful, and when they're well used and have a thoroughly worn patina.    When they've been used a lot, all the little tiny dings from bag chatter and use kind of meld together, the plating wears off in spots, and they look like serious tools for someone who uses them extensively and with great pleasure.

It is only the earlier parts of their life that I don't like the wear.   There aren't enough chatter dings yet so the few that are there kind of stand out, and the little scuffs and gouges also are more noticeable.    They look like someone bought a nice set but just hasn't used them enough.    But in time they'll start looking wonderful!

I think a lot of people dont like old blades that are well-worn and starting to brown.  Ive bought plenty of sets off of Ebay that were in great shape other than the center of the clubface starting to brown and paid next to nothing for them.

[CPFitness]

grooves? we don't need no stinkin grooves.  keep the ball in the fwy and grooves are irrelevant!