I need help - lots of help - LOTS!

[BigMike]

1. I suck at Golf - lets get that out the way

2. I can hit the ball a mile and half  -easily - I can hit a 7 Iron as far as some "good" (under 90 players) can hit their 5 Iron

3. I have a massive slice that has almost caused me to injure people on the hole next to me that is facing the complete opposite direction

4. I'm 6 '4' 235

Okay - I've been using a patchwork set of Taylor Made 320's and assorted - I've decided to stop sucking - I'm taking leesons - I shot a 104 the other day my best ever - it has been suggested to me that I get a set of SGI's or GI's

Dilemma:

I can get the Callaway Diablo Irons (wow are they sweet) the reviews are outstanding - for $299  however they are as is - no alterations no fitting , I hit them for nearly 30 mins wonderfully inside - do I do it? The guy said I could use a half inch extension but the cost would be over $200

My friend, a gold purist says do it - he does not believe in altering a golf club, they come as is and are meant to be hit at a certain angle & degree

Now, the other sales guy says wait - hit the breaks - get the TaylorMade Burner 2.0  - they are longer and just as forgiving . Are they? $100 more

Also the Razr X 's are there and CAN BE fitted by $200 more

Another suggestion to me - keep my Iron Set now and get 2 Sweet Hybrids ?

Please Advise !

Thanx!

[C FLO34]

Not sure how you have a 15 handicap if 104 is your best score but if 104 is in fact your best score then I would tell you that at this point the choice of brand of irons is not that important.  You need to get a good set of game improvement irons with which you feel comfortable.  I would however tell you that at your height you definitely need to be fitted for your new clubs.  While at your skill level I would not get to caught up in the brand of club I would want them fitted so that you could rule out that as the reason for bad play.  Most brands have game improvement sets and they probably are not that different in performance.  There is no quick fix.....it must be dug out of the dirt.

[David in FL]

Not sure how you have a 15 handicap if 104 is your best score but if 104 is in fact your best score then I would tell you that at this point the choice of brand of irons is not that important.  You need to get a good set of game improvement irons with which you feel comfortable.  I would however tell you that at your height you definitely need to be fitted for your new clubs.  While at your skill level I would not get to caught up in the brand of club I would want them fitted so that you could rule out that as the reason for bad play.  Most brands have game improvement sets and they probably are not that different in performance.  There is no quick fix.....it must be dug out of the dirt.

This may be the single best first post to a forum that I've read. Big Mike, read and heed. C FL034, welcome. You from my neighborhood?

[Audaxi]

Never, I repeat NEVER use shaft extensions. They will likely end up doing more harm than good. I had to take my iron set to be reshafted a couple years back because the extension came loose and the grip started to slide off. It would likely cost you another $200 or so for a decent set of replacement shafts on the Diablo irons, so I would recommend the Burner 2.0's if they are the correct length and flex. Lie can easily be adjusted by the place you buy them in less than 20 minutes, so that's pretty much a non-issue compared to shaft length.

[LBlack14]

1st, shaft extensions won't be an issue if installed properly. I've used them many times with no issue and any COMPETENT club builder will tell you the same. BUT I would only extend to a point then it becomes risky. I have a friend who plays 2 sets I've built him @ +1.5" with no issues and he is a big strong man. I wouldn't recommend much more than that though. Until you take lessons or develop a consistent swing, I'd hold off on shelling out a bunch of money for a fitting.

[Bradbar]

I'm not sure about the club fitter you talked to but 200$ for extensions sounds very expensive. I had my set of ping I-10's extended +1" 2 weeks ago and it cost me 94$ for 7 clubs and that included new golf pride grips. I had it done at my local golf galaxy and I am pleased with the job so far, have not had any issues.