Buying "New To Me" Irons

[dmmoroney]

Hi All,

I just joined the site after coming here as a reader for quite some time.  Here is my question(s).

I currently play Cleveland TA7's, +1", 2 up.  This was done by a salesman at a store, probably 9-10 years ago, using just his eye.  I can't remember if he used tape on the sole or anything.  But there was no screen I was hitting into for computerized feedback.  How accurate do you think his assessment was and should I go to be refitted at a modern store?

Also, and more importantly to me, is this; I generally shoot in the 85-90 range.  I feel my ballstriking is fairly good with my irons, so I'm wondering if I would be able to play with an iron such as the Callaway 2007 X-Forged, or some of the other "players" irons; i.e. Mizunos, Titleists, etc.  I'm looking to get a used set to upgrade from my TA7's, but if I could spend between $250-$300 that would be great.  As I mentioned, I feel comfortable in my ballstriking, mostly point-and-shoot, don't do too much in fading/drawing.  I'm open to iron recomendations.  I was also thinking maybe R11's or Adams CB2's.

Finally, I'm clueless when it comes to shafts.  I just go by stiff.  But apparently there is a lot more too it!

Any thoughts?

[WUTiger]

Could you get a fitting on a launch monitor? Get the data for the different clubs (driver, irons), and you could refit your bag as money became available.

Shaft flex, weight, and kickpoint are factors you should consider. For a quick update on golf club shafts and club design, check out Ralph Maltby's site: http://www.RalphMaltby.com

Also, go check out the True Temper and other golf shaft company sites.

At the start of a fitting, the fitter normally gets baseline data on your current clubs at the start of the fitting. Here is where you can check your lie angle. If you don't have persistent trouble with hooking or slicing, chances are your lie angles are pretty good.

As far as which clubs to get, this in part depends on clubhead speed. Among other things, Player's clubs have a rather high Vertical Center of Gravity, which means they don't get the ball up as much as Game Improvement, or Super Game Improvement clubs. If you have higher clubhead speed (driver approaching 100 mph), this may actually prevent you from ballooning the ball (launching too high). But, higher VCOG can keep ball too low with slower swing speeds.