Golf Irons - Help!

[RaCs]

Good afternoon all!

New to the site so just feeling my way around.

I just wanted some honest opinions and thoughts regarding the Nike Covert Irons. I am a 23 handicap and have been playing golf for the best part of 8 months now so I am slowly but surely lowering my handicap as i go along.

I currently play the Nike Slighshot Irons + hybrids. I thought i'd get myself this set after above average reviews as they were a set aimed at the high handicapper. I have had no issues with them and enjoy using them every time i am out on the course however I am at a stage where i feel the need to get a new set of irons and the ones i have been looking at are the new Nike Covert Irons. I have read reviews high and low on the net and they say they are probably one of the most forgiving iron sets around. They also state that they are game improvement irons...So i have been thinking, would upgrading (if you could call it that) from the slingshots to the coverts be a good move?

I feel pretty good with the slingshots however i really want to try and take the next step forward in improving my game. The saying "if it aint broke don't fix it" really springs to mind hence why i am slightly reluctant to make the change. I would really appreciate some honest advice and feedback as I can't really seem to make a decision on what to do.

Help guys!

p.s. I definitely consider myself as being heavily biased towards nike hence why i have not mentioned any other makes or models.

[Beachcomber]

RaCs, welcome to TST!  Glad to hear you are enjoying the game and working to improve.  It's a special game to many on here, and you will get a palethora of free information on this site.  Please continue to be a part of the community, as we are always looking for new users!

Now, to respond to your question...

First, I would hang onto your current set of irons.  Don't sell them or trade them in just yet.  I'll explain below...

Second, I would go and get a formal fitting from club fitter who has a launch monitor - and get your baseline numbers with your current Nike Sling-shot irons.  Then compare that baseline to the new Nike Covert irons.

If after/during the fitting - you believe that the Covert irons prove to give you the confidence you're looking for, and they look and feel solid... And the baseline numbers (spin, ball speed, carry distance) are on par with your Sling-shot irons.  Then buy them.  But again, I would not sell your Slingshot irons at that point.  I'd keep them just in case you find that you have buyers remorse on the new irons.  Irons are irons for the most part... And everyone has their own personal preference. The last thing you would want to do is go out and buy a new set, and then after a few weeks of playing with the new irons, wishing that you had your old iron set back.  I've seen it happen to friends, so I'd hang onto them for at least a 1/2 season, to make sure you really like the new irons before you sell them/trade them in.

Also, you didn't mention if your Nike Sling-shot irons were fitted for you or not?  The thing that will be critical during the iron fitting is to ensure you have the proper club shaft length, weight and stiffness.  And getting a DNA fitting from Mizuno for instance, will give you a lot of information that you can apply into any other manufacturers iron set.  So while you have a strong interest in sticking with Nike, I would highly recommend that you go to a fitter that has Mizuno's DNA fitting - as it is free, and will give you a lot of good data that you can then apply toward your Nike iron purchase.  In particular, the Mizuno DNA fitting will point you down the path to the proper club shaft. In addition, during any iron fitting they will check your loft and lie angles to make sure that your club is custom fit for you - not for someone else.  This is why I believe a custom iron fitting is worth the time - and even the money.

My fitter uses Trackman (radar) - and does the Mizuno DNA fitting.  These baseline numbers are then applied in his recommendations to any club you want... Nike, Ping, Titleist, etc. etc...  I'd try and find someone who can provide the same or similar service/support.  You won't be disappointed, and will learn a lot about your game (numbers from Trackman are very helpful to have).

[Mozgolf]

Good solid advise form Beachcomber. To be honest, within reason there is nothing wrong with your Machspeeds as long as they are more or less fitted/ suited to you and your swingspeed etc.

You could easily play those MS down to a 10 or even lower handicap (plenty of single digits golfers play the Ping G series as an example).

That's the head speaking, but if you are really after something else and your hearts set on it, just go for, get fitted and play whatever suits your eye.

Many would say your money, in terms of improving, would be better spent on lessons and more time on the course. The clubs are good enough and with new irons you won't see a significant improvement in your game. You will probably get worse for a while whilst you adjust to the new gear.

My $0 .02 worth

[jmurder]

RaCs... Hey man, Do not be fooled by the words game improvement. There is no club out there that will reduce your handicap. Having clubs that are fit for you ( mine are) will help you some. If I have learned anything at all about golf..... It is these two axioms..... You can't buy a golf game ( kind of like love or happiness).... and .. It is always the Indian and NOT the arrow. Buy a set of clubs you like and play with them until the grooves are flat.