adjusting "stock" clubs

[StBarnard]

I'm completely ignorant about fitting,  as I've just used old "hand me downs"  iron clubs in the past.  I'm just wondering,  if I get a standard stock set of clubs,  can they be adjusted for lie angle afterward?  I see the "notches" in Ping clubs that look like allow for easier bending,  but don't see that in other clubs.  Can ALL iron sets be bent?  I have seen better buys on sets online,  even when considering what it would cost to adjust them,  than buying from a Pro shop.  Also,  since just getting into golf,  am considering buying a set that is not the current yrs model,  maybe one from a couple yrs back,   thereby saving money.

So,  will I be able to get the stock set bent?

[FooFader]

I know forged irons can definitely be bent to any lie angle and loft due to the metal being relatively soft. With cast irons, they normally can be bent as well, it just takes a lot more force. Sometimes it can't be done but not often.

[RayG]

Forged clubs CAN be reshaped for Lie. loft... etc... But in my recollection, (at least of the earlier) cast clubs were nearly impossible to change because the process of casting made them more brittle(relatively speaking) than forging. Maybe with todays different alloys and multiple material heads, it's a different story. But If I had an older set of cast clubs I would just leave them be- other than shortening the shafts if needed.

[saevel25]

Forged clubs CAN be reshaped for Lie. loft... etc... But in my recollection, (at least of the earlier) cast clubs were nearly impossible to change because the process of casting made them more brittle(relatively speaking) than forging. Maybe with todays different alloys and multiple material heads, it's a different story. But If I had an older set of cast clubs I would just leave them be- other than shortening the shafts if needed.

You can adjust casted clubs. I think I got my Taylormade Burner circa 2009 irons bent up to a degree on loft. Its harder to do, and you probably can't change as much, but you can.

[WUTiger]

Things which affect how much you can bend irons to adjust lie (and loft) angle:

• The type of steel in the head. Some types are more brittle than others. It just so happens that forged irons tend to have softer metal than cast ones. But, this is because of the metal type, not the shaping process.
• The length/shape of the hosel. Irons with longer hosels are easier to bend than those with shorter hosels. Also, it's difficult to use the bending tool on some hosel designs without damaging the clubhead.

Most manufacturer product catalogs will list how much a certain iron model can be bent for lie, and loft, adjustments. If it's a model a couple of years old, you many have to contact the manufacturer to find out. A decent clubsmith will know which ones can be bent, which can't, and which should only be bent by the manufacturer (ship back for adjustments).

As for your plan, will you save much money by buying online... clubs you have never hit... and then getting them adjusted? What if you don't like these bargain online clubs?  If you are going to be playing more often, go ahead and get fit for some clubs you can use for awhile.

Also, a good golf shop can find you last year's models, or used trade-ins, which would fit your swing.

[StBarnard]

Thanks for the replies guys.

WUTiger,  I did just hit several clubs at Golfsmith recently,  but haven't made up my mind what to go with yet.  I hit the Razr X graphite best of all,  but others were OK too.  I've found Razr X graphite, 5-PW for under $350,  and also Nike VRS X in steel, 4-PW, AW for less than $300.  These seemed like good deals to me,  especially if I could get them adjusted later if needed.

[waldo]

Ping will bend for you. They aren't the easiest to bend. If you were at golfsmith they could've answered the question but more importantly they could make the adjustments you. Bending for loft and lie is fairly easy if you have higher end tools and a lot of experience. If you don't have both then WUTIGER is heading you in the right direction. Buy locally and have that shop ie golfsmith fit you and do the adjustments. My fitting, building and adjustment equipment cost me over $1500, and that was buying used. I was the lead club builder at a golfsmith for several years so that's how I acquired training, "skill", and certification. WUTIGER advice is the path to follow.

[StBarnard]

OK,  another newby question.  Do you guys get ALL your clubs adjusted,  or just the irons?

[saevel25]

OK,  another newby question.  Do you guys get ALL your clubs adjusted,  or just the irons?

Right now the clubs that are fitted for me are Driver, Irons, Wedges, and Putter.

The 3-wood and hybrid are ones I just liked off the shelf.

[trey3d]

I recently bought a set of used forged Adams from golfsmith, and the salesman had them bent for me for free. Just a thought. I wouldn't buy a set offline if you have never swung them.