Irons Dilema

[seus777]

Been a long time lurker here and have picked up some great tips. Great forum here.

Looking to purchase some new to me irons. Looking specifically at either the Rocketbladez Tour or Speedblades. Currently play the Burner XDs. I like them but just ready to try something new.

I'm a 16 HDCP. Decent ball striker but have my moments with thin shots, chunks, etc. HDCP would probably be 4 - 5 strokes better with more short game practice like most amateurs out there.

Am I crazy for thinking about gaming the Rocketbladez Tour ? Here's my thought process - the Tour model of these irons have more traditional lofts as opposed to the stronger lofts of the Speedblades and the Burner XDs. I think it would be easier to hit a 4i at 22 degrees than a 4i at 20. Same principle applies as you move up the irons. I like the more traditional lofts as they would pair better with my 48, 52 & 56 degree forged players wedges that I hit very well. I also like the fact that the shafts are shorter than the Speedblades which I think would make them easier to hit. I would also think that you would tend to get a better launch with the higher lofts. I just don't understand the stronger loft, longer shaft idea to make the ball go further - that's why you carry 9 or 10 different numbered irons!

From reviews I've read, the clubs seem to be fairly similar except for the lofts/shaft length and maybe the forgiveness though I'm not as sold on that.

Am I crazy? Discuss!

[tefunk]

I think you'd only be crazy if you didn't go try them both, before making a decision. Then pick up the one you like better. As far as traditional lofts... Your 48 wedge would likely go away. A traditional PW loft is more in the 46-48 degree range. However, lofts aren't everything, what matters is if one has consistent distance gaps between clubs (loft plays a role, but it's not necessarily the only deciding factor), especially in the mid-short irons.

[dave s]

As FYI, my Rocketblades have PW and AW lofts of 45 and 50* respectively.  Check the TM website to validate, but I'm pretty sure about the stock PW/AW lofts.

I carry additional wedges at 54 and 58*.

dave

[seus777]

As FYI, my Rocketblades have PW and AW lofts of 45 and 50* respectively.  Check the TM website to validate, but I'm pretty sure about the stock PW/AW lofts.

I carry additional wedges at 54 and 58*.

dave

That may be true regarding the lofts on the regular Rocketbladez but I'm specifically talking about the Tour version. They have lofts of 47 and 51.5 according to the spec sheet. I like my current wedges and won't likely change those.

[dkolo]

Been a long time lurker here and have picked up some great tips. Great forum here. Looking to purchase some new to me irons. Looking specifically at either the Rocketbladez Tour or Speedblades. Currently play the Burner XDs. I like them but just ready to try something new. I'm a 16 HDCP. Decent ball striker but have my moments with thin shots, chunks, etc. HDCP would probably be 4 - 5 strokes better with more short game practice like most amateurs out there. Am I crazy for thinking about gaming the Rocketbladez Tour ? Here's my thought process - the Tour model of these irons have more traditional lofts as opposed to the stronger lofts of the Speedblades and the Burner XDs. I think it would be easier to hit a 4i at 22 degrees than a 4i at 20. Same principle applies as you move up the irons. I like the more traditional lofts as they would pair better with my 48, 52 & 56 degree forged players wedges that I hit very well. I also like the fact that the shafts are shorter than the Speedblades which I think would make them easier to hit. I would also think that you would tend to get a better launch with the higher lofts. I just don't understand the stronger loft, longer shaft idea to make the ball go further - that's why you carry 9 or 10 different numbered irons! From reviews I've read, the clubs seem to be fairly similar except for the lofts/shaft length and maybe the forgiveness though I'm not as sold on that. Am I crazy? Discuss!

Don't obsess over lofts on the clubs. Yes, Taylormade has gotten the reputation of cranking their lofts, but it's not as simple as saying "a club with X loft will be easier to hit than one with Y loft." While added distance is part of the reason that Taylormade lowers their lofts, the bigger reason is because, in their GI lineup, they are moving the CG around so that they can launch the ball much more easily on hits that amateurs tend to make. The result is a club that sends the ball too high. They correspondingly lower the loft to keep the flight reasonable and not cost distance. I'd bet you'd hit the Speedblade 4i better than the Rocketbladez 4i. But I would further add that you would probably hit a hybrid better than either. I'd try some hybrids along with the irons. I'd bet you'd find better results. Unless you're playing links style courses where you want run out, or are an outstanding ball striker, which you say you aren't, you'll likely find the easier launch and the steeper descent angle of a hybrid to be more helpful than an iron at finding and holding greens.

[petegian1010]

I switched from cavity backs to VR pro combos last fall. I was a 17 handicap last year, and now a 9.2 handicap. My house is also on an executive course that i play atleast 3 times a week. With the combos i have nice 10 to 15 yard gaps between clubs and hit a lot more greens. If your a 16 handicap, consistency is what you should be looking for. If you miss long or short try a players club. Also I hit the tour rocketbladz the other day, took 2 swings and was ready to buy them. Unfortunately my wife was there but i will own them soon. They are much more forgiving than traditional tour blades