Is discoloration on the faces of used irons a big issue ??

[NCHank]

As I look for a set of used, forged irons for my winter project, I notice that a lot of the irons on Ebay have some discoloration on their faces especially lower numbered clubs and wedges.  The Mizuno's seem to have more than others.  Is this something to avoid or can they be cleaned with steel wool or wet/dry sandpaper.  Is there something about the metal or process that Mizuno uses that makes them more susceptible to discoloration??  I was leaning toward getting a set of those but not if they won't stay looking nice after cleaning.

[dkolo]

As I look for a set of used, forged irons for my winter project, I notice that a lot of the irons on Ebay have some discoloration on their faces especially lower numbered clubs and wedges.  The Mizuno's seem to have more than others.  Is this something to avoid or can they be cleaned with steel wool or wet/dry sandpaper.  Is there something about the metal or process that Mizuno uses that makes them more susceptible to discoloration??  I was leaning toward getting a set of those but not if they won't stay looking nice after cleaning.

My Callaway X-24s were chrome with a slightly sandblasted finish around the grooves. Over 3 years, some black swatches have appeared from the finish wearing off. I'll see if I can take some photos for you, but it's purely cosmetic. Irons wear out, it's not a huge deal. Especially with irons by better players who hit the same spot over and over, you'll see a worn out sweet spot. My pro has a nickel sized dark spot on each of his irons, and it's kind of awesome. I'm terrible, so I spread the wear evenly across the face, haha.

[mvmac]

As I look for a set of used, forged irons for my winter project, I notice that a lot of the irons on Ebay have some discoloration on their faces especially lower numbered clubs and wedges.  The Mizuno's seem to have more than others.  Is this something to avoid or can they be cleaned with steel wool or wet/dry sandpaper.  Is there something about the metal or process that Mizuno uses that makes them more susceptible to discoloration??  I was leaning toward getting a set of those but not if they won't stay looking nice after cleaning.

It's probably just a cosmetic thing, from being hit. You just want to make sure the grooves are still good.

What Mizuno's are you looking at?

[14ledo81]

[QUOTE name="NCHank" url="/t/84658/is-discoloration-on-the-faces-of-used-irons-a-big-issue#post_1205587"]   As I look for a set of used, forged irons for my winter project, I notice that a lot of the irons on Ebay have some discoloration on their faces especially lower numbered clubs and wedges.  The Mizuno's seem to have more than others.  Is this something to avoid or can they be cleaned with steel wool or wet/dry sandpaper.  Is there something about the metal or process that Mizuno uses that makes them more susceptible to discoloration??  I was leaning toward getting a set of those but not if they won't stay looking nice after cleaning. [/QUOTE] My Callaway X-24s were chrome with a slightly sandblasted finish around the grooves. Over 3 years, some black swatches have appeared from the finish wearing off. I'll see if I can take some photos for you, but it's purely cosmetic. Irons wear out, it's not a huge deal. Especially with irons by better players who hit the same spot over and over, you'll see a worn out sweet spot. My pro has a nickel sized dark spot on each of his irons, and it's kind of awesome. I'm terrible, so I spread the wear evenly across the face, haha.

It's actually "dime sized brown spot".....

[NCHank]

It's probably just a cosmetic thing, from being hit. You just want to make sure the grooves are still good.

What Mizuno's are you looking at?

They are MP-33's and I did buy them today.  $75.00 for 3-PW sounded like an OK price for my project.  They remind me a little of "The Standards" I played with many years ago.  The grooves look alright except the 7,8, and PW could use a little dressing up but they're not flattened.  They have the usual bag dings and a few "hey, I didn't know there was a rock under there" marks, but again, nothing that would keep me from playing them when I'm finished. The shop owner said he would help me pick some shafts when I was ready and he'll measure to make sure I get them the right length for my swing. Time to start pricing some components.

dkolo, the guy who had these was no pro.  The dark spots are more like a silver dollar.... .

[Shorty]

As I look for a set of used, forged irons for my winter project, I notice that a lot of the irons on Ebay have some discoloration on their faces especially lower numbered clubs and wedges.  The Mizuno's seem to have more than others.  Is this something to avoid or can they be cleaned with steel wool or wet/dry sandpaper.  Is there something about the metal or process that Mizuno uses that makes them more susceptible to discoloration??  I was leaning toward getting a set of those but not if they won't stay looking nice after cleaning.

It's just where the chrome has worn off.

The grooves may be worn there, but it just means they've been used on the range a lot. The sand has acted like sand paper when it gets between the ball and the clubface. If the spots are concentrated, it means it was a decent player.

[NCHank]

Thanks for the picture and explanation, Shorty.  The worst of mine on the 7 and PW were not that dark but larger.  They cleaned up well enough for me, but I'll have to try to tap the large ding on the 7 iron down a bit.

[mvmac]

Thanks for the picture and explanation

Those grooves look ok, mostly just the chrome that has worn off.