Players Irons for High Handicap

[GeorgiaLefty]

So I've been playing the Ping G25s since they came out several years ago. When I first bought them, I was brand new to the game. My swing, stance, much of my game has changed since I bought them. I still don't strike the ball as clean or consistently as I'd like and I'm still a high handicap. I picked up an AP2 716 7 Iron to see the difference in a GI iron vs a players Iron. I hit the AP2 better than my G25 9 times out of 10. One problem I have is keeping the club face closed on impact. I'm wondering if the smaller club head of the AP2 is easier for me to close vs the bulky club head of the G25?

 

im not exactly sure what it is, but there's no doubt I hit the AP2 better. Any thoughts? Have any other high handicaps found that they hit a players Iron better than a GI Iron? Thanks!

[saevel25]

4 hours ago, GeorgiaLefty said:

I hit the AP2 better than my G25 9 times out of 10. One problem I have is keeping the club face closed on impact. I'm wondering if the smaller club head of the AP2 is easier for me to close vs the bulky club head of the G25?

In terms of the dimensions and weight of the clubbed, no. The size of the club and the weighting effects are negligible. Most golf club heads weight close to the same anyways. It's just the AP2's pack more mass towards the center of the club versus GI clubs. 

It could be the clubs just looked and felt better. I never discount just being comfortable with a club. 

 

[Lihu]

5 hours ago, GeorgiaLefty said:

So I've been playing the Ping G25s since they came out several years ago. When I first bought them, I was brand new to the game. My swing, stance, much of my game has changed since I bought them. I still don't strike the ball as clean or consistently as I'd like and I'm still a high handicap. I picked up an AP2 716 7 Iron to see the difference in a GI iron vs a players Iron. I hit the AP2 better than my G25 9 times out of 10. One problem I have is keeping the club face closed on impact. I'm wondering if the smaller club head of the AP2 is easier for me to close vs the bulky club head of the G25?

 

im not exactly sure what it is, but there's no doubt I hit the AP2 better. Any thoughts? Have any other high handicaps found that they hit a players Iron better than a GI Iron? Thanks!

You're the one who has to look down on them every time you setup. If they look nicer, they'll probably be okay.

I don't know your game right now, but if you're not hitting your clubs very far now then once you do start hitting them longer distances they might feel like crap on mishits. If you already swing fast now, and they feel better than the G25 then you probably are actually hitting them better. The faster you can swing the more terrible the feel of mishits with "players" clubs.

The other thing is just lower trajectories because of the higher center of mass, you really have to hit the middle to get "optimal flights". Most people hit near the bottom, and the G25, Eye2 or i20 or any deep cavity back will help get the ball up.

Keep the G25 in reserve, since you've been using them successfully.

 

39 minutes ago, saevel25 said:

In terms of the dimensions and weight of the clubbed, no. The size of the club and the weighting effects are negligible. Most golf club heads weight close to the same anyways. It's just the AP2's pack more mass towards the center of the club versus GI clubs. 

It could be the clubs just looked and felt better. I never discount just being comfortable with a club. 

 

Or just the way it looks.

[Daddycool_83]

My playing partner used to game nike blades and apart from the club length difference (I game TM burner 2.0) I found them equally as easy to hit,I guess if your agood ball striker then its not an issue,he used to say he felt it alot in miss hits though..ive considred gaming blades myself as I got lower the look of GI irons look chunky,but I wouldnt want to lose distance as im used to my gapping.If i thought I could bend each callaway apex or x series blade 4* stronger across the set ide be tempted ??

[GeorgiaLefty]

What's interesting is that I am getting the ball up much easier with the AP2. I tend to hit slightly over top of the ball, but I don't not have this issue with the AP2. I don't always hit the ball on a line, but for me, the AP2 gets the ball in the air on almost every shot. In fact, the launch is much higher than my G25 7 Iron. I can't explain it. 

Edited March 10, 2017 by GeorgiaLefty

[Divotmaker77]

Been playing the Mizuno MP-54's for about 4 years now.  Switching over to the AP1's.  Honestly, unless you are a low HC player who is a solid/consistent ball striker and shotmaker I think you need as much help as you can get.  It was the ego in me thinking I needed to upgrade to a better player's iron as my HC came down, but in reality I am not consistent enough to hit them really well.  The technology in the newer GI irons allows to work the ball better than older technology which was the main reason I upgraded because I wanted more "freedom" working the ball.  Problem is when my swing is off these irons are punishing.  7-P not as bad but 4-6 absolutely.

I do not know your game, but you may want to think about doing a combo set.  Get 7/8-P AP2 and 4-6/7 AP1 (if Titleist is the brand you are going with).  Best of both worlds. Players iron for the easier clubs to hit and more forgiveness with the lower irons 4-6.

Your launch angle very well may be the type of shafts the AP2's have.  A lot of factors involved, but if your swing has not changed then that may be the deal.

[Bucki1968]

I agree LIhu...I tend to hit clubs that just look nicer (more square) when I put them behind the ball. I think it must be a confidence thing.

[sirhacksalot]

Ive been on both sides of this argument.  I like the look of blades, even players cavity backs, but when im struggling with them, i really struggle.  Just recently as in haven't had a chance to hit them yet, I found a ridiculously good deal on a set of mizuno H4's so im hoping that they may be the best of both worlds, super chunky in the low irons but players in in the shorts. We'll see.

[Golfballwhackerguy]

I also have struggled with this, sometimes I think I should use more GI irons but when it comes down to it...I just dont like the look and how clunky they are.  Ofcourse it's all personal preference, I really liked the AP2s and a buddy of mine just got his set and loves them.  I play on a budget and dont often buy brand new equipment.  I currently play MP-57s and they suit me well.  Bottom line is, buy what you want/like...I probably would have gotten AP2s if I didnt like the MP-57s a little more.

- JJ

Edited March 18, 2017 by Golfballwhackerguy
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[arturo28mx]

I'm a mid handicapper. I have played Ping i20, i25, iE1, iBlade, G, and all the others. I much prefer my 716 AP2 with a light XP 95 shaft. It just looks and feels better.

[Gunsmoke]

I tried pings of different models and had a mental block or something with the way they looked behind the ball with that offset hosil . I feel if one can strike the ball well with a players club then use it. It's funny how a persons mind works.