Playing with a new set of irons! Help!

[lmkhl]

So I'm not sure exactly where I should post this, but I picked up a new set of irons for this season. Previously, I had been playing with a set of AP1 710's for about 10 years. To be honest, I was hitting those irons just fine, but when I recently came into a little $$, I figured upgrading to some irons with newer technology wouldn't hurt so I found a really nice set of Taylormade RSi 1's at a good price. Unfortunately, ever since I've been hitting these new Taylormade's, my swing and ball flight just doesn't feel right. I know it's the indian and not the arrow (or something like that), but I also know that the newer set of irons have a way stronger loft. Could this loft be contributing to my recent struggles? 

I almost want to go back to my AP1's, but then I would just feel like it was a complete waste buying the new irons. I'm assuming it'll just take some time to adjust to the new irons, but please let me know if I am missing anything or if there are any other tips to help me get my swing back on the right path! I also had this crazy thought that it could be the shaft. Do shafts of irons lose stiffness over time? Maybe since i'm hitting new irons, the shafts are stiffer than what I'm used to?

[dennyjones]

The advice you'll get here is to take them to a fitter.   Have the fitter at least do a static fitting to check loft, lie and length.    It may not be what you want to hear but it will be well worth your time and $$.

[boogielicious]

15 hours ago, lmkhl said:

So I'm not sure exactly where I should post this, but I picked up a new set of irons for this season. Previously, I had been playing with a set of AP1 710's for about 10 years. To be honest, I was hitting those irons just fine, but when I recently came into a little $$, I figured upgrading to some irons with newer technology wouldn't hurt so I found a really nice set of Taylormade RSi 1's at a good price. Unfortunately, ever since I've been hitting these new Taylormade's, my swing and ball flight just doesn't feel right. I know it's the indian and not the arrow (or something like that), but I also know that the newer set of irons have a way stronger loft. Could this loft be contributing to my recent struggles? 

I almost want to go back to my AP1's, but then I would just feel like it was a complete waste buying the new irons. I'm assuming it'll just take some time to adjust to the new irons, but please let me know if I am missing anything or if there are any other tips to help me get my swing back on the right path! I also had this crazy thought that it could be the shaft. Do shafts of irons lose stiffness over time? Maybe since i'm hitting new irons, the shafts are stiffer than what I'm used to?

What are your misses? Also, are the clubs the same length as your AP1s? It could be something as simple as @dennyjones suggested too.

[bm85]

The above advice is sound, but assuming you purchased the set with the same length/lie, perhaps the different profile is affecting your aim or setup?

Concerning your question about shafts losing stiffness, I would assume not. They are the same make/model shaft correct? Stiffness of shaft is not a universal thing to my knowledge. Various brands have a wide variety of swing weights/stiffness which can feel and perform differently.

[Tecwesty]

Just gonna throw out a few points to consider:

Head weight / swing weight 

Shaft weight

Shaft flex profile

Have any of these changed substantially? 

[Hategolf]

It took me a month to get comfortable with my new set, and it was the same manufacturer I played for years. But for some reason, everything felt a little different. I did however had them fit for me, so that was probably the reason.

No matter what, you can learn to play with them. The question is..do you want to put the time?  would they really be the best set for you as they are? If not, get fit. Best decision I ever made was to get the right shafts based on my specs. 

 

[1badbadger]

If you still have your previous set, you can compare them to the new set to see what the differences are.  Check the basic specs: length, lie angle, swingweight, shaft flex and shaft weight.  I'll bet at least one of these is noticeable different, or maybe more.

Shafts do not lose their stiffness over time.  If anything, steel shafts actually get stiffer, but we're talking about over 30-40 years. Based on your comments, the shaft flex or swingweight are what I would look at first.

[Pretzel]

After getting the length, lie, and swingweight checked on your new irons compared to your old, I would give it at least another 5-10 rounds of just trying to clubs out before you decide on anything. There usually will be a period of time where you get used to the look and feel of a different iron, and how long that takes varies from person to person. I usually can get used to a new set of irons within 1-3 rounds (except my MP-4's that I just recently picked up, those felt fantastic from the start), but some people have a harder time with it for various reasons.