What irons for me? Wilson D100 a good set? (high hdcp/beginner)

[Badunkulus]

I've been (poorly) playing about one or two rounds a year for the past 5 years with a handful of range trips, and I'd like to get a bit more serious about it. I've been using my dad's old set of clubs, the irons are from the 90s. The drivers are relatively new though. I'd like to get a newer set of player improvement irons as I think they'd really help out my development.

The person at the store said that my swing suited regular flex steel shafts (~80mph with a 7i), and I'm 6'3" so I'm guessing I can develop more speed/power as I go along. From the Ping static measurement (6'3", 39" wtf), seems like a +1" shaft would suit me.

I tried out a few sets at Golftown (I'm in Canada) using a 7i, and there's a set of steel Wilson D100s, 4-PW, GW, that were $400 marked down to $300, with an additional $50 due to store promos. So $250 CDN for the set. But, standard length. Would be $160 to extend/regrip if I need that extra 1".

I've also been looking online at Globalgolf, Rockbottomgolf, etc for used sets because I'm cheap. That would let me get a set with the proper shaft length.

Should I hold out for a set with a 4/5 hybrid, or plan on buying those separately?

Any help/guidance would be greatly appreciated :)

 

[MarvChamp]

Here's what Wilson and the PGA Value Guide said about the D-100's: "Large, thin, and unsupported club face delivers faster ball speeds and unsurpassed distance. Exoskeleton technology and undercut cavity allows for more mass to be moved to the sole, heel and toe areas for extreme perimeter weighting and forgiveness. Optimized head proportions throughout the iron set deliver ideal launch angles, ball speeds and spin rates for each loft." And they were on the 2013 Hot List. Using the Maltby Playability Factor, I'm not sure that they will be very forgiving though, if that is important to you. 

Other than that, I don't think anyone here can advise you by mail, as it were, about what club is best; you should consult a professional, one who can get some dynamic technical data about your swing. A taller golfer may have special needs as you have mentioned. The club has several important components...head, shaft, grip, and there are numerous options for each...but how each performs depends on you. If you can, get fitted for the clubs. And/or try to test several different types and brands. Research them and get reviews. Don't rush to buy based on price and looks.

I hope someone who is better qualified will chime in; we all want to see you succeed, I know that. Best wishes in your search. -Marv

[Badunkulus]

Thanks for the info Marv, that makes sense. I felt okay hitting the 7i today, but the MPF does seem a little lower than ideal for me. I'd like to keep into the GI category, as that seems like a sweet spot for helping my game along while still being viable for a bit longer if/when I improve. I'll keep researching.

I've read that a dynamic fitting is basically lost on someone who doesn't have a grooved swing, so that's why I haven't investigated that. From what I've read as well, my swing speed suits a standard flex shaft, and my hand size suits a standard grip.

I'm not really concerned with looks, but price is a determining factor. I'm not looking to spend much more than $300 on a set of irons, and I'm very value focused. So models from previous years on clearance are in my wheelhouse, as are used sets. Seems like my local store doesn't offer custom fitted shafts for anything on clearance though, just all standard length.

Edited September 5, 2017 by Badunkulus

[MarvChamp]

OK...Maybe take the MPF and check for clubs on eBay that meet your spec's? Lots of new or newer clubs for $300 or less. All the online retailers sell there, I believe. Also, don't forget some oldie goldies' MPF like Big Bertha's or Cleveland TA6's that can be had for a song. Best of luck,

 -Marv

[onthehunt526]

D100 irons were a bit low for a GI iron. You might be better suited for one of the older (not ancient) Adams hybrid sets such as the a12os or similar. Though the D200s I think (don't quote me) have a higher MPF than it's predecessor. Since the D300s are now out, can be purchased on the cheap.

[Badunkulus]

Thx Marv, will check out eBay and the Berthas and TA6s.

Ooh, the A12 OS looks like a reasonable set for me. Also found these Adams v4 at +1" length. No MPF on them, but reviews seem to place them in the (S)GI category. Wilson D200s look to be a 416 MPF, so probably not the best option for me.

[RussUK]

I think if you are just starting out then there is no harm getting an older model of iron.

I've only been playing 5 years and i ditched my Wilson Staff Di9's for a set of Hippo Beast Bi Metals off ebay for £40. Love them, and being cheap not too bothered about dinging them.

Di9's were just too light for me and the Beasts were an experiment on the cheap with heavier shafts.

If you are willing to spend a little time looking around on line there are some great second hand deals. Just be careful on ebay that you check the seller reviews and dont be tempted by the "last season irons for under $100" ads. If its too good to be tru it usually is.

[Badunkulus]

Also these +1 graphite v3s for $145 seem like a good deal. Below avg condition, but I don't really care about some scuffs and dings. Maybe the face wear is something to be concerned with though? Described as "Face: Light scuffing and pitting".

Edited September 5, 2017 by Badunkulus

[Lihu]

1 minute ago, RussUK said:

I think if you are just starting out then there is no harm getting an older model of iron.

I agree with this and think that MPF comes into the picture when you have a reasonable swing and are trying to hit the sweet spot to optimize your flight and distances. So, I wouldn't get too wrapped up in what club you are using. Of course, a SGI club is going to get you better results on the course, but the focus should be more on getting a decent swing than scoring, flight and consistent distances.

Of course, there are many that disagree, but that's just my opinion. If I wanted to improve from my current HC, more playable clubs would likely help. But I'm not hitting shanks every 5th shot either.

[Badunkulus]

Oh, agreed on spending time on a consistent swing rather than aiming for a certain score. But I feel like I'll be less frustrated and more likely to continue putting the time in with a more forgiving (S)GI set.

[Badunkulus]

Actually I think that set of graphite v3s might be standard length.

This set of A12OS should be +1" though. I have some wrist pain from being on keyboard all day, so graphite shafts appeal to me. Might just pull the trigger on them.

[Badunkulus]

Okay, ordered a slightly different set of A12OS, 4-PW+GW graphite, std length, from a Canadian seller. For $300 with tax and a 30-day return policy, seems like a small risk to take.

Thanks for all of the advice!

[Lihu]

Just now, Badunkulus said:

Okay, ordered a slightly different set of A12OS, 4-PW+GW graphite, std length, from a Canadian seller. For $300 with tax and a 30-day return policy, seems like a small risk to take.

Thanks for all of the advice!

Nice! Have fun with them!

[Badunkulus]

Thanks! Should be a step up from my dad's Ryder Cup IIs :)