Time to buy new clubs?

[ZANDER1994]

Hi all, I've been a lurker for awhile but this is my first post. As I've gotten into my mid 20's and have more time I've returned to playing the game a couple times a week. Right now I average in the high 80's but I hope to get that down to the low 80's this season.

Up till now I've been playing with a 2009 Maxfli Black Max set I purchased to play with in high school for $500 from Dick's. I didn't really think anything of upgrading until I cracked the head of my driver and replaced it with a Taylormade R1. Wow what a difference! This has made me start seriously considering upgrading the rest of my bag. I plan to hit a used golf shop today to test some clubs out, but my price point is around $300 at the moment for new irons. I see used Taylormade RSI 1's are in my price point but suggestions are welcome. 

My Maxfli's were fitted for me but they were bought new. I'm 6'4 so I'm not sure how it works buying used clubs in terms of fitting. Fitting is included for free at this shop, but will my selection still be limited to clubs with longer shafts already included? Should I expect to feel a significant improvement in the irons as I did with the driver?  

[Piz]

I look at new golf clubs in much the same way I do a new guitar or bass.  Will the new instrument improve my playing ?  No.  Will that 5 string improve my outlook?  If it is going to keep me from wondering about it, all the time, yes.  In that sense; new gear may very well contribute to eventual improvement by making the process more enjoyable.  

[WUTiger]

53 minutes ago, ZANDER1994 said:

... My Maxfli's were fitted for me but they were bought new. I'm 6'4 so I'm not sure how it works buying used clubs in terms of fitting. ...

Go for a basic static fitting to determine the metrics on clubs that will fit your body build and stance. Then, see if any clubs in the shop - which you like - fit these metrics.

Did you have lengthened shafts with your Maxflis? If you arm and leg length are of average proportion for your height, you may not need extremely long shafts. 

If you need longer shafts, shafts can be lengthened somewhat. (Be aware that will increase the swingweight).

The larger golf shops often capture the "recipe" for trade-in irons: flex, shaft model, shaft length (short, standard, long), and lie angle (upright, standard, flat). If you need something a little longer or shorter, chain shops such a Golf Galaxy might be able to find irons with your "recipe" at another store.

If you have any custom clubfitting operations in your area, they might have some trade-in irons.

[The Hook Meister]

Used clubs are fine if the person who owned them before is about the same height and in your price range.

[Phil McGleno]

Used clubs are fine until the person who owns them comes looking for them.-Ha ha ha!

[boogielicious]

13 hours ago, Phil McGleno said:

Used clubs are fine until the person who owns them comes looking for them.-Ha ha ha!

Ok, that made me laugh! 

[ZANDER1994]

I walked into Golf Galaxy today and explained what I've written here to an older gentleman. I brought my Maxfli 7 iron and 5 wood. After watching a couple hits with my Maxli's he told me my irons were too short and handed me a Callaway Steelhead 7 iron with 1" extended shaft. My 7 iron swing speed was 90mph so he recommended stiff shafts.

Maxfli 7 iron reg flex: 180 avg carry, pretty unpredictable fade/draw.

Callaway 7 iron steelhead stiff flex: 205 avg carry, consistent 5 yard draw.

I was ecstatic but when I wanted to compare the Callaways to other irons I was told they didn't carry any other irons with 1" extended shaft. Everything else I hit felt like crap without that extension, and I know it was the extension that made the difference because he put a Ping head on a .5 extended shaft for me and I hit it just as well as the Callaways. I told him I'd search for extended 1" stiff irons online.

We then moved on to a few woods. I hit a couple before finding a Taylor Made R15 5-Wood stiff shaft they had on clearance. Average carry distance was 255 and straight as an arrow and it just felt perfect. After less than 10 swings with it I walked up to the register and paid.

So now I know I am in the market for 1" extended stiff shaft irons and I couldn't be happier. Any additional suggestions are appreciated!

 

 

 

 

Edited January 14, 2018 by ZANDER1994