New Guy Needs Help Selecting Irons

[GrandStranded]

Hi everyone, this is my first post, and I would like to get some opinions/advice. I just started a series of 3 lessons, which I like to do every year around this time. My instructor, who I know pretty well, told me it was time to move from stiff to regular flex in my irons. I did this last year in my woods and hybrid, but I hate changing irons, so I held off. Anyway, I traded in some stuff, and along with $200 , I purchased a set of TM M2 irons with Reg flex graphite 5-AW for $600. I bought them because they were the cheapest new set on the lefty racks, and a few of my friends play these and like them. I went to the range the next few days to get comfortable with them. They are really long, almost a full club longer then my older set, and I feel like they are more then forgiving enough. The problem? I hate the look of them, the shaft, the head, lot of lime green going on. Just look cheap to me. Then I read about people having the face slots pop and the heads cave. TM replaces the clubs while under warranty but... Anyway, I went to demo two other sets today, the 718 AP1, and  G400 and hit both about the same as these, but they look much better to me. Is the bag appeal and my thinking I would keep one of these in my bag way longer reason enough to use my 90 day playability, and would you spend an extra $400 to switch? Thanks, appreciate any feedback.

[dennyjones]

If you're not happy with the TM I'd make the switch.   You're already a step behind when you play if you have a swing thought that you don't like the clubs.  Part of a professional fitting is your opinion and thoughts about the clubs, your preference.  

[klineka]

Disclaimer: I'm a Taylormade fan and will most likely be choosing between M1, M2 and P790 when I choose my next irons.

8 hours ago, GrandStranded said:

I bought them because they were the cheapest new set on the lefty racks, and a few of my friends play these and like them. 

8 hours ago, GrandStranded said:

Just look cheap to me. 

This doesnt make sense to me. You bought the cheapest new set of irons (nothing wrong with that, most of my golf purchases have been used clubs or based on price), and you dont like them because you feel that they look cheap? You looked at them and felt them in the store correct? Did you get to hit them off a simulator or launch monitor in the store?

The increase in length your experiencing is probably due to the difference in lofts between the M2s and your prior set. The M2s are one of the strongest lofted irons on the market. What were your prior irons?

Personally for me, $400 to get a set that has near identical performance but looks better isnt worth it. That $400 could buy you a new driver if you needed one, at least probably 5 or 6 lessons, all new wedges, or even toss in another $100 and that'd get you the portable launch monitor, FlightScope Mevo. That being said, if looks really matter to you and you know you wont be happy with the M2's regardless of how you perform with them and the extra $400 isnt a big deal, then sure by all means make the switch.

[GrandStranded]

Klineka, I understand what you're saying, but I'm also concerned about what I read in so many reviews about people having problems with the face slots. I think the look of the heads is ok, just put off with all the lime green that's going on with the shafts ... it's silly, I know, but I'm at the age where I'd like to keep my irons for a long time, talking 5-10 years. I'd like to make sure everything, looks, fit, etc. are as good as possible. As to why did I buy this set? It's the club my instructor put in my hands during the lesson because he wanted to show me how going from heavier (110 ish?) steel to a lighter graphite would help me. Being lefty, there weren't any options stocked in the store at that price. PGA store offers 2 time 90 day exchange program, so I figured if they don't work out, I'd come back and get fit for a set I really liked. Must admit to a little sticker shock with new clubs, but if it's done within the 90 days, it will only cost the $400, or maybe less.

[klineka]

11 minutes ago, GrandStranded said:

PGA store offers 2 time 90 day exchange program, so I figured if they don't work out, I'd come back and get fit for a set I really liked. 

Sounds like there's your answer. You dont really like the looks and you'll always have that fear of the face slots in the back of your mind so might as well take them back and get something that you love, especially since you plan on keeping them for 5-10 years it makes sense to pay a little more up front to have something you will really enjoy.

[WUTiger]

Changing over from stiff to regular is significant change in your golf game. And, being a lefty, you have limited choices.

Since you have a 90-day return policy with PGA.SS, as @klineka says, make the change now.

Also, if you can find a left-handed Ping G, consider those. Solid clubs, and they cost less since they just went out of production. Lots of happy golfers playing Ping G with the AWT 2.0 R-flex shaft.

 

[dbuck]

I did almost the exact same thing, and I didn't have the playability guarantee. So, yes, in your shoes if the money isn't an issue, I would definitely do it.

I had the 2016 version of your clubs, and while I didn't have any of the problems, I just wanted the 718 AP1s. The only complaint I had, and it really isn't about the product, is I had a bit of adjustment to the very light REAX shaft. Additionally, this was compounded by the general swing problem I was having at the time.

I do recommend that you get fitted. I didn't and I was lucky that the AMT Red in S300 seems just fine for me. But I stayed with stiff so I only had a slightly lighter shaft than my old clubs, and a few grams heavier than the M2 REAX Since you are going from stiff to regular, I would definitely try a couple of different shafts before making the extra investment, whether you go with the PINGs or the AP1s.

[GrandStranded]

Thanks dbuck, that's some good info regarding shaft weight. There's a very popular golf school about 40 miles from me, and he has fitting days with 3 or 4 different companies there at least once a month. I know it's free if you buy, need to find out how much just for fittings. I'm a little leery of the PGA store doing it, and the fitting day should have a lot more shafts available? 

[cooke119]

Wont the exchange have to be at the PGA store? Or will they just give you your money back? I'm a Ping guy, although I have a set of Cobra as well. But I really like my G25s. The G400 are sweet, they just don't offer me enough to make a change, (plus the cost). They advertise a higher launch which isn't something I need. If I were you I would make the change. I find the look of the club at address very important. If you don't like it and are concerned about their reliability I would make the switch.

[GrandStranded]

Yeah, it's a credit, and the full amount has to be spent that day on something in the store, and you get 1 more 90 day playability. Or you can custom order something, which I believe gives you 2 more chances at 90 day program. After hearing all this, I think I see how some guys keep changing equipment constantly, LOL. Sounds great, but lets say you spend $599 like I did. The first time I traded in old stuff so it cost very little cash. Then you go back, get $600 credit, buy a $800 set. They get almost new clubs to resell, and another $200. If you do it again, you now have to spend at least $800 that day. I can easily imagine people letting this spin out of control financially.