OT: SPS Golfers RE: New Irons

[mcdawg22]

I have been playing ‘98 Burner Oversized for 22 years now and am consistent when I play a good amount. I carry 165 to 170 with a 6 iron with a consistent dispersion for the most part. Once I get to 175 and up I can’t rely on my 5. I played with my nephew and he added 15 yards to his 7 iron with new Sim2 Max irons. I was leaning toward finally upgrading but didn’t realize the selection of player distance and game improvement irons out there and how much more carry they are getting. I realize it’s because they are de-lofted so I wanted to ask if anybody out there upgraded to any of these clubs and noticed a bump in distance but kept ball flight and accuracy? I’m looking at Sim Max, P790, T200, or T300. I’d love to know any Sixhackers experience with these types of clubs. For reference when I am playing a lot I’m @ a 10 handicap. And I am going to get fitted when I purchase.

 

[Mobile Bay]

I have been playing ‘98 Burner Oversized for 22 years now and am consistent when I play a good amount. I carry 165 to 170 with a 6 iron with a consistent dispersion for the most part. Once I get to 175 and up I can’t rely on my 5. I played with my nephew and he added 15 yards to his 7 iron with new Sim2 Max irons. I was leaning toward finally upgrading but didn’t realize the selection of player distance and game improvement irons out there and how much more carry they are getting. I realize it’s because they are de-lofted so I wanted to ask if anybody out there upgraded to any of these clubs and noticed a bump in distance but kept ball flight and accuracy? I’m looking at Sim Max, P790, T200, or T300. I’d love to know any Sixhackers experience with these types of clubs. For reference when I am playing a lot I’m @ a 10 handicap. And I am going to get fitted when I purchase.

Everybody who plays golf needs to read this book.

https://wishongolf.com/the-search-for-the-perfect-golf-club/

And don't waste money on the clubs with a huge advertising budget.

 

[Col. Forbin]

T300. I’ve hit my buddies and they are legit. I’m just too cheap to buy any

 

[Jeffreauxdawg]

I have been playing ‘98 Burner Oversized for 22 years now and am consistent when I play a good amount. I carry 165 to 170 with a 6 iron with a consistent dispersion for the most part. Once I get to 175 and up I can’t rely on my 5. I played with my nephew and he added 15 yards to his 7 iron with new Sim2 Max irons. I was leaning toward finally upgrading but didn’t realize the selection of player distance and game improvement irons out there and how much more carry they are getting. I realize it’s because they are de-lofted so I wanted to ask if anybody out there upgraded to any of these clubs and noticed a bump in distance but kept ball flight and accuracy? I’m looking at Sim Max, P790, T200, or T300. I’d love to know any Sixhackers experience with these types of clubs. For reference when I am playing a lot I’m @ a 10 handicap. And I am going to get fitted when I purchase.

I would look at the Callaway Rogues too. I was playing a 16 year old set of irons and went into the PGA superstore before Covid and tried everything. I never cared for Callaway and did not want to like them. But they are perfect for me (12 HC a few years ago.) More like a 15 now.

The rogues were forgiving and long for me. I'm not a super long player by any means, but if I want to carry 175 with no wind its a 7 iron with my rogue.... It will come in high and spinning too. They are lofted a little higher, so hitting a 5 now is like hitting a 6 or 7. Check them out... The extra loft makes the difference for me. I'm legit hitting the 4 with all of the confidence in the world.

I have only played a few times with them, but my iron play has been tits. The short game is a real problem though...

Anyway, whatever you get, it will be a world of difference. You are going to be pissed you didn't upgrade sooner.

 

[DAWG61]

Last time I bought irons I went to Dick's sporting goods and hit about 5-6 different ones and just got the ones I hit best. New Ping irons. Dick's has a screen you hit into showing you carry/yards etc. You'll gain an extra 15 yards per club just by upgrading whichever you hit best. Good luck.

 

[TimberBeast]

We are going through the process of getting new irons for my daughter now. We went to Edwin Watts a couple weeks ago to let her hit hit a few irons. She normally hits her 7 iron about 150 to 155, that’s an AP2. With the Callaway Apex and the Titleist T200 she was getting about 10 more yards. She hit the Taylormade 790 about 10 yards further than that but the guy said a lot of good and consistent golfers have been telling him the 790’s distances were very inconsistent. I think he said they were foam filled.

 

[mstateglfr]

Edwin Watts is still around?!
I would guessed they went thru 2 bankruptcies and selloffs this century alone.

 

[jethreauxdawg]

I would recommend used clubs

I had been using 15 year old irons until two years ago. I hit several of the new irons at Edwin watts. Ended up buying a slightly used set online from one of the resale sites. They were basically new, but technically 2 years old. They were about 40% of the price of new clubs and a huge improvement over my older ones. If you’re playing clubs from ‘98, everything you can get now will be better.
I’m still using a 15 year old driver, but I love that old 983k.

 

[mcdawg22]

I had been using 15 year old irons until two years ago. I hit several of the new irons at Edwin watts. Ended up buying a slightly used set online from one of the resale sites. They were basically new, but technically 2 years old. They were about 40% of the price of new clubs and a huge improvement over my older ones. If you’re playing clubs from ‘98, everything you can get now will be better.
I’m still using a 15 year old driver, but I love that old 983k.

I had a 975J that I parted with 5 years ago. It was tough but the adjustable shafts were too much for me to turn down. I love the idea of used clubs I just need to make sure they are up to my specs. Luckily my height and wrist are online with standard sets. I just need to get the lie angle right.

 

[TimberBeast]

Yeah Edwin Watts is still going, not really sure how. I know our closest one said they have been killing it during corona though, there are some clubs they can’t keep in stock. The best thing about Edwin Watts and the primary reason we use them is that you can bring any clubs back within 90 days no questions asked.

 

[Reunion Dog]

Sounds like your daughter can play. Congratulations..

Has she tried the Ping 210's? Lots of LPGA players hit them and if she can hit ap2's.. she can hit these and be able to work them also...

Also try the Callaway Makricks... Light, feels good to hit and shafts are good too...

Have the new Mavrick driver and 5 wood and easiest longest clubs ever for me in those 2 clubs...

Pls let me know what y'all do...

 

[HumpDawgy]

Anyone have experience with Cleveland irons?

 

[Mobile Bay]

Yeah Edwin Watts is still going, not really sure how. I know our closest one said they have been killing it during corona though, there are some clubs they can’t keep in stock. The best thing about Edwin Watts and the primary reason we use them is that you can bring any clubs back within 90 days no questions asked.

The reason they can't keep clubs in stock is other than Ping, the entire worlds supply of golf clubs comes from just a couple of places in China, and shipping is a mess now. ANother reason to go to a custom clubmaker and have a set built for you, instead of buying a name.

 

[jethreauxdawg]

That’s what I have

Anyone have experience with Cleveland irons?

TT588 I think is the number. It’s the last year they were made with the Cleveland name on them. Now made by mizzuno. It’s a forgiving club. I had older Calloway irons that were considered forgiving. The Cleveland’s are at least 10 years newer. I hit them further and the off center shots are closer to the correct distance. I really like them. There were three levels of “forgiveness” in the Cleveland’s. TT, MT, and something else. TT was the least forgiving and the something else was the most. I think the TT are forgiving enough. I’ve been between a 6-8 handicap for a while, if that helps you.

 

[FISHDAWG]

A course where I play a lot has a 4-iron hanging on the wall from the set that Arnold Palmer used to win his last Masters in the early sixties ... I'm surprised it didn't have a wooden shaft in it as old and antiquated as it looked and he still shot under par with it. While I agree that technological advances in equipment have helped tremendously for the amateur, that old club made me understand it's more the swing than the equipment.... and there went my hopes for a US Open**

 

[Jeffreauxdawg]

The reason they can't keep clubs in stock is other than Ping, the entire worlds supply of golf clubs comes from just a couple of places in China, and shipping is a mess now. ANother reason to go to a custom clubmaker and have a set built for you, instead of buying a name.

Of course the clubs are all made in China... So is everything else we buy. Are you going to a custom cobbler and tailor to have running shoes and shorts made? What about your TV? iPhones? Or the million other things you buy from China?

The reality is manufacturers design, engineer, and test products (even golf clubs) in their country of origin and have factories in other countries (China, Vietnam, Mexico) build it to their spec. To ensure this happens correctly they usually have quality control employees on the ground.

The idea that different quality golf clubs can't come out of the same factory is ludacris. We do the same stuff in the US... Titleist makes both ProV1 and Pinnacle balls.

Finally. If you are getting custom clubs, you are only getting forged irons. And outside of low single digits handicap players, you don't want forged irons. The fact is Callaway, Taylormade, Ping, Mizuno, and a few others all make bad *** clubs that perform at all kinds of different levels. Are you paying for marketing? Of course. Just like everything else in life. But it doesn't change the fact that it all performs completely different.

 

[jethreauxdawg]

Preach

While I agree that technological advances in equipment have helped tremendously for the amateur, that old club made me understand it's more the swing than the equipment.... and there went my hopes for a US Open**

Yes, for the OP, upgrading 20 year old irons will help and make it more fun. Taking lessons from a good coach will be more beneficial than anything for most people, but that’s not as much fun. It can also be difficult to find a good coach that’s interested in coaching you. I’ve taken lessons from some guys that were idiots, some that were good but too important for me, and some that I highly recommend. Good luck finding one of those in your area.

 

[horshack.sixpack]

I'm convinced that club tech is worth an upgrade about once a decade for a casual golfer. Year by year the improvement is incremental, but the marketing is exponential.

 

[Mobile Bay]

Of course the clubs are all made in China... So is everything else we buy. Are you going to a custom cobbler and tailor to have running shoes and shorts made? What about your TV? iPhones? Or the million other things you buy from China?

The reality is manufacturers design, engineer, and test products (even golf clubs) in their country of origin and have factories in other countries (China, Vietnam, Mexico) build it to their spec. To ensure this happens correctly they usually have quality control employees on the ground.

The idea that different quality golf clubs can't come out of the same factory is ludacris. We do the same stuff in the US... Titleist makes both ProV1 and Pinnacle balls.

Finally. If you are getting custom clubs, you are only getting forged irons. And outside of low single digits handicap players, you don't want forged irons. The fact is Callaway, Taylormade, Ping, Mizuno, and a few others all make bad *** clubs that perform at all kinds of different levels. Are you paying for marketing? Of course. Just like everything else in life. But it doesn't change the fact that it all performs completely different.

That is simply not true. You are not limited to forged irons for custom clubs. Yes the range of adjustments to the clubhead are more limited. But there are still variations in weight, length, weighting, MOI, and grip that can be selected to better fit your swing.

And no I don't have custom shoes made. But the guy two offices down from mine, who runs marathons, does.

And the only reason I mentioned China is because of the shipping supplies have been low on shelves.

 

[johnson86-1]

We are going through the process of getting new irons for my daughter now. We went to Edwin Watts a couple weeks ago to let her hit hit a few irons. She normally hits her 7 iron about 150 to 155, that’s an AP2. With the Callaway Apex and the Titleist T200 she was getting about 10 more yards. She hit the Taylormade 790 about 10 yards further than that but the guy said a lot of good and consistent golfers have been telling him the 790’s distances were very inconsistent. I think he said they were foam filled.

Man that's depressing. Any chance your daughter is 6'2, 220? That would make me feel better.

 

[johnson86-1]

TT588 I think is the number. It’s the last year they were made with the Cleveland name on them. Now made by mizzuno. It’s a forgiving club. I had older Calloway irons that were considered forgiving. The Cleveland’s are at least 10 years newer. I hit them further and the off center shots are closer to the correct distance. I really like them. There were three levels of “forgiveness” in the Cleveland’s. TT, MT, and something else. TT was the least forgiving and the something else was the most. I think the TT are forgiving enough. I’ve been between a 6-8 handicap for a while, if that helps you.

How do the on-center shots feel? I upgraded to some Taylormade irons a while back from pretty old irons, and it's amazing how well they do with a poorly hit ball. Can hit a ball that feels like **** and it ends up edge of the fairway about 15 yards shorter than it would be with a well hit shot. At the same time, they feel like **** on a well hit ball, at least compared to my old clubs. Lost distance too on well hit balls, too, but not sure if that's the clubs or me getting older combined with not playing as much. There's so little feel I had to get out there with chalk to confirm that the balls I thought were on center and looked like a lifeless version of a flush shot were actually on center.

If I ever play enough to start hitting the ball consistently again, I'm getting rid of them for something else. Not sure what, but I miss feeling it when I hit a ball well.

 

[johnson86-1]

A course where I play a lot has a 4-iron hanging on the wall from the set that Arnold Palmer used to win his last Masters in the early sixties ... I'm surprised it didn't have a wooden shaft in it as old and antiquated as it looked and he still shot under par with it. While I agree that technological advances in equipment have helped tremendously for the amateur, that old club made me understand it's more the swing than the equipment.... and there went my hopes for a US Open**

I played with a single handicapper one time that was dating a relative. He showed up at a family event and we were going to play golf so he came with us and just played out of our bags. He wore sneakers and I don't think he even borrowed a glove. We're all high handicappers at the time with reasonably different clubs, and whereever he was, he'd just grab a club out of whichever bag was closest and stripe it. His short game was pretty medicore, which probably was impacted by not having his clubs and lacking feel, but it must have been pretty uninspiring with his clubs because it would have had to be for him to not be a scratch golfer. Been a while but I think he said he was a 4 or 5 handicapper, which would have meant he was giving up quite a few strokes around the green.

 

[jethreauxdawg]

How do the on-center shots feel?

That one time was great.
But seriously, they feel awesome when I hit the sweet spot.

 

[ClintonInHelen]

I’d hit it...

 

[Jeffreauxdawg]

I think some people are better at that than others. It would cost me ten strokes to borrow someone's else's clubs. I have a friend that is probably a 5 handicap that can break 80 everytime with nothing but a Superstick. He is also the kind of guy that shoots his best round of the year in the Spring when he hasn't played in months.

Dude is the best casual golfer I have ever seen. But never cared enough to take it to the next level. Hasn't had a lesson since high school in the 90's.

View attachment 19358

 

[mcdawg22]

While not to that extreme I’m kind of like that. I’ll get matched up in scrambles with guys that are way better than me and they are confused when I pull off shots that someone with my handicap shouldn’t be able to pull off. On the flip side my handicap can be a crutch in scrambles. I don’t bomb it off the tee and I’m not a flag hunter by any stretch, but I have a very good short game so when I play straight up it’s pars and bogeys with a birdie or double thrown in there. Unfortunately getting up and down in two doesn’t translate to in scrambles. I am convinced if there were a professional beer league where you had to drink a beer a hole, I’d qualify for the tour.

 

[Rezpup]

The standard Mavrik is the longest-hitting of the three new irons. It's a game-improvement club that has a moderately thick topline and sole width with some offset. The Mavrik Max is a super-game-improvement iron for higher-handicap golfers who struggle with consistency. The heads are larger to make them more forgiving. The Mavrik Pro irons are the most compact of the three. They have the thinnest toplines and soles, and only moderate offset. More than likely it sounds like the Standard Mavrik irons may work best for you based on your Hcp.

That’s from a q&a on Callaway’s site from a guy similar to your game.

I just got the Mavrik Pro’s with graphite shafts and love em. Straight and you don’t lose much distance on mis hits.

 

[jethreauxdawg]

I’m the opposite but hitting it long off the tee leaves a lot of wedges to the green. When I miss though... things get exciting. My punch out game is strong, though.

 

[o_Hot Rock]

Ok, I plan on getting a set myself but I want them to be fit to me specifically. Off the shelf clubs will not do at all. I have the arm length of a 6 foot plus dude but the rest is waaay shorter. Best place to go in Starkville area for club fitting. I will go from Jackson, Birmingham of Memphis. I want the best fit club, not best name.

 

[HeCannotGo]

I went to Club Champion about two years ago for a full-bag fitting. It cost about $200 but they apply the fitting fee to anything you purchase from them.

They had me hit multiple shots with different head and shaft combinations. They provided suggestions about composition of the club set as well as what type of clubs/shafts I should get. Of course, they tried to sell me a set that would've required me to auction off a kidney to be able to afford. When I just laughed, they quickly came up with a set that fit my budget. I've been very pleased with them. Ended up with Ping driver and fairway woods, Mizuno irons and Cleveland wedges. Clubs were delivered to my house about two weeks after the fitting.

Interestingly, they never told me what brand I was hitting. Just handed me a club and said, "Hit this one a few times." I think this was intentional to keep unconscious bias for or against certain brands from creeping in.

 

[johnson86-1]

While not to that extreme I’m kind of like that. I’ll get matched up in scrambles with guys that are way better than me and they are confused when I pull off shots that someone with my handicap shouldn’t be able to pull off. On the flip side my handicap can be a crutch in scrambles. I don’t bomb it off the tee and I’m not a flag hunter by any stretch, but I have a very good short game so when I play straight up it’s pars and bogeys with a birdie or double thrown in there. Unfortunately getting up and down in two doesn’t translate to in scrambles. I am convinced if there were a professional beer league where you had to drink a beer a hole, I’d qualify for the tour.

I feel your pain on this one. I've never been a good golfer, but when I played a lot, it was basically a lot of getting up and down for par or bogey or two put pars. A lot more consistent than probably most people with similar handicaps, but pretty much worthless in a scramble except that I could consistently put one in the fairway so that longer hitters could let loose. Also sucked for Wolf. Would have plenty of shots used to prevent other people from winning a hole without a birdie, but rarely contributed to winning a hole.

 

[mcdawg22]

Interestingly, they never told me what brand I was hitting. Just handed me a club and said, "Hit this one a few times." I think this was intentional to keep unconscious bias for or against certain brands from creeping in.

That seems like a very good idea.

 

[greenvilledawg.sixpack]

about four years ago i talked to the head pro at the MSU course and he signed me up for two club demos. one from callalway and one from titleist. he observed the demos and made suggestions to the rep about shafts and heads etc. when i got to the titlelist demo and hit 3 balls he told me that the callaway was definietly for me....... then the callaway rep and the golf pro fit me.....
then last year i decided that at my point in life i would look at the pxg's......got them and love them.......also veteran so the discount was what made them much more affordable....

 

[MrKotter]

Ok, I plan on getting a set myself but I want them to be fit to me specifically. Off the shelf clubs will not do at all. I have the arm length of a 6 foot plus dude but the rest is waaay shorter. Best place to go in Starkville area for club fitting. I will go from Jackson, Birmingham of Memphis. I want the best fit club, not best name.

In Memphis, Scott Felix will be your best option He is a custom shop and can provide better options than the big box/retail chain stores can. He's out at Spring Creek Ranch

 

[TimberBeast]

In Memphis, Scott Felix will be your best option.

Scott is who we would use if we were in the northern part of the state. We have good friends who use him. I have spoken with him before and he was very honest and offered to find us someone for fitting near the Coast.

 

[msualohadog]

Slight hijack, but if you're military look at the PXGs. Bob Parsons is an ex-marine and gives a Hero discount. I got $3K worth of clubs for about $700.

I have been playing ‘98 Burner Oversized for 22 years now and am consistent when I play a good amount. I carry 165 to 170 with a 6 iron with a consistent dispersion for the most part. Once I get to 175 and up I can’t rely on my 5. I played with my nephew and he added 15 yards to his 7 iron with new Sim2 Max irons. I was leaning toward finally upgrading but didn’t realize the selection of player distance and game improvement irons out there and how much more carry they are getting. I realize it’s because they are de-lofted so I wanted to ask if anybody out there upgraded to any of these clubs and noticed a bump in distance but kept ball flight and accuracy? I’m looking at Sim Max, P790, T200, or T300. I’d love to know any Sixhackers experience with these types of clubs. For reference when I am playing a lot I’m @ a 10 handicap. And I am going to get fitted when I purchase.

 

[Muttley]

Slight hijack, but if you're military look at the PXGs. Bob Parsons is an ex-marine and gives a Hero discount. I got $3K worth of clubs for about $700.

I believe the discounts go for Firefighters and Police, also.

 

[RocketDawg]

How do you like the PXG clubs?

 

[msualohadog]

Awesome. Huge difference. My son just got the 0311 Gen 2 irons for $125 a club. They're normally $350 a club. Callaway/Taylor Made/Ping to PXG is like going from a BMW or Mercedes to a Ferrari. Huge deal if your military, police, or fireman. Bob Parsons is a maverick billionare who founded godaddy.com. He's giving back to the military and he's THE MAN. I'll never play with anything else.