Need Iron Advice

[YanBus17]

I'm going to be buying some new irons before the golf season starts here in Michigan. I shoot in the 45-50 range. I've been saving all winter so, if you were to buy clubs what would you recommend? What do people have and really like? I've been looking into the Cobras, R7, and Callaways. Let me know. Thanks

[RickinMA]

welcome to shottalk

if you really want to go with one of the big brands - please do yourself a favor and avoid buying them new - the clubs they sell for $800 new this year will be $299 next year and iron technology really doesn't change that much

you can pick up these same clubs used in great condition from global golf (a shottalk sponsor) for good prices

another option would be to look at custom clubs - a local clubfitter can probably build you irons that would perform better than anything off the rack - check out some of ths stuff at Indacupgolf.com
or Tom Wishon Golf Technology
or Welcome to Golfworks | Golf Equipment Supply
or Golfsmith: Build your own golf clubs, clubmaking, golf clubmaking, golf club components, clubmaking supplies, clubmakers, aldila shafts, grafally shafts, winn grips, golf pride grips, fujikura shafts

lots of options out there -be sure to pick up a design that fits your eye and style of play and match it up with an appropriate shaft for your swing at a weight that performs best for you
good luck and keep us posted

[YanBus17]

I don't plan on buying them new. There is a big golf show in a few weeks and I plan on getting some of last years models. Still I appreciate the advice.

[Irish]

demo demo demo....its really to only way to find what clubs suits your eye...

[bames]

Irish is dead on.

I will offer my opinion though and you can do with it as you please. MP-57 (or MP-60s) or Cleveland CG-2, or Bridgestone J-33. I really enjoy playing every one of those. Many, many, factors come into play here. One of the tremendous advantages of a demo is that most often they have length, lie and which shaft it is marked on that club. BE SURE to include these factors as you compare clubs.

[mddubya]

You might also want to look into forged irons instead of cast. That way as your game progresses and possibly your swing plane changes you can have the lie and lofts adjusted.

[MCDavis]

Nah, they're all wrong...just buy my J33 cb's from the classifieds!!

Seriously, listen to Irish and demo every club you like. That's the only way you'll find what's best for you.

One day I might even take that advice....

[ezra76]

I'd look into something game improvement oriented but not super GI. Something like the Callaway X18's or X forged, TM R7's or even R7TP's would work. Bargains can be had on irons like Srixon I302's and 506's, Mizuno MX-23's and 25's and Titleist's (not sure on the model #'s 735's, 775's?)

[BladerHater]

Try Cleveland Hi- bores, if you are looking for a more "player" inspired iron

[mddubya]

I have a set of i 506's now and I love them. If you're interested in a set of HiBore irons I have a set in almost perfect shape I'm looking to sell. They are almost impossible to hit a bad shot with so I guess they would be considered Super Game Improvement.

[YanBus17]

How much are you looking to sell them for?

[mddubya]

Originally Posted by YanBus17

How much are you looking to sell them for?

PM sent

[h3king]

Originally Posted by mddubya

You might also want to look into forged irons instead of cast. That way as your game progresses and possibly your swing plane changes you can have the lie and lofts adjusted.

Is there a big difference in how forged clubs play instead of casted ?

[RickinMA]

Originally Posted by h3king

Is there a big difference in how forged clubs play instead of casted ?

yes and no
the design of the head has a bigger impact on the way a club plays than the material it's made of.
A forged muscle back iron will play different than a cast cavity back. A forged muscle back won't play much different than a cast muscle back iron.
Many will argue they prefer the "feel" of forged clubs but both forged and cast clubs are harder than the balls we hit (I have forged irons in my bag - not because they're forged, but because I like them the best )

In general, forged clubs are more bendable than cast irons because they use softer metals (so as to not wear out the forging dies too quickly) - the advice above is trying to help "future-proof" the set against a change in swingplane

Cast clubs in general hold up better against wear (many forgings get dinged up in the bag pretty easily)

Before CNC milling became popular cast clubs were generally more forgiving because the cavity backs could be deeper than forged clubs due to the manufacturing process (forged is metal pounded into shape, cast is metal poured into a mold then cooled)