advise on new irons

[NJCstang]

I finally have a little money and I am looking to get a new set of irons. I have been looking and I have decided that I really like Taylormade irons. MY question is, are the r7 xd irons that much better than the regular r7 irons? I know that the xd has a titanium face but would the r7 give me just a much forgiveness as the xd just minus a little distance? Right now I am hitting some very old hand-me-down Linx Blackcat irons with graphite shafts. I have just started breaking the 100 mark and am looking to improve some more. I have also hit the Calloway X-16 and Cobra SSi and I hit them a club longer than I hit my current irons. I hit my 7 iron about 150 yards for a reference. I would like a little more distance than I have now but I don't need that much more. Does anyone have a side-by-side comparison of the r7 xd and the r7 irons or an opinion on what might be better for me? I appreciate the help.

[MCDavis]

First, go to taylormadegolf.com, click on irons, and then hit "compare all" at the bottom. I think what you'll find is the r7 and r7XD's are very similar in forgiveness, swingspeed, etc., but the XD has a heavier top line.

Also, look at the rac OS. basically same club as the r7XD, but is an older model so you can find them cheaper.

I play the OS, haven't hit the r7's yet...haven't really wanted to with the deal I got on my OS's!!!

[limpalong]

Originally Posted by NJCstang

I finally have a little money and I am looking to get a new set of irons. I have been looking and I have decided that I really like Taylormade irons. MY question is, are the r7 xd irons that much better than the regular r7 irons? I know that the xd has a titanium face but would the r7 give me just a much forgiveness as the xd just minus a little distance? Right now I am hitting some very old hand-me-down Linx Blackcat irons with graphite shafts. I have just started breaking the 100 mark and am looking to improve some more. I have also hit the Calloway X-16 and Cobra SSi and I hit them a club longer than I hit my current irons. I hit my 7 iron about 150 yards for a reference. I would like a little more distance than I have now but I don't need that much more. Does anyone have a side-by-side comparison of the r7 xd and the r7 irons or an opinion on what might be better for me? I appreciate the help.

Just some comments to give you some things to think about. Please, understand most of this is my personal opinion or observation.

Taylor Made has, over the years, brought out new club models quite often. That fact has seen large discounting of models that aren't even a year old. To buy this year's current models at MSRP could see those same irons sold at half of what you've paid within 90 days. If you are interested at all in TM, I'd highly advise looking for a model or two ago that can be had at hugely discounted prices.

You mention hitting the X-16. There are some bargains on used Callaway at www.callawaypreownedgolf.com With the X-20's about to be released and the X-18's now "last year's model", there should be some good deals out there on X-16's. And, IMHO, not much difference between the 16's and the 18's.

There are some great clubs out there for you to peruse. Demo... You don't know how important it is to demo, demo, demo. It is impossible to overemphasize how important the mental part of this game can be. You need to know in your mind the clubs in your bag are the best thing out there for you and your game. Callaway, Cobra, Titleist, Ping, TM... the list of great OEM's is lengthy. So many clubs... so little time to try them all! Good luck in your venture of finding new sticks!!!

[JEFF4i]

As MCDavis said, check out TaylorMade's compare all. Also, if you can, hit both as much as possible before buying, and see which ones you like.

[Stanters]

I agree with the above post totally. However if you are totaly set on TM and are just breaking 100 I couldn't recommend the RAC OSIIs enough to you.

I began playing golf regularly again after a 10 year hiatus last April (2005) and went through the same issues as yourself. I demo'd around 7-8 sets and was stuck between Mizuno MX-17s and the RACs. I went for the RACs but it was a total 50-50 decision for me.

I didn't regret my decision - those irons got me down from 21 to 12 in a year. Then I started reading the posts here and bought some forged irons but I have kept the RACs for now. They are a really good set for a game improver. You get decent feedback from them, good distance (although thats not crucial for irons) and some workability.

Add in the fact that they are now available considerably cheaper than the r7 series and I think you have a good reason to at least give them a try.

Choose wisely and take your time whatever you do though, this is not a decision to rush.

Good luck

[NJCstang]

Thanks for all the replies. I have demoed the OSII's once. I got a 6 iron for one round. The problem was I was having a terrible day and could not hit a single club in my bag so my comparison was not too great. I'll try to get a demo of the r7 and see how I like them. Another thing about the OSII is that comparing how they feel to how the r7 feel, I was leaning toward the r7. Now that the xd is "last years model" after such a short run they are a little hard to find. It seems that most of the new clubs have a stiff shaft (ebay shopping). Does anyone know any discount places online to order that would be on par with ebay prices? Or a good site with tons of great reviews (like this one), I could not find any reviews here for these particular clubs.

[JEFF4i]

Eh, I'm of the attitude if they let you demo it, be cool to just buy from them. Also, hard to find many sites with competitive prices on legit clubs.

[atlgolfer]

Originally Posted by JEFF4i

Eh, I'm of the attitude if they let you demo it, be cool to just buy from them. Also, hard to find many sites with competitive prices on legit clubs.

I agree with Jeff. Also if you need any kind of finer adjustments such as loft and lie, they'll do it for free.