Buying new set of Golf Irons - For golfers, which would you prefer?

[aZuMi]

This summer, I'll be upgrading my 8 year old Mizuno MX-15 to something that focuses more on Accuracy than power.

Handicap - around 20 (mid to high 80's to mid 90's, depending on course)
I'm looking to stick to playing with Mizuno's since I've been using it for over 10 years


1. Mizuno MP 53 (Pro level, less forgiving but more for accuracy) - http://www.golftown.com/Mizuno-MP-53-Irons-P2134.aspx


2. Mizuno JPX 800 Pro (can create different shots, forged iron)- http://www.golftown.com/Mizuno-JPX-800-Pro-Irons-P2133.aspx


3. Mizuno JPX 800 (more forgiving, cast iron)- http://www.golftown.com/Mizuno-JPX-800-Irons-Steel-P1540.aspx


If there's other irons that can be recommended, please post them. But I'm not looking for entry level/beginner irons.
*cough* Bluntman & CWP Sedan, need your inputs too *cough*:chuckle

Thanks for the input.
Gian

[dave2010GT]

If I may jump in here I think I can help.

If your 20 Handicaper DO NOT BUY pro level clubs you will struggle with those because they are for people who have mastered their swing and can repeat it over and over and over again, hence they are able to make adjustments while keeping their initial swing fundamentals intact.

You can't based on that score but don't feel bad 95% of golfers can't hence this market exists for us to improve. What I would do if I were you would to look at JPX800 because one your making a big technology jump from using 15 yr old clubs so these would feel incredibly different. However, I would buy those and get lessons, I was in the same boat as you and decided I can spend whatever I want on clubs if I don't get someone who knows what to do teach me all I'll do is waste my money and keep the same score.

Now depending on your budget I would look at a set of PING V2 Raptures which are 60% off right now or G15 Irons and get fitted. Believe do it once and you'll probably never need a new set of clubs again.

Also NIKE's new combo set where the first 3-5 irons are cavity based irons, 6-7 are forged, and 8-P are blades I think to help give you greater accuracy in short shots. Something to look at.

Hope it helps but I'm sure everyone will have different opinions

[PearlM3]

If I may jump in here I think I can help.

If your 20 Handicaper DO NOT BUY pro level clubs you will struggle with those because they are for people who have mastered their swing and can repeat it over and over and over again, hence they are able to make adjustments while keeping their initial swing fundamentals intact.

You can't based on that score but don't feel bad 95% of golfers can't hence this market exists for us to improve. What I would do if I were you would to look at JPX800 because one your making a big technology jump from using 15 yr old clubs so these would feel incredibly different. However, I would buy those and get lessons, I was in the same boat as you and decided I can spend whatever I want on clubs if I don't get someone who knows what to do teach me all I'll do is waste my money and keep the same score.

Now depending on your budget I would look at a set of PING V2 Raptures which are 60% off right now or G15 Irons and get fitted. Believe do it once and you'll probably never need a new set of clubs again.

Also NIKE's new combo set where the first 3-5 irons are cavity based irons, 6-7 are forged, and 8-P are blades I think to help give you greater accuracy in short shots. Something to look at.

Hope it helps but I'm sure everyone will have different opinions

+25, My father-in-law last year decided he wanted a better set of clubs, so switched from an older set to a set of brand new callaway irons. Well he used them like 4 times and had to get rid of them, they were so unforgiving. With those pro clubs if you have any twitches in your swing they will come out and be exaggerated. I would say pick up a mid level set of irons, and spend a little more on a nice driver.

[Unoriginalusername]

Ap2's if you want to stray brands. I would get a partially backed cavity

[aZuMi]

If I may jump in here I think I can help.

If your 20 Handicaper DO NOT BUY pro level clubs you will struggle with those because they are for people who have mastered their swing and can repeat it over and over and over again, hence they are able to make adjustments while keeping their initial swing fundamentals intact.

You can't based on that score but don't feel bad 95% of golfers can't hence this market exists for us to improve. What I would do if I were you would to look at JPX800 because one your making a big technology jump from using 15 yr old clubs so these would feel incredibly different. However, I would buy those and get lessons, I was in the same boat as you and decided I can spend whatever I want on clubs if I don't get someone who knows what to do teach me all I'll do is waste my money and keep the same score.

Now depending on your budget I would look at a set of PING V2 Raptures which are 60% off right now or G15 Irons and get fitted. Believe do it once and you'll probably never need a new set of clubs again.

Also NIKE's new combo set where the first 3-5 irons are cavity based irons, 6-7 are forged, and 8-P are blades I think to help give you greater accuracy in short shots. Something to look at.

Hope it helps but I'm sure everyone will have different opinions

Thanks for the great input. I'll try out Nike's new set, but I have a feeling JPX 800 is the best fit for me as far as irons within Mizuno. Is custom fitting really that worth it? I know that clubs are generally made for people around 5'7" to 5'10" - at 5'9", I wouldn't think I have to custom fit my clubs.

Lessons do make sense...I've been playing inconsistently ever since and might give it a try this summer.

[Timotee]

Try hitting a few irons at Golf Town and see how each one feels. I owned a Ping Zing for about 15 years and sold it when I needed the money. I should have kept it but like what I said, I needed the money.

I went around and got myself a Ping IS, did not work. A set of Callaway X-18's....nah. Till I got my current set of Taylormade Burners. I always make it a point to try a few brands on display at Golftown. The TMs gave me the best feel and came out alright at the fairways.

It's just like buying a car, try road testing a few......see how it feels......then you decide. ;)

[little_wheelz]

I was going to write a reply when I got home but dave2010GT put it perfectly. At a 20HCP I would suggest you stay away from forged irons unless you want a 25HCP. For the typical weekend golfer it will just cause more frustration.... I have a set of Cleveland TA3's which were great when I was a 5HCP playing 3x per week. Now that I play 3x per month (and don't have the same swing as when I was 20) they are painful to play with, both on the scorecard and on the hands. Seriously, it hurts when you miss a shot.

I'd say that I'm a 12-15HCP now and I'm looking at the AP2 or the VR Combo irons. I do appreciate the brand loyalty but I would suggest trying a few.

Also, regarding the club fitting, it is not just your height that is important, your arm length, swing shape, tempo ... all factor in. It is not likely that you would add length but they will adjust loft and lie. That all being said, at a 20HCP I'd grab a few lessons and take it from there....

Good luck, I can't wait for the season!

[bluntman]

Gian,

Once you go blades you will never go back! :D

Seriously, I think you are selling yourself short. From what I saw of your game, you have a very consistent stroke that's quite accurate...you have beautiful game (no homo). If you haven't learned it already, try shaping your shots. I think you are just going through a funk, take lessons first (have a pro analyze your stroke and suggest some improvements) or hit the driving range every day after work!

I know how you love Mizuno (as much as I love my Titleist clubs) so I was going to suggest trying the MP63 or the MP53 irons. Once you work out of your funk I know for sure that you will out perform the JPX irons.

[Unoriginalusername]

what is the replacement for the mp-57?

[KenYork]

Gian,

Once you go blades you will never go back! :D

Seriously, I think you are selling yourself short. From what I saw of your game, you have a very consistent stroke that's quite accurate...you have beautiful game (no homo). If you haven't learned it already, try shaping your shots. I think you are just going through a funk, take lessons first (have a pro analyze your stroke and suggest some improvements) or hit the driving range every day after work!

I know how you love Mizuno (as much as I love my Titleist clubs) so I was going to suggest trying the MP63 or the MP53 irons. Once you work out of your funk I know for sure that you will out perform the JPX irons.

+1 I'm just starting to use blades, not so forgiving... but if you get to striking the ball well, you'll get so much more satisfaction when you make contact. I still have my cavity backs as a backup/traveling set(it sits at my sisters house in case my brother-in-law and I decide to go last-min).

[aZuMi]

I'll try out the clubs again, as well as new ones recommended and see how they feel. I completely understand what everyone is talking about, but it comes down to 2 things.

1. Get clubs that will complement the limits of your game (through game improvement clubs), or;
2. Don't sell yourself short (as per Arthur), and get clubs that will teach you the proper shots through feedback (blades and forged irons)

One thing that everyone recommended was getting a pro to analyze my shots. I'll do that for sure.
I'll update this with the clubs I get, but I think I should give them all a shot again. I'll just take whichever has the best feel and give me the confidence to hit good shots.

Thanks for the comments guys. And thanks Arthur for the comment about my swing, there will be more driving range/golf meets this 2011 season.