Old forged blades

[mocokid]

Just wondering if anyone out there has a backup set of old blades they still play with for fun? Looking at spending $100 or so and thinking of playing them once in a while. Current irons are jpx 900

Since you're a Mizuno man, try one of the older MX series, forged cavity backed, nice mizuno feel on all shots and feedback on mishits.

[Ascan]

I have some Hogan Redlines and Hogan Personal irons that I use from time to time. Both are sublime.

[TheDeanAbides]

I've just put a set of Hogan '99 Apex blades in the bag, and these are the newest I've ever owned. I've played BH Grinds (awesome to hit), '62 Hogan Power Thrusts (very tough unless you're on your A-game), and Mizzy TP9s (also tough to hit). Nothing feels as good as a well struck blade - especially when you stiff one, give it a twirl and look at its beauty when it goes back in the bag.

[maamold]

1972 Apex - Haven't gamed them, grips are trash but original so not sure if I just want them as bling or game.

 

1979 Cameos - Played them once or twice, easy to hit

 

1981 Directors - I gamed these for 3 seasons

 

1988 Redlines - I gamed these for 2 seasons because Hogan!

 

MP-32 - This is my third set of these I just like them and can't figure out why I keep selling them.

 

The '81 directors; how did they play? I think they might be the sleekest design blade I've ever seen, but I've also seen pictures showing fairly strong offset. How do they compare to the more popular/known Hogans (ie Apexes)

 

They did have some offset and a slight gooseneck which is what old Hogan irons used to move the CG closer to the heel. The feel is amazing and they are very forgiving for blades. They sat very square and cut through the rough great. In the end the grooves are just worn out on mine, maybe I should send them in to get re-grooved and refinished.

[James the Hogan Fan]

1972 Apex - Haven't gamed them, grips are trash but original so not sure if I just want them as bling or game.

 

1979 Cameos - Played them once or twice, easy to hit

 

1981 Directors - I gamed these for 3 seasons

 

1988 Redlines - I gamed these for 2 seasons because Hogan!

 

MP-32 - This is my third set of these I just like them and can't figure out why I keep selling them.

 

The '81 directors; how did they play? I think they might be the sleekest design blade I've ever seen, but I've also seen pictures showing fairly strong offset. How do they compare to the more popular/known Hogans (ie Apexes)

 

They did have some offset and a slight gooseneck which is what old Hogan irons used to move the CG closer to the heel. The feel is amazing and they are very forgiving for blades. They sat very square and cut through the rough great. In the end the grooves are just worn out on mine, maybe I should send them in to get re-grooved and refinished.

 

Posted this photo on another thread before but I’ll tell you, refinishing can really make a set beautiful. Here are my Radials. Directors would look even better.

[BIG STU]

Backup set? I have backups for the backups and spare backups. My kids have backup blade sets, and only one of them plays much. I played Mizuno MS203s primarily for many years but have MP29s, MS11s, several sets of TZoid ProII irons, along with a nice set of TP19s. And Mp62s, 63s and 30s, none of which technically fit the definition. I think there is a Mac Combo set down there in the basement somewhere as well.

 

MP29s would be a nice match or pairing vis-a-vis the JPX900s.

Whiz I should have maybe made it more clearer and stated the Muirfields are my main back up set since I have 9 full sets of Macgregor blades and 3 sets of Hogan blades not counting my MP-68 blades and my KZG CB Forged Blades and my 2013 Callaway Forged X CBs. But the Muirfields are my main back ups :taunt:

[augustgolf]

Backup set? I have backups for the backups and spare backups. My kids have backup blade sets, and only one of them plays much. I played Mizuno MS203s primarily for many years but have MP29s, MS11s, several sets of TZoid ProII irons, along with a nice set of TP19s. And Mp62s, 63s and 30s, none of which technically fit the definition. I think there is a Mac Combo set down there in the basement somewhere as well.

 

MP29s would be a nice match or pairing vis-a-vis the JPX900s.

Whiz I should have maybe made it more clearer and stated the Muirfields are my main back up set since I have 9 full sets of Macgregor blades and 3 sets of Hogan blades not counting my MP-68 blades and my KZG CB Forged Blades and my 2013 Callaway Forged X CBs. But the Muirfields are my main back ups :taunt:

 

A true WRX man

 

Multiple back-ups for his back-ups

 

 

[BIG STU]

Old blade set:

91-97 Titleist Tour Model Blades 3-PW

 

 

 

Wow. That is just such a gorgeous club. Makes all the new tech look ridiculous.

 

It seems so easy to me to make a clean, functional, and beautiful golf club. The 681 were almost there. If they’d take the “forged” stamp off, it’d be pure.

 

 

I think those were made in the period where a lot of companies were making cast clubs even some blades--- The fine folks at Titleist wanted everyone to know that they had not drank the current Kool Aid and still made FORGED blade irons

[Nard_S]

I own too many to count but generally am a fan of 90's-2k era blades. Maruman CX 41 is mainstay, backup are Norman Signatures, 681's, 99 Apex and FG 59's. Have 2 other sets of Maruman's, extra 99's a TP 2000(TN87), 962B, that need shafts. About 1/2 dozen more I will move because I am not interested in re-shaft job and need to clean house.

[NRJyzr]

Old blade set:

91-97 Titleist Tour Model Blades 3-PW

 

 

 

Wow. That is just such a gorgeous club. Makes all the new tech look ridiculous.

 

It seems so easy to me to make a clean, functional, and beautiful golf club. The 681 were almost there. If they’d take the “forged” stamp off, it’d be pure.

 

 

I think those were made in the period where a lot of companies were making cast clubs even some blades--- The fine folks at Titleist wanted everyone to know that they had not drank the current Kool Aid and still made FORGED blade irons

 

 

In those days, Titleist were taking a lot of heat for not producing forged clubs, with Mr Woods being their top man. This was the era of the 962/962b, the 981s, to the 990s, when everything they did was cast. Part of this was said to be due to their Tour Models of the 90s, and possibly 80s, not being particularly well regarded (I have to point out this is info I picked up second hand on GEA in its prime). They certainly were slow to try capitalizing on the Tiger train.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if the "forged" on the backpack was a response to that. LOL

 

Edited to add: the 90s were also the era of the Oversized Iron trend. ;)

[forgedforever]

Reading this thread makes me realize I need to find ways to get my '88 Hogan Redlines and Mizuno MS-8s into the rotation early next spring.

[skraly]

Just wondering if anyone out there has a backup set of old blades they still play with for fun? Looking at spending $100 or so and thinking of playing them once in a while. Current irons are jpx 900

I have a beautiful set of Haig Ultra 385 contour sole irons I bring out once or twice a year. They have the original leather grips, which need to be replaced. But I can’t bring myself to alter them from their original condition.

[Fellaheen51]

Just wondering if anyone out there has a backup set of old blades they still play with for fun? Looking at spending $100 or so and thinking of playing them once in a while. Current irons are jpx 900

I have a beautiful set of Haig Ultra 385 contour sole irons I bring out once or twice a year. They have the original leather grips, which need to be replaced. But I can’t bring myself to alter them from their original condition.

 

A possible restorative solution to save those leather grips. Perform a thorough cleaning using saddle soap. Perhaps other leather cleaners would work, I just have always used saddle soap. Allow them to dry completely. Then apply a liberal coating of Lexol Leather Conditioner (found at auto parts stores) with a rag. Allow to dry, repeat if necessary (typically apply 2x). I've reconditioned 60+ year old Mac grips in this manner and have been amazed how well they turn out. Recondition rather than replace, especially with classic leather.

[rex235]

Old blade set:

91-97 Titleist Tour Model Blades 3-PW

 

 

 

Wow. That is just such a gorgeous club. Makes all the new tech look ridiculous.

 

It seems so easy to me to make a clean, functional, and beautiful golf club. The 681 were almost there. If they’d take the “forged” stamp off, it’d be pure.

 

 

I think those were made in the period where a lot of companies were making cast clubs even some blades--- The fine folks at Titleist wanted everyone to know that they had not drank the current Kool Aid and still made FORGED blade irons

 

 

In those days, Titleist were taking a lot of heat for not producing forged clubs, with Mr Woods being their top man. This was the era of the 962/962b, the 981s, to the 990s, when everything they did was cast. Part of this was said to be due to their Tour Models of the 90s, and possibly 80s, not being particularly well regarded (I have to point out this is info I picked up second hand on GEA in its prime). They certainly were slow to try capitalizing on the Tiger train.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if the "forged" on the backpack was a response to that. LOL

 

Edited to add: the 90s were also the era of the Oversized Iron trend. ;)

 

NRJyzr-

 

 

 

Titleist was even slower when it came to making LH equipment.

 

 

 

Won't say what their rep said to me in the early '80s, but it was something one never forgets.

[jppatton2]

Just sold my 716s and put the trusty MP-14s back in the bag while I talk myself into a new set. It’s been awhile since I have played them regularly and it has been fun. I have had this set since I was 14 so I’ll never let them go, but they can be had on eBay for next to nothing. At some point every year I threaten putting new shafts in them but have yet to pull the trigger.

[Seve0992]

Well - "for fun" means every time I play so, yes, I do play my MP-32s all the time. Prior to this past season, I was playing with Ram Tour Grinds.

 

Keep us updated on how your experiment goes!

 

Were the Rams as solid as they look?

[Shot]

Do forged blades ever really get "old". Mine are similar to iron skillets getting better with each season.

[NRJyzr]

 

NRJyzr-

 

 

 

Titleist was even slower when it came to making LH equipment.

 

 

 

Won't say what their rep said to me in the early '80s, but it was something one never forgets.

 

 

I'm amazed more folks haven't seen through them. It's like the Fonz said, "bull makes the world go round."

[NRJyzr]

Well - "for fun" means every time I play so, yes, I do play my MP-32s all the time. Prior to this past season, I was playing with Ram Tour Grinds.

 

Keep us updated on how your experiment goes!

 

Were the Rams as solid as they look?

 

 

I'm completely biased, but Ram Tour Grinds are only awesome.

 

They have a crisper feel than something like Mizuno or the more recent Cobras. They tend to be more like the classic Hogan feel, but are softer than Hogans (I'm thinking Apex/Apex II/Redlines, FWIW). There are also a few different models, that each have subtle variations, and on top of those are the special grinds, like Camber Sole models, TW Customs, TW276, and TW282. (a side note, the TW Custom Grinds are very similar to the TW282, with a very square toe)

 

Options are not a bad thing. :)

[Oldplayer]

I have a lot of classic blade sets. My favorites are Wilson fg51, Mizuno tn87, hogan redlines and founders club 200's.

All fun to play and all still perform very well.

[BIG STU]

Just sold my 716s and put the trusty MP-14s back in the bag while I talk myself into a new set. It's been awhile since I have played them regularly and it has been fun. I have had this set since I was 14 so I'll never let them go, but they can be had on eBay for next to nothing. At some point every year I threaten putting new shafts in them but have yet to pull the trigger.

Trust me on this if you are getting a little long on the tooth as I am a shaft replacement will wake those clubs up for you. I know I resisted on the Macs some but it got where I could not hit those stiff Brunswick shafts any more I made the change. About 6 years ago I reshafted my original VIPs with some TT S-300 High Launch which was a soft tipped shaft. Later on I re discovered a old school trick thanks to Mitchell and went to using Hogan Apex shafts in the Macs. Right now and it is sorta a put down (in my eyes anyhow) due to a nagging back issue I am swinging a set of Forged KZG CB blades with graphite (80 gram) shafts. But I hit them well and most important my back does not hurt. More than likely in the future I will find a set of graphite shafts to experiment with and put them in my other set of Muirfields.I do not want to break down my VIPs or other Muirfields because they hit so darn good.

[Ri_Redneck]

I usually play these a couple of times a year. Just about the same age as I am!

 

BT

 

 

[Booker]

I picked these up for $25 cdn 2-pw. Man they look and feel good. Brunswick 6.5 in them.

[stjohns89]

MP 33s or 690 MB are always a good bet. MP 32s are fun but not really as hard to hit so they may not be as "fun".

[Fellaheen51]

I usually play these a couple of times a year. Just about the same age as I am!

 

BT

 

 

 

Wow. Marvelous set of classic Mac wood and blade. Those RMT's are fantastic. When those come out for play, one can take a certain pride in knowing that no one else will be "gaming" a similar WITB on the day. Perhaps anywhere. Therein lies the attraction.

[cgasucks]

I picked these up for $25 cdn 2-pw. Man they look and feel good. Brunswick 6.5 in them.

 

Man...I got ripped off...I paid $40 CDN for a 3-PW of Ram Tour Grind Axials with DG R300s.

[Bubbtubbs]

Where do you guys find these deals in Canadaland? I'd love to have a bag of persimmons and old blades for messing around with on occasion.

[Booker]

Where do you guys find these deals in Canadaland? I'd love to have a bag of persimmons and old blades for messing around with on occasion.

 

You have to go to used sports equipment stores often, or this set above I found at a golf garage sale they put on in edmonton every december in a big warehouse. 4-6 courses put everything they want to sell in a big lot both new and used. They had tons of clothing clubs, demo clubs, balls, shoes. I can't even buy a case of beer up here for the price of those ram irons. Basically right place right time. Also one of our local shops has some used clubs on sale every November when sales are slow and the snow flies. If you fish around and get to know these places they inform me if they have something they know I'd want. Irons or drivers a few years old or many years old with X flex are tough sells so many times they give them to me at there cost. As you know places don't give you a lot for used stuff.

[2over]

Just wondering if anyone out there has a backup set of old blades they still play with for fun? Looking at spending $100 or so and thinking of playing them once in a while. Current irons are jpx 900

 

I've got my son's old MP-14 Mizuno blades in the closet. Great for iffy ranges where I don't want any rocks marking my MP-18s. Not sure if $100 bucks will scored a decent set of MP-14s though. They still pretty darn sweet I have to say, distance, control, feel all on par with the MP-18.

[PJDog]

Totally forgot to mention that the Wilson Staff Goosenecks are 100% awesomeness.