Value of new clubs (irons specifically)

[eddie_ebo]

I understand the cost of new clubs but I am more interested in the value and would very much appreciate some assistance, please and thank you in advance.

 

I currently have a set of Brosnan Supra Oversize Steel Regular Flex clubs from the mid-2000s that I received as a teenager and now am looking to purchase my first set

 

I do get that we shouldn't worry about how far we hit a particular club with a certain number at the bottom and that it is more important to worry about 'how many' rather than 'how far'.

 

However, from the perspective of forking-out for some clubs I am interested in seeing a relationship between dollars and distance to be used as a proxy for whether there is a significant difference between base-level clubs from the mid-2000s to brand newies today. I understand that newer clubs have better tolerances for mishits and so on but I am really just after some easy to read numbers showing an actual improvement in performance (otherwise, why bother buying a new set?)

 

I am looking at a set of Mizuno MP-18 SC (point of note; I'm wrong-handed)

 

As a point of comparison, the Brosnan pitching wedge is 35.5″ in length and has a loft somewhere between 46-48° [however, the clubs are that old that not even Brosnan have the exact specs anymore] and the pitching wedge on the Mizuno MP-18 SC is 35.5″ in length 46° in loft: for argument's sake we will call it even so we are just comparing shafts and club heads. For interest's sake, this is the Brosnan club we are talking about (https://www.golftrad...ge-steel-true-t)

 

If I am carrying my Brosnan Supra Oversize Steel Regular Flex pitching wedge 150+ yards on a flush shot, realistically; what carry would I expect to get on the Mizuno MP-18 SC pitching wedge assuming a similar flush shot?

[RobYakes]

If you carry a 46* PW 150+ I'm assuming you're a decent player. That being said, there's no exact comparison. The best you can do is go demo clubs on a machine and see. While the most tech evolution in irons since the 2000s will most likely be distance/dispersion on off-center hits, you can't discount the innovations in iron shafts. My bet is that getting fit into the right shaft for you will probably be the single most variable that will affect your distance. Plus, if you're going from oversized irons to MP-18SCs (I'm also wronghanded and pissed Mizuno only offers the SCs for lefties), which are arguably a player's iron, you're going to be punished on off-center hits more than you would going from oversized to newer GI irons.

[Sir edward of putternut]

U are used to the supras, which is amazing, but.....thats another topic for golfsnobbery.com....but damn dude....damn

 

Alright, alright

The mizunos should provide u with better tangible numbers in terms of spin, etc, and especially those intangibles like feel and pimpiness.

 

Distance might not be different, but it will be exact once you dial them in...if distance is what u r after, u may want to look elsewhere cuz the mizuno sc is still kinda a players club and players clubs arent about how far u hit it

[RobS14526]

Welcome to WRX! I have not seen any difference in distance with loft being equal on high lofted clubs like a pitching wedge (assuming similar shafts).

[TPG1971]

RPryor is back!!!

[Tre4ISU]

I would have had a good answer until I bought mp18 blades with 6.5 PX shafts expecting to be a half club shorter and I'm at least a club longer. So, no idea. You'll have to hit them.

[gentles]

Distance isn't the right metric to use to base your decison off, at least not for irons. If what you want is distance per dollar, go buy a set of 10+ year old game improvement irons with graphite shafts and strong lofts.

 

Regardless of the number on the bottom, you'll need a club you can hit 125 yards, 150 yards, 173 yards etc. You might also want the ability to control the flight of the ball when you hit it that number.

 

With a newer set of irons, your benefit will likely come in one of three areas:

1. technology means that the same loft and length iron will go further, meaning you have more control (assuming shorter club = easier to control)
   
2. you get more workability and feel without sacrificing forgiveness - this is subjective and hard to test
   
3. you get a better looking set that gives you more confidence.
   

My guess is that moving to the Mizunos, your biggest benefit will be the ability to control ball flight better - due to the design of the club but also having a shaft that will fit you better. You might still hit your PW 150 yards, but you will have a better time shaping and changing the flight to suit the conditions. You are likely to give up a little forgiveness in doing so, but I suspect that simply having clubs that are well fit and higher quality will help in that department as well.

 

Hope this helps!

[pkshooter]

The stongest correlation to golf club value (especially considering the secondary market) is supply and demand. There is no correlation to value and distance.

[kiwihacker]

You will love those new irons. The look, the feel, the fact they're new! That's the value of new irons. Especially Mizuno. I've not hit the MP 18s but I've heard and read nothing but good things about them. With regard to distance I think if the lofts and specs are similar you'll hit them about the same distance. As others have alluded to the shaft may make a difference but I wouldn't be expecting big distance gains. But that' not what irons are about. Accuracy and distance control is what you want.

[vanillafunk616]

Idk why distance is used as a proxy for better technology or clubs. Your swing speed is what it is. For you to get more distance out of it, there's going to be a combination of longer shafts, lower spin, and knuckle ball trajectory. That shot is harder to control and will have less stopping power. That is a performance trade off, not an improvement.

 

As far as value, if you're not defining it terms of money, then I don't know how you would. All club designs offer is a performance trade off. Different clubs stress one aspect to the detriment of another. There are no clubs that are across the board better than another. Some club designs will fit your swing and what you're prioritizing in performance better than others.

[hahanice]

As mentioned accuracy and distance dispersion is kind. If you hit your pw 150 I'm not sure why you would even want more distance than that. What do you hit for distances under 140? I'm assuming your mostly hitting approaches with wedges due to such a high swing speed.

 

Newer clubs will definitely help you improve due to technology. Off center strikes, workability, that stuff.

 

I buy all my clubs used though, keeps costs down

[playa]

I would have had a good answer until I bought mp18 blades with 6.5 PX shafts expecting to be a half club shorter and I'm at least a club longer. So, no idea. You'll have to hit them.

I have always found blades to be longer on flushed shots, assuming loft and length is equal. It's just that they punish poor shots more that I don't play them. Tour players wouldn't use them if they were shorter.

[RodC]

What I have learn nad confirmed, is that the shaft plays a major role in this business.

 

IMHO: Assuming the shafts are similar, and if you hit well, the MP-18 would have better consistency on distance and may even have some better distance. But for the pictures your current Wedge would be more forgiving on bad hits

[golf1836]

Try them all and see what works best

[eddie_ebo]

Thought I'd wrap this post up; I was fitted to Mizuno JPX-919s with Nippon Modus 3 120 X Shafts

 

Thanks for everyone's inputs

 

I lost 20 yards as I was hitting the PWs too low hence why they were going so far but, I gained more consistent impact conditions, control and better dispersion (which is probably a better thing to pay for)