Using 1999 King Cobra Oversize - 26yo - Will new clubs make a difference? If so, best value?

[whyigolf]

Hey there everyone, I just joined the community today!

**The Intro:** I am 26yo - 6'1" - 195lbs, I have been "golfing" my whole life, but only started taking it seriously this summer. I was blessed with great hand-eye coordination which has been a great help in developing my swing, which people say looks 'natural'. I can smack the snot out of a driver (Taylormade Burner 460Ti), as can anyone, but every once in a while when I stop trying to swing, and start focusing on square impact - I can hit a 306yd drive down the middle - So I know I am capable of developing a great game.

**The Problem:** My irons (1999 King Cobra Over-Sized) are about as basic as they get, they are not pretty but I can hit some decent shots (50% fairways).

 

 

I average between 93-105 each round this summer, and I find that 99% of the time I am missing the GiR by 1-2 strokes. Which leads me to believe my short-irons are to blame.

**The Question:** Will new irons make a difference? to be more specific, because new irons (like the P760) would likely make a difference, how much money should I spend on a new set of 7 irons to get more forgiveness on the course? e.g. can I get away with $400-$500 set to at least bridge the gap until I can spend $1400 on a new set of Callaway Apex Pros or other great irons?

 

TL/DR: I've been using 20yo irons, how much money do I need to spend on replacements in order to see substantial gain in my iron game?

[juststeve]

Depends what kind of difference you're talking about. You might hit the latest and greatest marginally better but probable not enough better to change your scores much.

 

Steve

[Nessism]

King Cobra Oversize irons are iconic; they were a BIG seller that effectively changed the GI iron landscape by inspiring a new iron category. At any rate, I agree with juststeve in that I doubt you will see a large improvement by buying something newer. You might want to set a goal for yourself, breaking 85 for example, with some new irons as the reward.

[mocokid]

I'm 62 and hit it about 250, boy how i'd like to change places. I think the shaft flex is WAY more important than the club head, are those stiff shafts I hope?

[whyigolf]

yes stiff shafts - but man they are heavy and just feel so "blocky" maybe thats the way they are supposed to feel and I have not been around long enough to understand. I am a strong guy (people always saying "slow. your. swing. down.", so I believe a heavier club is good for me...but maybe i am completely off and a lighter club set is what i need in order to reduce speed and gain control.

[Shipwreck]

If possible I’d find a demo day in your area (especially when a lot of reps are gonna be there) and try out everything. There’s nothing wrong with those cobra clubs and depending on what you’re shooting, the one thing you might definitely see is a distance gain.

[whyigolf]

Any idea of the best way to find a demo day?

[cadoipi]

I am sure if you gave those irons to a skilled player to hit they would quickly show you that there is nothing wrong with your irons. That being said, there is some level of confidence that comes from having newish clubs, that you like the look of, with the correct stiffest, length shaft, and lie. Google "ping fitting chart" to see what length and lie your irons should be.

 

If you want to update your clubs, I would recommend buying used clubs that are 3-6 years old. You can piece together of full set of 14 clubs that were the top of the line 6 years ago for about $600. I have had a great experience with the callaway preowned website, the clubs in "average" condition are still in reasonable condition where the wear does not effect performance and they will adjust the lies if needed for a few bucks. For some clubs on the website you can also adjust the length of the shaft for free.

[Shipwreck]

Ask the local courses if they have anything coming up, or go to the manufacture websites and you can usually look it up.

[Santiago Golf]

> @mocokid said:

> I'm 62 and hit it about 250, boy how i'd like to change places. I think the shaft flex is WAY more important than the club head, are those stiff shafts I hope?

 

Shaft weight matter alot more than shaft flex, club head matters more than both of them

[Myherobobhope]

I'm a five handicap and playing clubs older than those... I bought mine used in 1997. I'm planning on replacing them soon, as it's about time... They have the wrong shafts and aren't built for me... I can still play them fine.

,

In terms of club importance: Putter is #1. Make sure you like your putter. Spend money to get the one that suits you. You hit it half the round. LIKE IT. Driver is #2. You can find lots of good used drivers on ebay and the BST. I'm currently gaming a setup I spent $150 on... I had to buy a new shaft, $50 of the $150, but I'm crushing my driver! I'd do better to get fitted, but such is life. After that, I think it makes sense to get wedges that work for you. The woods and hybrids, and lastly irons... I think it's much easier to make irons work for your than any other club. More than anything, I think there just aren't many BAD iron sets out there... if the ones you have work for you, keep playing them and slowly replace everything else.

[smashdn]

What is your miss? If you are driving it around 280 consistently and accurately you should be having wedges and likely no more than an 8 or 9 into most par fours. All except the longest par fives should be reachable for you in 2 shots or no more than a wedge if you elect to lay up.

 

When you say you don't get on the green in regulation by 1-2 shots, are you near the green and not pitching and chipping well or are you having to punch out or lay up due to a bad tee shot?

 

I liked the idea of rewarding yourself with new clubs when you reach a milestone in your game. Don't buy equipment thinking it will change _how_ you play. You may only end up disappointed when it does not return the results you had hoped.

 

The first step to fixing any problem is to define the actual problem. What is going wrong. Measure just how much it is impacting your scoring so you know not only what to work on but you can evaluate exactly how much improvement is possible/plausible.

[The General]

look at some Cobra AMP cell Pro irons. You can get them on the cheap on eBay and they are amazing in look and feel!!! you can thank me later