Why a combo set?

[BJL]

I have been thinking about getting the J33 Combo irons. Then, I had to ask myself why would one want blades for their short irons? Blades are generally less forgiving, which means greater dispersion and variances in distance. Obviously, you get better feel with a blade, which can be important in the short irons. Depending on the cavity back, shot shaping can be done as easily with a cb as a blade.

 

So, what are other advantages of a combo set?

 

BJL

[DemolitionMan]

Depends on the combo set in question. Sure, there is not much difference between MR-23 CB and MBs for example. But there is a big difference between a Callaway short iron and a forged MB. So you are right, a small CB is not going to be much of a sacrifice, if any at all compared to a MB.

 

While feel is important, being able to shape shots for a given situation is a lot easier for me with a MB 8 iron vs say a X-18 PS. With bigger CBs, it seems all the ball wants to do is go straight and generally higher. I have a tough time punching low shots with bigger CBs. It's a lot easier with a MB. Also, for touch running chips, again, big CBs are tough to control. I even biught a Cally 48 wedge one time to replace the PW in a X-18 set because I was tired to hitting the ball too far when chipping, there was just no feel.

[nearfall152]

Depends on the combo set in question.  Sure, there is not much difference between MR-23 CB and MBs for example.  But there is a big difference between a Callaway short iron and a forged MB.  So you are right, a small CB is not going to be much of a sacrifice, if any at all compared to a MB.

 

While feel is important, being able to shape shots for a given situation is a lot easier for me with a MB 8 iron vs say a X-18 PS.  With bigger CBs, it seems all the ball wants to do is go straight and generally higher.  I have a tough time punching low shots with bigger CBs.  It's a lot easier with a MB.  Also, for touch running chips, again, big CBs are tough to control.  I even biught a Cally 48 wedge one time to replace the PW in a X-18 set because I was tired to hitting the ball too far when chipping, there was just no feel.

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I agree DM, it pretty touchy with combo sets. Take the nikes for instance, its really like playing three different clubs, that's tough to do IMO.

 

Good CB's are tough to come by, I had the same problem you did with my X16 PS, chips with the PW were ridiculous.

[golfernut78]

I agree DM, it pretty touchy with combo sets.  Take the nikes for instance, its really like playing three different clubs, that's tough to do IMO.

 

Good CB's are tough to come by, I had the same problem you did with my X16 PS, chips with the PW were ridiculous.

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i disagree with nearfall on the combo, especially the nike pro combos. a set designed as a combo such as the nike pro combo, bh apex ftx, macgregor 1025, etc... are designed not to feel different. they are designed to maintain the same feel through the set but become more forgiving as the clubs are harder to hit. 9 iron easy to hit, less forgiving. 3 iron hard to hit, very forgiving.

 

i play the nike pro combos and love them. they are consistent through out the set. the blades in the pw-8 iron are more controlable than the rest of the set, but no more punishing than rest of the clubs.

 

combos are great sets. maybe you like them, maybe you don't.

[nearfall152]

i disagree with nearfall on the combo, ...

  maybe you like them, maybe you don't.

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I play a split set too there golfernut. I played an iteration of the procombo's last year, and TO ME it was like playing three different clubs. Everytime I stood over a 3 or 4 iron I always thought to myself that I wished they were more like the other clubs.

 

I understand the concept of a progressive set very well, some companies do a much better job progressing the set than others.

[nunee]

So, what are other advantages of a combo set?

 

BJL

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I think the main advantage in the combo sets are really the extra forgivness in the long irons. For the most part, golfers hit their short irons consistantly, and well. Mid irons get a bit tougher, and the long irons(2-4) pose the greatest challenge.

 

If you could have a set that keeps the accuracy and feel in the short irons, yet gives you forgiveness in the long irons, wouldn't it be the perfect set? Thus you have a combo set. More forgiveness in the longer irons.

 

 

 

Like some have said, some do it better than others. I personally had the Pro Combos and really liked them. I pulled the 3 and 4 irons out in favor of a hybrid, so those clubs did not bother me, but I thought the transitions were well done. Basically seamless, I also went into the forged Nike wedges, and the trasition from PW to 52 to 56 was great. Very minimal difference.

 

I have since put them up in favor of more forgiving clubs, but those short irons were always great!

[Judge Smails]

I have been thinking about getting the J33 Combo irons.  Then, I had to ask myself why would one want blades for their short irons?  Blades are generally less forgiving, which means greater dispersion and variances in distance.  Obviously, you get better feel with a blade, which can be important in the short irons.  Depending on the cavity back, shot shaping can be done as easily with a cb as a blade.

 

So, what are other advantages of a combo set?

 

BJL

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I think the advantage is that you get the best performing club for each shot you need to play. In the short irons you get a club with maximum feel and control. I find it much easier to control my distance with blades and also like having them around the greens. I am able to get these benefits without giving much up. I think any player of reasonable skill can hit a blade in a 8 9 or wedge. In the long irons distance control is not as important to me as keeping the shots on line and on target- I am better able to do this with a cavity back.

 

Getting the right flow between a combo set is the one problem. I have a J33 combo set on the way, but otherwise have yet to find a retail combo set I like. I am currently playing RAC MB's mixed with 300 forged irons. I love them. However, I don't think I would like them had I not had them all shafted to match and had the lies and lofts adjusted accordingly. If you make a homemade set it is so important to get the specs right...