How do I pick new irons?

[tech405]

I'm looking to upgrade from my starter Powerbilt iron set, and I don't know how. Steel shaft or graphite? Is my swing speed important in finding the right set, and if so, would I get that checked just like getting fitted for a driver? About the only thing I do know is for me to stay away from blades. :tongue:

 

There are some seemingly good end of season sales right now, and I have the itch, so any help would be appreciated.

 

Jason

[kkhere]

getting fitted would be a good idea if you have acess to it. Good luck in your search

[gjones77]

Sacrifice a chicken to the golf gods and then put a sand wedge under your pillow

 

Your ideal irons will then appear in your dreams :tongue:

 

No, kkhere is right, get fitted because there are various things that need to be taken into account, for example:

 

Swing Speed: Used to determine shaft stiffness

 

Height/Wrist to Floor/Swing type: These combined are used to determine you shaft length and any lie angle adjustments need on your clubs

(Lie angle is the angle that your clubs sit on the ground at address, if the toe is off the ground at impact your shots will tend to go left, toe too low they'll tend to go right)

 

Now, as for graphite verse steel shafts that's all preference.

 

Steel tend to be more accurate, are heavier, but also don't dampen impact vibration

 

Graphite tend to be more for distance (still accurate but not as much so for the average golfer as steel since steel has much less torque) and graphite are better if you have wrist/elbow problems since they dampen the vibrations at impact far better, usually a great choice for older golfers

 

So definately go and get a fitting to find what works best for you

[Sam-Tee-Time]

Here are my thoughts - I hope it helps:

 

This is how I decide to choose/stay with certain clubs:

 

Feel - The Feel at impact is very, very important to me in all clubs. I factor in the feeling at impact as a very important aspect of whether or not I keep a club. Certain clubs may be good performers, but if they don't feel good - it's gone. I'll demo a lot of equipment before I settle on a "short list" of clubs that have good feel. Then - the next parameter becomes.................

 

Appearance - Some clubs just don't make the list due to appearance. I have to have something that's pleasant to look at, especially at address position. I've denied a lot of clubs simply because I don't like the way they look. This narrows the short list to a few clubs in each category.

 

Testing/Results/Performance - Of course, this is the ultimate factor in my happiness with a club. I will test the clubs on my shortlist on the driving ranges, launch monitor facilties, or any other method I can find to hit balls. I also rely on the internet golf forums, to read other people's experience with certain club/shafts/etc. Generally - this testing will quickly reveal which club is going to be purchased. Once I purchase a club, I always ensure it's setup properly.........

 

Here is a link to an interesting radio interview about clubfitting, that reflects the importance of properly fit clubs:

 

http://wishongolf.com/audio/Golf-Talk_June...5_Interview.mp3

 

Setup - The club has to be properly setup to my specifications, launch monitor results, and swing (shaft, grips, lofts, lie angles, etc.). I'm a firm believer that a club should be setup to your swing, not the other way around. Putters should be setup for a proper putter stance. I'll ensure any clubs are setup properly, then comes the "real world"............

 

During practice and play, I've found that most high quality equipment, properly setup, with a feel I'm happy with.......stays in the bag for quite a while. Since I'm so careful before buying new equipment, most stuff I purchase will play well indefinitely. Only changes in my swing, or bad days will cause errant shots. However.........long-term play/practice will make for certain discoveries in certain clubs, for instance..................

 

Irons - Will stay in my bag a LONG time. I try to check the loft/lies occasionally, but once I'm happy with the feel/setup of a set of irons, the only reason they leave the bag is for damage, wear, or perhaps another set of irons that is superior to my current set. Generally I stick with irons at least 4-6 years before trading up.

[tech405]

Thanks to everyone for all of your help. I guess my Saturday just became full with club fitting and testing.

[tbough]

I got fitted yesterday. My swing speed is mid 60's and they suggest steel and regular lie. The one thing that I am not sure of is, the first guy told me I need 1" extra length. The 2nd guy told me 1/2 is fine. he said I am falling right between 1/2" and 3/4" that should be added to the clubs.

 

Whats the best for me? Do the 1/2 or 1". I was thinking just split the 2 and go with 3/4" because since they are special order, I wont be able to take them back. :tongue: