Blade users thread (NO DEBATING CLUBHEADS! NO Buy Sell Trade!)

[Bigmean]

Disk, exactly correct. 85% of my misses are pushes, pulls, or hooks. That happens with any clubhead. Somehow, there is a large conspiracy to make you believe otherwise......oh wait, what is the answer to everything in life again? That's right someone is profiting from it. Conspiracy solved.

[DevilDog]

Played for the first time in weeks yesterday. While not a sterling round, a lot of rust and a lot of wind, I hit my MP 33s beautifully. It was the driver and putter that screwed me. Driver is just too spinny but that can be easily rectified with another driver head and shaft fitting. My swing has changed since my second knee replacement and I am swinging faster than I was when fit for the current driver. Putter was just feel issue. But the MP33s were very good all day. The 170 yard 4 iron across the water on the par 3 16 and into a 20 mph wind to 10 feet was the shot of the day to me. Especially since the guys I played with were laughing at my small blade and they hit hybrids. None of them hit the green either. Just me. Thanks MP 33s.

[vaterman]

I think we need a short mention of my Aston Martin blades in this appreciation thread. Most of have probably already read my story on how I got to play them.

But I can add that so far they are the smoothest things I have ever hit and I too can confirm that the feedback from these really makes a difference for my game. Due to winter I have only had the opportunity to "play" them at the range but still even with frozen beat up old range balls it is a joy to hit them. I am very happy that I pulled the tricker on that set.

Now I am really "enjoying" the waiting time before I can try them out on the course with real golfballs. It´s only going to be another 2 - 3 months where I can calm myself with absolutely no itches. Nope it is really nice with a break from the game

[NRJyzr]

[quote name='Bigmean' timestamp='1421788164' post='10785511']
.oh wait, what is the answer to everything in life again?
[/quote]

As you can see from the text above my avatar, the answer to life, the universe, and everything, is

[size=6]42[/size]

[size=6][/size]

[Bigmean]

Touché

[DeNinny]

[quote name='vaterman' timestamp='1421790010' post='10785717']
I think we need a short mention of my Aston Martin blades in this appreciation thread. Most of have probably already read my story on how I got to play them.

But I can add that so far they are the smoothest things I have ever hit and I too can confirm that the feedback from these really makes a difference for my game. Due to winter I have only had the opportunity to "play" them at the range but still even with frozen beat up old range balls it is a joy to hit them. I am very happy that I pulled the tricker on that set.

Now I am really "enjoying" the waiting time before I can try them out on the course with real golfballs. It´s only going to be another 2 - 3 months where I can calm myself with absolutely no itches. Nope it is really nice with a break from the game
[/quote]
Yes that is a good update and mention of your Aston Martins vaterman. Also don't forget to mention your handicap. It should be clear that you can hit blades fine at varying handicap levels. That is my personal experience as well.

I think it is great to see posts from guys at all skill levels playing blades because they can score very well (or just fine) with them. It flies in the face of the false marketing by the manufacturers...which isn't based on any scoring data and proven wrong time and again by golfers with their personal experiences.

[Bigmean]

F me.....

Well, I ended my day by getting rocked with some major crap at work that makes Miuras look like buying a dozen pro Vs, and after finally leaving the office and coming to terms with things on the way home, the only shred of anything to somehow ease my mind was that nice cold stiff drink and opening up that set of Cleveland's.....and as I should have expected I am now instead on my iPad with said beverage because alas, despite the delivery date as of last I checked being today, they did not come.

[Bigmean]

Golf is very simple and difficult, you either put a good swing on it or you didn't. If you buy that philosophy, your handicap regarding playing a traditional club is irrelevant. Much like our pharmacist friend said.

[MJisGOAT]

[attachment=2579607:image.jpg]

[TheGinMan]

Well done guys, you've given me the bug. After reading this thread for a few days I'm going home today to re shaft my MP-32s!!

[Mudguard]

[quote name='DeNinny' timestamp='1421799033' post='10786559']
I think it is great to see posts from guys at all skill levels playing blades because they can score very well (or just fine) with them. It flies in the face of the false marketing by the manufacturers...which isn't based on any scoring data and proven wrong time and again by golfers with their personal experiences.
[/quote]

I agree in general that golf has some of the biggest marketing claims of all sports. Having 300 yards in your ad is much sexier than keep your existing gear, see your pro and do some putting practice!
However there is one caveat to this and you see it in every blade thread. Most of the time the clubhead is smaller. Those Tour Editions I used from age 13 to 15, when I was 15, my father got DCI's. I took them out to use once and that was it. In the meantime I used to constantly hit balls into a net with the Tour Edition 6 iron. However if you're only able to play once a week, can't practice, then I wouldn't hesitate to get the most help possible. After all how many of us are using sub 260cc drivers?

That said, we play for many different reasons, some for score, some for pleasure, some for both. I have quite a few putters that I never use, but I like owning them. I have had several sets of irons, and the only ones that sounded any different were a set of Ping S56's.

I guess one question I have is; if you had a friend lets say 30-40 years old, female, sporty, but had never played before, what irons would you suggest?
I'm pretty sure I'd be saying, Ping or Callaway pretty quickly.

[cbinder83]

Chris here. +1 and play mizuno mp37. I received these second hand in great shape.I had mp29 prior to the mp37 and loved the muscle design as well as the reverse progressive offset. I plan on picking up mp4 (would love yoro craft), but hate the running bird logo on the muscle, oh well. All in all mizuno musclebacks are great, and for me combined with a slightly higher launching shaft (tt dg xp s300) I would never change.

CB

[DeNinny]

[quote name='Mudguard' timestamp='1421803711' post='10787065']
[quote name='DeNinny' timestamp='1421799033' post='10786559']
I think it is great to see posts from guys at all skill levels playing blades because they can score very well (or just fine) with them. It flies in the face of the false marketing by the manufacturers...which isn't based on any scoring data and proven wrong time and again by golfers with their personal experiences.
[/quote]

I agree in general that golf has some of the biggest marketing claims of all sports. Having 300 yards in your ad is much sexier than keep your existing gear, see your pro and do some putting practice!
However there is one caveat to this and you see it in every blade thread. Most of the time the clubhead is smaller. Those Tour Editions I used from age 13 to 15, when I was 15, my father got DCI's. I took them out to use once and that was it. In the meantime I used to constantly hit balls into a net with the Tour Edition 6 iron. However if you're only able to play once a week, can't practice, then I wouldn't hesitate to get the most help possible. After all how many of us are using sub 260cc drivers?

That said, we play for many different reasons, some for score, some for pleasure, some for both. I have quite a few putters that I never use, but I like owning them. I have had several sets of irons, and the only ones that sounded any different were a set of Ping S56's.

I guess one question I have is; if you had a friend lets say 30-40 years old, female, sporty, but had never played before, what irons would you suggest?
I'm pretty sure I'd be saying, Ping or Callaway pretty quickly.
[/quote]

Not disagreeing at all with your points. Blades are not for everybody but it doesn't mean handicap level needs to come into play in determining who they are for. A new golfer may not have the same success with blades and in particular if they don't want to practice or play frequently.

I use a forgiving driver because absolutely I lose strokes if I don't, and that is the most inconsistent part of my game. With irons, a blade has never made my game or scores suffer.

To answer your question specifically, I would first find out how much practice that golfer wants to put in and what her long term golf goals were. If she is only a casual player that doesn't want to practice, then absolutely I would recommend Ping or Callaway or a forgiving set. But if she was going to dedicate herself to practice and committing herself to the game and getting better over the long term, then I would suggest that she at least demo some blades alongside the forgiving clubs and give them chance. I would warn her that she may not play her absolute best right away with blades, but with dedication and practice your game naturally gets better and so she would be able to play those blades eventually.

[Startzel]

[quote name='Bigmean' timestamp='1421802518' post='10786955']
Golf is very simple and difficult, you either put a good swing on it or you didn't. If you buy that philosophy, your handicap regarding playing a traditional club is irrelevant. Much like our pharmacist friend said.
[/quote]

Check the OP. There is no reason to try to justify playing blades in this thread.

[DeNinny]

[quote name='Bigmean' timestamp='1420827078' post='10716475']
...
I would like to start a POSITIVE only thread for players that use blades or those curious about what users are saying
...

[i][b]So what is the point of this thread? Basically I would like to pick up where the back to reality thread left off, and keep it all positive. Please post your awesome pics of clubs, share what clubs you love, which ones you would like to get/try, share your experiences, and what you like about traditional irons and all things blade.[/b][/i]
[/quote]

[Bigmean]

[quote name='cbinder83' timestamp='1421804803' post='10787215']
Chris here. +1 and play mizuno mp37. I received these second hand in great shape.I had mp29 prior to the mp37 and loved the muscle design as well as the reverse progressive offset. I plan on picking up mp4 (would love yoro craft), but hate the running bird logo on the muscle, oh well. All in all mizuno musclebacks are great, and for me combined with a slightly higher launching shaft (tt dg xp s300) I would never change.

CB
[/quote]

I haven't looked into yoro craft much, but I believe you can control what stamps are where, so you are not locked into any one design. Yoro mp 4s would be the jam with zero stamping and totally blank if they let you do that.

[Bigmean]

I am so jacked....a few cocktails and time away from work issues with my neighbor/boy and we are going to go play a round Saturday. I know I am up for it from my range time injury wise, no expectations, just fun. Also we are going to the range Sunday to video swings and send in for this online lesson jazz. I hope it pays off.

It is nice to have someone to play with and have goals with. This is my buddy that should be breaking 90 but can't. He said, and I loosely quote "I feel like I hit your blades better but not consistent". I told him he could have any set I have, Vegas include except my Miuras to play as long as he wants, and I told him the premise of this thread, that while they may not be for him, I nightly doubt he will score worse and he may find his way better. I think he may eventuallyy take the challenge, this cat could easily shoot 85 but has never broke 90. He is perfect for an experiment of sorts. His comment, accurate, was his mishit with my blades don't go as far, but noted those same shots still won't find a green......I hope he takes my 14s. He wants to break 90 by July. I told him he will be at 85 and I will be at 75 by thanksgiving. It is nice to have a partner in goal achievement, we are serious on the time to dedicate......

[DeNinny]

[quote name='Bigmean' timestamp='1421757251' post='10782219']
Ninny, regarding softness, I am the one on hear that tries to explain how "feel" is not softness. Now that said, I like soft irons. I love mizunos, and further love SOME of the JDM stuff I have tried from a feel standpoint that are softer than mizzys by a good amount with the baby blades being the best interactive head I have ever hit for my nervous system, your milage may vary. The Vegas when flushed are almost too soft to me. I want to love them so much, but they don't talk to me like my mp 14s and BBs. It is just personal preference is all. I think my vfoils are awesome too, but for me the only clubs that really speak to me in a stand out way are those 2.
[/quote]

Hey thanks so much for this. I am with you in that feel is not the same as softness. I have had a fascination with black oxide just because of the looks and always wondered what it did to the feel. I think I'll pass on it for my next set but maybe down the road I'll get my MP-67s refinished with it.

You also mentioned your club ho'dom started from wanting to back up your Miura blades. LOL I have been the same way with my MP-67s. I bought the MP-60s as a backup set, and now I'm already preparing for backing up my next set of blades which I haven't even purchased yet! While I like my MP-60s and would be upset if something happened to them, my chagrin would go to a completely different level if the same thing were to happen to my 67s.

Here's a pic of both of my 6i's:
[attachment=2579781:20141108_173039.jpg]

[the_krulatz]

My first set of blades when I was 16, a set of First Flight - The Standard clubs. Simply pure and loads of feedback!

Next set of blades was a set of '97 Titleist Tour Model's, butter knife 1 iron through the PW, which was 49 degrees as standard.

Moving on, one of the greatest sets ever, Titleist 690.MB's.

Next came original Nike blades...some of the best heads ever made...period!

Followed by Nike Vr TW blades, the tradition of solid continued.

Vr Pro Blades followed after that which were Amaz-balls!

Currently in love with my Titleist 714MB's.

At the end of the day, it's about feedback, feel, control, trajectory and playing clubs that force you to focus on contact and generating golf shots, plain and simple.

[bladehunter]

As promised. Iron porn. Callaway razr x MB. Tour issue L stamp heads. [attachment=2579841:ImageUploadedByGolfWRX Mobile1421812597.608086.jpg][attachment=2579843:ImageUploadedByGolfWRX Mobile1421812633.941941.jpg][attachment=2579845:ImageUploadedByGolfWRX Mobile1421812646.082080.jpg]Pic is the 2 iron. Have to get it shafted. Rest have px 6.5 flighted. I must say these are the 1st I've had in hand and I like the short heel toe length and they have s nice looking heel grind as well. Can't want to hit them.

[CR McDivot]

My first set ( at 12 years old ) was a hand me down. MacGregor 1,3,5 woods; Wilson 4,6,7,9 irons and a bullseye putter.

I played blades then as did everyone. I still play Wilson musclebacks. See no reason to change, unless I can justify the FG 100's.

[duffer987]

I wanted to ask this question before - but since threads of a certain subject or steered that way quickly turned into a sh1tshow, I haven't, but now!
For those who aren't at the level of someone like BH (BTW, as a Cally fan and X-Forged '13 owner, I really do dig their MB/Protos, enjoy 'em!) do you really play a full set of MBs from 3-PW? Do you mix with friendly irons? Maybe have hybrids at the top of the bag instead?

I ask, not to disparage anyone's ability or choice of playing a certain club, but as a player who likes to play well and score well - relative to my middling ability of course - I cannot play a complete set through the bag if I want to do that. So it had me wondering. At the moment, I have MX-23s 4-5I and then MP-33s 6I to PW and that seems to work.

Oh and for the record, 9 rounds into this Mizzy diversion and I shot a +4 76 Sunday. My low round last year was a +2 74 with a type of iron whose acronym could form the first half of a legendary bar/music venue's name, so ya those 33's are definitely costing me strokes. I keed I keed

[DeNinny]

[quote name='duffer987' timestamp='1421817992' post='10788537']
I wanted to ask this question before - but since threads of a certain subject or steered that way quickly turned into a sh1tshow, I haven't, but now!
For those who aren't at the level of someone like BH (BTW, as a Cally fan and X-Forged '13 owner, I really do dig their MB/Protos, enjoy 'em!) do you really play a full set of MBs from 3-PW? Do you mix with friendly irons? Maybe have hybrids at the top of the bag instead?
[/quote]

I replaced my 3i with a 7w, but PW-4i is all MB. The 7w is a stupid easy club for me to hit and I can hit I over a wider distance range than my 3i MB. On windy days I go back to my 3i but overall I prefer the 7w in my bag instead of it.

Edit: I've also tried a 3i hybrid CB iron (original MP-FliHi) and also a 3i cb and found I hit the FliHi the worst. In order of forgiveness for me...7W >> 3i CB > 3i MB >> 3i MP-FliHi.

[vaterman]

[quote name='DeNinny' timestamp='1421799033' post='10786559']
[quote name='vaterman' timestamp='1421790010' post='10785717']
I think we need a short mention of my Aston Martin blades in this appreciation thread. Most of have probably already read my story on how I got to play them.

But I can add that so far they are the smoothest things I have ever hit and I too can confirm that the feedback from these really makes a difference for my game. Due to winter I have only had the opportunity to "play" them at the range but still even with frozen beat up old range balls it is a joy to hit them. I am very happy that I pulled the tricker on that set.

Now I am really "enjoying" the waiting time before I can try them out on the course with real golfballs. It´s only going to be another 2 - 3 months where I can calm myself with absolutely no itches. Nope it is really nice with a break from the game
[/quote]
Yes that is a good update and mention of your Aston Martins vaterman. Also don't forget to mention your handicap. It should be clear that you can hit blades fine at varying handicap levels. That is my personal experience as well.

I think it is great to see posts from guys at all skill levels playing blades because they can score very well (or just fine) with them. It flies in the face of the false marketing by the manufacturers...which isn't based on any scoring data and proven wrong time and again by golfers with their personal experiences.
[/quote]
Hey Ninny.
My hcp is registered under my avatar.

Unfortunately due to the season I really don't know how it affects my score with the Aston Martins but I anticipate absolutely no difference no matter what set I play with. It seems that the largest factor to how I score is something as boring and unsexy as my set-up. Intrigues me a bit when I look at how much attention I have put into gear, swing instructions, swing philosophies, swing plane, EE ect. etc. etc. And then the two factors that makes the biggest impact on my game is set-up and when it comes to gear it is shaft length.

[vaterman]

Duffer

That is a good question. And for me it is a changing proces. Untill the end of last years season I played lob, sand, gab wedge from Scratch. PW to 6 I played AP2 and longer than 6 I played 24* and 21* hybrids. And rarely did I use the 6 iron.

As I started to experiment with blades to my big surprice I started to hit 6, 5 and 4 iron much better than I thought I could. So for now I have removed the 24* hybrid and use the 5 iron instead.

Iron choise is not the only factor in game. I also work pretty determined with instructions and practice to improve my swing and as that progresses so does my preference for what kind of club I use. Roughly I have devided my game into 2 "zones". Shots required longer than 150 meters and shots required shorter than 150 meters. The longer shot are my distance shots where I don't count on huge accuracy. Shorter than 150 meters it is a accuracy game for me and for that I prefer wedges and blades. The distance shots are different for me and that Means from 6 iron and longer I am open to whatever works best in the moment.

So I may well be playing blades to 5 or 6 and longer than that I can easily see myself using the AP2 or even my Wishon 870 or hybrids. I think it will be subject to some changes as I get into the season.

[TheGinMan]

So I shafted my Mp-32s and went out to the course to hit them. Scored no different to my usual clubs, I shot exactly my handicap.

[bladehunter]

[quote name='duffer987' timestamp='1421817992' post='10788537']
I wanted to ask this question before - but since threads of a certain subject or steered that way quickly turned into a sh1tshow, I haven't, but now!
For those who aren't at the level of someone like BH (BTW, as a Cally fan and X-Forged '13 owner, I really do dig their MB/Protos, enjoy 'em!) do you really play a full set of MBs from 3-PW? Do you mix with friendly irons? Maybe have hybrids at the top of the bag instead?

I ask, not to disparage anyone's ability or choice of playing a certain club, but as a player who likes to play well and score well - relative to my middling ability of course - I cannot play a complete set through the bag if I want to do that. So it had me wondering. At the moment, I have MX-23s 4-5I and then MP-33s 6I to PW and that seems to work.

Oh and for the record, 9 rounds into this Mizzy diversion and I shot a +4 76 Sunday. My low round last year was a +2 74 with a type of iron whose acronym could form the first half of a legendary bar/music venue's name, so ya those 33's are definitely costing me strokes. I keed I keed
[/quote]


I think that is a great question..... for me it plays out like this ... 3 and 4 iron for me are 235 225 yd clubs respectively... (good lie or from the tee of course)That being said I look at these 2 clubs as either driving irons or go at a par 5 in 2 clubs.... other wise I never have to use them... My rule for going at a par 5 ( I think everyone should have a predetermined rule) is if its over 225 yards ill only go after the green if there isn't any OB near the green (over the back or right left ) . Meaning Ill look at it and if there isn't any OB ill give it a rip and know if I don't hit the green ill be ok to get up and down for birdie.. Other wise I am laying up to my favorite wedge (100yds) and going for birdie that way. Now I will use 3 iron from the TEE on a par 4 in a second...but that's not trying to hit any small targets then so also pretty easy . I guess my point is these 2 clubs aren't used much for me...and if you don't feel comfortable with them and don't use that yardage much either I see no reason to carry an MB there just because... a hybrid or driving iron would fit the bill nicely.. And for a combo set I say go for it.. Its all about confidence...if in the long irons you find it by having a higher launching iron then great. No body is pin hunting with a 4 iron anyway... not even those guys on TV.. they get lucky once in a while..but anyone standing in the fairway and claiming to plan to hit one close from 225 out with an iron isn't telling the truth.. In my opinion running one on from 250 out is easier with a fairway wood ....Your hoping to get it into a 20 ft circle at best... Most hope to get it to stay on the green... To me the 3 4 5 iron are the least important irons , but do give the most greif.. play what works best for you

[NRJyzr]

[quote name='duffer987' timestamp='1421817992' post='10788537']
I wanted to ask this question before - but since threads of a certain subject or steered that way quickly turned into a sh1tshow, I haven't, but now!
For those who aren't at the level of someone like BH (BTW, as a Cally fan and X-Forged '13 owner, I really do dig their MB/Protos, enjoy 'em!) do you really play a full set of MBs from 3-PW? Do you mix with friendly irons? Maybe have hybrids at the top of the bag instead?

I ask, not to disparage anyone's ability or choice of playing a certain club, but as a player who likes to play well and score well - relative to my middling ability of course - I cannot play a complete set through the bag if I want to do that. So it had me wondering. At the moment, I have MX-23s 4-5I and then MP-33s 6I to PW and that seems to work.

Oh and for the record, 9 rounds into this Mizzy diversion and I shot a +4 76 Sunday. My low round last year was a +2 74 with a type of iron whose acronym could form the first half of a legendary bar/music venue's name, so ya those 33's are definitely costing me strokes. I keed I keed
[/quote]

I'm carrying irons go up to the 21° slot in the bag. On top of that, I've alternated between a 5 wood, a Stage 2 Tour 3 hybrid (18.5°), and various 1 or 2 irons at 17° or 18º. I was hitting the hybrid pretty well for a while, but I started getting some very strange results, so I shafted up a Maxfli Revolution 1 iron I'd bought on a lark.

The caveat to my bag set up is that I used to be a better long iron player than short iron player, probably because I practiced those clubs a LOT for many years. I don't practice the long irons much anymore, and don't hit the ball as high as I used to, so hybrids and fairway woods in that slot fit my game better than they once did.

No need to stress it if you prefer hybrids or fairway woods at the top end of your bag.

Trajectory seems to be a big player in making that choice.

[Startzel]

[quote name='duffer987' timestamp='1421817992' post='10788537']
I wanted to ask this question before - but since threads of a certain subject or steered that way quickly turned into a sh1tshow, I haven't, but now!
For those who aren't at the level of someone like BH (BTW, as a Cally fan and X-Forged '13 owner, I really do dig their MB/Protos, enjoy 'em!) do you really play a full set of MBs from 3-PW? Do you mix with friendly irons? Maybe have hybrids at the top of the bag instead?

I ask, not to disparage anyone's ability or choice of playing a certain club, but as a player who likes to play well and score well - relative to my middling ability of course - I cannot play a complete set through the bag if I want to do that. So it had me wondering. At the moment, I have MX-23s 4-5I and then MP-33s 6I to PW and that seems to work.

Oh and for the record, 9 rounds into this Mizzy diversion and I shot a +4 76 Sunday. My low round last year was a +2 74 with a type of iron whose acronym could form the first half of a legendary bar/music venue's name, so ya those 33's are definitely costing me strokes. I keed I keed
[/quote]

Even the pros aren't using blade long irons these days. If you want to play with blades do yourself the favor and take advantage of CB long irons.

As BH said, it feels great to stick a 4 iron to four feet. But that isn't what I was expecting the ball to do. You're just aiming center of green on that type of shot.

[JimNewton]

I have no issue with the MP-32 4 iron, but the 3 iron is just in a different building. I did the foot spray test and I'm right in the middle with the 4, but start getting it higher up on the 3. I just have a much harder time pureing it. 1/2" longer and 3 degrees stronger shouldn't make such a difference but I guess it does ... for me.

This 7 wood idea is really making good sense to me. I actually used to have a persimmon one when I was a teenager and it was my favorite club. I may also try the H4 3 iron but for now I'm stuck with the one I have.

And yeah, I know the 32s are quasi blades but come on they're sweeeeeeet