Play them, or hang them?

[ripper911]

I bought a set of First Flight irons on eBay. They were listed as being from the 40's or 50's, and for display.

 

I decided to take them to the course with me as a second set and used them a few times, but mostly stuck with my usual set. I like having the 10 iron for hitting from the edge of the green, but I need to learn to control it.

 

Is there a good reason why I shouldn't try using these for a whole round? They seem to be in good enough condition, but I suppose that there could be underlying issues that I don't know about.

 

I could always just display them, but I've always like using older items for their intended purpose.

 

[ripper911]

The certainly show their age, but seem to be in great condition otherwise.

[Benco]

Play once just to satisfy your curiosity but then I would retire them

[BIG STU]

Play them see how you like them and then make a decision. Either way is ok IMHO. I would not clean them good though that rust adds character again IMHO

[TimV]

But that's just me. Do whatever makes you happy man.

[ripper911]

I guess my real question is what I need to be looking for to be sure that they're still playable.

???

I'd hate to break them.

[HoldenCornfield]

[quote name='ripper911' timestamp='1441672139' post='12278046']
I guess my real question is what I need to be looking for to be sure that they're still playable.

???

I'd hate to break them.
[/quote]

My only concern would be rust in the shafts near the hosel that could make them fail, but just judging from the pictures it looks like those have been stored fairly responsibly.

I felt the same way as you when I first started playing the older clubs, and especially with hickory shafted clubs. But fairly quickly you'll realize you can go at it just as hard with those as with anything new.

[Danny Young]

Really cool i bet that 2 iron takes some hitting ha ha

[ripper911]

The shafts are true temper steel, with a woodgrain wrap, so they're not as fragile as they might look in the pictures.

I'll probably use them for a full round after I try my other new set.

I haven't hit the 2 yet. I might give it a try, but I usually don't go lower than 4 before pulling a wood.

[oldschoolrocker]

Rip, give them a rip, pun intended...and don't be afraid to think outside the box with them. Be creative and let he charisma of the old sticks guide your thought process with regards to shot selection. You may be very pleasantly suprised.

[Ping Player]

Play them once in a while. Nice set. They should be enjoyed. Mike Just made me a set of hickory shafted irons with heads from 1917 (I Think). I was afraid to use them at first. Once I understood they wouldn't break I had a blast. Hopefully your fine set has no rust under the hosel which could weaken them. But don't let that stop you. Find a Persimmon driver and have fun!

[ripper911]

I'm looking forward to it. I always used to use persimmon woods before I started buying lots of clubs. I always drove with a 5 wood, it was good for 250yds on a good day, but that club broke years ago. I've still got some in the basement that might work.

[oldschoolrocker]

Well Rip, if you can't find what you need in the basement there are wonderful bargains to be found on some of the best made classic persommons at most Goodwills and thrift stores. If you keep an eye out you will be amazed at what you find. Good luck.

[ripper911]

Indeed! I stop by one nearby which is right around the corner from a golf course. You can't beat paying $2.00 a club!

I'm also working on putting together an older style outfit with knickers and such. It'll be fun to get out and play in classic style once I get it all together.

[HoldenCornfield]

[quote name='ripper911' timestamp='1441905219' post='12294078']
Indeed! I stop by one nearby which is right around the corner from a golf course. You can't beat paying $2.00 a club!

[b]I'm also working on putting together an older style outfit with knickers and such. It'll be fun to get out and play in classic style once I get it all together.[/b]
[/quote]

You sound like a good candidate for hickory golf. A representative will contact you shortly.

[ripper911]

That sounds like fun to me! I'd probably be the youngest in the group at 34, but old people like me.

However, I doubt that I would be able to play the courses that an experienced group would prefer, due to my economic state, but I'll check it out.

[stevemcgee99]

If you hit a 5 wood 250 yards, I'm sure you'd have a great time playing those old clubs. Sell the new stuff.

[ripper911]

I used to hit a 5 wood 250yds, 15 years ago...

Unfortunately I haven't played that well with the old set, so I've only taken it out once. The irons are a shorter length than I'm used to. I can manage the higher lofted clubs fairly well, but much shorter distances than I'm used to, anything past a 7 or so isn't doing well. The woods that I found in the basement aren't right for me, so I've been looking for some others.

I have lucked up on some persimmon woods that might actually go with my usual irons, they're the same brand. The grips are extremely damaged, so I haven't tried them yet, but they were free from my neighbor.

[ripper911]

I have a full hickory golf outfit now, except for the shoes.