Forged Players Shovel

[Gnomesteel]

I’m considering a little project build for next season. Currently a 1 handicap with a ~112mph driver swing speed, but will be having shoulder surgery this winter. I’m thinking about moving to graphite irons after surgery as steel is taking a toll.

 

Current gamers are J15CB with C-Taper S+ shafts. Love them, but don’t want to pull the shafts just for this experiment. Thinking about moving to a bigger, more forgiving head. Doesn’t have to be new. In fact, I’d rather find some older heads to build with graphite shafts. Something like the Callaway Apex comes to mind. Still forged, but moving into shovel territory.

 

What’s a good head for someone who played blades for years, then went to a player’s CB, but is now thinking about a shovel?

[robleighlefty89]

Definitely give the Srixon's a one over.

 

I play the 765's and they look the part and perform extremely well. I used blades/players cavity backs for year but as I only play once a month now I wanted a little help.

 

Also worth thinking about lighter weight steel rather than going straight to graphite.

[Kingcat990]

MP H5/H4. Good luck with your surgery

[tobiasjd]

Not sure which Apex line you are referring to, but the Apex pros are far superior to the Apex CF 16, in my opinion.

 

Not as forgiving, but feel way better and a lot easier to control - for me anyway.

[gentles]

Nike Covert Forged is a good older option to look at. Your biggest challenge will be finding something with low enough offset.

 

Bridgestone Driving Forged might be a good example. Also look at the i500 and p790 hollow models.

[Gnomesteel]

This is the Apex I was thinking of. I remember hitting them once and being pleasantly surprised.

 

[wmblake2000]

Epon 503

[vietnameeh]

Wilson C300

 

 

[m5power]

I've been heavily researching this category as well as I am committed to playing forged shovels for a while.

 

here are my favorites in this space:

 

Apex CF16

Mizuno 919 forged

PXG 0311 Gen 1

[jjj912]

Since you don’t mind older heads, look at the Mizuno MX series.

 

The Cally Apex model that gnomesteel posted would be good. Might also check out the Titleist AP2.

[Shifty76]

Only hit mine a couple of times as I just received them yesterday, but am really liking my Maltby DBMs so far.

 

Looks of a blade, very little offset, forgiveness of a shovel. Haven't found anything to dislike about them yet.

You can build a set to your spec for a song too.

[morgan1819]

If you can find a set of Adams A4 Forged in nice condition, they fit exactly what you are describing. CB3 would be another option.

 

Mizuno MPH4 were pretty underrated as well.

 

I can tell you one thing though, you are going to have a difficult time improving on your J15CB's. Best all around iron I've ever played.

 

...

[th6252]

a little out of the box, but maybe Golfworks TG2?

[cardoustie]

if you don't have to have forged the Ping Rapture J specs are solid

[uwhockey14]

I'm considering a little project build for next season. Currently a 1 handicap with a ~112mph driver swing speed, but will be having shoulder surgery this winter. I'm thinking about moving to graphite irons after surgery as steel is taking a toll.

 

Current gamers are J15CB with C-Taper S+ shafts. Love them, but don't want to pull the shafts just for this experiment. Thinking about moving to a bigger, more forgiving head. Doesn't have to be new. In fact, I'd rather find some older heads to build with graphite shafts. Something like the Callaway Apex comes to mind. Still forged, but moving into shovel territory.

 

What's a good head for someone who played blades for years, then went to a player's CB, but is now thinking about a shovel?

 

I would go with the Taylor Made TP CB irons from 2004-2005 era, can be picked up pretty cheap now days on ebay, especially if the shafts don't matter, can probably find a decent shaped set for under $100 bucks on Ebay! one of the better forged cavity backs ever made IMO and i'm a titleist guy!

[PureDivots]

Z545s forsure.

[4rheel]

The 2015 XXIO forged irion.

 

[etrichards]

Personally I think I'd go with a second set of J15 CB's, or potentially Hogan PTX and Mizzy 900 Forged. The Apex might be my choice after those. The J15 CB's IMO were as forgiving as anything, and felt better than any of the current players cavity or shovels. The only potential knocks on them is I found them a little shorter than some other options - which might matter to you as you recover from shoulder surgery, and for me the only thing I really struggled with was when I wanted to flight them down.

 

For me the 900 Forged were the perfect combination of every item category - They were as long as anything I'd hit, forgiveness on par with the J15 CB (and anything else), almost as easy to work the ball for me as blades (Now, for me working the ball with irons consists of hitting it lower than my normal very high ball flight or hitting a draw, and these shots were on demand. Cutting my iron shots is a bit harder for me so I dont even try it anymore), all with a decent feel. Limited time with my Buddy's Hogan PTX reminds me of the JPX 900 forged.

[farmer]

If you want to go shovel, Mizuno something EZ Forged.

[Noke]

Wishon 560MC or 565MC.

[theothertwo]

Bridgestone J36 Pocket Cavity

 

https://www.bridgest...et-cavity-irons

 

Mizuno MX 23 Irons

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=mx+23+specs&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS701US703&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjCyNKDw8jeAhUjNX0KHXkuC2kQ_AUIFCgC&biw=1362&bih=727#imgrc=sHJWvUPHsGkUYM:

[tmax77]

Epon 503

 

These or even 705 (shovels) certainly both feel amazing

[ME27]

Srixon 5 series

[alexdub]

Your numbers are similar to mine — I'm a 2 hdcp with 110 driver ss. For a few years I tried to make it work with various sets of compact players irons. And then it all changed for me when I picked up a set of Scratch EZ1 irons. Mine are the SS grind which is a perfect match. I play them with C Taper 125s and it's a great combo. The larger size and increased forgiveness make it point and shoot for me.

 

For the first time in years, I actually enjoyed iron play this season. It's been an awakening.

[Therealpatgiles]

Epon 503

This. My friends think the 503s are small. I think they're perfect. The 705 are definitely shovels

 

These or even 705 (shovels) certainly both feel amazing

[jonn443]

Once you go J15 CB, you can't go anywhere else. They are too soft and forgiving to change.

 

That said, if you REALLY need more forgiveness...545/565 would fit your needs.

 

(The 760s could fit as well)

[rocket500]

Ping i200’s play like game improvement clubs but don’t look it. Best irons I have ever hit.

[sharkiesj]

Hard to find but I’ll jjust throw this out there.

 

AP1 Forged (Asian spec)

[SwingMan]

Epon 503

 

This is a sweet alternative.

 

Would also look at Mizuno 919Forged - plenty of fogiveness (and easy distance) in a low to mid cap iron

[SurfDaddy]

Maltby PTM. Nice feel, minimal offset, slightly strong forged shovels. I play them with Nippon shafts, fly high with good distance. http://www.golfworks.com/maltby-ptm-forged-iron-heads/p/ma0285/

https://www.golfworks.com/images/art/ma0285specs.jpg