Old vs. New Game Improvement Clubs

[nycvt]

Hoping someone has some knowledge of older clubs here. About 15 years ago I bought some Taylor Made 200 irons that I still have. I play fairly infrequently and was never great (100-110s). After about 4 years of not playing I pulled them out again a few weekends ago. I've never really liked these clubs, they are hard to hit for me, and someone who knows their stuff commented, confirming my feeling, "great clubs - really hard to hit". I'd like to replace them to at least when I go out once in a while I'm a little more confident, plus I tend to slice a lot (still working on my swing) - maybe would make me play more often! But since I don't play much I don't want to spend a lot. I remember back when I was buying the Taylors there were these Callaway X-14s that were very forgiving. I can now get a used set of those clubs for around $130, which would be great. So my question is, do you think this would be a good move vs. spending big bucks on the newest game improvement irons (Taylor M CGBs or M5/M6)? Is there really much of a difference in golf club technology over the last 15 years or will I do just fine buying a set of those 15 year old X-14s given that I play golf so little at the moment. Thanks in advance!!

[LumpyPockets]

Yes

[wkuo3]

Callaway X-14 is one of the GI irons made it to the big league on both PGA and LPGA. There is no question of it's playability.

Golf club making technology did advanced since a few decades ago, although not as much as in the driver's and other long sticks, the iron design had no real breakthrough in my opinion ( I discounted the same length concept and the cavity fill for personal preference ). Actually, there was a wave of retro design for irons, going back to the simple look of blade and small cavity deign.

 

If you like the look of the X-14 ( which is kind of important to look down and feel comfortable at the address position for alignment and confidence reason ). You can't go wrong with the X-14 model and probably could retain the purchased value for a long time.

Make sure the set you purchase is not a set of counterfeits. The X-14 and the X-14 PS were heavily counterfeited because of their popularity.

I still have a complete set of X-14 PS ( 1-SW ) , kept it because it was one of my favorite go-to set of irons.

Also check if the inserts in the back cavity are solid ( they tend to be loosen over time and in some cases missing ), the shafts are free of signs of rust ( more difficult to reshaft with the bore- through, flaired tip design ). It'll take me 3 times the effor to reshaft a set of Callaway bore-through irons than another set. Most of the recreational golf club hobbyists wouldn't tangle these for a reshaft project. So make sure the shafts are solid, and the short ferrule rings are tight ( another difficult to replace part since the shafts have to be pulled to replace or push down the short ferrule ).

You should enjoy this set of X-14 if you could give it a little time to get used to it.

[Nessism]

If you want forgiveness get some of the newer Ping G series irons.

[setter02]

> @Nessism said:

> If you want forgiveness get some of the newer Ping G series irons.

 

Or older G series, play until you want to upgrade again (meaning you're playing more and enjoying it) and sell them for the same price you paid.

[RogerinNewZealand]

Callaway X14 and Ping G5 or G10 all great clubs and super easy to hit.Then you can enjoy your time golfing!

[nycvt]

Thanks for all the help! For the amount I play, seems like the x14s are the way to go for now (Callaway sells them used under $200). Any suggestions for forgiving driver and 3 wood of the same era (ie that I can buy used for a good price)?

[jplroper]

If you are buying from Callaway Preowned, just order a Steelhead driver and 3 wood, or in my opinion 4+ fw.

[Oldplayer]

You can get pretty decent late model GI irons if you buy second hand in good condition. Tons of options under $250. You just need to know what type of shaft suits you and where to look. Nothing wrong with X14's but you can get irons a couple of years old for your budget. I recently bought some Callaway x hot irons (about 4 years old) for $100.

[wkuo3]

> @nycvt said:

> Thanks for all the help! For the amount I play, seems like the x14s are the way to go for now (Callaway sells them used under $200). Any suggestions for forgiving driver and 3 wood of the same era (ie that I can buy used for a good price)?

 

Getting them from Calllaway pre-owned is safer than getting groom the internet. I'm sure they'd identify a counterfeit set of X-14 better than us could. Like others said, for lose to $200, there are lots of choices for a used set of golf clubs. Callaway, Taylor made ( RAC OS ), Clevelnad TA 7.......

I would, demo some of these if at all possible.. Something works well for another golfer might not be the case for you.

Also, there is no one set of irons that's a lot more "forgiving" over the rest. The golfer will need to know how to use the golf clubs. Just get a set of GI irons which you like and try to practice a little more if you can. There is time to speak away for practice and maybe 9 hole early morning in the Summer. I had done that when my kids were young and both my wife and I were working.

Sneak out the house before daybreak, be done and back when kids are just up. Did the yard work and have lunch with them, then out to do fun things with the family..... when I was much younger, of course.

[Nessism]

Go to the WTB forum here and ask for a set of G25's. Way better than older clubs like X14's and similar. Get a G25 driver too. The irons shouldn't cost more than $200 shipped and a driver about $100. Money well spent. Do a search here if you don't believe me. There is a LOT of G25 love here.

[nycvt]

Great, will see if I can find some of these g25s to take a look at