Have Irons Really gotten better over the past 20 years?

[ez1putt]

On 10/22/2021 at 11:27 AM, jholz said:

Like anything else, I think irons of all types have improved over the last 20 years. 

 

Year to year the improvements are subtle typically, with big breakthroughs here and there. Twenty years is enough to show significant improvements. Take Ping for example. In 2001, the i3 Blades were their better player's club. Compare it to the i210.

 

I'd argue the i210 offers a much more refined and appealing product. Lots of progress in terms of manufacturing and design. 

 

Now, could I shoot the same scores with i3 Blades and i210s? Sure. But who cares?

 

I'm the exact opposite.  Very similar comparison - I'd much rather play my i3+ rather than i210.  Add in the fact the i3+ are virtually indestructible and look better after 20 years of play than the newer finish of the i210 after 1 season it's a no brainer.  The only "advantage" the i210 have might is the hydropearl finish claims of better control in wet conditions.  I certainly don't see the marketed performance improvement in hydropearl finish in my scores, but will trust the ping engineers that it's in their data.

 

Manufacturers can't tell you the truth there is very little difference in iron performance gains in the past 20 years because they need to sell you new gear to stay in business.  

[sociojeje]

been playing a forged set from 2008 very long. Tried new hollow irons from Titleist, Callaway, and Taylormade. All were very good but the difference was very marginal and they felt a bit different from an old forged set. Still wanted to play a different set and ended up getting a set from 2013 (yamaha x v forged). Can't say my current set is drastically better than my old 2008 set. Can't say the new irons I tried are significantly better than the set I am playing now. They are all good for different types of golfers. Chances are very high that one may play better with an old iron set depending on how it fits the golfer. I am still interested in trying new irons shafts as they may fit my swing better. 

[jholz]

21 hours ago, ez1putt said:

 

I'm the exact opposite.  Very similar comparison - I'd much rather play my i3+ rather than i210.  Add in the fact the i3+ are virtually indestructible and look better after 20 years of play than the newer finish of the i210 after 1 season it's a no brainer.  The only "advantage" the i210 have might is the hydropearl finish claims of better control in wet conditions.  I certainly don't see the marketed performance improvement in hydropearl finish in my scores, but will trust the ping engineers that it's in their data.

 

Manufacturers can't tell you the truth there is very little difference in iron performance gains in the past 20 years because they need to sell you new gear to stay in business.  

 

I'm not trying to harsh on the i3's. They are fine clubs. 

 

But, there's a reason I didn't put Ping irons in the bag in 2001. Today, Ping has a number of clubs that I would play.

 

Similar performance, better looks. Again, that's progress to me.  

[gators78]

Mark Crossfield had a great video comparing some Top Flite blades from the 80s to Mavrik irons...spoiler, the Top Flite irons had better stats and dispersion. 

 

 

[Ghostwedge]

1 hour ago, gators78 said:

Mark Crossfield had a great video comparing some Top Flite blades from the 80s to Mavrik irons...spoiler, the Top Flite irons had better stats and dispersion. 

 

 

If those TF irons had the original shafts in them he is a fool.

I've seen guys snap 40 yr old steel shafts on the range taking normal swings.

That could be dangerous. Yikes

[lefthack]

It seems the grooves did in 2010 I believe. Maybe not improved, but clearly changed. 🤣

[NewDecadeMultiCompound]

I play an old hand-me-down set of Titleist blades. Difficult to hit the sweet spot every single time.

 

Whenever I go to the range and my friend lets me hit with one of his latest game-improvement irons I notice immediately how much easier to hit and how much further the ball travels with less effort. I'd say irons have become more forgiving for sure based on my personal experience

Edited May 5, 2023 by Glassmen61

[R5Two]

+1 for all the guys saying they are more forgiving (ball goes further, not necessarily the correct direction) with modern irons being mis-hit. Doesn't necessarily equate to better scores either. 

 

If you hit it in the middle, not much different in irons. I played with my Titleist 695 CBs this summer while I waited for my new irons to be built and they were fine. I prefer the new stiffer shafts but the heads.. I just like shiny new stuff. 

 

Cool article about Strick playing his 755s: 

 

 

https://golf.com/news/steve-stricker-titleist-755-iron-memorial/?amp=1

[ahkim]

Based on my experience switching from the 2006 TM r7 XD to the latest T300, I would say something has changed for the better.  I'm noticeably hitting the T300 closer to the pin than EVER, both distance control but also direction.  It's been crazy fun these last few rounds hitting it close to the stick.

[Billfitz]

20 years ago I'd have given my left one for irons that are as forgiving as my Clevelands. 40 years ago not really, but 20 years ago I was 51 years old and the effects of age were apparent. There's a reason why the senior tour doesn't play from the tips.