How Often Do You Upgrade Irons?

[this_is_golf]

I should get through the summer with my current set (JPX923 HMP which I bought in Jan) but I have my eye on a set of used mint 225s. 

[ace919]

I've had my mizuno MP-58s for over 10 years now. No intention on replacing them until I am physically unable to hit them due to age, so I will likely have them for another 20 years. 

 

I believe that a golf iron molds to your swing the same way a cast iron becomes more seasoned with every cook. It gets better with additional use, when properly cared for. 

 

This is why I tell players (who want to improve) to buy high quality irons that are one step above your game so you have them for decades. You learn and you grow with them. You never want to buy irons that are consistent with your current skill level. When you learn how to hit with challenging irons, you become the player you want to be over time. 

[ace919]

On 8/5/2023 at 12:03 PM, mcnealstash said:

I just bought Mizuno 223s this year after not buying a set for a long time- now after joining the forums I want a set of blades already... 

You were right in buying Mizuno's because I've had my MP-58s for over a decade and they seemingly get better with additional use. But yeah, the Mizuno 223's are a little thick. Easier to hit at first, but are they really going to make you the better player over a long period of time? 

[ShortGolfer]

Considering what they cost me and my slow swing speed I'm sure my XXIO 12 irons with ladies flex LA Golf shafts will last me a long time. 

 

Wedges, on the other hand, I can see myself buying a new wedge every year just for something new.

Edited August 9, 2023 by ShortGolfer

[Mikey_HACKilroy]

6 minutes ago, ace919 said:

This is why I tell players (who want to improve) to buy high quality irons that are one step above your game so you have them for decades. You learn and you grow with them. You never want to buy irons that are consistent with your current skill level. When you learn how to hit with challenging irons, you become the player you want to be over time. 

 

That's exactly how I am thinking. I couldn't agree more.

Just the way I'm wired. My dad thinks I'm going to make golf too hard on myself, but as frustrating as it gets, it feels better when you start to level up your game....

I mean, I'm the kind of guy that cards every shot when I keep score. This past weekend I felt like Xander Schauffele trying to get out of that bunker..... 3 straight shots into a tree... a branch.... a big rock...... trying to get out of the woods..... hehehehehe

[Georgie Z]

2 hours ago, ace919 said:

You were right in buying Mizuno's because I've had my MP-58s for over a decade and they seemingly get better with additional use. But yeah, the Mizuno 223's are a little thick. Easier to hit at first, but are they really going to make you the better player over a long period of time? 

The 58 were great clubs. I wouldn’t be changing them either.

[Moonlightgrm]

On 4/17/2023 at 11:16 PM, DoubleDrops said:

I’m getting an itch to but a new set of irons. I’ve had mine for a few years now and they’re still in good shape, but a new set is mighty tempting. 
Just curious - on average, how long do you keep a set of irons before trying something different?

I played Shakespeare irons from 1972 ‘til 1981, Spaulding Top-Flight irons from 1981 ‘til 1990, Wilson Staff irons from 1991 ‘til 1999, and Ping ISI irons from 2000 ‘til 2020. Currently, I am playing Titleist T200 irons. The math suggests ~10-years, but those Ping ISI irons were tough to knock out of my hands. Simply point and shoot. These T200 irons have been crazy good as well.

[ck800]

have mp4, 64 and 69. love all three but the call of the void to move to something like t100 / 223 is always there

[jimmie]

It's going to take something really special to ever knock my MP-64s out of my bag. They just seem to be the perfect clubs to me. If I ever wear them out I'll just replace heads as needed.

[Titlemade]

18 hours ago, jimmie said:

It's going to take something really special to ever knock my MP-64s out of my bag. They just seem to be the perfect clubs to me. If I ever wear them out I'll just replace heads as needed.

I've been the same with my 64's. I went for a Titleist fitting yesterday at my club and they set me up with the exact same shaft and specs in the T150. The two differences were the extra yards from the stronger lofts and the Mizunos feel softer. Not worth $1400 when I can just club up one. 

[jimmie]

16 minutes ago, Titlemade said:

I've been the same with my 64's. I went for a Titleist fitting yesterday at my club and they set me up with the exact same shaft and specs in the T150. The two differences were the extra yards from the stronger lofts and the Mizunos feel softer. Not worth $1400 when I can just club up one. 

Distance isn't an issue for me thankfully. I'd rather have more control anyway. All of the Titleist irons I've tried felt too harsh to me, maybe I'm spoiled by mizuno's signature softness.

 

Miura is the only other company that has got me looking. A set of MC-502s are about the only thing that might tempt me away from my mizzys.

[Liveonce]

On 8/8/2023 at 7:14 PM, cardoustie said:

Someone told me once that Stadler had 3 iron sets in 30 years on tour ….

good thing I’m not on tour

Edited August 10, 2023 by Liveonce

[Liveonce]

It’s not that I upgrade per se, just get bored looking down and playing the same equipment after a few months 

[Tinkerer]

Been reading this thread and trying to justify how I carry a set of Nike ProCombo over a set of XXIO X 12 that cost plenty more and work fine!

 

Looking down at the club, seeing the clubs in the bag and that feeling from a pure strike, the new irons just don’t do that as well. Performance wise, tee to green, no real difference.
 

Like others have said, club up to cover the loft differences! 

[badandbogey]

every 90 days

[Jim53]

New releases get a good look like the upcoming APEX, the JPX 923 tours have been doing well but i think a bit softer shaft would be better...that's the excuse I am going with and yeas I do my own club work most of the time but new has to be better.

[Garydean]

Twice this year 😆

[Flyers99]

I don’t switch irons much. I have played 2 sets in the last 13 years.  I had an old set of PING G 15’s I played a few weeks ago for fun. I’ll say I didn’t miss a beat.  I could easily still play them and it wouldn’t affect my score. I just adjusted for the club #/loft difference and was good.  Didn’t see any noticeable distance loss loft for loft.  A good set of irons that fit you can be played for many years IMO. 

[ewaldbeukes]

3-5 years for me... If they work and the grooves are fine, then why change...