Opinions on 2nd set...

[clmax]

Looking at Bridgestone j33 combos

I've been playing for 15 months. Some would say I have been a little obsessed with golf. I'm looking to buy an intermediate set of clubs. I expect to break 80 soon and I feel I'm ready to move away from the Top Flite Tour Oversize irons I'm hitting at present.

I hit the j33 combos and they look and feel great. Also, while not combos, I hit the Mizuno MP33s and I liked them too, I just don't feel quite ready for a full set of forged blades.

Are there any other similar (forged combos) out there? I know of the Nike Pro combos, and I saw a Titelist set but I don't remember what they were.

I'm pretty set on buying a set of forged combo irons, I just want to be sure I have looked at all the possibilities out there.

Please provide any comments on forged combo irons in general, or specific sets. I would like to hear from anyone who has made a similar transition.

Thanks,
-Greg

[johnnystick77]

It sounds like you've got some good ideas for what you want. If you like the J33 combo set also check out the Cavity back J33's. They have more of a "cut muscle" look and feel.

 

As for cut muscle don't forget about the MP-60's, as they are right up there with the set you're looking for. I would certainly consider those before MP-33's.

 

The Titleist irons you're referring to are 735CM's meaning cavity to muscle. They are set up almost identical to the J33 combo's.

 

I would try hitting all of them and get fitted before jumping into anything. This set you'll probably play for quite a while. Good Luck.

[Mud]

I think the general consensus is that the 735s are a bit more forgiving than the j33s if that helps.

I prefer the aesthetics of the j33s, but in the end it's all about playability.

[clmax]

Thanks for the replys. I'll definately try them all out.

I saw the j33 cavity backs, but didn't try them; I'll add them to the list.

I also just saw a Taylormade RAC combo set.

I'll be sure to hit them all plenty before I make the purchase

[shootermcgavin42]

I love my j33 combos i hit the nikes and they felt very hard for a forging but the j33 set is super soft and forgiving for a players iron.

[clmax]

Thanks Shooter! I was hoping to get some input from someone who plays the j33 combos. I have a more specific question for you (or anyone who plays these clubs):

 

Do you find the distances you hit these clubs evenly spaced?

 

I ask because when I hit them in a launch monitor, I hit the 8i about 15-20 yards less than my current set, yet I hit the 6i 15-20 yards longer. I only hit the 8i, 6i, and 3i because I wanted to try one of each type. I hit each club about ten shots and I hit the 8i first which may have a something to do with it, but I hit solid shots for the most part.

 

Have you tried the 735CMs, or the Taylormade RAC combos?

 

Thanks,

-Greg

[bbbrisco]

Do you find the distances you hit these clubs evenly spaced?

 

I ask because when I hit them in a launch monitor, I hit the 8i about 15-20 yards less than my current set, yet I hit the 6i 15-20 yards longer. I only hit the 8i, 6i, and 3i because I wanted to try one of each type. I hit each club about ten shots and I hit the 8i first which may have a something to do with it, but I hit solid shots for the most part.

 

I'm currently playing J33 combos, and my distances seem pretty evenly spaced. I get about 12-15 yards between clubs. I've measured the lofts and they were pretty consistent - PW was 47 (instead of 48) and a few other clubs were off by 1* either way, but that is pretty good for an off-the-rack OEM set. Swingweights were also dead solid at D4.

 

I think tolerances from most manufacturers are 2* either way, so if you have an 8 iron 2* weak and a 6 iron 2* strong you could end up with funky results like you've seen. I wouldn't worry about it either way - any irons you buy, you need to spend some time on the range with, and get bent to even out the yardages if necessary. I would worry if you were hitting a 6 iron and getting grossly different distances with what felt like good swings, however. I've had irons that would occasionally just launch rockets 20 yards further than normal.

[Mike_C]

Thanks Shooter! I was hoping to get some input from someone who plays the j33 combos. I have a more specific question for you (or anyone who plays these clubs):

 

Do you find the distances you hit these clubs evenly spaced?

 

I ask because when I hit them in a launch monitor, I hit the 8i about 15-20 yards less than my current set, yet I hit the 6i 15-20 yards longer. I only hit the 8i, 6i, and 3i because I wanted to try one of each type. I hit each club about ten shots and I hit the 8i first which may have a something to do with it, but I hit solid shots for the most part.

 

Have you tried the 735CMs, or the Taylormade RAC combos?

 

Thanks,

-Greg

 

 

I put a set in the bag about 6 weeks ago, and I find that the distances seem pretty evenly spaced, the lofts are weaker than what I was used too, but I don't really hit them that much shorter than a couple of other sets of irons I had. The only club that seems a little different for me is the PW, but it is 1/4 inch shorter off the rack than what I had been playing before, and I don't hit it as far as I thought I would relative to my older PW, but that makes sense.

[Mud]

It looks like Mike_C is a Bridgestone whore! (cool) :beach:

[expunge]

Check out the titleist 755's as well. Also the new TM r7 TP's.

[Mike_C]

It looks like Mike_C is a Bridgestone whore! :cheesy: :beach:

 

 

Yup..... (cool)

 

Cheap bastxxx too, I got pretty good deals even at retail...... :yahoo:

[Judge Smails]

I have hit all the combo sets out and the J33 is best. There is no doubt they are the softest when compared to the 735cm or the Pro Combos, which are both nice clubs. I think the J33 is superior though in feel, looks and performance. I have to disagree with the poster that said the consensus is that the J33 is less forgiving than other combo sets. Obviously the blades in each of these sets are of similar forgiveness, but the cavity back long irons are VERY forgiving in my opinion. They are a nice medium size and have a larger cavity and fairly low COG, especially with the tungsten in the 2-5.

 

If you are set on a combo set, and you like the J33 I would leave it at that. I have hit them all and the consensus is that they are the best.