Golf- Buying my first irons. - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

-Ever- · 12-11-2004, 09:12 AM

I've been playing golf on and off for a few years now, always renting and borrowing my equipment. I'm at the point where I want my own set of clubs as using different ones everytime I play is getting a little annoying.

I've tested the Nike Slingshot irons about four times at the range and really liked them. I've only used a few other irons in the same price-range as them though. I'm wondering if you guys recommend for or against these clubs, and if against, can you recommend better clubs in the same general range?

Thanks for any info guys.
-T

thrsn0730 · 12-11-2004, 09:19 AM

A couple of things to note:

1. I love my Callaway irons. I've got the Tungsten-Titanium and swear by them. I'm a pretty awful golfer (just started a few years ago), and I tested lots of irons before I bought those.

2. Try and find one of last year's models. Just like cars, the golf club companies come out with "new and improved" clubs every year (usually around Christmastime, I think). You can't go wrong picking up "last year's" set and you can generally save a bundle doing it.

Edit: You might consider something like this: http://www.callawaygolfpreowned.com/yhk411802.html

pan6467 · 12-11-2004, 10:33 AM

Personally, I feel if you are just starting out you should buy like a Northwestern set or whatever at Wal*Mart for $200 or less.

I have played golf for a very long time and I have seen people come out with these really expensive "good" clubs and play like shit, they then get upset because they thought the clubs would help their game. They don't, they just advertise to serious golfers you have money but don't know how to play the game.

I started out renting then when I bought I went with the Dunlop starter set and told myself I wouldn't buy a new set until I played well consistently. It made me play better because I had a true reason to play harder.

I eventually added a wedge and good putter and driver, all I bought used for like $10. Then when I was consistant I bought an expensive set and they did help my game a little, not that much but a little.

I have seen too many people go out buy a set of clubs for more than they could truly afford, start playing and realize that even with clubs, that supposedly "helped them play better", they weren't good and they gave up. They still have the clubs but they never get used. The expensive sets are sometimes marketed to the new golfer, but they are made to be used by players that are consistant and decent. Otherwise, they can have a very negative feel and affect your game in a bad way.

I just think before you sink money into a Calloway, or Ping or an expensive set, make sure you truly can afford them, make sure you will get use out of them and make sure you truly love golf enough to understand the clubs do not help your game that much when you first start, if anything they hinder your game when you are just starting.

Strange Famous · 12-11-2004, 02:16 PM

a couple of points.

If you are just starting to take it seriously, the over sized heads are normally the best bet

If something feels good and works for you, its a good bet

Dont spend too much on your first clubs. A $300 set will do pretty much the same thing as a $1000 set for a high-medium handicapper.

My best advise would be to get a cheap, over sized heads (they have a bigger "sweet spot" set of clubs made by a decent name you have heard of. Expensive clubs are designed to give greater touch and control, but can hinder the game of someone just starting, you really need something cheap, solid, with the biggest sweet spot you can get.

You can worry about hitting the fades and deep spins and so on later on... if you are anything like me anyway, hitting the ball long and in a straight line is enough of a challenge when you start playing!

If you want to splash out, do it in a putter that feels really nice, or maybe a nice sand wedge. And dont spend too much on a driver either... or at least I didt. For the first couple of years I played I never even used to hit a wood... I can hit a 3 iron 200 yards and thats enough for me!

-Ever- · 12-11-2004, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strange Famous

a couple of points.

If you are just starting to take it seriously, the over sized heads are normally the best bet

If something feels good and works for you, its a good bet

Dont spend too much on your first clubs. A $300 set will do pretty much the same thing as a $1000 set for a high-medium handicapper.

My best advise would be to get a cheap, over sized heads (they have a bigger "sweet spot" set of clubs made by a decent name you have heard of. Expensive clubs are designed to give greater touch and control, but can hinder the game of someone just starting, you really need something cheap, solid, with the biggest sweet spot you can get.

You can worry about hitting the fades and deep spins and so on later on... if you are anything like me anyway, hitting the ball long and in a straight line is enough of a challenge when you start playing!

If you want to splash out, do it in a putter that feels really nice, or maybe a nice sand wedge. And dont spend too much on a driver either... or at least I didt. For the first couple of years I played I never even used to hit a wood... I can hit a 3 iron 200 yards and thats enough for me!

Thanks for all the great info bud! However, as the topic of the thread says, I'm just in the market for irons for now, I've already got a driver and putter I like

I totally know what you're saying Pan. The reason I'm still renting up until now is because I didn't want to commit to a nice set of clubs before I was able to handle them, and I really don't like buying cheap stuff that I'm going to get over pretty quickly (with resale value in mind...) I'll look into the Nike's and see if I can find a good price.

Thanks again guys
-T

DDDDave · 12-11-2004, 02:55 PM

-Ever-,

If you've hit these four times on the range and liked them, I would say go for it. Like Yogi says '50% of the game is 90% mental'. If they feel good in your hand and you think you can hit good shots, then you can.

Generally a cast club is the best for most players. They are more forgiving than forged clubs and give more consistent distance on off center hits.

Be sure to get a wedge that you like. That is really the difference between high and low handicappers,,,, getting up and down from 100 yards and in. When I go to the range, probably half the shots I hit are with my wedge. It gives you so much confidence in your game and it will save you day when your driving and iron game is off.

Good Luck.

-Ever- · 12-12-2004, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDDDave

-Ever-,

If you've hit these four times on the range and liked them, I would say go for it. Like Yogi says '50% of the game is 90% mental'. If they feel good in your hand and you think you can hit good shots, then you can.

Generally a cast club is the best for most players. They are more forgiving than forged clubs and give more consistent distance on off center hits.

Be sure to get a wedge that you like. That is really the difference between high and low handicappers,,,, getting up and down from 100 yards and in. When I go to the range, probably half the shots I hit are with my wedge. It gives you so much confidence in your game and it will save you day when your driving and iron game is off.

Good Luck.

I'll definitely keep that in mind! Yeah I really enjoy my irons and am slowly getting into the wedges. Hopefully these will set me on the right track for now.

Thanks guys

Hard8s · 12-12-2004, 04:15 PM

If you are going to spend the money for clubs might I suggest that you do get fitted. It shouldn't take long, and you will enjoy the results. When I started playing, I used my grandfathers clubs. He was 5'8" and I am 6'2". His clubs did not fit me very well, but it was enough to get me hooked. From there I bought one of those Northwestern sets for $200 or so. not bad but I found I was all over the place. After playing for a year or two with those I noticed something strange about some of the clubs. The faces were caving in, they kind of looked like a spoon. I decided that I DEFINITELY need a new set now. Some of the guys I was playing with suggested I get FIT for clubs. Didn't know what the heck they were talking about but they showed me to this guy in town who makes clubs. Went down there, showed him my clubs, told him what I was looking for, etc. He asked a bunch of questions, took a few measurements, and had me swing a few clubs. He then recommended a set of clubs, shafts, grips etc. Then after they were built he had me come back and swing each one, so he could fine tune the lie angle and such.

Long story short, it improved my game a whole bunch. Went from shooting 110-120 to shooting 90's in about 6 months. Found the old clubs shafts were way to whippy for me (causing me to hit the ball while the shaft was still in flex - ball went everywhere, but mainly sliced), the new clubs were an 1" -1 1/2" longer for my height and I hit the sweet spot more often.

Most of the good golf shops can fit you for clubs as well. I don't know about different shaft lengths but they can definitely change the lie angle to match your swing.

cementor · 12-12-2004, 07:31 PM

You might also look into businesses like 2nd Swing. They allow you to buy used clubs at reduced prices and then when you're ready to upgrade you can trade or seel them back. In some instances for the price you paid for them (assuming the condition is the same) http://www.2ndswing.com/index.html is the website. There are likely similar businesses in you neck of the woods. I think a good set of clubs is a great ideabut don't spend a fortune. Getting properly fit is also highly recommended. Remember "great clubs won't fix a flawed swing or a negative mental outlook!" Good luck.

Jadedfox · 12-17-2004, 04:48 AM

Maybe a bit off topic but worth highlighting anyway.

You may want to keep in mind that the putter, as odd as it may sound, is the most important club in your bag. You'll use it on average (at least) twice every hole. It's amazing to me that people shell out $500+ for a driver and go buy a crap putter for $10- 50. You'll be using a driver on at most 10 holes depending on the course. That's a grand total of 10 strokes compared to say 36 with a putter.

The putter is such a stroke saver it's silly. Scotty Cameron putters do wonders for your game. Trust me on this one.

--jaded

bravosnakeeyes · 12-17-2004, 06:02 AM

i was a golf ho for awhile. i would buy the latest equipment thinking that would improve my game. but than i played golf with this guy that made his own clubs, i didn't recognize one brand in his bag.... and he kicked my ass.

get a cheap set and go pay for some lessons.... and another thing on putters.... camerons are nice, but for a beginner you should try an alignment putter or a center shafted putter.... and again don't go for the name... go with what you think feels the best....

FlatLand Flyer · 12-17-2004, 09:53 PM

If you really like the Nike Slingshots, then look into the Callaway Great Big Bertha irons. I was set on getting either one of those. I tested each and I hit both the same consistently. The difference maker was the the Slingshot set was a 3 iron thru PW and the Great Big Bertha's were a 4 iron thru Gap Wedge. I can't hit a three iron for shit, so I went with the Callaways. I am glad too because I use that GW quite often for the shorter shots.

12-11-2004, 09:12 AM	#1 (permalink)
-Ever- Junkie Location: San Francisco	Golf- Buying my first irons. I've been playing golf on and off for a few years now, always renting and borrowing my equipment. I'm at the point where I want my own set of clubs as using different ones everytime I play is getting a little annoying. I've tested the Nike Slingshot irons about four times at the range and really liked them. I've only used a few other irons in the same price-range as them though. I'm wondering if you guys recommend for or against these clubs, and if against, can you recommend better clubs in the same general range? Thanks for any info guys. -T __________________ Embracing the goddess energy within yourselves will bring all of you to a new understanding and valuing of life. A vision that inspires you to live and love on planet Earth. Like a priceless jewel buried in dark layers of soil and stone, Earth radiates her brilliant beauty into the caverns of space and time. Perhaps you are aware of those who watch over your home And experience of this place to visit and play with reality. You are becoming aware of yourself as a gamemaster... --Acknowledge your weaknesses--

12-11-2004, 09:19 AM	#2 (permalink)
thrsn0730 Crazy Location: Mount Pleasant, SC	A couple of things to note: 1. I love my Callaway irons. I've got the Tungsten-Titanium and swear by them. I'm a pretty awful golfer (just started a few years ago), and I tested lots of irons before I bought those. 2. Try and find one of last year's models. Just like cars, the golf club companies come out with "new and improved" clubs every year (usually around Christmastime, I think). You can't go wrong picking up "last year's" set and you can generally save a bundle doing it. Edit: You might consider something like this: http://www.callawaygolfpreowned.com/yhk411802.html Last edited by thrsn0730; 12-11-2004 at 09:21 AM..

12-11-2004, 10:33 AM	#3 (permalink)
pan6467 Lennonite Priest Location: Mansfield, Ohio USA	Personally, I feel if you are just starting out you should buy like a Northwestern set or whatever at Wal*Mart for $200 or less. I have played golf for a very long time and I have seen people come out with these really expensive "good" clubs and play like shit, they then get upset because they thought the clubs would help their game. They don't, they just advertise to serious golfers you have money but don't know how to play the game. I started out renting then when I bought I went with the Dunlop starter set and told myself I wouldn't buy a new set until I played well consistently. It made me play better because I had a true reason to play harder. I eventually added a wedge and good putter and driver, all I bought used for like $10. Then when I was consistant I bought an expensive set and they did help my game a little, not that much but a little. I have seen too many people go out buy a set of clubs for more than they could truly afford, start playing and realize that even with clubs, that supposedly "helped them play better", they weren't good and they gave up. They still have the clubs but they never get used. The expensive sets are sometimes marketed to the new golfer, but they are made to be used by players that are consistant and decent. Otherwise, they can have a very negative feel and affect your game in a bad way. I just think before you sink money into a Calloway, or Ping or an expensive set, make sure you truly can afford them, make sure you will get use out of them and make sure you truly love golf enough to understand the clubs do not help your game that much when you first start, if anything they hinder your game when you are just starting. __________________ I just love people who use the excuse "I use/do this because I LOVE the feeling/joy/happiness it brings me" and expect you to be ok with that as you watch them destroy their life blindly following. My response is, "I like to put forks in an eletrical socket, just LOVE that feeling, can't ever get enough of it, so will you let me put this copper fork in that electric socket?"

12-11-2004, 02:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
Strange Famous follower of the child's crusade?	a couple of points. If you are just starting to take it seriously, the over sized heads are normally the best bet If something feels good and works for you, its a good bet Dont spend too much on your first clubs. A $300 set will do pretty much the same thing as a $1000 set for a high-medium handicapper. My best advise would be to get a cheap, over sized heads (they have a bigger "sweet spot" set of clubs made by a decent name you have heard of. Expensive clubs are designed to give greater touch and control, but can hinder the game of someone just starting, you really need something cheap, solid, with the biggest sweet spot you can get. You can worry about hitting the fades and deep spins and so on later on... if you are anything like me anyway, hitting the ball long and in a straight line is enough of a challenge when you start playing! If you want to splash out, do it in a putter that feels really nice, or maybe a nice sand wedge. And dont spend too much on a driver either... or at least I didt. For the first couple of years I played I never even used to hit a wood... I can hit a 3 iron 200 yards and thats enough for me! __________________ "Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate, for all things are plain in the sight of Heaven. For nothing hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain without being uncovered." The Gospel of Thomas

12-11-2004, 02:55 PM	#6 (permalink)
DDDDave Addict Location: Sarasota	-Ever-, If you've hit these four times on the range and liked them, I would say go for it. Like Yogi says '50% of the game is 90% mental'. If they feel good in your hand and you think you can hit good shots, then you can. Generally a cast club is the best for most players. They are more forgiving than forged clubs and give more consistent distance on off center hits. Be sure to get a wedge that you like. That is really the difference between high and low handicappers,,,, getting up and down from 100 yards and in. When I go to the range, probably half the shots I hit are with my wedge. It gives you so much confidence in your game and it will save you day when your driving and iron game is off. Good Luck. __________________ I am just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe... "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Thoreau "Nothing great was ever accomplished without enthusiasm" - Emerson

12-12-2004, 04:15 PM	#8 (permalink)
Hard8s Addict Location: Wherever I am!	If you are going to spend the money for clubs might I suggest that you do get fitted. It shouldn't take long, and you will enjoy the results. When I started playing, I used my grandfathers clubs. He was 5'8" and I am 6'2". His clubs did not fit me very well, but it was enough to get me hooked. From there I bought one of those Northwestern sets for $200 or so. not bad but I found I was all over the place. After playing for a year or two with those I noticed something strange about some of the clubs. The faces were caving in, they kind of looked like a spoon. I decided that I DEFINITELY need a new set now. Some of the guys I was playing with suggested I get FIT for clubs. Didn't know what the heck they were talking about but they showed me to this guy in town who makes clubs. Went down there, showed him my clubs, told him what I was looking for, etc. He asked a bunch of questions, took a few measurements, and had me swing a few clubs. He then recommended a set of clubs, shafts, grips etc. Then after they were built he had me come back and swing each one, so he could fine tune the lie angle and such. Long story short, it improved my game a whole bunch. Went from shooting 110-120 to shooting 90's in about 6 months. Found the old clubs shafts were way to whippy for me (causing me to hit the ball while the shaft was still in flex - ball went everywhere, but mainly sliced), the new clubs were an 1" -1 1/2" longer for my height and I hit the sweet spot more often. Most of the good golf shops can fit you for clubs as well. I don't know about different shaft lengths but they can definitely change the lie angle to match your swing. __________________ If ignorance is bliss, then wipe this smile off my face!

12-12-2004, 07:31 PM	#9 (permalink)
cementor Crazy Location: Denver	You might also look into businesses like 2nd Swing. They allow you to buy used clubs at reduced prices and then when you're ready to upgrade you can trade or seel them back. In some instances for the price you paid for them (assuming the condition is the same) http://www.2ndswing.com/index.html is the website. There are likely similar businesses in you neck of the woods. I think a good set of clubs is a great ideabut don't spend a fortune. Getting properly fit is also highly recommended. Remember "great clubs won't fix a flawed swing or a negative mental outlook!" Good luck. __________________ Cementor If I was any better I'd have to be twins!

12-17-2004, 04:48 AM	#10 (permalink)
Jadedfox Egocentric Location: World of Warcraft	Maybe a bit off topic but worth highlighting anyway. You may want to keep in mind that the putter, as odd as it may sound, is the most important club in your bag. You'll use it on average (at least) twice every hole. It's amazing to me that people shell out $500+ for a driver and go buy a crap putter for $10- 50. You'll be using a driver on at most 10 holes depending on the course. That's a grand total of 10 strokes compared to say 36 with a putter. The putter is such a stroke saver it's silly. Scotty Cameron putters do wonders for your game. Trust me on this one. --jaded __________________ There is no fucking you, there is only me.

12-17-2004, 06:02 AM	#11 (permalink)
bravosnakeeyes Upright	i was a golf ho for awhile. i would buy the latest equipment thinking that would improve my game. but than i played golf with this guy that made his own clubs, i didn't recognize one brand in his bag.... and he kicked my ass. get a cheap set and go pay for some lessons.... and another thing on putters.... camerons are nice, but for a beginner you should try an alignment putter or a center shafted putter.... and again don't go for the name... go with what you think feels the best....

12-17-2004, 09:53 PM	#12 (permalink)
FlatLand Flyer Insane Location: Eastern, WA	If you really like the Nike Slingshots, then look into the Callaway Great Big Bertha irons. I was set on getting either one of those. I tested each and I hit both the same consistently. The difference maker was the the Slingshot set was a 3 iron thru PW and the Great Big Bertha's were a 4 iron thru Gap Wedge. I can't hit a three iron for shit, so I went with the Callaways. I am glad too because I use that GW quite often for the shorter shots.