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SevenInchScrew

macrumors 6502a
Jun 23, 2007
539
2
Omaha
i was wondering if anyone here is playing the new titleist irons. specifically the ap-1 or ap-2's.
I don't play them, but a friend of mine plays the AP2s, and I've hit them quite a bit. They are an odd one, really. I like the idea behind them, and the technology is great. But, there is just something about the look and feel that doesn't fit me.

The top-line is a little thick, in my opinion. On the AP1 its fine, because that is a "Game Improvement" club, where thicker top-lines are the norm. But, I wish it was a little thinner on the AP2. The offset is great, but then you see that slightly thick top-line, and it just looks kind of funny.

They also have an odd feel to them. Its a combination of the sound and feel. Now, this could be because of the shaft, because my friends set has the new Project X shaft in them, which is garbage. I use the original, satin-finish PX in my clubs. The new version that True Temper is making under the Rifle name is just junk. So, that could be where most of the feel problems are coming from.

Overall though, it is a decent set. It reminds me a lot of the old 990/990B from back in the day. Good clubs, just nothing over the top. But, they will last a long time, and will serve their purpose well.
titleist in my mind has always made great sets of irons.
I agree. I just thought back on it after reading this, and I've played 7 sets of Titlesit irons in my golfing career. Starting with the DCI Black, then 990s, 762Bs, 681s, 690MBs, 660s, and finally the 695CBs I sold late this last season. I wish I still had the old 660s, honestly. Not sure why I got rid of those. Can't order them new anymore, and they're hard as crap to find in good condition in the aftermarket. Oh well, you win some, you lose some.

On a vaguely related note, I think my next set of irons this coming spring is going to be the new Smoke TaylorMade MB. I finally got to see a set recently, and holy hell are they awesome. I played the old TP MB before my 695s, and these are basically the same iron, with just a new finish on them and a slightly revamped face milling. They will be mine this spring. OH YES, they will be mine!
 

basesloaded190

macrumors 68030
Oct 16, 2007
2,693
5
Wisconsin
The problem with my set now is that they are a game improving set. the sole is very wise and the top line is very thick. I've gotten to the point where this is a distraction and instead of improving my game, it is making it more difficult. I want to go back to a traditional looking iron set. I don't know if i quite at the level to be playing forged irons, but a im really looking for more of a players set. I've got a bout a 12 handicap now and i think that could go down over the summer with practice. Those Taylormades are sexy, but i don't think i would be able to hit those very well..lol. I liked the Ap1 because they are more traditional looking that what i have yet still more playable than a true forged iron. I really don't care for any of the other Taylormade sets that are out right now, they just don't seem to grab my attention as great sets, but I haven't hit all of them so i really can't talk. What i have liked are the new Mizunos. I always liked the fact that they stuck with a traditional shape and kept things nice and simple. Also while we have talked about them before, ping wouldn't be a bad set to try out either, some of their sets are bad looking. If there are any other suggestions or opinions let me know!
 

kumbaya

macrumors regular
Jan 12, 2005
118
0
Just bought 2 weeks ago..

driver.jpg

fway 3.jpg

rescue irons.jpg

wedges.jpg

putter.jpg

Working out nicely so far: the hybrids (first time to try) are taking some time to get used to....
 

puckhead193

macrumors G3
May 25, 2004
9,578
862
NY

Big fight with the taylor made combo set :eek:

Whats everyone opinion on the nike sumo2 hybrid set? its 4h, 5h, 6h, 7h, 8-AW.
They came down in price a lot. but i don't know how i feel about playing 4 hybrids instead of traditional irons. You think they are as good better then the taylor made combo plus or cleveland hi-bores?
 

SevenInchScrew

macrumors 6502a
Jun 23, 2007
539
2
Omaha
I don't know if i quite at the level to be playing forged irons... (snip) ...yet still more playable than a true forged iron.
Forging a club doesn't make them any more or less hard to hit. I think this misconception comes from the fact that many players irons are forged, so when people see "Forged" on a club, they think it is only for better players. That isn't really the case. The old Titleist 804, for example, was a forged iron, but it had a big, thick top-line, and large offset. It was a total game-improvement iron. Same with some of Mizuno's MX line. That is their "Game Improvement" line, and it has some forged clubs.

Don't be scared by "Forged" on a club. The only thing to be scared of is the price, since most forged clubs are usually more expensive than comparable cast models.

My favorite all-around iron these days is the Ping I10. It has a great shape, doesn't cost too much, has great durability, and TONS of custom options. A few months ago I flew up to see my dad at his club. I didn't want to hassle with taking my clubs, so I just played a loaner set of I10s from his fitting setup. They are great. The feel is good, the look is good, and they actually have a decent sound, which many Pings don't as of late. That would be my pick for a good all-around mid-low handicapper's club.
 

basesloaded190

macrumors 68030
Oct 16, 2007
2,693
5
Wisconsin
Forging a club doesn't make them any more or less hard to hit. I think this misconception comes from the fact that many players irons are forged, so when people see "Forged" on a club, they think it is only for better players. That isn't really the case. The old Titleist 804, for example, was a forged iron, but it had a big, thick top-line, and large offset. It was a total game-improvement iron. Same with some of Mizuno's MX line. That is their "Game Improvement" line, and it has some forged clubs.

Don't be scared by "Forged" on a club. The only thing to be scared of is the price, since most forged clubs are usually more expensive than comparable cast models.

I've only hit a few sets of true forged clubs, and i just love the way they look when you look down on them. the more traditional the better i think. I as far as price, for golf that really isn't important to me, i would much rather spend a lot of money and have something that fits me and that i really like to hit versus getting something cheap. I guess ill just have to do some hitting with some of these sets. Im going down to Florida soon so ill see if the club there has a few demo's i can hit out on the range.

As far as steel shafts go, what are the current favorites. I still love a classic True Temper Dynamic Golf shaft, those are hard to beat. What about Project X shafts or anything else? I need something that can give me a fairly mid to low flight trajectory as i can hit the ball high enough as is.
 

SevenInchScrew

macrumors 6502a
Jun 23, 2007
539
2
Omaha
...I guess ill just have to do some hitting with some of these sets.
Perfect. If you can find one, a Demo Day is your best friend when looking at new stuff. And, I personally believe that "Looks" are a HUGE part of a club "fitting" you. A club might be the most technologically advanced thing out there, but if it's ugly as crap, I won't play it. Callaway FT-iQ, and most square clubs, I'm looking at you here. So, you need to find something that fits your eye, and then worry about the spec and caliber of club. Thats how I decide on pretty much every club I own.
As far as steel shafts go, what are the current favorites. I still love a classic True Temper Dynamic Golf shaft, those are hard to beat. What about Project X shafts or anything else? I need something that can give me a fairly mid to low flight trajectory as i can hit the ball high enough as is.
This kind of relates to my comment above as well. The specs of a shaft can tell a lot, but there is a lot of feel when it comes to shafts. I personally play the old Project X shaft. The old original satin finish one. It has a constant weight, which I like, and a slightly lower ball-flight, which I also like. They are VERY hard to find now that there is a newer version being made by True Temper. The new one isn't that good, which is sad, because it's showing up stock in a lot of clubs these days, and a lot of people think they are the same thing.

As far as True Temper is concerned, you can't really go wrong with the Dynamic Gold. The DG is about as classic as they come. And it is a very low-launch shaft, like you are looking for. I've never been one for it, but they also come in a "Sensicore" version, to dampen some of the harsh feel. I've always thought that was kind of a "hack" type fix, for an old shaft. But people like it, so whatev.

If you want to spice things up, and play something a little better, try and find some Tour Concept shafts. They were going to be the replacement for the DG, but they just never took off on tour, so they never hit that target. They are great shafts, like a DG, but with a little less spin and slightly more feel, all while combining a flighted launch (high launch long irons, lower launch short irons). They come in either satin chrome, or this kind of cool blueish-green tint....

(Sorry for the lame BSG pics. That place is lame, but they were the only ones with good pics)
tcsatinlq3.jpg


tcgreenxj4.jpg


Another option is the Nippon NS Pro. They are a semi-rare shaft here in the states, but you occasionally see them as a stock offering. They are a very smooth feeling shaft, and in the higher weights (like the 1150GH), will have a little lower ball flight. I couldn't tell you who in the states carries these, but I'm sure with some digging, you could find them.

But, as I said before, look for a Demo Day. Try everything, and see what you like. And make sure you try clubs with all different kinds of shafts. As I said, I think feel and looks are a HUGE part of finding the right club/shaft combo. If it looks ugly and feels like crap, all the technology in the world won't help your mental game.
 

basesloaded190

macrumors 68030
Oct 16, 2007
2,693
5
Wisconsin
I couldn't agree with you more. Selling golf clubs for the last 4 years one of the most important things i tell people is that it needs to be appealing to the eyes or your not going to have any confidence standing over the ball.
I just don't like going to demo days because i know more often than not they are just going to have standard length shafts and nothing too out of the ordinary. I know i need a half an inch off every one of my clubs and i struggle to hit standard length irons (yes i am short), so i fear that i will be hitting a club and not not liking it based on the fact that it doesn't fit me.
 

Vogue Harper

macrumors 6502
Nov 16, 2008
410
23
Serenity
Has anyone played the new Nike Victory Red split cavity forged irons or put them in their bag for this season?

I waved a set around in my golf shop and they look beautiful. Are they anything like Mizuno's cut muscle irons in their MP range?
 

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SevenInchScrew

macrumors 6502a
Jun 23, 2007
539
2
Omaha
Has anyone played the new Nike Victory Red split cavity forged irons or put them in their bag for this season?
I have not, but they look very nice. A buddy of mine used to play the old Pro Combo, and it was a fantastic set. I think Nike makes some great clubs.
Are they anything like Mizuno's cut muscle irons in their MP range?
They look to be similar to the MP57, and the older MP30. Mizzy makes, what I would consider, the best irons on the market. I never could find a set that really clicked with me though. I tried the MP33, 37, 30, 60. All very nice clubs, but just never sat well with me. BUT, when it comes to build quality and craftsmanship, there is no one better than Mizzy in my book.
 

marclapierre13

macrumors 6502a
Jul 7, 2005
869
0
Proud owner of a set of 4-PW Taylormade R7 irons.
Also, 460cc 9.5 degree Cleveland Launcher, and launcher 3 wood with grafalloy shaft (technically that one is a long term loan ;))

Next purchase: Odyssey 2 ball putter.
TaylorMadeR7Iron.jpg
10025598.jpg
 

puckhead193

macrumors G3
May 25, 2004
9,578
862
NY
does anyone have any experience with the new 09 burner irons? My local golfsmith doesn't have them in stock yet. I can't decide if i want the burner plus combo set with the 3 and 4 hybrids or the new burners 4 through GW. :cool:
 

puckhead193

macrumors G3
May 25, 2004
9,578
862
NY
finally picked up my new burner irons the other day :D

my set includes:
burner 09 irons 4-gap, steel regular flex with a lie change of 1 degree
Burner 3-hybrid (for now)
Burner driver HT :eek:
56 degree TM rac wedge
60 degree cleveland CG14 wedge
odyssey white hot XG 2 ball f-7 putter
the bag is a callaway warbird stand bag
 

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wvuwhat

macrumors 65816
Sep 26, 2007
1,157
37
Right now I'm getting back into it. I was an AJGA and Plantations player a few years ago. Got nibbles for college, but decided to forgo it to come to WVU. Regretting that now. I've played maybe 20 times in the past 4 years. I'm using some old school clubs that I've pieced together right now.

Hibore XL Tour 9.5* - Protopype X
Halo 19* Hybrid - Speeder 904hb X
Cleveland TA3 3-PW - Black Gold X
Vokey Oil Cans 52.08/58.08 (Spin Milled)
Ping Karsten Piper

Getting ready to put some serious money into my bag in the next few weeks, because I'm graduating college (With NO debt!!!, so happy).

Ping G10/Some new driver (Probably with a Diamana Whiteboard)
Mizuno Fairway
Keeping the Halo, it's my money club - 230 with a little fade, 250 with a draw
Mizuno 67's (Cannot beat the feel of Miz's, and this is coming from a person that played very competitive tournament golf, won a few bigger tournaments, and worked in the golf business for 6 years)
CG14's Black Pearl 52* - 2 dot, 58* - 1 dot
Scotty Cameron 2.6 Centershaft

Looking into golf balls to find something good with a good price. I used to like the Bridgestones, probably go with the E series for casual rounds and B330 for tournament rounds.

Of course I have to brag about my golf bag. Ping Hoofer (the new one with the retractable straps) that I designed and put into Ping for our golf club here at school. Licensing was a b*tch and took a while, but I got it done. 1/10, never to be made again.
 

Mintin8

macrumors 6502a
Mar 4, 2009
689
0
United Kingdom
Ben Sayers Kit, Nike SQ, Pro v1's

Nice to see a lot of golfers here with some great kit! I've got the ben sayers fire package with a Nike SQ driver from last year. I use Pro v1 balls. They are great :D Pics will be up soon.
 

DSKD01

macrumors newbie
May 27, 2010
1
0
what makes it in my bag

When I golf, I carry step down tees that I got from golfteesetc.com They help me get the height right every time I tee off. No more recovering from bad tee offs. :D
 
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