Thinking of getting a new set...BUT...

Alright. Here's the story. I hate going to my local pro shops and asking a bunch of questions about clubs, and then walking out. They get really mad, and I always feel like when I come back for their driving range they're thinking "There's that kid that always asks questions about new clubs then LEAVES!" So...I'm just going to describe and ask in here! Hopefully someone can give me a good idea!

I bought my set of clubs at K-Mart probably around 5-6 years ago; I can't remember exactly when. The woods are pretty beat up, as I really didn't take good care of my equipment back then. The woods are regular flex graphite shaft, and the irons are all steel shafts. Now onto my game....

I'm 6'4" and in my mind I believe I have a fast swing, so I'm guessing I'm going to need stiff flex. This guy at the driving range asked me to slow down my swing with the driver and he bet that the slice would go away. I did just that, and what do ya know...the slice went away. He said the shaft is bending too much during the downswing and causing the face to open up. Is this true?

I can shoot about 230 with my driver and about 180 with my 5 iron. Remember that I have to slow down my driver speed for it to go straight right now. If I do mis-hit the ball, most of the time it'll slice. Sometimes I'll just be off a bit, but it went straight. I guess I'm looking for a more forgiving set of irons.

I don't know my handicap, but I can tell you an average round is about 110. My best round is 103. I said I BOUGHT the clubs 5-6 years ago, but I haven't been playing every season since. This is the first year where I really got serious with getting better and doing research and all that.

Now, I know they say you do good with the clubs you have, but since I have to CHANGE my swing with my woods for good results, and the irons feel SO heavy, is it time to invest in a set?

If I were to invest in another set, I would have to save up for it. That's why I wanted advice on here so I can see what some options for me are, as for cost. I don't want to get too crazy with the price, but I'm wondering if there are some nice clubs out there that are forgiving, on the course and on your wallet. Maybe a "sleeper" set HAHA I'm sure if that were the case, then everybody would be swinging them!

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!!

Honestly, if you want an inexpensive set that will perform, go see your local clubmaker. Go to http://www.proclubmakers.org/ and do a search for your area.

Get fitted, then get clubs built.

They can be anywhere from 3/4 to 1/2 of the cost of an entry level set of Callaways.

I see you are located in the U.S. There is a high quality, lower priced (less advertising budget) alternative to Ping/Titelist etc. Look at Tour Edge equipment. They are distributed all over the U.S. and have a good reputation. I have their J-Max Titanium Driver and it is just as long and straight as the Taylor Made R7 I recently purchased.

With your distances, you don't need graphite shafted irons. Stick with Steel. The graphite shafted Driver seems to have a distance advantage over Steel, most of your pros now hit graphite shafted Drivers.

As you mentioned that this is somewhat of a major purchase for you, try out a lot of clubs at Demo Days before you buy. Make sure you purchase what will work for you.

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Imagine how boring golf would be if every shot resulted in a hole in one. Perfection is over rated.

I'd definately say it's time for a purchase. The problem with discount store clubs is that you really don't know what your getting. There isn't much quality control when it comes to shafts they put in the clubs. Your 4 iron shaft could be almost a firm flex, while your 9 iron could be a senior flex. Which usually means there is about 1-3 clubs in your bag you hit good.

I'd suggest go buy a new set of woods first. Since you have to adjust your swing on these clubs. Then save up for the irons.

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TaylorMade Rac Lt. These sticks are awesome!!!!

Now featuring brand new TaylorMade Burner Draw 10.5, Stiff Shaft.

Couldn't agree more. I had a set made for me about a month ago and couldn't be any happier! It's amazing what the right length, lie and flex will do for your game.

I second what Ben said. Anyone at PCS will definitely fit you the best. Next best would be to head over to a golf super store (ie Golfsmith) and get fitted there.

WOW! Thanks for all your advice! That definitely does help in which direction to follow. I think I'm going to take the advice of getting the woods first before anything. They are the clubs that I actually have to CHANGE my swing to have them go straight. 6 years ago from K-Mart just may be a little out of date. I can wiggle the regular flex woods and they seem to have a lot more flex to it then ANY of my buddies' regular flexes. I have to actually swing a LOT slowly to keep the ball straight. I figured that out after everyone was saying "Man, your swing looks pretty damn good, I don't know why you're still slicing!".

Now, I know I can go to Golfsmith, or another retailer for club fitting, but I believe I already know what I need for the fit. I know I need stiff flex and an extra 1/2" on the length. What would be some good suggestion on woods to take a look at, that would be good for the wallet? I'm looking at the Tour Edges now, but what about something like Adams' woods or something. Something forgiving and easy to hit for an average golfer....well maybe just under and average golfer!


EDIT - Too bad Tour Edge doesn't have any Demo Days coming to Michigan...do pro shops charge extra to fit you for clubs?

Most places that fit you will refund the price of the fitting if you buy your clubs from them.

There are lots of dealers & pro-shops in Michigan carrying Tour Edge clubs. Just go to their website and click on dealer locator. They ask you the first three digits of your zip and then show you dealers within 50 miles.

I would advise going with Snake Eyes components... IMHO, the best and most popular component on the market that covers you from driver to putter.

Hi Gord - I was waiting to see what your recommendation would be.

I'll second Gord. In fact, I've got SnakeEyes 600XC heads (6-LW) just waiting for me to build my NF4 before assembling!

I am seriously thinking of getting the 600 series with my Christmas/birthday money this Winter. 600C 3 - 6 iron, 600B 7 - 9 iron, and 650 PM 48, 52, 56 and 60* wedges. I have always been a big TT DG steel shaft guy, but with the success I have had with Harrison shafts in my woods, I am contimplating switching to the Harrison steel iron shafts.

Hey Ben, who do you order your supplies through?? I use the Custom Club Shop (located in Mississauga) http://www.customclubshop.com/ because they are cheaper than anywhere I have found on the net yet and I can custom order shafts at any raw frequency I request without hassle. Their customer service is top notch as well. Just wondering who you use and how their prices compare.

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Gord

Quote of the month:
"It's easy to see golf not as a game at all but as some whey-faced, nineteenth-century Presbyterian minister's fever dream of exorcism achieved through ritual and self-mortification." ~Bruce McCall

I really appreciate everyone's suggestions! Not bad help for a first post! If I have any other questions I definitely know where to turn to!

I'll probably end up keeping the irons I have, since I really haven't had a problem hitting with them at all, except for the 3 and 4 iron which I expect. My putter works for me as do my wedges. For woods, I think I'm going to look into the Snake Eyes line. Not too expensive, and from the sound of things they perform quite well!

I just have to get my butt out there with some cash and find a couple places around here that you "try before you buy". I know Carl's Golfland (a place by me, don't know if they are national or not) let's you do that. I would just hate walking in there, firing a few shots and sayin' thanks, but I have to leave!

Once again thanks! That was exactly what I was looking for!

Don't worry about trying clubs out and then not buying anything. Those guys are used to it. It's part of the business. I'm not suggesting that you do it every night on the way home from work, but you definitely need to try a large selection of clubs before you invsest. Make sure what you are buying is exactly what you want, don't buy because you feel guilty about trying a couple of clubs out and the sales guy is being a d!ck.

Hi Gord,

I've got customclubs bookmarked, but I also check out REO Distributing (out of the Ottawa area), and always reference the Golfworks and Golfsmith.

When I place an order, I'll generally go all through one company to keep shipiping down.