Good set of "Game-Improvement" irons? Also a fitting question

I am currently looking for a low priced set of forgiving irons. So far, I am looking at the following irons sets: Cobra SS-i, Cobra 3100 I/H, and TaylorMade RAC OS. I think I can get each for about under $450 and don’t want to spend much more. Any thoughts as far are the above irons’ quality, or any other high quality and forgiving irons that don't cost an arm and a leg?

I also have a question about fitting. Let's say I get fitted. Will this be counterproductive if I change my swing? I am very new to golf and am still learning and retooling my swing constantly, so will my clubs be useless after a year of playing and changing my swing? I am mostly concerned about the adjusted club head angle to the ground as I am unsure if I am standing the current distance from the ball in the first place, which could change that angle significantly. If I learned the correct stance and distance, the angle to the ground would change right? Also the shafts could be affected, but I don’t think my swing speed will change much in the near future. Would a couple lessons be beneficial to perfect my swing before a fitting session? Thanks a lot.

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Phil

I'd definitely get some lessons first. What irons do you have now? If you already have a set of decent quality irons, lessons would probably be the best game improvement you could make. For the average golfer, instead of spending all the money on equipment, if we'd take that same amount and spend it on lessons instead, we'd all be a lot better. That's assuming we're getting lessons from a decent instructor.

I currently share with my Dad and his Ping Eye 2's. I know the local pro and my Dad and him are good friends, so I don't think good lessons will be much of a problem. It is pretty inconvenient using his clubs though. Do you recommend getting some older used clubs (maybe Eye 2s), $100 store brand ones, or just taking lessons until I am good enough to be fitted for some newer clubs? Thanks for the help.

Well, we all have to start somewhere.

You're into a wonderful 'chicken and egg' scenario (that we all fall victim to).

Most of us buy a set of sticks and start hacking away. Very few take lessons with 'borrowed' clubs, then, with some sort of swing, go buy equipment. Even fewer get fitted after getting their swing.

I'd say search eBay for a set of SnakeEyes 600XC irons. Great game improvement forged iron. The reason I'd suggest these is twofold - one, they're a cheap but effective iron set, and two, being forged, means that you have the widest bending range available.

Then, I'd go get them fitted. Lengthened, shortened, and bent. Then play. And practice. And take lessons.

And when you're done, and the clubs aren't doing it for you anymore (because they're too flat or too upright), go get them bent again.

Yes, bending can get expensive (I charge $10/club just for straight bending), but if the lie is off, then your aim is off automatically. Too upright, and balls will get pulled left. Too flat, and you leave them out to the right. Then you start changing your swing - when it was never a swing problem to begin with!

So get your clubs, and get them fit. (Unless you're doing some serious practicing, working on changing your swing. Then stay the f^#@ away from a golf course, as you won't be scoring well, anyway; and fit your clubs after you've made your major swing changes.)

Maybe I'm a proponent of multiple bends, as I've got my own machine.

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True Length Technology Fitter - www.truelengthtechnology.com
It's live! - www.ShipShapeClubs.com
PCS Class 'A' Clubfitter

A new highlight: Golfing the home course on Christmas Day.

I say it too often: If it's golf club shaped, you can play with it.

For the record, I'm a club doctor, not a swing doctor.