New/Used Iron Set Help

[AndrewW]

I played a set of Cleveland CG16s for 10 years, five of them avidly (my first five), and    five years after kids maybe one to three rounds a year. Two weeks ago my father in law lent me his old Wilson pI5s and I am a big fan but they aren’t a long term solution. They are standard length and not mine to adjust. He is a scratch golfer and after our round on Sunday thinks my next set should be some form of player irons. What forged irons from the last five years or so should I be looking at? I don’t need extra distance and want to feel mishits, I’m at the range more than the course currently and putting in the good work. I’m 6’4 and need longer clubs that may need to be bent upright a touch. Any sub 900 dollar sets that are a practical no miss if you don’t need the latest, greatest, longest and most forgiving club on the planet? 

[MNUte]

If you're at the point of being willing to spend up to 900 dollars on used clubs, you're probably better off getting an iron fitting. From there, you can figure out lengths, lie angles, and club features that fit your game best and focus your search on used clubs that actually perform best for you. Far better to spend $900 on clubs that fit your game according to a professional than $900 bucks on clubs based on what the internet tells you. 

At least, that's my two cents worth. 

[Kenny B]

Check out Sub 70 irons; give them a call.  Quality irons for a lot less than $900.

[ballhawk]

Apparently you liked the Wilsons you played with, so perhaps look at what wilson has to offer. You can always find a set a year or two older and if need be, get them adjusted to your liking.

[RaginCajun]

16 hours ago, AndrewW said:

I played a set of Cleveland CG16s for 10 years, five of them avidly (my first five), and    five years after kids maybe one to three rounds a year. Two weeks ago my father in law lent me his old Wilson pI5s and I am a big fan but they aren’t a long term solution. They are standard length and not mine to adjust. He is a scratch golfer and after our round on Sunday thinks my next set should be some form of player irons. What forged irons from the last five years or so should I be looking at? I don’t need extra distance and want to feel mishits, I’m at the range more than the course currently and putting in the good work. I’m 6’4 and need longer clubs that may need to be bent upright a touch. Any sub 900 dollar sets that are a practical no miss if you don’t need the latest, greatest, longest and most forgiving club on the planet? 

I was just in the same situation you are in now. I second the iron fitting, taking those specs and finding a set of new or used irons w/shafts online. I just picked up a set of Wilson staff c300 forged(5-pw) for $389. Best price I found used or new. Then ebay will probably be your best bet for everything else. As long as you look at the sellers ratings you should be safe. Pieced together a full set for $745 shipped and adjusted. 

Happy hunting! 

[Kansas King]

Sub70 and Maltby are probably your best bet for purchasing new clubs that perform really well. The new TS line from Maltby can be custom assembled for around $600 or $400 if you want the TT Score LT or KBS Tour 105 shaft (TS2 only). 

The used market will have many options but my biggest problem with used clubs is that you don't know what you're going to get. What's below the surface may not be very representative of a club advertised with a standard length and loft. However, if you do want to go used, I don't think you can go wrong with any Titleist AP iron, Ping I-series, Bridgestone pocket cavity, or Callaway pro version of their GI clubs (Mavrik Pro, etc.). I would be wary of jumping into an unforgiving forging if you don't have to. The AP2s from Titleist offer great looks at address but offer a lot more forgiveness than a straight forging. Mizuno has some good offerings but beware as their straight forgings may look and feel great but most really aren't all that forgiving. The do have some good options in their JPX lineup though. 

Overall, the Sub70 irons and TS line from Maltby are really good if you want to go new. If you want to go used, I recommend the Titleist AP2s if you want a more blade like appearance and Ping I-series if you're want a more progressive iron set with more forgiveness designed in the long irons. Forged vs. cast doesn't really matter much as they will all feel good if struck well. As a dark horse candidate, I really like the Bridgestone irons with the pocket cavities starting at the J38 and newer. The offer a very low offset head with a little longer blade length to make them forgiving for the market they are targeting. 

[azstu324]

I also say get some fitting specs if you can. 

So for starters, as long as you have your length and preferred loft specs, and if you look for something forged, you can always have them bent to your lie specs without issue. Cast clubs are going to be really tough if not impossible to bend. From what you explained that you're looking for though, you'll probably be finding more forged clubs  available anyway. 

Wilson has some really awesome past models that you can find in mint condition for much less than your budget. Last year I played the Wilson FG Tour F5 irons and had an absolute blast with them. They feel superb, look pretty good, and perform fantastically. I was lucky to find a nearly new set 4-GW on Offer Up for $125. They had maybe been played once.. or maybe hit at the range but that was it. Doing some research beforehand, I found that they met my length and loft needs. I'm 6' 3" and their stock lengths are about +.5" from most. I took them to my local PGATSS and gave them my lie specs and had them adjusted for $25. I put new grips on for an add'l $50. I was all-in around $200 for a set of clubs that had a playing value to me of $1,000. I'd still be playing them today if I hadn't pulled the trigger on the clubs I'd been eyeing for a while previously. 

@Kansas King knows I'll ALWAYS chime in whenever the Maltby bell rings  

If you're not afraid to buy clubs without playing them, and basing your purchase off of reviews from experienced and knowledgeable enthusiasts, Maltby clubs will deliver twice to 4 times the value whatever you pay. I currently play the TS-1 model and for me there is no better club being manufactured at the moment. Not a brag, but just a point of reference. I'm playing off 6.3 index and am a regular at my PGATSS. I've hit just about all there is in the player's MB, CB, Distance and crossover-type categories and for me, these check ALL of the boxes. I purchased a custom-built set 3-PW with premium shafts and grips built to my exact specs for around $600. Additionally, I had 2 of the TSW wedges added for less than $100 and they're just superb. The only word of caution is that these have very little resale value due to limited marked for the brand. These are clubs you buy to play and cherish. Not to re-sell. 

Here's a thread that was started that showcases various Maltby clubs from some of the members here. We're becoming a formidable group around the forum 

 

Good luck in your search!

Edited December 2, 2020 by azstu324

[LeftyMatt89]

That is plenty of budget. I’d give discount dans golf a call with your budget and what you’re looking for, they can make some suggestions and they have best pricing

[Larryd3]

I'd suggest calling Jason at Sub70 golf and talk to him about what you're looking for.  He's great to talk with and very knowledgeable.  They also have a demo program so you can try out some clubs prior to purchasing.  And they have a 60 days return policy if the clubs don't work out.  Highly recommend them.  

[RobbyT]

I would say buy irons from one of the better direct to consumer brands, like Ben Hogan Golf or Sub 70.

[Firebird]

Wilson Staff FG V6. As they have just released a new version after 4-5 years you should be able to pick up a set on special.

[BNewton51]

On 12/1/2020 at 8:32 PM, AndrewW said:

I played a set of Cleveland CG16s for 10 years, five of them avidly (my first five), and    five years after kids maybe one to three rounds a year. Two weeks ago my father in law lent me his old Wilson pI5s and I am a big fan but they aren’t a long term solution. They are standard length and not mine to adjust. He is a scratch golfer and after our round on Sunday thinks my next set should be some form of player irons. What forged irons from the last five years or so should I be looking at? I don’t need extra distance and want to feel mishits, I’m at the range more than the course currently and putting in the good work. I’m 6’4 and need longer clubs that may need to be bent upright a touch. Any sub 900 dollar sets that are a practical no miss if you don’t need the latest, greatest, longest and most forgiving club on the planet? 

The homer in me would promote Mizuno irons.  Truly "nothing feels like a mizuno!"  However, I am not a fool enough to think that everyone will feel the same or think that there isn't other very viable options.  My best advice to save some money is to go to one of the many many sites that have slightly used clubs or close outs.  If you buy the previous years close out irons on say a 2nd swing type site, you often will see them listed in a 9.5 condition or 9.  They're brand new but they list them as such because they typically were a demo set or whatever.  When I bought my 919's they were a 9.5 set but came in the plastic wrapping around the heads.  They just happened to be close outs. 

So the moral of the story is get fit, but look at those with your numbers or free modifications to them and go that route.  You'll save a couple hundred on the set. (My 919's were obviously listed at 1224.99 but I got them at 875 with free customization and a retrofit after 30-45 days of play)

Whatever you get, enjoy the ride.  Definitely an exciting time to buy new clubs!

Play well!!!

[FrankieButterKnife]

I’m getting a used set of mizuno combo mp5/mp25 irons and will be extending them an inch + regrip. I’ll let you know how it goes!

[BNewton51]

On 12/8/2020 at 6:25 PM, FrankieButterKnife said:

I’m getting a used set of mizuno combo mp5/mp25 irons and will be extending them an inch + regrip. I’ll let you know how it goes!

Welcome to the Mizuno brotherhood @FrankieButterKnife!   Look forward to hearing how you feel about them once you get them all set up proper. 

[HDTVMAN]

GET FITTED! You need the right lie, loft, length, grip, shaft. Don't waste your money guessing, and don't buy off the internet unless it is with a company like Hogan or equivalent. Too many counterfeit clubs and scams in Asia & Europe where you'll never see your clubs or money back!

[RollingGreens]

21 hours ago, HDTVMAN said:

GET FITTED! You need the right lie, loft, length, grip, shaft. Don't waste your money guessing, and don't buy off the internet unless it is with a company like Hogan or equivalent. Too many counterfeit clubs and scams in Asia & Europe where you'll never see your clubs or money back!

I’m 5’ 6” I’ve always played off the rack. Attempted to use an online fitting tool prior to being fitted. My wrist to floor is very low. I’d essentially be listed at 4deg flat. I was fitted. Stuck with standard length, but my clubs are 2 deg upright. 

[dlow206]

4 minutes ago, RollingGreens said:

I’m 5’ 6” I’ve always played off the rack. Attempted to use an online fitting tool prior to being fitted. My wrist to floor is very low. I’d essentially be listed at 4deg flat. I was fitted. Stuck with standard length, but my clubs are 2 deg upright. 

Whats your wrist to floor? Just curious, i am 5'5" and have a low wrist to floor.

[RollingGreens]

3 minutes ago, dlow206 said:

Whats your wrist to floor? Just curious, i am 5'5" and have a low wrist to floor.

27.5. Pretty long arms on a shorter lower body. I don’t even fit in the ping or sub 70 fitting charts lol

Edited December 16, 2020 by RollingGreens

[DiscipleofPenick]

27.5. Pretty long arms on a shorter lower body. I don’t even fit in the ping or sub 70 fitting charts lol

Just the best luck right????

Take Dead Aim

[RollingGreens]

4 hours ago, Tsmithjr9 said:

Just the best luck right????

Take Dead Aim
 

You can say that twice! Hopefully the new sticks are all the luck I need