Opinions wanted for Iron upgrade!

[ronnieg]

Hello! I'm looking for some input. I'm chronically indecisive so I'm always looking for more information when buying anything. I should get fit but nowhere within a couple hours of me does mulit-brand fittings. 

I have been researching iron sets for quite a while in order to upgrade my current set of 2010 Titliest VG3s. They are great but getting old now and the tech has really advanced in the last 14 years. So I want something new. I'm on a budget of $700ish so likely going used. My handicap fluctuates from 3-6 throughout the year. Iron striking is above average . I like a midsize players style. I.e mizuno pro or jpx forged/tour, t150, p770, zx7, i59, etc. I don't want to sacrifice a ton of forgiveness but i want soft feel for sure. I like working the ball, mainly draws but both ways at times so i need some workability. Extra distance would be good but down on the list for me. Priorities are definitely soft, forged feel and forgiveness 1A and 1B. Then it's probably accuracy, workability and distance. I think I've narrowed it down to just a few options after all I've researched but I keep going back and forth on these 3 or 4 sets and can't finalize a decision. They are the mizuno pro 223s, srixon zx7s, takomo 301cb or 201(would buy new), or jpx923s. The appeal of takomo may be ad hype but it seems legit. The 301cb gets a lot of love but the 201 seems better? Same feel better forgiveness. Both mizuno speak for themselves. Softer feel in golf. I'm having trouble distinguishing which model line is better for me. Zx7 like mizuno is a given considering my criteria. Any input on these options would be appreciated and I'm open to other suggestions. I also considered cobra king forged tec, t100s, and callaway apex pros but liked the options I listed more based on videos and reviews but like I said, I'm not decided on anything. Let me know what you think!

[ronnieg]

Also, If you have any of the options above in good shape for sale let me know! Like I said, I'm buying used and know I can get all these options in great shape at my price point. Firm stiff flex or soft xstiff shafts. 

[cnosil]

All you will get is opinions with no performance backing it up.  I would  say Srixon then Takomo and avoid Mizuno. 

[ronnieg]

12 minutes ago, cnosil said:

All you will get is opinions with no performance backing it up.  I would  say Srixon then Takomo and avoid Mizuno. 

Just curious why you'd avoid mizuno? Personal preference?

[cnosil]

4 minutes ago, ronnieg said:

Just curious why you'd avoid mizuno? Personal preference?

Because they are pull hook machines for me. 

 

[Preeway]

I’m a very pro Mizuno guy. Great irons but you will sacrifice forgiveness depending on the model you go with. Srixon is also a great option as well. The Takomos are definitely a great option and can save a few dollars as well. 

[OdinSnipes414]

DTC is great on the pocketbook I recommend Sub 70 for sure and I’m in love with the cobras too! There is also nothing wrong with a mix and match bag

[LinksgolfFever]

Callaway apex MB or apex pro.  The 2020-2022 version can be had for a good price and they are solid Irons.  No 37 degree 9 irons or anything like that, the 2024 version are a nice update to the older model as well.  

[Shapotomous]

You have a tough decision between those choices, IMO.  I game the Mizuno JPX 900 Forged and love the feel and workability.  I am sure the 923's would be just a sweet.  I know a few players with Srixon's and I've hit more than a few shots with them and they also feel fantastic.   I only know what I read on here about the Takomos.  I have not seen any in the wild.

I think you need to spend some time figuring out the best shaft for the head that you choose.  For me the feel of the shaft is about as important as the look of the clubhead when I am trying a club.  I went through a few shaft options at a 2nd Swing fitting before settling on the Proj X LZ 6.0's.

Edited February 22 by Shapotomous

[Preeway]

18 minutes ago, Shapotomous said:

You have a tough decision between those choices, IMO.  I game the Mizuno JPX 900 Forged and love the feel and workability.  I am sure the 923's would be just a sweet.  I know a few players with Srixon's and I've hit more than a few shots with them and they also feel fantastic.   I only know what I read on here about the Takomos.  I have not seen any in the wild.

I think you need to spend some time figuring out the best shaft for the head that you choose.  For me the feel of the shaft is about as important as the look of the clubhead when I am trying a club.  I went through a few shaft options at a 2nd Swing fitting before settling on the Proj X LZ 6.0's.

I love my JPX 921 Tours. But ultimately I cant recommend enough getting fitted into an iron set that will work best for the individual.

[ronnieg]

 

3 hours ago, Preeway said:

I’m a very pro Mizuno guy. Great irons but you will sacrifice forgiveness depending on the model you go with. Srixon is also a great option as well. The Takomos are definitely a great option and can save a few dollars as well. 

Yeah. I think if the takomos were more established they would be the play.  If I did mizuno im going 223s and I've read good things about the forgiveness, especially on thinner shots which is my primary miss. 

[ronnieg]

I'm leaning srixon zxs either mk1 or mk2. They have a cult-like following and I haven't seen anyone who's hit them say anything negative. You can get a new set of the mk1s for under 700 as well so the value is definitely there. Haven't read too much as far as major changes from mk1 to mk2 as far as feel and forgiveness.  I think I'm gonna combo zx5 and zx7 too. 2nd choice is pro223s. 3rd is takomo but they are the biggest risk. If I couldn't get those mk1s so cheap I'd probably go there just for the value of buying new. 

[ronnieg]

2 hours ago, Shapotomous said:

You have a tough decision between those choices, IMO.  I game the Mizuno JPX 900 Forged and love the feel and workability.  I am sure the 923's would be just a sweet.  I know a few players with Srixon's and I've hit more than a few shots with them and they also feel fantastic.   I only know what I read on here about the Takomos.  I have not seen any in the wild.

I think you need to spend some time figuring out the best shaft for the head that you choose.  For me the feel of the shaft is about as important as the look of the clubhead when I am trying a club.  I went through a few shaft options at a 2nd Swing fitting before settling on the Proj X LZ 6.0's.

I would prefer to get fit obviously but i feel like I know my game well enough to narrow down my shaft choices. I'm either going nippon tour 120 stiff or px lz 6.0. Maybe the $ taper if I can find a set with them in already. 

[Josh Parker]

5 hours ago, ronnieg said:

I'm leaning srixon zxs either mk1 or mk2. They have a cult-like following and I haven't seen anyone who's hit them say anything negative. You can get a new set of the mk1s for under 700 as well so the value is definitely there. Haven't read too much as far as major changes from mk1 to mk2 as far as feel and forgiveness.  I think I'm gonna combo zx5 and zx7 too. 2nd choice is pro223s. 3rd is takomo but they are the biggest risk. If I couldn't get those mk1s so cheap I'd probably go there just for the value of buying new. 

I have the mkII zx5 and zx7 combo and absolutely love them. Zx5 (4-6) zx7 (7-pw).

They feel great off the face and I like the combo. 

[vamosjackets]

I really liked Mizuno 223 when I went to Mizuno in Atlanta for a fitting.  I could easily game those.  I also tried out the PXG 0311 CB and they were also a worthy contender.  I haven't tried the Srixon, but have heard good things.  However, I think Srixon's sole design works well for some and not for others (with turf interaction and swing delivery).  A couple others, more outside the box to consider: 
Edel SMS Pro (or regular SMS) ... they feel great and are highly adjustable with the 3 head weights which you can configure to move the CG more toe or heel side to help dial in strike and swing.  I tried these at a fitting and really liked them.  These are very expensive but there is a small chance to find what you want on eBay.
Foreward Golf Irons:  Like Edel, you have the ability to adjust CG with the weight ports, but these also have 3 different "bounces" for the sole that you can get to match your delivery (steep or shallow) ... they can advise you on this. And, they supposedly feel fantastic.  I haven't tried these, but just saw this video on them yesterday which is pretty intriguing:

 

Now, for my VERY personal recommendation:  I ended up going with Callaway Rogue ST Pro and am in love with them - the feel, the contact, the turf interaction, the baby draws, the ability to fade/cut when needed, consistent, reliable distance, the "right" amount of forgiveness but still good feedback, and the looks - My approach game has never been better.  I have an extra set with Tensei AV White IR 85-Stiff shafts in them - the Tensei shaft is great and served me well (smooth and stable), but I've been training and practicing a LOT and my swing speed has increased (112-115 Driver) to where I needed an X-Stiff shaft, so now I have the same set with Axiom 105 X shafts.  If you're interested in my stiff shaft set (with the Tensei's), send me a message.  I have 3-AW or could break that up however you want.  Was about to list them on eBay today.
Here's more info on the Tensei AV White IR shafts: https://mitsubishigolf.com/products/tensei-av-white2-iron 

[Shrek74]

I live in Crossville, TN so I know the feeling of nowhere to really go that's close. It's 1:45 to Nashville and 45 to Knoxville for me. But a decision like this isn't something to leave to chance or "buy and hope." I'm taking the time to go to Knoxville in May for a PXG and Club Champion fitting since I know it's worth it for my game's sake.

So here's what a little research found me:
- Dick's Sporting Goods has a location in Jackson. Call to see what they offer for fittings and what brands they can fit for if they do fittings. Second location in the NW 'burbs of Memphis.
- Golftec has a location in East Memphis, around I-240 & Rt 72. I'm not familiar with their fittings, but might be worth the call to get their info.
- Club Champion has a store just 2 miles East of the Golftec in Memphis. Again, worth a thought.

I realize these are about 70 miles away from Jackson, but it's worth the time it would take. I don't know your family situation nor your time situation, but to me it's worth figuring out how to get to at least Club Champion on an weekend or evening if possible. You'll be able to check out the latest heads, shafts, putters, and all the goodies. They may even have last season's gear still that might be able to save you some money when you buy elsewhere. You don't have to buy from them, and definitely not right then and there. Go through the process and get your stats. Get the top 2-3 head options and shaft options from the fitter. Then go and research online for the best prices you can find for those options. If you can't find anything new that fits the bill, then look at the aftermarket for a used set. Also, look at the DTC market - Sub70, Takomo, New Level, Haywood, and PXG (TPC Southwind in Memphis does PXG, as does CC). The quality and value from DTC is crazy right now and worth the effort.

I'll recommend Sub70 till my voice gives out. You can't beat their full selection of clubs, value, and customer service. Their CS is the best in the business and can't be beaten by anyone, anywhere.

Having said all this, here's some suggestions from the DTC perspective, for more forged, player's clubs.
Sub70 659 CB/TC/MB
Sub70 639 CB/MB
Takomo 201
Takomo 301
New Level, all but the GI
Haywood CB/MB
PXG 0317 T/CB

Also give Maltby a look, through GolfWorks. They have a bunch of player's oriented options at super great pricing, along with shaft options and assembly.
Check out the Maltby thread to learn more - azstu324 is a wealth of info on Maltby.

Hopefully you'll find a way to get to the CC in Memphis for a fitting to really help you maximize what you can do with your budget.

Edited February 22 by Shrek74

[Erin B]

16 hours ago, ronnieg said:

Hello! I'm looking for some input. I'm chronically indecisive so I'm always looking for more information when buying anything. I should get fit but nowhere within a couple hours of me does mulit-brand fittings. 

I have been researching iron sets for quite a while in order to upgrade my current set of 2010 Titliest VG3s. They are great but getting old now and the tech has really advanced in the last 14 years. So I want something new. I'm on a budget of $700ish so likely going used. My handicap fluctuates from 3-6 throughout the year. Iron striking is above average . I like a midsize players style. I.e mizuno pro or jpx forged/tour, t150, p770, zx7, i59, etc. I don't want to sacrifice a ton of forgiveness but i want soft feel for sure. I like working the ball, mainly draws but both ways at times so i need some workability. Extra distance would be good but down on the list for me. Priorities are definitely soft, forged feel and forgiveness 1A and 1B. Then it's probably accuracy, workability and distance. I think I've narrowed it down to just a few options after all I've researched but I keep going back and forth on these 3 or 4 sets and can't finalize a decision. They are the mizuno pro 223s, srixon zx7s, takomo 301cb or 201(would buy new), or jpx923s. The appeal of takomo may be ad hype but it seems legit. The 301cb gets a lot of love but the 201 seems better? Same feel better forgiveness. Both mizuno speak for themselves. Softer feel in golf. I'm having trouble distinguishing which model line is better for me. Zx7 like mizuno is a given considering my criteria. Any input on these options would be appreciated and I'm open to other suggestions. I also considered cobra king forged tec, t100s, and callaway apex pros but liked the options I listed more based on videos and reviews but like I said, I'm not decided on anything. Let me know what you think!

Interesting. What’s your shaft flex? How tall are you? You can kind of figure out what length you need by doing some measurements with your wrist to floor distance. There are online tutorials. Do you hit a fade or a draw? There are lie bends you can do to help with this. Upright if you’re slicing flat if you’re hooking. As far as clubs, you should be open to other DTC brands like Sub70, New Level, Haywood, Canley (I think that’s the spelling). I researched all of them including Takomo and bought New Level. I also was looking at the same Takomo clubs you are looking at, but didn’t love the shaft selection. I stayed in the $700 range with New Level and they took about 8 days to get to me. Shipping was free. They have more shaft selections when you customize. Sub70, Takomo and the others have more shaft selections when you customize. You can customize on these sites and still stay standard length/loft/lie. In my opinion shafts are the most important part of the club. New Level didn’t up charge their shafts as much as the others did. I ordered project x IO shafts free of charge with my clubs.  Hope this helps. Ask more questions if you want. Happy Birdie Hunting!

[azstu324]

Of course I'm gonna be in camp Maltby . Unfortunately not too many who follow YouTube DTC reviews will get to know about Maltby because they don't provide free clubs for review. 

That said, I was able to connect with Gabe at LetsPlayThru and send him a set of my clubs to showcase. He absolutely loved them! 

These are considered their player's "distance" irons even though their lofts aren't ridiculously jacked like some others. I play their blade option (TS4) and they're the best blades I've ever played! Gabe will be reviewing the TS4's in a month or so along with maybe the Maltby putter that I just built. 

Here is the first video on the TS1-IM

and here is the 2nd video where he compares them to the Takomos

 

 

 

[GaDawg]

8 hours ago, vamosjackets said:

I really liked Mizuno 223 when I went to Mizuno in Atlanta for a fitting.  I could easily game those.  I also tried out the PXG 0311 CB and they were also a worthy contender.  I haven't tried the Srixon, but have heard good things.  However, I think Srixon's sole design works well for some and not for others (with turf interaction and swing delivery).  A couple others, more outside the box to consider: 
Edel SMS Pro (or regular SMS) ... they feel great and are highly adjustable with the 3 head weights which you can configure to move the CG more toe or heel side to help dial in strike and swing.  I tried these at a fitting and really liked them.  These are very expensive but there is a small chance to find what you want on eBay.
Foreward Golf Irons:  Like Edel, you have the ability to adjust CG with the weight ports, but these also have 3 different "bounces" for the sole that you can get to match your delivery (steep or shallow) ... they can advise you on this. And, they supposedly feel fantastic.  I haven't tried these, but just saw this video on them yesterday which is pretty intriguing:

 

Now, for my VERY personal recommendation:  I ended up going with Callaway Rogue ST Pro and am in love with them - the feel, the contact, the turf interaction, the baby draws, the ability to fade/cut when needed, consistent, reliable distance, the "right" amount of forgiveness but still good feedback, and the looks - My approach game has never been better.  I have an extra set with Tensei AV White IR 85-Stiff shafts in them - the Tensei shaft is great and served me well (smooth and stable), but I've been training and practicing a LOT and my swing speed has increased (112-115 Driver) to where I needed an X-Stiff shaft, so now I have the same set with Axiom 105 X shafts.  If you're interested in my stiff shaft set (with the Tensei's), send me a message.  I have 3-AW or could break that up however you want.  Was about to list them on eBay today.
Here's more info on the Tensei AV White IR shafts: https://mitsubishigolf.com/products/tensei-av-white2-iron 

I bought a set of the Srixon irons about 14 months ago to give them a try. I had the issue you referred to with the turf interaction. I didn't like it at all. I went back with Titleist and got the T150's. Good luck

[Just_the_Chip]

I ended up getting new irons, but skipped the DTC route. I just didn't have enough faith in them for my first set of irons. I've been playing second hand and used clubs since I started golf. There is a lot of DTC fans so I don't want to tick everyone off. I trusted the fitter, and I'm trsuting the new tech from the manufacturer. 

A lot of DTC clubs are said to be made in the same factory as the big names, and I'm sure that's true. They are also made in the same factory as Temu knock-offs. For me, I'm putting my faith in a name brand and the fact they are manufactured in their own facility (Mizuno). 

I will say, going through a fitting process, feeling the clubs and matching everything was really important to me. If you know your shaft, swing tendacies etc. Then DTC might make sense. 

 

[RETaylor]

I would definitely look into an iron fitting. I have never done one for irons, but recently did one for a driver and it was very illuminating.

FWIW

I am newly back into golf and upgraded an old set of clubs and purchased the Costco Callaway Edge complete set and the irons have been great. You could sell the driver and the White Hot putter (unless you need it) and be into a really inexpensive decent set for under 500. The 5h that comes with the set is really good. 
 

just a newb opinion

[Erin B]

I have been fitted for clubs since 1998. I bought my first set of NEW irons at Roger Dunn in Santa Maria CA (I was stationed at Vandenberg AFB at the time). That was my first ever fitting, and the irons were Pinseeker 2 irons. I don't  know if that brand even exists anymore. Anyway, I have been fitted ever since, and although my lie and shaft length haven't changed, my shaft stiffness and loft have changed though out the years. I am going to go to the PGA superstore soon to do another fitting, I am going to be focused on driver and woods, but we will review the irons as well. I just purchased my New Level clubs in January, gave New Level my specs of 1 degree flat, 3/4 inch over standard, 2 strong on loft, Xstiff shaft. They came out perfect so far. I have played them several rounds and they are better than my fitted PXG 0311 gen 3Ts, and I was pleasantly surprised. 

[jaskanski]

For someone who is chroically indecisive, you sure do have a pretty decisive list a what you want. And with an index of 4, you can probably play whatever you want.

Just get a used set of T100's and be done with it. Problem solved.

Next?

[bens197]

Approaching a brand agnostic approach will suit you best. Everyone here has given you good advice. What I will say with the utmost confidence is to not buy something just because your favorite player is paid to play that iron. 
 

My personal preferences are Titleist, PING, Callaway and Maltby in no particular order. 
 

Sub70 and Takomo are excellent DTC options. 

[Stuka44]

24 minutes ago, jaskanski said:

And with an index of 4

I will second this notion.  I would figure at that handicap index, at this point if you are not going to get fit, which I personally have no problem with, new clubs would be bought based on some specific need.  Gapping/ or Loft comparison in order to eliminate a hybrid, and put in another wedge, or something.  I bought Calloway Mavrik Pros, specifically because they had more aggressive lofting, and the gapping I wanted, compared to my old set, to accomplish the previously mentioned.  Aside from some discernable need to accomplish, buy what feels/looks good to you.

Edited February 26 by Stuka44

[PSardo]

Golf’s all about feel. Everyone’s going to have a different answer to persuade you one way or another. Even though you don’t have anywhere that can fit you for multiple clubs at a time, there are a ton of golf shops that let you demo the clubs. I think you should swing all of the clubs you want to buy, pick out the 2 that feel best, then get fit for the shafts. I got fit for Taylormade irons but took what they suggested and bought Srixon irons with the same specs because I liked the srixons better.

[ronnieg]

Update: I narrowed final 2 choices down to the zx5/zx7 combo or mizuno 223s. I finally decided on the mizunos based on slight edges in forgiveness and feel, but I really wanted to end up in the zx7s lol. I also had some concerns with the vsole in srixon. Seems like its either the best thing ever or a detriment depending on your swing and I couldnt take that risk without being fit(always get fit if you can)  The 223s are on the way. I'll post a final update once I've played on them a few rounds! Some really great suggestions from this thread that helped my decision so I appreciate it!

[Erin B]

22 minutes ago, ronnieg said:

Update: I narrowed final 2 choices down to the zx5/zx7 combo or mizuno 223s. I finally decided on the mizunos based on slight edges in forgiveness and feel, but I really wanted to end up in the zx7s lol. I also had some concerns with the vsole in srixon. Seems like its either the best thing ever or a detriment depending on your swing and I couldnt take that risk without being fit(always get fit if you can)  The 223s are on the way. I'll post a final update once I've played on them a few rounds! Some really great suggestions from this thread that helped my decision so I appreciate it!

Can't really argue with that choice. I had a set of Mizunos years ago. I liked them. I've been in this DTC trial thing the last couple of years, but my wife said I should give Titleist and Ping another go. She's a wonderful woman!!!