Blade users thread (NO DEBATING CLUBHEADS! NO Buy Sell Trade!)

[Bigmean]

I had Shimada tours in my Vegas. They are not as harsh as DG, I had a pretty high flight with them, but maybe heads played a role, I don't like them as much as Nippon modus or 1150 (Nippon just does steel right IMO), but they are by no means not a nice shaft. I may be off base, but to me they were like my brunswicks, or like the kbs tours except not as squirrelly. I hated the kbs tours, I would have no issue with the Shimadas, they both are higher ball smooth shafts, but the kbs to me were a little "loose". Granted my game is so whack I know the common denominator is my skill (or lack there of to be precise) but I feel like Nippon does the best job of smooth and tight, if that makes sense.

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

Thanks, Biggie. I had a feeling you played the Shimadas at some point.

For some reason, I don't get on well with the Modus 120s. I like the feel of the NSPRO 1150 (and 1050) shafts though, but I am not sure about ball flight as I have only ever hit them in a net. I did find them easy to get right with my timing.

If I order a set of Coopers, I'll probably end up going with DGs, because I know exactly what I'm getting with them, and I don't have the option of trying the clubs out with different shafts. I could just buy the heads, and get them shafted over here, but that will cost me considerably more.

[Kingcat990]

At least when you email Cooper irons, the owner writes you back damn near immediately. Nice guy. If they really are a pluck from the Yururi Flatback line, how did they get the 1-3mm of offset difference between the Yururi and the Cooper? Would that be a whole other die?

[bladehunter]

are their lofts stronger ? That would increase offset.

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

are their lofts stronger ? That would increase offset.

 

I haven't seen any data on the offsets of either the Coopers or Yururis, but the Yururis are a degree or two stronger. In fact, the Yururis have somewhat idiosyncratic gapping, going from 46* in the PW to 41* in the 9i, then in 4* increments down to the 29* 6i. After that, it's 3* increments to the 20* 3i.

 

One thing I have noticed is that even with shipping, I should save a fair bit on the Coopers. Probably around $300 dollars or so. But I still haven't made up my mind.

[NRJyzr]

Damn loft creep. Rather irritating.

 

It's really more like "damn fragile golfer egos, guys buying their irons based on how far they hit them." It's even prevalent here on WRX, where people should know better.

 

Off the soapbox now. LOL

 

Played yesterday, hit driver terribly. It wouldn't go anywhere. 3 wood and hybrid were just fine, but driver was very ugh. Hit #8 par5 in two in spite of driver, and promptly 3 putt for par. Wound up being even par on the front, deteriorated on the back and tripled 18 to shoot 80. 36-44. Consistency!

 

Just whining, and I'm done now. :)

[Bigmean]

Sounds like my world....since I didn't play today I will live vicariously though your round and call it a day...

 

Played yesterday and got my first birdie with my tefinished scotty, that was fun.

[NRJyzr]

Amusingly....

 

Today's round was more of the same. Threejack twice on the front nine for a three-over 39, one over on the back thru 15, then hit ball in water on 16, airmail a green with a 15 foot dropoff behind it and make triple, and bogey 18 for an 81. Good lord.

 

The irony, I'm not a bad putter. I'm not great, but I rarely three putt, yet here I've done it five times, minimum, in the last two days.

 

Golf... enhancing human neuroses for several centuries

[NRJyzr]

Brief break in the action....

 

It's gratuitous puppy picture time!

 

This is my #2 son's new puppy. His name is Kevin, short for "Kevin Bacon Cheeseburger." No word on whether he plays Golden Rams or Wilson Staffs.

 

[Bigmean]

Didn't play today but putted for a solid 1 and a half. Has anyone here ever walked off putts? My idea of putts was really off. What I figured was 10ft is like 15, and 20 like 30. It was kinda eye opening, not sure if that comes from optimistic about approaches or what, but while that part was depressing, I do feel really good about making 25 footers hahaha.

 

No matter how bad my game is (it is not good right now, I feel like I am always grinding, I mean I guess the positive is that shooting 82 feels like 86) I always enjoy time on the greens and especially pratice. I am loving my newly rebirthed cameron studio, still a little too sketch on inside 8 ft to game it, but with the extra weight and ready for season greens at my club and a nothing stroke sends it 12 ft. It may never take the money on line gamer spot, but I definitely finally have a blade putter I can use with confidence. Made a lot in the 7-12 range that really makes or breaks rounds. The alignment mill with that head style is for sure the right combo of a head that says just will it in the hole and an aid to feel good about it before taking it back. I know that blade putters don't like marks of any kind, dot at most, but I am shocked there is no mass production version of this, really thrilled with it.

[Sir Slicealot]

I was gifted a cooler full of golf balls picked up after a flood of the course. I have been cleaning balls and putting them around the living room. It drives the cat nuts. She chases the balls and if you putt one to her she waits until the moment of extremis to jump over it. I am loving the Pro V1 and the DT Trusoft feels exactly like the Callaway super soft. I have a lot of NXT and NXT tours also. So I amuse myself honing my skills with the 2014 8802 trying different balls out.

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

I've walked off putts (after putting), in fact I started doing it late last season to see how far from the hole I really was on my approaches. In my case, it usually made me feel a bit better about my approaches, but worse about missing yet another putt inside 10ft. The worst one was a putt I told myself was a four footer after I had missed it. Walked it off to within three feet (my shoes are 13 inches long, so it's easy to measure).

 

Changing topic, the local second hand shop has a couple of sets of Callaway prototypes and two MP-68 sets in right now. I'm a bit torn. One set of the Callys has NSPRO 950s, which are not a great fit for me. The other has DGS200, which is still not great, but better. However, the 5i shaft is rusted to heck and will need replacing. The MP-68s are great feeling irons, but both sets are shafted with S200s, and they are only from 5i to PW. While that's not a killer, because I can fill the 4i slot with my Honma driving iron, I would like the 4i for when I am swinging well. The prices are good though; better than anything I have seen on Yahoo Auction.

 

Oh yeah, I also bought a PING i25 driver. Stock tour stiff shaft. I'd like to try the Quadra Fire in it some day, but the stock shaft seems pretty nice so far.

[Jonesy]

^^^ Those are two of the best iron sets ever made right there, I wish I hadn't sold my MP 68's... one of my biggest golf regrets. I'm going to have to get myself a set of MP 5's to make up for it.

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

^^^ Those are two of the best iron sets ever made right there, I wish I hadn't sold my MP 68's... one of my biggest golf regrets. I'm going to have to get myself a set of MP 5's to make up for it.

 

Just got back from hitting the Cally protos. The shaft in the set I tried was actually SR flex, so softer even than a normal stiff shaft. I could certainly feel the "whip" of the shaft at impact, but damn, they feel so nice.

I also tried out some Akira Prototype KB 201-MB. These are a bit of a rarity in that they are cast blades, but I love the look at address and they feel great. Problem is the price, but I am really tempted to trade in my MP-69s for them (already!), just to have totally different set in my lineup. But I also wouldn't mind either the MP-68s or Cally Protos....decisions, decisions

[Jonesy]

^^^ Those are two of the best iron sets ever made right there, I wish I hadn't sold my MP 68's... one of my biggest golf regrets. I'm going to have to get myself a set of MP 5's to make up for it.

 

Just got back from hitting the Cally protos. The shaft in the set I tried was actually SR flex, so softer even than a normal stiff shaft. I could certainly feel the "whip" of the shaft at impact, but damn, they feel so nice.

I also tried out some Akira Prototype KB 201-MB. These are a bit of a rarity in that they are cast blades, but I love the look at address and they feel great. Problem is the price, but I am really tempted to trade in my MP-69s for them (already!), just to have totally different set in my lineup. But I also wouldn't mind either the MP-68s or Cally Protos....decisions, decisions

 

The seed has been planted Those Akira blades do look good but you would be doing yourself a disservice by not getting either the proto's or the 68's! I didn't like the 69's as much as the 68's, the 68's were just sleeker (as ridiculous as it sounds) and I honestly can't stop praising the Proto's... they are perfect.

 

I wish I had the golf club problems you have!

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

The seed has been planted Those Akira blades do look good but you would be doing yourself a disservice by not getting either the proto's or the 68's! I didn't like the 69's as much as the 68's, the 68's were just sleeker (as ridiculous as it sounds) and I honestly can't stop praising the Proto's... they are perfect.

 

I wish I had the golf club problems you have!

 

That second hand shop so near my house is both a blessing and a curse! I agree with you about the 68s over the 69s. I think the 68s have a thinner topline, and they definitely feel softer; better even than the MP-4s.

As for the Callys, well you've recommended them to me before (when there was a set with ProjectX 6.5 or 6.0s). I should have taken your advice then. I do remember that the set I got instead of them didn't last me long.

[Sir Slicealot]

Better than MP-4's!???! What is this lie you tell!?!?

[Bigmean]

I haven't hit them but the 68s get a LOT of love, so I would believe it.

 

Same with the callys, I have hit those, they are that endo soft feel.

 

Didn't realize akira blades were cast....that is interesting.

[Sir edward of putternut]

Having played the 68, 4, and 5, i disagree on the 68 feeling softer than the 4, though i did think the 5 was one of the better feelung clubs id ever hit, despite being fit for project x 6.0 (which i think diminshes pleasant feel for a slightly rubbery feel)

Ive had the 33 (recently), 53, 54, 59, 67, 68, and 4 all with s300 ( and i had the 4s with graphite shafts too when i was going through an injury plagued season)

Of those i think it fair to compare being with the same shaft

Id say the 4, 33, and 67 felt the best, and oddly, the 54 was and is the softest feeling cb ive ever hit, even more than my 588s (gratuitous mention)....the 68s are like the mp 4, but with a pinch of the 67 and do feel amazing, and i preferred their performance to the 67.

I also, unlike many people on this site, absolutely adore the looks and feel of the 59s (ive owned 3 sets and my 3rd is starting to wear and im sure ill buy another....to me, its one of those clubs that has it all...small profile with a stout little booty, thin topline and sole, and a georgeous thwack through the ball with insane yardage consistency day in, day out.

 

Now that my local range has been treated with a sandy undercoat, ive put my special ladys away for the season and am playing the 714 ap2s with nippon modus 120s. Man, do they feel better than they did last year with the px 6.0. Im trying out the superstroke txi iron grips for the first time do...they are a little rough on my hands so far, and might as well say golf pride on them...nothing special except they cost a lil more...id never been overly impressed with the ap2 since the 710 (which was an awesome club at the time), but this combo is really seducing me.

 

 

[Nard_S]

Has anyone here ever walked off putts?-BM

 

I walk off putts often but not every time. I do it more for feeling the grade underneath my feet than for distance. I get a better sense of the line to play.

[Sir edward of putternut]

The only way to make the 588 better...

First photo, better to me

Second photo, better to everyone else

Third photo, reality

 

Fourth photo, better to me

[Jonesy]

Better than MP-4's!???! What is this lie you tell!?!

 

Honestly I would have such a tough time choosing between the 68's, 4's and 5's... they are all excellent!

[Sir Slicealot]

I do not have that problem. I choose between MP-29's 1&2i and MP-4's 3-pw and that's it. I have no experience with the others. I just like to come to the defense my one and only set of clubs. Haha.

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

I've not hit the MP68s on the course, so I can't say I've made a full comparison, but yes, I think the 68s feel that bit better than the MP4s. Softer, at least. With a pured 68, the ball seems to melt into the face. With the MP4s, a pure shot feels great, but there's still a satisfyingly solid feel.

The Cleveland 588 MBs are a great iron. There was a set in the shop that I debated over, but I chose the MP-69s instead because they had a shaft I liked in them.

And those Cally protos are great as well. I seem to find them easy to hit, no matter what shaft is in them. That may be to do with liking the look at set up, which gives me confidence.

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

I haven't hit them but the 68s get a LOT of love, so I would believe it.

 

Same with the callys, I have hit those, they are that endo soft feel.

 

Didn't realize akira blades were cast....that is interesting.

 

The Akira Prototype KS-201 MBs are made from 8620 steel alloy, which is cast, right?

The guy at the shop also said they were cast, and the Akira website doesn't say "forged" so I think he's right. Not 100% sure, but about 99.5%.

 

Honma also have a cast blade, but not in their TW727 series. It's called the TW BM. Also, bad news for lovers of this thread, but their new lineup, the TW737, doesn't include a blade.

[Dan Drake]

So, while I love the R9 TP B's, and have been welcomed to the thread in spite of their "cavity" and "cast" construction, the bag poseur and iron snob in me won out.

 

A set of MP 32's are on the way. I got a stunning deal based solely, lol, on the condition of the soles of the clubs. They look like someone hit a couple of balls with each club right out of a rock quarry. But, the grooves look good, WAY better than my TP's, and the shafts are Nippon SPB's. I don't think the seller knew what they had, as I basically paid for the shafts and got the heads for free.

 

Should be here Friday. A little tweaking to get the offset/lofts to my liking and they will be going straight into the bag! I'm looking forward to the famous "Mizuno Feel" and MP 32 "forgiveness!"

[NRJyzr]

I haven't hit them but the 68s get a LOT of love, so I would believe it.

 

Same with the callys, I have hit those, they are that endo soft feel.

 

Didn't realize akira blades were cast....that is interesting.

 

The Akira Prototype KS-201 MBs are made from 8620 steel alloy, which is cast, right?

The guy at the shop also said they were cast, and the Akira website doesn't say "forged" so I think he's right. Not 100% sure, but about 99.5%.

 

Honma also have a cast blade, but not in their TW727 series. It's called the TW BM. Also, bad news for lovers of this thread, but their new lineup, the TW737, doesn't include a blade.

 

 

8620 is typically what's used for cast carbon steel clubs like wedges, but it can still be forged. I don't remember where it fell on the Rockwell scale in comparison to 1030, 1020, etc.; it's been quite a few years since I've seen the Rockwell hardness readings for various forms of steel used in iron clubheads.

[NRJyzr]

So, while I love the R9 TP B's, and have been welcomed to the thread in spite of their "cavity" and "cast" construction, the bag poseur and iron snob in me won out.

 

A set of MP 32's are on the way. I got a stunning deal based solely, lol, on the condition of the soles of the clubs. They look like someone hit a couple of balls with each club right out of a rock quarry. But, the grooves look good, WAY better than my TP's, and the shafts are Nippon SPB's. I don't think the seller knew what they had, as I basically paid for the shafts and got the heads for free.

 

Should be here Friday. A little tweaking to get the offset/lofts to my liking and they will be going straight into the bag! I'm looking forward to the famous "Mizuno Feel" and MP 32 "forgiveness!"

 

 

A set with SPBs!! Awesome!

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

Sold the MP-69s today back to the shop, and got a good price for them. I practised with them earlier this morning, and found I was hitting them left, more so that the MP-4 and VIPs I brought along for comparison. I got the lies checked and found they were the same as the MP-4s, so I decided it was time to shift them.

So, I'm down to three sets, but realistically only one (MP4s) as the VIPs I can't see myself putting into play that often, and the MS-11s I bought in the first place for occasional use only--although they are pretty damn playable.

The Cally protos in the shop are still tempting, as are the MP-68s, but there's also a pretty nice set of Titleist 690.MBs (4i-PW, DGS200). I like the way they set up, and they would at least be a change from the Mizunos. Good price for them as well (about $130), though the grips are a bit dodgy.

[Dan Drake]

Correction to my earlier post, the MP 32's should be here Thursday! Combine that with me being off on Friday & Saturday, and I am going to have some good Mizzy fun this weekend!