Distance Players iron vs SGI iron

[Tiptx1122]

Ok what advantage has anyone had when switching over to GI irons. Did it help or hurt your game and why did you do it? Did it take awhile to make the adjustment? I now play Mizuno JPX 923 HMP and really have played some of my best golf this year for being almost 68. I'm just getting to the point where I may be switching over to something a little easier to hit when my swing my off a little as it has been lately. I actually thought about getting the HM or HM/HL but I want to try something different. I'm so glad I did get my HMP's as I've been away from Mizuno in over 10 years. My last set was the MP64's. Too demanding for me back then but Wow! did they feel nice.

 

My very 1st set of graphite irons were Titleist AP2 718 which was several years ago and never once jumped back to Titleist as I'm not sure why until well now. Got some Titleist T-350's ordered so hoping this will make the game a bit easier for me as I've done so well playing with distance Players iron and I think they look so much better than most SGI irons, so anyone have some experience in making this switch I would love to hear both positive or negative comments as I'm steeping into a new Chapter in my life as my retirement years have caught up with me. Not chasing distance as I have done for so many years. Hoping SGI irons can help me keep my score down 

Edited July 26, 2023 by Tiptx1122

[Tiptx1122]

Nobody has a response as I forgot Lol everyone here uses blades & has 112 mph driver swing speed 

[Tiptx1122]

Never mind as I should have done a more thorough search about this topic. I understand what people say or what they do on Golfwrx or the internet is going to be different from what I would likely encounter in the real world. I only see that switching could help my game become more enjoyable in the long run. Good scores will come and go as I’m ready to put my ego aside and deal with the reality of getting older so I’m going all out & got fitted for some Titleist T-350. 

[Gsea]

I would personally at 68 get the Ping G430 in alta quick graphite and thank me later. will change your game

[Chunkitgood]

I expect the T350’s have a fairly wide face.  Supposedly that is good for off center hits, not so good for getting optimum face/path alignment that better players might want.  Also low COG also implies certain things like high launch angle and low spin which may or may not be good for particular people.  And I suppose the wide face would give you what you might perceive as an effectively slower closer rate.

 

I really don’t think any reasonable person would criticize anybody else’s clubs, and if they did would say a lot about themselves.

 

From what I have seen, and I could be wrong, SGI clubs are designed to facilitate the swings of people who swing relatively slowly and add loft via low COG.  To me logic says if this is correct, and they succeed in doing that, they will not be optimum for people who swing fast and hit down on the ball.  There is also a school of thought which I find plausible that clubs that perform in a manner perceived as effective with poor contact will retard acquisition of the skill to make good contact.

 

If you hit down on the ball with slower speed you might want something with a COG farther back rather than lower, as that would increase MOI, spin, and launch angle.  Like I believe the Ping G430.  Or get a more flexible shaft.

 

I’m sure experts will correct me, but that’s how I perceive current club offerings.  
 

My personal practice is to play clubs that look good to me since I believe my visual input affects motor performance and my mental state is more important than the relatively minor differences between modern golf clubs. Over the years I have never felt inclined to blame a bad shot on my clubs, because my bad shots are essentially beyond help, and am just not skilled enough to benefit from those minor differences.

 

Good luck.

[blades_are_life]

1 hour ago, Chunkitgood said:

My personal practice is to play clubs that look good to me since I believe my visual input affects motor performance

Never heard it expressed this way before, well said.

[Jeri6gt]

I have a set of 714 AP2s, then I tried some AP3s before

settling on the T100s.  Since my wedges r vokeys I feel

the transition and gaping to the T100s r better.

Also to me it is a feel and a look thing.  If it feels right I never think

about it.

 

I would like a clunk U500 5 iron though.

[Hickory4ever]

For the OP, a lot depends on your swing and what brings you confidence. I am 69 myself and like a thinner top line with minimal offset. Turf interaction is an important factor to also continue. 
 

Only you can decide. It sounds to me that you are looking to spend some money, which is OK but may not fix your undefined problem.

[ChipNRun]

First, I'm a bit confused on your overall thread.

 

Are you considering moving to SGI irons, or GI irons?

 

I'm 72 now, and for the past 15 years have played primarily GI irons. Major changes have been going from PX to lighter steel shafts, and this last time to graphite.

 

If you're talking SGI irons, the main problem might be in the short irons/set wedges. The heads are designed to be forgiving (help with launch.) But, for many SGI models this can be "too much of a good thing" in short irons - if you have decent clubhead speed, you end up ballooning the ball.

 

For GI models, this is less of a problem. Various GI models have addressed this with:

• Revived Hogan had progressive Center of Gravity (higher in short irons than longer irons).
• the TaylorMade TruSlot technology: in most models, 7i and below have a polymer-filled thru-slot in the sole to help with launch, while 8i and above are a more one-piece cavity head.
• Sub70 659CB irons have undercut technology in 5i and below to help launch and increase ball speed.

Also, as a player with medium clubhead speed, I have found that GI irons have a more consistent distance yardstick than PD irons. Often, the GI irons have higher lofts than the PDs. If you have higher clubhead speed, the PDs might perform better for you.

[Tiptx1122]

I know I said SGI as I did mean from Players distance irons to GI irons but for those that have went to SGI irons chime in as I'm not ready for that chunky look at address. I know I will be getting better distance gaping from my PW to GW with GI irons. I never thought too much about it before when playing my HMP's but it was a bit obvious with my distance. Slightly more offset a bit longer looking with a bigger sole and top line won't bother me as compact irons have served me well.  It is getting harder to find the center of the club face so everything is all about making the game easier. I know the scores will come and go as that is mainly because maybe my putting is off or short game not there or a few wayward drives. So still have a wait till sometime next month to get back at it with some GI irons but very excited about this change too. 

Edited July 27, 2023 by Tiptx1122