Scratch Irons

[JHR]

anyone using them? what do you think?

I was considering ordering a custom set of Scratch Tour Blades, I wanted some feedback from anyone that has a set or has tried them. I have 2 Scratch wedges and I was never thrilled with them so I am a bit nervous about buying the irons. Looking for so insight, Thanks alot .

[primo]

In my humble opinion, these are the best irons on the market. I've owned a number of sets both imported and domestic, and Scratch is honestly the only way to get exactly what you want. The tour blades are awesome, I was seriously considering going with a full set of those before I went with the combo set I currently have.

 

In terms of feel, you will absolutely not find a set of irons that feel as good as Scratch irons. Especially the blades. The tour blades are not quite as forgiving as say the MP-33's but definitely more forgiving than the MP-14's, if that helps you at all.

 

Shape/grind/finish basically overall look, now here is where Scratch can truely differenitate. You get to pick whatever you want. This is something you absolutely cannot get from anyone else. To me, this category is one of the most important things when dealing with irons. I'm very particular with the shape, and Scratch is the only company that is able to provide me with exactly what I'm looking for. As an example I was able to get a slightly more aggressive leading edge grind, which has done wonders for me. I had always had a problem with skidding on the ground (not quite chili dipping, but close). Used to cause slight loss in distance or otherwise errant shots. Seems now I am able to pick the ball cleanly off the ground, more often. Could be mental, but it works...

 

The final thing, is the quality of the product. As you know with the wedges, the craftsmanship is unmatched. This is a product of dealing with a highly specialized niche vendor like Scratch. Each club is hand ground by MASTER GRINDER Jeff McCoy. Not just some apprentice that they hired a few weeks ago. If I were to relate Jeff to a pro, I would have to say Ben Hogan with the swing to match. Like Hogan, Jeff takes incredible pride in his golf clubs, and puts the time in to make sure each head comes out perfect. The fact that he is a golfer not a machinist, means he looks at the raw head as a golf club.... NOT just a piece a metal. I can't tell you how important this is...

 

For anyone thinking about it, give Ari a call. Believe me you won't be dissappointed. I bet there are a number of people here that will post references...

 

Just curious, what was it about the wedges that you weren't thrilled about? Did you order them custom for you or did you buy them used?

[JHR]

I ordered them special for me, I have not really ever given them a great deal of play. I have heard so much about these Irons being the best, Part of my problem is I have never been through a formal fitting, I usually order everything with standard specs, including my wedges. So i worried about ordering them without a fitting.

[primo]

You read all kinds of reviews on Scratch, both positive and negative. Not sure which to believe. I have no personal experience so I can't comment.

 

IMHO, the big issue with boutique clubs is resale value. Not saying you should base a buying decision on that one variable but I have a tough time losing at least 50% of my purchase price. At the rate I(and a lot of other HOs here) go through iron sets I would be in big trouble quick.

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Good point, but I would argue that Scratch isn't the only company that suffers from this problem. Anything that isn't "hot" pretty much suffers from dramatic depreciation. In fact, anything that isn't used by a top 5 PGA player is probably in the same category. Guage Design or even worse Gold Factory? Cmon those are like $2500 sets that I bet you could pick up much less than half that now used. Or how about a used TP Mill putter? Or a Tom Slighter putter? When's the last time someone paid more than $100 for a used Zodia wedge... You can't tell me that you don't expect the same depreciation. I'll even step out of the niche market and pick a few "well known" brands, what about Macgregor, Wilson, or even Orlimar? I'd lump Tour Edge in there as well, but with the recent Exotic craze, suddenly there is a market for their stuff. 6 months ago I couldn't give my exotic away...

 

If I bought stuff based on the resale value, then I never really had any real intention on keeping it in the first place. not to say I haven't done it, I owned an R7 tour that I played for a few weeks, knowing that I would probably sell it...

 

Bottom line it all comes down to demand and awareness. I don't think enough people have played Scratch to really know. A few people tried their early stuff made their opinion and moved on... Their loss. Personally I love their products and staff and think they have a very bright future. I've witnessed firsthand pro's hit Scratch clubs and heard their comments. I have not heard 1 negative comment. First thing they all say is wow, that' solid. Even the Golden Bear himself has had nice things to say about Scratch. Give them a few years... Once you see them on TV, and believe me you will, then you'll see how resale value does...

[Gxgolfer]

I see Scratch Irons like more personalized KZGs. Nothing wrong with them and the options are great. Everytime the Scratch name comes up on the forums, usually there is good feedback. Their has been rumblings of build quality and workmanship but, I think that happens for every company. Scratch is positioned on the high side of the market and I think that's what makes people think between them and getting X-tours or J33 combos. Its just a big market.

[stickman]

Whats scratch's website ?

[droobies]

http://www.sgolfclubs.com/home.cfm

[stickman]

Thanks

[JHR]

That is one of my biggest complaints about any golf equipment, most of it loses its value very quickly. The club companies release so much so fast that this years "Hot" product is in the bargain bin next year. It never stops me from buying, but it is dissapointing. I have never bought a club as an investment. I hope not to take a beating on them if and when I decide to part with them. Thanks for all the feedback.

 

Scratch site is www.sgolfclubs.com