Iron Technology

[lowndes]

Has it really changed much in the past 10 years?

What are people's opinions on iron technology and the improvements in the past decade?

I am recently returning to the game and in the process of updating my clubs so I attended a demo day today. My current set is Ben Hogan edge irons that I purchased back in 2003, along with a 975J from a few years earlier and a 907 3 wood and 5 wood. While I could see pretty significant changes between the woods there really wasn't much I noticed different in the irons. I hit titleist AP1s and Ping G15s.

Curious as to thoughts on this matter. Right now I'm leaning towards not replacing my irons and saving the six hundred or so dollars that a new set would cost.

[patty_13]

Main difference is stronger lofts, technology; no.

[tdkdc04]

I've been gaming the Apex blades for the longest time. I bought them used like 5 years ago but they're circa 1999. I just upgraded to the TM Tour Preferred MBs. And the Hogans might not be as shiny but they play just as good. I think the real improvement in irons is in the GI lineups. But nothing that's going to blow you away.

[Oldplayer]

It is my opinion also that iron technology has not gone ahead like driver technology. In fact better player irons are no different and in some cases the production values and materials are inferior to a decade ago. I would say that forgiving GI and SGI are higher tech or more refined than they were. Also irons in the catagory of jpx pro or mx 300 (players irons with GI features) did not really exist 10 years ago. There is one exception to the rule on GI irons though. The ping eye 2's are better than any iron produced in their catagory since.

[V-twin]

Here we go again. The GI tech has improved. My hogan radials probably GI irons in the day compared to my 2.0 burners have changed big time, not just in head design but shaft weight and matching shaft with individual iron head through out the set. As for the Ping Eye 2's being the best of all time I just don't get into hitting the seven iron only 150 yards max. You need to carry all kinds of woods and 1 and 2 irons with that set.

[coluccim]

There is one huge improvement in recent irons. Across the board, the thin hit with modern iron is penalized much less than those from years past.

Michael

[mikpga]

10 years...

No...

[fvhowler]

As some have mentioned, most of the "improvement" in irons is in the SGI. Thats where the engineers and designers have the most ability to manipulate changes in club head shape, size, weighting, etc...SGIs are looking more like a full set of hybrids. Not a trend I like, personally.

Drivers and hybrids have been a major focus for manufacturers lately because you have more club(head) to work with. Lets face it drivers are the sexy club. Also players tend to stick with irons longer while drivers come and go from the bag more often. Perhaps manufacturers recognize this.

No matter, to win money you have to be able to chip and putt.

[inthefairway]

I've been playing with a new set of Taylormade Burner 2.0 irons and I would say iron tech has finally reached a new thresh hold!!!!!!!!!