Can A Mid Handicap Golfer Use Blades?

[@ianowen3992]

The problem with recommending clubs by handicap is that the handicap is an umbrella of your overall game from tee to pin Not on how well you strike an iron

[@Nicool333]

Your umbrella has holes!

[@HondoTrailside]

Correct. And the other side is that the things they evaluate are generic. When I started, the cool cavity was the Big Bertha. I got some blades, and where I played, with my crappy game, there was tons of rough. A lot easier to hack your way out of the rough with a blade than a diner plate. And there are game improvement blades, most manufacturers that have blades have several versions. They can be pure blades in look, but they can have offset hosels, and the correct shaft for amateurs. The look and indeed construction of the clubs is the least important feature, there are probably half a dozen things that are more important.

[@robkeys6474]

Where does he lose most strokes in a round? I’ve always thought the type of irons you play doesn’t always reflect handicap. Is he losing strokes putting, or chipping. He seems like a pretty good striker of the ball.

[@stephenshiels5179]

I hit blades off a 10 handicap. Titlist MB. My way of thinking is because of the smaller face and thinner topset you need to concentrate more and it should improve your striking, it may not be straight away but it will happen over time.

[@jimmyReesby]

That's why you're a 10 handicap. Try using a more forgiving club. Also if your short game sucks it doesn't matter what you hit.

[@stephenshiels5179]

I have used semi blades all my golfing days since i was 13.i use blades to keep the ball lower. I hit the ball jusrt as good. I only get to plzy 3 times every 3 and 4 week as I work 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off.

[@robertrobinson1135]

@@jimmyReesby nonsense, if you need a forgiving club because your short game sucks then do so. I'm only about a 10 handicapper and I have gone for less forgiveness (Callaway X-forged '18) and found that I get more consistent distances with a bladed iron. I found that my old cavity back irons gave me too many "hot shots" and as a result I would fly the odd shot way over my intended target. That doesn't happen anymore and I've been able to lower a few strokes off my game. What I need to do to lower my handicap (what anyone needs to do really) is play more often. I only played about 9 rounds this past season, if I had got out more I have no doubt that my handicap would be lower.

[@pelongomez324]

Ive been playing plades since I was a 15 handicap now I play off 3 taylormade tour preffered mbs they certanly helped me concentrate more on shots and make a more consistent swing to make sure I found the center of the club face more often

[@pelongomez324]

@@robertrobinson1135 that is also a reason I changed I have always been long but with cavity irons I didnt always get the spin I needed and would end up hitting it longer and that would cost me a couple strokes

[@nemodetroit]

My goodness. It doesn't seem like anybody really does this comparison correctly. First, equalize the loft, lies and lengths. Forget that it's stamped with a 7 on one and an 8 on the other. Second, use a monitor that tracks the actual impact position on the clubface - we need to know where the shots were mishit on the clubface, and where those mishits go - that's the very definition of how to evaluate "forgiveness". Third show us the actual dispersion pattern - left/right and front/back. Showing that a 30 degree club goes, on average, farther than a 34 degree club is neither surprising nor helpful.

[@RangaPirate]

Totally agree mate. No true comparison here. Oh, and lets see them hit them off grass.... not that fake turf.

[@autistichead8137]

It amazes me. I’m a 13, play Yonex MB blades and would never play anything else. Unforgiving ? Yes. They force you to get better. Tons of control, yes.

[@petermartinaitis8166]

Absolutely spot on, and it's about time we had a true standard for golf clubs , same loft ,length, and shaft flex, that is the only way to compare like with like.

[@jp-xe9hi]

I have to agree

[@30secondgolflessons]

This might be the most detailed comment ever written on KZbin, impressive!!!

[@jonathanwhitcombe9466]

Commented before watching... I used cavity backs for a brief period of time (3-4months) before buying Mizuno Mp32. Zero forgiveness is what I wanted. I'm also a fan of Dark Souls

[@grahamwatkins3604]

Distance drop off is mainly due to lofts on good strikes. I started to play blades off a 8 handicap and I’m now a 4. I feel like they’ve helped me swing better because i know i have to hit the middle.

[@joshcostello8589]

Homie looks like a older rick shiels

[@davgle05]

Josh Costello that’s why I clicked on the video Lol looked like him on the thumb nail

[@DaTwinxGaming]

Who is Rick Shields, never heard of that fella. Does he play with Shields instead of clubs?

[@Phi1l]

Bit of Griff Rhys Jones in there as well

[@Mick-Dempsey]

Philip H certainly I thought the same haha

[@marcusdominguez6500]

Shiels, his last name is Shiels

[@steveparkin2366]

I literally spit coffee out of my mouth watching you butter the toast with the blade. lol Awesome.

[@JamesRobinsonGolf]

Hahahaha brilliant! Sorry about your coffee!!!!

[@paulcurotto3884]

Another great video James. I love playing with my blades, even though I am a high handicapper. I hit some shots on Saturday on a launch monitor with my irons and then hit a new game improvement iron. The difference with the new club was 8 mile an hour ball speed faster and 20 yards longer. But I still wouldn't change from the enjoyment of hitting one of my blades out of the middle it's awesome. I just need to concentrate more on course management and accept that I can't hit them as far as more modern irons.

[@JP-rw5cd]

They don't call hybrids "rescue clubs" for nothing ,got to love them! because honestly i wouldn't reccomend longer bladed irons unless you connect perfect almost always which would be lower handicappers

[@seekinggreen4481]

I'm a mid handicapper but was gifting a very nice set of Mizuno mp67 muscle back. They tend to hurt me overall, but when you hit a blade pure god it is the best feeling in golf.

[@kylescott6225]

Let's hit some off the grass not the Matt. It's a BIG difference

[@Bobventk]

Kyle Scott what is the advantage to hitting blades? Even if you’re a low handicap? If it’s just more difficult to hit?

[@henrygrand695]

@@Bobventk Easier to shape shots and control distance

[@krishepburn1560]

@@Bobventk don’t believe that garbage.

[@sjgraci]

Of course a mid-handicapper can use blades, particularly in the PW-7 range. Mark's numbers between these two irons prove it with far better dispersion numbers front to back and left to right with the blades over the power bats. Any "forgiveness" in irons is miniscule and the golf course will always even that out. Funny how the marketing companies never release or quantify their forgiveness data but they're quick to tout how much further their jacked up irons go. I get it, height and distance improving irons are great at the long end of the bag but at the mid and short end they may actually be hurting your game with middle of the fairway, no spin, knuckle ball fliers over the green. Loft is your friend over tech with scoring irons.

[@marcusdominguez6500]

The problem with playing that mixed bag you talked about is the loft dispersion, having to use 2 8 irons or 2 7irons depending on where you switch. I've thought of the idea myself but I cant quite commit to playing that way or the other

[@NMCendurance]

I am a 15 handicap,wen i bought my P790 i was playing on 21,after 2 months in 1 comp i droped my handicap to 18,after winter in 2 comp droped to 15. The P790 works great for me,but i got them custom fit,so they work for me,i read so many bad reviews about this clubs,but the dont work for everyone,for me they feel great and i feal verry confident with them.Best irons i ever had

[@michandcat]

James, you are definitely on to something very useful with Mid-Cap Mark. Most of us relate well to the results and opinions of a mid cap golfer. Though, with that smooth swing he may not be mid for long. Well done once again. Cheers from New York City. Mich

[@JamesRobinsonGolf]

Thanks Mich! Appreciate the message!

[@coegj]

I played blades ( all they had in the mid 60's ) from 1964 until the early 1990's. Been there done that, now I want all the help getting the ball up in the air I can get, age put me into game improvement irons with graphite shafts and I'm back hitting it higher and farther again. Father time takes its toll, max game improvement irons give some of us some of that time and toll back. Good video post James, thanks.

[@invisaman75]

2:25 “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.” ― Henry Ford

[@funkster007]

From my experience, the shorter the iron the more forgiving the ball strike whether it's a blade or improvement iron. Compare a 4 or 5 depending on the loft between clubs. A good test for any blade newbie.

[@mikebest634]

I'm a mid handicap golfer and used Nike pro combo's for 6 years with blades up to 8 iron ,even the long irons were not that forgiving and small ,went to Titleist AP3 last year and my games not really any different ,better or worse .Get good with the driver ,wedges and putter and I think you could play what irons you wanted .

[@KyleRattay]

As a retired bike golf rep those were some of the best clubs ever built I still play all my Nike Vr irons with project x shafts 2deg flat extra set of back up wedges extra square hybrids ha and machspeed driver I can hang with the best

[@Stayseated80085]

142.8 down from 149.8 with a loft difference of 3.5* doesn't seem like a drop at all. He said it best, play what club works for you I just hate that it's drilled in new golfers brains that they can't hit blades. I finally switched to blades and will never go back. I've seen my best ball striking and biggest handicap drop since switching. A better question to ask a new golfer is what their final goal in the game is and how much time are they going to commit to practicing. If they are serious about the game and want to put in the time to get better they should play blades in my opinion. Offers feedback and develops muscle memory. Great vid

[@donnytsunami1167]

This is why I started with blades.....I want to know that amazing shot was all me....And the feel of the sweet shot on a blade... just makes your heart race

[@SimplePhotoshopTutorials]

Yeah also putting a handicap range on whether or not you can play on a club is just strange. There are different reasons that each person is a specific handicap. There could be a 15+ handicap who has great ball striking but has poor shot selection, putting and driving. All about the individual

[@mediocregolfer8922]

Blades are great if you want a 4,5 and 6 iron that go the same distance. Note he was testing a 7 iron. 90% of amateurs simply don't have the swing speed to get the most out of blades and good luck with those toe strikes that fall 20 yards short. Talk of blades being better for 'precision' and 'distance control' make no sense when most amateurs are hitting less than a third of greens in regulation. One of the most ludicrous reasons I've heard for putting blades in the bag is 'that they make me concentrate more'. Blades look good in the bag but my scorecard looked a lot better when I bought my forgiving distance irons.

[@Stayseated80085]

@@mediocregolfer8922 Glad forgiving irons work for you, however to use facts, his shortest distance on the blade was 133.1 and 136.0 with the p790. His longest with the blade was 151.7 and 161.7 with the p790. He had a shorter distance dispersion with the blade. His longest with the p790 was a flier, these clubs can produce those(James even says that is what he experienced with them at 5:53) so what difference does it make if your short of the green or over the green? Who says you won't have a hole with water behind the green? So there are FACTS for 'precision' and 'distance' control. His dispersion left to right was substantially shorter as well. So the blades were hands down better, I don't even see an argument for the p790's in this video. If you can't hit a 4,5, or 6 iron then get a hybrid. Anybody can play blades you have no facts to back up your argument.

[@mediocregolfer8922]

@@Stayseated80085 this was hardly a scientific test though was it? Most amateurs aren't looking to hold a green they are looking to reach it. A blade does not offer any forgiveness on off centre hits, bit of an issue when you are playing in a medal rather than hitting in practice. The margins between a blade and a GI iron aren't as huge as the marketing will have us believe, but I still don't see why you would give up any help on offer. Even most Tour Pros play some kind of cavity back iron. Amateurs should play blades if they enjoy them but they are kidding themselves if they think they are going to help their game.

[@georgeappleby6868]

I'm 61 and that means I obviously grew up on blades because that's all there were when I started at age 5. I think you need to compare clubs if equal loft to make it fair. The feel of a good shot with a blade feels so much better.

[@michaelzdanis3979]

I'm your age give or take a year. And yes, I started playing with equipment that was much different from what one finds in today's bag (for example, my first woods were actually ... wood). There is nothing more sweet than hitting a blade pure. On the other hand, for most golfers, it's a rare event. More forgiving equipment has opened up the game to greater enjoyment.

[@ngm59]

Great video, but it’s hard to compare these two irons off of a mat. I think it would be much more helpful hitting off of grass, then you can compare the irons more fairly due to turf interaction. Enjoyed the video.

[@bossman4771]

I am have a high handicap and was just fitted for bladed clubs. I had some game improvement clubs previously and the blades clubs improved my game tremendously.

[@thebigeasy8609]

Really liking "Mark the mid handicapper" videos. Keep it up! Blades baby!

[@JamesRobinsonGolf]

Thanks Jeff!! I’ll pass this on to Mark! :)

[@georgesealy4706]

A lot of people get too hung up on the number on the bottom of the club vs how far the ball goes. When they believe the ball should be going further for a given iron, then they either start doing goofy stuff with their swing OR they buy new clubs. The most important thing is to be consistent with distance and to know what it is for every iron. Then you can play golf. One good thing about blades is that they will force a player to work on their swing details and strive toward that consistency. You better be hitting the ball on the sweet spot otherwise it is not going near where you want it to.

[@stupollock6851]

I’m a three handicap and I’d trade swings. I’ve always played blades since I started at 26.

[@bestmusic9879]

yeah, that isn't a mid Hdcp swing...he's a very solid Ball Striker...unless he 3 putts every hole....

[@deangreen631]

James, love the content. Keep it up. while I love watching your vids I feel the question is still not answered. I'm in this very predicament. I grew up playing blades and hate looking down on a thick top line. Every review on this subject falls in the same trap. 7 irons of different loft. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Can you ignore the number at the bottom and compare loft for loft... Then we can all see if the benefits of "technology" are really there. I'm not interested in hit further but rather hitting to an exact distance.

[@dciccoritti]

I agree with this. Need same shaft and loft per loft (or as close as possible). I play blades and learned to hit them further than I ever hit my old G30's. I think blades and player cavity backs are good for 'students' of the game as opposed to those just going out just to have some fun. For me the constant learning and challenge IS the fun :-)

[@Sean-tn5nv]

I can not find it but there is a video on here where this was done - They went exactly the same distance although it was a scratch player hitting them so didn't really take into account massively off center/poor strikes. James if you do this test with matching lofts please use a high handicap like 30 as this is where I think the difference will be seen mostly.

[@donniedavis2852]

@@Sean-tn5nv TXG sets the lofts even when they test the blade vs cavity,

[@donniedavis2852]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4HFnJ5-ZZJ4oKs

[@deangreen631]

@@donniedavis2852 thank you, just what I'm looking for!

[@OneLovePsych]

I played the original Nike Forged Blades for 5 years, I never had one complaint and I started playing them when I was a 8 Handicap... Now, that being said, I think I would have been better off waiting until I was at least a 3-4 HC because even though I hit them pretty well, I wasn't getting the most out of them until I got down to that 3 HC and started working the ball A LOT MORE OFTEN, So I say if your good enough to hit a draw when you need to, a fade when you need to, keep the ball low when you need to and your comfortable with your distance then go for it, if not, the 7-pw bladed and 4-7 cavity back is the way to go, I think my game would have developed faster had I did that. Also on a side note... hitting a blade from a bad lie/rough is a world difference than a club that is more forgiving, adding that into the calculation as well as shaping the ball as I said and you'll know if they are right for you.

[@Mr60ermusik]

I´m a mid handicapper and have just bought my first blades.....beautiful Bridgestone J33b,s from 2007. I had Recoil ES 760 shafts put on them and WOW. I hit higher and longer than I did with my Cobra Bio Cell "plus" irons with S300,s , despite the weaker loft on the blades, which partly explains the height, but the shafts make the biggest difference. They make the irons lighter, hence a higher club head speed.

[@jaybyrne4562]

I'm a 13 hcap too, was hitting 7i titleist MB 718 last week. Hit it beautiful on every shot, straight as an arrow! Loved the feel and look of them. Would maybe look to try a few different irons in the set before making a purchase. But I could definitely game blades on so far testing

[@donnyone-eye8726]

Great stuff James. And thanks to Mark as well! I want to use blades, but I think it's only because everyone says they're for the best players. If the p790 was for the best players, I would want those. I think my ego pushes that train of thought. Now I agree with you smart people, people should play the irons that are best for them at the time, even if that means mix and matching the set. Maybe playing with those for a year or so and getting better and THEN looking at getting another set, perhaps mixed again or a straight set of 'better' irons. Yes, it's money out of pocket sooner rather than later for those that play more often but for those that don't play weekly, you will have a good set for awhile. And for us that play more often and are focused on getting to the top, we expect some expenditures in our travels!! Thanks again mate.

[@Knottygolfguitar]

Hi James. In one of your early videos I criticised/ offered feedback on your presentation style. I am really pleased you calmed it a little. Really enjoying the content and presentation now. 👍

[@webbdelasteve]

Bogey golfer. Finally bought the Titleist MBs I've always wanted. Love them. They make me focus a lot more, and they feel so nice when you hit them well. And so, you want to hit them well more and practice better.

[@adamfrance9372]

Great vid, I use cavity backs nowadays but have had plenty of blade sets over the years, much prefer looks and feel of a blade. Just one point the blade P730, 7 iron is not more of an 8 iron loft!! It's the P790, 7 iron that is more of a 6 iron loft 😉😉

[@herbcat9]

Great Vid James......I lately have tried to Mizuno Blabes in my bag.....MP 5-6 Iron which I find I control up the middle everytime as compared to my cavity back standards irons. I've went from 13,4 HDC to 9,4 this season and am planning on going blades next season. I find with the blades in my bag that I know their distances better and no to the odd explosion I sometimes get with the cavity backs. The course I play often has out of bounds behind the greens with just 5 meters of play so knowing my distances with my clubs hitting the green in regulation rather than a penalty stroke makes a whole lot of difference......looking forward to the update vid.....-:)

[@deonpersaud8502]

I am a mid handicapper and I play the old blades Titleist MB 690. Love these irons. My set has a 2 iron....hit it 250 yds on a good strike and great shots of the tee.

[@glenrotsten6304]

It’s not that the blade is more like an 8 iron the p790 is more like a 6 iron. The blades are in traditional lofts while the p790s i500s etc are strong lofted compared to traditional specs...

[@glenrotsten6304]

Bought the p790s last month. I personally chose them for there feel at impact. I hit most of the top brands in the store and again for me p790s felt the best. I did have these clubs fitted for loft and lie with standard length. I started off my 60 deg @ 85 yds and for the most part went up 15 yds a club for the set minus a gap wedge which I don’t carry. I can’t remember the exact numbers but all of the lofts came down at least 2 deg to meet my gaps, so closer to traditional. Find the best feel and get fitted is my best advice!

[@tommiethatcher7265]

Great club test comparison from a mid handicapper,I would love to see mark test out on the course even testing the drivers out on the course Lovely looking swing 👏👏

[@russellkempe3231]

I started golfing in 1968' and back in the day, blades were all we had. So yes, anyone can hit blades. Johnny Miller would say that all Tour Players should play blades and eliminate the boomerang effect in clubs. (...and that goes for irons and woods) I didn't say everyone could play blades well. They do identify who the really good players are. We don't see that anymore. Everyone is a scratch golfer now, with souped-up clubs. I think blades really make you work on your game at the range. So I am saying.....game improvement clubs makes for 'Lazy Golfers'. You know a guy is serious if he carries blades in his bag.

[@manifestgtr]

Russell Kempe This is my exact opinion on newer drivers. When I was younger, you hit it well or you were off in the woods....and this isn’t even THAT long ago. We’re talking the gbb, burner era of the late 90s. Modern drivers are just ridiculous looking to my eyes. Shifting weights, rails shooting off in every direction...🤔

[@andrewjohnson910]

Seems to be an awful lot of roll with those numbers. Surely a 7 iron should be stopping quicker than that.

[@philipoftorquay]

As stated, you should try playing same loft against same loft, even on good shots with a blade you should get at least 1-2 clubs less distance. The new problem that is arising is the huge gap between PW and SW these days requiring 2 clubs to fill that gap as apposed to previously needing one.

[@guyr7351]

Creates a need the manufacturers are more than happy to fill. Can I have a set of irons £££ here you go, oh but you will need to buy some specialised wedges as well at £££ typically

[@trxe420]

I think the mixed bag approach is perfect for anyone to move into split cavity and blades. I went with mp18 pw-8 and mmc 7-5. As my swing is improving I am replacing the MMC with the SC and maybe eventually full blades. What I love about blades is really the feedback. Some days I am consistently hitting bad shots off a certain part of the face and it gives me an opportunity to adjust mid round. With my old cavity backs I was just kind of guessing. Also, compact faces work better for me personally as I tend to focus better. Aim small, miss small. I often give my blade to friends on the range who are high handicappers and more often then not they find the middle after a few swings and just are amazed at how much different the clubs feel. So I say go for it, it's the Indian not the arrow. The only way to get better is to learn and these help with that.

[@dongolfnut5558]

Good video I was off 19 now play off 16 and for a while played with Miura CB301 irons They were lovely when hit right just had to go up a club due to lofts which meant longer irons harder to hit so did as suggested and mixed hybrids and cavity modern irons so ended up with two 7 irons in the bag. Blades definitely sit nicer behind ball on short iron shots keep up the good work. Now back to full set of modern irons no more finger tingling in winter.

[@ironpatriot7842]

I grew up with blades. There was no such thing as a forgiving golf club. Then the Ping blade was created and changed everything. I, like others. Don't care for the thick blade of a cavity iron. I did play a set of hollow irons for awhile. A set of Titleist B33's. They were long but as my game progressed, I found that it was difficult to work the ball with them. In the late 80's I bought a set of Ben Hogan Redlines. I still play them. I have tried other clubs but have found nothing that feels better. The blades made me a better player. The club forces a player to focus and will reward you.

[@pekkalaaksonen8384]

Great review. However, if I recall right P-790s are very hot power-lofted versions and as you pointed out, on the course testing is needed. Keep up the great work you two! Thanks!

[@marcocolindres3891]

You actually listened! Wow! You gamed the video I wanted to see! Your amazing!!!!!!!! Love the content! Because of you, I’m gaming the 760’s now. 6-PW and using my 790 for long irons. Tell Taylormade your doing a great job!

[@eoinm5758]

that vibration can be a killer in the cold weather

[@cojack5941]

Eoin m seems like you could keep the improvement irons in the bag during colder months also getting to play less and as it warms up keep the 4, 5, maybe 6 and up to a 7 in bag and play the rest blades. As you get back into your swing as it warms up start dropping let’s say a club a round GI iron for a blade. I think I’d always keep my GI 4 and def 3 iron in bag thru the season. Just an idea

[@eoinm5758]

@@cojack5941 not a bad idea like a combo set i actually play as much in the winter as I do in the summer, course is always semi clear during the colder weather and suits me perfect hate waiting for anybody in front of me im very impatient and if i make a mistake I always blame the people slowing me down rather than my swing but it's always the swing ha ha

[@maxcaysey2844]

I got my blades at hcp 12... never looked back!

[@martingregory2685]

I started golf middle of last year. had some lessons got down to 23 got fitted in May this year bought callaway xr irons. September bought a set of mizuno mp32s cheap to sell on and make some money took them out on the course I've since dropped 5 off my handicap and prefer them over the cavity backs. these huge forgiving clubs I find hinder you more low spinning knuckleballs that go miles and can't hold a green. no feel and jacked up lofts. I've since sold my callaways and can't wait for next season to begin

[@medfloat5001]

Must say I like the student/teacher concept especially the on-course content. Mark looks comfortable with the challenges of video and learning in public. Hopefully we see more of the progression of student and teacher. Very interested in your mindset, Mark, after the on course section of blades v game improvement. Are you more interested distance v predictability (although predictability can be learned with any club)? Are you more interested in playability v feel? Will you sacrifice comfort of view and swing weight for yardage? And how does your comfort with the clubs (especially irons) effect your handicap? Do you have a brand loyalty or are you willing to use those clubs that you FEEL best with after a proper fitting regardless of manufacturer.

[@myopenmind527]

Great mid handicap review. 13 handicap going on single figure handicap next season. It’s not all about distance. The feedback from blades is just different. You know when you have struck it pure. The forgiveness of clubs with some cavity back to them means you’ll get away with off centre strikes and barely loose distance. Most golfers don’t strike the ball like Nick Faldo in his prime.

[@andersborum9267]

Makes sense. You can break hcp 10,0 by simply playing irons, which arguably many golfers should consider. Not all the time, but a couple of rounds without the woods, breaking the distance in two iron shots is a good learning strategy. I've realized that I am too keen on bringing the driver to the tee box in situations where I should simply have taken an iron and break the distance in two. A curved ball with a driver or in a hazard, and you're playing your 3rd shot. With an iron, you're hopefully safe in the fairway further ahead. I believe this particular problem is what's keeping most players from breaking hcp 10,0. I was fitted for Mizuno MP-30s a decent amount of years ago after having spent many hours testing a 6 iron over a couple of weeks on the range. Was fitted at hcp 20,0 and went to about 9,0 briefly same season, then stabilizing on about 10,0. I learned a lot from the feedback by playing the Mizunos irons (think Mizuno MP 18 SC for 2018), and the forged feel is still incredible. I've picked up golf again late this season after about 5 years of break (I'm 43) and practice 4 - 5 days a week with 90% focus on 8 irons and down, it's all about the short game for me. I was a Titleist demo fitting a week ago and the dispersion from a modern driver was a true eye opener. Will be getting a proper fitting for woods in the spring of 2019 and am considering replacing my MP 30s with MP 18 SCs.

[@myopenmind527]

Anders Borum MP 18 series look awesome.

[@IconicProps]

I was once a 1-2 handicap golfer and used blades. I switched to Taylormade cavity backs. I am probably a 8-10 handicap now, and just switched back to (old) blades. I personally think if you want to work the ball, big, hot, cavity backs are going to be a nightmare. Its too hard to impart a subtle draw or cut on the ball without using larger more pronounced actions or changes to either clubhead or swing path. And once you get it to start to work, your on the verge of overworking into a hook or slice. The biggest problem I had with my modern cavity backs is the hot spot. I might hit a 9 iron 145 on a bad hit, 150 on a good hit, and catch the sweet spot and hit it 170. That's a disastrous flyer out of the blue. That sort of thing never happened with my blades. I may catch one poorly and hit it 140, but unless its a flyer lie, I never over nuked a ball out of the blue. I am not even sure its possible.

[@samlaquey3673]

Very interesting video. I grew up playing blades and used them until about 20 years ago. I have really always been a mid-handicapper. When I played really often; the blades were Magic, but when I played only a couple of times a month they were Voodoo.

[@chanojohn7763]

I'm a mid-handicap golfer, and switched to blades ½ a year ago (Mizuno MP-67), and guess what, there's is no negative difference at all in my performance. I play them as well as I did my old forgiving irons (Mizuno MX-25), only difference is that I can work the ball a little bit better now. And let's be honest, forgiving irons don't forgive shanks, thin or fat shots, slices or hooks, actually i don't know what they forgive? They don't even give me a higher ball flight, my flight is just as high with the blades. I'm sticking with them, as they are better looking :-)

[@edmc4315]

Miss hit a couple of 3 or 4 irons in the cold and you will go back to the more forgiving irons pretty quickly. People have to demo a 4 iron not just a short iron.

[@mrdudelove1]

very true....fuck up my hand last year in the season with titleist 695 MB....went on sale the same winter....back to my MCs

[@SeanHendy]

I’ve only just come across the whole ‘blades’ debate. As a young teenager I learned with dad’s 9 iron, hitting a ball up and down a football pitch, later progressing to a course using a halfset of clubs handed down. In my 20’s I made the leap and went to a store and bought a full set, based on price and feel. They are blades. I’ve always played with blades, from when I aspired to score close to 100 and drove off the tee with a 3 iron, to then gaining confidence with a driver, to my first round under 100, then under 90 to now which is at about a handicap of 16 and a best ever round of 12 over. Still with the same set of blades. No idea what that says about my skill level, blades or otherwise.

[@geordietoonforlife.1155]

Good demonstration on how irons are so so different in there consistency on strike, no doubt Mark could use them but on the course his confidence would eventually drain away and his scores would reflect this, when I started in the early 70s I can’t remember anything else but a blade being totally honest but hey that’s when you got 3- SW in a set and no such thing as a 60 degree wedge 😂. So come manufactures did away with 3,4 iron in most cases then did away with the SW and they charge more just goes to show how daft us golfers are as we just accepted it and now it’s the norm, paying the tour pros and R&D are the excuses but that happened back in the day James even though your to young to have been around those days but I’m sure lots of your older members remember the day along with some of your pros 45 plus in age. Anyway got to go now so doing it now✋

[@cliffordholloway6291]

I began playing golf with blades, we all did at the time. They always felt great when you caught it right. Problably would be better if I had kept playing them. You always knew when something was off. Clubs now don't give the feedback that blades did. I play Titleist AP1 716 now. Distance lose has a lot to do with difference in lofts doesn't it? Enjoyed the video.

[@blakeseider1860]

Fun review, however I wish you would have compared the 730 to a comparable cavity back iron with similar loft. The p790 vs 730 are in a different stratosphere! The p730 7 iron is 35 degrees, the P790 7 iron is 30.5 degrees. The P730 6 iron is 31 degrees. It's actually quite impressive how well he hit the blade vs the P790 by the numbers.

[@johnathonkimmel3561]

I found it interesting that on the P790 he couldn't tell how well of a strike it was or where the strike was on the face but on the P730 he could tell right away. Feedback is key to being able to change. Maybe higher handicaps could benefit from the instant feedback?

[@wow8416]

I use blades and don’t even have a handicap. I was probably a shot a round better with my cavity’s that are in the shed but I don’t like shooting level par on a bad swing day. I LOVE the feel and feedback my blades give me and I would rather be punished when I put a bad swing on it than still hit the middle of the green. It all depends on what you want to get out of your irons and what your trying to compete in

[@skelly1golf]

I used blades for years, I had regular arguments with people about being an 11-12-13 handicapper and using them but having just bought the new Taylor made M1 irons a couple of years ago, Do they go further? yes can I control them the same? No it's the first set of cavity / Muscle irons I've had and it'll be the last. I'll be going back to blades as soon as I can.

[@slowster2945]

I played last week with a 22 (played off 28 on the day) use titleist MB to great effect. Maybe a touch too much spin into the wind, but that's more shot selection than execution. The middle of the club is still the same size.

[@jeffreycooley2032]

Blades FEEL BETTER. Good strikes are rewarded nicely. It was brought up that his concentration level was more engaged at address. I'm not a low handicap player, but I will always play my forged blades before any game improvement cast irons.

[@roguemodel]

They are testing and comparing, they use the grass mat for consistency. Blades are for the perfect ball striker. A pro strikes the ball with their hands in the forward position from the club at ball strike. This removes the weakness of the loft. However, it provides workability. I play blades in my 9 iron and PW. A modified blade in my 7, 8 iron, and game improvement in 4, 5, 6. Pros are now playing game improvement in their 3 and 4 iron. Just play what works for you.

[@tipperi]

There are trade off's with both types of clubs for sure. I am a 12 HCP and i've played several different game improvement clubs from XR's to AP1's. I also owned a set of i200's which were very nice. Recently, I picked up the Mizuno MP-18 SC. While its still a cavity back its much much more compact than anything else i've ever owned. I much prefer them from tight lies, and from feel shots where a full swing isn't required. The spin seems to be much more consistent with the MP-18SC than anything else i've ever put in play. For me, the sole of the club is where the biggest difference is and the turf interaction i get. On wet soft days, the game improvement clubs are far superior, but on a fast firm day the thinner sole of the Mizuno is much better. It's still surprising to me how little the sole is discussed when choosing an iron, yet when we buy a wedge the sole and bounce are emphasized.

[@patricklee780]

3 through 6, I use hybrids, 7 through PW, I use blades. Trust me the hybrids are not only easier to hit consistently but get plenty of spin!! I am a 3 handicap. My wedges are Vokey 56 and 60 with low bounce.

[@ronmerson6986]

3 hcp is really good! Why no gap wedge?

[@patricklee780]

@@ronmerson6986 I just have no need for gap wedge, I just use a pitching wedge in it's place.

[@rocketmutt69]

I currently play off an 11.5 and have been playing an old set of Mizuno's this past year exclusively. My handicap has gone down, not significantly but that isn't due to poor iron striking more tee ball variances. I absolutely love the look and feel of them and enjoy the challenge of focusing more on the shot and contact while I play. Sure there have been misstrikes here and there but overall very consistent results. In comparison I also have a nice set of Srixon cb irons and they feel great as well but far less consistent than the blades. Which is why I chose to stick with them this entire year.

[@andersborum9267]

What Mizunos are you playing?

[@rocketmutt69]

@@andersborum9267 MP14s

[@maxcaysey2844]

Obviously theres a drop in distance of about 10 yards because its a whole iron difference between the loft!

[@WolumoDK]

Played 2nd hand S-flex (wrong flex) Titliest 712 MBs from hcp 21 to 16 (danish hcp) loved’em to bits until a pro told me the shafts were bended an not “legal”... so I’ve changed for a 714 AP2 now. With blades it’s like it’s easier to “focus” and get in the zone, and as you said yourself, nothing beats the feel of a forged blade

[@ilovemybeard]

How about a mid handicap video of chipping/pitching differences between higher and lower lofted wedges and irons. Would like to see that. The videos are getting better and better. Keep it going.

[@PkGam]

Most people do technically have blades actually: Their wedges. But yeah, blades aren't anywhere close to as hard to hit as I thought they would be when I tried them either. I'd say the results were about the same as my regular cavity backs so I could play them. So that being said, I don't think I'd have any reason to switch score-wise as the performance differences are negligible. If you miss with a blade, you'll probably have missed with a cavity back anyway. Thus if I'd switch, it would be for the aesthetics. One thing to keep in mind when it comes to the distance when it comes to readings like this is that blades generally have lofts closer to traditional. So if you are using modern cavity backs, a PW for instance would be like 45-42 degrees as opposed to a blade which could be like 50-47 degrees. So while the stamp on the bottom of both clubs may read the same, the distances are like a whole club shorter. That doesn't mean much to the playing side of things though, just' that instead of carrying up to a 4-iron, you can go up to a 3 and you'll likely end up with one less wedge.

[@basun6174]

Not long ago, we only have either blade or cavity back. I have been playing blade from the start in 2000. Then I had to stop due to a car accident in 2005. I restarted it again in 2014, but I am still using blade. But this is not my problem on the golf course. Now my Handicap is 18. I was 10 before the accident. Putting is my main issue.

[@Struieboy]

I have game improvement irons but practice with a blade six iron. For my sixteen handicap, the blade is just not forgiving enough unless I’m swinging really well.

[@Lars_GN]

"This blade isnt so bad. The tradeoff in distance isnt so bad!" Now lets try a 4 iron ;) Maybe Mark should look into a CB set with a bit more help in the long irons.

[@ElieAnquetil]

I learned to play with blades. Still have some. After one year I was 13 hdcp after 4 years I was +2 hdcp. Feedback is more important than tolerance.

[@ryanstaples2737]

I hit a set of 710mb that play shorter then standard. High handicap but when I put a game together they are amazing. First eagle came using blades.

[@scootertrasher1369]

the traditional forged 7 iron is not more of an 8 , the modern game improvement 7 iron is more of a 6, golf was not meant to be played on crutches :)

[@Drizzle600]

Just a quick suggestion! I’m not like most of the clueless idiots that have commented about differences.. I’m not a know it all by any means and I only play off 12, but I must admit I turned to KZbin many times to get my HC down and education about different types of irons did help me a lot! But this vid doesn’t help the average golfer!.. experienced golfers don’t watch KZbin for tips!.. surly a vlog about the difference between steel shaft blades and graphite cavity irons would make a better video for the average golfer.. it helped me! Experienced golfers might snigger, but I was a 20 HC on steel blades and I’m now a 12, who has even went round in 4 over(once) with graphite cavity’s!... Don’t spend money on the expensive top blades. Don’t make you a better golfer! If you play double figures stick with cavity’s!. My opinion anyway! Interested to see what others think?

[@terrywright6571]

I used Mizuno TP2000 blades as a relative beginner no problem. If you want to compare you have to compare clubs with same loft and shaft length or it means nothing. The difference is that off centre hits tend to lose more distance with the blade.

[@j2martnz348]

This always cracks me up . A mid capper doesnt mean they arent a good ball striker. They could easily be good enough to hit blades. I'm a 7 hcp .. I drive and hit my irons like a 2-3 hcp .... and putt like 10 -12 hcp .

[@zacharymilos392]

One thing to consider with blades vs not is that with the game Improvement irons... Miss hits end up in bunkers or junk that is greenside high because you don't lose yoo much distance. With a blade that punishes you, you can't even reach the trouble because you you lose much. As weird or illogical as it seems, I'd rather lose 20 yards and chip on from the fairway then be 5 yards short and in a bunker or weird deep grass that many of my courses have around the greens. It would be interesting to see real course vlogs about this subject I think.

[@kandyman8603]

Very good point that you never hear anyone mention! The other thing ive noticed is blades force me to concentrate better. I had a set of Fly-Z+ irons that i could NOT hit for the life of me. Only because in my head i thought "ohh they have some forgiveness compared to my King MBs" and it caused me to get lazy/sloppy. After 4 horrible rounds with them off they went and back to the MB set.

[@Mr.mallaer]

I have heard that many Pga tour pros hate launch monitors because they say that there’s a serious discrepancy between the results with launch monitors and actual on course results. Most prefer to test the clubs in real condition old fashioned way.

[@brandonmartin8258]

I DO NOT HIT CAVITY BACKS!!! Feedback is key, and blades are so much better at feeling your feedback.

[@WendelltheSongwriter]

100% agree. I'm a feel player, no glove and I hit blades. When I sweet them, the result is amazing. But whether I hit them well or not, I must have the feel.

[@harkov47]

It's interesting to me that people often look at the game improvement irons and say 'wow, I am hitting a 7 iron 170 yards', and then their off hits are around their 'normal' distance of 155 yards. Now, you pick up the blade, and hit a great one around the 155, and a mishit around 140. Since one has this expectation that distance is more important, the 170-155 seems perfectly fine..even though, it's the same 15 yard difference as the 155-140. Other's have said this, but, I would love to see dispersion circles for each of these types of clubs, and hit maybe 10 shots with each. I play off 6 and have been comparing some Miura Baby Blades, Miura MC-501s and JPX 919 Hot Metals on the home simulator most of the winter. I really haven't found the Miuras to be any more 'punishing' than the Hot Metals. If anything, I found the Hot Metals to really just jump seemingly randomly. I say seemingly randomly, because it is really hard to tell if I really flushed one, or was a little off the center of the face. Those Miura Baby Blades, however, the sweet spot is pretty large, and I really know when I haven't missed it...and at the same time, I am not losing a ton of distance. The difference, however is what I said at the start here...with the Miura's I focus on the distance I lose (which is a negative mindset). The JPX 919 HMs...I focus on the distance I 'gain' (ooh, I really cranked that one), and well, where I play,15 yards over the green is typically worse than being 15 yards short of the green.

[@waynepadley1337]

Hi James I had Ping G 400 irons and changed to G 700 because they looked like blades. I didn’t think off 14 I could hit players irons well enough to game them. The 700s felt a bit to chunky so I messed about trying some different irons and came across the new Ping G 210s. I know they aren’t blades but they look great and bought a set. They feel amazing and feel more honest if you know what I mean. I’ve lost about 5 yards or so but love them. I hope this helps guys out there who aren’t sure about whether they can game a sleeker club shall I say. Great vids mate cheers !

[@jimmyReesby]

So you're a 14 and you think blades will improve your game.. you're an idiot.

[@jeremywiltshire33]

I am a mid handicap and I play blades. I like the look of them like the feel of them. Go with what you feel you can hit. But don’t shy away from them. Just put more time into the game. Go work with a golf pro. But the real difference is minor when I comes to blades vs cavity back clubs. The only time you will notice a big difference is the long irons. 6 - P not to much 2-5 yes you will see a drop off if you don’t hit the center. But again I say put the time in to getting better and see it as a challenge to make your self a better golfer.

[@gunslingergg78]

Great video. Without your recap at the end I would have given this video a thumbs down. But alas, as you stated, on course play is the real test. He looks too comfortable and relaxed to hit bad shots! Give him a frying pan and he would probably do the same thing. Take the ball, bury in it the rough while struggling to make bogey and tell him to hit. That's the true test..

[@JamesRobinsonGolf]

Thanks

[@bengonzales8221]

He did epically well. The lofts are the big difference in distance. That’s all. Well done mates.

[@horizonchaser6030]

The sweet spot on Blades, there is no other feeling. I learned with Blades, I've tried to move to "Forgiving" Clubs but they feel so very ODD, clunky and I don't get the feel of a sweet shot. 13 or so years ago I found a set of Lynx Master Irons, I love pulling them out my bag. lol Not actually using oversize clubs other than to try out a friends I can't make a comparison. 12hndcp. Will stick with my Relics. lol

[@justinstephenson9360]

I recently tested the 919 Tour which is as close to a blade as I want to get. Mark is completely correct when you hit a blade well you almost don't realise the ball has connected - but boy when you miss hit a blade do you know about it! As a streaky 10 HC I did not think I could play blades but the 919 Tour changed my view, I would probably want a slightly more helpful club in 5i & 6i but I would happily play the small 919 Tour in 7i-PW

[@jarrodkleeman2554]

I've just gone from a set of Wilson d200 to a combo set of Apex CF19/Pro... Im a 15 hc and I'm starting to feel that my ball striking is improving with the Pro's as now I'm concentrating more on my striking. I could strike the wilsons out of the hosel and they would still go straight... But in saying that i'd have no issue going back to a game improver if my golf didn't improve....

[@kylescott6225]

I went from ping eye 2, to Taylor p760... big difference. I'm - to4 handicapper. The Matt helps the blade

[@martinhewat8630]

Great vid james lad...when i started playing golf many many years ago i used a set of blades.....this video has got me thinking about testing a set as im no really happy with my wilson staff d250 clubs....great work keep it going james....

[@tysonh424]

Maybe a good comparison would be loft instead of number. Maybe test a 6 blade against a 7 mid-handicap iron? Or a 7 v 8. Because I think he hit the blades fantastically, just didn’t have the distance numbers, which is expected considering loft and spin differences.

[@anthonyfoster5307]

Hi James, I would like to see a comparison with similar lofts. Such as using the 730 6 iron against the 790 7 iron.

[@anthonyfoster5307]

Sorry noticed others have commented on this point. I would rather a mid handicapper do the comparison than a high handicapper. Blades are not for 30 handicapper but some mid handicappers have good long games while others have good short games.

[@theeyesurgeon1]

i’ve hit the p730’s, i’m a 9 handicap and they definitely take a little too much concentration. When you hit them well it feels really nice but they are soooo short so it gets pretty challenging when you need to hit the further shots. They are about two clubs down off my standard irons. Fun to shape though and make you feel like a pro when you hit them. Don’t ever plan on using them though. Just don’t like the lack of power they provide

[@sharkhark]

I'm rapidly becoming a fan of your content. My only gripe with this video is that I thought it was going to be a round comparing the 2 sets. That way you could see the effect on scoring. If you could have the mid HDCP using a full set you could see how it goes. Just using 1 club for a few shots doesn't show how would using the 4 or 5 iron go when you need to clear water? Etc etc you get my idea. I know I could hit a blade 7 but a 5? Or 4? I don't think so and I'm a 6 hdcp... And hitting off fake turf where the club can bounce into the ball unlike on turf

[@josephdurkin8180]

I've been playing blades for a year just getting back into golf and I got them fine with my ten handicap. Didn't know they were hard to hit until youtube told me

[@davidaltamirano7672]

Great video and i cant wait to see the next episode. I am in the same situation myself. Started playing 2 years ago and i am now down to 12 handicap. Have played my cobra f7 clubs but want to another level of clubs.