Don't be MISLEAD by GOLF MYTHS when BUYING IRONS

[@cwugrad396]

common sense approach. love it. i’ve played golf with guys who hit their irons like a 4 handicap but driver, chip and putt like a 24.

[@AskGolfNut]

So many golfers with so many different skill sets different to what the typical handicap assumptions show. The importance of correct custom fitting and fitting the individual not the handicap 👍 Thanks for the comment and for watching 👍

[@oneaburns]

Hi, when did we play together? 😂

[@seanc5861]

Great advice. My own view is that game improvement irons should only be used in the longer irons (3,4, possibly 5), where the technology will help almost all amateur gofers. In the higher irons, however, blades/forged clubs should be used. Not only are these clubs a joy to hit (which, for me, is sometimes more important than scoring) but they go exactly where they are aimed.

[@paulbown3960]

Great video Jay, I stumbled upon blades when I was around a 12 HCP player, the narrow sole just works better for me. I am glad you make content the others don't.

[@AskGolfNut]

Thanks Paul, appreciate it. I'll keep doing it the way I do as I think you guys deserve good information before spending your hard earned money 👍

[@stephengeorge9055]

Perfect demo, I’ve got the mizuno 225 with graphite shafts which works for me wonderfully. Best irons I’ve ever owned or tried😉👍

[@justbobgolf]

I just ordered a set of these, so keen on getting them soon!

[@tonybytheway7543]

Same here on all counts 👍

[@eddiebrown687]

I've seen Crossfield and Shields on here....I like this guy, a little more humble and the content is better. Just subscribed. He's right, a fitting doesn't solve everything. Plus, a pro in a lesson could change one small thing, like a grip adjustment for instance. Then you hit the clubs you have better and decide to save your money.

[@AskGolfNut]

Thanks Eddie for kind feedback. I'm always as honest as I possibly can be, always with the golfer in mind. I used to be an amateur golfer as well before so having quality information rather than marketing is important 👍 Thanks for subscribing, now one more closer to being as big as Mark and Rick 😊

[@StephenCsaplar]

Makes a lot of sense, I’m a 22 handicap but I have the speed and ball flight, it’s my short game that needs practice. I lose a lot of shots on three puts and bad chips around the green.

[@james.a.h.]

I started playing golf with some hand me down blades... boy did my hands rattle often from miss hits. However, because of how unforgiving it was, it taught me to hit it better consistently. I guess what I'm saying is that there are different paths to learning golf.

[@AskGolfNut]

Absolutely right, strike is one of many skills that a golfer needs and that has the biggest influence on proper head design than handicap although that's never used. It's all about the big sell! Unfortunately you read it everyday..... I'm an 18 handicap, what clubs should I buy 🤦🤦🤦🤦

[@deacontoby1]

Several years ago I went to a driving range while waiting on a delayed flight, took a old 9 iron out of the bin and preceded to hit a bucket full of range balls dead on…wasn’t the club it was me. At the time I was maybe a 15 handicap, and it was the lessons I was taking at the time. Your video is spot on!

[@deanbowditch7329]

Great content as always Jay ! Im a 10 handicap that with age have struggled to hit my blade mp 30 Mizunos so i decided to get the mp 225s which are more forgiving in the long irons and its helped my game tremendously. Had to have them bent weak because the lofts were too strong . What a joy to play golf again !

[@AskGolfNut]

Now those MP30s were just lovely in their day to use. Old school Forged pressed moulded 1025E. A video coming soon explaining why some think Mizuno irons have changed feel over the years.... 👍

[@justbobgolf]

I've just ordered those as well, as a 10 handicap

[@roncarlton1882]

Great information. I was playing Mizuno JPX800 Pro Forged irons with traditional lofts. I decided to upgrade and tried most of the new Mizuno offerings including the 223’s, 225’s, 923 Pro’s etc. I decided to go with the JPX923 Pro’s which were more near the current irons but stronger lofts. I needed a bit more distance. Shafts are the Recoil F3 95’s. Games is much better now with more distance and control. I’m no spring chicken over 70 years old but still swing fairly fast. Seven iron distances around 150 yards. Love the Mizuno products.

[@TenPester]

Folk chinned me for years using blades off 11-14 HC. I'm about 80-85mph with a 7 iron and 112-115 ball speed. I've measured strike weekly, and practice it, but you hit the nail on the head, I have no idea what angle the face is at on impact, so when I do float one to the right, the instant go to with my playing partners is "SEE I TOLD YOU!! YOU SHOULDN'T BE USING BLADES" - So I've sent them this video and I hope they read my comment too :)

[@funmachine3]

Great video, thank you for confirming some of my thoughts for my next set of clubs. Been gaming 923’s for almost 2 years, 7 iron distance has gone from 160-175 in that span. Probly won’t consider a new set till the next generation of 245s come out or they go on sale somehow.

[@majorsmythe1]

Great info as always. Why do I score better with blades??. All the so-called "experts " say I shouldn't use them??. Play what works for you.

[@erik2446]

Really appreciate this refreshing perspective on the different categories of irons and the accompanying table. Good work! Thank you Jay!

[@AskGolfNut]

Thanks Erik, I enjoyed flexing my excel muscle 🤣🤣 but it really is very applicable to golfers having the correct club head based on many aspects of their game. Handicap is such a poor indicator of club head design required 👍

[@FatihPekbas]

Great video again. Generations of golfers learned the game playing blades because blades were the only heads around for centuries. I‘m not quite sure, but the average scores haven’t go down too much since GI clubs have been introduced. So as you say, there must be a quite a few others elements that play a role when it comes to playing this weird game.

[@AskGolfNut]

So so many and getting the right equipment is important in the journey to lowering the handicap which is always more heavily dependant on the golfer than equipment, but can help quite a bit, but also more than what people see, poor fitted equipment can adversely effect someone's golf to the negative more than the positive. So it's more so about keeping the big numbers off the card than chasing the birdies 👍 Thanks for the comment and for watching 👍

[@edbowejr6130]

I’m a 20 handicap but the best part of my game is my irons, I hit my 7 iron 175 carry and very consistent so I have the 225s and I love them! I hit my driver like sh$t so I just got a ping icrossover driving iron to remedy that issue and my putting and chipping need major work. Totally agree with this analysis. Everyone’s reason for their handicap is different so you’ve gotta be able to be honest with yourself. I just started playing seriously in October of last year and my short game is still lagging behind. For others it might be the exact opposite though. It’s all about your needs for your game.

[@AskGolfNut]

Absolutely right, couldn't agree more! When it comes to your Driver woes, it really is worth having a few lessons as a well hit driver can make the game so much easier and it would stop putting so much pressure on your mid to long iron play. Short game work is a must, some really good instructional content on KZbin to help the short game. You'll be shooting even lower scores in no time 👍👍

[@gregschulte2953]

great video. Your comments regarding the player that has an open face at contact is right on. I have good speed, decent contact but was not releasing in a timely manner, which hurt distance. Once the release was taken care of (simple fix), the game improved considerably. Using pro 225's as they offer some forgiveness when needed. A game improvement iron would not have been beneficial.

[@SeanVetter]

I couldn't agree more. I golfed as a kid but stopped for 17y, when I picked it back up last year I had plenty of speed, distance and height. But was still shooting in the 100's. Going to fitting and researching made me think I needed game improvement irons but I was hitting it way to far. Ended up with 223's purely from a distance perspective.

[@AskGolfNut]

Face to path rules the roost after strike. Strike is absolutely a fitting concern, Face to Path however is absolutely at the feet of the golfer to fix. Glad you are back in the game now, keep working on the swing as with your natural speed, you haven't got anything standing in your way to lower your handicap to whatever you'd like it to be 👍

[@davehurley26]

Absolutely brilliant video 👍👍👍👍

[@AskGolfNut]

Thanks Dave, appreciate the kind feedback, glad you enjoyed the video 👍

[@GOLFADDICT65]

Hi hope things are well...another good video...cheers from Canada

[@AskGolfNut]

Thanks very much 👍 all good here, how's it in Canada? 👍

[@GOLFADDICT65]

@@AskGolfNut where we are its nice golf weather...28-31 celcius...been a great golf season so far 55 rounds in so far

[@AskGolfNut]

Well done! What a change to when it was knee deep in snow in places 👍👍👍

[@nnoddy8161]

Great video. I use to use Ping Gs which were great clubs, but I found the distance control was way off - kept flying through greens. Gone to 225s seem to be a great balance.

[@AskGolfNut]

Players Distance is the natural transition to Game Improvement irons so it's a good choice. 👍👍

[@kriangkraisiriamornthep6299]

923 has changed my life❤

[@jerrysmiley1084]

I am definitely in the game improvement category. I am 77 with a slow swing speed, but I am pretty assistant with strikes.

[@AskGolfNut]

Hi Jerry, have you though about a set of retro lofted i525's? They'll give you some extra punch with higher launch angle from the retro spec whilst not looking massive that the Game Improvement irons mostly do..... 👍

[@FF04RDF]

I went to my last fitting for irons looking to get 921 forged and HM (blended) in the 5 and 6 iron. Previously had MP18sc and thought I’d go for something with a little more ‘help’. Ended up with the 921 Tours as I couldn’t get the Forged and HM to work. Low launch and spin was just unattractive and the feel was just a tiny bit firmer. I don’t consider myself a ‘better player’ and just trusted the data and the feel. No regrets.

[@AskGolfNut]

Glad you have found yourself a set of irons that give you what you need 👍

[@jeffnahass8373]

First time I’ve been able to relate. Great speed, hit the face, but I hit Everywhichaware. I’ve been athletic my whole life. My issue is direction. The only this that will help is practice and lessons.

[@AskGolfNut]

Definitely, grab a couple of lessons with someone that uses good technology (something like a Foresight Gcquad) and you'll be in prime position to get the handicap down with your natural speed. 👍

[@donkee9]

I’m a 15 hc. I play titleist t100s. Played with some rentals yesterday taylormade stealth irons. I could not get a clean strike with them. The offset was getting in my head. Played well otherwise shot 87 which is fine for me.

[@AskGolfNut]

I'd definitely stick with the T100s they are a really good set of irons 👍

[@donkee9]

@@AskGolfNut they are. Slight misses aren’t as punishing as you’d think by looking at them

[@kanaljenskanal]

Why the need for high offset with game improvements iron? I am a male 51y okd and only swing 78-80 with 7i. But I hit it quite good. They often add offset and I really hate it. Thanks for the video

[@AskGolfNut]

They tend to add offset due to the old idea the offset allows the club head time to further release (close) to help the slicer..... Actually really makes no real difference whatsoever, but that's what people think so manufacturers keep using the same design brief 😐

[@ben7702]

It's a bit of a double edge sword in a way. If you rely on forgiveness of clubs it may be masking issues, would you say? My swing isn't quite there yet but I still went with the 923 forged to grow and learn with and I'm loving them and the feedback I get.

[@AskGolfNut]

Absolutely but mainly, a correctly fitted head design choice should complement miss tendencies rather than what golfers feel will help them from every direction. Heads are different and will help and also hinder the same golfer if chosen incorrectly. So ilthe importance of getting correctly fitted by a fitter who knows how to do it properly dealing with the individual rather than asking crazy questions on handicap will be the way forward 👍 Thanks for the comment and for watching 👍

[@mikeb3835]

I've noticed that I actually hit the center of the club face more consistently with a players style iron than a game improvement irons. I think I just concentrate more with a smaller club face.

[@AskGolfNut]

It's overwhelmingly my experience also and that goes regardless of handicap and ability level. If you put a distinctly smaller club in the hands of any player their impact spray consistency gets better.... Measured over the years so data agrees with your own findings 👍

[@MrBraz33]

I think more people should take into consideration their typical strike miss plus head design especially if they are fitter/ being fitted. I think that would get them much closer to an actual iron that'll better their game rather than just being stuck in game improvement, players etc... I ended up getting 223s last year since they were a little better in design for slightly low misses versus the 225 which was less forgiving for that even though they are considered more overall.

[@AskGolfNut]

You've hit the nail on the head there and wish more people would think the same way. It's all about selecting equipment based on your strike tendencies and also your own launch requirements. Well done for selecting the perfect set to compliment your swing type 👍

[@ronenlincer2914]

I switched from game improvement irons to Mizuno 225 project x io shafts my whole game changed within a week using them I became a better ball striker hit it farther and more straighter best irons I ever bought

[@AskGolfNut]

Really glad you managed to find a head that compliments your swing and strike tendencies. Getting the correct equipment can unlock quite a bit of free help which can make all the difference. Glad you are enjoying your golf 👍

[@michaelscore6763]

Game improve helps the player with a good solid game that he get not punished so much by a bad shot. But if you fo not have a solid swing you also don't hit a improvement iron solid. My selection always are a yet good looking bladed irons like the 221s are. Here is a fli hi 3 or 2 iron to add and ready to is the set. Maybe a 225 for distance and forgiveness around the 4 iron. But nothing else!

[@davidm7031]

Regarding the head differences of those 3 clubs. What would expect the launch and ball speed differences to be if you matched the dynamic loft and head speed? Even with your loft matching skills I suspect you’d need a 221 6 iron!

[@AskGolfNut]

To be fair it's harder to add loft whilst maintaining delivery than to deliver less, so I'd more than likely have to go the route of a tweaked 8i in the GI. To answer the question. I'd look at maybe a degree or two depending on strike tendencies and also maybe a 4% gain possibly with favourable conditions. Not huge I know but with everything added together it can be quite useful, especially the launch side of things when the swing speed comes down 👍

[@davidm7031]

Thanks for your reply. 4% ball speed is quite a bit, probably about a club for a lot of people when it comes to irons.

[@AskGolfNut]

@davidm7031 I think 5 mph max at 120 to 125 from blade to super GI iron would be achievable and yes it could equate to a club worths depending on delivery, maximising with dynamics favouring reduced loft. Less for neutral and even less for glances of the ball 👍

[@Zico73]

Thought blade's had traditional Lofts meaning in this climate definitely less Loft on blade's that game improvers, you said the opposite.

[@AskGolfNut]

Hi Neil, static wise blades have more loft than game improvement irons, in the test I did there was near on 6 degrees difference. When speed reduces even further the need for the High Launch GI irons come where they have all the help of the GI design but have the increased loft closer to that of the traditional blade lofts. This purely to help launch the ball for increased carry. 👍

[@WonbinYoo-mn2cq]

Helpful Video! I wonder the case (which I do) when someone has decent swing speed(89-7i) but low peak height and less consistent ball striking? Would JPX 923 hotmetal HL help?

[@AskGolfNut]

If you can get over the looks, that type of option will work brilliantly for a faster swing that needs forgiveness through strike inconsistency 👍👍👍

[@patrickbigras5232]

My take away is that the different types of clubs relates to club head speed, not handicap. The "danger” of using game improvement clubs if you can swing a 7i at 85mph is that it will fly too high and spin less?

[@AskGolfNut]

Hi Patrick, thanks for the comment. Not necessarily spin less but people with a high head speed and using strong lofted Game Improvement irons may find that their distance gapping between irons is quite large and therefore not the easiest to control on the course. We would then look to either put that person into a High Launch idea if they still require the help from poor striking, or a players cavity if their strike isnt too bad. The players cavity such as say the i230 from Ping still have a certain amount of forgiveness but at more favourable lofts and therefore distance gaps 👍

[@jessicagranc5562]

I tried todayPX 923 hl and 225, I was told I needed help to get in the air but in the range I was hitting hig if not higher 225, I just wonder if forgiviness might be better for me from the hot metal as I usually shoot in the 90s

[@AskGolfNut]

Any choice in iron should come from requirements of launch and forgiveness. Depending on the 1st then it would mean that a certain selection of irons are targeted, then depending on the answer to the 2nd, you can further narrow down the available options 👍

[@ianmonaghan1310]

What do think about combo sets? I play off 7, hit my 7-PW well but feel like I need more forgiveness in 4-6 iron?

[@AskGolfNut]

Hi Ian, combo sets are a great way to get the best of both worlds in an iron set. Always harder to move on when you decide to sell them and buy again but for performance wise its the best decision for a lot of golfers 👍

[@marksakowski9272]

So, what exactly has he changed?????

[@giomusah2155]

GREAT VIDEO

[@AskGolfNut]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍 👍

[@Flmadeblade]

i’m around a 20 handicap but i don’t like game improvement irons bc of how light they are i hit t100s better than my game improvement irons so i went and got fitted and i ended up with mizuno jpx923 forged and loved em

[@AskGolfNut]

Club design selection based on handicap has to be the craziest way to choose considering just how many skill sets the golfer needs that makes up their handicap number. Although marketing wise it's the easiest sell ever. Hopefully things change as all it does is potentially disservice the golfer 👍

[@seizethecarp_]

On the money here! "Game improvement iron" is very misleading. Company's won't change that though because it sounds better than "old man slow swinging iron.

[@AskGolfNut]

🤣 Funniest true comment today 👍

[@hbyrdut]

But don't the slower swingers who don't control impact location as much spin the ball too low and launch it too low to hit the game improvement irons? When they do hit a green the ball won't stop.

[@AskGolfNut]

Slower swingers have low spin due to speed related spin rather than pure loft delivery, hence why the new HL variants of head design have arrived. The new HLs have all the forgiveness of full on Game Improvement but with the increased loft at the increased shaft length, commonly also with slightly lighter head weights to compliment a lighter shaft combination 👍

[@hbyrdut]

@@AskGolfNut Thanks! What did you do in a fitting before the new HLs arrived?

[@AskGolfNut]

Manufacturers that had enough wiggle room in bending lie and also retro lofts. Ping have always been possible market leaders in this particular instance 👍

[@hbyrdut]

@@AskGolfNut Thanks!

[@socalgolf9978]

Irons can’t fix swing flaws , bad swing is a bad swing

[@AskGolfNut]

Absolutely, certain designs can help certain things but in truth coaching far far beats the improvements that even polar opposite head design can. Absolutely agree 👍

[@glennpacker8161]

So the answer is “get lessons” … sorry, but beyond that message, the rest of the discussion is moot. The fact is that everyone will benefit from more forgiveness.

[@CHuzz7777]

Not really because if you swing at 90mph with a game improvement iron (and you can square the face) you’re going to be hitting 200 yard 7 irons and that’s just not necessary or helpful.

[@AskGolfNut]

@CHuzz7777 absolutely correct, I've said for years that handicap is a measure of your score and rarely a direct link to the type of club you should use. So many individual factors at play. 👍🏻