You're Using The WRONG IRONS And Here's Why!

[@ProjectAthleteAL]

Switching to a bladed iron 20+ years ago (MP-33's) was a game-changer. Handicap went down, feel was magnificent. Can't imagine hitting anything else.

[@joshuawhittemore1283]

Blade irons have really helped me improve my swing. They have been the most brutally honest teacher I have had, as you will be the first to know when you hit flush as well as when you REALLY DON'T.

[@paulknowles9727]

Totally agree.

[@stevenburton7922]

Yep

[@Robster6480]

I play off 1 and have recently changed from AP2 to JPX HM Pro and can honestly say they are awesome. Forget handicap level, just use what is best for your game.

[@escos0410]

Exactly!! Makes no odds what they are, age owt Mind you I did learn to play with a set of Fred smyth kingpin blades Bought 2nd hand I had them for years, next set was some Wilson ultra then ping eye 2 Had all sorts since but I play once a week, play off 7/8 give and take what mood I’m in You’ve hit the nail on the head though

[@WilliamCrothers-e9q]

Fully AGREE. At 66, I’ve now tried everything. And my quickest proof.. would be the analogy of TENNIS. 🎾 - You’ll never see a Pro’ or Amateur true player ..returning to the smaller headed Rackets, nor are any Pro’s playing w’ 380cc, or 420cc Driver Heads. - I’m not saying that the BIGGEST HEADS are a requirement. But one of my best sets EVER was a JPX 921 HM Pro’s w’ spine’ aligned N.S. Modus Pro’ 105 (R). My new JPX 923 FORGED S200’s are on the way. Neither of my Pro 225’s (graphite, or Steel’s) are as good as my previous 921 HM Pro’s. So.. I’m returning to a JPX this Season 🎁

[@hmu05366]

Ap2 are great as well! Did you find the mizuno much better?

[@Robster6480]

@@hmu05366100% once you get used to them. They are about a club stronger than my AP2’s but you still get a good distance even when you don’t strike them perfectly. Lovely clubs.

[@tristanbrandt3886]

Thank you! I supremely dislike these videos that generalize and place people into categories based on Handicap. Most Tour players don't even use blades any more. I honestly don't see any advantage to them whatsoever, no matter your skill level.

[@DiscGoStu]

I switched to blades a little over a year ago as a 17 and I’m down to 14.5 and dropping. For me, stiffer shafts were the real difference maker but the sound, feel and workability of blades has given me more confidence and just looking at my clubs always makes me want to play. Do what’s right for you, not what someone tells you to do

[@andrewwolf4963]

100% the best thing is shot shaping, i love it. I’ve always been obsessed with shot shaping since i was like 9/10 years old shooting mid to high 40s. I’d sit on the range and aim at the woods and try to bring it back to the center of the range and my older brother to this day can’t even attempt to hit a fade or draw. I try to show him lol but he refuses to try 😂 now I’m 32 and don’t get to play as much and i break 80 on occasion these days so when i go out and play sometimes i get to show off to people who think im just another 12 handicap or so then i hit it out the woods 4 feet off the ground around two trees onto the green drawing the ball 30 yards lol it’s like a party trick Wish i was still really good at golf though

[@mjk-th2tm]

As a 17, you were able to predictably work the ball? That sounds fishy. The blades are a 10 in appearance, that’s why everyone wants to play blades.

[@stuboy13]

​@@mjk-th2tm what If he is a 17 because he takes 40 putts? Or slices a long 46" driver that feels uncomfortable to swing? I'm an 18. Returned to golf after playing a bit ad a kid. Hit a combo set fine (2005 mb/cb titleist 735). Got better after switching from taylormade hollow bodies funnily enough. I'm an 18 as I can't hit metalwoods and awful off the tee in very windy northern UK coastal courses. Go figure.

[@hmu05366]

@@mjk-th2tmblades are definitely easier to fiddle about with and shape shots. It’s not even close. Their easier to get out the rough as well due to the smaller profile and smaller sole. But as people have mentioned it’s the looks that are the greatest bit. Looking down at something you really can’t wait to hit is the best bit

[@johnnydoeboy9301]

@@mjk-th2tmwhy the srixon blades. Probably the most forgiving blades out there

[@kevinmartin6444]

I'm old now but I learned on and played blades when younger. When I started trying perimeter weighted clubs I was about a 12 and my main complaints were that distance seemed inconsistent and I could not tell where I hit the ball on the club face so feedback was poor. I hated hitting it pure with perimeter clubs and watching the ball go 10 yards past the target when compared with a solid but not pure strike, which was most of the time. So my best swings of the day were often penalizing me and that sucked. With blades I could tell where the ball hit the club face, distance was much more consistent and I could get better feedback on my swing. After a good warm up, I had a good feel for what was going on and just felt more confident about where I would hit the ball. With the perimeter weighted clubs I never really felt like I knew where the ball would go. And trying to hit fades and draws seemed much easier with blades.

[@StevelandCleamer]

THIS THIS THIS. Excellent point, well-written. I normally strike my irons exceptionally well, but the distances seem very inconsistent if I’m being honest. Sometimes they’re super hot and just air-mail the target by 10-20 yards.

[@roncarlton1882]

Started playing JPX223 Pro irons 5 - GW as of February. Previously played JPX800 Pro Forged with DG S300 Shafts. Really needed lighter shafts and a bit more forging. The JPX923 Pro's are exactly what was needed. The head size is almost exactly same size as the JPX800's. I tested all of the new Mizuno offering before landing on the 923 Pro's. I'm 72 years old but I still hit it decent PW 120- 125 yds. The biggest improvement with my game is due to getting 10 yards more on distance (expected with strong lofts) and lighter shafts (Recoil 95 F3). When I first had a chance to swing them, I could actually feel where the head was. That's a much different feeling. Current handicap is 6.7 and I play a 6350 yard course from the regular men's tee. I'm addicted and play several times a week. I enjoy your videos and the rivalry between some of you Chaps. Great content as well.

[@brandonallger1795]

I started swinging blades as a 20 handicapper - didn’t know what I was doing lol. I think it forced me to learn how to strike better. After a couple years, ive improved with the irons, but the biggest improvement is my Driver, hybrid, and 3 wood. Down to a 6 handicap and and improving

[@tedzink4574]

Exactly. How much improvement is anyone going to see when a mediocre swing kinda gets it done? The feedback of the real blade is the best teacher. I've seen fittings on other channels and the creator was shocked that he hit blades better.

[@Spiritdiver]

I'm a beginner (4 months into the game) and my fitter gives me the Mizuno 225 with DG instead of a game improvement irons and I improved so much.

[@chrisyoungrides]

Great advice Matt. I was fitted for my irons late last year when my WHI was 22 and the fitter gave much the same advice. I came out with Wilson D9 Forged with longer, stiff shafts and slightly flatter lie, and hit I them so well (I've dropped down to 16 since then). At the same time I switched my hybrids to Mizuno Fli Hi 2 and 3 irons and I absolutely love them! Getting fitted was one of the best things I've done for my game.

[@adamseidel9780]

Speed is such an important component. Within each iron classification are so many variations. A younger mid handicapper with plenty of speed is going to have a lot less difficulty elevating the ball than a senior mid handicapper with low speed. The former doesn’t need overly strong lofts and a club designed to remove all the spin and launch it high, they’ll end up with yardage gaps and won’t hold greens. The latter, they need anything that will get the ball in the air and get them more distance, so that high launch could make a world of difference for them.

[@adamseidel9780]

@@iaincochrane8741 it would be a pretty boring channel, I’d have one video titled “go get fitted by an experienced pro”

[@montegustafson5142]

I play to about a 10 handicap depending on the course, and I am perfectly happy using full cavity back irons (component heads so I won't name them). That's all I have used for over 40 years and I see no reason to change. Love the "Old School" lofts too. I just don't believe that they are designed mainly for "high handicap" players, as the combination of distance and forgiveness is hard to beat. Even good players will consider using a cavity back club or two in the longer irons.

[@thetowndrunk988]

My nephew is scratch, and he still plays full cavity backs and hybrids. He can’t hit blades all that well. It doesn’t matter what tool you use to whack the ball to the hole. All that matters is how many times you whack it to get it there. Now, as for my game……not quite a scratch golfer 😐🔫

[@Mizai]

i cant even break 690

[@TS-uu4hp]

yeah... I'm not sure about all the advice in this video. It's fine and logical, but a lot of pros play CBs as there is little down side.

[@hmu05366]

Cavity backs is a bit of an umbrella term. Not all cavity backs are GI irons. There’s a difference between titleist ap2’s (for example) and enormous big Cleveland launcher irons.

[@adriancox-thesantjordigolf3646]

That's a very nice report. I'm glad you mentioned the question of loft because I've always used blades (wilson Tour Blades), so I just take one more club.❤😊😊😊😊😊

[@Mattfryergolf]

Lovely bladethey are

[@carlcrader1939]

I learned with Mizuno MP37 irons. It taught me a lot about center hits and hitting draws and fades. I would recommend it, it's like tough love. For beginners spend less money clubs and more money on lessons.

[@Mattfryergolf]

Love your lesson point!! 👍👍

[@miah6202]

tough love is the best love

[@JP24Mich]

I have been playing blades all my life and just switched to cavity irons. As a mid handicapper this is the best move I have made for my game. Certain clubs I have always hit well in past like 3i, 5i, 8i, pw, but other clubs struggled with. Now more consistant with all irons.

[@deanbowditch7329]

Great content as always Matt. I changed my Mizuno irons from mp 30 to the Mp 225 s because I'm 58 yrs young and the blades weren't that easy anymore. What a great move indeed! Love the 225 s ! I had them bent 2 deg weak for gap purposes in my wedges. Fantastic decision on my part and golf is more enjoyable these days !

[@Al-me7xr]

I play MP25's right now and am thinking of the exact same move (to the 225's). Looking for some forgiveness yet keeping a somewhat traditional and clean look...

[@deanbowditch7329]

@@Al-me7xr I'm not a Mizuno rep or a club salesman but I will say this about my change to the 225s . It was the best decision I've made in my 40 years of playing golf. The 4 and 5 irons are so much easier to hit then my old Mp30s it's astounding. 6 thru wedge are a joy too. Go hit them and you will not be disappointed......trust me....

[@Spiritdiver]

Beginner here. Get fitted came out with a 225 then I bought the 245 right away. The 245 is farther and more accurate it's crazy.

[@diacono5221]

"Soul" in this context is spelt 'Sole". Very informative content.

[@paulbeaney4901]

I swapped to mizuno MP-18's. They taught me a tone about golf. Of course, i sucked with them for ages, but i adapted and got better. The more forgiving the club, the more you get away with and the more your swing faults persist. Now, i appreciate that not everyone has time to invest in their game, so an easier set to just get you around on a Saturday or Sunday is completely understandable. If you want to get better and you have time, blades are a great teaching aid.

[@30srevolution21]

my grandad who taught me to play was really good and he started me out on blades at 13. played with them for almost 20 years. lol. i bought some cavity backs a few years a go and they are easy to hit. it doesnt have that same feeling of hitting blades good though. im gonna go back to blades once i start playing more again this year

[@carlcampbell6827]

Boy Matt what a great bunch of information that took some of us years the hard way to get up to speed with! What would we do here on KZbin without all the brilliant pros from the UK and Australia! Love you guys,

[@TenPester]

Seeing hollow body irons getting pushed so much on KZbin. I took the bait recently with a set of P770. Former blade user. Hollow body aren't consistent across the face. There's no feel with them, so you have no reference point on poor strikes. When you middle a blade, you know that's the absolute max you are going to get out of it. Middle a hollow body, and you're 10-15 yards longer with no change in how the strike felt. Blades give feedback to the player. Plus, they are generally tighter in dispersion, and are kind of the true game improvement clubs.

[@martynmantack4026]

Completely agree with you I play mizuno 921 tour lefty edition because I hated the p790s igot fitted for. Absolutely no feel with the 790s but when you middle the blade, there is no better feeling

[@tedzink4574]

I've started seeing posts of hollow body irons having the face cracked. This was a reputable brand, not some knockoff that you'd think was cheaply made. Stick with the blades, overall the best made, longest lasting, and they'll provide the best feedback.

[@zahimiibrahim3602]

Thanks for this, last 6 years I've been playing with TM RSi TP, not blades nor the softest feeling forged player CB but I like them. Not tested any newer clubs but getting itchy for a change and debating with myself if I should 'upgrade' to hollow backs but suspected the points you mentioned. I think I'll stick with what I have at least for now.

[@TenPester]

@@zahimiibrahim3602 If you're looking for a modern set, the Titleist T100S from 2021 are forgiving, look like blades from above, and perform like more forgiving irons. They are semi hollow head designs, but Titleist did an amazing job of making them perform like a CB or blade in how distance is controlled. Not once have I had a flier.

[@pepsibottleq]

Getting back into golf. Found a smokin deal on some old Mizuno MP-11 blades… wish me luck LOL

[@austinmeehan3522]

Very interesting testing. A lot of it is ego too. Proper gapping is really important as well since certain clubs may travel similar distances.

[@Nkkdxn45j]

I've used the same set of Mizuno blades for over 30 years now. They are not and never were easy to hit. They tell you about bad strikes. But, that is actually why I got them in the first place, I like that feedback, I do not want to get away with bad strikes as it leads to laziness - for me anyway. One point against such clubs is the course you play on, however. Mine is not pristine with billiard table fairways (but very affordable), so the ball is often sitting down in some gap, a bit like playing out of a small divot. The one thing the Mizunos really do not like is a thin strike, and playing from such lies can lead to that. Now, we play socially, and use preferred lies a lot, so no issue. But if playing competitively, that would be a problem. So, I'd tend to feel that if playing a lot on cheap courses with dicey fairways, irons which are bottom weighted to get the sweet spot lower are a good idea.

[@paulbeaney4901]

If you want to improve, buy a blade 5 iron, 7 iron and wedge. Play with your set, practice with the blades.

[@AndrewKirby-k5m]

Matt. I'm a returning golfer having not played for 40 years . Started again October 2020 and bought some Wilson D9 irons . I'm off 5.4 hcp and wouldn't swap them . Nothing wrong with a bit of help !

[@flybirds2024]

Being 62 i have dropped the 4 iron and replaced it with a hybrid, I was also fitted with the JPX 923 with 2 degree upright and I have added 10-15 yards per iron and dropped my handicap by 6 in just 4 months. Having been fitted I now hit it flush more often and cannot wait to keep playing these new irons.

[@jaymann.g]

The pro that gives me lessons, and had recently fit me for my new P790's mentioned we might do some lessons with a true blade to improve ball strike location to stop being protected by sole width.

[@Alandale45]

I collect golf clubs and rotate them every 3 rounds. They all play different but I observed that the classic muscle backed blades are more accurate with less dispersion.

[@roger55es]

Another Great from Matt video is really explanatory & helpfull Thank you

[@JeDxDeVu]

I’ve been playing mizuno mp32 for 17 years. My first clubs 😂😂 I swear they’re so hard to hit properly but it’s so rewarding when you do. When I hit my friends clubs at the driving rage, I just blast em 😂

[@74900kdw]

I learned on blades and I'm thankful for it.

[@phileoness]

I’m a 12 playing mizuno 225’s. I love em. I definitely lose some distance on toe strikes, but it’s butter out the middle.

[@arklowrockz]

I have those JPX cavity backs in my bag and I figure I will be playing them for a long time because they are excellent.

[@ClassicGolfClubs]

I play the clubs I like and that I want to play, not the ones that someone else tells me I should be playing. I'm a handicap golfer, not playing for my living, so I choose the clubs I like.. I play blades, the most important thing for me is; do the clubs look good!

[@Reffitt2]

Not only was that high handicap iron a 7, but you struck it fairly fat and it still got airborne to the tune of 170 yards! Great video, Matt! No need to make this game harder than it already is!

[@hmu05366]

It’s because the loft is stronger. It doesn’t really matter if it says 6 or 7 iron on it, it’s what the loft is. It’s a marketing gimmick telling people “you hit this 7 iron further than your own “ when it’s about 5 degrees stronger loft. It’s a bit of a con really.

[@michaelgarden6554]

I'm very fond of blades. I love to practice with them but I don't play rounds with them. If you can hit a tiny sweet spot on a blade, a cavity back becomes a breeze to flush

[@briantorney980]

EXCELLENT ADVISE!!! I'm a clubfitter and see all of the problems Matt is talking about. Retailers sell what they have in stock. I refit new club sets all of the time. Changing length and lie makes a huge difference in playability of your irons.

[@Mattfryergolf]

Love it

[@hmu05366]

Advice*

[@briantorney980]

@@hmu05366 Before buying clubs go to a certified clubfitter. They should have no club preconceptions selling any particular brands. I fit shafts first, then fit club heads. My process takes customer fitting to complete customization. Brands of heads and shafts are irrelevant, I'm looking for the best fit for my customer.

[@briantorney980]

@@hmu05366 See a certified master craftsman clubmaker

[@tcofield1967]

Age needs to be taken into consideration as well. I can hit blades (for the most part) but my clubhead speed has slowed down so much that using the original lofted and forged irons are simply too short to use properly. I love the feel of some of my older irons, when I hit them well, but losing 10 plus yards of distance over a cavity iron means a harder shot and longer clubs. So I am in the P790s now, a nice combination of forgiveness, feel and distance.

[@petermartinaitis8166]

But you are not comparing like for like, the modern clubs are longer with stronger lofts so it's obvious you will hit them further. A modern 7 iron is essentially an old 6 or even 5 iron.

[@Cannimal]

Take more club

[@tcofield1967]

@@Cannimal That's fine but when you are taking a five iron to hit a ball 150 yards you have to start thinking about changing into something that gets more distance. Even if that P790 seven iron is closer to a six iron in loft the shaft distance is still that of a seven iron and it is a helluva lot easier to hit than a five iron. There is a reason that old men have bags full of hybrids and lofted woods. Telling someone to hit a two iron when in the past you hit a five iron is not a great solution.

[@jagastan892]

what's your age, if you don't mind me asking?@@tcofield1967

[@hbyrdut]

The problem I see with golfers who don’t have much speed with the high handicap irons is the lack of spin. More forgiving irons have stronger lofts so a slower swinger might have to go to a less forgiving iron so the spin will be higher and the ball can stop on the green instead of running through.

[@chuckpalmer284]

I chose the 923 HMP over the 225. For me there was very little difference (if any) except the price. I love the 923 HMP and I am a 11 handicapper. Also I have a pitching wedge, 50 degree wedge and 56 degree wedge. I used to carry a 60 degree but for me I found there is nothing I can do with a 60 that I cannot do with the 56.

[@finnkennedy]

I disagree with blades is for low handicappers. I’m a 17 and play blades (Titleist 690.MBs custom fit), irons are by far the best part of my game. I like the look, the feel, small head is also an advantage in taller grass. The strong lofts of modern clubs seems like marketing BS, of course a 38-46* PW goes further than a 48* PW. If I wanted to hit it further I’d use a different club. Everyone’s situation is different, play what works for you 😂

[@ronalansing8205]

Could that be a reason why you are a 17 instead of a 9?

[@tedzink4574]

The 690.MB's are a great set, they feel great, have true lofts, and are gorgeous.

[@MrGroovergeorge]

All this marketing b/s about a high handicap players cavity back going further in the same club is annoying and misleading. Of course it will when the loft of their 7 iron for example, is three or so degrees less. A slight miss hit on a game improvement iron may carry 10% less in distance than its equivalent blade but if you totally botch them they are going further into the water or into the trees. I’m a 15 handicapper and I’m working at lowering my scores and find blades better to hit with other than maybe a 3 iron.

[@DannyBoy-jy1kq]

Yeah. I learned with blades and got myself some 620 mbs after a 6 year break. Used cbs but didn’t like them. Hit 7/10 well. Need to work on the other 3. Makes the game more interesting

[@johnheiydt2505]

The reason: You play your irons as a low handicapper. You have to break your game down further. You are probably a very high handicapper on you drives and short game. That’s where you need help

[@tonyk501]

Currently using a couple of bladed wedges, but all irons are CB cavity-back. Am simply not a good enough ball-striker to use bladed irons. Use what you feel most comfortable using, but definitely get properly fitted for proper shafts.

[@NatsdadsamI]

Mizuno 221's (full set Pw -4) with a Stealth 2 driver and 5 wood, Taylor Made Hybrid, 52, 56, 64 and Scotty Cameron Laguna.

[@pawpaw0906]

I learned on Dynapowers eventually moving to Wilson tour blades as my game improved.

[@chillier8363]

12 handicap just picked up the mizuno pro 225 featured in this video. They’re great!!

[@dougsholly9323]

When I first showed an interest in picking up the game, a good friend of mine gave me an old set he had of King Cobra irons. I eventually got a bit better, but I can't tell you how many 5 yard shots because I tried to dig a hole to China, or bullet shots because I bladed the ball I made with those clubs. In the last year, I decided I should get my own set. I did a little bit of research, but I didn't really know what I needed. I ended up settling on a set of Cobra Air-X irons. I can't tell you whether that was the best set for me, but I can tell you the difference is night and day. I rarely blade any more, and if I chunk it, the ball still goes a good ways. "Forgiving" is an understatement. I might actually be able to break 100 now. I will agree, though, that learning on those old blade style, while frustrating, made the move to the more forgiving clubs even more exciting because I was instantly striking truer rather than still learning how to swing.

[@manny75586]

As a kid a billion years ago haha, I was in the pre-titanium/graphite era...Hell pre-metal woods period era. So my options with irons were tiny blades or other tiny blades. I genuinely feel like it made me a ton better at striking the ball quickly (embarrassment is a powerful motivator). My misses are always a touch fat and thin, but not heel/toe as a result. Would I suggest people do that now? Absolutely not. Haha. I think a beginner is probably best served using the "beginner" clubs but not the ones that are almost quasi hybrid. That said, I think people put off moving to more workable irons too long. When you learn how to hit intentional fades/draws you easily drop 5-10 strokes from your game. It really is a big deal.

[@BegolliCollini]

Thank you for taking time to do the comparison. the quality of the channel kislux is better, I bought it here, and you can ask them to take a photo for confirmation before shipping.

[@JosephBryant-o8x]

I’m an 6 handicap and I have the 923 forged. They are by far the best clubs I’ve ever bought. I tried the blades also when I was fitted but the 923’s went higher, straighter, and further while still being able to work the ball for a draw and a fade.

[@chuckgame4210]

forged is only used to bend the loft and lie other wise its the same as cast. All wedges are cast iron.

[@paulknowles9727]

Hmmm. Great vid. I agree in Principle but not in Theory and Practice. I only started last year at 50. I had a limited summer to play here in the UK as I'm sure you'll be aware, but finished the season 25hc. and I did this using Mizuno JPX 921 Tours with Stiff shafts! Toward the end of the season I traded them for Mp20 HMB with KBS Tour Lite 10r Reg. I've since developed a wrist shoulder issue and can't swing with the same power or speed as last year and my distances have dropped off. For example, I could hit my 6 iron around 200yrds and my 7 180 or so. Now with a comfortable pace I only achieve around 150-60 with the 7. My point is this. I'm a nooobie with a 25hc. The irons are fantastic and both the 921 Tours and MP20 HMB are unbelievably forgiving and you simply need to club up if you're comparing to Game Improvement Irons. All else considered, I agree that a Blade might be pushing your skills to the limit as a beginner, but, if you begin correctly, i.e learn patience, tempo etc. then it'll actually make you consider more. To finish this off, I went for a Free Fitting at American Golf toward the end of the Season and before I traded up to my MP20s. In that session he joyfully suggested I was a 'Maniac' for my club choice as a beginner....until I started hitting balls. In short, the Game Improvement iron he put in my hands were getting around 20yrds further, but also 20yrds spread. when i went back to my 921 Tours the spread was around 5yds, but 20 yrds shorter. I left with my 921 Tours and him scratching his head. Retail Golf is about sales. We know this. Buy the cheap set, upgrade to the Game Improvement then finish closer to the bladed option as your potential increases, then tweak the shafts, change the grips, change the brand and just keep going. Repeat Sales is the key; the rest is simply Not true. Final word on it. I'm selling my MP20 HMB with Tour Lite Reg shafts for something a little softer. a 20 year old set of Mizuno MX23's the Reg Graphite shafts for £100 off Ebay. Cheers.

[@musicman49000]

Learned on blades. Definitely an unforgiving style of iron and gave me a lot of slices. However, once I started seeing nice shots happen, the satisfaction of a nice straight far hit was unmatchable. From that point I started practicing my 3 iron the most and once I got good shots coming off that, all the other irons became SUUUUUPER butter feeling. My conclusion, blades will train you the best, however they are discouraging until you start making good contact with the ball

[@abpob6052]

I switched from blades to cavity backs when I turned 45 thinking they would grow with me as my swing changed from age. Nope. Did a full test of all the latest irons 3 years ago over several days. Ended up with the Mizuno JPX 921 Tour. Back to blades. They were just he best result for my game.

[@tonycooper3385]

Great content Matt..I learnt golf with my Granddads PGF Blades, back in the mid 80’s. Have tried many different styles over the years and was about a 8-9 Hcp.. Shot my best two rounds with blades, a 72 With Macgregor Muirfields and got to -3 on the first 9, before choking on the back 9 with Titleist 690mb to finish with a 75..Found that tec cannot overcome my Bad Swings, seem to concentrate less with Bigger clubs..Cheers Matt

[@tedzink4574]

Ohhhh, the 690MB is such a great club. Beautiful, and they feel like nothing happened, but the ball is launched on a perfect trajectory. I still have my set, they're waiting patiently to be put back in the bag.

[@BarnesyHK]

I learnt to play with Maruman blades (after seeing Woosie using them!) and many years later, even if I’m playing badly and my direction is wayward, my distance and strike is always good. I play off 17

[@nealhamamura4263]

This is a great video. I think we sometimes try to copy what the pros use and we make the game harder than it needs to be. I am a higher handicap player with average swing speed. I have taken my ego out of my bag. I use cavity back wedges and irons, hybrids (6,5,4,), 5 wood (ditched the 3 wood), higher lofted driver. The game is easier and more enjoyable.

[@timothyriach4252]

Very Instructive Matt, I'm a mid to low handicap and I use Callaway Rogue ST Pro's massive improvement over my Wilson D7's

[@STONERETTE916]

Rogue is a cavity back right?

[@keithfinley2939]

I am trying a set of AP1s. I usually don't get along with bulkier irons, and learned to play with cut-down blades as a kid.

[@clientcentredlearning]

Love the video and thank you for the info contained. I am a tad confused about shaft flex. I have purchased (off eBay while drinking, late at night!!) some irons with stiff shafts, they seem to go ok. What would be the determining factor to switch from regular to stiff? Cheers Matt, as ever, loving the content

[@lotionfeelsgood]

If I've understood it you want to have a stiff shaft if having a high speed swing and regular etc for a slower swing speed.

[@jonnym7926]

I was using callaway xr os like shovells did help slightly however I switched to 921 forged my god the feelnand improvement is unreal!

[@quackyduck1499]

Bought my Hogan Apex Pro's in 2000. My first decent set of clubs and still use them. I tried the Titelest 701"s? cavity backs for about six months and sold them. I didn't like the feel of them, but it's hard to find a better feeling club than the Hogans. I was a 10 to 12 handicap. Now about fifteen as I play maybe four times a year. Hopefully in retirement I will get time to play again and maybe look at a new set. Maybe. Putters are the Ping B60 when I'm not putting well and the Phil Michelson Odyssey PT prototype when I am stoking it well.

[@allahalibaba9063]

Great review Matt....Could you do a review on the Mizuno Pro 225 vs the Wilson Staff D9 froged irons?? These seem to be in the same class and very close as lofts go??? Also mention what shafts your would be using.....Thanks...

[@ericpigg2689]

I had to get rid of my blades and go to a cavity back. Both are older sets of clubs. I had Mizuno T Zoids, which I had a lot of trouble hitting, and I went with a set of Ping Zing 2's, which I really enjoy and hit better. I am currently around a 21 handicap. Once I get a good swing going for me, I may give blades a try again. They do feel sweet when you flush them, and I am sure the modern blades are something else. I just have not reached a point where I can justify spending $1500 on a set of irons to go hit off the rocks at the local muni.

[@MarcoFD]

very useful video, im still using a beginner set mostly but i did get a mizuno 50 degrees wedge in their Mizuno JPX range (cavity club) its a lot smaller blade already compared to a beginner club and you definitely have to hit that a lot purer compared to the beginner set or you lose distance or worse even the wrong direction. im glad i have this club to grow my swing game but im happy its only 1 in the bag so its not frustrating to hit every club in such a pure way or risk playing a bad game all day.

[@christiannordmann1416]

I am a high handicapper playing Mizuno JPX Fli-Hi Long Iron Replacements 3-5 (19°, 22° and 25°), Cleveland CG16 Irons 6-PW (27°-39° @4° gapping, PW 44°) , CG16 Wedges 48°, 54° and 60° at 75mph swing speed... Driver @12° with 3-wood shaft and 3-Wood @16.5° with 5-wood shaft, both are Cobra Bio Cell models

[@JimCooler-c7z]

I bought the g425 did not like them at all, clunky and pingy trades them in before 30 days...ended up with T200. Love them....it your a high handicapper it probably your short game and three putting.. my issue was 20 yards in. Practice chipping makes a huge difference in stokes.

[@Richard-sl8xj]

I am due for a new set of clubs and am torn between blades or cavity. I started playing with blades many years ago with the Wilson Staff, and over the years more towards the cavity clubs. Being a senior now and golfing high 70's to low 80's, not sure going to blades is a good idea, just curious what you think.

[@dyn4mic87]

I've had my Callaway Diablo irons for a long time great forgiving clubs with a large cavity back. It can be quite distracting on your lower irons but you get used to it

[@ward196]

I got a set of Mizuno jpx 923 hot metals the other day and even through I love them the gapping is a bit messed up now as they go really long! I hit the pw 135 yards and my 50° 120 yards so theres a pretty big gap now.

[@MaximumGosu87]

I bought 225 pro after playing for two months lol i love them, felt like id grow out of an improvement iron and have to buy something like the 225 pro anyways

[@davidtomsett]

I had blades for years and struggled so got a set of Wilson LaunchPads, what a difference; so much more confidence.

[@hmu05366]

The launchpads are for absolute beginners though. No workability , they’re mainly for people that can’t get the ball in the air. And they are hideous! Sorry 😂

[@davidtomsett]

I love them! and I play off 14 handicap. I don’t need to work them as I hit the ball straight.

[@iangraham9050]

I always played Blades from a beginner. As I got better, I thinned the grips and stuck extra stiff shafts on them. Three things happened, I got much straighter, the distance was reduced by 10%, and the ball flight was much lower. As long as you know the distance of each club using the clock system (Hands at 1200 for a full shot, 10 o'clock for 3/4, 8 o'clock for 1/2 shots) you can't really go wrong unless you try to hit them too hard. I ended up playing off scratch and never thought about changing to the 'more forgiving' clubs. The best advice I can give is to try different clubs at your pro shop, and you will probably know what suits you the best.

[@jamesm4603]

I've got the Ping G430 I have pw, 45º, 50º, 54º, and chipper works great for me as the pw is 41º.

[@davidbramuchi3549]

I have both the high handicapper & the hollow clubs. Love them both. The problem with the high handicapper irons is that the composition of the materials that make the iron are subject to RUST badly. I've used the high handicapper irons about two years and they have rusted badly in the rear cavity. I called Mizuno about this problem and they offer no help or suggestions. So, I bought the hollow body irons and they look so much better at address. However, they do not have the distance the cavity back irons do. Problem is not solved. I need the distance but those irons have rusted badly although I still use them. The hollow body ones look great, they do not rust but don't have the distance. I'm seriously considering changing for something that has the distance but does not rust. This gets expensive quickly. The rusting aspect is something to consider though. Sadly, that can't be good for the irons.

[@jaxongolf]

Numbers gathered in our simulator at the Jaxon Golf store in Somerville, MA, have indicated the biggest distance drop off with blades happens low on the face, more so than heel or toe. The hollow-bodied irons, like the 225 in this video, seem to have the best low face forgiveness.

[@richardherrmann641]

Good video Matt. Thank you....

[@DaveT383]

Matt, great vid - I was glad that you pointed out the the cavity-back was a 7i, while the blade and hollow-back were both 6-irons - I think that's important. But even more importantly, and I think it needs to be emphasised - get fitted! What I loved about this video, is that you address gapping, clubhead make in relation to capability, lie angle and shaft length. Swing speed and corresponding shaft flex would have been a useful inclusion. But excellent points made. Cheers

[@donnachalyons3904]

I got my 1st set of JPX pros / tours over 10 years ago, Cat 1 golfer.

[@Jayster41]

Great video, thanks

[@davidcooper3317]

Always played blades fg49s had 2 sets of pings (G430 S59)couldnt get on with either. Also i cant find the centre with offset clubs. Got the new Wilson Dynapowers at the moment (less offset than the pings) but thinking of getting a set of Takomo 101T as they are blade like and very little offset. Also they are more traditionally lofted too

[@darveed62]

Great content as usual Matt. I do think you need to sack your editor as there were a few shockers in your captions, Mizuno 323 hmmm are you a time traveller? Soul as some have pointed out. Hollow-bodied not Hollowed ha ha and perimeter not perimetre 🤣🤣🤣

[@nathangoode1089]

Blades are great for learning. They give you feedback so you can improve.

[@edwardcaldwell9644]

I went from 18 to 10 handicapper using blades (221s). But I couldn't improve. I just wasn't consistent enough to get accurate distance. I switched to a 225 (3-7) and 223(P-8) combination set and now I consistently score in the 70s with more birdies. My only knock is that they go sooo much further than the 221s. It takes some getting used to.

[@jooger69]

The most annoying thing is that most sets still come as 5-PW, but even if you have a 52, 56 and 60 degree wedges you're gonna need another gap wedge that is 48 degrees. It would be best for most players that it is included in the iron set and they might as well call it a PW rather than AW which you need to buy separately.

[@lawrencebogar6136]

You can buy the gap wedge with your set. Just ask for it, no drama needed.

[@brianjohnson8918]

I have an old X-14 Steelhead Players model 2-iron out in the bin-of-forgotten-clubs that makes a modern bladed iron look like a 460cc driver. I call it the Unhittable. All I want from my irons is something I enjoy seeing at address and that I don't blame for all my golf problems. Currently that's Ping i210's although there are some Kyoei irons talking sweet things over the internet to me.

[@jean-francoisrobitaille6560]

I bought new clubs this year. A full bag… I was open to the idea of going for last years models as well. I’m a 55 years old high handicap golfer. After trying all the clubs within my budget in the store with the help of a very good salesman, I went for the Cobra LTDX irons with steel KBS Tour 90 regular shafts, 5 to gap… a Cobra LTDx 4 hybrid, Cobra RadSpeed XB drive, RadSpeed 3 and 5 woods with Fujikura Motore F6 stiff shafts and Cleveland RTX Zipcore wedges with 50°, 54° and 58°… I truly believe I got the best set-up my money could buy. With everything I tried, these were the best results and it starting to show on the score card. I was initially interested in the Forged Tec X … but there was now way I could justify the 500$ price difference since I was hitting the LTDX longer and straighter than the forged tec’s for a lot less money. Same with the driver I wanted the Callaway Rogue or the Cobra Aerojet but I was hitting the RadSpeed XB better than any other brand or model… the only close contender to the RadSpeed XB for me was the Titleist TSR2 but there was now way I would go with the price difference. Being open minded and well accompanied by a good salesman gave me a good golf bag perfect for my needs and budget.

[@andrewwolf4963]

I’m a 9-14 handicap and I use Srixon ZX7 series irons which I love but I will say they are way less forgiving than my previous irons from the Ping i series

[@p4fizzle]

Something to consider is where are you dropping shots? Im bad at putting and chipping. But hit ok with irons. So although i am technically a high handicapped player, i can use more mid handicap irons

[@Gordeaux]

The fear of rain up north is real. Middle of the Summer and Matt’s got an umbrella 😂. Great video lad 👍🏼

[@paulmcgee1867]

A dictionary would help him too 😅

[@alexchoi2060]

I'm a 12, but not a great ball striker. I have the Mizuno 921 Hot metals (high handicap irons). If I could practice more (at my best, I was a 6) , I might go Mizuno 225 or 223. OTOH, as a once a week hacker with decreasing club speed, I need as much help as I can get.

[@AAkCN1]

Looking at the 2024 p770 robot review from „cool clubs“ the dispersion is good even with sweet spot or mishits. They sacrificed some distance to work in some magic for forgiveness and tight dispersion. Can‘t talk for feel though

[@SwimCycleRunCoach]

good explanation. Duffers like me consider new clubs but need reasons to invest - and to some extent to know what the return on the investment might be.

[@SteadyRolling]

How to make the decision between a hybrid/ iron replacement and a 7W? The 7W may not fly as far, but it'll drop down softer, which is good most of the time, but not so good in high wind.

[@steveperry1344]

matt, i'm 73 yrs old and a 12 hdcp. and last year i got pxg 0211 irons and they go further but i don't get any height. every club goes lower, like too low and i hit a low ball anyway. the 5 iron goes about 20ft. off the ground but goes futher compared to my previous ping i25. do you think i have the wrong shafts which are standard graphite R flex? i feel like taking them back but they have such a great feel.

[@jamescameron314]

"Forgiveness" does not help a player improve striking. I have played for 70 years, was an amateur international and would definitely encourage beginners to use blade irons while they are learning to swing and they will "feel" mishits and thus improve their striking.

[@Calvito-]

Now, imagine if those golf clubs had smaller soles or larger soles.

[@rol1in0n20s]

No way, it's soul they need

[@rafngard]

You just know clubs with bigger souls listen to blues between rounds - they're cool like that.

[@skylarella]

Love Matt. Working man’s pro

[@Robster6480]

Soul 🤦

[@OldRustySteele]

“I’m a SOLE MAN! I’m a SOLE MAN!” (Apologies to the Blues Brothers).

[@TheDouglas217]

I play the 221s they’re amazing blades

[@leeloopatsy]

I think it’s more about how you hit the sweet spot. If you can hit 90% of the time more or less on the sweet spot then you may go for a blade, if not then go for a cavity back. Today, there is now an intermediate solution like the Ping i525, Titleist T200 or Taylormade P790 which mixes the best of both worlds. in all cases it is important to make a fitting. It’s the only way to know which one is the best for you.

[@BradleyC16]

I have jpx 919 forged. They’re player distance and as I’ve gotten better (8 index) I struggle with them. The low spin and offset doesn’t suit me. Hit some mp20 blades and my launch and spin is a lot better. It’s tough to commit to playing a blade though makes me feel like an ass.

[@martynmantack4026]

Play them I also I need spin and I play mizuno 921 tour. They are shorter but more controlled. Yes you get the 2 or 3 you probably miss hit and they will go nowhere.but they always finish just short

[@ajbischoff4086]

I have the Mizuno JPX hot metal irons and play at 9.6 handicap now.

[@bobsundermann4280]

I have callaway steelheads, but just ordered Tour Edge E722 in 6-pw, gw and aw. 30 days to try or return. Hopefully they help.