Blades: Should YOU try them or are they dead?

[@RickShielsPGA]

What irons do you play?

[@kyle2beats]

Rick Shiels Golf ping i3 oversized

[@johnnymac2201]

Ben Hogan Ft. Worth Black.

[@conwoody5864]

Mizuno t zoid mx-20

[@andrewmancuso276]

Titleist AP 1

[@konstamattsson]

Titleist ap2 714

[@michaelmerkelbach4786]

I bought a set of clubs from a yard sale for $20 USD...thats why I play blades.

[@gunnargetz5980]

I bought a set from value village for 10 Canadian aka 7 usd

[@CorgiDoom1881]

Same. My whole set is mismatched with 1980s clubs from estate/thrift sales and they work just fine for me.

[@Tiptopmotivation_]

Same for me set of old blades 40 bucks

[@marses65]

i inherited a 20 yr old set, thats why i play blades

[@TheCavdaddy]

Me and my brother share clubs that we got for free from a guy who bought a new set so we use blades. The only issue is the guy was 5'8" and we Are 6'3" and I have short arms.

[@becausegang7266]

Love the first guy who gave the blade a try, no nonsense, no over analysing a good technique is more important than any club

[@ShallowPlane]

He had a beautiful swing for sure

[@richardhartman3179]

From 2002 to 2012 I averaged 185 rounds per year. I played blades from 2007. When folks said they weren't forgiving, I replied, I don't want a club to be forgiving, I want a club that requires me to hit it correctly. I found that blades gave me great enjoyment. Presently I am 83 years old. I expect to get back to playing in 2022. Yes I still have my blades. Thanks for the pep talk on blades.

[@january2627]

hell yeah

[@maxpf]

wtf

[@Supermoneygang12]

My dawg

[@jacobdasilva3683]

Ty😮uses 😊😊

[@umat321]

I suck and I play blades. When I tried forgiving clubs I still sucked.

[@coreyjanvier3678]

but when you hit a blade pure from 150 yards in and put it 10ft to the pin haha you feel like a king haha

[@umat321]

@@coreyjanvier3678 Precisely! Life is too short to play shovels.

[@potheadgolfer4596]

Hey me too! I thought I’m special 🤣

[@umat321]

@@potheadgolfer4596 we them boys

[@kylesteinhauser2535]

Exactly. If we’re all gonna be shit no matter what, why not play with these beauties? Also, if we do want to improve, the blades are good teachers.

[@adambentley5425]

Most people say they lose confidence from blades. In my unpopular opinion playing blades gives me more confidence.

[@nathanlawrence8921]

I agree sounds weird but because its smaller in blade length i feel its easier to find the middle and i find that blades often have heavier heads which i like because i play a lightweight shaft so i can really feel where the head is

[@DanTheGunMonkey]

I found changing from my AP1 irons to AP2 I have improved strike. So I totally agree! Comparing my irons to my mates Wilson D250 is mental, his clubs are double the size of mine and at address it's like having a cricket bat behind the ball!

[@502troy5]

The old saying. "Aim small, miss small"

[@stellacosworth]

@@502troy5 Good shout!

[@nickcivetta2]

I agree. Looking down at a small club makes me swing better because I know I need to hit the center

[@jasontwong]

I’m a mid-handicapper but love my blades. As someone who strives to improve his swing, and practices more than I play, I like the feedback I get from each strike. And when I do hit them well (which happens less often than I’d like), they feel incredible.

[@raegenrichard8993]

Same

[@roresteen]

If more people played blades, cb’s, or mb’s, chances are they would be surprised, happily, and maybe chuck the game improvement crap like the Mavericks, Simm 2’s, Stealth’s, et all. But actually the TM M4’s are a great off the rack set of clubs. For $600.00 retail, a sweet set. But Wilson CB’s or blades are amazing. Just my 2¢.

[@DocOscarTV]

The guy on the 1 handicap gave the most honest answer ever....hitting a blade is more difficult with a raging hangover hi from Brisbane Australia

[@aaronwarner1257]

Maybe if he didn’t have so many raving hangovers he could be a pro golfer ?

[@jonafrica5739]

He’s not a 1 lol

[@crackspider101]

@@jonafrica5739 Oop, someone's jealous

[@jonafrica5739]

@@crackspider101 definitely not lol im a legit scratch im just calling bs on that guys claim. most people lie or exaggerate their handicaps because of ego. also notice the little glance away he does as he answers? thats all i need to see lol

[@bctiger7882]

@@jonafrica5739 let me guess though you’re not lying about playing off scratch ? 🐂💩

[@nicks.8145]

They need to give you a show on the Golf Channel. I’ve just started binging your videos. Great commentary. Keep it up Rick.

[@jalan8171]

He makes too much sense for TGC. That channel has been ruined since its takeover by NBC, Inc.

[@benjcrandall]

KZbin has a much bigger following and is also continuing to go up. The golf channel isn't. Why take great content and make it less available by putting it on a cable network?

[@stephenstrang590]

Exactly. Better even.

[@2beJT]

I bet he gets more views than the Golf Channel shows do.

[@Altiveda]

nah his quality would be better with his own control

[@showtime951]

I just celebrated my 23rd year with the same set of Titleist Tour Model blades (1-PW). I love them as much as anything else in my life. After all this time just looking at them still makes me smile. Because of the sheer quality of their design, materials, and construction, coupled with their timeless, traditional, incredible look, I have only contributed ordinary care and everyone assumes they are 2020 clubs. I can't walk 45 feet in or out of a clubhouse without someone complimenting them. It's extraordinary, absolutely crazy. I'm a traditional guy, avoid trendy golf-wear, play a Titleist ball, and favor classic pro's like Hogan, Faldo, and Mickelson. So I like the old-school, non-gimmicky sense my tour blades contribute. I believe that just having them in the bag takes 4-6 strokes off my round [than a different iron], because during club selection and pre-shot routine YOU GET SERIOUS.

[@jonafrica5739]

15 years with the 690s checking in.

[@diogeneslantern18]

Lovely comment to read. When one finds a true quality set of irons there is absolutely no reason to ever upgrade.

[@silvermediastudio]

I bet after 20+ years, you know those irons intimately. Every nuance and play characteristic. That's such a huge advantage over the player who changes clubs every few years chasing something. As they say, beware the man with one rifle, as he likely knows how to use it.

[@drewwilson145]

I went back to playing my blades recently and I absolutely love them. It's like playing with your favorite wedges all day.

[@AFL67pitt]

Absolutely that’s what made me go back to blades. I. Said what clubs do I hit the best very small blade like wedges. So why not play Irons like that and I use hybrids for 6 and up so what longer blades do not an issue

[@pontiva420]

I play the Wilson f5 100 anniversary blades. I play blades strictly for the feel. Nothing is better than catching a blade in the sweet spot. Also the feeling helps you tell how you are missing the bad ones. Helps improve a game quicker. Also moving the ball left to right and up and down is a lot easier.

[@pontiva420]

@yoda kazam I hope your game is better than your predictions. I'm a 3 hc and my short game is the best part of my game.

[@matthewhuffines1089]

exactly

[@dlou1337]

@yoda kazam reason your short game is so good is because your swing is one-trick. fix your swing, drop your HC, slightly less confidence around green tho..

[@grattonwhite4774]

You mean the FG tour 100 not the F5 which are not blades.

[@sebulban]

@yoda kazam it's not obvious. I started with some oversized easy clubs but changed to Wilson blades in one month. They will help average golfer to hit with more consistency as the feedback is so great on each shot.

[@ChiefCowpie]

Would love to see how a vintage blade such as the Hogan Apex compares to a modern blade such as the Wilson Staff just demonstrated. Thanks Rick! Am loving your investigative series.

[@wadepatton2433]

I just got a vintage set of Hogan PC's and they are feeling pretty dang good around here at home on short stuff. My other set is WS Tour Blades. They're tremendously similar and I'm still curious to see which I ultimately prefer. Both sets are due a re-gripping. I too would like to see such compared by better golfers than I.

[@TheStaniG]

Everyones discussing confidence levels and shine and shit, meanwhile Im just here watching rick going "Wtf are blades and why are people so divided on them?"

[@siqwithit]

Haha same

[@terryhoffart7143]

Just play hit what ever you want. Besides nothing feels like a blade. I just moved from Ping S57 to titleist MB 716 totally bitchin

[@88dirtdigger]

@@terryhoffart7143 I moved from Taylormade P770's with DG 120 Tour Issue S400's to all stock 2019 Cobra King Forged MB's with $-Taper 120s last year.. phenomenal change for me. Not even bothering to look at different irons any more..

[@bicklesby1]

yeah? so ? htf cares

[@TheRazeryan]

@Roger Dodger good info! Thanks for posting it

[@Nodramacanefarmer]

I played cavity backs as my first set and began with a handicap of 28. 2 years into playing golf I reduced my handicap to 24, then recently I decided to make the change to blades and found I have far more control over loft, spin and distance, as long as I strike it properly. I have improved my game by an average of -10 shots since the change and feel I will keep getting better. Loving my set of blades and glad I took the risk and gave it a crack! 😁👍

[@pecojr5847]

Just realized now that I’ve been using bladed irons that my dad gave to me. I’ve always enjoyed golf but never looked into clubs, as I couldn’t afford them. But now looking into getting a new set for myself, I’ve seen the difference. Probably why I’ve been more attracted to the thinner irons rather than the bigger more forgiving irons.

[@jonathanmercer7109]

If you like the clubs you have, why change. Laws of physics haven't changed, a good club is still a good club.

[@Tonyc_1987]

I love it when i hit a pure 3/4 iron MP-69 off the tee. The feel is like no other!

[@jonroth5016]

Please don't let blades die! I currently play with Wilson Staff FG-55 Blades from pre-2000 and I have shot my best rounds ever with them. Will never go back to cavity backs. Keep up the great work Rick!

[@stevehumby386]

I play off 14 and have been using Cobra blades for years. I find they give you so much more feedback and encourage you to concentrate on the swing rather than the hit. Yardage wise I agree, I use more club and do get plenty of height with all of them, and I find distance control is way more consistent. I have no plans to replace them any time soon.

[@cameronharrison8733]

"I've been Rick Shiels" 14:17 Thanks for clarifying Rick.

[@nathanlawrence8921]

Hes been rick sheils..... but who is he now

[@RickShielsPGA]

Just in case you forgot 🤓

[@best4noles]

Paper Letter closing, I remain, Rick Shiels. Proper snobbish.

[@nathanlawrence8921]

Maybe we should vote if he should or shouldnt remain rick shiels and if we dont get the result we want we can just do the poll again

[@cameronharrison8733]

@@RickShielsPGA Love your videos, Rick, "absolutely crushing" the youtube game.

[@richardphillips8652]

Interesting that I just dug out my old blades and shot under my handicap by 3, off 14. Felt like a comfortable pair of slippers. Needed an extra club for longer irons. Took a few holes to get back into the short game. Thanks for the reviews. Please keep going. From New Zealand

[@rv6205]

I totally agree.....why do you think that is ?..I play PXG 0311 but my old wilson blade have some magic in them.

[@paulsummerside]

Play Ping S57. Love the look, the feel and the “honesty” of a bladed iron. The “honesty” thing is actually the reason I chose the Ping S57 irons, which although not a blade, it gave me an iron that was honest and therefore could learn from my mistakes and get instant feedback of a poor strike. Ironically, one of the best irons I’ve owned for feedback of strike was the set of Lynx CTS-1 Black Cat irons. For a cavity back, they were a very nice looking club too. I would very happily play a forged iron set. In fact, would be more matter of fact about a less than good strike, or result and take the effective punishment without fuss.

[@stephenstrang590]

Just know this, tiger hit blades in his 99 masters.

[@MM-rr1kp]

Im with you, my damn perimeter weighted cavity backs ... can't get a straight answer out of them, they pawn my tools, lie cheat and steal need some honest clubs

[@jman2_012]

I play Ping S58 irons and they are solid

[@mickeylin556]

I play with a set of Ping blade irons that are older than I am. I love the way they feel when the face connect with the ball at just the right spot. The feedback is instantaneous.

[@JP-rw5cd]

Just got a pair of s55s today,my first set of blades and I cannot wait to see what it does to my shot shaping

[@colegustafson1635]

I tried blades for the first time a few weeks ago. The feel on good shots was amazing and the bad shots weren't really all that bad. Definitely considering getting blades in the future

[@ch3ckmatepg3d87]

Did u get the blades?

[@iguicc]

Did you end getting them?

[@FratBoyFishing]

That dude's swing at 10:50 was some kind of crazy

[@otsojuvonen2074]

That swing is the Matthew Wolf swing but when he's 60

[@avinknable8516]

What is that swing

[@marioreyes3557]

Wow

[@jackbotman]

The moment I saw it i was like "What the fuq, holy shit he hit it :o"

[@kekelaSON]

@Nv Johansson Yup exactly.

[@lorifitzgerald2891]

I played with Wilson Staff blades for 30 years. Love them. Older now and don't play as often, have gone to cast. Miss the 3 iron...

[@justinfote]

I love my staff blades also. Nothing better then when you hit it pure.

[@georgepatterson9514]

Stunning irons they are making me reconsider renewing mine. I’ve been using Nike v pro combo for a few years and I love them but the Wilsons have got me thinking.

[@Jayt4112]

I’ve been swinging the vapor pro blades and I’d never go back to cavity irons again, even on bad bad rounds, I love the blades.

[@craigjohnburrows]

I play blades and I’m not going to be taking them out of the bag. The control I get from them is unrivaled. You can keep your extra distance from the cavitied irons. Great vid.

[@alandeyton7111]

I have a set of Wilson Staff Dynapower blades from around 1970, given to me by my grandfather. I keep the 4 iron in my bag and it is very effective for hitting low shots out of the rough or under trees. I hit it from around 100 yards out. After seeing this video, I think I will take the 9 out and see what I can so with it. It was my favorite club years ago.

[@timothydaniels504]

I play Mizuno Hot Metal Pro irons. They’re close enough to a blade look for me. I’m convinced that one of the problems with traditional blades in the past was the lack of choice in shafts. You’d always have Dynamic Gold R300, S300 and nothing else. Twenty years ago they were way too heavy for me. Now with all the emphasis on fitting it’s a different story. If I was knee deep in money I’d get a set of the current Mizuno blades with a Nippon Zelos 7 shaft, a shaft you might see on the ladies tour being used by a 140 lb girl. Being 70 they suit me perfectly...light like graphite but with loads of feel. Rick, you are one of those guy who could break 75 using hockey sticks. Thanks for a fun video with good group of guys pitching in.

[@MrElpesto44]

I have mizuno mp18 Sc with the mentality of moving forward on skill not forgiveness 18HC

[@sloebone7399]

What kind of driver are you swinging?

[@derekbatt63]

I agree! I am at the point where I need to work on my ball striking and more forgiving clubs are not helping me get much better. I have a progressive set and the bladed short irons really test me to hit the club in the center

[@larrybrewer]

I've watched your videos for several years and this may be your best. My dad gave me a set of Walter Hagen blades in the 80's and I played with them a few years before trying to buy a better game with new irons, it didn't work. My longest run was with a set of Titleist 981 irons and they are great. Currently in the bag is a set of AP2's. I'm a 12 handicap and like most of us wonder if I should go to a more forgiving set would help my scores. I tried that for one season with a set of AP1's, and it didn't help. I like my AP2's and have no plans to replace them, but I do bring the old Haig Ultra blades out sometimes just for fun. Keep making videos like this, we need it.

[@americanricer87]

I personally use a set of Mizuno Blades I purchased roughly 15 years ago. I love the way they feel, I find them very consistent distance wise, and they definitely look awesome!

[@nicholasleon8815]

Rick this was such a well produced video - and the interactions with the average golfer was a perfect touch! Really enjoyed this!

[@kyshapka]

Nicholas Leon totally agree!

[@dronespace]

Agreed. Great video

[@es2056]

This was a great segment, well done! I started playing golf in 1964 when I took my first lessons at the age of 6 and played throughout my life, although I took a 20 year hiatus and am just getting back into the game since taking retirement. I have seen all types of irons come and go in that span of time. Blades, Low Profile (Browning 440's), Ping Eye's, Cavity Backs, Perimeter Weighted, Hybrids, so on and so on. In the end blade irons are a thing of beauty, no matter the manufacturer they all had this sense of style and elegance. With today's clubs most of them are quite ugly and they do tend to be inconsistent in their play. I'm hitting Taylor Made irons today (SIM 2 max). I like them a lot but I wish I could still use my old Titleist 821 Tour Model irons but at 64 that isn't going to happen since they have extra stiff shafts and built up grips. I could have them re-shafted and gripped, but I kind of want to leave them in their glorious original state. You want to see something really scary? Pick up the 1 - iron from this set and and address the ball, lol!

[@davidgilliam8307]

Learned on a set of titleist accu-flo's.. you learn where the sweet spot is pretty quickly on blades(dime sized spot a half-inch from center toward heel on these), and your focus shifts from mechanics to strike location. Blades can be great for over-thinking golfers.

[@carpykeith]

I started playing golf in 1970, all we had were blades! My 1st matched set Wilson Sam Sneads, then I started playing Macgregor as a BIG Nicklaus fan! Nobody knew long irons were scary back then! Carried on with (mostly) blades till 3 months ago with S59’s, now using i210’s but if I can get my old game back, hello Blueprints!😍😘

[@julesdowner5585]

I agree, I started in the early eighties. wooden woods and irons which must have been blades. mine were 'Ray Floyds'.i couldn't afford new and a golf club was a golf club. you just hit what you had which were blades, I then gave up golf for cricket and restarted golf 2 years ago, same handicap, ha! I prefer a blade type club for that's what I,m used to and prefer the look too. .but I,m crap with anything. 35 years of hitting a cricket ball to leg doesn't do your golf much good!

[@jeffsmith825]

I love the small head but I play Mizuno forged cavity backs. Nothing gives me more confidence behind the ball than blades but the tiny added forgiveness in a CB helps. Gives me the small head design that I can work but just a little extra help. Blades are definitely not dead. Not even close.

[@cameronloveless1751]

Gary Woodland just won the US Open with these gorgeous irons. Another major won with Wilson. How many is that now? 62?

[@imasspeons]

63

[@cameronloveless1751]

notformebeaky on the contrary. The very fact they are still around, are still played by tour pros despite not being “cool”, and still winning majors is definitely worth boasting about. The thing is Wilson don’t boast, and truth be told couldn’t market themselves out of a paper bag! But it’s also why their clubs aren’t overpriced, despite excellent performance

[@cameronloveless1751]

notformebeaky true re the tennis. Doesn’t hurt that they sponsor the greatest mens player of all time 😉

[@imasspeons]

@notformebeaky probably the latter. Nike was always propped up by their apparel sales and decided it wasn't worth continuing to make clubs and pay tour pros. Wilson is similarly supported by their football, tennis, etc sales but I think they still want to maintain a tour presence out of prestige, but not pay a ton for it. I'm fine with it. The attitude towards Staff clubs means you can get a tour quality players iron for half (or less) of full price on the used market where a brand like Titleist or Taylormade would still have held 80% of its value.

[@raeyearnd3260]

The swing feedback that you get from a blade is the only "Game improvement" feature that I need

[@shaynewest4106]

Rick, I think this is brilliant! I honestly believe that blades aren’t dead, but should definitely be used towards the bottom of the bag 6/7 through to PW (depending on how confident you are with a 6 Iron). Your content is the highest quality! ⛳️💪🏼

[@monica93304]

This was really well presented. I began to play in the mid 90's. Began with cavity backs. Had some old school Ping irons. As a lefty it was difficult to find reasonably priced clubs that fit my game and suited my eye. After being able to break 90 consistently, I had a set of Nike blade knock offs made with Harrison shafts. The 1st day i went to the range I thought out loud "how am I going to hit with these?". By comparison, they felt pure. They felt like an extension of my hands. What I didn't realize was that being more consistent with my technique and ball striking, made the clubs give me that extra feel. When you mishit an iron though, it will let you know immediately. So it makes you focus. Not long after switching to blades, I broke 80 twice in back to back weeks. Fast forward twenty plus years later, I still have them, but arthritis has crept into my knees so golf is very difficult.

[@davidschweibold256]

I’ve played Titleist 690 MB’s since 2005 and they made me a much better player. I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Love the control I get with them.

[@wadepatton2433]

Every time I try someone else's cavity-back club I'm disappointed by the lack of feel/control. Blades for life.

[@paulcarrigan691]

There's magic on blades!

[@alexanderrcm]

I've been playing my Hogan Apex ii for 40 years, love them!

[@hurfdurfy8167]

Rick, I just returned to this video after picking up a set of 2011 TM Tour Preferred MB/CB 3-P, and I don't regret it one bit even though I'm a 25ish handicapper. Absolutely LOVE the feel of these things, and they look so much better than my chunky 716 AP1's that I hit no better. Blades it is!

[@otsojuvonen2074]

I play with the legendary Titleist ap1 718 steel shafted clubs and im 13 years old. Rick keep up the goid work!!!

[@donaldhamilton9370]

Me too!

[@bladeduffer]

I learned with and still play them. For the last 10 years: Titlelist 690MBs. I love these clubs because they are not forgiving and make me a better player and will play them as long as I can. I've tried some of these newer score improvement clubs and can't stand most of them. The feel is not the same.

[@jonafrica5739]

My man💪🏼 I’ve been playing mine for 15. Just ordered some t100S though so we’ll see

[@johnzdebski2763]

Your Video hits a Soft Spot. Never wanted the game to be easy. Love the challenge. Hogan Radials were first set I ever bought and they still look great. Moved to Mizuno MP69's to this day. Struggling with new 69's, I was approached at the range by retired Touring Professional Mike Colandro (RIP), he took the 3-Iron, dropped on the ground and said "We won't need that, get a hybrid", to which I said "If I'm paying you, you'll teach me how to hit that"! He said "You can't cheat with blades, No scooping. Trap the ball!" Weeks later I would rattle off a bucket with only the 3 - like butter. I had to laugh when you pulled the 3 and shuttered! :-). It's not my favorite club, but it's my favorite story and thank you for your channel and the opportunity to tell it again!

[@jamiegoodrum4435]

Titleist Mb 718 👌🏼 can’t beat a blade for feel, control and shot shaping!

[@thomas2876]

Jamie Goodrum same clubs for me

[@simonhague2674]

Great video Rick, enjoyed the format - I use Mizuno MP5's up to 7 iron and then MP25's - the MP5's are pretty forgiving for that type of club but there is definitely something it the fact that when you hit a blade you tend to concentrate more because you know you can't get away with it as much...

[@sloebone7399]

Get away what? Blades can give an expert golfer a little more control of his golf ball. They won’t do anything to vast majority of golfers except make the game harder.

[@bullrambler]

I grew up with blades as a first set of clubs. I'm used to the look of little offset and a more compact head. The shaft is important and newer potential players of blades can obtain a great feel if they find a shaft that fits their swing speed and tempo. My two favorite sets were Top Flite Tour Edition irons Bird on Ball logo. and Mizuno MP 14.

[@TheRuatone]

I did get this set two and half weeks ago. Absolutely love these clubs! I was testing 4 sets of clubs and these came out as winner. The feel is amazing. They look nice.

[@dwnmddl]

I have never seen a square driving range basket.

[@iron-farmer]

as long as they keep them on the ground stuck together then its fine

[@first_last-]

@@iron-farmer stfu

[@georgegolfer9hi952]

I "borrowed" a set of Pedersen stainless blades (not sure how old, could be pre-1960s) once from my dad's stash when visiting him last (2018) summer. Loved the feel and ball flight. Got my hands on a set of Titleist 841 tour model forged beauties (2-PW) and played them this past spring, and I will NEVER EVER EVER play cavity backs again. Sold my 2004 Berthas as soon as I could. Now I even collect classic blades. Nothing like them. I also am of the opinion that you should fix your swing, not buy equipment that fits your imperfection. If you can't hit blades, as Mr. Hogan put it "The secret is in the dirt." The more dirt you move (practice divots), the better you will be. Rick, if you need to get rid of those Staffs, I would be glad to have them. Cheers!

[@paulivin9177]

I’ve used MP33s for a long time & I love them 6-9 irons only, beautiful 👍

[@Sw1zzle169]

Same I love them

[@Ravenhurst]

I love this Rick! Getting the opinion of different skill level golfers gives more perspective. Also, I've been recently been considering getting a set of blades even as a mid handicapper. So this is great insight. 😀

[@michaelbrathwaite7019]

Ravenhurst consider a combo set. I’m a mid handicapper.

[@Ravenhurst]

Yeah. I'm actually thinking of a CB and MB combo. 🙂

[@imagerevolution5602]

Go full blades, you will not regret it. Nothing tells you more about your swing than a proper blade. Where you may lack confidence at the beginning within a few weeks you will love them. I hate the stigma attached to blades I honestly think its nonsense, how many times have you played with people that have the latest game improvement iron and actually don't improve at all? Go for it!

[@michaelbrathwaite7019]

@@imagerevolution5602 But I already know how shit my swing is. Don't need to be reminded 180 yards out with a 5 iron in my hand 😂

[@mattd2503]

I learned on my dads old Wilson clubs back in 1977 … I had a 5 handicap in the 80’s stop playing for about 25yrs took it up again brought new Cal .W. Improvement clubs .. omg .. no feel ,no control.. I was hitting my 9 iron 160-170 yards.. Crazy .. I have P-790 .. still lack of feel and control … I wish I had those old clubs …

[@davidbamber6795]

Must admit Rick you opened my eyes on blades. I've always been terrified of them, I'm 15hc and always used Ping cavity clubs, simply because they look easier to hit. But my son uses blades he's a 5 HC. So maybe I need to rethink my clubs. Love your videos, keep up the good work. Dave B, Chichester West Sussex

[@knarfyacnod9508]

I Play the Wilson Staff model and they are exceptional... they replaced my Wilson FG62 another great blade!

[@benferris2475]

I have been a mid handicap golfer on and off for years now and I have been keen to move onto blades for a while.. this video has helped and the comments.. always great help thanks again

[@stevehalljr]

I'm still playing my Maxfli Australian blades 1 iron thru PW

[@adamwittman982]

Steve Hall Maltby made! Maltby represent

[@tommyh5540]

Cult!

[@johnc1405]

@@adamwittman982 I play Maltby MMBs

[@bottomowashington]

Good video rick. Really like the talking to other people part keep it up. Cheers from BC Canada

[@irloreo4960]

Late, but this video has made me realize that I learned how to play golf on a really old set of bladed clubs. And I got a new cavitied set as a gift, but I havent been able to shake the feeling that the old clubs felt much better when I hit it well. This explains a lot

[@rickjuilfs]

I'm still using my FG17's. Love them still.

[@diogeneslantern18]

Legendary clubs.

[@colincurrie2590]

Wilson staff most underrated clubs on the market

[@somguy5035]

I didn't appreciate Wilson until I started watching a lot of Tennis

[@colincurrie2590]

@Frederick Duncan im still using my 4-SW d100 irons and the fybrid rs woods the 19.5 degree and 15 degree 3 wood i also have the 48,56,60 fg tour wedges

[@pianofry1138]

@Frederick Duncan They make the absolute best irons I tried a few brands usually second hand but none match up to Wilson. Woods I'd give to Callaway though.

[@keithmiller2896]

Distance consistency is super important. Just played the Australian mid amateur using p790 irons. Distance inconsistency was getting me in so much trouble. Back to blades (716mb) again and difference is noticeable.

[@andrewpocowatchit2449]

I've been learning with my dad's older set of Hogan blades and I didn't know they were hard to use until my coworker went with me and we shared and he Informed me if it, I've gotten much better in a short time despite being "harder"

[@wadepatton2433]

Learn blades and then you can hit ANYthing! I learned using them on balata covered balls--so when I really missed one, not only were my hands, scores, and pride hurt; the ball was ruined as well. That a LOT of incentive to get better with the compound penalties. Helps me focus. Enjoy! Also, you might read Ben Hogan's 5 Fundamentals.

[@brianrizza2045]

I use an old muscle back blade Mizuno tzoid pro 1 originals I still have good distances with them my 7iron 175-180 5 iron 205-210

[@speednutsII]

I play old Wilson Staff FG-51 forged blades Circa 1991. I absolutely love the feel. I have a 1 iron through sand wedge but use alternate wedges. Great video!

[@alexfrench6937]

SRIXON Z965...modern blades are much easier to hit than yesteryear and trust me, bad strikes do not sting like 1970's models..

[@andrewg1872]

Currently, playing a 2015 Apex w/UST Recoil 110 Prototype shafts. I'm looking forward to moving to the Apex MB have tested them on several occasions and hit them well. But I'm wondering if I've found the right shaft to suit my swing. Anytime I've swung a club w/the 110 Protos it feels like I've used the club for yrs. Could it be the right shaft make the head less of a factor.

[@SirWilliamAugustus]

945 here. gotta be as forgiving as blades can get

[@marts5555]

Totally agree , I absolutely love my srixon 965 irons and they are very easy to hit and very long indeed, thanks 🙏

[@Recon-cv1fe]

I still have a set of the original Srixon Pro 100 blades 3-pw with X-100 shafts. Fantastic set

[@e99783]

Great review format, beautiful irons. My first set of blades helped me to learn a better golf swing through feedback.

[@rsallen13]

Nothing beats the feel of a well struck blade. And if you can work the ball these will clubs can do so much. Mainly it is the feel that is addictive. I play a set of Mizuno MP-14's from 1997. As good as any iron on the market today. I may change woods and wedges, but not my Mizuno's.

[@foxfork393]

i’m a mid-low handicapper and i play wilson tour blades from the 80’s and in my experience the “players” clubs such as blades have drastically improved my golf game. they’ve made me a better ball striker and afford me all the control and feel i want. i think the transition to blades is something every golfer would benefit from. BLADES ARE NOT DEAD 😂

[@bgomusicco]

I'm with you. 7 index with cobra blades from forever ago before I stopped playing regularly. Love them.

[@jonafrica5739]

No lol every golfer definitely would not benefit.

[@diogeneslantern18]

@@jonafrica5739 not a hacker that plays a few times a year, but if you play once a week or more then blades are definitely worth considering - or at the very least forged CBs

[@cc_golf]

Titleist 712mb irons 3-PW I’ve been playing blades since I started playing. My dad gave me my first and said if you can hit these you will be a pretty good player.

[@rhallnapa]

I bought the original Prima blades back in 1979. Still playing them today. Lost a little yardage because I’m old now, but I love them. I carry a 5 handicap.

[@cmoorePB]

Wilson v6. Love them. Thin and good from the top with a pretty solid about of forgiveness. Kinda weird how forgiving they have been.

[@bpmiller87]

Played Hogan PCs for 15 years --- still the best set of irons I've hit to this day.

[@ianjones6910]

I bought a set of Hogan Apec PCs on Ebay a few years ago, and I play them now. Before that, I played a set of Hogan Apex Grinds. Both are great sets of clubs. It's amazing, but comparing the lofts on my clubs to most "modern" sets, my 5 iron is today's 7 iron.

[@CRVnFun]

I’m 62 and grew up with blades and still play them. I’m currently using Titleist 712mb Irons and love them! Now, I have tinkered with Cavity Back Irons and my problem with them is that when you hit towards the toe or sweets spot, it’s hard to tell a good shot from a some-what bad shot! Truth be told, after coming out of a long winter hibernation of not playing any golf, I start off with Cavity Back Clubs until I get my groove back! Cheers

[@dickturnip504]

Until recently blades were the only irons available (I've been playing for nearly 70 years!! Once upon a time scratch, now 5). I've never used anything else.

[@kofblz]

Blades will over time improve your ball striking. The smaller sweet spot, which is still rather big from a historical perspective, will recalibrate and fine tune your swing path and strike. They will improve your game if you're a good iron and especially short iron player. If you are not a good player, then they will have the same effect. They will make you get your ball striking in a better shape. Of course, there will be a lot of bad feeling shots along the way, but these little "failures" are what motivates and gives you the feedback to improve. I tried the cavity backs for a while and didn't like them because of their inconsistency, especially around the greens.

[@gpzany]

100%. Still gaming the Hogan 2003 50th Anniversary Apex blades, but practice with early 70's Wilson 6 and 8 iron Staff Tour blades. The small sweet spot gives plenty of feedback to help improve ball striking.

[@satchmodog2]

I grew up playing blades. My first set was my dad's hand me down Macgregor Golden bears which i still have. When i graduated college he got me a set of Macgregor cavity backs with graphite shafts and i do love them. When i was 40 i broke my back and leg and didn't golf for 8 years. When i tried swinging the cavity backs I just couldn't hit, so a friend suggested GI irons. First i bought some cobras and still couldn't hit, so i got a set of Taylormayde rac os GI irons and got my swing back. A friend then sold me a set of hogan apex plus cavity backs and they're a dream. Now I'm back to blades with a set of 1992 hogan apex forged ft worths and recently got a set of mizuno mp33 blades and i am loving golf again. There's nothing more satisfying than blades or cavity backs, with blades just being a dream to.swing. However, we need to swing with what makes us comfy. I could never get used to GI clubs, but i do appreciate what they do for beginners as well as older and younger players. But i do encourage people to start their kids on blades.

[@peterlund6495]

Blade's in my humble opinion are the best game improvement irons

[@diogeneslantern18]

Absolute truth. GIs cap you skill ceiling.

[@brentkiyota4370]

amen

[@alexhutchison3547]

Nice documentary style video, different from the more usual vloggy stuff. I liked it a lot. Great video Rick

[@aaronjash4326]

My last set of forgiving irons were 12 yrs ago, I tried blades for the 1st time as a 12 HC... never played anything else since. Love the feel and the consistency.

[@rogerchandler9737]

When I played at least 5 days a week (9 holes) I played with my 1967 vintage Wilson Staffs ( also had 1964's) not as good as the 67's but loved to play with them cause they allowed me better control and better shot making ability than my modern Titlist cavity I also have. Also the blades helped me know what condition my swing was in. If things went off the rails, then I'd get out the cavities and work it out. :) Love those blades!

[@jimorr3252]

Try the Ping Blueprint irons.

[@jesperasenfors7305]

Exactly 1 year ago I bought a set of Mizuno blades and said "I hope to God Ping doesnt spew some blades out from nowhere all of a sudden". F*ck.

[@dgsutube01]

I have a gorgeous set of MP-33 blades that I haven't swung in five years - you've inspired me to dust them off and give them a try.

[@kolbyschloesser2692]

I play ping i500 irons and i absolutely love them. I( feel like the are the perfect balance between looking great and performing great.

[@zainesmith3016]

I absolutely love bladed irons. The Wilson Staff blades in my opinion has always been the best looking blades!😍😍 Great video Rick and i dont feel blades are dead. I think more people should try them as they might just surprise themselves.🏌🏻‍♂️

[@paularagon4171]

In my opinion I think wilson has always made the best blades

[@jredhamilton4335]

I have an early '70s set of pga - Tommy Armour 985's , and still play them on occasion. They feel wonderful on impact and I don't hit them fat.

[@lessmith5285]

Loved the look of those irons!

[@1ledzeppelin11]

I’ve been using MP32s with project X rifle shafts since 2006. I wouldn’t swap them for anything. Blades rock! 🏌️‍♂️

[@MiguelArcangel12]

I play the MP-33's and love them. I also own a beautiful set of 1984 Ben Hogan Apex PC's. I've found that my game has improved markedly since I switched to playing blades.

[@VonikGames]

If u can practice hitting blades to the point where your striking is on point then u can hit anything I switched to blades! I was a 18HC and lowered to 11HC in about just 2months

[@timothyalexander566]

Love the look of a blade and have never played anything else. But now looking at a completely new set might be leaning to a mixed set. There is absolutely nothing like the feel of hitting a ball using a blade😲 PURE! 👍🇨🇦

[@bobgallagher1334]

Play Mizuno MP-4's and I'm a 9hcp. I find they are no harder to hit than my old Callaway Apex irons

[@johnbean7663]

I play mp15 and hit the Apex last week. They felt great!

[@asinger261]

I have an idea for a video if you haven't done it before....how about distance and accuracy for different types of tees? (wooden,plastic,brush)

[@calebmotter8431]

Aaron Singer I did a science fair experiment on the subject last year because I was curious if a tee really mattered. It's intriguing all the different kinds of them out there. I'm a 13 handicap though, so consistency wasn't always there. It would be interesting to see it done from a good golfer like Rick Shiels.

[@DanWessonSpecialist]

I’m playing tiny 20 year old McGregor VIP Tourney blades now. Occasionally my copper Ping Eye 2 on damp conditions. The McGregor irons hit pure bit are certainly not distance clubs. At 48* PW that is far from today’s game improvement clubs. I feel like blades slice through rough much better. Believe me, I have had a lot of practice from the second cut of grass.

[@TTT-Turbo]

They look stunning. The V6 were and still are amazing clubs. Would love to try them but I would probably strengthen them tho.

[@microchip470]

No, blades aren’t dead. I play 40+ y/o Titleist blades (3-PW). I hit them better than the GI set I was using beforehand.

[@chadwick1225]

I'm still playing my Wilson Staff Fluid Feel blades from 1986. Well, same model. I have to find newer ones when i wear the grooves out. But I still love them. They have a sharp front edge that cuts through the turf. I just keep the grips clean. They feel like new. Blades are awesome.

[@larrynjr]

soon after I caught the golf "bug" I read an article by Terry Kohler (The wedge guy) about playing blades to improve. I bought a used set of MP32's (MMC) (dropped from a 33 handicap to a 27 that year) not true blades but that set me on a path of improvement that I'm still riding today. I still used MMC clubs (Wishon) and dropped 3 strokes(15.7 - 12.5) off my index last year. Great video, keep up talking about blades!

[@AndrewDCDrummond]

I like blades as they have no offset, looking down at a fat topline with offset just feels so wrong. Blades give you a feedback loop that helps you improve, and they also make you focus when you stand over the ball and know that you have to do a decent swing (heard a pro selling them in a shop with that argument as well).

[@johnstevenson1043]

Agree. Callaway clubs look like I'm swinging a trailer at the ball.

[@NationsGamer]

Can u do a video comparing garmin g80 with a really good launch monitor to see how well it does

[@craigashley1952]

I have been playing a set of 2 thru PW of Mizuno MP37s for 18 years. LOVE THEM! I have recently hit some newer irons. Im 67 years old and I like the new shafts and irons. I recently hit some newer irons and was 20 to 30 yards further than my blades. But the feel when you stripe one, OMG