Re: ShopTalk: Blades

[Graham Little]

Richard   Thanks for your note. I think we are agreed about the "working" issue and the "feel" issue. I'm happy to accept your views about the benefits of playing blades. However, I have a question about two of them only:   Your Point 3: You are saying blades have a better sole grind. I've seen this referred to as a tour sole? Can you explain the differences please. Less bounce? Your point 8: I've got a bit confused about the lofts: blades vs non blades. Can you explain this a little more please?   Thanks Graham       ----- Original Message ----- From: Richard Berg To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]' Sent: Saturday, June 15, 2002 6:41 PM Subject: RE: ShopTalk: Blades Graham,   I am supposedly a "better" player, hitting regularly in the lower '70s and have played blades for 30 years. I can agree with you on one thing - I don't either buy into the "working the ball better" thing, since that is the result of swing path and club angle and not of where on the clubface you hit the ball. However, I'd say that there are a few good and valid reasons for playing blades:   1. They look better, 2. They are easily adjusted for loft and lie (if forged), 3. You can easier put on lead tape for the pro look, 4. Generally you have a better sole grind, ie get a better hit on tight lies, 5. Easier to align due to less off-set, 7. As long as you don't use the long irons, #1-#3, you really will not notice any difference in forgiveness compared to non-blades, 8. Generally blades have more loft than non-blades (pw being 49-50*) and since good players tend to deloft the club in the hitting area and hitting down on the ball, non-blades will tend to generate too high a ball flight and thus be less consistent to control. Particularly with short and medium irons, good players want a lower penetrating ball flight and not one which balloons.   With regards to forged vs. cast - well that is more a metallurgy thing with forged being more consistent in the metal structure, ie you won't get any dull spots and you can easier adjust them for loft and lie. In a same club, different material blind test, no one will be able to notice what is forged and what is cast.   Richard -----Original Message----- From: Graham Little [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: den 15 juni 2002 11:32 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: ShopTalk: Blades Gentlemen   I hear this story often. It's easier to "work" the ball with a forged blade. Personally, I've always thought forged irons were overrated. However, I can see some advantages for a better player. ie less off-set (is this the key?), power for on centre shots and being able to adjust loft and lie. I've never been convinced about the "feel" thing. Now, I realise that there's two issue here: ie blades and forgings   Can some of you better players explain why you think it's easier to work the ball? When they come in to see me I'd like a better explanation than the one I have now   Thanks Graham