----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, June 15, 2002 7:31
AM
Subject: RE: ShopTalk: Blades
Why
I'm wasting my breath replying to this I'm not sure... Except that this
forum is becomming so full of BS that it's worse than a Harrison shaft
Ad.
I
guess Tiger, who grew up playing cavity clubs (Pings to be specific - didn't
switch to blades until college), who has NO equipment contract for irons (can
play whatever he wants) is a plain equipment moron for playing
blades.....
More
guys who play for their dinner are playing blades today than did 2,3, and 5
years ago. Why are blades more popular now than before, when many of the
younger guys were exposed to these, better cavity clubs at a very young
age?????
And,
upon more thought on the CG issue, I'm convinced that it's gonna be
higher in almost every blade compared to EVERY cavity - blades have a much
longer hosel and a waaay thinner sole than cavities, both of which would bring
the CG up a significant amount. Add the undercut cavities present
in a lot of new irons, and I can't see them having a higher CG than a
blade......
PK
The most common reasons I've heard
over the years from average players using blades are:
1. "The guys on TV use them and shoot low
numbers with them so that's what will make me a better player."
2. "I've had this set of (Staffs, Spaldings,
McGregors, Hogans) for years. I only play a couple of times per year so why
buy new stuff?"
3. "I'm a plus 2 and I need to work the ball.
Can't do that with (Pings, Titleists, Callaways, etc.) as well as with
blades. (An aside; when I ask; how come Tour players seem to do
well with those clubs, hitting hooks and fades, highs and lows? The answer
invariably is; well, they're pros.")
There are other reasons given but these seem to
have been the most often heard.
I played blades for a long time. McGregor Toney
Penna TP 64's, Wilson Staffs, and a set of Confidence forged blades. I was
at the time handicapped in the 3 - 4 range. I bought a set of used Ping
Karsten II's to give to one of my sons. However, after trying them out I
kept them for myself. I played better than I ever did with the blades.
I think that whether a player is a plus 2 or a
chop, modern design clubs will serve him much better than would any blade on
the market. This is amply shown on the various tours every day. The
perception that because Sergio or Jack or whoever is better with blade than
he would be with newer, peripheral cast irons is an old wive's tale that
should be put to rest.
TFlan
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, June 15, 2002 2:32
AM
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
