----- 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
