What classic iron set would you start with?

[kaboboom]

So the club below is older than I am, but it is not a Topflite 53, but it is a Spalding made in 1953. Maybe played this set once...

[rok78]

[quote name='Shallowface' timestamp='1393418040' post='8748136']
[quote name='rok78' timestamp='1393205836' post='8731250']
Thanks for the early feedback. I'm definitely checking out the local shops and thrift shops. There seems to be an abundance of Apex Grinds on ebay lately. Any thoughts on those?
[/quote]

Have you ever been to Roots and Relics in Honolulu? They had a lot of older stuff when I was there in 2009.

Truly one of the world's greatest golf shops!
[/quote]

Yes, definitely frequent there. They changed their stock and now carry newer stuff more. Went by there soon after starting this thread and nothing pre-2000 for irons.

[super20dan]

there is a golf shop here in fla in ormond beach with the most amazing stock of older clubs. many are nos! its a vintage shop that dosnt know it. owned has had the inventory for 30+ years. i cant get enough when i go there. he has refused buyout offers form edmond watts many times. its called legacy gator golf. the supply of old nos putters is just unreal. most are still marked withe price they sold for 20-30 years ago

[Kirasdad]

I have a Top Flite Synchrodyne 5 iron in my garage stored in my odds and ends bag. I took it to the range not long ago, and it is the sweetest feeling, very playable, truly vintage (pre70's) club I have ever played. I tend to take it out when I'm working on my swing, and find it very helpful. Wish I had a whole set. The last time I hit balls with it, there was a kid hitting balls next to me, 20 something, a real stick. Ripping balls out there with a blade of some sort. I watched for a few minutes then offered him my Top Flite. He grabbed it, said "whoa, nice" ( I'm not kidding) He then hit three balls on the button. He looked at me and said "sh**t, this is better than mine!" I practically had to pry his fingers off of it. We ended up having a nice little chat. He showed me a bag he had in his trunk. MacGregor persimmons and a set of Hogan Radials. Said he plays them for fun. Couldn't have been older then 26 or so.

There is hope for the future.

[oldschoolrocker]

Kdad, thanks for relaying the range story. Nice to know there is hope for the younger generation.

[BIG STU]

We have an golf store in North Myrtle called the Old Golf Shop. I went in there years ago and bought a Ironmaster putter. I love the place too much. Glad it is 20 miles or so from the house and I don't go on the north end when I am not working. I would spend too much money and I have too much stuff as it is now

[BIG STU]

[quote name='Kirasdad' timestamp='1393559964' post='8762808']
I have a Top Flite Synchrodyne 5 iron in my garage stored in my odds and ends bag. I took it to the range not long ago, and it is the sweetest feeling, very playable, truly vintage (pre70's) club I have ever played. I tend to take it out when I'm working on my swing, and find it very helpful. Wish I had a whole set. The last time I hit balls with it, there was a kid hitting balls next to me, 20 something, a real stick. Ripping balls out there with a blade of some sort. I watched for a few minutes then offered him my Top Flite. He grabbed it, said "whoa, nice" ( I'm not kidding) He then hit three balls on the button. He looked at me and said "sh**t, this is better than mine!" I practically had to pry his fingers off of it. We ended up having a nice little chat. He showed me a bag he had in his trunk. MacGregor persimmons and a set of Hogan Radials. Said he plays them for fun. Couldn't have been older then 26 or so.

There is hope for the future.
[/quote]I guess I am getting old but my favorite quote is "we now have a whole new generation of golfers that will never know the joy and sting of a missed blade 2 iron on a chilly morning" I did have a kid some time back who was on the range when I was hitting one day. This kid had a good swing and hit the ball well. I think he was playing a CB set of Exotics At the time I was gaming my Mac Colorkromes . He asked me what kind of irons I was hitting I told him. Wow he said They are older than I am even though they are 80s repros. I said hit one he told me he had never hit a blade iron before but he would try. I swear he pured the 8 iron several times.I saw this kid yesterday and he had purchased a set of Titleist muscle back blades and he could hit those. He told me thanks for turning him on to blades. made me feel good there is still some hope

[BIG STU]

[quote name='Blade Junkie' timestamp='1393365041' post='8744066']
Okesa - I think that was 2 years ago now ? It was a friendly game that was fairly uneventful. Graham played quite well and I was having an "indifferent" ball-striking day, some good, but more bad! I can remember he was bagging a lovely set of Spalding Tour Editions, and borrowed my Paul Gibson driver to hit a 260 yard drive on one of the par-fives at one point. 220 was the best I managed off the tee that day. Brokenhurst Manor was a great track for persimmon and blades though and I hope to try it again one day in better form!

Back to the thread, and Holden asked me to post some pics showing the Precisions vs Power Thrusts and PC7, so here you go Holden!

Clubs are 7-irons (Tin Cup's favourite!)

[attachment=2086448:Precision vs Power Thrust vs PC7.jpg]

The tees next to the hosels in the top left pic are to show how the hosels shrank as the clubs got "younger", presumably in theory becoming easier to hit in the process (sweet spot moving more central). Though for me as always if I am swinging well I hit a good shot regardless of the clubs and if not I hit an assortment of crap
[/quote]Tin Cup's favorite 7 iron was not just any 7 iron but a MacGregor VIP !! I love that movie but I cringe everytime at that part when he is breaking those beautiful VIP's over his knee and left them there on the course. My wife says if that happened in real life and I saw it I would be picking up the broken heads and hauling butt with them. She is right she knows me after 28 years though

[Seve0992]

I started with a set of Hogan Apex PC and really liked them for a number of years. I've had many sets of Wilson Staff and would highly recommend nearly anything they made from 1965-1988.

[rok78]

I have had no luck in winning any auctions for Hogan Grinds or Muirfields, but got a set of MP-14s newly refinished in black satin chrome for a bargain.

[Tim Schoch]

Jumping in this old thread to ask a simple question. Per the Hogan chart above, where are the Apex Plus irons?

[Hoganite65]

I started my new affair with classic Irons with 1969 Wilson X-31's which are amazing. But the Muirfields are all I play at the moment.

 

Hogan Apex Plus

Hagen Ultra's 1977

MacGregor Muirfields

PoerBilt Thoroughbreds

PG Arnold Palmer Professional

 

My biggest issue is not enough rounds in a week for all to make rotation.

[birly-shirly]

Jumping in this old thread to ask a simple question. Per the Hogan chart above, where are the Apex Plus irons?

.

 

That chart was actually compiled during the design process for the 99 Apex and the Apex Plus

[Tim Schoch]

Jumping in this old thread to ask a simple question. Per the Hogan chart above, where are the Apex Plus irons?

.

 

That chart was actually compiled during the design process for the 99 Apex and the Apex Plus

 

Ah ha! Thank you!

[disco111]

Here are my top 5 picks..........

 

1) Hogan Directors (1980) best looking and playing blades Hogan made

2) Mac Murifields

3) Ram Tour Grind

4) Wilson 17's

5) Mizuno 4 (Not quite sure of the number it's been so long ago, but they were made for the asian tour and not found in the states. Only reason I had them was because they were a trade in at the local AF base from someone who was stationed in Japan)

[tstephen]

I like the idea of a set from the 70's to early 80's and another from the late 80's to mid 90's.

 

Rams, Hogans, Aussies are nice, but I put several Mizuno blades and 1 Wilson Staff model at the top.

 

I have played my brother's Mizuno TN87's, my satin Masters Tournament, MP14s, 29s, 100s and currently have 15's with KBS tour120.

 

Recently, I took my '76 Wilson Staffs to the course 1-pw and gave up slightly less than 1 club and very little in feel or consistency. Very easy to hit solid.

[twidener]

I started playing golf with blades years ago. I still have my '67 Hogan Percussion Center irons (2-equalizer) that I used some in high school and college. Still have my '73 Hogan Apex set (1-equalizer) that I used some in college and after college. Then I used Apex II's, Apex PC's and some '88 Apex irons. A few weeks ago I purchased a set of '64 Wilson Staff DynaPower irons off the "bay". Looks like they were played maybe one season and then put away. Heads and grooves are in great shape, stiff shaft and beautiful leather grips, round not the "reminder" grip. I take all of these clubs out and hit them a few times a year. The '73 Apex's are probably my favorite.

I would like to get a set of Mizuno TN-87's someday but it is hard to find an original set of those in good shape.

 

MP 32's have been in my bag for the past 10 years.

[bermuda]

Don't forget Powerbilt Citations. You can get irons and woods and have a superb set of clubs.

[jmck]

Jumping in this old thread to ask a simple question. Per the Hogan chart above, where are the Apex Plus irons?

 

More info on that chart (and the Apex Plus) from the man who complied it (and designed them) himself:

 

http://www.jeffsheetsgolf.com/hogan--past-projects

 

Cheers!

[8bitpowerfade]

Wilson/Staff: Early 70s "Buttonback" Dynapower

MacGregor: 1965 Tourney DX2

Hogan: Lots of models. 1966 PC5, 1972 Apex, 1984 Apex PC with the sweet Neumann Leather grips

Arnold Palmer: 1968 Tru-Matic

PowerBuilt: Early 70s Levelume/Stainless/Citation

Walter Hagen: 1963/64 Haig Ultra 385 Contour Sole

Spalding: Early 1970s Elite MV2 Stainless or Executive or Professional (Bird on Ball)

[augustgolf]

My first set of "pro" clubs was a used set of PowerBilt Citation woods & irons. 1-2-3-4 laminated maple woods (I still have the driver & 4-wood); classic line-up of 2-9,PW irons

 

Was on the wall of a pro shop of a course that was built across the street from our old farm. Got a job picking up the range & parking carts each night (after I got done caddying at another course a few miles away).

 

I was allowed to "purchase" the clubs and paid for them through the time I worked.

 

Got to where I was often called "the White Calvin Peete" because I rarely missed a fairway with my driver. Had the fiber insert in it......still a great club today.

 

The Citation irons were a little too heavy for me....so, I sold them for a set of MT Tourney split-sole irons with aluminum shafts (they didn't last too long)....shortly after, got a set of hand-me-down Wilson 1200's that the pro ordered, but didn't like (the original 1200).....had the little twisty thing in the shaft to "counter torque" (like I knew what that meant at that young age)

 

The 1200's were't true "blades"....but, the feel of those Citation PowerBilt irons was classic. They were probably 68's or 69's.

 

After negotiating Ping K 1's for a few years, I fell into a set of Hogan Apex satin back irons from 1976....custom ground for Doug Tewell, who turned them back into the company (they were going through one of their many ownership changes). Our Hogan rep showed them to me...I asked "how much"....he said: $100....I bought them without even hitting them.

 

Was the best purchase I ever made...altho, I had to relearn how to make proper contact, as the Pings, while allowing me to get better due to my mishits actually going straighter....they actually caused me to learn how to miss the sweet spot.

 

After a couple arduous years of practice with the satin backs (which I still have)....I actually got to a "+" handicap....and, followed golf as a career.

 

Hope I haven't bored ya'll with the story.....but, they will always be the #1 blade for me!

[MoaningM]

I have to go with the Wilson 1971-72 Buttonbacks beautifull iron so good they made a new version a couple of years ago. Im also a fan of the 1978 Hogan Medallions again a beautifull iron with just a fraction offset in comparison to the buttonbacks.

 

I did a topic of building a set of clubs for each decade, ie the defining irons, woods and putter for that decade and attempted to collect each item, its in here somewhere, still have all the clubs, was a lot of fun

[golfnut1964]

Augustgolf didnt bore me ! Luv to hear stories like that.

 

Thankyou for sharing

[augustgolf]

Augustgolf didnt bore me ! Luv to hear stories like that.

 

Thankyou for sharing

 

Your kind words make me blush....thank you for your interest.

 

I'm a crossover golfer.....from some of the last days of "typical" courses utilizing caddies; when seeing a pro golfer with "Amana" on his hat was a big thing; learning how to re-whip a golf wood (a REAL wood); up to today, where computerized fitting, high tech exotic materials and design of clubs & balls - which SHOULD make the game easier & more enjoyable to all.

 

But....I still love the challenge golf provides; the basic tenets of "playing the ball as you find it"; and how the integrity found in golf should be an outline for living life as a whole.

 

Plus, now I truly enjoy working on a golf course more than ever, because I can control the conditions of the golf course, instead of always find shortcomings of courses I played.

 

If you enjoyed this post....look for my post under "bent vs bermuda" putting surfaces...hope you enjoy my take there as well.

 

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/1388450-bent-grass-greens-in-southeast-us/page__p__14257932__hl__+bent#entry14257932

 

Tally Ho!!!

[Tim Schoch]

Augustgolf didnt bore me ! Luv to hear stories like that.

 

Thankyou for sharing

 

Your kind words make me blush....thank you for your interest.

 

I'm a crossover golfer.....from some of the last days of "typical" courses utilizing caddies; when seeing a pro golfer with "Amana" on his hat was a big thing; learning how to re-whip a golf wood (a REAL wood); up to today, where computerized fitting, high tech exotic materials and design of clubs & balls - which SHOULD make the game easier & more enjoyable to all.

 

But....I still love the challenge golf provides; the basic tenets of "playing the ball as you find it"; and how the integrity found in golf should be an outline for living life as a whole.

 

Plus, now I truly enjoy working on a golf course more than ever, because I can control the conditions of the golf course, instead of always find shortcomings of courses I played.

 

If you enjoyed this post....look for my post under "bent vs bermuda" putting surfaces...hope you enjoy my take there as well.

 

http://www.golfwrx.c...t#entry14257932

 

Tally Ho!!!

 

I also have a set of Karsten I irons, as well as Karsten II irons. It is a mystical experience playing them. Honestly, I get a similar feeling playing any of the *modern* old clubs, but the Pings somehow are different...they are pivotal, important, serious, pure...and they play. They are the cusp between then and now.

 

Anyway, as you said, "Tally Ho!" I might also add, "Fore!"

[Texsport]

I'd start with a modern blade, for a couple of reasons:

 

1 - the lofts would be stronger, whereas old blades were weaker lofted. Bending old blades to modern lofts reduces bounce, altering playability.

 

2 - modern blades are more available in good condition.

 

My choice would be MacGregor PRO MB, designed by Don White shortly before MacGregor folded.

 

Texsport

[NRJyzr]

I'd start with a modern blade, for a couple of reasons:

 

1 - the lofts would be stronger, whereas old blades were weaker lofted. Bending old blades to modern lofts reduces bounce, altering playability.

 

2 - modern blades are more available in good condition.

 

My choice would be MacGregor PRO MB, designed by Don White shortly before MacGregor folded.

 

Texsport

 

 

No offense intended Tex, but why should modern lofts vs old lofts matter? A 42* club is still a 42* club, regardless of whether it says "9" or "8" on the sole...

[Texsport]

What does the length of the club have to do with the loft?

 

For me, it's about effectively covering the distance gaps, and lofts are what's important, especially if you use the same lengths in old clubs that you use in new blades.

 

Old wedges, for instance, were 50* - 52* and modern wedges are 45*- 46*, so an old set's 9-iron is the same as a modern wedge. To hit the old weak loft PW the same distance as a new one, you'd need to play a longer shaft in the oldie.

 

Additionally, a 3* loft gap between clubs is the old standard vs 4* or a mix of 3* and 4* now.

 

Of course it can be done, but you'll hit each numbered iron one club shorter, unless you use longer shafts - an ego problem for many.

 

Bottom line, it's the longer irons are where there's some figuring to do - starting with a 50* PW and 3* gaps, you might have a 29*-30* 5-iron with old irons vs a 25*-27* modern iron. You'll end up carrying more old clubs to cover the whole distance range.

 

There's a reason Tour players use modern clubs.............

 

For me, I'd rather have stronger lofts, bigger gaps, and more specialty wedges in my bag, than another mid-iron.

 

And that's not to say that I'm not a fan of the old blades!

 

Over the years I've played for extended periods, among others:

 

MacGregor TA 3852

MacGregor TA 985

Wilson Staff DynaPower '58

Wilson Staff DynaPower '69 Bullet Backs

Wilson Staff DynaPower '76

RAM 282

Dunlop TM92 Australian Blades

MacGregor PRO MB (Still in my bag - but bent to 4* gaps)

+ numerous cavity back blades

 

To each his own!

 

Texsport

[Blade Junkie]

One advantage of playing an old set with classic lofts is that it absolutely messes with the heads of your opponents, who get no clues about clubbing on what you hit at all :)

 

The other advantage is that you don't have any loft gaps or redundant clubs, and you don't need to spend additional money on specialty wedges as they are already in your set, just marked, 9-iron, PW and SW :)

[oldschoolrocker]

I will admit that when rotating classic clubs through the bag that one needs to be aware of the differences in distance playability between sets of different eras.

I find yardage with each set is dependent on the sets personality profile, and one needs to adjust accordingly.

A minor inconvenience when looking at the overall big picture of what is to be gained by the experience.

No wonder we are looked at with cocked heads, smirkish grins, and hear faint rumblings of under the breath remarks at times.