Blade users thread (NO DEBATING CLUBHEADS! NO Buy Sell Trade!)

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

5 minutes ago, Christen_The_Sloop said:

I have the MS-203... I need another blade one iron like I need another hole in my head... It was tempting. Those are a unicorn set. 

 

That's pretty much how I saw them.

 

However, I also have the MS-203, so I'm not totally sure why I decided to jump on the auction this time.

 

Strangely, alcohol was not a factor this time.

[Bigmean]

Christen I am having a similar morning.   First I check my auction and 20 min left I am high bidder at ¥23,500.   Thrn 3 min left in like holy crap I am going to get a golds factory set of cbs and blades that probably aren’t even good but for under $200 each so whatever.  Then another bid extends a auction at last minute.  I then incrementally bid (his price kept topping me) up to ¥36,800 and let it go, I wasn’t going to chase what I don’t need and what started as falling in my lap was now actually paying for something.  
 

in addition, I gamed the zen (8802) yesterday am for first time at a par 60 pitch and putt we play.  I did this with copper blades as the course has that “shells world of golf” length greens so I thought keep it old school and mix up the bag.  I mentioned putting lights out with it about a couple months ago in a putter session, well the greens there sucked as expected but I started everything where I wanted, distance control was good and I don’t know why I am so natural with this club, never really gave an 8802 a shot, I am not good with my miura km350 or a tp mills old school putter I have, but I know enough to not ask questions if something works.  

 

As for the swing, I’m stunned at where I am now.   The scores are so close to melting down.  My iron game is not as strong as it was when I was playing my best for sure, or chipping, but I feel on the verge of stress free golf and that feels great!

[Christen_The_Sloop]

6 hours ago, Bigmean said:

Christen I am having a similar morning.   First I check my auction and 20 min left I am high bidder at ¥23,500.   Thrn 3 min left in like holy crap I am going to get a golds factory set of cbs and blades that probably aren’t even good but for under $200 each so whatever.  Then another bid extends a auction at last minute.  I then incrementally bid (his price kept topping me) up to ¥36,800 and let it go, I wasn’t going to chase what I don’t need and what started as falling in my lap was now actually paying for something.  
 

in addition, I gamed the zen (8802) yesterday am for first time at a par 60 pitch and putt we play.  I did this with copper blades as the course has that “shells world of golf” length greens so I thought keep it old school and mix up the bag.  I mentioned putting lights out with it about a couple months ago in a putter session, well the greens there sucked as expected but I started everything where I wanted, distance control was good and I don’t know why I am so natural with this club, never really gave an 8802 a shot, I am not good with my miura km350 or a tp mills old school putter I have, but I know enough to not ask questions if something works.  

 

As for the swing, I’m stunned at where I am now.   The scores are so close to melting down.  My iron game is not as strong as it was when I was playing my best for sure, or chipping, but I feel on the verge of stress free golf and that feels great!

 

It's a sickness. There are still a few more odds and ends I'd like to seal up (3-wood head possibly, oldish Mizuno driver head). So, I was just keeping an eye on a few things last night and a set of lefty Mizuno MS-1 blades appeared. I was also trolling a lefty thread complaining about options, as you do and next thing I see this. Being that they are really rare I click... It is a low low buy it now price and... It took me about 10 minutes of consideration. They have S400 shafts and that's a decent fit for me, in the first place... They will no doubt be flipped, so I can continue to fuel my hoing / complete my set-up for next year.

 

The prices of Mizzy MS blades on ebay is insane, so despite the stigma for flipping, I don't mind selling them for a fair price...

[Christen_The_Sloop]

The MS-1 is a set I'd love to have again in right handed. They are boxy, short blade length and I had a NOS set years ago with soft tour velvet cords that had that thick cord feeling you just don't see anymore. They had plastic on the grips and heads for their entire life, so just sitting there ageless... These one's have a nice understated look. You often the same version with a ton of script...

 

Beauties all around.

[Z1ggy16]

Might be joining the crew soon... Waiting for my axiom order confirmation and then I'll be picking up a used set of 0211st blades. 

 

8620 so I'm not sure these can really be considered a true forged blade but I hear they feel great. With graphite shafts I'm hoping for a really crisp but soft feel. 

[NRJyzr]

1 hour ago, Z1ggy16 said:

Might be joining the crew soon... Waiting for my axiom order confirmation and then I'll be picking up a used set of 0211st blades. 

 

8620 so I'm not sure these can really be considered a true forged blade but I hear they feel great. With graphite shafts I'm hoping for a really crisp but soft feel. 

 

You'll notice it's titled "Blade Users Thread" and not "Forged Blade Users Thread."  😁 🤘

 

We just like blades.  I've been giving thought to a set of Larry Bobka's Handmade Stix blades.  Which are 431 stainless.

 

Edited July 10, 2023 by NRJyzr

[AntLockyer]

Got some Australian blades for a retro tournament this month. They are really big 🙂

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

1 hour ago, AntLockyer said:

Got some Australian blades for a retro tournament this month. They are really big 🙂

Are they the '77 Australian Blades?

[AntLockyer]

1 hour ago, No_Catchy_Nickname said:

Are they the '77 Australian Blades?

No a bit later I think. Early 1980s. However they will be UK made which I understand were better made than the US ones.

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

17 minutes ago, AntLockyer said:

No a bit later I think. Early 1980s. However they will be UK made which I understand were better made than the US ones.

Does the red dot mean UK made? I've seen red and black dots, and have never understood the significance/difference.

[blades_are_life]

On 7/8/2023 at 5:54 PM, Christen_The_Sloop said:

I have the MS-203... I need another blade one iron like I need another hole in my head... It was tempting. Those are a unicorn set. 

😏

[Bigmean]

13 hours ago, Christen_The_Sloop said:

 

It's a sickness. There are still a few more odds and ends I'd like to seal up (3-wood head possibly, oldish Mizuno driver head). So, I was just keeping an eye on a few things last night and a set of lefty Mizuno MS-1 blades appeared. I was also trolling a lefty thread complaining about options, as you do and next thing I see this. Being that they are really rare I click... It is a low low buy it now price and... It took me about 10 minutes of consideration. They have S400 shafts and that's a decent fit for me, in the first place... They will no doubt be flipped, so I can continue to fuel my hoing / complete my set-up for next year.

 

The prices of Mizzy MS blades on ebay is insane, so despite the stigma for flipping, I don't mind selling them for a fair price...

I have no hate for the flip game.  The shipppng and proxy fees make it hard, as does my propensity to be attracted to things no one here has heard of so they go DOA on eBay (like my buchi wedges I gave to a friend)…..BUT the first rule of HOing is always HO at an entry you can flip for +\- 10-15%.   Try to win more than lose and I have found with all the sets I have had and sold it probably cost me sub $150 and that was all ate up on shipping and fees offsetting slightly higher sales on the bay.  This is why I next to never get a new club regardless of circumstances.  
 

Also if note and I am well aware how the yen got hammered last year but golf stuff and specifically junky high volume made used golf stuff in USA is for sure going for a premium over yahoo Japan.  I mean apples to apples taylormade and callaway and Scotty Cameron off the rack stuff.  Probably more a sign of the glut still in the USA economy as we melt up to this incoming inevitable recession but that is a whole other topic…..

Edited July 10, 2023 by Bigmean

[Nard_S]

Played 9, rained out at turn. Shot 41, easily should have been 38 except for poor putts. Tee ball was best of season. Par 3, 145 to upper tier, back pin,and into gusty wind. Played a low knockdown #8i, ball lands 140 rolls to 18" hole high. T's are so bomb.They remind me of 99 Hogan's. Same telepathic, intuitive nature. 

[AntLockyer]

9 hours ago, No_Catchy_Nickname said:

Does the red dot mean UK made? I've seen red and black dots, and have never understood the significance/difference.

I've seen both red and black here and could find no explanation for either.

 

They are pretty clanky compared to my Titleists.

[Christen_The_Sloop]

4 hours ago, AntLockyer said:

I've seen both red and black here and could find no explanation for either.

 

They are pretty clanky compared to my Titleists.

They certainly got the look right with those Titleists. The simple script makes me smile.

[AntLockyer]

17 hours ago, Christen_The_Sloop said:

They certainly got the look right with those Titleists. The simple script makes me smile.

yeah and way better than the previous ones too for looks. Jury is out for me on the soles.

[subrew]

Most of my blades.  And the Yonex, which isn't really a blade, since it is carbon.  The MacGregor Pro-M are my favorite look.  Favorite to play are the MP-14.  Haven't yet played the Yamaha or Maxfli.

[Nard_S]

 

 

Wood Bros. looks real interesting. How do you like them?

 

[Bigmean]

I remember the old yonex carbon stuff. I feel like they had a carbon driver before anyone back in the day. 
 

What does that feel like out of curiosity?

Edited July 13, 2023 by Bigmean

[PatrickReedsShovel]

Got some Ben Hogan Apex irons in my backup/old school set. Still have a blast taking them out for round every now and then. 

[subrew]

12 hours ago, Bigmean said:

I remember the old yonex carbon stuff. I feel like they had a carbon driver before anyone back in the day. 
 

What does that feel like out of curiosity?

Like hitting a 2x4.  The deadest feeling set for of irons I’ve ever hit. They were given to me in poor shape and it was mostly just a fun restoration project. 

[Christen_The_Sloop]

So, taking off back to Canada for a month. Played Kyoto Golf Club a couple weeks ago. It was built by American soldiers when Japan was occupied after World War II. It's such a fun, frustrating little track. Made one birdie on the 17th. It's the third pic. You can see the result of the nice full wedge from 140. Putting let me down again - 3 more 3 putts.

 

I have a tee time in 10 days at Greywolf in Panorama BC. I can't wait to get out and see those views of the Rockies and experience wide, resort fairways. I'm still considering which clubs to bring. Probably gonna take my back up set as i don't want to fool with the top end of the bag I have now. I have a Titleist 915D3 that I recently stuck a Attas G7 in. I haven't hit it yet. I could still put a Attas 3 in it. I've got a tourstage type t 14 degree and a Honma 19 degree with an AD Di 105... So, should have some decent weapons for the trip. I'm taking a set of original Miura CBs with Shimada K 3001 shafts to leave with my dad and I'll probably play with the Tourstage 701Cbs I left there last time. I might see if there are any sticks I can trade those for while I'm there.... Always HO.

 

Finally, my putting/chipping green is looking so good right now. I finally got everything right this year. I've been tempted to lower the mower as the grass is coming in super thick. I bet I could get it rolling 6-7.... But, I am going to have to leave it for a month with minimal maintenance. I'll be lucky if it gets cut once a week and it really needs three times.... That's the toughest thing.....

 

 

 

Edited July 18, 2023 by Christen_The_Sloop

[Orchardist]

I finally hit some of the current Wilson Staff Blades.  I've looked them on the rack in the past and just disregarded them as beautiful but time has moved on for Wilson.  I could not have been more Wrong.  These are by far the best iron I have ever swung.  The feel and sound was just shocking for me.  Light years better than my 2014 Taylormade  tour preferred muscle backs.  Do not disregard these while they in production.  Wax on about cast then forged then throw it out and go demo them.  Thankfully my set will be here soon and my own wildly incorrect assumptions didn't cost me the chance to own and play them.  Time to sell the tmades and hogans.

[Bigmean]

Beautiful Christian.  That is about as opposite of Florida courses as it gets so I love it!  
 

according to fedex, my Kyoei blades are like 10 miles from my house whilst I am watching the open, but are not out for delivery🙁

[Nard_S]

Played today, nothing special (87). Big pushes on front nine killed card. Big surprise is #2i used twice to 240 yards and both moving on rails. Once off deck, once off tee and that one wedged in for a 6 foot birdie putt. Will see more action, perfect for course I play. Dropping 3rd wood option forever. T-Stamps are glorious irons, 681's are good but T's are the s***. DG S400 deserve credit too. I'm amazed TT figured out shafts several generations ago. Near perfect.

 

 

 

[NRJyzr]

Haven't been playing well the last couple months.  My handicap has continued to go up to the point that I'm soft-capped (one of the safeguards the USGA has put in to prevent sandbagging).  I was at 6 about 10 months ago, compared to having only 1 round in the 70s going in to today, on a course rated 69.0 from the white tees.  

 

First World Problems, I know.

 

After a couple rounds with other sticks, I put the old friends in the bag today, the TW276 set I reshafted with NV105 about six years ago.  I'd been messing with a different driver, that was also set aside, I put my Cobra SpeedZone in the bag; it's tuned to 9* with the heavy weight in the back.  

 

It all worked pretty well today.  My irons were great today, hit most everything where I was aiming.  The biggest issue was that I didn't have the huge sweeping draw that I've been fighting the last couple months, leaving me at right edges quite a bit.  the second biggest issue, I've lost even more distance, down another half club or so from last year.  My 37* 7 iron is now my 140-145 club.

 

Father time, undefeated champion.  😐

 

Managed my best round of 2023 today, in spite of making only one birdie.  Played even par on the front, dripped a little oil with four bogeys on the back for a 75.  Yay me.

 

Another interesting thing about my deteriorating speed, I've dropped below 100 mph with driver, based on my distances.  My good hits make it out to 250 now, with the very occasional visit to the 270s, compared to even last year, when I was averaging about 250.  In spite of this, I'm still playing my Xstiff shafted driver and 3w.  Full disclosure, I'm playing the driver at 43.5", with the added weight to the clubhead, that X is very much playing like a Stiff.  🙂

 

[Orchardist]

 

Damn these are special.  By far the best irons I have ever owned, such an incredible set.

 

 

 

 

 

[NixLix26]

28 minutes ago, Orchardist said:

 

Damn these are special.  By far the best irons I have ever owned, such an incredible set.

 

 

 

 

 

What does the 161 stand for?

[caeye0710]

Love this thread. 

 

I'm not currently gaming a blade full time, but I've got P7TW, MB-001, and a BNIP set of MP-33 in my garage. 

 

Before I had kids, I was a +1 HCP and kept blades in the bag. That was also 20 pounds ago and I religously went to the gym 6 days a week. 

 

Fast forward to my current lifestlye of two rounds a month, no practice, and chasing my kiddos / doggos around, the blades typically stay in the garage. I think my nostalgia of the better days of golf won't let me part with any of them. 

 

Hoping when my kids are older and I'm playing more, I can throw a set in the bag full time. Nothing like a well struck blade!

[Bigmean]

NR, reading your post gave me PSTD, that sounded oh too familiar.   You never think it is possible to lose ground on your scoring in this game, it’s got to be like riding a bike right?  No,  it turns out that “6” area is probably where you don’t get to just keep being the same cap for just showing up……My attitude is so shifted that I can for the first time say I am happy to at least got there to learn that, and just because it comes with effort and luck, doesn’t mean that you can’t get there or a little better again, but if you don’t, that’s ok too because at least you will hit 60 shots a round that look like you are a 5 cap in route to an 88 for just showing up hahahaha.  So that consolation prize is there as long as you don’t let it make you think you should hit and finish 76 shots like that cause you can make 60.