My season so far with TM SLDR irons

braincramp52 · June 11, 2015

I'd like to talk about about a set of irons that got very little fanfare from what I remember. As a mid-handicapper I don't play good enough or often enough to play "players irons", but I like a thin topline in my irons and I don't care for massive looks although my game has warranted them. I've been a big Ping fan for years but during this last winter when I spent hours everyday reading about golf here I started my search for a iron that I really liked the looks of but yet gave me help when I needed it. I took a chance and purchased a new set of SLDR irons. I've been having issues the last couple of years with hitting my irons fat. I lot of people will say that offset has very little to do with shots but after about 15 rounds I have only hit maybe a half dozen shots fat with these irons.They look like a players iron from address and the turf interaction is fantastic.My rounds( most being 9 holes) have been between 38 and 44. I guess what I'm trying to get to is this. If you like the looks of so called "players irons" but don't think you can game them you could do far worse than trying these things out. The best part is they won't break the bank either. Bottom line.... Better than advertised !

pierso2 · June 11, 2015

I'm surprised these irons weren't more popular. Most likely it was due to them being a chromed out Tour Preferred CB. They're great irons that I have suggested them to a few of my friends who picked them up for really low prices and have been thrilled by them. TM just put out a few too many different lines of irons last year for these to really catch on IMO.

Stuart_G · June 11, 2015

I demo'd them and also really liked them - although wasn't ready to upgrade yet. Actually keeping my eyes out for a inexpensive set now - but that's beside the point.

They are definitely more than a chromed out version of the TP CB's. Looks were similar but very different feel and results for that matter (at least they were for me). I actually didn't care for the 2014 TP CB's (loved the 2011's but again - different story).

I think the main problem with the popularity was the RSi's were release way too soon after these were and ended up overshadowing them (not that we really need to start another topic about TM's release cycle).

lordemsworth · June 11, 2015

Glad you like them. Positive comments from everyone that has hit them.
I think the previous poster was correct - these should probably have not been released, or had the RSI release delayed.

It was almost like an afterthought of a release.

braincramp52 · June 11, 2015

I think you guys hit the nail on the head. They kind of got overlooked with all of Taylormades releases which have been beaten to death here.

valmario · June 11, 2015

The sldr irons are some good sticks, I regret getting rid of them

Beckman4 · June 11, 2015

I could not agree with you more. The best all-around iron I've ever played, and they were probably the cheapest new set I've ever purchased. VERY underrated iron that I would recommend highly to anyone. :smilie_tm:

Marengo · June 12, 2015

For those of you that have tried both, how do these compare with the rocketbladez irons? Is it worth upgrading to these or just skip them and go straight to RSi1's?

chromechaser · June 12, 2015

[quote name='Marengo' timestamp='1434083182' post='11736656']
For those of you that have tried both, how do these compare with the rocketbladez irons? Is it worth upgrading to these or just skip them and go straight to RSi1's?
[/quote]

I could be mistaken but I think the RSi2 is more similar in size and target market to the SLDR's. Not sure there really was anything released between the rocketbladez and the RSi1's in that category.

Stuart_G · June 12, 2015

[quote name='chromechaser' timestamp='1434084124' post='11736692']
[quote name='Marengo' timestamp='1434083182' post='11736656']
For those of you that have tried both, how do these compare with the rocketbladez irons? Is it worth upgrading to these or just skip them and go straight to RSi1's?
[/quote]

I could be mistaken but I think the RSi2 is more similar in size and target market to the SLDR's. Not sure there really was anything released between the rocketbladez and the RSi1's in that category.
[/quote]

I'd agree. SLDR's were more akin to the rocketbladez tour heads. Little smoother feeling but I haven't spent as much time with those to generate any relative judgment on performance comparisons.

AC^ · June 12, 2015

Yes!!! These irons are currently in my bag and I love them. I can actually hit a 3 iron with these instead of hybrids. I'll often pull the long irons when my woods aren't going straight. Nice forgiveness too. They look fantastic at address and I've had lots of compliments on their looks. I struggled with offset before buying these - just didn't look right to my eye. Great irons.

taz757 · June 12, 2015

I've been considering replacing my TM TP MCs from 2011 with the SLDRs. They have pretty much the same shape - thin topline and sole, and look like they'd be a good replacement for them. I need to see if I can find a demo 6 iron and hit it before I decide to buy.

cphrey · June 12, 2015

I love my SLDR irons! C taper (not lites) in stiff flex, 120 grams, just awesome sticks!

Stuart_G · June 12, 2015

[quote name='taz757' timestamp='1434130780' post='11739664']
I've been considering replacing my TM TP MCs from 2011 with the SLDRs. They have pretty much the same shape - thin topline and sole, and look like they'd be a good replacement for them. I need to see if I can find a demo 6 iron and hit it before I decide to buy.
[/quote]

The TM fitting carts may still have that head available to try.

sheppy335 · June 12, 2015

I picked up a set this winter from a member of this forum. they were in great shape, THANK YOU! After getting fit for shafts and length, lie and what not they are wicked awesome. I have to say i hit less heavy shots and more solid ones then my R11 irons. I am so pleased with my purchase as my scores are going down and fun is going up. these will be in my bag for a long time.

braincramp52 · June 13, 2015

All I know is that for the first time in a long time, I've quit looking at other sets of irons and wishing I had them instead of the ones I have. I've played quite a few forged irons that didn't feel any better than the SLDR's.

Beckman4 · June 18, 2015

[quote name='lawsonman' timestamp='1434201140' post='11744076']
All I know is that for the first time in a long time, I've quit looking at other sets of irons and wishing I had them instead of the ones I have. I've played quite a few forged irons that didn't feel any better than the SLDR's.
[/quote]

Amen Brother - me too

noGIRs · June 18, 2015

Love my SLDRs. They feel and look great. Wasn't even considering these, was looking at pings and callaway apex irons. Guy at gold town out the SLDRs in my hands and they beat out everything including RSi irons. Love these, only complaint is I wish the 7 iron didn't have speed pocket so I could have better distance control with that club. 4 iron is a rocket launcher off the tee, wish I could get a 3 iron in lefty