The Old 2 Iron

[tomallinder]

I am 52 yrs old and have struggled with hybrids ever since they came out. I have never really liked them. I have tried stiffer and low torque shafts and still similar results (ballooning flight). I have always preferred long irons to fairway woods and hybrids. I know that I have no business carrying a 2 iron according to the experts...

I recently picked up a Callaway X Tour forged 2 iron on eBay. I love this thing. I can vary the ball flight easily from fairway or on the tee; I can work it both directions easily. I have been playing golf since I was 5 years old so I know how to hit the ball out of the center of the clubface. My swing speed with a driver is around 110 so my 2 iron only goes about 220-225 in the air which is far enough and is believable. Also the carry distance depends on what trajectory I use which affects the roll distance as well.

But consider my competitive rounds are now on courses of 6200-6500 yards (WEEEEE!!! I am 50+ now) and the average par 4 is 350, I only have a wedge left into the green and I am in the fairway most of the time.

No hybrid or fairway wood feels so sweet as my forged 2 iron. My two favorite shots is the high cut into a narrow fairway and the low draw stinger in windy conditions.

[starsail85]

Still have a mp37 2 iron but don't use it even tho I like it, can hit pretty much every shot with a 3 iron, deloft it in strong wind etc, plus this allows me to play a hybrid, which lands alot softer, I have though about playing a strong one iron instead of a 3 wood sometimes however if it's windy and fairways are burnt off, might scan eBay for a mp29 1 iron

[W/S]

[quote name='Wdwfreak' timestamp='1314933320' post='3536478']
I hit my 695 mb 2 iron better than a 5 wood or 19* hybrid. I usually hit it 260-270. I cant explain it, but i just hit it better. Right now its the most consistent and best club in my bag.
[/quote]

I love posts like these! The chances that someone actually averages 260-270 yards with a 19*, 39.5" blade? Almost zero. That's the same distance that Dustin Johnson was getting out of his 16.5*, 43" 4 wood, not too long ago: http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-equipment/whats-in-my-bag/2009-08/dustinjohnson_golfbag

So how much faster than Dustin Johnson's swing speed must one's swing speed be in order to hit a 2 iron further than he hits a 4 wood? Can someone with math/science skills crunch the numbers and tell us what the swing speed would be for a 265 yard shot with a 19*, 39.5" iron?

I think it's great to have a forum like Golfwrx; there's plenty of interesting and helpful information here. But the 15 HC player who needs to work the ball left and right to tucked pins... and the 5 HC player who pures his 2 iron 265 yards... come on.

I sometimes play a 2 iron off the tee, and I'm happy if I get it out there 190-195 yards. From the fairway, I find woods easier to hit. Blade 1 and 2 irons sure do look good though!

[tomallinder]

[quote name='W/S' timestamp='1315256386' post='3543608']
[quote name='Wdwfreak' timestamp='1314933320' post='3536478']
I hit my 695 mb 2 iron better than a 5 wood or 19* hybrid. I usually hit it 260-270. I cant explain it, but i just hit it better. Right now its the most consistent and best club in my bag.
[/quote]

I love posts like these! The chances that someone actually averages 260-270 yards with a 19*, 39.5" blade? Almost zero. That's the same distance that Dustin Johnson was getting out of his 16.5*, 43" 4 wood, not too long ago: [url="http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-equipment/whats-in-my-bag/2009-08/dustinjohnson_golfbag"]http://www.golfdiges...johnson_golfbag[/url]

So how much faster than Dustin Johnson's swing speed must one's swing speed be in order to hit a 2 iron further than he hits a 4 wood? Can someone with math/science skills crunch the numbers and tell us what the swing speed would be for a 265 yard shot with a 19*, 39.5" iron?

I think it's great to have a forum like Golfwrx; there's plenty of interesting and helpful information here. But the 15 HC player who needs to work the ball left and right to tucked pins... and the 5 HC player who pures his 2 iron 265 yards... come on.

I sometimes play a 2 iron off the tee, and I'm happy if I get it out there 190-195 yards. From the fairway, I find woods easier to hit. Blade 1 and 2 irons sure do look good though!
[/quote]

I agree with you. It takes swing speed off the chart to hit a 2 iron (especially a forged blade) 260-270 in the air. I have one of those new gimmicks from Momentus that you use to swing. You can swing it about 15-20 mph faster than an actual golf club because it is so light and whippy. I can hit 130 mph swing speed with it... max. There are plenty of people that can swing a driver at that speed but swinging a 2 iron fast enough to generate that distance (260-270 in the AIR) is not accomplished by your average 12 handicapper. I saw one post on GolfWRX thread where a guy said his swing speed was well over 90 with a 6 iron. I tell you... that is pretty stout.

[elwhippy]

The fact that only Titleist offers a 2 iron off the shelf these days shows how obsolete they have become. Ping used to own the market then along came the very popular Big Bertha 1 and 2 irons but the lower lofts in most set negate the need for a 2 iron anymore. Plus the "heroic" style of course design negates the low running shot on so many modern courses, e.g. 18th at TPC Boston, no route to hit a long runner into the green. And I can assure you my links course playing friends rarely put one in the bag these days, they much prefer TM TP hybrids.

[KuroOuji54]

[quote name='tomallinder' timestamp='1315260632' post='3543722']
[quote name='W/S' timestamp='1315256386' post='3543608']
[quote name='Wdwfreak' timestamp='1314933320' post='3536478']
I hit my 695 mb 2 iron better than a 5 wood or 19* hybrid. I usually hit it 260-270. I cant explain it, but i just hit it better. Right now its the most consistent and best club in my bag.
[/quote]

I love posts like these! The chances that someone actually averages 260-270 yards with a 19*, 39.5" blade? Almost zero. That's the same distance that Dustin Johnson was getting out of his 16.5*, 43" 4 wood, not too long ago: [url="http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-equipment/whats-in-my-bag/2009-08/dustinjohnson_golfbag"]http://www.golfdiges...johnson_golfbag[/url]

So how much faster than Dustin Johnson's swing speed must one's swing speed be in order to hit a 2 iron further than he hits a 4 wood? Can someone with math/science skills crunch the numbers and tell us what the swing speed would be for a 265 yard shot with a 19*, 39.5" iron?

I think it's great to have a forum like Golfwrx; there's plenty of interesting and helpful information here. But the 15 HC player who needs to work the ball left and right to tucked pins... and the 5 HC player who pures his 2 iron 265 yards... come on.

I sometimes play a 2 iron off the tee, and I'm happy if I get it out there 190-195 yards. From the fairway, I find woods easier to hit. Blade 1 and 2 irons sure do look good though!
[/quote]

I agree with you. It takes swing speed off the chart to hit a 2 iron (especially a forged blade) 260-270 in the air. I have one of those new gimmicks from Momentus that you use to swing. You can swing it about 15-20 mph faster than an actual golf club because it is so light and whippy. I can hit 130 mph swing speed with it... max. There are plenty of people that can swing a driver at that speed but swinging a 2 iron fast enough to generate that distance (260-270 in the AIR) is not accomplished by your average 12 handicapper. I saw one post on GolfWRX thread where a guy said his swing speed was well over 90 with a 6 iron. I tell you... that is pretty stout.
[/quote]


Some people hit the ball a long way. Im not the biggest kid by any means (5'9, 175 lbs) but I carried my 2 iron today 240 and it rolled out to 252. Its not that difficult. It takes a good swing speed, solid contact and good conditions. He didnt say he "carried" it 270. He may play on hard fairways. I know some people exaggerate but this one is definitely doable.

[sneaky]

[size="2"][color="#2b3730"][b]
[/b][/color][/size]
[color="#1C2837"][size="2"]The 260-270 of [/size][/color][color="#474534"][b]Wdwfreak[/b][/color][color="#1C2837"][size="2"] is probably total distance and not carry distance. It's possible with 10+ yards of roll. Also swing speed is the most overrated statistic in Golf. Smash factor plays a much greater role in determining overall distance. Pure contact beats pure speed. [/size][/color]
[size="2"] [/size]

[villa]

[quote name='elwhippy' timestamp='1315261777' post='3543769']
The fact that only Titleist offers a 2 iron off the shelf these days shows how obsolete they have become.
[/quote]
All of these are available new from the manufacturer mate:

Callaway RAZR X Forged
Callaway RAZR X Muscle Back
Cleveland CG16 Tour
Cleveland CG7 Tour
Cleveland CG1 Tour
Cobra S3 Pro
Nike VR Pro Blade
Nike VR Pro Combo
Ping S56
Taylor Made TP MB
Taylor Made TP MC

[pdaero]

W/S - you must not play with the right folks. Forged blades can go a long ways, especially when great compression/swing speed are combined. it's probably a 250 carry, which is definitely feasible. I played with a guy last summer that CRUNCHED the golf ball. On one par 4, he literally took out hit 4 iron (albeit slightly downbreeze) and carried it 270. I hit my 3 wood slightly shorter..

Some guys just have the right combination of flexibility, swing speed and lag/compression to hit the ball a long ways. It's such a small physical difference, but it can mean a great deal.

[nielshunniche]

I am using a PING Rapture 2 Iron and I wouldent change it for anything.

HCP 14,2 and I started using it at hcp. 24

Niels

[presario]

Love the trusty 2 iron. I only use it off the tee as a driving iron and occasionally off the deck when I want to roll it up to the green from about 230. It actually doubles as my practice club. If I can stripe my 2 iron, I know my swing is on!

[tomallinder]

[quote name='UWJav' timestamp='1315295868' post='3544840']
Never played a 2 iron, my set goes from 3-pw but have always been curious about picking one up. Im a pretty strong dude and can really control my 3 iron off ground or tee so id be interested in seeing how id hit a 2-iron or even more a 1-iron. Anyone out there still own or use a 1-iron lol
[/quote]

I have a couple of 1 irons from previous sets. They are curiosities now. They are true blades. The 2 iron I use is cavity back but forged and is easy enough to get up in the air. I have actually tried to hit shots with the old blade 1 irons (MP 32 - Mizuno) but the ball flight is just too low. When I used high spin balls that were available in the 90s and before, I could hit them.

[foozledbaffy]

I find my 2 iron to be invaluable. When my playing partners suggest I pick up after my 9th shot is in a bunker I simply rake the ball out of the bunker with the 2 iron. Or what about the ball close to the bank in a water hazard? Why bother with the overused ball retriever when the two iron fits the bill? And lastly, you can helicopter a 2 irons yards further than a hybrid. It is much more aerodynamic!

[Ben B]

[quote name='UWJav' timestamp='1315295868' post='3544840']
Never played a 2 iron, my set goes from 3-pw but have always been curious about picking one up. Im a pretty strong dude and can really control my 3 iron off ground or tee so id be interested in seeing how id hit a 2-iron or even more a 1-iron. Anyone out there still own or use a 1-iron lol
[/quote]

I just picked up a Mizuno Pro 1 iron. I haven't put it into play yet but on the range it was pretty nice. I love my 2 iron and it's my favorite club in the bag so I figured I would pick up a 1 iron and see what it feels like. I hit the 2 iron off the tee a lot so i figured the 1 would add a few yards.

[Mustard Tiger]

ya i would definantely love to get my hands on a old 1 and 2 iron just to mess around with at the range.

[whateverworks]

[quote name='KiwiBoy' timestamp='1314861909' post='3533907']
Curious to know who is still using them, the "Traditional" club.
[/quote]
I know alot of good local guys that play them. I had my own 990 2iron in the bag this past weekend. I still love hitting it.

[richard t]

UWJav take a look at Global Golf web site. Under Used Clubs click Individual Irons. They always have old Eye2s, Eye2+s and other brand 1 and 2 irons. Most are around $30-35 dollars. Good condition too. Great for practice or to fix up and play.

[crazychris022000]

I put it in occasionally. I have a old ben hogan Apex LH 2 iron with a graphite shaft. I really only use it when its too windy for a driver and here in TX thats alot lol.

[rocket324]

I've had a Ping Eye-2 Red Dot 2-iron for about 8-9 years. Bought it for $.99 on ebay. Oddly enough, its my "go to" club off the tee. I hit it about 265-275 off tee and about 240 off ground.

[jmoney3hundo]

I strongly suspect a major reason Mizuno and Titleist no longer make 2 irons is that hybrids and woods are more expensive
[/quote]

I just updated my arsenal to the 910/710 series from Titleist.... They no longer make a true blade 2 iron however they do make it in the CB which is what I carry! I hit mine 260-270 off the box and 240-250 off the deck! Love it I hit the ball extremely high so it's is really nice all around. I've carried a 2 iron since I was 17 so 4 years now and like said in a earlier post my game would be lost with out it. Hit it off the tee box today actually on my 18th hole to set up a good approach to break the course record. Fell one shy to tie at 64 that was my fault not my 2 iron!

[acgolfer]

i would like to play a 2 iron but i dont have one (at the moment)

i just deloft my 3 and i can hit it just as far as my pro black 2 hybrid

[evoviiiyou]

I play my Big Bertha 2002 2 iron 245ish total distance off the tee on tight par 4's. Off the deck its probably a 230-235 club with the ball running onto the green or green side bunker. I would also be lost with out my trusty 2 iron. Love it. It gives me stress to think about what club will replace this when she is all wore out.

[minhjn]

well my 2 iron is still bigger than your 2 iron

[9i160allday]

[quote name='sneaky' timestamp='1315273423' post='3544235']
[size="2"][color="#2b3730"][b]
[/b][/color][/size]
[color="#1C2837"][size="2"]The 260-270 of [/size][/color][color="#474534"][b]Wdwfreak[/b][/color][color="#1C2837"][size="2"] is probably total distance and not carry distance. It's possible with 10+ yards of roll. Also swing speed is the most overrated statistic in Golf. Smash factor plays a much greater role in determining overall distance. Pure contact beats pure speed. [/size][/color]
[size="2"] [/size]
[/quote]
+1
a golf partner couldn't understand why I hit my 6 iron 195 ish when he swings so much faster... After a long conversation in which I wasnt going to win, we went and got on the trackman. his swing speed was high 90's w a 6 iron mine was 90, he carried 178 I carried 190.. Smash is everything even though hes got a "fast" swing he doesn't hit down enough.... I love the " you dont swing fast enough to hit the ball that far"... I say how much money do you have on you!
As for the op, I have a mizuno mp-33 2iron I will play when it's windy, or when I get into a funk w the driver.. Which is more often than I'd like to admit!, and I hit mine 260 plus!

[ewfnick]

[quote name='UWJav' timestamp='1315295868' post='3544840']
Never played a 2 iron, my set goes from 3-pw but have always been curious about picking one up. Im a pretty strong dude and can really control my 3 iron off ground or tee so id be interested in seeing how id hit a 2-iron or even more a 1-iron. Anyone out there still own or use a 1-iron lol
[/quote]


I do, still carry both the one and two iron in my set of Wilson Staff GF49's

[starsail85]

Ive just started playing around with a little experiment ive got going, mp37 2 iron, 2/3rd of an inch longer than standard. Ive noticed this little extra shaft length has given me about 6-8 extra carry yards and its going to be interesting if il play this or the 5 wood

5 wood flies about 220 but lands fairly softly, wheras this 2 iron flies around the 210 mark but with a much hotter flight, on firm fairways it will go a long way, compared to the 5 wood

[Jimv]

[quote name='MrElculver2424' timestamp='1315088367' post='3539866']
Tiger still uses one occasionally. He will either put his 5-wood or 2-iron in the bag depending on the course. Most of the time it's the 5-wood but once in a while he'll bring the 2-iron instead.
[/quote]


Tiger is actually playing a VRS 3 iron bent to 2 iron loft. I read it somewhere

[faux_maestro]

[quote name='villa' timestamp='1315277568' post='3544431']
[quote name='elwhippy' timestamp='1315261777' post='3543769']
The fact that only Titleist offers a 2 iron off the shelf these days shows how obsolete they have become.
[/quote]
All of these are available new from the manufacturer mate:

Callaway RAZR X Forged
Callaway RAZR X Muscle Back
Cleveland CG16 Tour
Cleveland CG7 Tour
Cleveland CG1 Tour
Cobra S3 Pro
Nike VR Pro Blade
Nike VR Pro Combo
Ping S56
Taylor Made TP MB
Taylor Made TP MC
[/quote]

Yes they all make 2 irons but I believe he said off the shelf which is different. Probably have to order the 2 iron usually.

[laseranimal]

I alternate between a 18* Nike Pro Combo Utility iron and a 19* Adams A7 Hybrid. 2 iron carries 180-190 and then rolls out to 200-210, hybrid carries 195-200 and rolls out to 205-210.

What it boils down to is: need 185+ carry off the tee on a par 3/into a par 4, OR there is a Par 5 under 480 yards I'm bagging the hybrid. However there are some courses I play where if I hit it 185 carry off the tee the ball will hit a down slope and can roll out 30 yards longer then the same shot hit with the hybrid or 4 wood. Conversely there are a few holes where you have an elevated tee and a prevailing crosswind where even a poorly struck 2 iron will wind up better off then a well struck hybrid.

In my humble opinion the 2 iron is the same thing as the 64* wedge. It's a specialty tool for a specific type of course or a certain type of player.

[Doublebuck]

Check out the 503i post. Kyle Stanley had one of these in play for the win.