The Golf Thread - 2016!

The Golf Thread - 2016!

Author
Discussion

SS2.

14,468 posts

239 months

Friday 9th September 2016
quotequote all
Interesting stuff Bodhi, and good to hear your experience with AG was so positive. Whilst I've not bought masses from AG, I too have always had good service.

Coincidentally, I had my first custom fitting for irons earlier this week (not AG) - my current set is only my 2nd of irons in 35 odd years and these I've had for about 18.

Really fancied going back to a set of Mizuno blades and the MP-5 caught my eye - simply stunning to look at, IMO.

Using TrackMan and a 6 iron head, we tried a selection of shafts until we were getting the most consistent results. That was with a KBS 120 Tour Stiff.

Results were good - consistent 85mph club speed, 18-19.5 launch angle, 170-175 yards carry, typically 4500 spin rate. Off centre hits resulted in a loss of carry of about 10-15 yards.

The pro suggested I try the brand new forged JPX 900 Tour. My initial response was 'no thanks, the JPX range is not my cup of tea'.

That said, he bunged a shaft into a 6 iron head and I have to say it looked very blade-like at address - small head, thin top edge and a sharp and narrow sole.

Hit a few with TrackMan and the results were not at all what I hoping for - the shots felt so pure off the clubface, slightly quicker club head speed saw carry increase to 180-185 yards and off centre hits were only 5-8 yards short of a decent hit, demonstrating how much more forgiving they are than the MP-5s. Bu66er - I really wanted to hit these badly.

So, the sensible choice would seem to be an upgrade to the JPX Tours. Trouble is, I'm not 100% sold on their satin finish - it was originally the to-die-for looks and the chrome finish of the MP-5s I was after.

Function over form ? Decisions, decisions..





Edited by SS2. on Friday 9th September 14:18

SpeckledJim

31,608 posts

254 months

Friday 9th September 2016
quotequote all
...you already know the answer...

This is just yet another golfing challenge to the ego. You can beat it.

smile

SS2.

14,468 posts

239 months

Friday 9th September 2016
quotequote all
I know, I know. Trouble is the MP-5s just look so damn good.

But the numbers don't lie, and those produced by the JPX Tours were very impressive. cool

In terms of their design, feel and shot shaping, they're clearly an MP iron with JPX badging - not quite sure why Mizuno have gone down that route - and sporting a different finish than I've seen on an iron before. The satin is not unpleasant, but maybe it's something that'll need to grow on me.

So yes, it's likely I'll have a set of these in the bag before the month is out.

SpeckledJim

31,608 posts

254 months

Friday 9th September 2016
quotequote all
SS2. said:
I know, I know. Trouble is the MP-5s just look so damn good.

But the numbers don't lie, and those produced by the JPX Tours were very impressive. cool

In terms of their design, feel and shot shaping, they're clearly an MP iron with JPX badging - not quite sure why Mizuno have gone down that route - with a different finish than I've seen on an iron before. The satin is not unpleasant, but maybe it's something that'll need to grow on me.

So yes, it's likely I'll have a set of these in the bag before the month is out.
I agree, that club looks more like the friendly end of the MP line, than the cheesy stripes and shell-suit graphics of the JPX line.

Alpinestars

13,954 posts

245 months

Friday 9th September 2016
quotequote all
SS2. said:
I know, I know. Trouble is the MP-5s just look so damn good.

But the numbers don't lie, and those produced by the JPX Tours were very impressive. cool

In terms of their design, feel and shot shaping, they're clearly an MP iron with JPX badging - not quite sure why Mizuno have gone down that route - and sporting a different finish than I've seen on an iron before. The satin is not unpleasant, but maybe it's something that'll need to grow on me.

So yes, it's likely I'll have a set of these in the bag before the month is out.
Have you tried or seen the Srixon irons? Beautiful looking and relatively forgiving.

SS2.

14,468 posts

239 months

Friday 9th September 2016
quotequote all
Alpinestars said:
Have you tried or seen the Srixon irons? Beautiful looking and relatively forgiving.
I've only seen photos - they certainly look good, and reasonably priced too.

Must admit that despite having a Srixon driver for many years, I never really considered their irons.

DuncanM

6,211 posts

280 months

Friday 9th September 2016
quotequote all
SS2. said:
Interesting stuff Bodhi, and good to hear your experience with AG was so positive. Whilst I've not bought masses from AG, I too have always had good service.

Coincidentally, I had my first custom fitting for irons earlier this week (not AG) - my current set is only my 2nd of irons in 35 odd years and these I've had for about 18.

Really fancied going back to a set of Mizuno blades and the MP-5 caught my eye - simply stunning to look at, IMO.

Using TrackMan and a 6 iron head, we tried a selection of shafts until we were getting the most consistent results. That was with a KBS 120 Tour Stiff.

Results were good - consistent 85mph club speed, 18-19.5 launch angle, 170-175 yards carry, typically 4500 spin rate. Off centre hits resulted in a loss of carry of about 10-15 yards.

The pro suggested I try the brand new forged JPX 900 Tour. My initial response was 'no thanks, the JPX range is not my cup of tea'.

That said, he bunged a shaft into a 6 iron head and I have to say it looked very blade-like at address - small head, thin top edge and a sharp and narrow sole.

Hit a few with TrackMan and the results were not at all what I hoping for - the shots felt so pure off the clubface, slightly quicker club head speed saw carry increase to 180-185 yards and off centre hits were only 5-8 yards short of a decent hit, demonstrating how much more forgiving they are than the MP-5s. Bu66er - I really wanted to hit these badly.

So, the sensible choice would seem to be an upgrade to the JPX Tours. Trouble is, I'm not 100% sold on their satin finish - it was originally the to-die-for looks and the chrome finish of the MP-5s I was after.

Function over form ? Decisions, decisions..





Edited by SS2. on Friday 9th September 14:18
Hey SS2,

Regarding shafts, just a word of warning, my friend got fitted for MP5 with KBS shafts, numbers were great. However, when he actually played with them, the feel was just awful for his personal tastes, and he ended up hating them so much, that he got them re-fitted with TT DG S300. For free I might add, excellent service from Mizuno/Woburn.

The numbers v Feel thing is a real issue imo.

Good luck anyway, the new JPX look lovely tbh, a big departure from their old JPX range!

swisstoni

17,065 posts

280 months

Friday 9th September 2016
quotequote all
Why is it I can hit a tennis forehand pretty well after not picking up a racket for 15 years but when I stand over a golf ball with a 7 iron I have to think 'how am I doing this again?' after just a weeks layoff?

Or to use another analogy, if someone bounced a football temptingly in front of you, most of us would melt it without thinking, despite not having performed that action since school.

DuncanM

6,211 posts

280 months

Friday 9th September 2016
quotequote all
swisstoni said:
Why is it I can hit a tennis forehand pretty well after not picking up a racket for 15 years but when I stand over a golf ball with a 7 iron I have to think 'how am I doing this again?' after just a weeks layoff?

Or to use another analogy, if someone bounced a football temptingly in front of you, most of us would melt it without thinking, despite not having performed that action since school.
Watch Lee Trevino vids, he figured out that standing still is a killer, and so he never really did!

biggrin

SpeckledJim

31,608 posts

254 months

Friday 9th September 2016
quotequote all
DuncanM said:
swisstoni said:
Why is it I can hit a tennis forehand pretty well after not picking up a racket for 15 years but when I stand over a golf ball with a 7 iron I have to think 'how am I doing this again?' after just a weeks layoff?

Or to use another analogy, if someone bounced a football temptingly in front of you, most of us would melt it without thinking, despite not having performed that action since school.
Watch Lee Trevino vids, he figured out that standing still is a killer, and so he never really did!

biggrin
Bob Rotella says the same thing about putting. Don't stand there thinking about how difficult it is - get a plan and just hit it!

bodhi

10,583 posts

230 months

Saturday 10th September 2016
quotequote all
SS2. said:
Interesting stuff Bodhi, and good to hear your experience with AG was so positive. Whilst I've not bought masses from AG, I too have always had good service.

Coincidentally, I had my first custom fitting for irons earlier this week (not AG) - my current set is only my 2nd of irons in 35 odd years and these I've had for about 18.

Really fancied going back to a set of Mizuno blades and the MP-5 caught my eye - simply stunning to look at, IMO.

Using TrackMan and a 6 iron head, we tried a selection of shafts until we were getting the most consistent results. That was with a KBS 120 Tour Stiff.

Results were good - consistent 85mph club speed, 18-19.5 launch angle, 170-175 yards carry, typically 4500 spin rate. Off centre hits resulted in a loss of carry of about 10-15 yards.

The pro suggested I try the brand new forged JPX 900 Tour. My initial response was 'no thanks, the JPX range is not my cup of tea'.

That said, he bunged a shaft into a 6 iron head and I have to say it looked very blade-like at address - small head, thin top edge and a sharp and narrow sole.

Hit a few with TrackMan and the results were not at all what I hoping for - the shots felt so pure off the clubface, slightly quicker club head speed saw carry increase to 180-185 yards and off centre hits were only 5-8 yards short of a decent hit, demonstrating how much more forgiving they are than the MP-5s. Bu66er - I really wanted to hit these badly.

So, the sensible choice would seem to be an upgrade to the JPX Tours. Trouble is, I'm not 100% sold on their satin finish - it was originally the to-die-for looks and the chrome finish of the MP-5s I was after.

Function over form ? Decisions, decisions..





Edited by SS2. on Friday 9th September 14:18
It probably helps that I go into that branch at least once a week - not to buy stuff, but it's next to where I go for lunch most days at work so I often stop in to have a mooch and a break before going back for another conference call - but the guys in there have always been friendly and chatty even though they probably guessed I wasn't going to buy anything. I guess they are probably used to equipment junkies popping in every so often though. Compared well to one of their other local stores, where upon asking if I could have the lofts and lies checked on my irons (they had a workshop there), the bloke tried to sell me a set of Pings. Considering I went in with a set of blades, I found this a bit silly, and quite amusing if I'm honest.

Personally in your situation, bearing in mind I have hit neither the JPX nor the MP-5, I would still be more tempted to go down the blade route - more than likely the MP-4's, and I don't see this as an ego thing at all, I just think there is far more to a set of irons than numbers on a full shot. For me it's all about feel, workability and control all of which blades excel at.

What I'd be tempted to do, if you are being fitted at a range, then go back down and, rather than just hitting full shots, try some other shots you'd play out on the course, like a pitch and run to 100 yards, a knock down shot under the wind, etc. If you move the ball from right to left or vice versa, try a few of those and see which you have more control over. I did the same when I bought my current Nike Blades, evaluating them against the Pro Combo's, both with S400 shafts. The Combo's went slightly further, and were nicer on my hands if I missed the sweetspot, but for making shots the blades were in a different league. 12 years later they are still in the bag, and I haven't considered changing since, except maybe for different blades smile

I also must admit ime the off-centre hit issue is much smaller than you'd think - I actually ended up hitting the middle of the club more often than I did with my old Taylor Made 300's - and it can often be a god-send. If you think about it, if you hit it off centre chances are it isn't going to go straight either, and that 10-15 yards can often keep you out the cabbage, where if you hit it flush but off-line you'd run out of course.

However if you've already played a set of blades for a long time, I suspect you don't need me to sell the beauty of blades to you smile I doubt you'd regret either if I'm honest, but if it were me it would be MP-5's. I'd also look at the 4's and the Titleist 716's.

Collected my 5 wood earlier but was advised against playing it tonight so the grip could dry properly, so going to try it tomorrow. I can confirm that the 3 wood is a rocket launcher however, only about 20 yards shy of an average drive. Took it out in the midweek medal and mostly used it off the tee, only getting the driver out on Par 5's, came home in 79 for 36 points, coming second, which I suspect has got me vouchers for....American Golf smile


Other than the MP-4's, I'd also look

Alpinestars

13,954 posts

245 months

Saturday 10th September 2016
quotequote all
SS2. said:
I've only seen photos - they certainly look good, and reasonably priced too.

Must admit that despite having a Srixon driver for many years, I never really considered their irons.
Worth looking at. As are the Callaway X forged.

I'd also add that sometimes it's not about numbers on a simulator/range. Golf is so much about confidence, that I think a balance between numbers and what feels best/gives the most confidence is the way to go.

JamesNotJim

755 posts

187 months

Saturday 10th September 2016
quotequote all
bodhi said:
came home in 79 for 36 points, coming second, which I suspect has got me vouchers for....American Golf smile
I want to be a member at your gaff.
I shot a +3 round on wednesday for 38 points. I came 8th....43points won. I'd have to shoot sub par to get 43 points.

Rosscow

Original Poster:

8,780 posts

164 months

Saturday 10th September 2016
quotequote all
JamesNotJim said:
bodhi said:
came home in 79 for 36 points, coming second, which I suspect has got me vouchers for....American Golf smile
I want to be a member at your gaff.
I shot a +3 round on wednesday for 38 points. I came 8th....43points won. I'd have to shoot sub par to get 43 points.
Christ!!!! 38 points and you came 8th hehe

HaplessBoyLard

1,549 posts

189 months

Saturday 10th September 2016
quotequote all
SS2. said:
Interesting stuff Bodhi, and good to hear your experience with AG was so positive. Whilst I've not bought masses from AG, I too have always had good service.

Coincidentally, I had my first custom fitting for irons earlier this week (not AG) - my current set is only my 2nd of irons in 35 odd years and these I've had for about 18.

Really fancied going back to a set of Mizuno blades and the MP-5 caught my eye - simply stunning to look at, IMO.

Using TrackMan and a 6 iron head, we tried a selection of shafts until we were getting the most consistent results. That was with a KBS 120 Tour Stiff.

Results were good - consistent 85mph club speed, 18-19.5 launch angle, 170-175 yards carry, typically 4500 spin rate. Off centre hits resulted in a loss of carry of about 10-15 yards.

The pro suggested I try the brand new forged JPX 900 Tour. My initial response was 'no thanks, the JPX range is not my cup of tea'.

That said, he bunged a shaft into a 6 iron head and I have to say it looked very blade-like at address - small head, thin top edge and a sharp and narrow sole.

Hit a few with TrackMan and the results were not at all what I hoping for - the shots felt so pure off the clubface, slightly quicker club head speed saw carry increase to 180-185 yards and off centre hits were only 5-8 yards short of a decent hit, demonstrating how much more forgiving they are than the MP-5s. Bu66er - I really wanted to hit these badly.

So, the sensible choice would seem to be an upgrade to the JPX Tours. Trouble is, I'm not 100% sold on their satin finish - it was originally the to-die-for looks and the chrome finish of the MP-5s I was after.

Function over form ? Decisions, decisions..





Edited by SS2. on Friday 9th September 14:18
I'd be wary of the extra distance personally. They aren't magic clubs. That extra distance comes from somewhere. Usually reduced spin rates, which might sacrifice your ability to stop the ball the other end.

I'm guessing you were hitting range balls, as the spin from the MP5 is low. I'd be interested to see the spin from the JPX.

170 carry with a blade 6i is healthy. You've more then enough length for most courses.

Rosscow

Original Poster:

8,780 posts

164 months

Sunday 11th September 2016
quotequote all
My mate Ben came joint 4th at the KLM today.

Really pleased for him, he's struggled a bit of late so this was a nice week for him.

Hopefully he can kick on and secure his tor card for next season.

SS2.

14,468 posts

239 months

Monday 12th September 2016
quotequote all
HaplessBoyLard said:
I'd be wary of the extra distance personally. They aren't magic clubs.
No, but definitely a tad longer than my battered 18 year old set!

HaplessBoyLard said:
I'm guessing you were hitting range balls, as the spin from the MP5 is low. I'd be interested to see the spin from the JPX.

170 carry with a blade 6i is healthy. You've more then enough length for most courses.
The monthly medal was rained off Saturday morning so I nipped over to American Golf and took advantage of one of their custom fitting sessions.

Have to say, I was very impressed with the guy doing the fitting - very knowledgable, no hard sell, no brand loyalty one way or another, just concentrating on getting me the right shaft / head / grip combination.

Using GC2 rather than TrackMan this time, we focused on the Mizuno MP5 & JPX 900 Tour again and, as before, the numbers were far better for the JPX than the MP5 - slightly longer (avg ~180 yards carry with a 6 iron), more consistent, more forgiving.

The shaft he was close to recommending was the same one as had been suggested during the earlier fitting session - the KBS Tour Stiff. However, we kept making minor tweaks and, after another 30 or so hits with various shaft options, we both agreed that the Project X Rifle 5.5 probably just about edged it.

Grips. My weak shot tends to be a slight drag to the left so we went with the Golf Pride MCC Plus4 - this emulates an additional 4 wraps of tape under the right hand which is supposed to help keep the right hand from getting a bit too dominant.

Icing on the cake was the £150 trade-in they offered on an 18 year old set of Pings - didn't think I'd get more than £60 for them.

So, the order has been placed and the new bats should be here in about 5 days - really looking forward to seeing what they're like on the course.

And top marks to AG - have to say the [completely free] hour I spent in their fitting bay was superb.



HJMS123

988 posts

134 months

Monday 12th September 2016
quotequote all
SS2. said:
Interesting stuff Bodhi, and good to hear your experience with AG was so positive. Whilst I've not bought masses from AG, I too have always had good service.

Coincidentally, I had my first custom fitting for irons earlier this week (not AG) - my current set is only my 2nd of irons in 35 odd years and these I've had for about 18.

Really fancied going back to a set of Mizuno blades and the MP-5 caught my eye - simply stunning to look at, IMO.

Using TrackMan and a 6 iron head, we tried a selection of shafts until we were getting the most consistent results. That was with a KBS 120 Tour Stiff.

Results were good - consistent 85mph club speed, 18-19.5 launch angle, 170-175 yards carry, typically 4500 spin rate. Off centre hits resulted in a loss of carry of about 10-15 yards.

The pro suggested I try the brand new forged JPX 900 Tour. My initial response was 'no thanks, the JPX range is not my cup of tea'.

That said, he bunged a shaft into a 6 iron head and I have to say it looked very blade-like at address - small head, thin top edge and a sharp and narrow sole.

Hit a few with TrackMan and the results were not at all what I hoping for - the shots felt so pure off the clubface, slightly quicker club head speed saw carry increase to 180-185 yards and off centre hits were only 5-8 yards short of a decent hit, demonstrating how much more forgiving they are than the MP-5s. Bu66er - I really wanted to hit these badly.

So, the sensible choice would seem to be an upgrade to the JPX Tours. Trouble is, I'm not 100% sold on their satin finish - it was originally the to-die-for looks and the chrome finish of the MP-5s I was after.

Function over form ? Decisions, decisions..





Edited by SS2. on Friday 9th September 14:18
Get the JPX tours they look amazing! I prefer satin over chrome though. I'm a low handicapper and I think the JPX Tour are the only mizuno iron I'd consider out of their current range.

SS2.

14,468 posts

239 months

Monday 12th September 2016
quotequote all
bodhi said:
What I'd be tempted to do, if you are being fitted at a range, then go back down and, rather than just hitting full shots, try some other shots you'd play out on the course, like a pitch and run to 100 yards, a knock down shot under the wind, etc. If you move the ball from right to left or vice versa, try a few of those and see which you have more control over.
I asked the AG adviser if I could spend a few minutes trying to shape shots on GC2. Only with a 6 iron and with the ball flight generated on a monitor admittedly, but it did show that moving the ball from left to right and vice versa, or indeed drilling it low from the back of the stance, wasn't that difficult.

And I do understand what DuncanM said about his mate hating the feel of the KBS Tour Stiff on a course, but centred hits using both the KBS and the PX I've been flipping between felt just like classic Mizuno blades of old to me - 'buttery soft', I think is the term they use, and I can see why.

Edited by SS2. on Monday 12th September 16:19

SS2.

14,468 posts

239 months

Monday 12th September 2016
quotequote all
HJMS123 said:
Get the JPX tours they look amazing! I prefer satin over chrome though. I'm a low handicapper and I think the JPX Tour are the only mizuno iron I'd consider out of their current range.
It's a done deal, fella - paid the money a couple of hours ago.

T-minus 5 days and counting..