Hey guys, I'm hoping to get some decent opinions here, feel free to discuss/reccomend away

I'm officially a 17 handicap, but my mates make me play off 12 because that's more realistic. I only hit 1-2 "duff" shots every couple of rounds i.e. 90% of my iron shots are good strikes so I consider myself a decent striker (majority of my lost shots come from poor short game play with the occasional errant drive). I've also only been playing 10-12 weeks so am improving all the time.

I HATE the "true" game improvement irons as the ultra thick top line doesn't give me any confidence...it makes me think I'm an idiot that needs a tennis racket size club just to even hit the ball!! But obviously I'm no tiger woods so I think proper blades are still a bit above me.

Anyway, the clubs the shop assistant suggested to me today were:
Wilson ci9's
Wilson FG Forged Tour's
Yoenix VMX's
TaylorMade R9's
Nike Vr Split Cavitiy's

Now I must admit I'm kind of already in love with the Nike Vr's, but I'm tryng to keep an open mind so any positive experiences/reviews of the others would give me food for thought. Also, I'll obviously be trying any new clubs out before I buy them.

Thanks in advance

I can't really give you advice on any of those as i haven't played them. the nike VRs are ok, but they weren't my cup of tea. I went with the Titleist AP2 because they were a players iron.

I can add something to that list if you want to save a little money. Find a set of cobra Carbon CB or Pro CB irons. Youll love them. They look like a blade but play like a cavity back. They're both cast i believe (although the pros could be forged) but still workable all over the place. Probably can find a set for like $200 too.

Done a quick bit of reasearch. The two cobra irons you reccomend/suggest are actually really expensive over here in the UK, I expect its because not many guys use Coobra irons over here.

Ahh. That's not good then. Sorry to hear that. They're a really nice brand.



Done a bit of research myself and based solely on what i see and the specs, here's my thoughts:
id say stay away form the Wilson Ci9's. They're very strong and the PW is only 44*!! As far as you'd hit them, you'd still probably have to carry 4 wedges.

The wilson FG forged Tours are more traditional with the PW being 47*. They also have a higher rating and seem more like a club that you could grow with rather than just improve your game and look elsewhere in a few years. The top line is a might smaller as well which, for me, is nice and clean. Personal preference though.

The yonex irons are , again , strong. 45* PW ensures you'll hit them a mile, but may be left wanting on shorter courses. The top line, for me again, is not really handsome enough and the overall look of the irons is just not my cup of tea.

Taylormade r9's are the hot irons these days. Taylormade is notorious for over length and strong irons. These are kind of an exception though. not as strong as some of the other clubs. the PW at 46* is acceptable but not GREAT. They would allow you to go 50*, 54*, 58* with perfect stepping. Rumor has it they absolutely LAUNCH the ball, so this may be your best bet. They're forgiving and workable as well as pretty nice looking from the top, having a very classic look.

Nike VR split cavity is pretty expensive here. It's less "technologically advanced" than the other irons you mentioned, having no composites, dampering or plastics in it. Great looks from the top with a very thin top line, but a smaller head than most. The PW is at a very standard 47* which is closer to traditional. This will definitely be something you can grow with and will enjoy for a while, but it may be harder to get used to and hit at first. Mis hits with this club will hurt like hell but the sweet spot will go exactly where you want it.

That's my 2 cents on the whole of it. Ultimately it's up to you. I'd find a large golf shop where you can take a swing with each of them and find the one you really really like. They all have their merits and shortcomings. If it were me and i had the money, i'd probably go with the Nikes. If it's a cheaper alternative you're going for, the Wilson FG forged will do just fine.

Hope i haven't thoroughly confused you.

Wow, you've actually mirrored my thoughts EXACTLY! I'm not a fan of strong lofted clubs as most english courses are on the shorter side requiring more thought and accuracy as opposed to booming drives and irons.

I too like the look of a thin top line, IMO it just looks smarter and makes you focus more on making a good swing. Where as if you've got loads of forgiveness I believe the tendency would be to rely on it.

Price wise over here this is what is currently around (approx):
Nike's: £470 (with the free balls which I can re-sell for £100+)
R9's: £500
Wilson FG: £450-500
Wilson Ci9's: £400
Yoenix: £360

When I'd comes down to it I'll be trying them all out (and maybe more) on a launch simulator so I'll be able to get some numbers as well as a general "feel" for the clubs. Great advice though, and as I mentioned a similar thought process.

On a side note I shot my best ever round today of 80 (+10). So close to that first round in the 70's

All I can say is be careful with the GigaGolf company.

They report a 30day money back gaurantee but it has been 2 months since I returned their merchandise and despite numerous phone calls and e-mails, they have not honored their terms.

A couple of more days of no response and its time to file with Fla. BBB and Fla. Atty general ofice.

Definitely! I'll be going through my club pro as I already have £40 credit in the shop gained from a few comps, but also he can source clubs cheaper than what you can get on the "high street" over here