How old are your irons?

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By Bill H

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  • 82 Replies
  1. Bill H

    Bill H
    Cincinnati, OH

    I am wondering how often people replace their irons? I have been using the same set for 10 years (Titleist DCI 981). How long do you keep a set in your bag before changing?

    It is probably time for a new set, but I work for a non-profit, and have a limited golf budget. Most of my money goes to actually playing golf. I really like the AP2 irons, but Titleist priced themselves out of my range with the $1000 price tag.

  2. Mark C

    Mark C
    Temecula, CA

    I love the new 710 AP2s, but you are right, they are pricey ... but worth every penny in my opinion.

    Before this set, I played (still do, but now my travel set) the 681 T's, which I got years ago.

    I guess I get the itch about every 3-4 years for irons.

    Drivers, fairways, wedges and putters more frequently :)

  3. Michael D.

    Michael D.
    Ashland, MA

    I played the same set of irons for probably 5 years but in the last few years I started switching irons every season. Admittedly, this was terrible for my game and for my wallet. I finally got fit this off-season and also went with the AP2s. I've played a lot of different irons, a lot, and I agree with Mark C., these are worth every penny and definitely the best set out there in my opinion. I have a really good feeling that these will be in the bag for a while.

  4. Bill H

    Bill H
    Cincinnati, OH

    I guess I am going to have to save up for a set of AP2s 710. I have been watching eBay, but have serious reservations about buying irons on eBay for fear of counterfeits. My DCI 981s have been great irons, but they are showing their age. I fall into the classic conundrum of if I buy new clubs, I have no money left for actually playing golf. :-)

  5. Tyler H

    Tyler H
    Appleton, WI

    My irons are 3 years old. I won them through a drawing at Golf Galaxy. I am thinking about pulling the trigger on getting fit for some AP2 710's.

  6. mark c

    mark c
    Dallas, TX

    I replace my irons every year and my wedges 2 twice a year. The bite you get when using a new set of wedges convinced me I can't replace them often enough.

  7. Christopher H

    Christopher H
    Kingwood, TX

    My teacher is trying to advise on the AP2s as I've been playing MP-14s for some time, but I crave a fitted set by my teacher.  He is a an Advanced Fitting Works Location for Titleist and do you think that club and fitting is ideal as I'm a pretty good stick.  Thanks....Chris H.

  8. Brad S

    Brad S
    OKC, Ok

    I bought my 704cb on ebay, and many other clubs for that matter, about 6 years ago and have never had a problem with authenticity.

  9. Hotsauce

    Hotsauce
    Georgetown MA

    I've had a pair of DCI 990's.  I love them!  I've re-shafted them a couple of times, and re-grip them twice a year, but I've had these beauties for the better half of decade.  

    I'm moving to Boston in 2 months so I'm going to get fit, and try to get a mixed set (4-6 cb 7-P f).  Anyone ever played with a mixed set like that?

  10. Bill H

    Bill H
    Cincinnati, OH

    The DCIs were a good line. I have enjoyed my 981s and have one reason I haven't replaced them yet is because, I have not found much that feel as good. I have a friend who is a golf pro at a local course and he let me borrow his mixed set of Nike Victory Red irons, cavity back in the 4-6 and blades in the 7-PW. I played well with them, but I am a Titleist guy, and am saving up to replace my DCIs with the AP2. But if you are considering a mixed set of MB and CB forged, I think that would be a great set of sticks.

  11. 19hole

    19hole
    Reading, MA

    My irons get replaced every spring. As on this Thursday, they will be 1 day old!

  12. Nick P

    Nick P
    Louisville, KY

    I replace mine every time Titleist releases a new set of irons :)  I currently have a mixed set of 710 AP1/2 that I am very happy with right now.

  13. i am getting my irons today

  14. Tee Time Kev

    Tee Time Kev
    East Hampton, CT

    Josh G said:

    I've had a pair of DCI 990's.  I love them!  I've re-shafted them a couple of times, and re-grip them twice a year, but I've had these beauties for the better half of decade.  

    I'm moving to Boston in 2 months so I'm going to get fit, and try to get a mixed set (4-6 cb 7-P f).  Anyone ever played with a mixed set like that?

    I play a mixed set of AP1 -(4 and 5) and AP2 (6-P) --- Started just this season and I am convinced I will never go another way again. I have Project X shafts on them and yeeeehaaaaaa. I just love these sticks.

     

  15. Bill H

    Bill H
    Cincinnati, OH

    Found out my current job will end June 30. Looks like I'll be playing with the DCI 981s for the 11th season. Maybe next year...

  16. David D

    David D
    ocoee, FL

    Bill. Dont swith irons untill necessary. theres no set time to change. I played a set of irons for 6 years but now that i was working with an instructor and ive gotten my swing consitent and my old irons are starting to crack i am finally changing irons but through a fit i went with the ap1's for a little more weight small bit upright to prevent the dig on a 1 in a million over the top swing and because i had to comform to the new grooves by winter or q schools not an option same thing with my wedges no club is the exact same even if its technically sound from loft lie bounce shaft grip and all exact the same as your last one thing will be different so find a club that fits you not the season and play it till it loses its perfomance capabilty then find a club that works with you not the top of the line of that season hope i didnt offend any one

  17. DOGLOSKI

    DOGLOSKI
    PORTER, TX

    I JUST GOT A NEW SET OF COBRA TRANSITION S CLUBS-2010.

    I'M GETTING A LITTLE TOO OLD TO NOT TRY TO GET ALL THE HELP I CAN AND THESE REALLY HELP.

  18. Andrew L

    Andrew L
    Foxborough, MA

    Mine are at least five years old with heavy usage each year and I am probably gonna keep them for another year at which point i will get AP2s I think. I have found that if you cant take care of them and keep your grooves in tack, then they last for a long time.

  19. Tim Tiger

    Tim Tiger
    Tucson, AZ

    I swing 690 MB's that are about 6 years old or so.

    In the process of ordering my AP2 710's right now. KBS Tour shafts.

  20. eagle3

    eagle3
    Fairfax, IA

    Mine are now approaching 9 years. While not Titleist, they serve my game well and now are back to the manufacturer for a check of loft and lie adjustment. As much as I would like to get the new AP2s, the price is a little steep right now. I am retired and limited on budget so even though I attended aTitleist Demo day recently and tried the new AP2s ( man are they great ), I'm going to have to forego the new set for a while. And let no one kid you, it is killing me not to be able to run out and get them.

  21. 19hole

    19hole
    Reading, MA

    I replace mine every spring. My wedges get replaced 3 times a season. The wood generally stay in the bag for 2 seasons.

  22. Paul G

    Paul G
    Jacksonville, FL

    Titleist 690 CB 2005, and haven't found a new set to replace them that I like yet, however a new 21deg H to take the place of the 3 iron. Just swiched wedges to the new BV c-c's

  23. Jay U

    Jay U
    fort mcmurray,

    Paul

    I also have 690's, since 2003, and really like them. I am consider going with the new AP 2's or the new 710 CB's. I like the forgiveness of the AP 2's but I love the look of the CB's. I have hit both (only inside) so i cant get a good idea of ball flight, both feel good. Have you hit the new CB's? if so what do you think of them compared to your 690 CB's? Do you think the new CB's are any more forgiving then our clubs?

    Thanks

    Jason

  24. Paul G

    Paul G
    Jacksonville, FL

    No, I have not hit the 710 CB's... I was at a demo day, and they only had the AP2's... I just did not like the heavy top line look, and the back of the iron with the black section, just didn't do it for me. They hit the ball about the same as my current cb's.

    I'm a feel golfer, and if does look of feel good, I get a mental block... There are other club manufactures that have made a great looking CB's, I don't know why Titleist can't do it... On of my favorite old sets was the 962CB... looked like a blade but had the forgiveness of the CB...

    Then there is the price of upgrade, is the 135 per iron and not that much change performance wise, worth the investment? How much can you really get for an used set of custom irons? Once you get to the single  handicap,  you can get the most out of all clubs... If the clubs you are playing are 4-5 years old and slap worn out, then yes you will see a benefit.

    As for the old clubs, do you get them to someone that knows what they are doing with a loft and lie machine, are the groves maintained properly? Are the shafts worn out... Things that will significantly affect the playability of the clubs. All of these are overlooked by most golfers

    For now or until I hit 50 (2Years) I will keep the 690's... I have replaced the 3 with a 21 deg Titleist H club... Love it.

    I hope this helps... When all else fails... ask you club Pro to schedule a Titleist Demo Day or let you know when and were the next is that is near you, and go hit the heck out of every model available...

  25. Jay U

    Jay U
    fort mcmurray,

    Well I treated myself to a trip to Oceanside California to visit the Titleist Tour Fitting Centre. One word...WOW. Lets just say i ordered a whole new bag, except putter. I ended with AP 2's 4-pw, 52,56,60 spin milled wedges CC, 19 degree 909 H, 13.5 degree 909 F2, 8.5 degree 909 D2

     I have been fit before but nothing compares to this fitting experience. If there are any people considering this level of fitting, I say DO IT. Before I went down I told myself it was a once in a life time experience, after it was over, i told myself I will be coming back every 3 to 4 yrs and I live in Canada.

    My irons arrived 4 days ago the next day shot a 76 (my career round) the first time hitting them on my home course. Maybe it was luck maybe not. I just hope that scores get better when the rest of my clubs arrive.

  26. Well Paul, I play a set of DCI 962's which I have had since the mid 90's.  I love these clubs but recently have been thinking of upgrading. I got fitted recently and the verdict was a AP1's.

    What I really found out was the clubs I currently use still fit my swing.

    It is enticing though to upgrade to the newer technology. 

    Another thought to think about is the groove change at the end of this year.  This will probably drive me to a new set before the changes take effect.

    Tom

  27. B III

    B III
    APO, AE

    I may have you all.... I have been playing my Ping Eye 2 (Original Square Grooves) since 1985.  Yep, 26 years!!!  I am going for a fitting tomorrow for a set of AP1 or AP2, depending on what is recommended.  Shot 8 over today with my Pings and hope to see improvements with new irons.

     

     

    Cheers,

    B III

  28. Tom P

    Tom P
    Stanley, NC

    I just purchased a set of the 710 CB's, 3 - PW.  I had played the 690.MB's for 5 years.  Both sets are standard length, lie and loft with DG S300 shafts. These CB's are very solid with a noticeable increase in trajectory and about a 5 yard increase in carry.  They are 1 degree stronger than my old MB's. Accuracy and workability are the same as my old MB's. I demoed the AP2's and the CB's before I made my final decision.  It seems that everyone is crazy about the AP2's, but the new CB's are simpler in design and have much more feel in my opinion.  I have a 5 handicap and am 54 years old, maybe that's why I like the more traditional look of the CB's.  

  29. Paul G

    Paul G
    Jacksonville, FL

    Tom P: I'm alot like you... old school... I just like the look of the CB better than the new AP2's. So I will just put the old set in the loft and lie machine, give them a good check up... and keep playing them. I believe in design simple and functional is better... quit making the clubs that correct the bad... Make them so you have to become a better striker of the ball, with  functionality. With that said... I'm talking about the upper level clubs for better players. How many tour players, good strikers of the ball are still playing blades... quite a few...

  30. David P

    David P
    Kingsport, TN

    I tend to buy a new set of irons every other year...I have three sets of mizunos and now just ordered my fourth set ot titleist (My wife hates my hobby).  I have a set of AP1, ZB, AP2 (710) and just ordered a mix of CB 3-7/MB 8-P.  My favorite set is by far the ZB.  I loved the AP1 when I first got them as I was not playing much and needed the forgiveness.  My least favorite has been the AP2 (as it was a hard transition from the ZB).  I am excited about the mixed set as they will have the DG Tour X-100.  I just hope that titleist quits coming out with new clubs.

     

  31. Bill H

    Bill H
    Cincinnati, OH

    David:

    If you would be interested in selling your AP2's, let me know. I would like a set, but cannot afford the Titleist sticker shock. I have been looking on eBay, but am afraid of counterfeit clubs. Thanks!

  32. johndeere10

    johndeere10
    Metter, GA

    2 weeks old. 

  33. Hi Bill. I've been playing with my DCI 981's going on 9 years now but refuse to let them go. Clubs are expensive and why switch if you don't need to. Eventually I'll buy a new set of Titleist irons but until then I'm going to enjoy my older set because they are still awesome.

  34. Bill H

    Bill H
    Cincinnati, OH

    Donald:

    I agree, the reason I haven't replaced my 981's yet, is because I haven't found anything that I think feels better. But they are starting to show wear so, I am beginning my search for a new set.. I definitely need to replace my wedges, though.

    Bill

  35. Jeff S

    Jeff S
    Ontario, OR

    I played 981's for about 5-6 years and replaced them with a set of 762's which I then played for 3-4 seasons.  The only reason I replaced them was that my entire set was stolen two years ago.  My insurance replaced them with AP-1's which I have been very happy with.  My swing speed has decreased over that time and rather than replace the irons I am reshafting them with R flex rather than the S300's I was using.  So far so good.  One advantage I have is that I work part time (summers and tournaments) for our local pro and he works with me on pricing so I can afford to change more often. 

  36. Ty Webb

    Ty Webb
    Wilmington, NC

    My irons are about 5 years old. Bought them off the rack @ Dicks.When I purchase a new set I will seek out custom fitting.

  37. DanyBoy

    DanyBoy
    Château-Richer

    I have been using the same set for 12 or 13 years! ( DCI overzise + yellow triangle). I have received this set at the age of 17 and i have never changed because they still hit well the ball. But, i must admit that the new AP1 irons set are very good!  Maybe next year. ( But i changed my driver often and buyed a new shinny putter last year)

  38. Chris  L

    Chris L
    Norcross, GA

    I carry the 695 MB irons, about 2+years now...and the Driver is 905R about 4~5years now.

    wedges I change about every few months.

  39. JT T

    JT T
    Odessa, FL

    I have taylormade r7 woods,and irons(hate them) want to save up for titleist set so badly. the only club i like in my bag is my circa 62 scotty. i have had these taylormades for 6 months and already want to get rid of them

  40. Trent B

    Trent B
    Madison, MS

    I had a set of DCI 962's till April of this year. I tried to get a new set every year for the past five years, but nothing was vastly better. I switched to the AP 2 710's and found them to feel and sound the exact same. The distance and gaps were about the same as well. But here is my selling point to you. I am a decent ball striker for a 4 handycap. But when I miss with my 962's its a three club difference on the toe. Heel shots are actually prettly normal on a 962. My Ap 2's are a one club on the toe and nothing on the heel. Think par three over water in to the wind and you snap it on the toe. The AP 2's are still putting on a normal green. The 962's are a re-tee with a new ball.

  41. I agree, I like the AP2 irons alot and need new irons, to bad the 1000.00 price tag has me waiting...

  42. Mads

    Mads
    Christchurch, 0

    In generally, I don't change my club often and when I have found something that works I stick with it.  My irons are around 4 years old.  I use the 660 blades and I love them.  I have no intention to change them unless they broke.  My handicap has just drop from when I changed to blades.  Fantastic clubs.  This is my 3rd set of irons since I started playing in 2002 - 1st Callaway BB's and Titleist 704CB (which I still got).

    I have tried a couple of other drivers, I am back using my Titleist 983K with a Epic shaft.  This was my 2nd driver shortly after I started playing golf and after I bought and tried to use a Taylor Made driver ( I have forgotten the name).  All I have done it change the shaft and it gives the capabilities to sharp the shots, and also just rip one down the middle. 

    With regards to other woods I use Titleist 906F4 13.5 degrees - which is great off the deck or off tee.  (I first bought the 15.5 degrees but generally got the same distance as with my 3 iron, so I changed it) - this is a couple of years old and I have no intention of changing it.  I also have Titleist 983H 17 degrees with steel shafts and that works perfectly as a 2 iron fills the gap between my 906F4 and my 3 iron.  I use steel shafts because I really wants this work and feel as iron - and it does.  Plus I can shape my shots and still get good distance.

     

     

  43. David P

    David P
    Aurora, CO

    I'm still playing my 690mb's.  As long as your grooves are in good shape & you still have confidence standing over every shot, why change?  Granted new ones are always nice, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

  44. Dennis M

    Dennis M
    Miami, FL

    If I answer this now, my irons are 690.CB's from 2005. If I answer it next week, they might be new AP2's. I'm ready for a change.

    I tend to hold onto my irons longer than other things like wedges or drivers. I have an embarrassing number of putters and have been known to use 2 different putters in a round.

    I did find a particular 3 wood I think I will keep for quite a while. It's a model 980F. The reason I like it so much is because it haas a more cupped sole than any other fairway wood I've ever seen.

    I recently bought a groove sharpening tool from Golfsmith. I hope to make my wedges last a couple years instead of having to replace them every year like I've been doing.

  45. Dennis M

    Dennis M
    Miami, FL

    It's a couple days later and the answer is now new AP2 irons, 1* upright... They should be here late this week, hopefully in time to play with this weekend.

    My wife is teasing me. She wants to know if it's OK to buy me all sorts of stuff with Titleist written on it... towels, a new backpack, shoe bag, umbrella... I told her anything was OK, but that I was sure unhappy her Singer sewing machine didn't have logo hats and gloves for the faithful.

  46. Daniel B

    Daniel B
    Cleveland, GA

        I have several old sets I still play with but my ZBs are my normal ones. I have a old black traingle set of DCIs I learned with I still hit with on some days. I have kept my 690 and 695 blades as well. I really USE my irons and they all gouges and cut marks on the bottoms but nothing hits as sweet as a titleist blade. LIKE BUTTER BABY!!

    Golfer by Birth

    Titleist By Choice

  47. Jim V

    Jim V
    Mentor, OH

    Military

    I only switch if something really grabs me. I bought a set of 695 CB a couple years ago. Prior to that I played the 990B from the time they were released. Right now, I'm happy with the 695's and there isn't anything out there right now that excites me. I'm more of a traditionalist and love the forged blade style of club.

  48. Dennis M

    Dennis M
    Miami, FL

    Jim V said:

     I'm more of a traditionalist and love the forged blade style of club.

    Same here. I'm too old fashioned for my own good and at 61, I feel very fortunate Titleist has come out with the AP2 irons.You could probably make an argument that I would be better off with some game improvement iron, but I can't make good contact with them.

    I really don't like the look of an offset and although a club rep is a friend of mine, I always tell him his clubs like like overgrown dental tools. If Titleist didn't cover up all the nooks and crannies in the back of the AP2 irons, I probably wouldn't care for them either, but their look of a flanged blade iron is what does it for me.

  49. Tim Tiger

    Tim Tiger
    Tucson, AZ

    Got my AP2 710's in and am really enjoying them. 2 degrees upright and 1/2 inch long. KBS Tour shafts.  

  50. Dennis M

    Dennis M
    Miami, FL

    It's official ladies & gentlemen... As of 11: 17 AM EST this morning, I have AP2's in my bag. I am dealing with the withdrawal from taking my old 690.CB's out of my bag with liberal doses of coffee and cold leftover pizza.  When British Open coverage is over, I'll be off to the range.

  51. Nicolas D

    Nicolas D
    Avon, 0

    Still playing DCI Black (2-PW) ! Got them in 1995, just love them !

  52. Todd T

    Todd T
    San Dirgo, CA

    Military

    Approaching three years and going to try  the 710 CB's!

  53. bryzf1

    bryzf1
    Lovington, NM

    I played w/ a set of Tommy Armour 845's for nearly a decade and bought a set of Titleist 695mb's back in 2006 w/ Project X Rifle Shafts.  I plan to have these at least 10 years unless they show significant wear before then.  Like others have stated, there's nothing like the feel of a Titleist blade!  

    But to the original poster, if the old set of clubs you have still get the job done and feel great, I wouldn't bother replacing them.  I actually still have my old 845's and will probably never get rid of them.  I still play them a handful of times each season and they honestly still look brand new.  I only bought the 695mb's for the workability factor.

  54. Chris O

    Chris O
    Riverbank, CA

    I love my 695 mb's, no reason to change until my shafts break or the groove are slick!

  55. Warreagle3

    Warreagle3
    Fairfax, VA

    I too fall into the 10 years with a set of irons. Mine are definitely showing their age. I clean them after every round, but a few nicks here and there over the years have made for some rust spots. I've started this year looking into new clubs and going to the demo days. The AP2s were pretty sweet. No matter what I get I'm definitely getting fitted. I did it with my last set and it makes a world of difference. I think this time I'm going to switch over to Project X shafts. What's the general thought between the AP2s vs. the CBs? I'm not quite confident enought to switch to a MB.

  56. John L

    John L
    Seattle, WA

    Still rocking the old DCI blacks from the mid-90's.  Been a long, long time. Looking to finally upgrade soon, as I got these when I was about 15 yrs old, and was never fitted. I imagine when I'm fitted for new clubs, my game could change drastically.

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