Tips For Buying a Set of Irons
When choosing a new set of irons it will help to understand the
basic club head designs and the features and benefits of the
make a more educated decision as well.  Here is an overview and
some tips to help you narrow down your choices.  Once you allow  
                                                       
                                            
Golf club manufacturers produce irons for specific types of
golfers, there are almost no golf clubs that are "one size fits all".
For ease of instruction they are generally producing clubs for 3
types of golfers as follows:                                                               
                                                                 
1. Player's irons - Low handicap golfer -shoots 81 or less on a
par 72 course, usually has a high swing speed and draws the ball.
Irons are designed for more control, feel, workability and lower
trajectory.                                                                
                                            
2. Game Improvement irons -  The Mid handicap golfer -
shoots between 82 and 92 on a par 72 course, usually has an
average swing speed and fades the ball.  Irons are designed for a
balance of control and workability and a mid to high trajectory.       
              
3. Super Game Improvement irons - The High handicap golfer
- shoots over 92 on a par 72 course, usually has a moderate to
average swing speed and fades or slices the ball.  Irons are
designed for maximum forgiveness and high trajectory.                   
                                             
Features and benefits:                                                                
                                            
Player's irons tend to have little or no offset, small cavity or
muscle back, smaller head size, thin top line, narrow sole, and a
heavier and stiffer shaft that will launch lower.  All of this helps this
type of player maximize control and feel, has a pleasing look at
address, keeps the ball lower and minimizes drawing the ball too
much.  Try the Titleist AP2 or TaylorMade Tour Preferred.              
                                                                           
Game Improvement irons tend to have an offset head, a cavity
back design for added forgiveness, medium head size, medium
width top line, medium width sole, and a medium to lightweight
shaft with varying flexes that will launch from mid to a high
trajectory.  All of this helps this type of player have a good
balance between forgiveness and playability, allowing for the
occasional mis-hit with minimal penalty and a generally high and
straight shot and best suited for someone who will normally fade a
driver.  Try the 2009 TaylorMade Burner or King Cobra SZ.            
                                                    
Super Game Improvement irons tend to have a stronger
offset, a deep cavity back design for maximum forgiveness,
medium to large head size, thick top line, wide width sole and a
lighter shaft with a softer flex that will launch the ball high and
straight.  All of this helps this type of  player have maximum
forgiveness on off center hits and helps minimize slicing or fading
the ball by making it very easy to square the club face at impact.  
Try the Callaway Big Bertha or Cobra Transition S.                         
                                       
Other considerations:                                                                
                                            
Set configuration - players with slower swings or players looking
for maximum forgiveness should have more hybrids in their sets,
possibly substituting the 3,4,5 and 6 iron with hybrids, players
looking for a little help may choose to replace the 3 and 4 iron
only with hybrids.                                                                
                                            
Custom fitting is also a good idea, be properly fit for the
appropriate type of irons, the lie angle, the length, the grip size
and grip type. All of these fitting variables will significantly affect
the performance of your clubs and your score.

Now that you understand the basics of iron head design and
engineering you will be able to make a more educated buying
decision.       
                                     
Next issue will be tips for choosing a wedge.                                    
                            
Good luck in your search!                                                                
                                            
Any questions or comments regarding the above
information contact: Darcy Schmidt at  905 732 9692 or drop
by Golf Stuff in Welland