[EdZ]

I was feeling the # 3 PP flow DOWN and OUT tonight and I was using my Callaway clone HT perimeter weighted irons. I switched to an old Hogan Apex 3 iron.


WOW! The lag speed and feel of the Hogan Apex went straight were I aimed it like greased lightening. When I hit the clones, they seemed to demand more tracing and less thrusting.

My imagination? Value Golf sells nice clone clubs inexpensively, like Bang-o-matic, Snake Eyes, Dynacraft and they sell forged/ muscle backs, whatever for $200 - $300.

On the other hand, I hit a set of Mizuno game improvement irons a month ago and they were fine and about $900!


Ideas, suggestions?


ICT

A proper fit makes a HUGE difference. I have no problems with clones or any brand for that matter, but if it doesn't fit you it won't matter if it is the most expensive or the cheapest.

that said, blades are no doubt the best for feel, but there are a ton of really good designs out there now that weren't around 10 years ago that can still provide great feedback, and reasonable forgiveness

Aside from feel/feedback, blades are much, much easier to play in the wind - that is the main issue I have with my Ping i5's - very difficult to knock down compared to my MacGregor 1025M's

I once experimented with a cheap set of clone blades off ebay (I think they were like $99 'new'), and I was surprised at how well they played - but I wouldn't play them other than to practice because they were obviously no where near as refined as a name brand blade


bottom line is you simply have to get out and hit a lot of different designs/shafts and work with a good fitter

think of it this way - you can drive an old vw bug, or a bmw, both get you down the road, but one of them is clearly more fun!

(as Ted and Curt can attest from the Barclay's, some of them are REALLY fun)