Blades or cavity backs

[acepepper]

I'm an 18 handicapper using standard, quite cheap, cavity back irons. They're ok but I don't get great distance with them. A friend of mine is selling some John Letters Trilogy blades at a reasonable price and I'm tempted. Another friend of mine, (low handicapper) has advised me not to buy them as blades are far less forgiving and not suitable for someone of my standard.

Is there any reason why an 18 handicapper shouldn't use blades? Are they that much more difficult to use?

[pgmetcalf]

Re: Blades or cavity backs

Why not ask for them on approval? That way you get to try them before buying.

I have 3 sets of clubs but the ones I use the most are Slazenger Seve Blades. These are less offset than my cavity backs and allow me to finess the ball better. Having just watched the British Open on TV it appeared that most pros were using blades too. I think the general rule is that blades are more difficult to hit straight than cavity backs. Cavity backs are generally more offset which allows a higher ball flight. Try both if you can.

[acepepper]

Re: Blades or cavity backs

Why not ask for them on approval? That way you get to try them before buying.

I have 3 sets of clubs but the ones I use the most are Slazenger Seve Blades. These are less offset than my cavity backs and allow me to finess the ball better. Having just watched the British Open on TV it appeared that most pros were using blades too. I think the general rule is that blades are more difficult to hit straight than cavity backs. Cavity backs are generally more offset which allows a higher ball flight. Try both if you can.

Good idea. I think I will ask him if I can have a bat with them before I buy. I've seen them and they seem to have a similar offset to my cavity backs. I've just seen the exact same set on Ebay, current bid £80. The guy I'm buying off only wants £25 for his.

Come to think of it, I may as well just buy them and if I don't like them I'll flog them on Ebay.
Thanks for the advice.

[gord962]

Re: Blades or cavity backs

Blades are harder to hit, but much more rewarding when you hit the sweet spot. I think everyone will agree with me that there is nothing like the feeling and the sound of a blade iron hit perfectly....

If you can not hit straight shots with cavity backs, it would be a good idea to stay away from blades. Blades are great for working the ball, meaning you don't need much of an adjustment to hit a draw or fade. If you hit a slice one shot and a hook the next (while trying to hit the ball straight), blades are not for you.

Although, if you are a sucker for punishment, blades will eventually teach you to hit straight. If you do not hit the sweet spot they will tell you. If you swing inside-out just a little bit, you will slice. With feedback that blades give you, you can easily point out your errors. But I will say again, you have to be real serious about improving to go about raising the bar on your game by such torturous methods.

If your handicap is at an 18 because of a few bad holes a round (i.e. 12 pars and 6 triple bogeys) or it's driving/chipping/putting killing your score, you will probably do just fine with blades.

In any event, take them out to the range for a large bucket and if the feel good there, try getting out on the course with them.

[acepepper]

Re: Blades or cavity backs

Well, I tried them today and I've fallen in love!! From the very first shot on the range with the pitching wedge, I knew they were going to be great. The ball just comes off them so sweetly. And so far!! At a conservative guess, I'd say I've added at least ten yards to every iron. Everything about them seems right; the weight, the balance, it's as if they were made for me.

Thanks for all the advice guys. I can't wait to get out on the course with them now.