GrumpyOldMan

I've noticed that the Japanese models are 1º stronger lofted than my new 718 CBs. Is there a reason for this? The American version has a 39º 8-iron which I ordered at 39 and a 43º 9-iron which I ordered at 45. Those adjustments let me not order the matching PW and go straight to the SM7 50-08, 56-08, 62-08 set. One degree stronger would have required a 3º bend of the 9-iron which is not offered because a three degree adjustment begins to alter the characteristics of the sole. And then I wouldn't have bought the set, even though .it would have obviously been all in my head. Everybody is sick of the "jacked loft" discussion--especially younger players--and that's easy to understand. Just for fun, though, look at the lofts on 1930 replica hickory-shafted irons made by Louisville Golf and Tad Moore (readily available on their websites). The numbering system was brand new in 1930--and it was three clubs weaker!

I'm a retiree from New England who played in the 7 to 9 range for years before retirement. Now, with the opportunity to play more often, decrepitude seems to have taken single digit handicaps from my picture forever. Coordination, flexibility, timing, balance, and strength seem to be the only things diminishing, so I just don't understand why my game is sliding. Also, the absence of steel spikes bothers me as much now as when I first had to make the adjustment. I guess I'm not GrumpyOldMan for nothing. But this is a great game that we have. My senior membership that covers golf on weekdays only is a bargain because the non-member-owned club's other facilities are still available on the weekend. Also, the 1906 Donald Ross design, fully restored a century later in '08/09 , is relatively short and senior friendly compared to most other tracks in the area. Two Epon long irons make me a legitimate Tour Spec forum candidate! At 20 and 23º, they're my 1, 2, 3, and 4-irons now, but I've got 18.5 and 23º fairway "woods" essentially overlapping them. Old Grumpy configures a bag his way! I'll await my posts becoming visible so I can meet the other forum members.