I'm looking into getting a new set of clubs, MP 30s or 690.cbs are my preference right now. The problem comes in fitting them. I currently play a set of Ping I3 O size that are 1.5" long and 5' upright (maroon). Speaking to the Titleist guy at the 800 number he tells me they can only take the clubs up 2' at most, before the chrome gets damaged. The Mizuno rep says they can take there club up 4' max and wont warranty any finish damage. My current three iron has a lie angle of 65' if I'm not mistaken. Standards for the 690 is 61' for the MP30 its 58'. Is there any hope out there that a guy like me can find a set of forgings that fit me? Should I be concerned at the possible/deffinate damage that will occur to the finish? Can I request the clubs to be bent before going to finish? Any help, thanks

G

Sometimes, it's not the chrome that's damaged, but the carbon steel itself. When clubs are bent that much from their standard from the factory lie, the metal kinks. I would try and custom order a set from Mizuno. 1* isn't a huge difference and you might add a quarter of an inch to the length to make up for that 1* difference in lie angle. BTW, how tall are you? I have a friend who's 6'7" and he plays 2* upright and 1" long.

I also had a set of tour Taylor Made 300 NS that belonged to Hank. His PW was 5* upright when I got it. The clubs looked perfect. Miura forgings might be another option for you to pursue...

And after seeing the new Scratch CBs, I would give them a try. A very clean looking iron. The finish probably isn't applied until loft and lie adjustments are made, which would make them look like they'd never been touched when you got them.

Thanks,

I'm 6'8" 265(quit smoking and gain 30 pounds). I'm going to look into the Miuras and Scratch as well. I think I'm going to see about getting fit again and see we come up with.

Benny, how about the new KZG Evolution Irons in a "Satin" finish. KZG should be able to set these to whatever specs you require.

http://kzgolf.com/forged_evolution.php

I had the same problem. I played I3's at +1" and silver(+4*) upright. Was worried about switching to the clubs I wanted because they didn't go as upright.

I was later told that Pings are a very toe heavy club and people tend to need more upright clubs from them in general. The guy at Ping said 70% of thier fittings are the blue dot, which is +1*.

I now play Mizuno MX-23's at +1/2" and only 2* upright, and I am just fine.

So what you are really saying that short, fat guys don't play Ping ???

Most blade players are athletic and average on the taller side.. club manufacturers would tailor their product to the targetted audience.... what's the bets that Vijays and Ernies clubs aren't 5* upright. Fact is there must be no need for 5* upright blades either by design

or that all the tour guys they fit up have horrible goofy swings and posture, us Amateurs stall tall like Greek golfing Gods.... NOT!

Benny, are you 7 foot tall with 8 inch long arms or something ???

Maybe the PIng fitment guy measured you up with your fist clenched and a pair of Cuban heels on.

:P

No as I said I'm 6'8", not sure of my arm length.

Ernie and Vijay tip the scales at appox 6'2"-6'4". Their equipment is most certainly fitted to them either in comfort or playability or both. They spend hours, days, maybe months (Tiger) to find a club they feel is the best match for them.

Club manufacturers do spend most of there time building clubs for their target audience, ie joe q average. Tour pros don't exactly fit that profile now do they?

"Time is yours"

G