ackman13
Member
I had an interesting experience today. I found a set of MacGregor VIP irons on eBay. They had a stiff velocity frequency matched shafts. I used to have a set of VIP’s in my younger days - that were around 1969 = 1970 vintage. These were the clubs I played when I had 6 handicap. I played my set until some of the faces began getting smooth. These clubs are in great shape. They are 1” longer than standard = which is 1/2” longer than my Hogan PTX irons. Now at 63 years old I have regular flex graphite shaft in my irons. So, I was interested to compare the two iron sets.
The thing that concerned me were the lofts. The lofts were a lot weaker on the MacGregor. I decided to test the 8 irons. The chart I found had the VIP 8 iron loft 43 degrees. My Hogan 8 iron is 37 degrees. I found some disagreement on how much distance I would lose for each degree more. The consensus seemed to be 2 yards per each degree. So, I was off to the PGA Superstore to do the test.
After I warmed up I was hitting my Hogan 8 right around 145 yards. The VIPs were slightly less at 139 to 141 yards. So, the theory of yards per degree of loft went out the door. The strange twist to this test was that when I hit the ball flush (which I did three times) I hit it 145 yards. I hit the VIPs very solid. Obviously, I need to do more testing with all the irons. But I was surprised by the performance and feel. Now, I know why I used to love those irons. One more thought about my test. I never felt that I hit the Hogan 8 iron really flush. I did hit a couple of solid shots that went 150 but I never felt the same feeling or sound when I hit the MacGregor irons. I am not sure whether I didn't hit them as well or if the feel is totally different and he thickness at the bottom part of the Hogans doesn't transfer the the feel as well as the MacGregors. Again, I need to do more testing. However, if the distances remain fairly close throughout the bag I may see how they perform on the course. Well, I may see how they do either way. I did hit the MacGregors higher due to the loft and straighter - probably at least partially due to the loft as well.
Has anyone tried vintage irons? Also, I am wondering why the yardage differences aren’t greater.
The thing that concerned me were the lofts. The lofts were a lot weaker on the MacGregor. I decided to test the 8 irons. The chart I found had the VIP 8 iron loft 43 degrees. My Hogan 8 iron is 37 degrees. I found some disagreement on how much distance I would lose for each degree more. The consensus seemed to be 2 yards per each degree. So, I was off to the PGA Superstore to do the test.
After I warmed up I was hitting my Hogan 8 right around 145 yards. The VIPs were slightly less at 139 to 141 yards. So, the theory of yards per degree of loft went out the door. The strange twist to this test was that when I hit the ball flush (which I did three times) I hit it 145 yards. I hit the VIPs very solid. Obviously, I need to do more testing with all the irons. But I was surprised by the performance and feel. Now, I know why I used to love those irons. One more thought about my test. I never felt that I hit the Hogan 8 iron really flush. I did hit a couple of solid shots that went 150 but I never felt the same feeling or sound when I hit the MacGregor irons. I am not sure whether I didn't hit them as well or if the feel is totally different and he thickness at the bottom part of the Hogans doesn't transfer the the feel as well as the MacGregors. Again, I need to do more testing. However, if the distances remain fairly close throughout the bag I may see how they perform on the course. Well, I may see how they do either way. I did hit the MacGregors higher due to the loft and straighter - probably at least partially due to the loft as well.
Has anyone tried vintage irons? Also, I am wondering why the yardage differences aren’t greater.
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