I for one cannot believe that I have gone from using immaculate MP33 blades to a game improvement set after 18 years of playing with muscle back clubs.

The PING i3's do exactly what it say on the tin - game improvement, even off a 1 hcp.

They are longer, straighter and spin like silly thru all the irons - why oh why have I tortured myself all these years?

Looking forward to having a full competitive season with them.

Anyone else got a set of these? Whatdo you think of them?

I went for the o-size and not the blades, they seem to suit me better - good enough for Faldo, good enough for me!

Martin,

Got my I3 O-size set yesterday - will be using them for the first time today tee time in just over an hour, looking forward. Having tried them out on numerous occasions on the range but never played them for real I'm looking forward a lot! Playing off a HCP in the high forties I can hardly relate to your blade experience but I'm happy to see that even players a lot better than me are going for O-size as well.

Will get back tomorrow with my first experiences...

From forged clubs to a blob of unfinished stainless casting.

Your not getting on a bit Mart, just lost your sense of style.

I know a couple of decent golfers who struggle on with blades even though they know they could improve their consistency and scores by using more forgiving clubs. They say blades are “more playable” and provide “ better feel “. This is probably true if you are on top of your game but I wonder if at times it becomes an image thing to say “ I play with blades” Also there is no doubt that blades tend to be more attractive clubs and look great popping out the top of your bag! Likewise there are the purists who also won’t use a broom handled putter or Wilson Fat Shafts purely on the basis “ they don’t look right and it’s not golf” Martin, have you parted company with your blades for good or have you given them one last polish before banishing them to the spare room, reassuring them that “it’s just a trial separation and I think we both need our own space for a while?”

Just back from a quick 9 holes and a few celebration beers afterwards. Have to say that I'm already in love with my new set of I3's, they're even easier to hit than the Zing 2 set I've just parted company with. Went from short slicey shots with anything over a 6 iron to longer and pretty much straight with all of them, wierd and pretty wonderful!!! Can' wait until tomorrow where another round is waiting!

have been considering using these "game improvement" clubs as well - don't use blades myself, but my titleist 962's are not exactly the most forgiving club on the market!! i've been looking at the callaway x-14's as possible replacements, so anyone who uses these and has any feedback, would be greatly appreciated.....

Hi Martin,

I've had i3 (blades) for the last year and they work great. Got them custom fitted which probably has a lot to do with it.

Are you flogging the MP33's? I could be tempted (and let the abuse roll in - I know what you are all going to say).

cheers

Mark

MP33's are on a trial separation for the moment. One thing I do notice is that out of the rough, the blades work best, they are sharper and cut through the grass better - and occasionally, I do spend time inthe rough!

They are without any doubts the best clubs available, providing you are on top of your ball striking, the MP33's are also perhaps the best looking blade about too, certainly the best ones Mizuno have made.

I had a lesson yesterday with the PING's and one thing I noticed was I was stepping into theshot and dropping the club way to far on teh inside, whihc would explain a consistent push - once sorted, I hit the crisply, nice and straight and with a bit of venom.

Alan, maybe I have lost my sense of style, teh PING's are nice, but not nice looking and the mizuno's feel awesome, we'll see how it goes for a while!

The biggest difference is in workability, I can't seem to fade is like I used to or shape a nice little high draw. The MP33's were good at that - providing you are playing well.

AND...anyone ever heard of the Snake Eyes "Quick Strike"? What a club that is, i've just binned the one iron in favour of this little beauty, 220 yards carry from the 18 degree model - well worth a look at £99 too.

Hey Mart. £99 for one club? when you've already paid £70 for the Ping.

You could have had a full set of Armour 845's for £199 (better finished than Pings and still a wonderful club) and then thrown 'em away after a season.

Al, dangerous assumption to make there, linking 'Martin' and 'paying for clubs'.

Right - see your point Alex

You might say that - but I couldn't possibly comment!!!

I moved fro mZing 2 to I3 last autumn...bloomin marvelous they are too!

I'm in love with my I3's... shot 46 Stableford points over 18 holes Sunday and played up to my new HCP last night - now if I could only figure out how to shoot my I3 fairway woods without slicing...

I've had my I3's for 2 years now. got 'em after being custom fitted at a Ping demo day.
Best 600 odd quid I ever spent.
Handicap went down 3 shots first year and is continuing to fall.

Only gripe was loft difference between PW and SW. had to buy a 52 degree
Vokey to fill the HUGE gap.

They hardly look a precision instrument when you examine the heads.

Perhaps Ping prove the point - stick a blob of sand casted steel - dont bother to machine or finish it (too costly) stick a name on it that says "this bloke has more money than sense" - and there you go.

Yes guys, I know they work well and the original Ping cavity back concept led the way - but why do they have to look so crap?

Alan, you're right! They're not shiny at all, but I happen to like that sandblasted look ;o)

Also happen to agree that the MP33's are almost sculptural in their beauty, but one can only dream that ones ability will someday match such irons... As it is I get into enough trouble with my Ping's even though they have helped my game since switching from the old "wingnut" Zing's...