I recently managed to get a full set of these Hogan Grind irons, 1-SW, with Apex 4 (firm/stiff) shafts from Ebay. I have hit range balls and played one round with them so far. They are the old, classic clublength which is a half inch to a full inch shorter than I am used to. Every shot I hit felt center flush and sweet, except the distances were at least ten yards less than I get with most of my other stiff shaft blades. Even the one iron felt great. Even better was the feel I discovered with the E pitching wedge and the SW. I missed every green short, but got it up and down on each hole with either the E or SW. I only wish I could afford to reshaft them with longer Apex #5 shafts to match up with my set of equally great Speed Slot Apex #5 real woods. Blades and persimmon are hard to beat for playing pure golf.Read full review
My first iron set was a knock off of BH Apex irons (Tour Model) in the mid 1980s. My recollection of then is full of frustrating memories of errant irons shots (shanks - fat – thin – hooks – ringing hands - etc). So, after 20 years of not playing golf (family – career – life). I pick up the game again, and the golf shop assistance recommended game improvement irons - RAC OS. Initially, I liked the big head that exude confidence for some one returning to the game after so long of absence. However, after playing this cavity back irons for few years, and I might add getting better on my game (down to low 90s), I long for the clean classic look of old style blade irons. So, I found this beautiful classic looking Apex Grind irons on the e-bay for only $60, and bought it – thinking if nothing else – I’ll use it at the driving range to give me better feed back on my miss hits, and to simply own a piece of memory from twenty+ years ago. I got that (when I miss hit my ringing hand and the loss of distance will surely let me know that I didn’t connect solidly). But, OH-BOY, when you hit it pure there is no better feeling – effortless, high, long and straight shot. It appears (for now) that I have lost approximately 10 yards on my iron distance (compared to my RAC OS) – but I have gain much tighter control of my iron shots – hitting more fairways and greens with this blade irons than my old cavity backs (when I missed hit with my RAC OS – I’m searching for my ball in the woods; with Apex Grind – I find my ball in the fairway with only loss of distance). Plus, because of smaller size of the head and heavier swing weight, these irons has force me to smooth-out my swing with more focused concentration. I shot my normal score when I play these irons the very first time – and expect my score to go lower as I get used to this classic blade from my past.Read full review
I have played with forged iron blades since I was a teen in the '70's. Left the game to raise my sons and then came back. I dug out my old Wilson Dynapower forged blades as I knew my distances. Haunting garage sales and E-bay I came across some Hogan Redlines and using them on the range, found I hit them much better than my trusty Wilson blades (actually I think it is still the legendary rivalry between Snead, who designed Wilsons, and Hogan all over again). I didn't like the Redline's rounded toe however. Then I bought a set of BH Apex 4 Grinds. Loved them a lot, but found the shafts were cracked when I went to regrip them. Damn, I really "grooved" (pun intended) with these irons. So I got another through E-bay. I heard Hogan himself once commented if he were still actively playing, he would use his Grinds (and legend has it Ben himself worked over a set of Redlines to make the prototypical Grind). And Tom Kite had Grinds in his bag when he won the '92 US Open. Great pedigree in my opinion. For myself, I really groove in hitting Grinds. My swing is butter smooth and I can work the ball (draw, fade or hit relatively straight) even though I consider myself essentially a bogey golfer. I rediscovered my teenage swing and have shot a number of rounds in the high 70's since using Grinds. Their accuracy is deadly. Hogan was a genius in clubmaking in my opinion in addition to his legendary ball striking. There is something about Hogan's unique "blade within a blade" muscleback, the rounded sole, the square toe, the low flange and the pure feel that make ball striking a joy. I do find Grinds get a couple of clubs less than a "modern" club. But if I hit, say a 6-iron; my playing partners ask why I would use so much club. I reply by asking one to take out his 8-iron and put it beside my 6. They are astonished to see the lofts and lies are essentially identical except for maybe the Grind's smaller blade. And we hit each about the same distance respectively. (I call it club inflation.) For me, these really work. Love 'em.Read full review
When I first saw these clubs in 1991 I thought (and still do) that they were the most beautiful iron I'd ever seen. I traded a set of BeCu Pings for a set and haven't looked back. The feeling of hitting a "pure" shot with anything other than a forged blade is only an illusion. And hitting a pure shot with a BH Grind is just a little bit of heaven. The square toe and small head makes you really "dial in" your target. These clubs are not for the meek. You need to really think about your shot. I've played blades from MacGregor, Wilson, Mizuno, and Bridgestone, but still come back to my 'Grinds. Be ready to lose a little distance. These clubs are one of the last to still use the old style lengths, (37.5" 5 iron). You will love the feel of the short irons and be surprised with the height of the long irons. Go on.....be a real golfer, use the blades!Read full review
Wow....just like the set I had in high school...minus graphite shafts. Just what was described to the tee.... Can't wait for the season to start. Thanks...will recomend!!