How to Choose the Best Golf Irons for Your Game

If you've graduated from the novice stage of golfing and you find yourself in need of having your own set of golf clubs, the most important decision you would probably make is choosing which clubs to include in your set. There are three types of golfing clubs: woods, irons, and putters. Woods are used for very distant shots while putters are used mainly for your last few shots. Irons are used for medium to long-range shots, and the variety of their uses is why they compromise more than half the clubs in a usual set.

What are Golf Irons for?

Golf irons should be best thought of as the compromise between putters and woods as they're often used after woods and prior to putters. If woods are what gets you off your starting point and putters what enable you to make it to the hole, irons are what help you get to the greens.

Different Types of Irons

There are several ways to categorize golf irons, and it's best that you understand the pros and cons of each category as your choice of club can make…or break your game.

Golf Irons According to Distance or Loft

Loft is what makes golf irons have a horizontal to downward direction rather than a singularly upward path. Golf irons labeled one to four have lower lofts or the ability to hit greater distances. 1 to 2 irons, however, are not often used nowadays thanks to the introduction of hybrid clubs in the market, which allow players to have the best of both worlds: a club that's a combination of woods and irons. Those labeled five to seven are considered mid-range while those labeled 8 and 9 are considered short irons.

Golf Irons According to Make

There are two ways for irons to be produced: forging or casting. Forging is an ancient method of shaping iron which neglects the use of molds to attain the desired shape. Forged irons are preferred by veterans and are more expensive than the next type to be discussed.

Clubs made of cast iron on the other hand use molds, and this allows them to have more detailed designs than forged irons. They are considered easier to use than forged irons.

Golf Irons According to Shaft Type

Shaft is the slender tube that you use a handle for your golf club. There are different types of shafts used for irons, and the right choice allows you to make easier and better shots.

Steel shafts are affordable and durable, making it the preferred choice of many. They allow you a constantly easy grip, regardless of the type of iron you're using and the type of shot you're making.

Graphite shafts are for people who wish to add speed or distance to their shots by making their clubs lighter without sacrificing its strength. These however are more expensive and its feel takes a little getting used to.

And lastly, there are shafts that are made from a combination of graphite and steel to give you the best of both worlds. Of course, don't expect maximum benefit and use from both!

Golf Irons According to Design

Just from the name itself, blade irons make you think of sharp and thin shots, and you're right to think that. Blade irons require precision from players, and it's probably why they're more frequently used by professionals than novices. Cavity back irons, on the other hand, have a relatively larger design or space to allow players to make better and stronger shots but not as accurate as those made by blade irons.

If you compare both, you'll realize that blade irons use more brain power while cavity back irons use more brute power. But again, you can choose to buy the combination of both, called hybrid irons, to have an easier time playing.

Other Shopping Tips for Golf Irons

Know your game. If you're only randomly hitting balls then even the best irons won't be able to improve your game. But if you already know which shots you do best and which ones you need more help then the right choice of irons can make your good shots great and your worse shots fair.

Also, consider the prices. Don't invest too much in your first set because you're liable to make changes as you get to know your game better. And lastly, always take the chance to try golf irons out before buying!

Climbing and Aching Joints

Aching joint and climbing go together like salt and pepper. This is a pretty accepted thing, but it doesn't have to be that bad with a little preparation and common sense.o

The sport of rock climbing makes some severe demands on the muscles and joints of the human body. There is a constant strain put on arms and legs. Even the fingers are susceptible to this heavy strain and usage. This is both the benefit and the bane of rock climbing. There is no doubt that the sport leads to increased physical fitness, but if you get to deep into it without adequate preparation, it can lead to painful muscle and joint injuries.

Most people view injury from falls as the most common downside of rock climbing, but statistically, injuries from falls are rare. The safety equipment and climbing techniques make falls rare and short distanced. Although bruising and scraping can occur, that is usually the extent of the injuries. The more common injuries come from too much stress on inadequately prepared muscles and joints.

Complaints from these types f injuries have become more common since the introduction of the indoor climbing venue. Since these are located in urban areas and often close to the user's home, many people have become almost addicted to the thrill of climbing there. For some, it has become a new form of fitness workout. This has led to an increase in painful joints and muscle strains.

The two secrets to combating the effects of aching joints from rock climbing are preparation and moderation. Preparation involves the systematic building up of the strength of muscles and joints by selective exercise. This preparation should begin before the actual rock climbing begins and continue during it. Rock climbing should be a fun and challenging activity, but not necessarily a regular work out. This is the idea of moderation.

It does not matter how fit you are or how much exercise that you do in preparation. Rock climbing puts tremendous stress on your joints and muscles. The well prepared body can withstand this stress and the body's recuperative powers are great. You must, however, allow the body to recuperate between climbing sessions. The pain in your joints is your body's way of telling you that you have overdone it a bit. It can be a serious thing or a minor thing depending on how well you listen to what your body is trying to tell you.

Fly Fishing Gear - What You Will Need On A Fly Fishing Trip

You should really try the great outdoor pursuit and sport of fly fishing, But to get the best enjoyment, you need to have the proper fly fishing gear. You should try to buy the best fly fishing gear available within your budget as it will give better performance and last much longer, You will need items such as fishing clothing, fishing luggage, fishing packs and coolers to fishing vests and fly boxes to keep your fly fishing lures. You will also need small tools such as pliers and clamps, used for removing hooks carefully and for general fishing. Shop around for your equipment including the internet and for discount fly fishing gear. You should try to gather tips and advice from successful fly fishers before investing any fishing gear.

Fly Fishing Accessories etc

There are some useful small tools worth having that make some tasks a little easier, such as nippers and retractors used for trimming your fishing line, a handy sized pair of nippers will also be helpful at times. Additional accessories for your fishing line are strike indicators and floats. You should also invest in suitable clothing such as socks, technical under garments that helps anglers to stay warm and, also jackets and gloves. One would also need extreme waterproof shells to stay dry during rainy weather conditions, you wouldn't wish to spoil your fishing trip by being wet and cold!

In addition, items of apparel that comprises the fly fishing gear ensemble includes hats, gloves and fishing mitts to stay covered during all types of fishing conditions. One would also need layering clothing that is designed from a base layer along with a second layer or third layer that are worn under the outer shell and, thus helps to stay warm. In addition, one would need jackets as well as wading socks that can be worn with stocking foot waders.

One can also use fishing packs that are an alternative to traditional vests and includes blizzard soft coolers that provides easy access to two dozen cans of one's favourite beverage and, are made of multi-layers as well as rugged materials that makes for a wonderful cooler. To carry the pet's food and beverages, one may need travel food and water bowls that are sure to keep the canine companion well fed and hydrated while on a fly fishing trip. Other fly fishing gear includes coyote fly tying kit bag that will hold all the bells and whistles that can also make for a useful holiday gift.

Fly Fishing Boxes


Any experienced angler will tell you it is important to have good quality fly boxes. They should be waterproof and have compartments as well as threader boxes that would suit the serious angler. It is important to keep the flies dry even if dripped in water and, the waterproof fly boxes are ideally suited for such a purpose, starting with a wet 'dry' fly is not a good idea. One would also find other useful fly fishing gear items such as fly lines, fly fishing rod and fly fishing rods reels, leaders and tippet. Some boxes come lined with foam, and you can hook your flies into the foam and arrange them in any order. Fly fishing with the right equipment will make your fishing trips much more enjoyable and rewarding, tight lines!