I had the opportunity to take a business trip to Fairhaven, literally across the street from Acushnet World Headquarters, and was able to work in an extra day to schedule a iron/hybrid fitting at Manchester Lane. After that was scheduled, my club announced the tour van was coming, so I was able to schedule a wedge fitting a week before the business trip. Working with Brad on wedges was amazing. In my case, my PW wasn't getting enough backspin, so we're replacing that with a Vokey 48 set to 47, as well as adding a 52 to 51, and a 56-10M set to 55. My current SM wedges are standard (fitted myself at sports shops), and taking a 1/2 inch off and 2 degrees upright set the impact area better. All are now spinning over 9500 RPMs and stopping on full shots. I hesitated to even schedule - I didn't think it would matter with wedges.
Next with Troy at ML, he quickly observed I was not feeling the head enough with a 65 g A-flex. We quickly went to TT XP 95, Nippon 970, and KK 85 g graphite. Consistency/improved dispersion went way up, and the heavier weight improved my temp to take out my push right (I'm LH). Now my trouble is all on the left and even that is better. The KK was best with the longer irons, went with that. The 913 H with the 72 S+ was a little longer, but more importantly, stopped shorter and consistent, and also took the push off the table. Sporting goods stores look at the 64 yr old me and point me to super game improvement irons with light weight shafts.
I resolved earlier in the year that I had what I needed, but I must be coming a golf junkie. I was prepared to walk, but darn it, I could see the difference. At least I'm keeping my 58 SM Vokey and only getting 9 clubs. I had 2 key take-aways. They fit to me, not me to what is in stock, and if paying full price for new irons, get fit outdoors. The only reason to buy off the shelf is if the club is 3 releases back and is half-price (if the brand releases 2 upgrades a year). If you are thinking of upgrading, try to at least find the Tour vans or if you can pamper yourself, head to the pro or regional sites. That makes the investment in Titleist as valuable as it can be. These guys were awesome. Not to detract from your local pro who knows you, but internet sales and sporting goods store are not able to provide the personalized service to maximize your investment. A sale price on a Titleist is of no value if it isn't 100% the best setup for you.
Now the worst part - waiting for them to arrive with the club senior tournament next Sunday.