Mike, your clubs are your tools.  They should be used to their full capacity.  I feel the same way as you do that new clubs are so beautiful that we want to protect them, but I think this is doing a disservice to you and your clubs.  A new model will come out in two years.  And the best way to trade up to the new 718's will be because you've totally used up your new 716's.  So go out and hit them and hit them and hit them so more!  That's what they are for.  Enjoy the 716's!  Happy hitting!

I agree with Vurich. I actually think iron covers are more detrimental to your irons than letting them bang against one another in your bag. If there is any moisture at all your clubs are going to rust...really...really bad on your grooves.

I agree... the only protection you should have is insurance against loss/theft/damage. I've known people who've had their bag stolen and it's happened to and it's my worst nightmare.

Mine are insured on my personal articles policy (same policy as my wife's ring) through State Farm. While I've never had to make a claim, they have told me it's completely separate from my homeowners, it covers loss, theft damage even if it's when I ship my clubs through a shipper for a vacation (I use UPS), there is no deductible and I have all my clubs, my custom bag, my rangefinder and everything that would hurt to have to replace...

I don't like iron covers either but I use the cheap neoprene covers from WalMart.  I just use them on every other one so the uncovered ones just bang on irons with covers.  I know it sounds weird but it works.  I'm on my third pack this year because I lose them like crazy.

If you put iron covers on you lose the beautiful sound they make when your walking and they hit each other.

My best advice is don't it off of a cart path, gravel, big roots, etc. Common sense. Then clean with windex after every round. Windex really cuts through the dirt and keeps the clubs shiny.

Just weave your towel through the club heads and you're set.

I use the imitation leather 'Club Glove' iron cover set and I love them. I use these when my irons are either resting, or when I go the my local driving range for the day. I feel they help reduce the wear and tear on clubs that I spent a lot of money on. During play, I remove all my iron covers and use a towel gently wrapping through or around my iron set, just enough to stop any club chatter.

I like to upgrade every chance I get so protecting my irons is crucial to getting max value for my irons when I resell. I make these custom buckskin head overs for my current 714 MB irons. They are super soft thus great protection and breathe very well plus are pretty much one of a kind.

I agree with Vurich, clubs are like car's despite how much you want to protect them they will suffer injury meaning paint chips and door dings This is the nature of the beast. My club pro's has New AP 716 and if you saw then you would swear they where 3 years old. Go play shoot low have fun.

The day I read first read this topic I didn't think it was a big deal and I wouldn't have to worry about protecting mine, but that evening I went to play and I chipped my 6 iron.

When I know I'm not going to play for awhile I clean my MB 714 irons with soap and water, dry, and finish off with just a touch of wd40 and wipe off. Guards against rust. Am thinking of getting a Bennington bag with separator slots for irons. 

I used to soak my clubs... until I noticed a couple hosels getting loose and that stinks.

Now, I use my utility sink in the laundry room. Fill with slightly warm water to about 2/3 up the clubface with a few drops of dish soap. I put 3-4 clubs in and immediately clean them with a soft bristle brush. They do not soak and they don't need to. They are 100% clean after this. I just wipe them dry with a rag. I use them indoors often hitting against the white projection screen for my simulator so they have to be clean.

I don't use club covers either. Your clubs will get the most damage from hitting using them to hit balls, not from your bag. If you want them to look new, don't use them. My woods are the only thing I keep covered as the paint can easily chip. 

Hi Matt,  We would not recommend soaking the new 716 CB 's in water due to the new multi-material heads.

For the first time ever I've went to iron covers for my 716s, I hate the noise of irons clattering and also the dents they put in, I've got MBs and they're super soft ! After a round I take the covers off to let them breath !

I think it will help for selling on purposes also.

#TeamTitleist

Already has been stated on here for both sides, if you are that concerned you can pick something cheap up at WalMart - I, for one, would hate pulling off a headcover every shot, and am vested into using my irons the way they should. Now if I can only get my wear points to be as tight as the photo that had recently circulated of Tiger back in the day :)

I use iron covers, have done for years.  In fact I'm in the market for some new ones, but can't find any that I like. I use a Motocaddy in the summer, so do really need iron covers.  I carry in the winter (course gets very soft in UK winter) and I hate my clubs banging together so I have to use iron covers.

if I'm spending £600+ on a set of irons I want to look after them!

Mile, iron head covers are a pain in the but.always dropping into the bag or something.But I understand the want to protect them. I agree with the other Todd. A large players towel goes a long way it weaved through the set correctly. Or just draped over top even.

-Todd

Bag chatter is normal. I love them looking nice, but wouldn't be caught dead with iron covers