All posts in Irons

Wilson Staff Black PVD Ci11 Irons

by James on May 12, 2012 in Irons, Wilson Staff with No comments

Geared towards the average player looking to improve his or her game, Wilson has introduced the Black PVD Ci11 Irons.

While we haven’t had our hands on them just yet, we HAVE played the Di11 irons, and can attest to the easy-to-hit nature of these irons. The Ci11’s are no doubt a step in a positive, more ‘game improving’ direction.

A lot of factors went into designing these game improvement irons. The black finish is all about optics. The higher contrast between the club and ball will help with alignment. The finish also helps the club appear smaller, focusing your attention on making a solid hit. The PVD finish also reduces glare from the sun. The clubhead is what Wilson calls ‘optimally’ sized… I take that to mean they’re not too big, and not too small… just the right size for someone looking to make moves into a low-teen or single digit handicap. Perhaps the most important factor (at least when it comes to setup at address) is the thin top line on these irons. Having played many muscle backs for years, I certainly prefer this look, especially if you like to shape your shots. The C11’s set the stage for any golfer looking to take their game to a new level.

Wilson Staff was kind enough to share some press shots with us, please check them out below. After that, feel free to read over the official release. If you have a set of C11’s or are a Wilson Staff junkie, we’d love to get your thoughts.

Wilson Staff Black PVD Ci11 Irons – Photo Gallery

WILSON LAUNCHES NEW BLACK PVD Ci11 IRONS

Striking black irons offer looks, control & distance for ‘crossover’ golfer

Wilson Golf, the most successful irons manufacturer in the history of the game with 61 Major wins, has launched a fourth generation of its award-winning game-improvement Ci (Control) line with the new Wilson Staff Ci11 irons aimed at ‘crossover’ golfers looking to make the transition to the better-player category.

The new, striking black PVD Ci11 irons deliver maximum playability for the aspirational golfer, as well as the power and forgiveness for those players looking for additional technology. The club’s optimal head size and shape continues the award-winning iron tradition, while maintaining a thin topline and moderately progressive offset that suits the eye of the serious player.

The model is the first iron from Wilson with sleek black PVD colouring across the entire set, helping to minimise the visual appearance of the head size and reduce any glare at address – both factors the better player looks for in an iron.

Re-engineered exoskeleton weighting in the Ci11 provides optimal MOI and stability by pulling weight away from the clubface and towards the heel and toe. The striking irons deliver a crisp feel and satisfying sound on impact through a one-piece, soft-response insert concealed in soft 431 stainless steel that helps dampen vibration even on off-centre shots.

Using the latest in club face technology, the Ci11 irons also feature a thinner, harder face that generates stronger ball flight and greater ball speed and distance.

“These irons fit perfectly into our C-style player category and we’re confident that they will deliver maximum playability for the crossover player who also wants additional technology for extra power and forgiveness,” said Bob Thurman, Wilson’s Vice President of R&D.

The Wilson Staff Ci11 irons are available with True Temper TX Flighted steel shafters, Aldila VS Proto II graphite shafts, or with Wilson’s exclusive patent-pending Half & Half shafts (4-PW) at a RRP of £429 (~$689 USD)

For further information about Wilson Staff clubs, visit: www.wilsonstaff.com.

Titleist Introduces Next Generation AP1 And AP2 Irons

by Annie Latham on September 16, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Irons, Titleist with No comments

Titleist just introduced the next generation of its groundbreaking Advanced Performance irons: The 712 Series of their Titleist AP1 and AP2 irons.   Both models are multi-material, dual cavity irons that provide modern ball flight and forgiveness with the traditional looks, feel and sound that serious golfers have come to expect from Titleist irons.

NEW ADVANCES IN THE 712 AP IRONS: The improvements incorporated into the new AP irons came about as the result of continued research that indicated that serious golfers were looking for improvements in three main areas.

  • First, most players wanted even greater refinements to the clubhead’s profile. Both the new AP1 and AP2 models feature sleeker contours that result in a better address position.
  • Players also expressed a desire for more forgiveness, to get more out of their miss-hits, or said another way, better distance control.  Both the new AP1 and AP2 have been improved with internal weighting that utilizes higher density tungsten in order to distribute mass more efficiently which increases the moment-of-inertia (MOI) without changing the CG location or the blade length. The higher MOI provides more consistent ballspeed across the clubface and better distance control. Better distance control leads to more scoring opportunities and is the key to good iron play.
  • The third wish-list item that research uncovered was that players wanted more forgiveness without any loss of workability or shot control. Traditionally it has been thought that forgiveness and workability were mutually exclusive. The new AP irons prove that they are not.

Available beginning November 18, the 712 AP1 irons will  have a suggested retail price of $112 per club/steel, and $135 per club/graphite. The 712 AP2 irons  will have a suggested retail price of $154 per club/steel and $175 per club/graphite.  You can learn more about Titleist irons here.

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Mizuno Launches MP-59 Irons With Ti Muscle

by Annie Latham on September 9, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Irons, Manufacturers, Mizuno with No comments

Mizuno has just launched Grain Flow Forged MP-59 irons with the next generation of their award winning forged Ti Muscle technology. The MP-59s feature a titanium insert forged into the center of the muscle, which provides cavity like forgiveness in a player’s half cavity design.

The MP-59 irons have a traditional MP sized head shape, thus enhancing workability for the accomplished player. With a Tour confirmed sole, and overall compact head shape, the MP-59 irons allow varied shot-making delivery and control for consistent ball striking from the widest variety of lies.

During the elaborate Grain Flow Forging process, the pure Titanium material is forged into the muscle of the MP-59 to deliver a 5% larger Sweet Area compared to the MP-58, the iron that debuted Ti Muscle Technology while taking home “Editor’s Choice” in Golf digest’s 2010 Hot List.

The lightweight characteristics of the pure titanium allow for the ideal amount of thickness behind the impact area to deliver consistent solid feel while simultaneously providing a dramatic increase in perimeter weighting for enhanced playability.

According to their website, the MP-59 irons are ideal for golfers with a handicap of  +2 TO 13.

The SRP for a set of MP-59 irons,  which includes #3 thru PW (46°), is $999.99.

For more information, go to: www.mizunousa.com.

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Cobra’s S3 Irons are the Real Deal

by James on June 15, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Cobra, Irons with No comments

I’ve had the pleasure of striking the Cobra Golf S3 irons for 3 rounds now. And let me tell you… These irons produce a solid feel and penetrating ball flight on each and every shot. They’re the real deal.

With the Cobra S3 Irons, Cobra Golf incorporated something they call their ‘E9 Face Technology’. The E9 technology offers a massive sweet spot. Combine that with a unique multi-material construction, and these irons could be some of the easiest to hit on the market today… and I sincerely mean that. From the first shot through to the last wedge I hit the other day, shots come of crisp, clean and consistent.

An interesting little tidbit about these irons is the actual material used in head construction. The 3 through 7 irons are made of 17-4 hyper steel, while the 8 through lob wedge are made from 17-4 stainless steel. The difference? I suspect the stainless is offers a tad more feel for those scoring shots around the green, and the hyper steel provides a crisper contact, for more distance. Just a hunch, but that’s what is has to be!

The last (and quite unique) feature of the S3 irons is the stepped crescent sole design. You’ll notice the sole design right off the hop if you ever see these clubs on display or in a bag around the course… The design allows for what Cobra calls ‘superior turf interaction’, for consistent and accurate shot making.

Cobra Golf S3 Irons

While all this is well and good, don’t take Cobra‘s word for it. Take MY word for it. I had the pleasure of playing the course on which I learned the game over this past weekend. I’ve looped the course many hundreds of times, and while I’m a decent player, had never carded a round under 75. With the Cobra S3 irons as an integral part of my game, I managed to get around all 18 in one-under par. A 70. I was flabbergasted!

While sitting in the clubhouse with some buddies to reflect on the round (and enjoy a beer), I decided to break down the round… and this is where the impact of the S3 irons became clear. Fairways hit? 6 of 14. Not so good. Total putts? 31. Again, not so good. Greens in regulation? 14 of 18… and the four that I missed… were right on the fringe. So what does that mean? Well, in the end it means my iron shots were finding the target. I was on or around the green, and managed to hole out with 2 putts (on average) to take my par and run. My mid and short iron shots with the Cobra S3’s were on the money, and thank goodness for that!

Stay tuned very shortly for an S3 iron photo gallery. I’m very eager to show off these beauties to you… and as always, an extra special THANK YOU to the good folks @CobraGolf!

Review: Nike Golf Victory Red Pro Blade Irons

by James on May 15, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Irons, Nike Golf with 1 Comment

You know when you put a new club in your hands, strike that first shot, and go ‘woah, baby that’s a sweet club’… That’s exactly what happened to me when I struck the Nike Golf Victory Red Pro Blade irons for the first time. In fact, after my first shot, I flipped the club around, took a closer look at the clubhead, and thought ‘I’m really going to like these’… and I did!

Not only do the VR Pro Blades look great, but they’re insanely consistent, and provide incredible feedback for those that love to shape their shots. For my thoughts on this great set of irons for the lower handicap golfer… please, keep reading!

Low Trajectory

One of the things I dig the most about the VR Pro Blades is the trajectory you get off the face. This became obvious to me when I grabbed a VR Pro Combo 7 iron, and hit alternating shots between it an a VR Pro 8-iron I had handy. The Pro Combo 7 iron went MUCH higher than the VR Pro Blade 8 iron. Imagine that… the 8-iron actually flighted noticeably lower than the 7 iron from a comparable cavity-back set.

The trajectory is low and piercing… but not too low. I loved it because it was consistent… which leads me into my next point!

Consistent Distance Control

One thing that became quite apparent to me after striking my first bucket of balls was this… these irons were deadly consistent. Using the trusty 8-iron as my example (again), I decided to throw down 10 balls and measure the distances. Here’s the spread:

  • Shot 1: 155 yards
  • Shot 2: 156 yards
  • Shot 3: 155 yards
  • Shot 4: 154 yards
  • Shot 5: 156 yards
  • Shot 6: 155 yards
  • Shot 7: 155 yards
  • Shot 8: 156 yards
  • Shot 9: 155 yards
  • Shot 10: 155 yards

Not too shabby… drop the high and low result, and you end up with a spread of… well… about a yard! Awesome.

I know some of you might be saying, ‘that’s ridiculous, you’re not a pro!’… and granted, I’m not. But I’m a decent golfer with a consistent swing, and I shoot in the 70’s with regularity. The conditions on the day of this test were dead calm, and I was striping the shots right down the pipe one after another. The results speak for themselves… for accurate distance control, I HAVE to give the Nike Golf VR Pro Blades a 10 out of 10.

Solid Feel and Feedback

After striking a few shots (including a few bad ones), I came to realize how forgiving (yes, forgiving!) these blades actually are. I’m used to playing blades on a day-to-day basis (in fact, I have a set of Titleist 690.MB’s in my bag right now), so I know a thing or to on what to expect when it comes to forgiveness. In comparison to my Titleists, the VR Pro Blades seem to provide a slightly larger sweet spot on the face. This is nice, because I found I didn’t have to concentrate as hard to ensure I hit it exactly where I wanted in the middle of the face, on each shot… my swing began to flow with nice tempo, and…. well… I really enjoyed striking the ball with this set!

On top of that, the feel and feedback you get with each shot is awesome. At impact, there’s no other way to describe the feeling you get, other than ‘solid’. There’s no vibration, no twisting, no anything… just a solid, pure feel with every strike.

Thin Top Line

I LOVE the thin top line on these clubs. I know this might seem like a minor point for many of you out there… but for those that prefer a great set of blades in the bag, the top line is a huge factor.

At setup, the clubs inspire confidence. They line up square, and just knowing you’re going to get solid feel and feedback with your strike is huge.

Working the Ball

Like to fade and draw your iron shots into those tight pin locations? I’d highly recommend you give the Nike VR Pro Blades a try. Working the ball is easy. I’m not going to sit here and tell you how to hit a fade, or how to hit a draw… if you’ve gotten this far in the review you already know how to do that… 😛

But trust me, once you decide on the shot you want to hit, and line up to execute the shot… These irons are money in the bank. I prefer to hit fades myself, but I found hitting a slight draw time after time, after time… after time… was not a problem.

Stylish and Sexy

If there was an award for ‘sexiest’ irons, the Nike VR Pro blades would be a finalist, without a doubt. They’re a modern take on a classic design, and look stylish in the bag. The numbering on the sole is clean, and the Nike logo on the muscle on the back of the clubhead is just downright nasty (in a good way).

I know in the end, how your clubs actually look has nothing to do with hitting the ball, or shooting low numbers. But if you get a kick out of the look of your clubs, surely that has to be worth a shot or two out on the course, right? Something along the lines of, ‘look good, feel (and play) your best’? (sorry PING)

Pros

  • Ultra consistent trajectory and distance control
  • Solid feel and feedback on each shot
  • Become a real shotmaker. Work the ball left to right and right to left with ease
  • They look great (at address, and in the bag)

Cons

The price. For some, the $895.95 (retail 3-PW steel shaft) price on this set may be a bit too much. That said, all other iron sets in the same category are going to cost you roughly the same amount.

Conclusions

If you’re a low-handicapper looking for a top of the line set to integrate into your game, the Nike VR Pro Blade irons are worth some serious consideration. Trust me when I say you’re going to absolutely love the feel and consistency you get with these bad boys.

If you’re a mid-handicap looking to improve your ball striking, and lower your scores, these may be worth a look as well. Granted, you may have a hard time if you’ve never hit a set of blades before… However, I firmly believe with a little bit of practice these irons could be a huge asset for your game.

High-handicappers, steer clear. That said, if you are looking for some Nike iron love, I’d recommend the Nike Pro Combo irons. The longer irons in this set feature a large cavity back… and as you work your way down to the short irons (scoring clubs), you’ll find a more traditional blade style… the cavity gets smaller and smaller (and eventually disappears) as you work your way through the set.

For more information on the VR Pro Blade Irons (and all other irons offered by Nike), hit up Nike Golf.

Adams Golf Intros Idea Pro a12 Hybrids & Forged Iron sets

by Annie Latham on April 28, 2011 in Adams, Hybrids, Irons with No comments

Adams Golf just introduced their new Idea Pro a12 hybrids and forged iron sets. Engineered to meet the standards of better players, the premium hybrids deliver tour-preferred launch conditions, enhanced playability and a sleek black finish. The superior forged iron set (4-GW) produces exceptional feel and performance on every shot with precisely located centers of gravity and ultra thin faces born from a triple milling process.

Per their announcement, Idea hybrids are ranked as the most-played on the PGA, Champions and Nationwide Tours. Thousands of Idea hybrids have been put into play on tour since their introduction in 2003. The Pro a12 is already in the bags of several players, including Adams Golf staff members Tom Watson and Ryan Moore. An Idea Pro a12 hybrid was also in the bag of the winner of the 2011 Heritage tournament.

The Idea Pro a12 hybrids begin shipping to golf shops May 5 with a suggested retail price (SRP) of $299.99.

For the Idea Pro a12 Forged Irons (4-GW), their forged 8620 carbon steel head construction provides “outstanding control, performance and feedback for the lower-handicap golfer and appeals to better players with a thin top line and improved camber on the sole.” Each head is triple milled (on the face, grooves and cavity) for more exacting performance from club to club. A precisely located low center of gravity and progressive heel to toe weighting provides added stability in the long irons and more workability in the short irons and wedges. The progressive offset through the entire set offers better players superior control and workability of their ball flight.

The irons sets are available right-handed in regular, stiff and x-stiff flexes and begin shipping to golf shops May 5 with a SRP of $1,099.99 for graphite and $899.99 for steel.

Source: Adams Golf

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Photo Gallery: Wilson Di11 Irons

by James on April 12, 2011 in Irons, Wilson Staff with No comments

The Wilson Di11 Sand WedgeWhen Wilson Golf told me they’d like to send a set of Di11 irons our way for some testing… I said… YES PLEASE!… and what do ya know, the Di11 irons have arrived, and they’re just as gorgeous as they look on the Wilson website.

Fitting nicely into the ‘game improvement’ category in the Wilson Staff lineup for 2011, the Di11’s promise many things. Wilson notes these as follows:

  1. The largest sweetspot and highest ball speed off the face than any other game improvement iron. While I can’t attest to this from experience (yet), the Di11’s do look to have a massive sweetspot, and with the large cavity back, I have no doubt there’s tons of room for error when striking shots.
  2. A wide sole and low CG. The soles on these irons are deep. Really deep. So much so, the longer irons (6 and 5) are on the edge of becoming a hybrid… seriously.
  3. Wide tip technology. Check out the pictures in our photo gallery below to confirm this. Note the wide tip technology at the hosel. The wide shaft negates twisting, resulting in straighter shots.
  4. Elasatomeric Coating. While I can’t speak to this from experience (we haven’t hit the range with these yet), I can tell you the clubs do feel solid, and after stroking a few chips and short shots, the vibration is… well, there’s pretty much no vibration.

We’re really looking forward to testing the Wilson Di11 irons out. I have a feeling we’re going to have a lot of positive comments to throw down… However, the low-handicap golfer may want to look elsewhere in the Wilson lineup for a more suitable iron. That’s what we figure… but after a few buckets have been emptied (or 5 or 10), we’ll let you know the low-down.

In the meantime, check out the photo gallery below.

Photo Gallery: Wilson Di11 Irons

Mizuno Launches Swing To Win Challenge

by Annie Latham on April 6, 2011 in Contests, Golf Equipment, Irons, Manufacturers, Mizuno with No comments

On Monday, Mizuno USA, announced the launch of their JPX-800 Swing To Win Challenge, a national contest allowing consumers to put their current irons to the test and experience the significant distance gains that can be realized through their new JPX-800 line of game-improvement irons. To validate its claims, Mizuno Golf recently had 100 consumers take the challenge with 99 of them hitting the JPX-800 6-iron further than their current 6-iron, with the collective group averaging a 12.48 yard increase in distance. Mizuno is now offering golfers across the country the ability to see for themselves at local golf retailers and Mizuno demo events, and the chance to win one of 800 prizes, including a Dream Round of golf with Mizuno PGA Tour stars Luke Donald and Charles Howell III.

From now until June 30, 2011, consumers can visit participating golf retailers or one of Mizuno’s demo events at local golf courses across the country, and take the challenge, comparing the performance of their current 6-iron against a JPX-800 6-iron. The distance gain results and a variety of “swing DNA” metrics are then provided to each consumer, along with a special entry code, for entry at the Mizuno Swing to Win Challenge microsite (www.mizunochallenge.com). Upon entering their Swing to Win Challenge data, each consumer will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of 800 prizes, including the grand prize – an ultimate golf prize package, including an all-expense-paid trip to Atlanta for a Dream Round of golf with a guest and Mizuno PGA stars Luke Donald and Charles Howell III. Other prizes include Mizuno golf equipment and accessories.

Mizuno’s JPX-800 irons were designed to be its most forgiving and explosively long irons to date, and the first model to bring Mizuno’s global JPX technology platform to the United States. The significant distance benefits of the JPX-800 irons are achieved by combining MAX COR Technology, Hot Metal™ Face construction, and an exotic pocket cavity to hit the maximum allowable limits for energy transfer. Simply put, the JPX-800 irons utilize the world’s most advanced game improvement technologies to help the mid to high-handicap players score better than ever before.

Note: Stacy Lewis, who captured her first LPGA tour victory at the first major of the year, defeating the number-one ranked player in the world, Yani Tseng, at the Kraft Nabisco Championship, was using Mizuno clubs. She averaged over 280 yards using the Mizuno JPX-800 Driver. Also in her bag were the JPX-800 Pro irons, the Mizuno Fairway Wood, Hybrid, and MP T-11 wedges.

Wilson Staff Di11 Irons: Review Coming Soon!

by James on March 20, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Irons, Manufacturers, Wilson Staff with No comments

The good folks at Wilson Golf have been in touch with us regarding their Di11 Irons… and good on ’em, as they’re sending us a 4, 7 and Pitching Wedge for testing purposes. The clubs should be in our possession this coming week, and we can’t wait to get our hands on them.

Wilson sets out some hefty claims on the Di11’s. They say the Di11’s have the largest sweet spot on the market. In fact, competitive testing and evaluation had the Di11 irons pegged with a 36% larger sweet spot than any other game improvement irons on the market (this includes iron offerings from TaylorMade, Ping and Callaway). In addition to the massive sweet spot, ball velocity off the club face was also measured at the top of the pack.

The Wilson Staff Di11 irons also feature a wide sole and low center-of-gravity. The weight is packed down low to help the average player get the ball up in the air. The perimeter weighting also promotes head stability and an arrow-straight ball flight.

Wilson has also integrated their wide-tip technology into the Di11 set. You’ll notice how ‘fat’ the shaft is at the hosel… that’s what we’re talking about here. This technology negates a lot of the twisting on off-center hits, promoting a straighter ball flight.

To top it all off, Wilson coats the Di11 irons with a lightweight elastomer to reduce vibration on those nasty off-center hits.

All-in-all, the Wilson Staff Di11 irons look to be leading the way in game improvement irons. How do they stack up? How will they play for the 3 handicap? The 10 handicap? The 20 handicap? We’ll find out once the clubs are in-house… we can’t wait!

Special thanks again to Wilson Golf and the folks at Sports Impact. For more information, read the official launch press release from Wilson Staff below: Continue reading →

The Mizuno MP-68 Irons: Grain Flow Forged Goodness

by James on March 19, 2011 in Golf Equipment, Irons, Manufacturers, Mizuno with No comments

Mizuno irons have long been the cream of the crop. In fact, when Tiger was rising to prominence, I believe he had a set of Mizuno blades, which, Titleist ‘copied’ for him when he played Titleist clubs (someone please correct me if I’m wrong). That said, the Mizuno MP-68 irons are some of the most beautiful blades you’ll find on the market… if not THE most beautiful. If you get a rush from classic styling, look and feel, the MP68’s are the ultimate.

The MP-68 irons incorporate Mizuno’s 3D muscle technology. The muscle design is the result of intensive research, and is designed to deliver a center-of-gravity (COG) much lower on the face to provide a penetrating (and workable) ball flight. If you like driving the ball low, with the ability to shape your shot… the MP-68’s should be on your short list.

The Mizuno MP-68’s also feature a Tour Confirmed sole shape. The shape of the sole allows for just the right amount of turf contact for perfect contact every time.

To top it all off, Mizuno puts the irons through their ‘Grain Flow Forging Process’. This process enhances the flow and tightness of the grains of metal in the head. In the end, this maximizes the strength of the club without sacrificing any bit of feel. When the process is finished, you end up with a buttery-soft shot-shaping delight.

Learn more about Mizuno Grain Flow Forging >

Key features according to Mizuno go a little something like this:

  • 3D Muscle design delivers a penetrating ball flight and unsurpassed ball control.
  • Impact, sound, and feel are optimized through extensive use of Modal Analysis, which separates Mizuno irons from the competition.
  • Patented Grain Flow Forged® 1025E “Pure Select” mild carbon steel provides the ultimate soft, solid, and consistent feel.
  • Durable double nickel chrome plated finish.
  • Modified U-grooves, which conform to Condition of Competition 2010, produce the ideal spin rate for maximum playability in all conditions.
  • Rolled leading edge, flattened mid-sole, and rolled trailing edge deliver consistent striking ability from all types of lies.

For more information, hit up Mizuno, or take a look at the specs and photo gallery below.

Mizuno MP-68 Specs

Club # LH Loft Lie Off Set Bounce Length
(degree) (degree) (inch) (degree) (inch)
3 Yes 21° 59.5° 0.110” 2° 38.75”
4 Yes 24° 60.0° 0.110” 2° 38.25”
5 Yes 27° 60.5° 0.110” 2° 37.75”
6 Yes 31° 61.0° 0.110” 3° 37.25”
7 Yes 35° 61.5° 0.110” 3° 36.75”
8 Yes 39° 62.0° 0.102” 4° 36.25”
9 Yes 43° 62.5° 0.102” 5° 35.75”
PW Yes 47° 63.0° 0.094” 6° 35.50”

Mizuno MP-68 Photo Gallery

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