50 Words or Less

The Mustard Golf app analyzes your swing and creates personalized lesson plans from a library of drills and videos.  A solid way for golfers to focus their practice.  Not a perfect substitute for a real coach.

Introduction

AI is everywhere, from smarter search engines to ChatGPT.  We’ve already seen AI in golf club design, and Mustard Golf is bringing it to golf instruction.  This app has “trained using tens of thousands of 3D motion analyses” so it can watch a video of your swing and deliver a customized lesson plan.  I tested it to see if it can compete with an in-person lesson.

Set Up & Ease of Use

Using the Mustard Golf app is as easy as filming your swing.  You can record your swing directly in the app, or you can film your swing with your phone’s camera and import it.

Once your swing video is in the app, the AI spends a few minutes analyzing it.  As you can see above, the app puts virtual markers on your body to get a clearer idea of how you’re moving.

After the AI has done its magic, you get a report with several scores.  The app gives you an Overall Score, a Swing Path Score, and rates your body and hands in the backswing and downswing.  It also lays our priorities for improvement, tells you what you do well, and then recommends an improvement plan.

Effectiveness

In the Mustard Golf app, your improvement plan starts with a video defining the issue.  This is a really good first step because it eliminates a lot of the jargon and misconceptions.  The instruction comes from Mark Blackburn, a top-rated instructor who is pretty good on camera.

The next step is identifying potential causes of your issue.  This is a nice piece for those that want to understand the swing better.  Also, all the videos are short and to the point – 90 seconds or less.

Finally, you get to the meat of the plan: the drills.  These drills are explained in short videos and written descriptions.  I found the drills to be solid and well-aligned with the problems.  After spending some time with the drills – days or weeks – you upload a new swing to check your progress.

In my testing, Mustard Golf helped to uncover an issue in my swing that I had not been thinking about.  Working on the drills helped me to address it, and I saw really nice results in a short time.  To be fair, the issue and fix are things I’ve worked on in the past, so my results came more quickly than average.

While I think that the Mustard Golf app is a good way to focus your practice and build a swing that is closer toward the neutral, Platonic ideal, it is not a complete substitute for in person instruction.  Nowhere in the app are you able to input your major issue – hitting it fat, slicing, etc.  If you have one troublesome club, there’s not an obvious way to address it.  There’s nothing here for the short game.  The Mustard Golf app is good at what it does, but it has its limitations.

Need help finding a real coach?  Read THIS

Value

The Mustard Golf app is a subscription service that costs $25 per month or $150 per year (50% off).  In person lessons vary wildly in cost, but you’re likely to spend at least $100/hour in my area.  While Mustard is not going to give you the personal interaction and “customization” of face-to-face instruction, it is much more affordable and accessible to every golfer with a smart phone.

Longevity

As I often say about training aids, the longevity of this app is going to depend on the type of golfer you are.  Theoretically, Mustard has an unlimited shelf life (pun intended).  You can upload a new swing every day or every week and keep refining your mechanics.  If you are on a lifelong quest for the perfect swing, sign up for the full year and get to work.  For most golfers, I’d take it month by month, at least to start, to see how you feel about your progress.

Conclusion

It’s unlikely that there will ever be a perfect substitute for a qualified human coach helping you with your golf game, but the Mustard Golf app is an impressive first step in that direction.  If you’re looking to improve your swing and focus your practice rather than bouncing between random golf tips, this app is worth trying.

Visit Mustard Golf HERE

The post Mustard Golf App Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The PXG Xtreme Tour golf ball is a softer ball that provides maximum distance for players under 95 MPH swing speed.  The PXG Xtreme Tour X has a firmer feel, more short game spin, and more speed for faster swinging players.

Introduction

Early last year, PXG showed that they’re as bold as ever, entering the competitive world of golf balls.  The PXG Xtreme golf ball [review HERE] proved to be a strong performer, and was consistently in my bag the last two seasons.  As we reach the end of 2024, PXG is doubling down on their commitment to golf balls with two new models: PXG Xtreme Tour and PXG Xtreme Tour X.  I tested both to see how the company has improved on the original.

Feel

For feel off the putter, the new PXG Xtreme Tour and PXG Xtreme Tour X golf balls bracket the original Xtreme.  The Tour X is firmer, and the Tour is softer.  Using a milled, stainless steel putter, the Xtreme Tour is quiet, low-pitched, and soft, even on longer putts.  In contrast, the Xtreme Tour X is firmer with a louder, crisper impact sound.  The gap between the two new offerings is a little above average for the difference in feel between a given OEM’s Tour balls.

Off a wedge or iron, both balls are more crisp and responsive than soft.  There’s a clear difference between the Tour X and the Tour – the Tour X is louder and firmer – but both produce a robust “click” when struck with speed.

If you like compression numbers, PXG reports that the new balls are both softer than the original.  The Xtreme had a compression rating of 110 with the new Tour X at 108 and the Tour at 97.8.

Short Game

In my wedge testing, I found that the PXG Xtreme Tour X spun measurably more than the PXG Xtreme Tour golf ball.  Both provide excellent short game spin and are in the same class with the highest spinning Tour balls.  The gap between the two was not huge, but it was consistent across pure strikes and mishits.  As I often say, I don’t think that the difference would be obvious on the course, but players looking for every least revolution should opt for the Tour X.

PXG continues to be an industry leader in sharing data, loading their website with numbers from their golf ball testing.  Their data – based on a 60 yards pitch with a 56 degree wedge – shows that the Xtreme Tour X is the highest spinning in their line up, outpacing the Xtreme Tour by about 200 RPM.  They also provide a comparison to several Pro V1 models, showing that PXG balls produce a little more ball speed, higher apex, and very similar spin (7 RPM difference with the Tour X vs. Pro V1x).

It’s always worth remembering that robot testing is, like anything else outside of your personal fitting and testing, just one consideration.  It is not the alpha and omega.

Finally, it’s very interesting to note that PXG shows a difference between the performance of the PXG Xtreme Tour and the PXG Xtreme Tour Yellow.  The yellow version is the lowest spinning – about 70 RPM less than the white Xtreme Tour in the wedge testing.

Long Game

In my iron testing, both PXG Xtreme Tour balls provided the kind of performance that I expect from a golf ball in this category.  They had strong, consistent ball speed and ample spin.  The gap between the two was small with the irons, but there was a bit more spin with the Tour X.  Moving to the driver, I found a little more distance with the Tour X.  The ball speed was, on average, a touch higher, and the small amount of extra spin didn’t hurt me because I’m naturally low spin.  For the small boost in yardage, I’ll game the Tour X over the Tour, but I wouldn’t consider the Tour short or unplayable.

Turning to PXG’s numbers, they show the Xtreme Tour X with small ball speed edges over the Xtreme Tour (0.2 MPH with 7I, 0.5 MPH with driver), and both being faster than either Pro V1 (the largest gap is 1.3 MPH).  Spin rates are very close – the Tour X spins about 250 RPM more than Tour with a 7I, 70 RPM more with driver.

At 100 MPH, these differences translate to a 2.5 yard advantage for the Tour X which is also 5 yards longer than the original PXG Xtreme.  With an 85 MPH driver swing, the Tour is reported to be 1 yard longer than the Tour X.

Also, PXG reports a difference between the white and yellow versions of the Xtreme Tour.  The yellow version spins a little more with the 7I – 60 RPM – and a bit less with the driver – 64 RPM.

Conclusion

The original PXG Xtreme golf ball wasn’t an experiment, it was a warning shot to the rest of the golf ball market.  With the Xtreme Tour and Xtreme Tour X, PXG shows that they’re committed to making an impact in this competitive sector with two premium offerings geared toward different feel preferences and players with varying swing speeds.

Buy PXG Xtreme Tour Golf Balls HERE

The post PXG Xtreme Tour & Xtreme Tour X Golf Ball Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal Pro irons are very long.  Good forgiveness, but not equal to the Hot Metal.  Dramatically reduced offset makes them more workable.

Introduction

The Hot Metal Pro has been one of my favorite iron models since it was introduced over five years ago.  It does something that I think should be obvious: pairing lots of ball speed and forgiveness with reduced offset.  The fourth iteration, the Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal Pro, looks to tweak that formula a bit with a slimmer profile.  Did this change perfect the recipe with or ruin it?  Let’s find out.

Looks

In the picture above, the Hot Metal Pro looks fairly big.  While I won’t try to convince you that it’s anywhere near a blade, it is much smaller than the standard JPX925 Hot Metal [review HERE].  Per Mizuno, the Pro is 4.5 mm shorter heel to toe with a top line that’s almost 1 mm thinner (comparing 7I to 7I).  The hallmark feature – the reduced offset – is still present.  There is as much as a 0.74″ difference in offset between the Hot Metal Pro and the standard Hot Metal.  What is similar between the two models is the very rounded shape.  This isn’t my preference, but that’s entirely a matter of taste.

The Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal Pro irons are step backward from the JPX923 Hot Metal Pro [review HERE] with regard to how they look in the bag.  To me, the shape of the cavity is clunky, and the branding inside is congested.  If the stripe running across the middle of the cavity is essential to the performance, Mizuno should have done a better job designing around it.

Sound & Feel

The Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal Pro irons are made of the same Nickel Chromoly as the standard JPX925 Hot Metal, so it makes sense that they have a lot in common with regard to sound and feel.  Both irons are louder than average.  My notes describe the sound of a good strike as “thump/clack.”  It’s not a harmonious tone, but it does sound powerful.

To me, there is a slight improvement in the feel of the Hot Metal Pro over the standard.  Both are medium-firm, but the Pro feels more solid behind the hit.  I would not go so far as to agree with Mizuno’s assessment that this is a “tour preferred” feel.

Feedback on this JPX925 Hot Metal Pro is clear and fairly precise.  The sound becomes duller on mishits, and you can feel the impact location through your hands.

Performance

With the same materials and the same specs, the Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal Pro irons have the same excellent ball speeds as the standard JPX925 Hot Metal.  Smash factors on centered shots are in the mid 1.4s, which is outstanding.  For peak speed, these are among the best out there.

That speed translates to a lot of distance via mid-low spin and medium launch.  For me, the Hot Metal Pro launched a little higher than the Hot Metal, though I can only attribute that to my personal interaction with the club since both sets have the same lofts.  Though the Pro launched a little higher, the landing angles were still too shallow once I hit the 6I.  As with the Hot Metal, I would advise anyone who isn’t high launch/high spin or doesn’t have above average speed to pay very careful attention to fitting these long irons.

Another thing to consider is that there is a meaningful drop in forgiveness when moving from the Hot Metal to the Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal Pro irons.  According to Mizuno, the Hot Metal is for “Mid to High” handicaps and the the Pro is for “Mid to Low.”  While this is still a forgiving club – small mishits should find the green – it’s not on the same level as the standard version.

What is gained from giving up this forgiveness is workability.  With a smaller blade length and much less offset, I found the ball flight easier to control.  Flighting the ball up and down still requires some effort due to the thicker sole, but it’s much easier to access a cut and control the draw.

Finally, pairing the Hot Metal and Hot Metal Pro irons in a combo set is easy because they share the same loft, lie, and length specs.  While it’s easy to do, I would only suggest it for players who hook their short irons, slice their long irons, or do both.  Because the biggest difference in the scoring irons is offset, I think most players who need the Hot Metal in the long irons would do well to stick with them all the way through.

Conclusion

If you need help with distance but already hit the ball straight, the Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal Pro irons were made for you.  The fourth generation of this set trades some forgiveness for a slimmer look, but it retains all the ball speed that makes this line a favorite among recreational players.

Support Plugged In Golf, Buy HERE

Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal Pro Irons Price & Specs

The post Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal Pro Irons Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The TRUE Linkswear OG Cush golf shoe gets back to the company’s zero heel drop roots.  Out of the box comfort.  More structure than previous OG shoes.  Surprisingly good traction.

Introduction

In their fifteen years of existence, TRUE Linkswear has undergone massive growth and immense evolution.  But in spite of all the change, they’ve never forgotten their roots.  The shoe that started it all was a natural motion, zero heel drop, ultra-wide toe box creation that broke every mold for golf shoes.  TRUE has always had such a shoe in their lineup, but they’ve always aimed to make it better.  The latest Original is the TRUE Linkswear OG Cush golf shoe, a zero drop shoe built for comfort.

Looks

TRUE has mastered the art of designing a golf shoe that doesn’t scream “GOLF!”  While this isn’t TRUE’s most go-anywhere shoe – that’s probably the FS-01 [review HERE] – I’ve worn the TRUE Linkswear OG Cush to the course, to the bar, on errands, and more.

That isn’t to say that the OG Cush lacks visual interest.  The mix of materials draws your eye around the shoe.  There’s a subtle color change at the bottom of the laces which is a really elevated touch.  TRUE also uses the contrast colors to great effect, giving a pop to the heel loop, sole, or stitching, depending on the colorway.

While no one would confuse the new TRUE Linkswear OG Cush with TRUE’s first shoes, the small callbacks are catnip for the faithful like me.  The black and red colorway and the placement of the red “T” logo on the outside of the forefoot bring me back to the first time I put on a TRUE.

The TRUE OG Cush is available in five colorways: black (shown here), grey, white, Patriot, and PNW Grey Day.

Comfort

One thing you know you’re going to get with TRUE is out of the box comfort.  There is zero break in period for the TRUE Linkswear OG Cush.  You won’t find a single hard surface or pressure point inside this shoe.

The fit of the OG Cush is true to size, and the toe box is “extra wide.”  According to TRUE, it fits up to a EEE.  My foot is average in width, and I felt there was a little extra room, but I wasn’t swimming in the shoe.  Also, TRUE did a great job with the padding around the heel.  Its not obtrusive or over the top, but there’s enough cushion that you could wear these sockless and be very comfortable.

What gives the TRUE Linkswear OG Cush its name is the Wanderlux Cushioned midsole.  There is a 6mm layer of foam cushioning underfoot that provides a little separation from the ground.  Like the heel padding, it’s not overdone, but it’s a notable difference from previous TRUEs.  This makes the walk more comfortable without sacrificing the zero drop, barefoot feel.

Performance

The TRUE Linkswear OG Cush gets back to TRUE’s original zero drop roots.  While they’ve always stayed low to the ground, more of their recent designs have some heel drop – typically 6 mm.  The OG Cush puts your foot firmly, evenly on the turf, which, for me, is the way it ought to be.  I feel more balanced in the OG Cush, even compared to other TRUEs.  They give me a connection to the turf I can’t find when my heel is elevated.  In addition to being zero drop, the sole of the OG Cush is very flexible, allowing for truly natural motion.

In addition, the TRUE Linkswear OG Cush is extremely light.  It’s 2 ounces lighter than Original 1.2 [review HERE], and only 0.4 ounces heavier than Knit III [review HERE].  For the walking golfers, those extra ounces add up over the course of 18 holes.  With the OG Cush, you’ll feel more energetic throughout the round, never like you’re dragging your feet.

One thing that surprised me about the OG Cush is that it feels more structured than previous TRUE Original designs.  This is not a “structured” shoe along the lines of a FootJoy, but it’s also quite far from the aforementioned Knit.  I felt a lot of lateral support for my swing, keeping my foot tightly connected to the shoe and the ground.

The one thing that had me a little worried about the TRUE Linkswear OG Cush was the sole.  The dancing Ts of the “OG grip tread” are a vibe, but they don’t look like they’re going to dig into the turf the way TRUE’s normal sole does.  However, I should have known better than to second guess TRUE: the traction is solid.  Playing in decent conditions, I had no issues whatsoever.  These shoes are not waterproof, so traction in the wet is a non-issue.  For a waterproof TRUE, I play in the Lux G [review HERE].

Conclusion

While the name might imply otherwise, the TRUE Linkswear OG Cush has something for newcomers as well as longtime fans.  Original fans will love the zero drop, but the additional cushioning and lateral support will make this a more comfortable transition for those new to natural motion.  For me, these are instant gamers, the shoes you’re most likely to see me in on the course for the rest of this season.

Buy the TRUE Linkswear OG Cush HERE

The post TRUE Linkswear OG Cush Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge is a high spinning, strong performer.  Unique copper finish is a head turner.  Five sole options allow any player to take advantage of the high toe design.

Introduction

When high toe wedges first started appearing on the scene, some people wrote them off as a fad.  Five years later, with major OEMs like TaylorMade making them a regular part of their line up, we can see that’s not the case.  The TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge is, obviously, their fourth entry into this segment, and it makes a strong case to be your go-to short game tool.

Looks

Typically, when a new club comes out, we trumpet all the big changes that were made.  With regard to the look of the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge, my favorite thing is what they didn’t change: the finish.  Just like the Hi-Toe 3 wedge [review HERE], the Hi-Toe 4 has a rich copper hue.  Right off the rack, there’s pleasing variation from dark brown to shiny new penny, and that patina will only deepen with time.

That copper theme – which also brings to mind vintage TaylorMade clubs like the Bubble Burner – is carried through to the custom shaft band and Lamkin Crossline grip.  I love to see OEMs putting this kind of effort into the complete look of a club.

In the bag, the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge has a similar look to the Hi-Toe 3, but it’s been cleaned up a touch.  The back of the wedge is blank except for “Hi-Toe” on the toe pad.  The milling is the star of the show, with marks covering the sole, the toe pad, and the inside of the cavity.

At address, the namesake feature is what stands out most.  There is a lot of hitting area, which should embolden players to take on exciting short game shots.  That entire surface is covered in grooves in lofts 54 degrees and higher.  Across the lofts, the shaping of the face changes noticeably.  The 60 degree has the most rounded face and the tallest heel, making it look the largest.  The 56 degree has a straighter leader edge, though it’s still gently rounded.

For players that want a one-of-a-kind look, TaylorMade is offering the MyHi-Toe 4 Wedge program.  This opens up three additional finishes – raw, black, and chrome – as well as the ability to have the wedge stamped and paint filled to your preferences.

Sound & Feel

Another trait that carries forward into the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge is the raw face.  This was seen on the Hi-Toe 3 and the Milled Grind 4 wedges, and it helps these clubs to produce a medium-soft impact feel when striking a premium quality golf ball.

The feel of impact is slightly at odds with the sound, which is louder than I expected.  That’s not inherently good or bad – some players like a more responsive audio cue – but the crisp “snap” of impact did surprise me.

Feedback from the Hi-Toe 4 is good through both the hands and ears.  My hands understood where on the sizable face I was making contact, and the sound of impact changes from good to poor strikes.

Performance

With five sole options, TaylorMade has given golfers more reasons to switch to a high toe wedge.  This is a notable expansion of the line – the Hi-Toe 3 had only High, Standard, and Low Bounce options.  Also interesting is that the soles offered in the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge don’t match those in the MG4.

The five grinds are labeled ATS, ATC, ATV, ATX, and ATW.  ATS is the only sole offered at every loft.  This is the do-it-all sole made for “all conditions” and “medium divots” according to TM.  The lowest bounce option, ATC, is available at only 58 and 60 degrees.  It’s the thinnest sole, and it’s meant to provide more versatility on firm turf.  The other three grinds are offered at 56, 58, and 60 degrees.  ATV features a concave sole which creates a unique turf interaction.  ATX and ATW are the two highest bounce options at 12 and 14 degrees, respectively.  They’re also the widest soles, though each has some leading edge relief to give them more versatility.

While some might look at the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge and say there’s “only” 6 degrees of difference between the highest and lowest bounce soles, I would point to that as evidence of how misleading – or at least incomplete – that specification can be.  There’s huge variety in how these five soles interact with the turf.  The ATW offers a lot of insurance against digging where the ATC has just a little.  On the other hand, players who want to open their wedge off tight lies will appreciate the low leading edge and thin sole of the ATC.  The ATS is likely to perform well for any golfer, but you should try them all if you want to get the most out of your short game.

It’s also worth noting that these soles are all milled.  The reason for that is consistency.  If you pick up two 60 degree ATV wedges, the soles will be identical.  When you wear out a wedge, you can pick up an exact replacement and know it will feel the same in the turf.

Another change in the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge is the expanded toe pad.  This further elevates the center of gravity and enhances the stability of the wedge.  A higher CG promotes lower launch and higher spin and is one of the big performance reasons for choosing a high toe wedge.

Speaking of spin, the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge produces plenty of it.  The combination of high CG, a raw face, and Spin Tread technology place this club among the highest spinning wedges I’ve tested.  Spin Tread technology – seen also in the MG4 wedge [review HERE] – is a laser etching between the grooves designed to keep spin high in wet conditions.  It proved effective in my testing – I saw minimal spin loss when spraying the ball and club face with water.

Conclusion

Whether you want to go high toe at every loft or just in your highest lofts, the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge gives you outstanding performance.  The five different soles will allow players to pull off dramatic shots in any conditions, and the unique copper finish will always look great in the bag.

Support Plugged In Golf, Buy HERE

TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 Wedge Price & Specs

The post TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 Wedge Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The Square Golf launch monitor is fun, easy to use, and has strong accuracy.  Swing Stick adds the ability to use this anywhere.  Fun simulation.  Good value.

Save 10% with code PLUGGEDINGOLF.  Shop HERE

Introduction

After an explosive 2023, the personal launch monitor category has taken a breath in 2024.  But as we start to look to 2025, we have received one exciting new entry: the Square Golf launch monitor.  Thanks to the innovative Swing Stick, this is a launch monitor that you can use anywhere and anytime.  In this review, I’ll explain whether or not that’s enough to vault Square Golf to the top of the list of personal launch monitors.

Set Up & Ease of Use

The Square Golf launch monitor is a fairly small device with minimal buttons and no screen.  After charging the launch monitor and downloading the app, getting it up and running is very simple.  The connection from device to app is strong and is established quickly.  Additionally, the app – which I will discuss more shortly – is responsive and intuitive.  One thing I particularly like is that you can use your Square Golf LM without creating an account or logging in.

The one complaint I have about this device is that it can be difficult to get your ball into the hitting area.  The hitting area is fairly small – not quite 6″ X 6″ – and there’s no indication on the device as to whether you’re too close, too far, etc.  There is a small indicator on the bottom of the app, but this isn’t explained in the manual – I found it on my own.  On the positive, there is a light and an auditory cue that let you know when you’ve positioned the ball correctly.  Once you’ve found the right spot, it’s easy enough to find it again.

The Square Golf App

The Square Golf app is wonderfully inclusive, working on PC, tablets, and smart phones and with Apple’s App Store, Google Play, and Windows.  My testing was done on an iPhone, and I found the app to be excellent.  The menus are clear and easy to understand.  There are a nice array of customizations and settings, but it’s not overwhelming.  You can get up and running in just a couple taps.

The Square Golf launch monitor app offers several modes of play.  In Graphic Mode, you’re on a seaside driving range, watching your shots fly through the air with a shot tracer.  Ball data is displayed along the bottom: ball speed, direction, spins, and distances.  You can customize this mode with multiple camera angles.

Data Mode is similar, but it trades the shot tracer graphics for an image of impact and club metrics.  You get the same ball data, but this mode adds club data: swing path, face angle, dynamic loft, and angle of attack.

Closest to the Pin Mode gamifies your practice with a challenge.  You can set the distance from 30 to 150 yards, and you can select the green speed.  To make your practice more realistic, you can have the app randomize the distance after each shot.  Dynamic camera angles makes this feel like a video game, in a good way.

Finally, there’s a Putting Mode, which is somewhat unusual in launch monitors at this price.  As with Closest to the Pin, you can choose the distance (5 to 50 feet) and the green speed (8 to 13).  You can also opt for fixed, increasing, or random distances.

Square Golf Simulation

At the time of this writing, the Square Golf launch monitor offers ten simulated golf courses with ten more on the way.  In the app, you can choose your green speed and play with up to four players.  The graphics are good, and there’s nice variety among the ten courses.  More importantly, play moves along quickly thanks to the simple controls – you select your club, tap the screen left or right to adjust your aim, and swing.

That brisk pace of play makes this some of the most fun simulated golf I’ve played.  One piece of advice: I would strongly recommend getting a stand for your phone or tablet if you’re going to play a lot.  Bending over before every shot to change clubs, adjust your aim, or take a closer look at your numbers isn’t much fun.

When it comes to cost, the Square Golf launch monitor takes a unique approach, charging by the hole.  Each hole costs 1 credit, and you get 1,000 credits with your purchase.  Credits cost between 4 cents and 2.6 cents, depending on the amount you buy.  While I’d prefer an upfront cost or that simulation simply be included, the cost of less than $1 per round seems negligible.

Square Golf Swing Stick

Perhaps the most unusual thing about the Square Golf launch monitor is the inclusion of the Swing Stick.  The Swing Stick is roughly 27 inches long with a proper golf grip and a rectangular, mirrored device on the other end.  The purpose of the Swing Stick is to allow you to use this launch monitor in conventional indoor settings – those without nets or the ceiling height to swing a full club.

You can use the Swing Stick in any mode – driving range, putting, or simulated golf.  Swinging it is a little jarring at first due to the unusual length, weighting, and the “click” of impact, but I got used to it fairly quickly.

In putting mode, I found the Swing Stick very accurate.  For full swings, I think the Swing Stick is accurate with regard to dispersion, but the distances simply are what they are.  It does seem to accurately measure your swing speed, but most of the distance equation is what club you select.  I would advise you spend some time on the range with the Swing Stick before you take it into golf simulation.

Overall, I think the Swing Stick is a fantastic addition to the Square Golf launch monitor.  There are loads of people who would love to play simulator golf but don’t have the space.  This is a solution to that problem.  For those who really want to get serious, I could even see having two Swing Sticks – one with a putter grip, one with a swing grip.

Value

The Square Golf launch monitor retails for $700.  You can save 10% with code PLUGGEDINGOLF.  Shop HERE

This is a good price.  It’s well above the value king, the SwingCaddie SC4, at $390 [review HERE], but it’s on par with favorites like the Garmin R10 [review HERE] at $600 and the MLM2PRO [review HERE] at $700.  On the other hand, it’s a fraction of the cost of the SkyTrak+ [review HERE] at $2,700 and the Full Swing KIT [review HERE] at $5000.

If you have a great indoor practice set up where you can hit balls, the Square Golf deserves to be considered among the others mentioned above.  If you don’t, the Square Golf stands alone for its ability to unlock indoor golf.

Conclusion

It would have been easy for Square Golf to design a strong app and roll out another basic launch monitor.  Instead, they’re offering something genuinely novel with the inclusion of the Swing Stick.  If you want to unlock the ability to play simulated golf anywhere and upgrade your practice with strong performance data, check out the Square Golf launch monitor.

Save 10% with code PLUGGEDINGOLF

Buy the Square Golf Launch Monitor HERE

The post Square Golf Launch Monitor Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The Ram Axial Forged irons offer skilled ball strikers a great set at a very affordable price.  Lofts are strong-traditional.  Added help for thin strikes.  Plenty of shot control.

Introduction

Two years ago, I had the opportunity to test the Ram FX77 irons [review HERE].  They performed impressively, but the real headline was unbelievable ratio of performance to price.  The new Ram Axial Forged irons seek to carry that formula forward for the aspiring and better players, and I tested a set to see if they succeeded.

Looks

In the bag, the clean, premium look of the Ram Axial Forged irons belies their affordable price tag.  The cavity is full of discreet mill marks.  Ram branding is minimal, allowing the eye to focus on the interesting geometry of the cavity and the two finishes.

At address, this set has a players look with medium-thin top lines and below average offset.  The blade length is average for a players iron – just big enough to provide a little confidence at address.

Finally, you can see above that the shape of the face becomes more rounded as the loft increases.  The 4I (above, left) has a more angular look, but the pitching wedge (above, right) is substantially rounded from the hosel to the toe.  Throughout the set, the leading edge remains straight.

Sound & Feel

The Ram Axial Forged irons reward premium strikes with a clear, crisp “click” that leaves no doubt about the quality of your swing.  With a forged 1020C steel head, these irons transmit a feel that is more solid than soft, but it’s clearly the feel of a pure shot.

This set is equally forthright about mishits.  Strikes away from center, particularly those low on the face, get louder.  The sound is also a bit uglier, more “clack” than “click.”  Interestingly, the feel does not change as dramatically.  Mishits don’t feel as good as pure strikes, but they don’t sting or firm up.  Locating the impact spot is easy with moderate attention.

Performance

I had the opportunity to test the Ram Axial Forged irons side-by-side with the MacGregor MT-Pro irons [review HERE], and it showed what an amazing time it is to be a golfer, at least from the perspective of equipment choice.  For the skilled ball striker, both of these are great sets at affordable prices, but the small differences make them each compelling in their own way.

Starting with the basics, the Ram Axial Forged is a fairly traditional players irons.  It will turn small misses into good shots, but you need to stay near the sweet spot for the best results.  On center, it gives you tremendous shot control.  It’s easy to flight the ball up or down, and there’s plenty of spin for shaping shots and holding greens.  The three to five degree gaps between clubs produce consistent, sensible distance gaps, though you do need above average speed to maximize the 4I.

If you think this sounds a lot like my review of the MT-Pro irons, you’re right on, but there are three key differences.  First, the Ram Axial Forged has noticeably more offset.  The offset is still below average, but for players that want to see a little offset, this set will be more comfortable.  Additionally, the lofts are one degree stronger throughout the set.  While this is not a night-and-day difference by any means, I did see a measurable difference in my launch monitor testing, especially in the longer irons.  The Axial Forged produced a bit less spin which led to slightly longer shots.  If you tend to hit a higher ball, this set could offer more distance and more control.

Finally, the Ram Axial Forged irons offset that slightly stronger loft with a wider sole and lower CG.  Again, this is not a day-and-night difference, but it’s noticeable when they’re side by side.  This wider sole helps the Axial Forged to perform a bit better on thin strikes.  It also gives a little more protection against digging into the turf.

Conclusion

The FX77 irons created many new Ram fans that weren’t even alive during the brand’s heyday.  As those players improve, I can see many opting into the Ram Axial Forged irons.  This set delivers the same tremendous value as the FX77 for the player who is a consistent ball striker seeking shot control and classic looks.

Visit Ram HERE

Ram Axial Forged Irons Price & Specs

The post Ram Axial Forged Irons Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The Titleist GT3 fairway wood delivers excellent versatility – off the tee, off the turf, and into the green.  Lots of ball speed and strong forgiveness.  Adjustable hosel and weight allow it to work for a wide variety of golfers.

Introduction

Whether you’re looking for a traditionally lofted 3W or one of the trendier higher lofted fairway woods, most of us want versatility.  Fairway woods earn their spot in the bag by providing a blend of distance and precision, value off the tee and for second shots.  The new Titleist GT3 fairway wood has all that versatility with hefty doses of forgiveness and adjustability to boot.

Looks

When a club is named “Generational Technology,” you might expect a look that’s dramatically different than what came before it, but that is not the Titleist way.  The Titleist GT3 fairway wood still has the classic, traditional good looks that players expect from the brand.  At address, the head is just below average in size with a slight pear shape, and the face is among the deepest or tallest I’ve measured.  The gloss black crown is only interrupted by the small “GT” alignment aid because the Seamless Thermoform Crown leaves no trace, as the name implies.

In the bag, the GT3 fairway wood is even more understated than its predecessor.  Almost the entire sole is black, with just a wisp of silver under the “GT3” branding.  The SureFit Adjustable CG Track System is extremely subtle, masking the fact that this is a very adjustable club.

Comparing the Titleist GT3 fairway wood to the GT2 [review HERE], I found that they were more similar than different.  There is a difference in volume – the GT2 is larger – but my eye felt that the difference was more in shape than size.  The GT2 is closer to symmetrical with a little more bulk toward the heel than the GT3.

Sound & Feel

I loved the whisper quiet impact sound of the TSR3 fairway wood, and the Titleist GT3 fairway wood is just as understated.  What has changed is that the GT3 has little to no metallic characteristic to the sound.  It’s more “thud” than “tink.”  This makes the audio feedback a little less obvious, but you can still hear a difference between pure strikes and misses.

The feeling of impact is solid more than anything else.  You won’t need a launch monitor to tell you that this club is fast – the results speak for themselves – but the feel is more traditional than technological.  Feedback through the hands is precise, as you would expect from Titleist.  From the first swings, the GT3 fairway wood clearly let me know where the ball met the face.

Performance

Regular readers may know that this is the first season that I’ve carried a fairway wood in my bag [full WITB HERE].  Historically, I haven’t carried one because I hit them too low to be useful.  However, during my Titleist fitting, I found I was actually hitting my gamer a bit too high with too much spin to optimize distance.  This was unexpected, but it’s why it’s important to check on your clubs regularly.

With the Titleist GT3 fairway wood, I saw a much more penetrating ball flight with lower spin.  Per Titleist, the GT3 FW is “High” launch with “Mid” spin.  Personally, I would rate the GT3 FW as mid launch with mid-low spin, but I’m a lower launching, lower spinning player.  As always, your mileage may vary, so it’s important to be fit.  Regardless, this stronger ball flight paired with excellent ball speed to help me pick up substantial carry distance during my fitting.

In further testing of the Titleist GT3 fairway wood, what impressed me is the consistency of the launch.  Most players struggle with fairway woods because they launch them too low, and that certainly applies to me.  Though the GT3 has a very tall face and a strong ball flight, the Forged L-Cup Face and weight saving from the Seamless Thermoform Crown work together to elevate even thin strikes to playable trajectories.  I had no problem hitting the GT3 FW, even off bare lies.

Comparing the GT3 to the GT2, Titleist rates both heads as “High” launch, but the GT2 has lower spin.  They also state that the GT3 is “Workable” where the GT2 is “Forgiving.”  While this isn’t wrong, I don’t think the difference is that black and white.  Both heads have good ball speed consistency across the face.  For me, the biggest difference is that the GT2 has a little draw bias; the GT3 feels more neutral.

Another advantage of the Titleist GT3 fairway wood is the enhanced adjustability.  Both the GT2 and GT3 have Titleist’s 16-position SureFit Hosel which allows for extensive loft, lie, and face angle adjustments.  To that the GT3 FW adds a “refined” SureFit Adjustable CG Track System that has five positions.  As with the TSR3 fairway wood [review HERE], this makes a noticeable impact on ball flight, but it’s not going to single-handedly fix a big hook or slice.

In sum, I think the Titleist GT3 fairway wood is highly versatile and surprisingly forgiving.  This club can work for players off the tee and off the turf, and it can straighten out moderately crooked shots in either direction.  While it’s not a club for high handicap players, I think it’s something that any mid-handicap or better golfer should test.

Conclusion

It would be easy to see the Titleist name and the clean address look and think that this club is for Tour use only.  And it would have been easy for Titleist to make that club.  Instead, the Titleist GT3 fairway wood is a club with classic looks and modern, versatile, forgiving performance.  If you need a new long game option in your bag, this is worth a serious look.

Support Plugged In Golf, Buy HERE

Titleist GT3 Fairway Wood Price & Specs

The post Titleist GT3 Fairway Wood Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The Canon PowerShot GOLF Digital Laser Rangefinder includes a unique feature – a built-in camera.  In addition to slope adjusted distances and stabilization, the unit can also capture photos and videos.  Compact and quality built.

Introduction

With all the rangefinders currently available in the golf market, from startup brands to well established leaders in the field, I was a bit surprised to learn that Canon was entering the fray.  Sure, Canon is a brand with big time name recognition.  But golf?  Then I noted that the Canon PowerShot GOLF has a built-in camera and the picture became much clearer.  Is the PowerShot GOLF going to revolutionize the laser rangefinder category?  Only one way to find out – a thorough Plugged In Golf review.

Setup & Ease of Use

This section was a mixed bag for me.  I was instantly able to use the Canon PowerShot GOLF as a laser rangefinder.  The basic operation was much like most rangefinders – press the front top button to turn the unit on and press it again to check distance.  Locking into the pin was quick and there was a positive vibration confirmation.  So far so good.

Under the adjustable eyepiece I found the “ZOOM” button which did just that, taking the 6x magnification to 12x.  Holding the Canon PowerShot GOLF in my right hand as I normally do, I learned to use my left thumb to press the ZOOM button.  Doable, but a bit awkward.

That was as far as I got straight out of the box.  The paper instructions included a parts identification list, quick start guide, and a link to the Advanced Users Guide.  What wasn’t in the box was a power cable or a microSD card.  I’m fine with a USB-C charging cable not being including (more on that in a moment), but a microSD is required to utilize the camera feature.

After purchasing a microSD card, I was off and running capturing photos and videos.  After a quick read of the Advanced Users Guide I learned that the main top button has two depression levels.  Pressing half way down engages the distance measurement, while full engagement captures a screenshot.  To take a video, you press the red button under the eyepiece, and press it again to stop the recording.  You can scroll through the photos and videos via the MENU button and following the somewhat confusing prompts that involve the on/off, zoom, and red buttons.

I’d love to show you the actual photos I captured, but I was unable to download them.  Turns out you need a USB-C cable capable of data transfer or an SD port on your laptop to download the files – neither of which I have.

There are two more features to highlight before moving on to the next section.  First, slope adjustment can be turned on or off via the menu.  In the off setting, a blue indicator light flashes, as shown above.  The LASER toggle on the side of the Canon PowerShot GOLF turns the ranging laser on or off – an important safety feature when pointing the unit at people.

Accuracy & Performance

As a laser rangefinder, the Canon PowerShot GOLF has several great features and most importantly is super accurate.  Canon states the rangefinder is accurate to +/- 2 yards at up to 800 yards.  I never found it outside 1 yard difference when compared to my Nikon laser or Bushnell GPS [Phantom 3 review HERE].  I’m a big fan of image stabilization – especially when the unit is small and lightweight like the PowerShot GOLF.  When locked onto a flag, a pin graphic appears for visual confirmation and the unit gives a quick vibration.

Beyond the cool factor, the digital zoom has practical applications like seeing if your ball is actually on the green.  It’s also nice to zoom in on a bird while waiting patiently for your playing partner to go through the seemingly endless checklist in their mind before swinging.

I wear a medium glove, and you can see the Canon PowerShot GOLF is relatively small in my hand.  The size was great for slipping into my back pocket and even leaving it there while hitting.  Plus at 0.33 lbs. the unit is ideal for golfers who enjoy carrying their bag.  Rated IPX4, a little rain should not an issue.

Value

The Canon PowerShot GOLF has a list price of $350.  As a laser rangefinder, that’s a fair price for a unit with slope, color display, and an extra feature like its image stabilization or zoom.  The photo and video capabilities make the unit a considerable value, but may require additional expenditures for file storage and retrieval.

Conclusion

In the crowded laser rangefinder space, the Canon PowerShot GOLF certainly stands out for its camera feature.  The question I kept trying to answer during testing was, “Who does it serve?”  Does having a photo with distance data superimposed on the hole offer a golfer anything?  I guess if you are a shot tracking maniac, the extra data could be of value post round.  As for the video, it seems we all have a smart phone at the ready, more than capable of capturing swings, celebrations, and the likes.  Bottom line is I’m just not sold on the camera.  I truly like the size, optical quality, and solid feel of the PowerShot GOLF – and the Canon name certainly adds legitimacy.  But I believe that, just like its devoid-of-marketing box, the PowerShot Golf isn’t going to garner many looks.

Visit Canon HERE

The post Canon PowerShot GOLF Digital Laser Rangefinder Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke hybrid produces exceptional ball speed thanks to Ai Smart Face and the Tungsten Speed Cartridge.  Easy, mid-high launch with mid-low spin mean lots of very long shots.  Good forgiveness.

Introduction

With the booming popularity of high-lofted fairway woods, hybrids seem to have lost their shine.  But while they may not be getting headlines, hybrids remain one of the best options for recreational players aiming to find the green from long distance.  The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke hybrid, using the same AI-based technology seen in the company’s drivers and fairway woods, seeks to prove that point with great ball speed and distance.

Looks

The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke hybrid is billed as having a “larger overall profile,” but it’s at most average in size.  Comparing the Paradym Ai Smoke hybrid to last year’s Paradym hybrid, Callaway has switched to a matte crown.  The shape is more refined, removing some of the bulk in the heel.  The face height is a touch above average which instills confidence when facing tough lies in the rough.

In the bag, the Paradym Ai Smoke hybrid has a bold look, mixing several colors and textures.  The branding remains modest in size with the focus on the blue Tungsten Speed Cartridge in the center of the sole.

Sound & Feel

Striking premium balls with the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke hybrid produces a very light, quick impact sound.  The exact tone is hard to pin down.  It’s not quite a “tink,” but there’s too much metallic character for it to be a “click.”  Regardless of how you verbalize the sound, it communicates speed.

The feel of impact is similarly quick, but the face doesn’t feel too thin.  This club definitely favors a speedy feel over strength, but it’s not too extreme in that direction.

Feedback on strike quality is average both through the hands and ears.  The character of the sound changes slightly  on mishits, and you can feel the impact location if you’re paying attention.

Performance

While I didn’t test last year’s Paradym hybrid [find Matt Meeker’s review HERE], I have tested numerous Callaway hybrids over the last few years.  They’ve set a very high bar for ball speed, and the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke hybrid cleared it.  My testing notes say, “1.4+ guaranteed,” referring to smash factor.  Callaway’s Ai Smart Face continues to impress in all its applications, from drivers to fairway woods to hybrids and irons.

Callaway rates the Paradym Ai Smoke as “high” launching.  For me, this club launches easily, but mid to mid-high.  This pairs well with the mid-low spin to create a lot of distance.  While it’s not a pure bomber hybrid, I would rate this as more focused on distance than precision.  If you want to go extreme chasing distance, check out the Callaway Super Hybrid HERE.

One interesting change from the Paradym hybrid is on the sole.  The Ai Smoke hybrid ditches the Cutwave Sole in favor of “more pronounced sole camber” in the pursuit of better turf interaction.  I didn’t find the camber to be extreme, but the Paradym Ai Smoke hybrid did get through rough lies fairly easily.

Finally, the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke hybrid line is fairly expansive, including three different models.  Per Callaway, the standard version, which is what I tested for this review, is meant for players with average and above speed looking for more distance and tighter dispersion.  The Paradym Ai Smoke HL hybrid is built to create more height for players with average speed.  Last, the Paradym Ai Smoke Max Fast is designed to help slower swingers create more speed and higher ball flight.  The latter two models also feature larger profiles for more forgiveness.

Conclusion

The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke hybrid makes a strong case for sticking with hybrids over fairway woods thanks to its combination of ball speed and distance.  Whether you need to replace a long iron or an unreliable wood, this is a quality option for the player with average or greater swing speed.

Support Plugged In Golf, Buy HERE

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Hybrid Price & Specs

The post Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Hybrid Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.