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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.

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Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal Pro Irons Price & Specs

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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

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The PXG Black Ops irons are a fresh addition to the PXG irons lineup.  With a focus on distance and forgiveness, these game improvement irons also have wonderful sound and soft feel.

Introduction

At the beginning of 2024, PXG launched their all-new Black Ops collection, consisting of woods and hybrids.  What we didn’t know then was that PXG was busy designing their first ever true game improvement irons under the same name.  Fast forward 6 months, and in a covert-style operation, I met PXG designers and fitters at a secure location (Scottsdale National) in the searing heat of the desert (it’s a dry heat I kept telling myself) for an unveiling of the new Black Ops irons.  It didn’t take too many swings to understand why PXG was so excited about their new irons – they were just as Bob Parsons proclaimed: “designed to flat-out perform.”

Looks

While there are no hard and fast rules for club categories, the PXG Black Ops irons check all my boxes for game improvement.  Larger head size – check.  Notable offset – check.  Thickish topline – check.  At address the club head looks dimensionally balanced, and I like the contrasting matte finish of the face.

In the photo above it’s easy to see the differences in the three latest releases from PXG.  From left to right are the 0311 P GEN7 [full review HERE], 0311 XP GEN7 [full review HERE] and the Black Ops 7 irons.

In the bag the PXG Black Ops irons are sharp looking.  Balanced comes to mind again looking at the three segments of the back.  Branding is modestly sized for PXG, and the carbon weave insert adds a textural interest.  The chrome inlay that forms an arrow with the matte stripe on the heel is a nice touch.  It’s hard to see in the photo above, and easy to miss even in person, but that matte stripe is actually a change in thickness between the heel and toe along the sole.

Sound & Feel

On the sound spectrum, the PXG Black Ops irons have a crisp “snap” that’s very satisfying.  The sound was consistent across the face only sounding dud-ish at the edges.  Every reasonable hit sounded flush.

To my hands the Black Ops felt amazingly soft.  Similar to the sound quotient, feedback was nominal.  I started cleaning the face after each swing to better glean strike location.  If you’re wanting discernible strike location on every swing, the Black Ops may not be for you – but the positive feedback will be confidence building for most golfers.

At the PXG R&D facility, I had the opportunity to hit the Black Ops side by side with two of the latest, and biggest selling, game improvement irons from two major OEMs.  The PXG Black Ops irons felt significantly softer and had a much more pleasant sound than both the competitors.  Frequent PIG readers know we preach the importance of getting fit for your clubs, and while performance is the main focus, sound and feel are also important considerations – especially when launch monitor data isn’t definitive.

Performance

The PXG Black Ops irons were developed to fill the mid to high handicap golfer void in the PXG lineup.  To do so, PXG designers sought to maximize forgiveness and emphasize distance – all in an easy to hit iron.  Fortunately, PXG had a ton of expertise in its technology vault.

The framework for the PXG Black Ops iron is a dual cavity.  The first and largest cavity is behind the face, while a second cavity was created midlevel on the backside.  As with most cavity designs, the dual chambers of the Black Ops irons allowed PXG designers to redistribute mass to the perimeter, boosting MOI.  With high MOI in both the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, Black Ops irons are forgiving on heel-toe and high-low mishits.  What I saw on Trackman results was a tight, flat dispersion circle.  And as a 12 handicap, that doesn’t happen unless the club has plenty of forgiveness.

With solid ball speeds and mid-spin, my data also displayed a couple extra yards of carry distance over my gamer norms.  Those results can be attributed to the ultra-thin face, polymer core fill, and CoG positioning.  Let’s take a closer look at each of those.

The face is 0.05” thick, which PXG proclaims as “the thinnest face in golf!”  For a face that thin PXG used a high strength, HT1770 maraging grade stainless steel that’s nearly twice as strong as the more commonly used 17-4 material.  To support the face and maximize deflection, PXG utilized their proprietary XCOR2 Technology lightweight polymer – the same material used in the GEN6 irons.  And finally, PXG positioned the CoG low and towards the back of the head to provide high launch while maintaining a lower spin.  Trajectory was notably high in my testing.

If you’re wondering about the lofts of the PXG Black Ops irons, they’re strong.  But that’s relative – the Black Ops are similar, if not the same, as game improvement irons from other brands.  One final performance attribute I want to mention is the soles – they’re wide and aid in forgiveness.  In working on my nemesis thin strikes, my instructor Ryan has me focused on striking a tee imbedded in the ground ahead of the ball.  It’s a great drill, and the Black Ops have proven they are adept at gliding through the turf instead of digging.

Conclusion

The PXG Black Ops irons may be their first true game improvement irons, but they didn’t miss a step right out of the gate.  The looks alone will draw the eye of many mid to high handicap buyers and the performance will leave them more than satisfied.  I don’t think there’s a better sounding or softer feeling iron in the category.  And for golfers who always thought PXG clubs were outside their budget, the $150 per iron price tag makes them very approachable.

Visit PXG HERE

PXG Black Ops Irons Price & Specs

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The 2024 TaylorMade P770 irons are extremely forgiving for their size.  Lots of ball speed.  Gorgeous looks and satisfying feel.  Great for golfers ready to step into players irons.

Introduction

In TaylorMade’s iron line up, the P790 reigns supreme for packing elite distance into a sleek package [review HERE].  But for players who want control over raw power, something in a more refined shape, there’s the new 2024 TaylorMade P770 irons.  This iron defies conventional thinking about how much forgiveness you can get into a players iron while still delivering impressive ball speed and control.

Looks

The 2024 TaylorMade P770 irons are some of the best looking irons to come out this fall, possibly trumping the P7CB, depending on your taste.  In the bag, the back of the iron is super clean with a small TaylorMade T on the toe and a thin elevated ridge with the “P770” branding in a futuristic font.

At address, the P770 has a noticeably thinner top line than the P790.  This is definitively a players iron with a compact blade length and straighter leading edge.  Minimal offset gives you the confidence to shape the ball in any direction.

Comparing the 2024 TaylorMade P770 irons (above and below, left) to the P7CB, the P770 is a touch larger.  The top line is thicker by a small margin, probably only noticeable when they’re side by side.  Similarly the blade is a hair longer.

The more noticeable difference is that the sole of the P770 is about 1/8″ thicker than the P7CB.  That gap is consistent from 4I through PW.

Sound & Feel

I’ll often quibble with OEM’s descriptions of feel, but TaylorMade nailed it with “Solid Forged Feel.”  The 2024 TaylorMade P770 irons is soft on center, giving players a sweet reward for their focus.  This is definitely “the best feeling P770 to date.”

This solid feeling pairs well with a quiet, dull “click” on well-struck shots.  The audio feedback is very strong.  When you get too far from center, the sound becomes significantly louder and harsher.  You’ll also feel a firmer sensation in your hands.  This level of feedback is important because, as I’ll discuss shortly, your mishits are going to perform really well.

Performance

In testing the 2024 TaylorMade P770 irons, what stood out most to me is how much forgiveness is slammed into a compact iron.  TM rates the forgiveness as “Mid” next to the “Mid-High” forgiveness of the P790, but I think that undersells the P770.  Anytime I hit a mediocre shot, I’d grimace at the sensation then laugh at the fact that the ball ended up on the green.  The consistency of the ball speed and distance are outstanding.

Speaking of distance, the lofts of the 2024 TaylorMade P770 irons are fairly traditional and largely unchanged from the previous generation [2023 P770 review HERE].  While these irons still produce outstanding ball speed and smash factors on center, they will launch and spin higher than other irons if you’re comparing 7I to 7I.  If you need to have the longest 7I, opt for the P790.  If you’d prefer to have a little more air under the ball, more stopping power, and more traditional distance gaps, you’ll love the P770.

Additionally, there have been tweaks to the FLTD CG we saw in the last generation.  This design puts the center of gravity lower in the long irons and higher in the short irons.  The purpose is to help players elevate their long irons and hit controlled, high spinning shots with their scoring clubs, and it works just as promised.  Throughout the set, the launch and spin are very robust, and the numbers are consistent with those of traditional players cavity backs, making it easy to build combo sets.

Finally, though they are much more forgiving than conventional irons, the 2024 TaylorMade P770 irons give the player a lot of control over their ball flight.  There’s ample spin to hit controlled fades or draws, and the lack of offset keeps them from being draw biased.  It’s easy to flight the ball higher or lower.  This makes the P770 a great option for the player who wants to step away from game improvement irons but isn’t ready to sacrifice forgiveness entirely.

Conclusion

If your handicap is trending down and you’re ready to venture into players iron for the first time, the 2024 TaylorMade P770 irons are a sensational choice.  They can also serve as that middle ground for players who no longer want the intense demands of a true blade like the P7MB [review HERE].  No matter how you arrive here, make sure you get fit, and you’ll be thrilled with the performance of this set.

Buy TaylorMade P770 Irons HERE

2024 TaylorMade P770 Irons Price & Specs

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The Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal irons are undeniably long.  Looks and feel stray from traditional Mizuno.  Lower launch and spin produce a lot of distance but may not help players shoot lower scores.

Introduction

Since its inception, the Hot Metal line has offered the Mizuno irons for the rest of us.  If you need more distance and forgiveness, they’ve delivered reliably.  I tested the latest in the line, the Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal irons, to see if they break new performance ground and live up to the brand’s reputation for stellar feel.

Looks

At address, the Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal irons appear to have packed on some weight since their last iteration, the JPX923 Hot Metal [review HERE].  The top line is thick and the offset is more pronounced.  This version retains the heavily rounded shape.  To my eye, this only makes the iron look larger, which it doesn’t really need.  This is game improvement that’s leaning toward super game improvement.

In the bag, the JPX925 Hot Metal is a step backward.  While the Hot Metal irons have always been a little busier looking, I thought the JPX923 was very sharp.  For me, the white panel underneath “Hot Metal” is a big miss, and the overall shaping is clunky and lacking in refinement.

Sound & Feel

Made of Nickel Chromoly, the Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal irons are not the irons that will have you saying, “Nothing feels like a Mizuno.”  Impact is medium-firm, and the face feels very thin.

Mizuno’s materials refer to a “solid, explosive impact sound” which I would rate as being halfway correct.  The clicky impact sound does convey speed and power, but it’s miles from “solid.”

The feedback from these clubs is surprisingly clear given their size.  I could feel the impact location with reasonable precision.  When you miss the center, the impact sound becomes notably more dull.

Performance

While the Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal irons did not wow me in the subjective categories, one thing can’t be denied: they are long.  Mizuno states that they “completely re-engineered” the face profile, making it “30% thinner”.  It’s unclear if that’s 30% thinner across the board, in the sweet spot, or in specific locations, but in any case, it produces a lot of ball speed.  Smash factors were consistently in the mid 1.4s on anything resembling a good swing.

All that ball speed is paired with mid launch and mid-low spin to generate massive distance.  The lofts are slightly stronger than the JPX923 Hot Metals which were, predictably, stronger than the JPX921 Hot Metal irons [review HERE].  For me, this creates landing angles that are too shallow as early as the 6I.  Additionally, there are just three degrees between clubs from the 4I to 7I, which may create poor distance gapping for players without above average speed.

In terms of forgiveness and consistency, the JPX925 Hot Metal irons are solid.  The head feels stable on mishits, and doesn’t let the ball stray too far from the target due to poor contact.  Obviously, the club cannot correct a poor face angle at impact, but toe or heel strikes won’t have you searching the woods.

Finally, these irons are designed, per Mizuno, for the “mid to high handicapper” and are not meant for precision shot shaping.  They want to produce a strong ball flight, and getting them to fly higher or lower takes some effort.  The sole is quite wide which provides insurance against digging but can be an impediment to clean strikes for some players.  Directionally, the JPX925 Hot Metals prefer a draw.  I could hit it straight with some effort but more frequently saw neutral swings curving left.

Conclusion

On the objective measures, the Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal irons continue to be some of the best performing in their class.  Unfortunately, I think they took a step backward on the finer points of looks, feel, and sound.  Check them out for yourself at your next fitting to see if you agree or if these make it into your bag.

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Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal Irons Price & Specs

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The MacGregor MT-Pro irons are excellent players irons with a fantastic price.  Lots of shot control.  Soft, traditional feel.  Clean, refined look.

Introduction

This fall has seen two of the biggest names in golf establish $1,400 as the new standard price for a 7-piece iron set.  The MacGregor MT-Pro irons come in at a little more than a third of that.  If you’re looking for an excellent players iron with a price well below the big names, you’re in the right place.

Looks

The MacGregor MT-Pro irons have a stellar in the bag look that belies their budget-friendly price.  There is minimal branding and a clean, simple geometry to the cavity.  The horizontal mill marks that cover almost the entire back of the head are the standout visual feature, which is a testament to how understated these clubs are.

At address, the look is equally compelling.  These are compact irons with minimal offset.  The top lines are fairly thin, but the fact that they’re not heavily beveled makes them look thicker.  All the way through the set, the face shape is angular with a sharp leading edge and a fairly straight line from hosel to toe.  The MacGregor MT-Pro irons demonstrate unequivocally that you don’t need to spend big money to get a beautiful set of players irons.

Sound & Feel

On center, the MacGregor MT-Pro irons deliver the satisfying feel that golfers expect from a forged players club.  Pure shots are rewarded with a full “snap” that’s more soft than crisp.  The feel, similarly, is soft and sweet.

Mishits with these irons have a duller sound and firmer feel.  The feedback is clear but not stinging.  You’ll hit another shot more because you’re excited to chase the sweetness of center, not because you’re running from the harsh feel of the miss.  Locating your exact impact location is fairly easy if you’re paying attention to your hands.

Performance

One of the bizarre things in golf is that better players – those asking for less technology and innovation – often pay more for their clubs.  The MacGregor MT-Pro irons show that doesn’t need to be the case.  These are players irons in every way, and that starts with the loft structure.  With a 45 degree pitching wedge and 23 degree 4I, these irons have some of the weaker lofts that you’ll find.

You might ask, “With most sets going stronger, why would anyone want weaker lofts?”  There are a couple reasons.  First, some players want higher launch and spin so their shots hold the green.  Higher spin can also be helpful for players who want to shape shots.  Finally, many better players don’t want more distance from their irons, and weaker lofts give them the distance gaps that they prefer.

In my testing, the MacGregor MT-Pro irons delivered all of those benefits.  The ball flight found a medium trajectory that could be raised or lowered with minimal effort.  The spin was slightly above average, allowing me to hit shots that gently fell to either side or snapped around obstacles.  Additionally, the distance gapping was consistent throughout the entire set.

With all that said, the MacGregor MT-Pro is a fairly traditional players iron.  It’s right in the description: “For those who…consistently hit them well.”  There is some forgiveness in these irons, but they’re not the PING G430 [review HERE] which you can hit it anywhere on the face and get a good result.  The MT-Pro will give you a little extra help on the thin strikes, and small misses will stay on the green, but big miscues will be obvious to everyone.

Conclusion

If the MacGregor MT-Pro irons had a different name on them, their price tag would be triple what it is.  I’m glad that’s not the case.  MacGregor has a tremendous history, and by offering players quality clubs at an affordable price, they’re well on their way to bringing back those glory days.

Visit MacGregor HERE

MacGregor MT-Pro Irons Price & Specs

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The Callaway Apex Ai200 irons offer a strong combination of distance, forgiveness, and playability.  Consistent spin and ball speed across the face.  Excellent combo set possibilities with other Apex models.

Introduction

The category of Player’s Distance Irons has boomed in the last few years, going from a new, fringe designation to a staple of virtually every OEM’s line.  Also booming is Callaway’s Apex line, which now encompasses no less than six models.  Right in the heart of that line up is the new Callaway Apex Ai200 irons, which the company calls their “most complete player’s distance iron.”  I tested a set to see if they live up to that claim.

Looks

In the bag, the Callaway Apex Ai200 irons share a strong familial similarity with previous Apex options like the Apex Pro and Apex CB [review HERE].  The standout feature is the angular black weight near the sole that carries the “Apex” branding.  The Ai200 actually has the cleanest look, in my opinion, with a nearly plain back save for the ridge near the top line.

At address, the Apex Ai200 have the soft, rounded look that I’ve always associated with Callaway irons.  I find that this shaping exaggerates the look of offset, but, objectively, the offset is no more than average.  The top lines are medium-thin, and the heel-to-toe length is just below average.  Overall, the Callaway Apex Ai200 irons have an address look that’s just small enough for the better player and just large enough for the aspiring one.

Sound & Feel

One of the technologies that has carried forward to the Callaway Apex Ai200 irons is Urethane Microspheres.  This supporting material pairs with the forged face to provide a soft impact feel on well struck shots.  The soft feel harmonizes with a full, robust “click.”

The Ai200 irons fulfill the “players” part of their name with decent feedback on impact location.  Mishits are not punishing, but you’ll be able to feel where the ball met the face if you’re paying reasonable attention.

Performance

In testing the Callaway Apex Ai200 irons, the first thing that stood out was the ball speed.  On center, these irons produce smash factors more in line with hybrids, well over 1.4.  Ball speed is the primary driver of distance, so that puts the Ai200 well on its way to fulfilling the “distance” part of its name.

With lofts that are neither ultra-strong nor traditional, the Apex Ai200 irons launch the ball on a controlled, mid-low trajectory with spin that’s about average.  This is a combination that takes full advantage of the excellent ball speed to produce very long shots.  To Callaway’s credit, the distance gapping between clubs is sensible, though you will need above average speed and ball striking to create a meaningful gap between and 4 and 5 irons.

What separates the Callaway Apex Ai200 irons from others in this category is the Ai Smart Face.  This technology helps to produce more consistent ball speed and spin across the face.  In my launch monitor testing, I was impressed with the way that mishits, especially thin strikes, reached playable trajectories with good speed and predictable spin.  When both your best strikes and your decent mishits all find – and hold – the green, it’s much easier to shoot good scores.

Finally, in the Apex family the Callaway Apex Ai200 irons sits between the Ai300 and the Apex Pro [review HERE].  This can be seen most concretely in the loft structure – the Ai200 is a bit weaker than the Ai300 and a bit stronger than the Apex Pro.  The Apex Ai200 irons also feature Face Cup throughout the entire set – Apex Pro has it only in the 3-5 – and Ai Smart Face – a feature the Apex Pro lacks.  Having so many options allows players to choose exactly the level of distance and forgiveness they want, and it opens the possibility of creating personalized combo sets.

Conclusion

The Callaway Apex Ai200 irons live up to their hype with a combination of high end performance and forgiveness.  Ai Smart Face delivers more consistency than you should normally expect from an iron of this size.  If you want a compact iron with plenty of power, the new Apex offerings should definitely be part of your next fitting.

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Callaway Apex Ai200 Irons Price & Specs

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The PXG 0311 XP GEN7 irons blend strong distances and excellent forgiveness.  Refined, appealing look.  Rewarding soft feel stands out in the game improvement field.

Introduction

As reported in my PXG 0311 P GEN7 review [read it HERE], I received an in-depth look into the new GEN7 irons from the PXG R&D team in Scottsdale this summer.  The team’s depth of knowledge in design, materials, and manufacturing was impressive.  In this review I’ll delve into the 0311 XP GEN7 irons, which share the same GEN7 technology as the 0311 P model, but in a more player friendly package.  Designed for the mid to high handicap golfer, the XP (Xtreme Performance) fits nicely into the game improvement iron category, with an emphasis on distance and forgiveness.

Looks

The 0311 XP GEN7 irons (right in the above photo) are slightly, but noticeably, larger than the 0311 P irons.  At address the blade length is longer and there’s more offset.  I like how the matte finish of the hitting area frames the golf ball, and I always appreciate a white bottom groove to aid with alignment.  The 0311 XP GEN7 irons offer a comforting size for golfers who sometimes struggle to make good contact.

Compared to previous generations of the 0311 XP irons, the GEN7 is the best looking model to my eyes.  There was nothing wrong with the look of the perimeter screws and black bottom rail of the GEN6 [full review HERE], but the 0311 XP GEN7 irons’ simplicity is distinctive.

In the bag, I noted how the trailing edge of the sole is softly tapered which not only looks nice but suggests the irons will flow through turf effortlessly.  The backsides of the 0311 P GEN7 irons display a refined elegance with harmonious angles and fine milled lines.  The PXG badge is still large, but that titanium weight screw looks poised for a space mission.

Sound & Feel

As they share the same materials and construction as the 0311 P GEN7, I wasn’t surprised to find that the PXG 0311 XP GEN7 irons also felt wonderfully soft.  I have no reason to doubt PXG when they state that the GEN7 are the “softest feeling irons we have ever made.”  Whether from the ultra-thin face, new proprietary polymer fill, or high MOI, the soft feel comes with gentle tactile feedback.

On the sound front, the 0311 XP GEN7 produced a crisp “snap” that was fairly consistent across the face.  Medium in volume, the sound is powerful with a rewarding timbre.

Check out the PXG Black Ops irons HERE

Performance

As mentioned in the intro, the PXG 0311 XP GEN7 irons have a focus on distance and forgiveness.  PXG states that the GEN7 “delivers superior combination of distance and forgiveness; no trade-offs.”  So let’s take a look at both, starting with distance.

According to PXG data, the 0311 XP GEN7 gained one MPH in ball speed over the GEN6, which resulted in a 2.5 yard increase in total distance.  A thinner face and a new QuantumCOR polymer fill are the prime tech features responsible for the distance boost.  How thin is thinner?  How about 0.05” – “the thinnest face in golf.”  A face that thin requires the perfect support material behind it, so PXG teamed up with a leading polymer scientist to develop it.  The resultant proprietary polymer and the ultra-thin face allowed PXG designers to push the coefficient of restitution (C.O.R.) right up to the USGA limit. 

Comparing 7 irons, the 0311 XP GEN7 had 5 yards more carry and almost 9 yards more total distance than my gamer.  Honestly, I anticipated more of a difference seeing that the XP loft was 27° – 5° stronger – but launch was only down 2°.  There are always tradeoffs like rollout when chasing distance, but the PXG 0311 XP GEN7 irons are quite capable of holding greens.

Switching to forgiveness, the focus is on repositioning mass to increase forgiveness in the PXG 0311 XP GEN7 irons.  Remember that titanium insert I mentioned?  It allowed PXG designers to save – and redistribute – approximately 5 grams.  Some of that mass was added to the top rail, which increased horizontal axis MOI.  Simplified, MOI is the resistance to twisting, and on the horizontal axis increased MOI improves forgiveness on low and high misses on the face.  Not surprising, the largest gain in distance preservation PXG reported with the 0311 XP GEN7 irons versus the GEN6 was on low contact shots.

For forgiveness on heel and toe misses PXG increased MOI in the vertical axis, positioning a 20 gram tungsten weight in the toe of the head.  As PIG readers know, forgiveness equates to dispersion, and according to PXG the GEN7 is 17% better overall than the GEN6.  Trackman data confirmed my field observations – a tight dispersion pattern, with notable distance consistency. 

Conclusion

That last sentence really captured the essence of the PXG 0311 XP GEN7 irons – impressive forgiveness.  Don’t get me wrong, as an aging golfer, playable distance gains are also appreciated.  And I think all golfers looking for new game improvement irons will enjoy the soft feel – it’s best in class according to my hands.

Arriving at this conclusion I realized that with all the technology I covered, the “5X FORGED/MILLED” engraved on the hosel didn’t even get a mention.  Just know that the advanced forging process allows PXG to achieve the complex geometries and milling that this GEN7 design requires.  Achieving all these amazing qualities doesn’t come easy, and fortunately PXG isn’t afraid of utilizing the best materials or investing in advanced fabrication technology.  The PXG 0311 XP GEN7 irons are poised to improve your golf game – enjoy the discovery.

Visit PXG HERE

PXG 0311 XP GEN7 Irons Price & Specs

The post PXG 0311 XP GEN7 Irons Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The PXG 0311 P GEN7 irons offer the performance attributes and aesthetics that low to mid handicap golfers desire.  Soft feel and rewarding sound.  Technology implementation at its finest.

Introduction

I had the privilege of learning about the new PXG 0311 P GEN7 irons in Scottsdale Arizona – the nerve center of PXG.  First I was fit at Scottsdale National Golf Club – Bob Parsons’s personal gem.  It didn’t take many swings to realize these irons were amazing.  The next day, at the PXG R&D Center, I joined in a behind the curtain, in depth look at the design and testing that went into this latest iron generation.

As an engineer, I was impressed with the depth of the PXG team’s knowledge and their ability to push the boundaries of technology and applications of materials science.  As a golfer, I was captivated by the results.  With QuantumCOR, 5-axis milling, and a myriad of other tech terms bouncing around in my head, I was eager to begin actual in-hand testing.  Fortunately for me, my custom built new irons were ready for me that same day – the experience couldn’t have been any better.

Looks

Taking a look back at the 0311 irons since their debut in 2016, I’m more than comfortable stating that the GEN7 is the best looking model to date.  Gone are the perimeter screws of the early versions, and gone is the distinctive black bottom rail of the GEN6 [full review HERE].  Comparatively, the PXG 0311 P GEN7 irons offer distinction with their simplicity.

The PXG badge is still relatively large, but the rest of the backside of the 0311 P GEN7 has a refined elegance.  I love the fine milled lines, and that the titanium weight screw looks poised for a space mission.

At address, the PXG 0311 P GEN7 irons display the characteristics of what’s now commonly referred to as players distance irons – slim topline, slight offset, and midsize head.  Looking down, I like how the matte finish of the hitting area frames the golf ball, and I always appreciate a white bottom groove to aid with alignment.

Sound & Feel

The PXG 0311 P GEN7 irons had the softest feel of any iron I’ve hit this year.  PXG states that the GEN7 are the “softest feeling irons we have ever made.”  Whether from the ultra-thin face, new proprietary polymer fill, or high MOI, the soft feel comes with gentle tactile feedback.

Interestingly, the impact sound was a bit louder than you’d expect – I’ll call it medium in volume.  The crisp “snap” had a rewarding timbre.  Whether center struck or a slight mishit, the sound was consistent.

Performance

My fitting began with answering a few simple questions related to current performance, tendencies, and preferences that were fed into an iPad.  The PXG program produced recommendations on model, specs, and shaft that turned out to be amazingly prophetic.  I now understand how PXG can offer free phone fittings.  That said, my fitter Ty was able to evaluate and implement a few options that could only be done in a live fitting.

Even before Ty reviewed the PXG 0311 P GEN7 irons performance data with me I had made mental notes about the trajectory (high), distance (long), and consistency (very).  All three were validated by the data.  I don’t have any personal experience with the GEN6, but based on the vast amount of supporting data PXG provided, I have no reason to doubt that GEN7 “delivers superior combination of distance and forgiveness; no trade-offs.”

Two tech features, working together, are responsible for the distance boost: a thinner face and the new QuantumCOR polymer fill.  How thin?  How about 0.05” – “the thinnest face in golf.”  A face that thin requires the perfect support material behind it, so PXG teamed up with a leading polymer scientist to develop it.  The resultant proprietary polymer and the ultra-thin face allowed PXG designers to push the coefficient of restitution (C.O.R.) right up to the USGA limit.

According to PXG data, the 0311 P GEN7 gained a MPH in ball speed over the GEN6 which resulted in a 3.5 yard increase in total distance.  I found about 5 yards more distance in my mid-irons over my gamers.  And while it would have been easy to attribute those gains to stronger lofts, the GEN7 actually launched higher.  The 5 iron didn’t result in more total distance for me, but the landing angle on the 0311 P GEN7 was so much more playable – and enjoyable.  I haven’t hit as many satisfying 5 irons in a long, long time.

To increase forgiveness in the 0311 P GEN7 irons, PXG focused on repositioning mass.  The most obvious application is the titanium insert which allowed approximately 5 grams to be redistributed.  Not so obvious is the additional mass in the top rail, which increased horizontal axis MOI.  Simplified, MOI is the resistance to twisting, and on the horizontal axis increased MOI improves forgiveness on low and high misses on the face.  For someone like me who struggles with thin shots, the PXG 0311 P GEN7 irons made an observable difference.

To increase MOI in the vertical axis – think heel and toe misses – PXG positioned a 20 gram tungsten weight in the toe.  As PIG readers know, forgiveness equates to dispersion, and according to PXG the GEN7 is over 30% better than the GEN6.  For the target low to mid handicap golfer, a tighter dispersion area is certain to improve scoring – which I can attest to.  I shot my lowest score of the year my first time out in a competitive round with the PXG 0311 P GEN7 irons, and dropped my handicap by two over the following couple of weeks.

Find even more forgiveness in the PXG 0311 XP GEN7 irons HERE

Conclusion

That previous sentence was probably a giveaway, but the PXG 0311 P GEN7 irons went straight into my bag.  While as an aging golfer I appreciated the distance gains, it was the consistency that really made the conversion a simple choice.  Fat, thin, or off the toe, the results were still solid.  And I’m thoroughly enjoying the wonderful feel and appealing looks of the 0311 P GEN7 irons.  Achieving all the amazing qualities doesn’t come easy, and fortunately PXG isn’t afraid of utilizing the best materials or investing in advanced fabrication technology.  There’s a ton of technical merits behind the simple “5X FORGED/MILLED” engraved on the hosel.  Bottom line is if you’re in the market for irons in the players distance category, the PXG 0311 P GEN7 are more than worthy of consideration.

Visit PXG HERE

PXG 0311 P GEN7 Irons Price & Specs

The post PXG 0311 P GEN7 Irons Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The Vertical Groove Golf Vipper chipping iron provides amazing consistency around the green.  Surprising versatility.  Much more nimble than your average chipper.

Save 15% with code PLUG when you shop HERE

Introduction

When I was asked by Vertical Groove Golf to review The Vipper, I hesitated.  While it’s the goal of Plugged In Golf to cover the entire game, my inner golf snob sneered at a speciality wedge.  After testing it, I’m glad I quieted that part of myself.  The Vipper may be my biggest surprise of the year and is making a legitimate push to spend time in my bag.

Looks

When I unboxed the Vipper, the first thing I noticed is how conventional it looks.  If you glanced at this club in someone’s bag, you would think it’s any other cavity back iron.  This is in stark contrast to most chippers, which have exaggerated cavities, soles, or flanges that stick out beyond the top line like the Cleveland Smart Sole [review HERE].

Putting it into the address position, the company’s namesake feature – the vertical grooves – catch your eye.  While they’re unusual, I didn’t find them distracting or off-putting.  The face is shaped like a traditional iron, and there’s a bit of offset.  The other standout feature is more subtle – the black line across the top line.  VGG states that this works in concert with the vertical grooves to improve alignment.

Sound & Feel

On center, the Vipper produces a quiet “tap” at impact with a premium golf ball.  The accompanying feel is crisp and pleasant.

Given the low speed at impact, I was surprised by how much feedback I got from the VGG Vipper.  Off center strikes are louder, a bit brusque.  The feel is firmer and clearly communicates where the ball met the face.  This level of feedback is good, I’d even say essential, because the results are so consistent.

Performance

Let’s start with the specs on the Vipper.  It has 39 degrees of loft, which puts it somewhere between an 8I and a PW, depending on your iron set.  The 67 degree lie angle is more upright than a wedge (typically 63 or 64 degrees) but flatter than a putter (usually 70 or 71 degrees).  This lie angle helps golfers make a putting-like motion.  Finally, the “Ground Control Sole” has 8 degrees of bounce, similar to many scoring irons.  All in all, you wouldn’t be entirely incorrect to say that this a sole-heavy, extremely upright 9I.

I started my testing of the Vipper in the short game area at my neighborhood course.  This practice green has a lot of tightly mowed spaces, which was ideal for this test.  I dropped three balls twenty feet from the cup, several feet off the green.  Without a single perfect strike, I got all three balls within four feet.  I shrugged, thinking that was good but not too unusual.  The same pattern repeated several times, though I mixed in some quality strikes which put the ball next to the hole.

When I switched to the other clubs I brought – a putter, a 9I, and a lob wedge – I started to appreciate the consistency of the Vipper.  I’m a frequent user of the Texas Wedge, so my results with the putter were good except when they caught an unexpected chunk of grass.  My 9I was good, but the thin strikes took off like a rocket.  The lob wedge – which, admittedly, is not the best choice for a basic chip – was a mess, with a huge gap between the thin strikes and the ones that ran up the face and landed softly.

As I continued testing the Vipper, my notes filled up with comments like, “Big misses don’t exist,” “This is like cheating,” and “The bad shots are so good.”  What powers this consistency is the combination of the sole and the weighting.  Most chips go badly because of A) early contact with the ground or B) a thin strike.  The Vertical Groove Golf Vipper has a sole that skates across the turf easily, and it lifts thin strikes up to a similar trajectory as pure hits.

Another thing that impressed me about the Vipper is how it performs in tough situations.  I threw some balls into tall rough just a few feet from the pin.  Normally, you’d have to think about a high lofted wedge which brings a lot of problems into play.  With the Vipper’s tall face, you can make a gentle putting motion and plop the ball gently onto the green.  If you’re not short sided, the same shot can work by adding a little more force.

Having passed the basic tests with flying colors, I challenged the versatility of the Vipper and found a lot to like.  From half to full swings, this club produces low launch, low spin shots that can stretch out to my full pitching wedge distance.  This can give players a nearly-automatic running shot for windy days or tree escapes.  The upright lie does make the Vipper more draw biased, but I was able to hit it straight without too much effort.

Finally, I want to touch on the vertical grooves.  In VGG’s materials, they say the grooves and “strong topline” work to “start the ball on the optimal line,” but they don’t say how.  There is a nod to alignment help, and that may be all they are promoting with regard to vertical grooves on the Vipper.

Conclusion

If you struggle with consistency around the green – or you simply want to reduce your short game stress – the Vipper deserves serious consideration.  This club is impressively consistent, but it doesn’t have the bulky looks and limited versatility of other chippers.

Buy The Vipper HERE

Save 15% with code PLUG

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