Tag: Forged

Honma TW777 Series Preview: New 2025 Models with Carbon Technology | Price & Specs

Published: December 2025 | Honma Golf Equipment News

Honma Golf has launched the Tour World TW777 series – a new line of premium golf clubs for 2025 that combines Japanese craftsmanship with innovative carbon fiber technology. These golf clubs deliver enhanced distance, improved feel, and exceptional forgiveness for golfers at all handicap levels, from beginners to tour professionals.

Honma TW777 Series Overview: What’s New for 2025

The standout innovation in Honma’s latest golf club release is the revolutionary Titanium Carbon Construction – a game-changing material that maximizes energy transfer for explosive distance and ball speed.

TW777 Key Golf Club Technologies:

Titanium Carbon Sole Technology – Advanced composite material integration provides superior energy transfer and faster ball speeds compared to traditional titanium drivers
Carbon Ring Structure – Reinforces clubhead stiffness to reduce energy loss at impact, delivering more consistent distance on off-center hits
Rear Carbon Body Design – 35% larger carbon volume versus previous Honma models enables lower center of gravity (CG), higher launch angle, and reduced spin for maximum carry distance

Honma TW777 Driver Preview: Three Models Compared

TW777 Standard Driver – Best for Low Handicap Golfers

The standard TW777 driver features adjustable weighting and a forged cup face for players seeking maximum ball speed and workability.

Key Features:

460cc titanium driver with SJ221 Forged Cup Face
Adjustable weight system: 3.5g front weight, 20.5g rear weight
One-piece carbon body construction
Available lofts: 9°, 10.5°
MSRP: $600

TW777 Max Driver – Best for Mid to High Handicap Golfers

Designed for golfers seeking maximum forgiveness and straighter ball flight, the TW777 Max driver delivers high launch with draw bias weighting.

Key Features:

460cc oversized driver head
Deep low-CG design for easier launch
Draw-bias adjustable weights: 4g toe, 15g heel
Available lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
MSRP: $600

TW777 360Ti Mini Driver – Best for Control and Shot Shaping

This compact titanium mini driver offers tour-level workability for advanced players who prioritize precision over forgiveness.

Key Features:

360cc compact driver head (mini driver size)
Full titanium construction for traditional feel
Triple weight system: 4g toe, 4g front, 12g back
Available loft: 11.5°
MSRP: $450

Honma TW777 Fairway Woods: Distance and Versatility

TW777 Standard Fairway Woods – $375

Inspired by Honma’s legendary LB-GET persimmon fairway woods, the TW777 fairways feature the innovative “Get Sole” design for improved turf interaction from any lie.

Available Models:

TW777 3 wood fairway
TW777 4 wood
TW777 5 wood fairway
TW777 7 wood

Technology:

Carbon crown construction with tungsten weighting
C300 maraging steel face for faster ball speeds
Adjustable weight and hosel sleeve
Lower CG for higher launch angles

TW777 Max Fairway Woods – $375

The Max fairway woods offer enhanced forgiveness with a larger profile and forged cup face technology.

Available Models:

3 wood Max
5 wood Max
7 wood Max

Best For: Mid to high handicap golfers seeking easier launch and more forgiveness from the fairway and rough

TW777 Utility Woods (Driving Iron Alternative) – $325

The TW777 utility woods bridge the gap between long irons and fairway woods, offering versatility for approach shots and tee shots on tight par 3s.

Available Lofts:

3 utility wood
4 utility wood
5 utility wood
6 utility wood

Key Benefits:

Get Sole design for clean turf contact
C300 steel face for maximum distance
Balanced workability and stability
Precise distance gapping between clubs

TW777 PCB Max Irons: Game Improvement Technology

Complete Set: 5-iron through sand wedge

Target Golfer: Mid to high handicap players seeking maximum forgiveness

Availability: Contact authorized Honma Golf dealers for pricing and specifications

Where to Buy Honma TW777 Golf Clubs

The complete TW777 series is available now at authorized Honma Golf retailers across the United States and internationally. Visit us.honmagolf.com to find a dealer near you or to learn more about custom fitting options.

Honma Golf Club Fitting Locations:

Available at premium golf retailers nationwide and Honma authorized fitting centers for proper shaft selection and lie angle adjustments.

Honma TW777 Price Guide (2025 MSRP)

Club Type	Model	Price
Driver	TW777 Standard (9°, 10.5°)	$600
Driver	TW777 Max (9°, 10.5°, 12°)	$600
Mini Driver	TW777 360 Ti (11.5°)	$450
Fairway Woods	TW777 (3W, 4W, 5W, 7W)	$375
Fairway Woods	TW777 Max (3W, 5W, 7W)	$375
Utility Woods	TW777 (3U, 4U, 5U, 6U)	$325
Irons	TW777 PCB Max (5-SW)	Contact Retailers

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Honma TW777 Golf Clubs?

The Honma TW777 series represents a significant advancement in premium golf club technology. The Titanium Carbon construction delivers measurable improvements in ball speed and distance, while the expanded carbon body design provides forgiveness that rivals top competitors from TaylorMade, Callaway, and Titleist.

Best For:

Golfers seeking Japanese craftsmanship and premium materials
Players who value both distance and feel
Low to mid handicap golfers (standard models)
High handicap golfers seeking forgiveness (Max models)

Where Honma TW777 Excels: ✓ Innovative carbon fiber technology ✓ Adjustable weighting systems across all driver models ✓ Multiple loft and model options for different skill levels ✓ Premium materials and construction quality ✓ Versatile fairway and utility wood lineup

For more golf equipment reviews, new golf club releases, and technology comparisons, bookmark our blog and follow us for the latest updates on 2025 golf equipment launches.

Related Searches: Honma golf clubs review, best drivers 2025, carbon fiber golf clubs, Japanese golf equipment, TW777 vs Callaway Paradym, premium golf drivers, adjustable weight drivers, low spin drivers, game improvement irons

About Honma Golf: Founded in 1959, Honma Golf manufactures premium golf equipment combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern technology. The company’s product lines include the luxury BERES series and tour-validated T//World clubs used by professional golfers worldwide.

December 15, 2025

Father’s Day – 5 Last Minute Gifts

Father’s Day 2023 is a week away, and if you haven’t already found a golf gift for dad, here are five suggestions for that perfect gift! From gadgets to golf clubs to an amazing golf getaway, there’s something here that’ll he’ll love.

Bushnell Wingman View

Bushnell’s updated Wingman Bluetooth speaker now includes an LCD screen to quickly get GPS yardages for over 30,000 courses, built right in to the speaker. It still sounds great and has enough battery to last for 36 holes, and can even help charge other devices in a pinch.

Pinehurst Resort

It may be a bit too late for a Father’s Day weekend golf trip, but there’s never a bad time to book the popular Donald Ross package at Pinehurst Resort. There’s no better time than this summer to play the host venue of the 2024 US Open! With 9 golf courses and a tenth opening next summer, along with the Cradle short course and world-class dining and accommodations, there’s no wonder why they call Pinehurst “the cradle of American golf.”

Zoom Broom Golf Breeze

Unless you are on a links course, it’s likely there will be trees on the course where you are playing. Trees have leaves, and leaves fall on the course. Especially in autumn, it can be frustrating to clear the line of your putt of debris, but Zoom Broom has a fix – The Golf Breeze blower. Designed to be light weight and fit in your golf bag, this surprisingly powerful blower will easily clear a path from leaves, pine needles, loose sand and other debris that may find its way into your line.

Golf Forever

Your dad probably wants to get back in shape, he just hasn’t told you yet. Why not give him a gentle nudge by getting him the Golf Forever swing trainer and fitness package subscription? For Father’s Day you’ll even save $100 on the package. It seems to be working for Scottie Scheffler – He shot to world #1 shortly after becoming a brand ambassador. Like your dad, I’m going to get in better shape using Golf Forever’s program. I’ll start any day now…

Takomo Golf Irons

If you haven’t heard of them before, Takomo Golf is a direct-to-consumer brand that makes irons and wedges. Really, really good irons and wedges. I have a set of the 301MB forged blades and I’m head over heels in love. After only 3 or 4 swings on the range, they went right in my bag and are there to stay. I challenge anyone to find a new set of Japanese forged irons with KBS shafts for less than $700, yet that is exactly what Takomo is doing. But it’s not just about forged blades – Takomo has a set of iron for every dad and every handicap. Give them a look. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

June 12, 2023
Cleveland 588 RTX Wedges – First Look

Cleveland Golf has been a leader in wedges for a long time. While the basic design of a wedge has remained more or less the same since Gene Sarazen invented the modern sand wedge, many new technologies have hit the market to help players get the most out of their wedges. CNC milling is one of those innovations that allowed manufacturers to make deeper and sharper grooves, and eventually led to the USGA’s adoption of a new groove rule to combat the technology.

Cleveland 588 RTX

Now there is a new version of the timeless Cleveland 588 wedges, with a few technologies that will help players spin the ball. This new wedge is called the 588 RTX, and features their new Rotex Face. Not only have they increased the groove volume by 16%, but they have made their laser milling marks more durable, and added a directionally milled face pattern that adds roughness and imparts maximum spin on open-face wedge shots where impact tends to be closer to the toe.

I have hit a number of balls with the new wedges and my initial impressions are good. The Rotex face certainly does produce more spin initially than a wedge who’s grooves are simply stamped into the face. The feel is the same classic Cleveland 588 feel as always; Solid impact and a mid-soft feel. The sole grind has been modified a bit from last year’s model to allow the wedge to perform better with an open face.

Long term testing will probably reinforce my initial feelings, that this is just another solid, playable and reliable wedge from Cleveland Golf. There are no less than 7 models to choose from in the 588 line. There are satin and black pearl finishes available, blade or cavity back styles, forged or cast heads, a special RTG grind and even the option to create your own custom wedge at http://www.clevelandgolf.com/mycustomwedge/ All told, there are well over 100 different head, finish, loft, bounce and grind options available.

We’ll have a more detailed look at the 588 wedges soon. In the mean time, check them out at your local retailer or online at Cleveland Golf.

April 1, 2013
Titleist 712 AP1 & AP2 Irons – Sneak Peak

Titleist has done it again. One of the most popular irons on the professional tours and amateur bags alike, the 710 AP1 and AP2 irons have been updated to the new look and performance of the 712 AP1 and 712 AP2 irons. They will be available in mid-November 2011. Titleist have made the new irons more forgiving and yet more playable. To get all the details, check out the following press release and pictures from Acushnet below.

Advanced Performance Iron Technology Sets New Standard for Feel with Traditional Looks.

Fairhaven, MA (September 13, 2011) – Dedicated to providing serious golfers with the highest performing equipment in golf, Titleist introduces the next generation of its groundbreaking Advanced Performance irons. The new Titleist AP1 and AP2 irons (712 Series) stay true to the design mission of “Advanced Performance with Feel.” Both models are multi-material, dual cavity irons that provide modern ball flight and forgiveness with the traditional looks, feel and sound that serious golfers have come to expect from Titleist irons.

“The new 712 line of AP irons represents another step forward in iron design,” said Steve Pelisek, General Manager, Titleist Golf Clubs. “With the development of the first AP irons in 2007, we knew we had created something special – irons that incorporated a true blend of classic golf club aesthetics with modern playability, forgiveness and consistency. With the new 712 line we’ve taken this breakthrough technology to a new, game-changing level by increasing the stability and forgiveness without losing any workability or shot control.”

HISTORY OF ADVANCED PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY: Iron performance can best be measured, not only by the quality of shots produced by well-executed swings, but also by the quality of shots when less-than-ideal contact is made with the ball. From an engineering standpoint, the key to maximizing shot quality on off-center hits is weight distribution. Club designers learned that by placing more weight around the perimeter of the club they could reduce the amount that the club twists on off-center hits. When the clubhead is more stable, off-center hits still fly relatively straight and far. However, perimeter-weighted irons had an intrinsic drawback. In order to redistribute enough weight to exact a measurable performance advantage, the clubhead shape had to change. The typically larger heads of these irons with their wider soles and thicker toplines were visually unappealing to many serious golfers whose concept of an ideal iron is represented by the compact profile and sharper lines of a traditional forged blade iron.

The rules changed when Titleist introduced Advance Performance technology. By successfully integrating new materials in a new dual cavity, multi-component construction, Titleist not only launched an iron that delivered modern performance and playability, but one that would also satisfy the sensibilities of even the most ardent iron traditionalist.

“The original AP irons changed the way golfers thought about irons,” said Dan Stone, Vice President, Research and Development, Titleist Golf Clubs. “AP technology opened up a host of new possibilities in which design aesthetics and performance no longer had to be mutually exclusive propositions. That original technology paved the way for the new advances that we’ve made with the new 712 line.”

NEW ADVANCES IN THE 712 AP IRONS: The improvements incorporated into the new AP irons came about as the result of continued research that indicated that serious golfers were looking for improvements in three main areas. First, most players wanted even greater refinements to the clubhead's profile. Both the new AP1 and AP2 models feature sleeker contours that result in a better address position. Players also expressed a desire for more forgiveness, to get more out of their miss-hits, or said another way, better distance control. Both the new AP1 and AP2 have been improved with internal weighting that utilizes higher density tungsten in order to distribute mass more efficiently which increases the moment-of-inertia (MOI) without changing the CG location or the blade length. The higher MOI provides more consistent ballspeed across the clubface and better distance control. Better distance control leads to more scoring opportunities and is the key to good iron play. The third wish-list item that research uncovered was that players wanted more forgiveness without any loss of workability or shot control. Traditionally it has been thought that forgiveness and workability were mutually exclusive. The new AP irons prove that they are not. "When speaking about iron workability, it's important to dispel the myth that adding forgiveness to an iron decreases its workability," explained Stone. "In the golf industry, when we talk about Moment of Inertia, we're referring to MOI-y, which is the heel/toe stability of the clubhead on off-center impacts. The higher the MOI-y, the better the accuracy and distance on off-center hits. But the most influential property affecting workability is the Moment of Inertia around the shaft axis, which is mainly driven by blade length and the location of the clubhead's center of gravity from the shaft axis. When we redesigned the 712 AP irons, we redistributed weight in the clubhead so that we not only increased clubhead MOI or forgiveness, we kept blade lengths the same and maintained the same CG distance from the shaft axis. This allows players to flight and shape shots." CONSTRUCTION: The new 712 AP1 and 712 AP2 irons retain the dual cavity design and multi-material construction that is the key to their advanced performance. However, the designs have been significantly upgraded for more forgiveness, higher ball speeds on miss-hits and improved distance control. Additionally, the new AP1 features a new topline shape and progressively reduced blade lengths resulting in more traditional-looking short irons. Notable changes to the new AP2 include a new, tour-inspired square toe profile and reduced sole width in the short irons for more precise turf performance. Both new AP models incorporate Titleist's Tuned Feel System, a co-molded insert of soft elastomer and aluminum plate. This insert has been specifically designed to improve the sound and feel of each new iron. Extensive improvements to the new AP1 structure include a redesigned stainless steel soleplate and integrated tungsten nickel sole weight that redistributes discretionary mass from the topline, center bar and sole cradle to low in the head, resulting in increased stability and forgiveness. The new AP2 structure also makes use of a new steel cradle that holds tungsten weights located heel and toe, providing greater forgiveness on miss-hits and more consistent distance control. NEW 712 AP1 IRONS FEATURES AND BENEFITS Overview/Player Profile: Titleist AP1 irons are advanced performance, multi-material, dual cavity irons providing more forgiveness with solid feel and improved looks for the aspiring to skilled golfer. Increased Forgiveness through an advanced technology, multi-material, high MOI design featuring a precise stainless steel body and high density tungsten sole weight Higher Ball Speed on miss-hits for improved distance control More Forgiving Long Irons with a 4% increase in moment-of-inertial (MOI) More Traditional Short Irons through a progressively reduced blade length Improved Solid Feel from the high MOI design and tuned feel cavity insert Improved Confidence Inspiring Appearance with a beveled topline, traditional shape and more precise address profile Stock Shafts and Grip: True Temper Dynalite Gold XP is a high performance mid-weight steel shaft with a more stable tip designed to optimize initial launch angle and maximize distance. Stock graphite shaft is Tour AD by Graphite Design, exclusively for Titleist, a slightly higher launching shaft that matches weight and performance of Titleist lightweight metals shafts. Stock grip is the new Titleist Tour Velvet by Golf Pride, a truly round, one-piece, injection molded grip with industry standard sizing. Other shaft, grip, length and lie options are available through Titleist Custom. Grooves: Modified U, conforming to 2010 U.S.G.A./R&A groove specifications. Price/Availability: Available in both right and left hand beginning November 18, 2011, with a suggested retail price of $112 per club/steel, and $135 per club/graphite. NEW 712 AP2 IRONS FEATURES AND BENEFITS Overview/Player Profile: Titleist AP2 irons are advanced performance, multi-material, dual cavity forged irons providing more playability, solid feel and an improved classic profile for the serious and skilled golfer. Increased Playability through an advanced technology, multi-material, forged carbon steel body and high density tungsten weight design Consistent Ball Speed and improved distance control on miss-hits from a 7% increase in MOI with no loss of workability or shot control Improved Solid Feel from increased MOI and the tuned feel cavity insert Precise Short Irons with reduced sole widths in the 8, 9, P for improved turf performance Improved Appearance with a new squarer profile Superior Shot Control from the small progressive offset and traditional constant blade length Stock Shaft and Grip: High performance, tour-proven Dynamic Gold steel shaft provides tour preferred feel, weight feedback and performance. Stock grip is the new Titleist Tour Velvet by Golf Pride, a truly round, one-piece, injection molded grip with industry standard sizing. Other shaft, grip, length and lie options are available through Titleist Custom. Grooves: Modified V, conforming to 2010 U.S.G.A./R&A groove specifications. Price/Availability: Available in both right and left hand beginning November 18, 2011, with a suggested retail price of $154 per club/steel and $175 per club/graphite. Specifications: 712 AP1 Irons 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 P W Loft 20° 23° 26° 29° 33° 37° 41° 45° 50° Lie 60° 61° 62° 62.5° 63° 63.5° 64° 64° 64° Offset 0.245" 0.220" 0.195" 0.170" 0.145" 0.125" 0.110" 0.105" 0.100" Bounce 1° 1° 2° 2° 3° 4° 5° 6° 7° Length 39.00" 38.50" 38.00" 37.50" 37.00" 36.50" 36.00" 35.75" 35.50" 712 AP2 Irons 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 P W Loft 21° 24° 27° 31° 35° 39° 43° 47° 51° Lie 60° 61° 62° 62.5° 63° 63.5° 64° 64° 64° Offset 0.160" 0.145" 0.130" 0.120" 0.100" 0.100" 0.90" 0.85" 0.80” Bounce 0° 1° 3° 4° 4° 5° 6° 7° 7° Length 39.00" 38.50" 38.00" 37.50" 37.00" 36.50" 36.00" 35.75" 35.5” ON TOUR: The new 712 AP irons received instant validation from players at the PGA TOUR's AT&T National event, where the prototype irons were first introduced. A total of 19 players (out of an event-leading 40 Titleist iron sets) put sets of 712 irons in play the first week they were available, including the winner of the event, Titleist Brand Ambassador Nick Watney. Success followed three weeks later when Scott Stallings captured the Greenbrier Classic with the new AP2 irons for his first career win. Among those who have already put the new sets in play with success include Ben Curtis with the AP1 and the following relying upon AP2: Ben Crane, Brendon DeJonge, Jason Dufner, Brad Faxon, Hunter Haas, Marc Leishman, Jarrod Lyle, Matteo Manassero, SY Noh, Tom Pernice, Jr., Brett Quigley, Michael Sim, Scott Stallings, Josh Teater, Nick Watney. Titleist and FootJoy comprise the major golf brands of the Acushnet Company. For additional information or photography of the new AP iron line, please visit us on-line at: www.titleist.com
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September 14, 2011
Bridgestone Unveils J40 Irons
Bridgestone fans rejoice! The New J40 irons are here with two models available. These are essentially the same two models that were available last year as the Bridgestone J38 Irons, but with some design updates. The cavity back model looks different entirely, with a new triangular muscle shape in the cavity, but the J40 Dual Pocket cavity iron resembles last years J38 with just a few changes. Check out the official Bridgestone press release below, and stay tuned for a full review of both new models. I can tell you already from early testing that they will be on most golfers’ short list for 2012!

Covington, Ga. — Bridgestone Golf, the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, announces the arrival of its highly anticipated line of J40 Forged irons. Arriving in time for the holiday season, the J40 line will be available at golf specialty stores and green grass retailers nationwide in October 2011. The new precision-forged J40 series offers two different iron models providing greater precision and softer feel for a variety of golfers.

“The J40 irons deliver on everything iron enthusiasts have anticipated from our new launch and continue what has been loved about our product from the J33 series onward,” said Corey Consuegra, Golf Club Marketing Manager, Bridgestone Golf, Inc.

Click Photo to Zoom

Building on the innovative weight management system introduced by its predecessor, the J40 Forged Dual Pocket Cavity irons are designed for the serious player that demands a buttery feel and more traditional topline, but needs a bit more help with squaring the clubface at impact. The J40 Dual Pocket Cavity irons key design features include:
- Midsize head for producing a mid-to-high launch
- Revamped dual pocket cavity that provides increased Tour Stability by moving more discretionary weight to the perimeter, creating even higher MOI than the previous version
- Improved leading edge relief to help prevent digging in softer conditions
Click Photo to Zoom

The J40 Forged Cavity Back irons offer the ultimate balance between form and function. The J40 Forged CB’s striking good looks and clean traditional design is tailor made for better players who prefer a classy no-frills look and thin topline at address. The J40 Forged Cavity Back irons key design features include:
- Compact head with higher face progression for a mid-height launch
- Unique v-cut cavity design that places more mass higher on the clubface for a higher center of gravity, resulting in a more controllable, penetrating ball-flight
- Tapered sole-design for more versatility in shot making, allowing players to ‘work the ball’ and more easily control trajectory
- Enhanced trailing edge relief for better performance from a variety of lies, especially out of the rough
“With the J40s, we now offer even better performance and cleaner aesthetics. The J40 series truly reaffirms that Bridgestone is THE brand of choice for premium iron enthusiasts,” said Consuegra.

Both sets of the J40 irons are premium forged from 1020 mild carbon steel for the ultimate in soft feel and feature conforming grooves for optimum distance and spin control. The new J40 irons come standard with the Tour-proven Project X^TM flighted shafts. Both come standard in a set of 5-pw and feature a street price of $699 (MSRP $799). An additional 3-iron and 4-iron will be available uponrequest ($115 per club).

For more information on the J40 iron series and Bridgestone Golf’s entire Fall 2011 product offering, visit www.bridgestonegolf.com.

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September 7, 2011
Cleveland Golf Introduces 588 Forged Wedges

Cleveland Golf is bringing back one of the most popular and widely played wedges in the history of golf – The Cleveland 588 Wedge. The new 588 will be forged from soft 1025 carbon steel and I’m sure it will be a leader in performance and feel, surpassing even the newer CG14 and Cg15 model wedges that are widely played on the professional tours. Check out the press release and FABs below, and stay tuned for a complete review of these new wedges as soon as we can get our hands on them!

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA –August 29, 2011 – Cleveland® Golf, the winners of more than 335 PGA Tour championships, including 26 majors, is extremely pleased to introduce the new 588® Forged wedge. The 588®Forge wedge, which maintains the popular, tour-proven shape of Cleveland® Golf’s original 588® wedge, offers a series of technological breakthroughs to provide added performance benefits for players of all abilities.

Made from 1025 carbon steel, the 588® Forged wedge offers golfers an incredibly soft yet solid feel and less unwanted vibration. The advanced Precision Forging process ensures the highest level of part-to-part manufacturing consistency for supreme confidence and trust over every shot. The 588® Forged wedge’s Tour Zip Grooves™ and Laser Milled™ technology help to maximize spin in accordance with USGA regulations. Also, exclusive to the588® Forged wedge is the Tour Concept steel shaft, co-developed and engineered by Cleveland® Golf and industry leader True Temper. With a unique stiffness profile that features a less active tip, this shaft promotes a more penetrating ball flight, increased spin and optimal distance control along with superior feel.

“The confidence-inspiring shape of the original 588 wedge remains the standard by which all competitors’ wedges have been judged for more than 23 years, and attempting to build upon that benchmark is not a task we take lightly at Cleveland Golf,” said Todd Harman, President of Cleveland® Golf/Srixon® - U.S.A. “Our 588 wedge is the most popular wedge in the history of the game, and with sales in excess of 3 million units worldwide, it’s arguably the single most successful golf club ever brought to market. Our new 588® Forged wedge not only lives up to the 588® legacy, it takes Cleveland wedges to a whole new level.” The No. 1 wedge of all time is back – and better than ever. Cleveland Golf’s new 588 wedge maintains the popular, tour-proven shape of its predecessor with a series of technological breakthroughs to provide even more performance benefits for experienced players. Every wedge is formed from 1025 carbon steel for incredibly soft, solid feel and the highest level of manufacturing consistency for supreme confidence and trust over every shot. Tour Zip Grooves™ and Laser Milled™ technology maximize spin in accordance with USGA regulations. Exclusive to the 588 wedge is the Tour Concept Wedge steel shaft, co-developed and engineered by Cleveland Golf and industry leader True Temper. With a unique stiffness profile that features a less active tip, this shaft promotes a more penetrating ball flight, increased spin and optimal distance control along with superior feel.
Features, Advantages, Benefits: 1. F- Original, Tour-Proven 588 Wedge Shape A- Remake of the most successful and preferred wedge shape ever, revered by golfers of all skill levels for its confidence-inspiring look. This is the standard by which all competitors’ wedges have been judged. B- Timeless beauty, versatile design for all-around wedge performance no matter what shot is required. Summary: For more than 20 years, the tour-proven shape of the original 588 wedge has been the standard by which all competitors’ wedges have been judged. The new 588 wedge maintains this confidence-inspiring look, which golfers of all skill levels can appreciate for its timeless beauty and versatile design. It offers the highest level of all-around performance no matter what shot is required. 2. F- Forged 1025 Carbon Steel Construction A- Softer metal, highest level of manufacturing consistency. B- Incredibly soft, yet solid feel sought by experienced players. Supreme confidence and trust over every wedge shot from premium manufacturing. Summary: Forging means quality – the incredibly soft feel and highest level of manufacturing consistency is immediately recognized and appreciated by experienced players. That’s the same quality found in the 588 wedge, which is forged from high-grade 1025 carbon steel for solid feel and constructed with a premium process to inspire supreme confidence and trust over every shot. 3. F- Laser Milled™ Technology A- More precise and consistent surface roughness than alternative methods. B- Optimal surface roughness to maximize spin. Summary: Using the precision accuracy of a laser, four perfectly calibrated texture lines are milled between each groove of a 588 wedge exactly to the conforming roughness limit. This breakthrough surface roughness application optimizes ball-to-face friction, maximizing spin under the rules of golf. 4. F- Tour Zip Grooves™ A- Precise milling technology preserves groove edges and maintains perfect groove consistency. B- Maximizes allowable groove dimensions while conforming to USGA groove requirements. Summary: The 588 wedge features Tour Zip Grooves™, which are crafted with precise milling technology that preserves groove edges and maintains perfect groove consistency. These grooves have the maximum allowable dimensions in accordance with USGA requirements. 5. F- Tour Concept Wedge Shaft co-developed and engineered by True Temper and Cleveland Golf A- Exclusive stiffness profile with a less active tip. B- More penetrating ball flight, increased spin and optimal distance control – along with superior feel. Summary: Exclusive to the 588 wedge is the Tour Concept Wedge shaft, co-developed and engineered by Cleveland Golf and industry leader True Temper. With a unique stiffness profile that features a less active tip, this shaft promotes a more penetrating ball flight, increased spin and optimal distance control – along with the superior feel expected from True Temper. 6. F- Multiple Bounce and Finish Options A- Two different finishes: Satin and Chrome. Three different bounces: Low, Standard, and High. B- Allows players to select wedges best suited to aesthetic preferences and course conditions. Summary: In addition to 10 different loft options, two different finishes are available in the 588 line – Satin and Chrome. There also are low, standard and high bounce options to allow players to select wedges best suited to their aesthetic preferences and conditions of the courses they play. 7. F- Automated Polishing Process (APP) A- New process further removes shape inconsistencies often found after manual polishing. B- Precise shape consistency for a premium product. Summary: Further enhancing the consistency of the 588 wedge is the new Automated Polishing Process (APP). This finely-tuned process is more diligent than ever before with removing the shape inconsistencies often left over after manual polishing. The result of APP is precise shape consistency for a premium product. Available in Chrome and Satin finishes, Cleveland® Golf’s 588® Forged wedges will begin shipping in November 2011 with a listed minimum advertised price (MAP) of $139.99. Available in a variety of loft and bounce options, the 588® Forged wedge can also be personalized at MyCustomWedge.com with an array of color, logo, shaft and grind options. For more information on Cleveland® Golf/Srixon® and their products, please visit www.clevelandgolf.com and www.srixon.com.

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August 30, 2011
Miura Series 1957 Special Edition Small Blades – A Love Story

Many purists and low handicap golfers prefer the feel and shot shaping control of a forged blade iron. When it comes to forged blades there are only a handful of manufacturers out there that really get it right. Any club company can forge a blade and sell it, but very few make a club that is as much a work of art as it is golf club. Still fewer companies are able to make a club that when hit solid can evoke an emotional response. Most golfers know this feeling. It’s the feeling of a perfectly struck iron shot – one where it feels like the ball wasn’t even there and you can hear the ball spinning as it rockets towards the target with a fssssssss sound. The pursuit of this almost spiritual feeling is one of the reasons we play golf.

Katsuhiro Miura has been referred to by the Japanese media as having the hands of God for his ability to craft forged irons and wedges. Miura is based in the Himeji City area of Japan. The area has a rich history as the home of the Samurai sword. Many skilled craftsmen created the legendary weapons in Himeji, which were known for their strength and precision. The area eventually converted to other steel work and is now known for producing the finest forged irons and wedges available. I recently had a few minutes with them to ask a few questions about their operation:

ITG: How long does it take to make a set of Miura irons?
Miura: A custom order set of irons can take 6 – 8 weeks to complete

ITG: What is different about the way Miura forges an iron compared to other companies?
Miura: To Miura-san, a pure strike requires a very fine grain structure in the steel used to make the head. If you try to forge the head all in one piece, from the toe to the top of the hosel, the molecular structure of the steel gets stretched, and you sacrifice that fine grain. Compare it to a jar full of marbles: there may be many marbles, but the spaces between them are open and ineffective in giving a good, solid hit. But in a Miura iron, the structure is more like a jar of sand: no open spaces, all high-quality steel, all effective in creating a pure strike.

So Miura-san forges the head from the toe to the heel only, then uses an exclusive spin forging process that spins the hosel piece onto the head so rapidly that the friction creates a firm union. Once trimmed and finished, you can’t tell the club was ever anything but one piece. And Miura-san’s spin forging and drilling machinery is so finely tuned that the company is famous among clubfitters for the unerring straightness of its hosels.

ITG: With the addition of Mr. Adam Barr as president, do you plan to expand and grow?
Miura: We do plan to grow, but at a reasonable pace that, first and foremost, respects our existing network of dedicated dealers. They’re the ones who got us to this point. That said, we will carefully add dealers in places where we’re underserved. We will also consider off-course specialty stores, at least in a limited way, as long as we can agree with the stores that Miura clubs will be sold in an attentive, customer-oriented way. It’s not an off-the-rack golf club, and we don’t want to do anything to peel away its special nature. The same ideas apply to green-grass shops that are looking for a way to serve members without a crippling inventory requirement. We’ll work with shops that see the value in offering a club this good to their avid and knowledgeable players.

Any growth plans we decide upon will not outstrip Mr. Miura’s insistence on uncompromising production standards, nor our ability to provide flawless customer service.

The Miura Forging Process "Follow a Miura iron from forge to factory -- from a billet of carefully selected, prime steel to a finished piece of industrial art, the highest expression of what a forged golf club should be. In this brief video, you'll visit both the forge and factory that Katsuhiro Miura owns in Amaji, Japan, near the ancient city of Himeji. This region was for centuries the seat of samurai sword making, and it has grown into Japan's center of fine metal work. Here, Miura-san and his sons don't just supervise -- they get their hands into the work, every day, creating the subtle shapes and lines that define the very best in forged clubs. This video, shot in fall of 2010, shows the highlights of a typical day at Miura. But what is typical in that work day yields results that are extraordinary." Check out the fascinating video below: Overall Impressions Being a purist and blade lover, I couldn't wait to hit my demo 6 iron that was sent to me for testing. Miura has several models of forged irons, but the one I wanted to see and hit was the new 1957 series blades, which are not only gorgeous but also 15% smaller than the standard Miura tournament blade. These are the smallest irons I've seen since my old set of MacGregor blades I had re-chromed in college that were from 1953. A classic small blade with modern design characteristics and top notch craftsmanship is something to treasure in the age of oversize cavity back snow shovel shaped irons. Miura also claims the face of this 1957 iron is more dense than any other Miura model. At first glance, and especially when addressing the ball you would think this iron would be very hard to hit. Personally I've always hit a smaller headed club better when it comes to the irons. Perhaps it's the "fear factor" or maybe the mind has a way of focusing more when the target is smaller. Mr. Miura also feels this way. He says the smaller head makes it easier to square up at impact, since the center or gravity is located closer to the shaft of the club. This feature also makes the clubs more workable for fades and draws. The smaller clubhead also glides through the grass with greater ease than a large oversize club. Indeed, this is probably the most playable forged blade I have ever hit. Now, I'm not trying to tell you that everyone can hit this tiny little forged blade, but I'm saying it may not be as hard to hit as you would think. Despite the company's claims that just about anybody can hit these irons, I would still say that the target buyer for these irons are the better players, and I would go further and say they certainly are aligned towards players who make consistent solid contact, and that means a handicap range of zero to maybe 6. True to the legend, the feel of a well struck golf shot with a Miura blade is unlike anything else. Hitting balls with this 1957 blade is so rewarding that I barely noticed the blisters forming on my left hand. For the first time in years, I spent an entire practice session of several hundred golf balls hitting nothing but the Miura 6 iron. Once I got into a grove with the club it almost felt like an extension of my arms. The solid shots feel almost like a practice swing, as the ball the club contact is hardly noticeable. The mishits transmit instant feedback and you can tell exactly where you missed it. This club can do it all. It's like a surgeon's scalpel, or a chef's pairing knife. In the hands of a skilled golfer there is no shot these irons can't hit with ease. Workability is paramount when selecting a blade. After all, why hit a blade iron if all you want to do is hit it high and straight? The 1957 blade is as workable as any of the best blades I've hit. Miura has always been known as the cream of the crop of forged clubs. Many of the worlds best players have had clubs made by Miura and stamped with the markings of another company to comply with club contracts. Anyone with the desire and cash can have a set of irons custom made to their exact specs or, through one of the company's dealers can be fit for a set. MSRP for the 1957 blade is $250 per club, so they aren't for the casual buyer. But for the forged blade purist, they are worth every penny. In the last 10 years I have hit hundreds and hundreds of different clubs, and the Miura 1957 Blade is in my top 5 of all time. Miura Golf's corporate office is located in Vancouver, British Columbia and Miura Golf clubs are sold at the finest custom-fitting shops in North America. The Miura brand is marketed exclusively by Miura Golf Inc., in the United States and North America. More information on Miura products can be found at www.miuragolf.com.
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March 7, 2011
TaylorMade Introduces Three New Forged Iron Models

TaylorMade Golf has re-imagined and redefined the forged iron with the introduction of three new and distinctly different models: TPMB (Tour Preferred® Muscleback), TPMC (Tour Preferred Muscle Cavity) and TPCB (Tour Preferred Cavityback).

The sophisticated design of each of the three new models incorporates specific features and technologies developed to promote improved superior performance. Created with major input from tour pros, each new iron is an exquisitely designed instrument that blends classic forged iron features with modern performance elements. The TPMB and TPMC are both created using a state-of-the-art shaping process and modern, 6-step forging procedure that results in pure feel. The TPCB employs a multi-material construction comprised of a forged face and cast body.

“Forged irons are typically devoid of performance technologies,” said Bret Wahl, senior director of iron, wedge and putter development. “Their compact and solid construction, with thin sole, thin topline, high CG location and little to no offset, forces a very specific type of impact parameters to hit a good shot, with virtually no margin for error. The reward for that sacrifice is unparalleled feel and workability. We took a long, close look into the makeup of forged irons to determine if we could advance the performance with the use of technology, and we found that we could.”

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TPMB: Innovation in a Forged Muscleback

The Tour Preferred MB is a finely wrought muscleback blade expressly designed for the purist. With clear lines, a compact player’s shape and minimal offset, the TPMB delivers the pure feel, feedback and workability coveted by blade fans.

“This is the iron that many of our Tour Staff pros been waiting for,” said Keith Sbarbaro, TaylorMade’s vice president of tour operations. “The lines are clear and clean from every angle, and the pure feel of the ball on the forged face at impact is as good as it gets.”

The exclusive, 6-step forging process employed produces a more precisely shaped and finished head that looks and performs like a work of art. A thin topline, thin sole, straight leading edge, minimal offset and tapered hosel work in conjunction to promote the kind of pure face-to-ball connection sought after by skilled players.

In addition, the TPMB incorporates TaylorMade’s innovative new precision-weighting port in the back of the clubhead to solve an age-old problem. In the past, clubmakers have installed cartridges of varying weight in the hosel to assure that each iron in the set is of uniform swingweight. Doing so, however, affects the location of the CG in terms of its position between the toe and heel. The TPMB’s precision-weighting port guarantees precise swingweights while ensuring optimal and consistent CG location in every clubhead.

“The precision-weighting port proves that it is, in fact, possible to innovate and improve the performance of a true, forged blade,” said Brian Bazzel, manager of iron and wedge creation.

The TPMB also incorporates an advanced, USGA-conforming groove design to promote more spin and control from the rough, a crucial advancement in making it the ultimate player’s performance iron. The standard shaft and grip properties were chosen with input from TaylorMade Tour Staff professionals, and include True Temper Dynamic Gold shaft —the most widely played on tour—and Tour Velvet grips, a combination deemed optimal for promoting consistent and responsive performance.

TPMC: The Ideal Forged Players Cavityback

TPMC irons are designed with a clean, classic and maneuverable player’s shape that offers the optimum blend of feel, workability, and forgiveness. By incorporating a compact, shallow cavity, the irons deliver the feel and workability of a forging plus a degree of added stability.

“We worked obsessively with our Tour Staff to shape the TPMC irons into something that looks perfect to the better player’s eye, while at the same time incorporating feel, workability and stability,” said Bazzel.

The end result is a sexy, workable player’s shape with a thin topline, straighter leading edge and less-cambered sole. Like the TPMB, the creation of the TPMC starts with an exclusive 6-step forging process, which produces a more precisely shaped and finished head that looks and performs beautifully. The sole is moderate to narrow in thickness and less cambered, preventing deep digging. The leading edge features minimal heel-to-toe radius with the ideal amount of camber to cut cleanly and precisely into the turf with little to no resistance.

Additionally, the advanced groove design promotes more spin and control from the rough.

TaylorMade’s precision-weighting port is incorporated into the TPMC, guaranteeing precise swingweights while ensuring optimal and consistent CG location in every clubhead to promote optimized ball flight in the long-, middle- and short-irons.

Equipped with True Temper Dynamic Gold shafts and Tour Velvet grips.

TPCB

The Tour Preferred CB is a multi-material forged cavityback that’s beautiful, powerful and playable. Designed with a two-piece head, the TPCB’s advanced construction melds a forged face with a cast body that incorporates an undercut cavity to deliver the pure feel of a forged iron and the forgiveness of a deep cavityback.

“Uniting a forged face with a cast cavity allows us to deliver the best of both worlds: the soft feel of a forging with the stability and forgiveness of a deep undercut cavity,” said Wahl.

The TPCB boasts the highest MOI of the three new irons. That, combined with its Inverted Cone Technology (the only iron of the three with ICT), which promotes faster ball speed on off-center hits, helps make the TPCB extremely forgiving for consistent distance from shot to shot.

The TPCB also features a precision-weighting port that guarantees consistent swingweight throughout the set while ensuring optimal CG location in every clubhead to promote optimal ball flight every iron.

Additionally, the TPCB features the same new, advanced groove design to promote more spin and control from the rough.

The TPCB irons is the only model of the three being offered in both steel and graphite shafts. The steel is a new, 110-gram, mid-flight True Temper Dynamic Golf XP, which is lighter and promotes higher flight compared to the standard Dynamic Gold steel shaft. The graphite shaft options, developed by Fujikura, are offered in 90-gram stiff flex and 80-gram regular flex. Tour Velvet grips are also standard.

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Set Makeup, Pricing and Availability

All three of the new TP forged irons are offered in three shaft flexes – X, S, R. The TPMB and TPMC are available in the 2-iron through pitching wedge in steel shafts only. The TPCB, offered in both steel and graphite shafts, will be available in 3-iron through attack wedge. The standard TP set includes eight irons—custom sets will allow combination of any eight irons offered in each models—at a street price of $899. The street price for the TPCB irons with graphite shaft is $1099. The TPMB, TPMC and TPCB irons become available at retail starting in March 2011.

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December 7, 2010
Fourteen Golf On The Rise

Fourteen Golf, a Japanese golf club manufacturer, established itself in 1981 as a golf equipment design company. The highly successful venture developed exclusive designs for Titleist, Yamaha, Srixon (formerly Dunlop Japan), Wilson, PRGR, and many more. The original team was credited with developing the first hybrid iron and the highly popular “Citation” cavity iron by Power Bilt which was one of the most popular irons of the 1980s. In the year 2000, the business transitioned into a branded design and manufacturing company, known now as Fourteen Golf.

You may not have heard of them in the USA or Europe yet, but they make very high quality golf clubs, and they are on the rise! So far they are well known in Asia for very playable forged irons and wedges, and their most popular wedge design (MT-28 V5) has really caught on with the professional tours all over the world. The MT-28 V5 wedge features a classic design which features its signature Fourteen “reverse taper design” but has been improved by adding a groove strategically located in between the club sole and blade portion of the wedge. This structural change allowed the engineers to move the CG to a higher more stabilizing position for more precise shots.

In preparation for the new groove policy on the professional tours such as the PGA and LPGA, the company spent years engineering a new head and groove combination for the MT-28 V5 that would be in compliance with the USGA’s requirements and yet maintained the ultimate spin rate. The company not only met that objective but exceeded their expectations.

According to a recent press release, for spin and control the unique trapezoidal shaped groove works in unison with the MT-28 V5’s highly engineered head. This combination was tested in a variety of conditions and it outperformed the older MT-28 V4 in wet soggy conditions and maintained the same spin rate in dry conditions. The trapezoidal groove also undergoes a mirror-face milling process that precisely and carefully mills each groove for optimal spin.

According to an independent equipment survey, the Fourteen Golf TC-910 Forged Irons continue to dominate the Asian Tour with the number #1 ranked iron model played. At the Queens Cup in Thailand, Fourteen Golf had almost twice as many TC-910 Irons in play as compared to Srixon, Titleist, and TaylorMade and three times more than Ping and Callaway. According to Fourteen Golf COO Marcy Kamoda, "We are proud that the professionals on the Asian Tour use our TC-910 irons weekly. It helps the company on many levels. First, it exposes our product to the golfing fans or spectators who attend the tournaments and it also brings a level of credibility to the performance of our products." These traditionally shaped irons are manufactured with soft Forged S20C steel and are slightly offset. The CG moves progressively higher as the clubs get shorter, creating optimal spin rates for each club. Initially these irons were designed specifically for the professional, so fittingly they look like a "Players Irons." They are designed with a clean muscle-cavity back iron head that produces a classic forged feel. "In addition to receiving praise and support from the professionals, our TC-910 Forged Irons were included in the highly coveted 2010 Golf Digest 'Hot List'. The judges graded them with four and half stars for performance as well as in the look/sound/ feel category," added Kamoda. In addition to the success Fourteen Golf and their TC-910 Forged irons are enjoying on the Asian Tour, the company has been credited with many tour victories and Top-10 finishes. Fourteen Golf Victories: Including the recent victory at the Bentonville Open at Lost Springs Golf & Athletic club, Fourteen Golf has celebrated seven professional tour victories during the 2010 golf season; The South Georgia Classic on the Nationwide Tour, The Maybank Malaysian from the European Tour, the Carolina Series on the Hooters Tour, the Cyber Agent Cup on the LPGA, the Ladies Titan Tire Challenge and the Teva Championship on the Duramed Futures Tour. Fourteen Golf Top-10 Finishes: Fourteen Golf has received recognition for Thirty-six Top-10 finishes this year, they are as follows: (8) PGA Tour: (1) Verizon Heritage, (1) Shell Houston Open, (1) PLAYERS Championship, (2) at the HP Byron Nelson, (1) The Memorial Tournament Presented by Morgan Stanley, (1) St. Jude Classic and (1) another at the US Open. (4) Nationwide Tour: (1) BMW Pro-Am, (2) at the Stadion Athens Classic at UGA, and (1) Fort Smith Classic on the Nationwide Tour. (24) LPGA Tour: (3) Top-10 finishes were captured at the HSBC Women's Champions, (2) clinched at the Kraft Nabisco Championship, (2) from the Honda PTT LPGA Thailand, (3) at the Kia Classic Presented by J Golf, (1) secured at the Mojo Jamaican Invitational, (1) at the Tres Maria Championship, (1) from the Bell South LPGA Classic, (6) impressive Top-10s at the Sybase Match Play Championship and (3) at the LPGA State Farm Classic and (2) from the Shop Rite LPGA Classic. Tour success usually equates to retail success, so we are eager to see how this record helps sales. Fourteen makes very high quality clubs, but they are priced in the ultra premium price range. The TC-910 Forged Iron set is offered in three through pitching wedge. They are finished with a Nickel chrome satin finish and are built with a tour weighted Dynamic Gold Steel Shaft. They began shipping in the early spring and suggested retail is $1,199.00. Keep a lookout for Fourteen golf. If you are looking for top of the line clubs and something a little different, these will be a must hit!
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June 25, 2010
Bridgestone J38 Dual Pocket Cavity Irons – Review

Bridgestone Golf has gained lots of recognition in recent years with the media campaign revolving around its B330 and B330s golf balls and the fitting system they use to match players with the balls. Bridgestone has signed several well known pros to their staff, including Fred Couples, Lee Trevino, Nick Price, Charles Howell III and Brandt Snedeker, among others.

Bridgestone has been making golf balls since 1935, and has been the leading manufacturer in Japan for years, so it’s no surprise that their golf balls are becoming more and more popular in the US, despite a very crowded golf ball market. As far as golf clubs are concerned, they have been in this arena for 38 years. They haven’t been well known for golf clubs in the US market, but I have a feeling that will change very soon.

For 2010, Bridgestone Golf has introduced the J38 and J38 Dual Pocket cavity forged irons to go with their new J38 460 Driver, and if you overlook these when shopping for your next set you are making a mistake. I first saw these irons at the PGA Demo Day during the PGA Merchandise Show in Feb 2010. Just about every major golf manufacturer was there (about 90 in all) around the huge circular range at Orange County National showing off their new clubs, and the J38s were one of the top three irons that I hit that day, so I wanted to give them a more thorough trial.

I was sent a set of the J38 Dual Pocket Cavity irons to try out, and I was able to hit about 300 balls and play a few rounds with them, along with letting a friend play a few rounds with them as well. How did they perform? Read on! (Click on the photos below for a closer look)

Appearance
The Bridgestone J38 Dual Pocket Cavity irons are a classic looking forged cavity back. There are no fancy graphics or weird technological features added to these sticks. The biggest difference these clubs have to most of the other forged cavity back irons I've seen is that these are a midsize head. The heel to toe length is greater than most other clubs, and this is noticeable at address, but isn't distracting by any means. Having a longer blade profile makes them more forgiving. The rest of the lines are very clean and traditional. They have the thin top line, shallow heel and minimal offset that many lower handicap players prefer.
Performance
The J38 Dual Pocket Cavity irons are designed for mid-handicaps down to professionals. Having classic lines and 1020 forged carbon steel heads, they would tend to appeal to lower handicap players anyway. Matched with the high quality Project X Flighted shafts, they would be a good addition to many golfer's bags. With the midsize heads, these irons were indeed more forgiving than my current set, the Srixon i701 Tour forged cavity backs. Hits towards the toe resulted in greater distance and the iron remains very stable at impact. While the J38 DPC irons are forged, they felt a bit firmer than other forgings, but still provide plenty of useful feedback to the player. The Project X Flighted shafts tended to hit the ball higher for me than my Dynamic Golds, but that is the idea. The "Flighted" shafts move the kick point lower in the long irons for a higher trajectory, and move it up in the short irons for better trajectory control. The 6.0 flex rating in my demo set was softer than my usual X100 shafts, also contributing to a higher ball flight for me. When given to my other play tester Tim, an 8- 10 handicap with slower swing speed, the shaft performed flawlessly. At first he didn't like the irons, favoring a club with slightly more offset and a darker finish like the Cleveland CG7 Black Pearl, but after a few rounds of golf with the J38s he didn't want to give them back! The Dual Pocket Cavity feature is simply two cavities in the back of the club that removes weight from behind the face so they can re-distribute it towards the perimeter to make them more forgiving. The cavities are painted black, which makes them blend in to the design so they aren't distracting. Bridgestone staff pro Fred Couples put these irons in his bag, and since joining the Champions Tour he's won just about everything in sight. In his first four events on the senior circuit, he finished 2nd, 1st, 1st and 1st. That's as good an endorsement as you can get! When I tried the J38 Dual Pocket Cavity irons at the 2010 PGA Demo Day in Orlando, I remarked that they were one of the top three irons I had hit that day. The other two irons that I was very impressed with were forged blades. The J38 was the best cavity back iron there in my opinion. They are forgiving without making it too hard to work the ball in either direction. The top of the line shaft offering is a plus as well, since the Project X shaft is usually an upgrade for most other companies. For the street price of $799, you get the stock Project X Flighted shaft.
Specs and Options
Bridgestone offers numerous custom shaft options for the J38 irons, including options from companies like Aldila, FST, Grafalloy, Nippon, True Temper and Royal Precision. The Project X Flighted and Project X shafts should be popular, as are the KBS Tour shafts and the old standby - Dynamic Gold and Dynamic Gold SL. The lofts and lies of these irons can be adjusted by Bridgestone's custom department in one degree increments, plus or minus 3 degrees. The lofts in this set are pretty strong, as with most modern sets. The PW here is 46 degrees, making a gap wedge likely a good idea. The J38 DPC irons conform to the USGA's new groove rule, making them OK for play under the new condition of competition on the PGA Tour - not that 99.99% of people that buy these are really concerned with that, but I had to mention it.
Overall Impressions
These irons can do it all, from high flying shots that stop fast to low, penetrating knockdowns. They perform well from the rough and are just as workable as any other forged cavity back irons on the market. They have a larger head than most other forged cavity back irons, but that doesn't hinder them in any way. These irons are solid, stable and look good. If you are in the market for high performance forged cavity back irons with premium shafts, these irons will deliver. I think these will be best for a mid handicap player that is working his/her way to single digits and wants a forgiving forged club that will provide enough feel and feedback to help them improve. Take some time to try these out, and you won't be disappointed!
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May 13, 2010