Friday, March 18, 2011
2011 Buyer's Guide Irons
If you want to score your best, start with the right set of irons
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Dynacraft
Prophet Tour Forged  Key Feature: Last year’s Prophet Tour iron was a hit, and this year’s version sports an all-forged design. The iron’s Stability Slot located behind the face provides an added boost of forgiveness, while retaining feel and control.What We Like: We like that you can build a set to your liking, and we really like the way these irons felt at impact. They have that sweet, buttery feel that better players will gravitate to. Who It’s For: Better players who want an affordable forged iron that both looks and feels like a million bucks. Specs: Custom-made to order. hirokogolf.com | $45/each (clubhead) |
Exotics
XCG-4  Key Feature: The thin face, dual tungsten weights and deep undercut cavity create a large sweet spot, while a progressive offset throughout the set enhances forgiveness.What We Like: The irons are deceptively wide-soled: A groove divides each sole into two, creating the visual illusion of being more narrow. This means they’re actually a lot easier to hit than they look, especially for steep swingers. Who It’s For: Mid- to high-handicappers. Specs: Available in 3-SW, with True Temper Dynalite or KBS Tour steel, or Rifle Project X or Fujikura Motore Exotics graphite shafts. exoticsgolf.com | $599 s/$699 g |
F2 Golf
SE Irons  Key Feature: The F2 SE irons have been developed by F2 Golf to apply the advanced F2 SS wedge technology into a forgiving, easy-to-hit, game-improvement iron. Similar to the new F2 SS wedges, the F2 SE irons have F2’s dogleg hosel that’s curved away from the leading edge of the face and back to the shaft. This provides a larger sweet spot and less drag from the rough or sand, and practically eliminates the possibility of a shank. What We Like: A shankproof iron? Awesome! Who It’s For: Golfers who want better ballstriking. Specs: Available in 4-PW (with an optional 3-iron) in Formosa/Femco steel or graphite shafts. f2golf.com | $499 s/$599 g |
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Fourteen
TC-710G  Key Feature: Midsized forged clubheads have consistent CG positioning plus sizable MOI—for fewer mis-hits. Talk about a smooth, buttery feel. What We Like: They look very clean at address, the way forged-iron players prefer. And in case you haven’t heard of Fourteen Golf yet, all you need to know is they make some of the finest forged irons we’ve ever seen. Period. Now, if only they had simpler names for their golf clubs. Who It’s For: Better players who want a pure forged iron that delivers major performance. Specs: Available in 4-PW, with Nippon N.S. Pro 950GH steel shaft. fourteengolf.com | $1,199 s |
Mizuno
MP-53  Key Feature: The longer irons’ “V” slot CNC-milled pocket cavity redistributes 14 grams of weight around the cavity, for the largest sweet spot ever in an MP iron. What We Like: The Diamond Muscle design on these forged irons translates to the nice feel and ball control you’d expect from a Mizuno iron. Who It’s For: Better players. The sister MP-63 irons have a progressive player’s cavity and may appeal to golfers who want a tad more forgiveness in the longer irons. Specs: Available in 3-PW, with True Temper Dynamic Gold or Project X 5.5 steel shafts. mizunousa.com | $699 s/$899 g |
Mizuno
MP-JPX 800  Key Feature: "Explosive" distance is achieved by combining MAX COR Technology, Hot Metal Face construction, and an exotic pocket cavity.What We Like: The triple-cut sole yields versatility and improves ball contact from various lies. A multimaterial cavity badge tunes impact sound and enhances feel. Wow, do these feel great! Who It’s For: Serious mid- to high-handicappers. The sister JPX-800 Pro has minimal progressive offset and thinner lines. Specs: Available in 3-PW, with True Temper Dynalite Gold XP steel or Mizuno Exsar IS4 graphite shafts. mizunousa.com | $699 s/$899 g |
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