EQUIPMENTou might be reading this
out of curiosity, rather
than in expectation that
one of these ‘better
player’ clubs will be right
for you. But before we
delve into the specifics of
each model, it’s worth
noting that one of our
biggest takeaways from this test was that this
category of iron now has a wider appeal than ever
before. Each model is much more consistent than
their predecessors. These clubs aren’t just for
single-figure golfers and Tour pros. There are mid-
handicappers who are solid enough ball-strikers to
enjoy them. And if you are at the better player end
of the spectrum, the good news is that better
materials and technologies mean these leaps in
forgiveness haven’t cost the feel and workability.
That’s why we’re seeing more and more Tour pros
forego traditional blade and muscleback designs
for cavity back irons. Why wouldn’t you want a
club that offers greater forgiveness and distance
with virtually no compromise on playability?
In this month’s test, we’ve brought together the
top end entries from three manufacturers whosereputationsintheironmarketdifferconsiderably.
Mizuno,anacknowledgedmasterofforgingsfor
thefinerplayer,hasthelatestinitsJPXlinewith
the 900 Tour model. It’s up against TaylorMade,
a heavy hitter in the pro game, but more for clubs
with head covers rather than those without. With
the P770, though, there’s already an indication that
it might have found something to shout about.
Then there’s Wilson’s FG Tour V6. Wilson has
more major wins (61) than any manufacturer, but
that is ancient history. However, the FG Tour series
has been their best franchise in recent years.The test
The descriptions ‘cavity back’ and ‘better player
irons’ didn’t used to exist together. These tour
irons are something of a new breed, promising, if
not the best of both worlds, then somewhere close
enough for it not to matter. Yes, there are clubs
that are more forgiving and ones with a superior
feel, but bringing together those two ends of the
spectrum makes a seriously seductive combination.
These clubs might not have the buttery feel and
precision of a Mizuno MP blade, but they do have
enough ‘feel’ to make them adept at shaping shots.
Theydon’thavethebuilt-inforgivenessofa
chunkier game improver, but they’re more forgiving
than a design that doesn’t feature a cavity back.August 2017 Golf World 105Y
What’s important here is that these three models
are all designed to be very playable for anyone who
can deliver the club onto the ball with decent speed
and a good degree of consistency. There are 15
handicappers out there who would enjoy these.
As our test team arrived at The Belfry, we were
predicting a closely run race. At first glance, there’s
plenty to like about all three models, but maybe
that’s to be expected in the ‘better player iron’
arena. With sleek profiles, bevelled edges and a
smoothness of finish, these irons all ooze quality
and feel classy, like running your fingertips over the
polished body work of a Porsche or Aston Martin.
The testing team on this occasion numbered four
with club-fitting expert Derek Murray joined by
AdamSmith,aTourprobasedatTheBelfry,Golf
WorlddeditorNickWrightandseniorwriterKit
Alexander. The thoughts and opinions of all four
were taken into consideration and Trackman
figures were fully analysed.
Mizuno’s JPX900 Tour was getting admiring
glancesfromtheoff.Thesatinfinishseemtosuitit
inthesamewaythattheshinier,chromecoatingon
theMPrangelooksrightforablade.
In fact, this club infiltrates blade territory so well
that you wonder if golfers who have stubbornly sofarrejectedironsblessedwithsuchgameimproving
advantages,mightfinallybetempted.
Itdoeshaveaslightlybiggerheadshapethanthe
connoisseur might like, but there’s a thin top line
and the club sits beautifully behind the ball.
“I prefer the MP5 for looks, but the feel of this is
still excellent,” said Smith, “and what I particularly
liked was the forgiveness here. I have a habit of
hitting slightly out of the toe sometimes, but I‘All three models are designed to be very playable for a wide
spectrum of golfers – anyone who can deliver the club onto
the ball with decent speed and a good degree of consistency’