I picked up the Qi35 core 7-wood recently as a replacement for my hybrid and have only hit it indoors on a simulator so far. It so far seems to be a great club and surprised me in a few ways.

Looks
In terms of looks, TaylorMade nailed it. The head shape is clean and modern, and it sets up nicely behind the ball. Even the headcover looks great. It has a premium feel and matches the overall aesthetic of the club really well.

Distance
Now let's talk about distance. I was consistently hitting it around 230 yards, which is about 15 yards farther than my 4 iron so fits the gapping well. It also had a lot of height and spin (comparatively speaking). That is a lot more pop than I expected from a 7-wood.

Forgiveness
The Qi35 Core 7 wood is also very forgiving. Even on slight mishits, the ball stayed on line and held decent carry. What surprised me even more was how easy it was to shape shots. I could hit a slight draw or hold off a fade without feeling like I had to manipulate my swing. I could also control height pretty easily. I couldn't curve shots more than 10-15 yards in either direction consistently but that is still a lot more than I expected from this forgiving of a club. 

Issues
One thing to be aware of is that the Qi35 core is a bonded club. That means it’s not adjustable. I did not realize this until after I bought the club (whoops) but luckily it fit in with my gapping perfectly so I wouldn't have needed to adjust it anyway. The Tour and Max models do offer adjustability (+- up to 2 degrees), but both have different head sizes. The Max comes with a larger head at 200cc, and is the most forgiving of these 3 models. The Tour comes with a smaller head at 170cc and is less forgiving while being more workable (the core is 185cc). For reference, I'm a +1 handicap and didn't feel like I needed the workability of the Tour model or the forgiveness of the Max model. And many tour pros, including Scottie Scheffler, use the Core 7 wood over the Tour Version.

TLDR
To summarize, I am really liking the Qi35 7 wood. It looks great and is extremely forgiving while also being fairly workable. The one issue with it is that it's not adjustable, which means that tinkerers are probably better off getting the Max or Tour version. But overall it is a great club that I highly recommend.

Thanks for reading this review!

About a month ago, I got fed up with my GT2 driver being less accurate than a sawed-off shotgun, so I tried out a Ping G430 Max 10K at 9°.  That proved to be consistently in the fairway, but I was giving up 40+ yards every time to get there, which was shorter than I can consistently find the fairway with my 3W (and close enough to my 5W that it was NOT a long-term option).

Thus, since I had a Ping adapter on my Tour AD-VF 6S shaft, I tried some other options out off the used rack at PGA Superstore.  One of those was a G440 LST in 9°.  I was SMOKING that really close to as long as my best shots with the GT2, but way more consistently in the fairway, even with the loft turned down to about 7.5° (big minus setting).  I decided to list both of the drivers I had on the other site's BST and see how much I could get for them.  Well, both sold in under 3 hours, so I paid off the G430 Max 10K experiment and the cheap Tour AD-GP shaft I'd gotten off the BST a few weeks ago and mostly paid for a brand-new Ping G440 LST head in 7.5°, which is a limited edition Ping is selling for high-spin / high-launch players to try and get ball flights down.

I was late getting some errands done Saturday after a bit of a thunderstorm rolled through, so I called the pro shop at the club as I was driving that and asked for a walking tee time in about 30 minutes that showed open on the app.  We can't self-book anything under 2 hours, so a call was needed.  Turns out, I got there and recognized the 2 groups that were on the tee sheet in front of me.  Both were SLOOOOOW groups of golfers that think they're playing on the PGA Tour with GHIN handicaps hovering in the mid-20s...but I digress!  I essentially slammed the bag on the push cart and RAN to the first tee to get out in front of them.  Good thing I did...the 2nd group was STILL in the fairway of 1 when I got back to the 5th tee (and all of both groups had solo private carts...sloooooow!).

By the 5th hole, I'd hit the G440 LST 7.5° 3 times:

1. 291 in fairway on #1 (made birdie)
2. 287 in fairway on #2 (2-putt par from 34' after my 54° wedge almost spun off the green from a hit 10' under the hole)
3. 297 in fairway on #3 (2-putt par from 21' after a nice 9 iron from the fairway landed and spun back a few feet after landing on a steep slope below the hole)

Because of the course setup, there's not another driver hole until #7...that was my 1 bad drive of the day...273 in the rough behind a 100' tall tree.  I made a bogey on that one.

The 8th is a par 3, which I failed to get up and down on after I missed the green long...flew through a crosswind and bounced past the green from the fringe with a 7 iron.  

On the 9th, I decided to see just how far I could hit it into the teeth of the wind if I went after one.  I ended up hitting it a little low on the club face toe side (I was worried becuase with the GT2, that was a pulled ball into the fairway bunker on the left side leaving a mid-iron to the green around a large tree)...and it only went...288 yards in the fairway.

Consider me VERY intrigued so far.  I know all too well about the honeymoon phase with a new driver. However, I almost tried to hit the G440 LST bad on that last one and it still went forever.

Once I get more time, I'll update this with pictures (probably after the shaft comes and I rebuild it) and do some deep diving on the data with a simulator session.

One interesting thing is I tried the light weight, high lofted Ping G440 last summer and couldn't hit it worth a darn.  And, I usually like a heavier swing weight (my Mizunos are an inch over standard) but the Titleist was really light feeling.  Perhaps, the sole of the Ping didn't agree with me.  Perhaps, I just lost that much strength in 7 or 8 months.  Don't know.

Anyhow, I wanted other distance and height challenged players to know about the Titleist irons.  

In my setup, I still use both my 50-degree and 54-degree wedges for full swings at least half the time. That’s less common with the 60-degree wedge, but it still happens occasionally. Because of that, I needed wedges that provided forgiveness on full swings while still performing well on shorter shots and around the greens.

After some experimenting, I happily stumbled into the cavity-back wedge world a couple of seasons ago. After trying the Cleveland CBX line, the extra forgiveness and improved consistency—both on full swings and partial shots—earned them a spot in my bag.

For this review, I wanted to do something a little different. Instead of simply praising cavity-back wedges (though if you’re a double-digit handicapper, I strongly suggest trying them for any wedge you frequently use on full swings), I wanted to compare what has long been the gold standard of cavity-back wedges—the Cleveland CBX line—to its newest incarnation: the CBZ.

Cleveland’s new CBZ line launched with a full range of options, including both standard-face and full-face models. For this review, I’m comparing my CBX wedges with Catalyst 80 Spinner graphite shafts in 50°, 54°, and 60° (all standard faces) to CBZ wedges in the same lofts with KBS Hi-Rev steel shafts, with the 60° being the full-face model.

General Thoughts on the CBZ Wedges:

The new CBZ alloy truly makes an impact on both feel and performance. The feel is surprisingly soft—on par with high-end blade wedges like Vokeys. Additionally, the new alloy seems to enhance spin, as the CBZ wedges consistently outperformed the CBX line in spin throughout my testing.

Overall, this update to Cleveland’s leading cavity-back wedge lineup is excellent. The CBZ wedges are a phenomenal addition for anyone looking to bring forgiveness into their short game while still maintaining strong greenside performance.

Head-to-Head Results:

For me, the story of my wedges is trying to get the most spin, and on this front, the CBZ wedges deliver.  To try to get a reliable number for this, I am only comparing the spin data for the full swing shots taken with these wedges, and the CBZ wedges came out on top every time.

Additionally, the consistency and dispersion of the CBZ wedges were better than all shot types compared to it's CBX counterpart.

50 Degree Full and Half Shots:

54 Degree Full, Half, and Chip Shots:

60 Degree Wedge Full, Half, and Flop Shots:

Based on what I have seen on the sim so far and the limited use I was able to get with these wedges before winter set in, I have very high hopes for next summer and my short game.  If you are in the market for new wedges and think a cavity back wedge might fit your game, I highly recommend giving the gold standard Cleveland CBZ wedge a shot.

scotty Cameron Studio style OC

Scotty Cameron Phantom 11 R OC

i just got fit for the Scotty Cameron Studio fastback OC model.  Expected delivery is in two to three weeks .  I will comment on my experiences with it once it’s received and in the bag.

TL; DR at the end

Submarines were life for a few years during my NAVY days. Anything I can get my hands on that pertains to the Sub force is always a win in my book, especially when it comes to golf. You have no IDEA how stoked I was to hear PXG was releasing a new Battle Ready II (BR2) putter named "Torpedo". Sure, it is an all too familiar aesthetic, but never did I think of seeing the design as that of the Mk. 48 ADCAP I fondly remember sleeping against on some missions. Surfing the web, it was hard to find any kind of review or video that really got into this putter. Because of this, I KNEW I had to stop by a PXG when I got the chance to try one out along with the rest of the BR2 line now that I was in the market to replace my LAB DF2.1 Sweeper.

PXG Fitting

PXG is known to be world class when it comes to club fitting. I always feel like a VIP when I stop by and am never scared to ask "dumb" questions or try something else against their suggestions, you know, just for fun! I set up my putter fitting last Monday (Oct 12) while in Phoenix for some team meetings and honestly did not know what to expect as I have never really done putter fittings before. I've always been the kind to stop by a PGA Super Store and feel my way around the putters on display to find out what I liked. I felt going in for the fitting would help me better decide which of the BR2 line would work best and how it could be configured for my stroke.

Upon entry brings the feelings of being a kid again but walking into the Electronics Boutique, looking at all of my favorite video games and other items I wish I could just scoop up. I was immediately greeted by my fitter and the process began. We started with which putter I was most curious about, to which I mentioned the Torpedo. We pulled the head out to get some aesthetic checks done, but was met with another option PXG had yet to release to the world...the Mustang ZT. Looking down at the ZT, I had no problems with the extended wings at the back of the blade. Rolling some putts was just about as lights out as I could have started, but also lead to the immediate suggestion from the fitter at the sight of my putting stroke. We would need a slant neck, pistol grip, and cut it down way short as I am very low to the ground when I putt. With this in mind, we continued on.

I then got the chance to feel out the Allan, Bat Attack ZT, Torpedo, back to the Mustang ZT, narrowed down to the Bat Attack ZT and the Torpedo. Needless to say, the Torpedo just felt so heavy and solid in the hand. The eye test alone and repeatability at the cup produced the Torpedo as the winner for the day after adding some more weight to it and installing the PXG Pistol I grip. I did get to try an M-16 stability shaft, but honestly, I could not tell a difference between that and the stock steel offering.

This is where I feel PXG could have been better during the fitting process while at the Mesa, AZ location. If I am not mistaken, the Scottsdale location is equipped with putt analysis hardware and software to get the real data between each club tested. The Mesa location was based purely on feel, aesthetic, and overall playability. I feel I could have been swayed toward a stability shaft if the data had provided conclusive evidence on performance gains. Who knows, maybe another putter helped me roll the ball even better via data but just could not tell the way the fitting went. I had to pick the Mesa location since it was closer to where I needed to be when I got into town, which kept me from going toward the Scottsdale location. Regardless, I know I got myself the right putter and can always go back to get adjusted if needed. I ordered the Torpedo that day and had it in hand 5 days later! Our final config resulted in x2 17.5g weights at the bottom, PXG Pistol I grip, and cut down to 32.75".

First Impressions

I received my box and shot STRAIGHT to the backyard to unload the new munitions. The Torpedo had arrived and was just as, in PXG's words, "sexy" as a golf club can be! Along with the Torpedo came PXG's signature Battle Ready "26" logo ridden putter cover, and an envelope containing both my order details and a few PXG decals and one "PXG for Heroes" sticker I appreciate receiving. Out in the sun, the putter looks awesome. The all-black matte aesthetic on the head does not disappoint one bit. I feel the matte finish was smart to help contrast an all black, but glossy, sight line built into the putter. The pyramid face looks great, the engraved glossy PXG logo at the back looks stellar, and the overall build was all I could hope for. I had a scramble charity tournament to play in the next morning, so I was ready to load and pressurize this Torpedo for combat.

On The Course

Long story short, the putter did all I needed it to do AND some. One of the taglines for the Torpedo putter revolves around "wage war on 3-putts". Hard to fight something that did not exist! If I missed a putt, I did not miss it by much, providing extra help for our group in at least leaving ourselves a manageable 2nd putt. Out of 18, I sank 4 one putts, one from within 5, and the other 3 from 10ft and out! Granted, having a line helps a bit, but knowing I was able to hit my line and roll the ball beautifully end over end as made evident by my Maxfli Tour X putt align design. The ball never skids across the green nor did it create a wobble in the ball off the face. The ball rolled pure and as consistent as I could want with a premium putter.

Feel and Sound

I appreciate the extra weight in the putter for that solid, controlled feel. The addition of the Pistol I for my slight arc stroke feels great in hand and helped me know where the face of the putter was at. There were times I hit the ball with the low portion of the Torpedo and knew it both through audible and feel feedback. On solid strikes, the putt feels like butter, even with an X ball, and felt much more clicky the more I missed the center of the face with a matching tone coming off the putter. Still, I hit my line and was not punished as much as I was with my LAB 2.1, proving the high MOI category the Torpedo fits in is well represented with this head.

Good, Bad, and the Ugly

Even without objective data during the fitting, the BR2 Torpedo has already exceeded expectations on the course. I was able to load up and fire with the putter as if I have had it for years. It was that good! This is where I feel the good of a PXG fitting takes place. I know what to expect and know it is fit to what I need, so I know I can confidently roll this beast of a putter. I do not honestly have anything bad to say about the Torpedo at this point other than the curiosity of what story data would have told at the fitting as mentioned prior. The ugly revolves more around my insatiable quest to refine the bag to the best of my abilities. So many folks were shocked to hear I had sold the "Brass Knuckles" deemed LAB 2.1 Sweeper. I was all about the LAB and how that 10 year investment would be the one! Alas, it was not the more I got to play with it and had to eat my words when I showed up with a shiny new toy. The price may be a no go for folks with the MSRP set at $399.99, but if you get the Heroes discount PXG so graciously offers, the splurge is worth every penny, even if still at MSRP. And yeah, the shipping cost still sucks at $30, still the only gripe I can think of.

USS Chux13, Ready for Next Mission!

Overall, I am happily satisfied with the purchase and performance during the Battle Ready II Torpedoes DRT (Deployment Readiness Training). Every pre-underway has been checked and verified operational for the deployments going forward. Seriously, my heart is so happy knowing the putter pays tribute to a weapons class I am all too familiar with from my military days. Even if not aimed directly at the Sub Force, I can still keep the narrative around my time and service and what that experience along with a new putter brings to me. I appreciate personal nods when it comes to my equipment as my whole bag is set up this way. Everything in the bag tells a story. Hopefully moving forward, the BR2 Torpedo will have great stories of one putt's sank and places it has traveled. If the first round is any indication of what is to come, look out! As our Ballistic force is a deterrent to enemy attack, I hope the PXG Battle Ready II Torpedo can be a deterrent to 3-putt attacks on the score card. Time will tell and I will happily continue to share the journey here with you all. Until then, fair winds and following greens folks! HOOYAH!!

TL; DR

The PXG Battle Ready II Torpedo putter delivers a bold, tactical look with its matte black finish and clean lines, evoking the feel of a precision weapon—especially meaningful for those with military ties. In hand, it feels solid and stable thanks to its heavier head, slant neck, and PXG Pistol I grip, offering excellent feedback and control for my slight arc stroke. On the course, it performs exceptionally well—rolling the ball true with minimal skid, forgiving on mishits, and confidently eliminating 3-putts thus far, making it a high-MOI performer that inspires trust from the very first round.

I recognize that this is not a “golf club” review, but with all of the hype around Callaway’s newest and greatest creation, I feel it deserves a spot! I recently received a box of Chrome Tour Triple Diamonds through the generosity of MyGolfSpy. I have been religiously using Pro V1x’s for the past 10 months and was super excited to play Callaway’s “low spin” tour ball.

Looks and Feel

I am not used to the look of Callaway’s dimple pattern, but I got used to it very quickly. The ball looks very clean with great graphics, especially the very subtle triple diamond. As for feel, it is a firm ball that is very comparable to the Pro V1x and Pro V1x Left Dash.

Spin and Speed (Driver)

This ball is great for high swing speed players who occasionally struggle with excess spin off the tee. That being said, it is not a magic fix for a slice. The 2025 MGS Ball Test dubbed these as the longest ball in, but I personally did not see any improvement in distance off the tee while using these. If there was any, it was minimal.

Spin and Speed (Iron)

The aspect of this ball that surprised me the most is the spin off of a long Iron. My carry distances did not change but after a couple of rounds, I felt confident in this ball sticking greens from over 200 yards out. This combination of low spin off the tee while keeping enough spin for approach shots is really appealing.

Chipping and Putting

There is not much to note here; everything felt very similar to the Pro V1x’s that I am used to. The only change was getting used to standing over a Callaway logo on the green.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that this is a high-quality golf ball. This ball is great for high swing speed golfers who are looking for a lower spin ball, like myself. After trying this ball, I believe Titleist’s ProV1x left Dash has some real competition. Unless you are an extreme loyalist to a certain brand, I would highly recommend trying this ball.

Tech Specs (From MGS 2025 Ball Test)

• Compression: 101
• Ball Speed (Driver/Fast): 168 mph
• Spin (Driver/Fast): 2,640 rpm
• Ball Speed (Iron/Fast): 127 mph
• Spin (Iron/Fast): 6,776 rpm

I recently picked up a set of the limited-edition Vokey SM10 Black Vapor wedges in 50°, 54°, and 58°, and I’ve got to say—they’re some of the best-looking wedges I’ve ever seen. If you’re into the blacked-out aesthetic, these are next-level.

Looks & Finish

The Black Vapor finish is darker than the standard Jet Black SM10s. It’s not really matte black, it has a subtle sheen that makes the wedges pop without being flashy. The black Vokey shafts are what really seal the deal for me. They match the heads perfectly and give the whole setup a clean, unified look.  

Even the grips (black-and-silver limited edition BV Golf Pride Z-Grip Cords) are slick. The silver paintfill accents on the back of the Black Vapor SM10 wedges tie in perfectly with the black-and-silver grips. I normally regrip everything to Golf Pride Tour wraps but these go with the overall wedge look so well that I’m actually considering leaving them on. The whole package feels very premium.

Durability

I’ve only had a few rounds with them, but durability seems solid so far. The finish is holding up well, though I’ve noticed some light scratching from bunker shots (which is pretty normal). According to Titleist, the Black Vapor finish uses a Titanium Carbide Vapor coating, which is supposed to be more durable and smudge-resistant than traditional black finishes. So far, that claim seems to hold up.

Performance

These are still SM10s underneath the finish, which means you’re getting all the tech and design that makes them one of the most played wedges on Tour. According to Vokey, the SM10s feature:

• Lower flight and improved feel thanks to a precise shift in center of gravity
• Maximum spin from TX9 grooves that are cut to the edge and heat-treated for durability
• Shot versatility and distance control that help you dial in every wedge shot

(The look at address)

Price Comparison

Now here’s the catch: the Black Vapor wedges retail for $225 per club, while the standard SM10s typically go for $190. That’s a $35 premium per wedge, and you’re not getting any performance upgrade; just the finish, shaft, grip, and label.

So let’s be honest: the only reason to buy the Black Vapor version is if you really love the blacked-out look. If you’re just chasing performance, the standard SM10s will give you the same results for less money. But if you’re like me and care about aesthetics, feel, and having cool looking golf clubs, then the Black Vapor is worth considering. 

Final Thoughts

I’m loving these wedges so far. The finish is holding up very well, and the black-on-black setup looks incredible. Yes, they’re more expensive, but if you’re into gear that looks as good as it performs, they’re hard to beat.

That being said, I would only recommend them if you really care about how your wedges look. Otherwise, save the cash and grab the standard SM10s. Either way, you’re getting one of the best wedge designs in the game.