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2020 Official Member Review: Ben Hogan Icon & PTX Pro/Icon Combo Irons


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On 5/23/2020 at 6:58 AM, joen said:

Was looking at the specs and I noticed the PW is 46 degrees and my current GW is 52 degrees. I was concerned about gapping issues....and I needed new wedges so I ordered the Hogan Equalizer wedges in 50, 54, and 58. It just seemed right to get new wedges from Hogan since they supplied an iron set free for testing (abuse). 

Nice! Ben Hogan Golf is also encouraging us golf nuts to roll the dice on a set of Equalizer wedges this weekend (like + comment). The groovy winner will be selected on Memorial Day.

:cobra-small:______S9-1 Pro D - Matrix Ozik XCON 6 S
:cobra-small:______S9-1 Pro 15* - Matrix Ozik XCON 7 S
:nickent-small:________3DX 17* - Matrix Ozik Altus Hybrid SG
:Hogan:______ICON Black 4-PW - KBS Tour V S
:cleveland-small:__________588 RTG 49  RTX 52.10  56.12 - DG S400
BobbyGrace.png.1dc40002fcec0eee8603b71b3e706e89.png______Amazing Grace NYC Tour CS
:taylormade-small:_______'19 TP5X
(the preceding have all been gamer approved)

"The most important shot in golf is the next one“ - Ben Hogan

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2 hours ago, joen said:

Sorry if I in anyway have caused you to spend money on golf clubs. I apologize profusely!  😂 

Come on. That's what we do here 😂

:ping-small: G430 Max 10K 

:titelist-small: TSiR1 15.0 Aldlia Ascent 60g

:titelist-small: TSR2 18.0 PX Aldila Ascent 6og

:titelist-small: TSi1 20 Aldila Ascent Shafts R

:titelist-small: T350 5-GW SteelFiber I80 

:titelist-small: SM10 48F/54M and58K

:ping-small: S159 48S/52S/56W/60B

:scotty-cameron-1: Select 5.5 Flowback 35" 

:titelist-small: ProV1  Play number 12

 

 

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The Equalizers have caught my eye too. I think I’ll wait and see if the Players Combo’s unseat my current set in the bag first though.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

WITB:

Stan Thompson “Reactionizer” persimmon woods 1-4

Spalding Tour Edition 3-PW

Spalding Top-Flite E.V.A. Sand Club

Rife Legend Z Putter

 

 

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I’m liking the equalizers much more as I continue to play them. The v-sole took a little time to get used to coming from the razor sharp leading edge of the sub70 wedges

 

:titleist-small: TSr2 on tensi blue stiff

:cobra-small: Speedzone 3-wood on Tensi blue S

:callaway-logo-1: Epic Max 5 and 7 woods on HZRDUS  Reg flex

:callaway-logo-1: Paradym 9 wood on HZRDUS reg flex

:taylormade-small: P770 / P790 combo set on Ventus R-6 shafts 6-AW

:mizuno-small:  T22 Denim Copper 54°, 58° on Kinetic X Trajectory 

:EVNROLL: ER3 or,

:edel-golf-1: E.A.S. #4   (“Fang” or “Adele”)
 

:titelist-small: ProV1x, or, Maxfli Tour X

:callaway-small: .Org 14 cart bag

Adidas Tour 360 , or Sketcher shoes

 

 

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2 hours ago, Sluggo42 said:

I’m liking the equalizers much more as I continue to play them. The v-sole took a little time to get used to coming from the razor sharp leading edge of the sub70 wedges

I'm a big fan of the V Sole that Terry Koehler created. I loved it when trying it on the SCOR wedges that I game and it was equally as nice when trying it on Hogan's TK wedges a couple years back.

In my Vessel-removebg-preview.png.afd31301c874ee24a33a6c5f06f4ab98.png Lux XV Cart Bag:
Driver: image.png.0d0a9c800176ad44335fd0a7facba020.png RADSPEED XB PTC 10.5° Fujikura Speeder Evolution 661 VII Stiff
Utility: callaway-golf-vector-logo-removebg-preview.png.1467fda9195e29c96aa5066f048e91b9.png Apex UW 17° and 19° Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 70 6.0
4 Hybrid: image.png.0d0a9c800176ad44335fd0a7facba020.png KING LTDx 21° KBS PGI 85 Stiff
Irons: image.png.66179558e8e55b8b35b741c037395846.png ZX5/ZX7 Project X LZ 6.0
Wedges: image.png.620c54f7108fefbf49a94ba169f19081.png 2.0 49°, 53°, 57° Project X LZ 6.0
Putter:  logo-horizontal-black.svg LINK.1 34"
Ball: MaxFli.png.395dd0dca3a12529f636728b3e66a134.png Tour (Thanks MGS for allowing me to test these!)

Check out my Official MGS Reviews Below!
:skycaddie: LX5 Watch - Link Here!

MaxFli.png.395dd0dca3a12529f636728b3e66a134.png Tour and TourX Golf Balls - Link Here!

image.png.28a3be9c497202cfc8176faecf8777ad.png Approach S70 Watch - Link Here!

 

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Sweet video

Learning a new edit system during Covid so I cut together a little something.....
 
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Sent from my SM-G955U using MyGolfSpy mobile app

WITB:

 

Driver:   :taylormade-small: Sim2 Max w/ Fujikura Motore X F3 shaft

FW Wood:   :cobra-small:  F9 wood 14.5* 

Hybrids:  :taylormade-small: Sim2 Max 3 Hybrid & :nike-small: Vapor Flex 4 hybrid  

Irons:  :srixon-small: Z565 - 7 thru PW & ZU85 - 5 thru 6 with Recoil ZT9 F4 shafts                                            

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: RTX4 52*, 56*, 60* 

Putter:  Scotty Cameron M2 Newport

Ball:  :Snell: Black & :titelist-small: Pro V1

Bag: 2018 MyGolfSpy stand Bag & 2021 Greenside Golf stand bag

 

 

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6 hours ago, deejaid said:

Learning a new edit system during Covid so I cut together a little something.....

 

 

Absolute class sir!!

 

In my :titleist-small: cart Bag:

Driver:    :cobra-small: King F9 9° - LH - Atmos Blue TS 6 Stiff
Woods:   :cobra-small: King F9 - LH - 3/4 Wood - Atmos Blue 7 Reg
               :srixon-small: Z U85 2 Iron
Irons:     :titelist-small: T200 4 Iron AMT White S300
  :titelist-small: T100S - LH - 3-48* - AMT White S300
Wedges:               Indi FLX- LH - 52° 56° 60° - True Temper Spinner Wedge shafts
Putter:    :rife-putters-1: 2 Bar Hybrid
Ball:        :titelist-small: Pro V1x

Testing: Haywood CB/MB Combo Iron Set, 4-7 Cavity backs, 8-PW Muscle Backs, True Temper Dynamic Gold 105 Stiff, 2 Degrees stronger lofts.

Tracked By: :Arccos:

Follow me on Twitter @ham12_hampton and on Instagram @Nunfa0 

 

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6 hours ago, deejaid said:

Learning a new edit system during Covid so I cut together a little something.....

 

 

Nice!

Check out my reviews:

:ping-small:  G710 Irons Official Review I :Fuji: MC Shaft & :EVNROLL: V Series Putter Official Review

:cobra-small: 2022 Forged Tec's Official Review I Logo.png.7f297574516267afc6959b36be364cf9.pngNitron Push Cart Official Review

WITB:

Weapons of grass destruction (link to WITB)

:ping-small: Traverse is filled with all this shiny metal and tracked by :Arccos:

:cobra-small: RadSpeed 8* - MotoreX F1 6X :taylormade-small: SIM 3W - Project X HZRDUS Green

:titleist-small: U505 Driving Iron 17* - Project X HZRDUS Black :cobra-small: SpeedZone 4H - Project X HZRDUS Black

:cobra-small: 2022 King Forged Tec's 4-PW - KBS $ Tape 130 :titelist-small: 48 (SM8), 52 & 60 (SM7) - Nippon Modus 125 S 

:EVNROLL: ER2VI :titelist-small: PROV1X #19 

Are you a veteran? Check out the Veterans Golf Association (VGA) Thread!

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22 hours ago, deejaid said:

Learning a new edit system during Covid so I cut together a little something.....

 

 

That was nicely done Deejaid.   For those who haven't seen your work before, I'm sure they'll be blown away by some of your stuff. 

:ping-small: G430 Max 10K 

:titelist-small: TSiR1 15.0 Aldlia Ascent 60g

:titelist-small: TSR2 18.0 PX Aldila Ascent 6og

:titelist-small: TSi1 20 Aldila Ascent Shafts R

:titelist-small: T350 5-GW SteelFiber I80 

:titelist-small: SM10 48F/54M and58K

:ping-small: S159 48S/52S/56W/60B

:scotty-cameron-1: Select 5.5 Flowback 35" 

:titelist-small: ProV1  Play number 12

 

 

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Nice work Deejaid...

im wondering where you got that old video of my swing... 😚

 

:titleist-small: TSr2 on tensi blue stiff

:cobra-small: Speedzone 3-wood on Tensi blue S

:callaway-logo-1: Epic Max 5 and 7 woods on HZRDUS  Reg flex

:callaway-logo-1: Paradym 9 wood on HZRDUS reg flex

:taylormade-small: P770 / P790 combo set on Ventus R-6 shafts 6-AW

:mizuno-small:  T22 Denim Copper 54°, 58° on Kinetic X Trajectory 

:EVNROLL: ER3 or,

:edel-golf-1: E.A.S. #4   (“Fang” or “Adele”)
 

:titelist-small: ProV1x, or, Maxfli Tour X

:callaway-small: .Org 14 cart bag

Adidas Tour 360 , or Sketcher shoes

 

 

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The Hogan players Combo – The official MGS Forum Review by Sluggo42

Intro

First and foremost, I want to give a proper thanks to the Ben Hogan golf company, for providing their clubs to this process, and to MyGolfSpy, for creating this review process that allows regular guys like me, to be a part of it all. It’s just an awesome experience, and thank you!!! 

 I’m a 64 year-old self-taught player. I play 3-4 times a week.

I’m about a .8 second swing tempo, sort of a short flat backswing and then I jump on it, 

I’ve got a medium ball-flight, with a slight draw. If I’m a little cold early into a round, my miss is usually a pull hook. Not super long anymore, but pretty steady. I’m that 240-250 yard  driver, and 150yd- 7 iron guy. I’ll usually come in somewhere between a 72 and 80. I’m usually in good shape off the tee. Then I just need to hit a good iron in. 

I’ve been trying a few different types of clubs lately to see if I could get a little help with my irons. 
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First Impressions


             When the box arrived, and I opened it up for my first glimpse, I was floored. These clubs are flat out sick.

9E7BB4FE-C57C-427F-912C-7BD55DB2312B.jpeg.b92ae70cd0615f409519ccd661981324.jpegFrom the super clean club-heads to the Recoil f4 Smakwrap shafts (label down of course), to the Lampkin Zed 5 grips, they just ooze sweetness. 

FF531B83-85AA-4E84-AFB2-CF0525EE41E4.jpeg.7422ef2616b499271ae7c5ae57e4ae0e.jpeg

 

Here is a bit of technical talk directly from the Hogan webpage that describes how they’re made: 

“PTx PRO Irons utilize a proprietary three-piece, multi-material, multi-step forging process. This allows us to combine multiple materials into each iron head to deliver a consistent and linear Center of Gravity (CG) throughout the set. 
 The long irons feature a soft 1025 carbon steel body with a forged MS300 face. Co-forged, dense tungsten weight is placed in precise locations on the toe to balance mass across the face and promote straighter ball flight, with higher initial launch angles and more spin. This allows you to hold greens better on longer approach shots.”

 The Ptxpro’s are like a blend of AP2’s and p790’s. Not too soft and solidly smart feeling. Like you’re not really sure why they feel so right, but they just do. Brilliant really, just like that favorite pair of jeans you’ve got. They just fit perfectly.

 

                    “Think about everything better players look for and demand in their irons. Thin topline. Minimal offset. Clean, pure and elegant shaping. Compact head size. ICON embodies all of it. Take comfort in knowing that ICON gives you the opportunity to hit your mark on every shot while feeling the satisfying, buttery pureness of flush contact. Hogan once described that blissful sensation as running from your hands up your arms and into your heart. There’s nothing else quite like it in golf.”

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I have to agree with their own description of their Icon blades. They are everything one could ask for, and an absolute dream when mashed. I have hit hundreds and hundreds of shots with them, and every pure hit results in the same wry smile. Like a beautiful guitar, the Icons are hard to not stare at for an extended length of time. Classic and timeless flowing lines, they all just blend together into an instrument, just begging to be played.

There is a slight difference between the PtxPro’s and the Icons..

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Grading

 Looks (8 out of 10 points) 

I cant say that I am totally in love with the PtxPro iron, as I think it’s a bit busy on the back, and its got a fairly thick topline. I guess it’s the insert in the cavity that messes up the continuity in my eye. Had they just made that one part a simple brushed satin that matched the rest of the club, it would have been perfect, as well as a perfect blend into the Icons. When I first saw the Icons, I thought it had one too many levels. But then when you actually hold one in your hand and look at it closely, it reveals itself as a true work of art.
DDF9E08B-8915-4572-B497-F7AFFC2E62D9.jpeg.353743c5f6623c64d019a8da96bc4e03.jpegSimple yet elegant, and utterly fantastic.

The 4UiHi looks ok considering that it’s a big ol’ utility iron. However, it does blend in with the PtxPro in the looks category enough to not stick out like a sore thumb. The Recoils (graphics down) and the nice Z5 grips do inspire a feeling of confidence. This set is a decent beginning to a trend I predict will be very popular in the years to come.

6033B0BC-95ED-4324-AEBC-799776FF7538.jpeg.7ca7d33d74d71b0b4f7526bb6734582e.jpeg

 

Sound & Feel (10 out of 10 points)

The reason I bought my first set of PtxPro’s was because I hit a lot of shots with my friends set and was always amazed with the feel and sound. I believe the Hogans have tapped into that Mizuno realm with these clubs , as the they’re exceptional feeling for a “tech” club. And the Icons are better yet. But as good as that purred hit is, it’s still a small blade, and they aren’t built with forgiveness in mind as a final product.

1587818A-55DA-4B1A-9A59-FFB7D4A4C6A5.jpeg.22444e6c60b663d990ed4480c23dca32.jpeg

 

Basic Characteristics (19 out of 20 points)

As a current owner of a set of PtxPros, I already knew these clubs would perform admirably, but what I didn’t know was how much of an improvement the combo set on the Recoils would be for me.

C36B4478-F353-42C7-A2DA-360B8C27FC5E.jpeg.04e1bb42324cbc45f91c57b60e35a718.jpegWhen I’m “on”, these stix are deadly. The move to the Recoils from the V-Tours gave me a slightly different ball flight that I absolutely love, a tall slight draw. So it took a few rounds to trust that, but now is the norm.

1CC966D2-5D04-4522-971E-C4384D1F79A8.jpeg.3b6f53306591e8ac3a2fe2cba0c9d263.jpeg

            I think another benefit to the Recoil shafts for me has been a slight gain in yardage, like maybe 5 -7 yards in the low clubs, and maybe 10-15 in the longer clubs on well struck balls. 

            

The PtxPro’s are actually reasonable, in the forgiveness arena. You still need a good strike for ultimate performance, but a slight mishit isn’t going to cost you 30 yards. But a gross mishit will. The Icons have an even smaller sweet-spot as lets face it, they ARE blades. You need to spank these on the button for a superb result. But when you do, you are rewarded in every way. I think a mid-capper could play the PtxPros as easily as say a TM p790, but you might want to be in the single digits to play the Icon blades.

            

 

On-Course / LM Performance (28 out of 30 points)

I’ve put close to 25 rounds on this set in the last month and probably 10 or so range sessions as well. Probably a third of the rounds were for scoring, and the rest were devoted to “learning the set”. 

I’d like to start with the amazing 4UiHi club. It’s actually an assassins scalpel. Hit it off the tee for a 200-210 yard fairway splitter.
389CDB0C-85A9-481F-8DE5-EFCE61E08180.jpeg.be97b7306a9e4c349883ad445dd4cc24.jpeg


Hit it again for 175 yds, on a uphill par 5 second shot, again dead center.

93AF526D-4064-4C9C-BDD6-7EE8E9D1AD36.jpeg.370b8e60127cb3b50c174c1805eef31a.jpeg

Or hit it onto the green from 180-190 on a long par 4. It’s an extremely versatile club, and the first Utility iron I’ve ever had. And I’m very happy now that I have one.

The 5,6, and 7 PtxPro irons are the comfort zone. Suddenly that 145-175 yard danger zone is no longer a scary place.

 

They are the “get it on the green” and hope for a birdie opportunity clubs. They are very easy to hit, solid and stable, and workable if needed. Less stressful than trying to get the same results with a blade in your hand. And speaking of those blades…

Introducing the 8,9, and PW in the majestic Icon’s. Just wow. Pictures really can’t explain the level 12 of awesomeness that these lumps of iron exude from their pores. In person, and when in hand, they exemplify everything a mind could conjure up when trying to imagine the perfect club. And then to go even further, the striking of a ball brings it all together, in a brief and blissful moment of ecstasy. It’s almost like hitting air when you make that perfect strike. And then you just watch the ball slice through the space-time continuum, until it gently lands onto the putting surface.

9D8F35C0-4744-4A6F-95EF-B48744E97DAE.jpeg.fd73e78998bad9c4f880f6daa5811a74.jpeg

Whatever type of shot you want to hit is available, if you’re good enough to hit it. I would suggest that the higher indexes go with the PtxPro set all the way through the PW, to get that extra little bit of help on the shorter end..


Final Performance Comments:

 These clubs have performed as well, or better than all the clubs (6 sets) I’ve used in the last two years. And the feeling has been better. That wasn’t a misprint. These clubs feel outstanding. They are also extremely consistent, as I’ve yet to have a “flyer”. The Recoils also game me about a half club gain in distance. My scoring hasn’t really changed yet, as that will take some time at a 4.1, but I believe as I continue to get more dialed in with these clubs, I might actually get the needle to move down a hair.

I really can’t find a glaring, or even a slight problem with this set of clubs. They’re about as perfect a set of clubs as possible, for me, and I wouldn’t change a darn thing. I think one thing that Hogan could do, would be to offer the buyer the choice of where they might want to split the combo, like perhaps allowing the buyer to carry the Icon into the 7 or even the 6 irons.

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Miscellaneous (10 out of 10 points)

I’ve gotten nothing but compliments from everyone who sees these clubs. They were very well packaged for shipping and well protected. They shipped quickly after they actually shipped, but were a bit late due to the Covid-19 pandemic that ruined most everything. So that is NOT a knock against the company, but rather a grim statement about how this virus has impacted everything we know.

Play it or Trade it? (20 out of 20 points)

The Hogans are in my bag now, and I look forward to playing every time I get to go. I couldn’t be any happier with a set of clubs as these tic every box one could consider. From the tech laden lower irons. to the baby’s butt smoothness of the Icons, they are as close to a perfect set there is for the good player, who can use a little bit of help at the long iron end. Easy answer to this category… PLAY IT!

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 ·       Conclusion

             The Ben Hogan Co. decided to address the needs of the guys in my slot. Blades for the short game, Tech filled middle Irons, and a Utility iron that gets the ball into the air. I had always had a generally good feeling about Hogan clubs over the years, but hadn’t ever owned a set before the PtxPro set. When when you figure in the cost, which is about 1/3 less than the big name sets, it really starts to make a lot more sense. The ICON’s give me the blade accuracy and control that I can still utilize at my age of 64. Everything I could ask for actually. I rate them a two thumbs up!

final score 95 out of 100 
 

folks, we have a winner...

 

 

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:titleist-small: TSr2 on tensi blue stiff

:cobra-small: Speedzone 3-wood on Tensi blue S

:callaway-logo-1: Epic Max 5 and 7 woods on HZRDUS  Reg flex

:callaway-logo-1: Paradym 9 wood on HZRDUS reg flex

:taylormade-small: P770 / P790 combo set on Ventus R-6 shafts 6-AW

:mizuno-small:  T22 Denim Copper 54°, 58° on Kinetic X Trajectory 

:EVNROLL: ER3 or,

:edel-golf-1: E.A.S. #4   (“Fang” or “Adele”)
 

:titelist-small: ProV1x, or, Maxfli Tour X

:callaway-small: .Org 14 cart bag

Adidas Tour 360 , or Sketcher shoes

 

 

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Hello again, I am Steve, a 39 year old husband to an amazing woman, father to a 2 year old daughter, and an eight year old American Pit Bull Terrier, a fireman and a retired Golf Professional.  This is me two weeks ago in the ED after pulling lumbar back muscles from yup, golfing.  In the interim, I've been thinking of ways to describe my experience with the Player's Combo.  Thanks for following along thus far and enjoy!

 

IMG_9479.JPG

 

Since leaving the golf business, my best days of competition between college and PGA sectional events are behind me.  Fun fact, I was paired up in a SE Florida Pro-Assistant event fifteen years ago with last week's Tour winner Jim Herman when he worked in Port Saint Lucie, Florida.  I play to a current 5.6 index and get out to either play or hit the range 1-2 times per week.  

So some background about me as a golfer.  I have always been a great driver of the golf ball; put a driver in my hand and I will anchor any scramble team.  Put a wedge in my hand and I say there is no shot I can't hit tight.  Put an iron in my hand?  Best to hand me that wedge,  iron play is the weakest part of my game. 

Hogan claims that the PTx Player's Combo are "Quite possibly, the first-ever perfect set of irons."

Did they set themselves up to offer a perfect set of clubs...yes, they did.  

A true combination set has been the unicorn that the golf industry has been late to deliver since I have been playing golf.  I never understood why any manufacturers were apprehensive in offering a progressive set of irons for the better player.  Nike attempted it with the Pro Combo in 2004 and we've seen Mizuno offer the MP-18 line; not quite an exclusive combo set but the closest in shape, loft and design that I have seen.  We could obviously, piecemeal a set and have a modified combo set but still, were those irons build to truly complement each other?  Ben Hogan hit it on the screws with this set, its truly a well thought and better executed product.

 

IMG_9303.JPG

 

 

 

The way I see it, there are so many "ALMOST" golfers who would prefer the look an playability of the Icon's who require the extra confidence of the PTx.  The 3-10 handicappers who want something that looks like a player's iron but lets them still hit shots when their regular swings takeover.  

As far as my personal bias and preconceived notion, I was apprehensive about the performance of the Icon head.  I played the Ft. Worth irons from 2016-2018 and had a lot of difficulty with finding success.  As Tony Covey wrote about the Ft. Worth's in his MGS Review in August, 2015:

"THE MAYBE SHOT IS CONSISTENTLY SHORT."  

The Ft. Worth really was the victim of the "maybe shot."  This was a true story for me and despite the rounds where I would hit these irons well, I found myself clubbing up on nearly every approach because I was accustomed to missing shots.  As I began playing the Icon's, there was a part of me scared of the "maybe." Fortunately, that wasn't going to be an issue with the Icon's.

The sole width and weight distribution on the Icon head was purposefully moved towards the rear and the sole to help with forgiveness.  If you had unbranded heads, it would be difficult to imagine these were the cycle that arrived following the Ft. Worth's.  Not only have the engineered a head that works better for the "Maybe," the geometry of this head looks as good as it was designed.  No more rounded, soft edges.  We're talking boxed head with a straight leading edge...Meeeeow.

 

IMG_9791.JPG

 

Performance for me was important but keep in mind, I was already enjoying the Maltby TS1 set I built this spring.  The way I play, I need something that I can hit which allows me some forgiveness.  I was not expecting to be in a duel, considering these clubs fit different categories of golfers.  Guess what, it wasn't even close.  This set played so kindly that I gave up on my TS1 set to keep these in play.  I never lost confidence in my ability to hit any of my approaches or tee shots where I intended.  

Testing was purely subjective.  I am not a data driven golfer, nor do I rely heavily on a launch monitor.  When I say I am a high ball hitter who could flight these irons, believe me when I say that they are profoundly versatile.  If you're looking for numbers and charts, I am not your guy.  

 

Looks (10 out of 10 points) 

They hit the mark.  These irons are gorgeous in any light and highlighted by the return of the classic Hogan sunburst.  Flip them around and you have a squared leading edge with a boxed blade that pays tribute to the 1970's Apex and Medallion irons you could spot a mile away.  Let me be clear...I LOVE BOXED BLADES...   

 

IMG_8768.JPG

 

IMG_9795.PNG

 

Sound & Feel (10 out of 10 points)

I am not seeking anything more from an iron.  They sound and feel exactly like I hope they would.  Need more? Listen for yourself.  

This is a cut 9 from 145 and felt as good as it looked.

This is the UiHi

This is the PTx 7 iron

 

Basic Characteristics (18 out of 20 points)

Easy out the gate.  They were super easy to square up and I found that the ball flights were remarkably similar between each "type."  The 7 iron and 8 iron each bore a remarkably similar trajectory which was pleasing to see.  I tend to have a lot of 140-170 yard approaches and these irons are in my hands often.  It takes the thinking out of the swing when I know that moving from a muscle back to a 3 piece forging will not offer a different ball flight.  Distances were about where I would expect.  The P is 46* which is a 130 club for me.

On-Course / LM Performance (28 out of 30 points)

As I said, distances were what I had expected.  There weren't any big surprises as far as jumpers or springy heads.  As we mentioned a few days ago, someone suggested via TXG that the PTx heads can feel springy...they don't.  They feel exactly as a 3 piece forging would, these are point and shoot.

Miscellaneous (5 out of 10 points)

I am going to say this for the people in the back of the room.  

"THESE CLUBS ARE TOO GOOD TO BE LIMITED TO JUST FOUR SHAFT OPTIONS!!"  

While I have mentioned it before, next season I will be putting Nippon Modus 120's in these heads.  I mean no disrespect to Ben Hogan and for those of you who are wondering, the KBS Tour V's will go in my Ping i5 irons to offer them new life.  I really want to dial in these clubs and make them the best possible set I can, that means spending a little extra to do so.  Shape, feel, flight and confidence in these irons...they are everything that I would want in a club and I plan to dial them in further to make them their best version possible.

 

Play it or Trade it? (20 out of 20 points)

I am keeping these and they are going to be my daily set of irons.  I couldn't be happier with how well they fit my game.  I know I am not a blades player anymore but I am a Player's Combo player!   

For you, the "Almost" golfer.  The guy who almost broke 70 who knows how to throw a string of doubles together, I am talking to you.  These are your new irons.  These are the irons that reward poor swings and romanticize great shots.  These are the irons that make you feel like a player.  

 

Final Score (91 out of 100 points)

 

 

  • Titleist TSi3 Fujikura Speeder NX Blue 60X
  • TaylorMade SIM2 3 wood Fujilkura Ventus Blue 7-X
  • Titleist U505 2 Tensei 1K Black 85 X
  • Titleist T100 4-P Nippon Modus 3 120X
  • PING S159 50-S 55-H 59-T DG X100
  • Vokey SM8 50, SM9 54 & 60  Nippon Modus 3 120s
  • L.A.B. MEZZ Max Broom Accra 47" 79.5*
  • Srixon Z-Star XV 

Currently testing the 2024 PING S159 wedges…

https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/63483-testers-announced-ping-s159-wedges/

Was testing, still loving the 2023 Titleist T100 Irons 4-P

https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/60456-titleist-t-series-irons-2023-forum-review/

 

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Congrats testers! We'll expect a Hogan-like review.

Madison bats -

Driver - Callaway Mavrik 10.5*, Reg 55 gram Riptide

3W - Taylor Rocket Ballz 15* R

5W - Taylor Rocket Balls 19* 

Hybrid 22* Rocket Balls R, 25* Hyper Speed R

Irons - 6-P Titleist AP2 712 S TT Gold Hi Launch

W 52, 56, 60 Vokey SM6

 

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On 5/24/2020 at 10:37 AM, Sluggo42 said:

I’m liking the equalizers much more as I continue to play them. The v-sole took a little time to get used to coming from the razor sharp leading edge of the sub70 wedges

what was the hardest part to get used to?

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9 hours ago, Erik-M said:

what was the hardest part to get used to?

I was skulling them-

I suppose I was used to just nipping them to keep from too much digging or something? The v-soles are almost like a mini-bounce. But a full swing let’s you get after it and I don’t seem to make those 2” deep pelts so much now

 

:titleist-small: TSr2 on tensi blue stiff

:cobra-small: Speedzone 3-wood on Tensi blue S

:callaway-logo-1: Epic Max 5 and 7 woods on HZRDUS  Reg flex

:callaway-logo-1: Paradym 9 wood on HZRDUS reg flex

:taylormade-small: P770 / P790 combo set on Ventus R-6 shafts 6-AW

:mizuno-small:  T22 Denim Copper 54°, 58° on Kinetic X Trajectory 

:EVNROLL: ER3 or,

:edel-golf-1: E.A.S. #4   (“Fang” or “Adele”)
 

:titelist-small: ProV1x, or, Maxfli Tour X

:callaway-small: .Org 14 cart bag

Adidas Tour 360 , or Sketcher shoes

 

 

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I can’t wait to start this review, I’ve got a serious head start on the ptxpro’s, and seriously can’t wait for the Icons. I dearly miss my Mizzy mp5’s, especially the scoring end, which the Icons will replace. And the 4UiHi is so deeply needed. My hybrid has lost my confidence... so sad...

but I will say, ....nah, I better wait... haha.

maybe I can say it’s not a bad idea to buy some a Hogan stock? Is there such a thing?

 

:titleist-small: TSr2 on tensi blue stiff

:cobra-small: Speedzone 3-wood on Tensi blue S

:callaway-logo-1: Epic Max 5 and 7 woods on HZRDUS  Reg flex

:callaway-logo-1: Paradym 9 wood on HZRDUS reg flex

:taylormade-small: P770 / P790 combo set on Ventus R-6 shafts 6-AW

:mizuno-small:  T22 Denim Copper 54°, 58° on Kinetic X Trajectory 

:EVNROLL: ER3 or,

:edel-golf-1: E.A.S. #4   (“Fang” or “Adele”)
 

:titelist-small: ProV1x, or, Maxfli Tour X

:callaway-small: .Org 14 cart bag

Adidas Tour 360 , or Sketcher shoes

 

 

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Learning a new edit system during Covid so I cut together a little something.....
 
 
@deejaid This is amazing. You just gave me a great idea for my review. I have no talent like you but my wife is a graphic designer and been doing some video editing for our church... Now I just need to convince her to do all the work haha.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

Driver:  Ben Hogan GS53
4W:  Maltby KE4 
2i: Maltby KE4 FDI 
4-PW:  Maltby TS-1 - C-Taper 120g 
50,54,58: Maltby TSW

Putter:  L.A.B. DF2.1 Accra Shaft 2023 Forum Testers - L.A.B. Putters
Ball: Mixed prefer ProV1 or Snell
Handicap: 9.2  -  Best Score: 72 (E) Springdale CC, Canton NC -2022

2020 Forum Tester - Ben Hogan GS53 Driver

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1 hour ago, Sluggo42 said:

I can’t wait to start this review, I’ve got a serious head start on the ptxpro’s, and seriously can’t wait for the Icons. I dearly miss my Mizzy mp5’s, especially the scoring end, which the Icons will replace. And the 4UiHi is so deeply needed. My hybrid has lost my confidence... so sad...

but I will say, ....nah, I better wait... haha.

maybe I can say it’s not a bad idea to buy some a Hogan stock? Is there such a thing?

We are all looking forward to this review!!

Man I love testing season, seeing the thrill of other golfers as they get the new stuff, watching their love for the clubs develop, seeing the honeymoon period wear off and reality hit and the honest reviews. THIS PLACE ROCKS!!!! 😍😍🤩

Sorry, just got a little excited there 😄😎

 

In my :titleist-small: cart Bag:

Driver:    :cobra-small: King F9 9° - LH - Atmos Blue TS 6 Stiff
Woods:   :cobra-small: King F9 - LH - 3/4 Wood - Atmos Blue 7 Reg
               :srixon-small: Z U85 2 Iron
Irons:     :titelist-small: T200 4 Iron AMT White S300
  :titelist-small: T100S - LH - 3-48* - AMT White S300
Wedges:               Indi FLX- LH - 52° 56° 60° - True Temper Spinner Wedge shafts
Putter:    :rife-putters-1: 2 Bar Hybrid
Ball:        :titelist-small: Pro V1x

Testing: Haywood CB/MB Combo Iron Set, 4-7 Cavity backs, 8-PW Muscle Backs, True Temper Dynamic Gold 105 Stiff, 2 Degrees stronger lofts.

Tracked By: :Arccos:

Follow me on Twitter @ham12_hampton and on Instagram @Nunfa0 

 

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Lots of times I enjoy reviews just because I like to see what others do. You guys all amaze this old school guy with your technical skills.

This test is different though. I’m looking forward to hearing how you all do with this particularly as they transition through the set.

I had a great integrated combo iron set for a number of years and have longed for that same set up since I aged out of them. It’s eluded me so far - either the turf interaction differs as the model type changes or the gapping is not right or the visual between model switches is too dramatic - right now I’ve settled for that last one - the jump from a SCOR 48 which is a blade to a GI Ping G30 PW is very tough on the eyes.

Looking forward to it gents - Sluggo I particularly have my eyes on you on this one.


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Taylor Made Stealth 2 10.5 Diamana S plus 60  Aldila  R flex   - 42.25 inches 

SMT 4 wood bassara R flex, four wood head, 3 wood shaft

Ping G410 7, 9 wood  Alta 65 R flex

Srixon ZX5 MK II  5-GW - UST recoil Dart 65 R flex

India 52,56 (60 pending)  UST recoil 75's R flex  

Evon roll ER 5 32 inches

It's our offseason so auditioning candidates - looking for that right mix of low spin long, more spin around the greens - TBD   

 

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Very nice. Congrats testers. I'm looking forward to reading the results of the test. I'm particularly interested in the combo set. Will that include a UiHi utility iron? 

And not for nothing, I do expect at least one of the testers to be sporting the "signature" Ben Hogan cap. LOL

:ping-small: CB-P226 Hoofer Cart Bag

:ping-small: G400 Max 10.5° w/Ping Alta CB

:PXG: 0311 XF 3 wood 16° w/Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw Blue

:PXG: 0211 19° Hybrid w/Project X Even Flow Riptide

:callaway-logo-1: Paradym X 6 - GW w/True Temper Elevate MPH Official Forum Test

:vokey-small: SM9 54°/12° D and 58°/12° D w/KBS Tour 110

:EVNROLL: ER11v 34”  Evnroll ER11v Official Forum Test

Shot Scope Pro LX+ Pro LX+ Official Forum Test

:Snell:  MTB prime

:Clicgear: 3.5+

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Lots of times I enjoy reviews just because I like to see what others do. You guys all amaze this old school guy with your technical skills.

This test is different though. I’m looking forward to hearing how you all do with this particularly as they transition through the set.

I had a great integrated combo iron set for a number of years and have longed for that same set up since I aged out of them. It’s eluded me so far - either the turf interaction differs as the model type changes or the gapping is not right or the visual between model switches is too dramatic - right now I’ve settled for that last one - the jump from a SCOR 48 which is a blade to a GI Ping G30 PW is very tough on the eyes.

Looking forward to it gents - Sluggo I particularly have my eyes on you on this one.


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Gapping between the 4 Utility Iron and the PTx Pro 5-iron and the gap between the PTx Pro 7-iron to the Icon 8-iron are of upmost importance to me and I will surely address it in my review.

I had the Ft. Worth’s a few years ago along with the Ft. Worth Hi utility iron. The gap between the utility and the Ft. Worth was over 20 yards. I felt like I had to carry the 4 Utility iron AND the regular 4-iron to keep my gaps.

I’m also a bit concerned about the transition from the PTx Pro 7-iron into the Icon 8-iron. Given all the talk of consistent 4* club gapping won’t the hollow head 7-iron with it’s hotter face fly much higher and further than the 10-12 yard gap you’d want to your traditional 8-iron?

It will be interesting.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

WITB:

Stan Thompson “Reactionizer” persimmon woods 1-4

Spalding Tour Edition 3-PW

Spalding Top-Flite E.V.A. Sand Club

Rife Legend Z Putter

 

 

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Very nice. Congrats testers. I'm looking forward to reading the results of the test. I'm particularly interested in the combo set. Will that include a UiHi utility iron? 
And not for nothing, I do expect at least one of the testers to be sporting the "signature" Ben Hogan cap. LOL

A few of us will be testing the UiHi Utility 4-iron in our sets.

As for the hat, I usually wear a Kangol 507 which is pretty close to the Hogan hat but just found another skin cancer so it looks like I’ll be switching to a broad brim soon.

Of course I gotta wear the 507 for the review though!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

WITB:

Stan Thompson “Reactionizer” persimmon woods 1-4

Spalding Tour Edition 3-PW

Spalding Top-Flite E.V.A. Sand Club

Rife Legend Z Putter

 

 

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On 5/22/2020 at 11:04 AM, hartrick11 said:

Congrats gents. The idea of this combo set is so perfect in my mind... can't wait to hear some impressions and if your experiences light a fire in my wallet. I am sooo itching to buy something after paying for nothing but groceries for the last few months... as long as I can stay gainfully employed that is 😐

Your cap indicates a reasonable ability to strike the scoring irons. The one thing I miss about my mizzy mp5’s, was the blades up top. But getting older does make the longer irons harder to hit, especially the 4, and this is where the 4UiHi should shine.

i couldn’t agree more with your assessment... I can hardly wait for these babies to get here. And I play 3-4 days a week at a minimum, so my results will be pouring in quickly...

 

:titleist-small: TSr2 on tensi blue stiff

:cobra-small: Speedzone 3-wood on Tensi blue S

:callaway-logo-1: Epic Max 5 and 7 woods on HZRDUS  Reg flex

:callaway-logo-1: Paradym 9 wood on HZRDUS reg flex

:taylormade-small: P770 / P790 combo set on Ventus R-6 shafts 6-AW

:mizuno-small:  T22 Denim Copper 54°, 58° on Kinetic X Trajectory 

:EVNROLL: ER3 or,

:edel-golf-1: E.A.S. #4   (“Fang” or “Adele”)
 

:titelist-small: ProV1x, or, Maxfli Tour X

:callaway-small: .Org 14 cart bag

Adidas Tour 360 , or Sketcher shoes

 

 

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6 hours ago, revkev said:

Lots of times I enjoy reviews just because I like to see what others do. You guys all amaze this old school guy with your technical skills.

This test is different though. I’m looking forward to hearing how you all do with this particularly as they transition through the set.

I had a great integrated combo iron set for a number of years and have longed for that same set up since I aged out of them. It’s eluded me so far - either the turf interaction differs as the model type changes or the gapping is not right or the visual between model switches is too dramatic - right now I’ve settled for that last one - the jump from a SCOR 48 which is a blade to a GI Ping G30 PW is very tough on the eyes.

Looking forward to it gents - Sluggo I particularly have my eyes on you on this one.


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Haha Rev, yes. I think our games are pretty close, and I was playing the mizzy mp5’s/mp25 combo,  but my break started at the 5. The Hogan’s start at the 7 As you know, so really at the dart throwing range. The visual was stark between them, and I never really liked that. Being well versed now on the v-sole will also be a large topic for me. I’m also moving from steel back to graphite, as my arthritis is returning, old age is cruel to the golfer...

 

:titleist-small: TSr2 on tensi blue stiff

:cobra-small: Speedzone 3-wood on Tensi blue S

:callaway-logo-1: Epic Max 5 and 7 woods on HZRDUS  Reg flex

:callaway-logo-1: Paradym 9 wood on HZRDUS reg flex

:taylormade-small: P770 / P790 combo set on Ventus R-6 shafts 6-AW

:mizuno-small:  T22 Denim Copper 54°, 58° on Kinetic X Trajectory 

:EVNROLL: ER3 or,

:edel-golf-1: E.A.S. #4   (“Fang” or “Adele”)
 

:titelist-small: ProV1x, or, Maxfli Tour X

:callaway-small: .Org 14 cart bag

Adidas Tour 360 , or Sketcher shoes

 

 

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18 minutes ago, Sluggo42 said:

Your cap indicates a reasonable ability to strike the scoring irons. The one thing I miss about my mizzy mp5’s, was the blades up top. But getting older does make the longer irons harder to hit, especially the 4, and this is where the 4UiHi should shine.

i couldn’t agree more with your assessment... I can hardly wait for these babies to get here. And I play 3-4 days a week at a minimum, so my results will be pouring in quickly...

The UiHi is something I'm particularly interested in, especially since you have blades experience. I am steep with my approach and have struggled on shots with other utility irons off the deck in the past. Does the V-sole enable the UiHi to provide extra help while still getting decent turf interaction? I may need to just order a 2 week demo to test along with you guys...

Driver:  :titelist-small: TSi 3 10* w/ Graphite Design AD IZ 7X 

Fairway/Hybrid: :titelist-small: TSi 2 15* & 18* w/ Graphite Design AD IZ 7X, AD IZ 95X

Irons: :taylormade-small: P790 4i, P770 5-7i, P7MC 8-P, $ Taper 120

Wedges:  :vokey-small: SM7 52F/54 S, 58 M w/ Modus 125

Putter:  :cameron-small:  California Hollywood 34" Circle H

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1 hour ago, hartrick11 said:

The UiHi is something I'm particularly interested in, especially since you have blades experience. I am steep with my approach and have struggled on shots with other utility irons off the deck in the past. Does the V-sole enable the UiHi to provide extra help while still getting decent turf interaction? I may need to just order a 2 week demo to test along with you guys...

I haven’t hit the UiHi yet obviously, but the 5 or 6 iron with the v-sole is pretty sweet. I’ve also worked on shallowing my delivery which helps a bit too. Sometimes a steep AOA comes from a little bit over the top swing. Is your typical hit a fade?

 

:titleist-small: TSr2 on tensi blue stiff

:cobra-small: Speedzone 3-wood on Tensi blue S

:callaway-logo-1: Epic Max 5 and 7 woods on HZRDUS  Reg flex

:callaway-logo-1: Paradym 9 wood on HZRDUS reg flex

:taylormade-small: P770 / P790 combo set on Ventus R-6 shafts 6-AW

:mizuno-small:  T22 Denim Copper 54°, 58° on Kinetic X Trajectory 

:EVNROLL: ER3 or,

:edel-golf-1: E.A.S. #4   (“Fang” or “Adele”)
 

:titelist-small: ProV1x, or, Maxfli Tour X

:callaway-small: .Org 14 cart bag

Adidas Tour 360 , or Sketcher shoes

 

 

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