Jump to content
Testers Wanted: RUNNER Golf and Byrdie Golf Design ×

2020 Official Member Review: Ben Hogan Golf ComPany-VKTR+, UiHi and GS53 FW


Golfspy_CG2

Recommended Posts

After a handful of lessons I’m wishing I held on to the club to see how the new set up would have helped me hit the UiHi


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Ping G430 Max 9* turned up to 10* in draw setting X-Stiff Ping Tour Chrome 2.0 60

Srixon ZX 3w Ventus Velocore Blue 7s

Ping G425 5w X-Stiff Ping Tour 70 

Srixon ZX5 4-6 Modus Tour 105 Stiff 

Srixon ZX& 7-PW  Modus Tour 105 Stiff 

:cleveland-small: RTX Zipcore 50* 54* 58* TrueTemper Dynamic Gold Spinner

 See the source image Phantom X5 Putter

Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond <>

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have finally started practicing and playing, and I'm swinging fairly well, so I thought I'd give the VKTR hybrid some swings again. My review (first page of thread) stands: hybrids are not for me, and especially not this one. This club is still available for free to anyone here who wants to try it out.


Thanks to Siamese Moose for shipping the VKTR 3 Hybrid (18*) to me. Tried it out on a Par 68 course with very narrow fairways....

Let me tell you, this baby is straight! I used it instead of my driver on most holes. I was striking it about 180 - 200 yards. Nice low trajectory. Easy to get a slight draw. This replaced my Cobra King F8 3 Hybrid(19*). I’ll be repotting more as I get to know her better.

Image1619202878.145451.jpg
Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy
PXG 0211 w/Project X Evenflo Riptide Regular shaft; 3W & 5W Cobra King F8 w/ Mitsubishi Tense ck Blue Regular shafts; Tour Edge CBX119 22* Hybrid w/Project X Evenflo Regular shaft; Wilson Staff D-7 5-PW + GW + SW w/UST Mamiya Recoil 460 Regular graphite shafts; Cleveland RTX Zipcore LW(58*) w/DG Spinner shaft. Putter: 33” EVNROLL E6R Bag: Cobra Ultralight Cart bag, Peaccoat Blue.

Driver: image.png.6ba1c8a254ad57aa05e527b74c2e04ba.png0311 XF 10.5* w/Project X Cypher 40 gram Senior shaft or 0811 XF 12* w/Evenflo Riptide CB Senior shaft

Fairways:  image.png.80321f01fc46450b6f428c7daf7b3471.png0211 5W & 7W w/ Evenflo Riptide CB  regular shaft and Tour Edge E521 9W w/Fubuki HD50 regular shaft

Hybrid: None in bag at the moment

IronsTitleist T300 5-PW w/Fubuki MV Senior graphite shafts w/Golf Pride Tour

Wedges: Edison forged 49*, 53* and 57* wedges with KB PGI Senior shafts(80 grm).

Putter: 33” Evnroll ER6R or  ER2 or Bellum Winmore Model 707,   or Nike Method Core Drone  w/Evnroll Gravity Grip

Bag: Vice cart bag(Black/Lime). 

Ball: Snell MTB Prime X, Maxfli Tour/S/X CG, Titleist Pro V1x or Titleist TruFeel

Using Shot Scope X5 and Pinned Rangefinder

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was honestly a little hesitant to trust the UiHi when I initially saw it, I was a bit intimidated by the relatively short (for me anyway) blade length in the longer iron. A couple rounds in, and I absolutely love this thing. It's been a trusty 250yd fairway finder for me.

Initially I thought the club was specifically fading more than my other clubs, but as I've gotten a few rounds in I think I'm realizing some swing changes over the winter are resulting in more of a fade shot shape. Nothing crazy, with the UiHi my shot pattern is probably something along the lines of 5 yards left of my line, 25 right. When I need to draw it I've done that as well, although I'm trying to stick to stock shots off the tee this season.

Hats off to the Hogan team, this club is a winner for sure!

Right Handed

Driver: 9° :cobra-small: Speedzone (HZRDUS Smoke Green 70g X-Stiff shaft)

2 Hybrid: 18° :tour-edge: Exotics EXS Pro (Evenflow Black 6.5) (2020 MGS Official Review here)

3/Driving Iron: 18° :Hogan: UiHi Iron (MMT Utility TX 105g shaft)

Irons: 4-GW :titelist-small: T100 irons (Nippon Modus 120 X-Stiff shafts) (2021 MGS Official Review here)

Wedges: 54° & 58° post-76102-0-38507100-1525284411_thumb.jpg TSW Forged (Dynamic Gold S300)

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2B (2019 MGS Official Review here)

Ball: MAXFLI Tour X

Bag: :ping-small: Hoofer Lite

WITB thread here

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So to the MGS community, I would like to apologize for the unfinished review and the amount of time past the initial club selection. Today I was finally able to get out on the course and try the club out. It was misty rain and high 40's so I knew the club distance would be 10-15 yds shorter than ideal weather conditions. The first hit was pure and according to my Garmin 191 yds. So that gave me encouragement that all the shutting into the net in my garage was going to pay off. Then, the incredible happened. Starting out of my back swing I heard a crack and the club folded in my hands.
Has anyone ever had this happen? 20210424_180214_resized.jpeg20210424_180221_resized.jpeg20210424_180225_resized.jpeg

Sent from my SM-A102U using MyGolfSpy mobile app

:cobra-small:             F7+ w/Fujikura Pro XLR8 Graphite Shaft

Ben_Hogan_Golf_Equipment_Company.jpg.b9602c912623c841ad9ad52593c15dee.jpg                3-I  MPF H-Series3B2M graphite Shaft w/Winn Dri-Tac grip mid

MALTBY.png.a2a7b0f0659df827f6200a68ab77f34c.png            STi   Irons 5-SW   KURO KAGE  70IR Flex-R  Lamkin Grips

 :cobra-small:             King F6 Hybrid Matrix Red Tie HQ4 Graphite Shaft

MALTBY.png.a2a7b0f0659df827f6200a68ab77f34c.png           Forged FGT  60* wedge KURO KAGE 70R SS cross Comfort grip

:odyssey-small:           O-Putter 1W

                        

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So to the MGS community, I would like to apologize for the unfinished review and the amount of time past the initial club selection. Today I was finally able to get out on the course and try the club out. It was misty rain and high 40's so I knew the club distance would be 10-15 yds shorter than ideal weather conditions. The first hit was pure and according to my Garmin 191 yds. So that gave me encouragement that all the shutting into the net in my garage was going to pay off. Then, the incredible happened. Starting out of my back swing I heard a crack and the club folded in my hands.
Has anyone ever had this happen? 20210424_180214_resized.jpeg.3a67ee922079ea5a41e9914ba7d329c5.jpeg20210424_180221_resized.jpeg.97b3f6fcd5687335668c05a802bba836.jpeg20210424_180225_resized.jpeg.1a4fa0c363acc094a8ebb98b354bc967.jpeg

Sent from my SM-A102U using MyGolfSpy mobile app




Can’t say that I have experienced a club breaking in my backswing. However, I was gaming my old Powerbilt AFO’s in December when I broke two graphite shafts in the same round(#4 & #9). Hav3 not been able to find replacement shafts yet.


Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy
PXG 0211 w/Project X Evenflo Riptide Regular shaft; 3W & 5W Cobra King F8 w/ Mitsubishi Tense ck Blue Regular shafts; Tour Edge CBX119 22* Hybrid w/Project X Evenflo Regular shaft; Wilson Staff D-7 5-PW + GW + SW w/UST Mamiya Recoil 460 Regular graphite shafts; Cleveland RTX Zipcore LW(58*) w/DG Spinner shaft. Putter: 33” EVNROLL E6R Bag: Cobra Ultralight Cart bag, Peaccoat Blue.

Driver: image.png.6ba1c8a254ad57aa05e527b74c2e04ba.png0311 XF 10.5* w/Project X Cypher 40 gram Senior shaft or 0811 XF 12* w/Evenflo Riptide CB Senior shaft

Fairways:  image.png.80321f01fc46450b6f428c7daf7b3471.png0211 5W & 7W w/ Evenflo Riptide CB  regular shaft and Tour Edge E521 9W w/Fubuki HD50 regular shaft

Hybrid: None in bag at the moment

IronsTitleist T300 5-PW w/Fubuki MV Senior graphite shafts w/Golf Pride Tour

Wedges: Edison forged 49*, 53* and 57* wedges with KB PGI Senior shafts(80 grm).

Putter: 33” Evnroll ER6R or  ER2 or Bellum Winmore Model 707,   or Nike Method Core Drone  w/Evnroll Gravity Grip

Bag: Vice cart bag(Black/Lime). 

Ball: Snell MTB Prime X, Maxfli Tour/S/X CG, Titleist Pro V1x or Titleist TruFeel

Using Shot Scope X5 and Pinned Rangefinder

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, kardboard.kid said:

So to the MGS community, I would like to apologize for the unfinished review and the amount of time past the initial club selection. Today I was finally able to get out on the course and try the club out. It was misty rain and high 40's so I knew the club distance would be 10-15 yds shorter than ideal weather conditions. The first hit was pure and according to my Garmin 191 yds. So that gave me encouragement that all the shutting into the net in my garage was going to pay off. Then, the incredible happened. Starting out of my back swing I heard a crack and the club folded in my hands.
Has anyone ever had this happen? 20210424_180214_resized.jpeg20210424_180221_resized.jpeg20210424_180225_resized.jpeg

Sent from my SM-A102U using MyGolfSpy mobile app
 

Wow, I can't say I've ever heard of a shaft breaking in a backswing. Seems to me like it was probably already broken before?

Right Handed

Driver: 9° :cobra-small: Speedzone (HZRDUS Smoke Green 70g X-Stiff shaft)

2 Hybrid: 18° :tour-edge: Exotics EXS Pro (Evenflow Black 6.5) (2020 MGS Official Review here)

3/Driving Iron: 18° :Hogan: UiHi Iron (MMT Utility TX 105g shaft)

Irons: 4-GW :titelist-small: T100 irons (Nippon Modus 120 X-Stiff shafts) (2021 MGS Official Review here)

Wedges: 54° & 58° post-76102-0-38507100-1525284411_thumb.jpg TSW Forged (Dynamic Gold S300)

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2B (2019 MGS Official Review here)

Ball: MAXFLI Tour X

Bag: :ping-small: Hoofer Lite

WITB thread here

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Don't know how or where. I've hit several hundred balls into the net this winter, and spring. Club just rested in my bag otherwise .

Wow, I can't say I've ever heard of a shaft breaking in a backswing. Seems to me like it was probably already broken before?


Sent from my SM-A102U using MyGolfSpy mobile app

:cobra-small:             F7+ w/Fujikura Pro XLR8 Graphite Shaft

Ben_Hogan_Golf_Equipment_Company.jpg.b9602c912623c841ad9ad52593c15dee.jpg                3-I  MPF H-Series3B2M graphite Shaft w/Winn Dri-Tac grip mid

MALTBY.png.a2a7b0f0659df827f6200a68ab77f34c.png            STi   Irons 5-SW   KURO KAGE  70IR Flex-R  Lamkin Grips

 :cobra-small:             King F6 Hybrid Matrix Red Tie HQ4 Graphite Shaft

MALTBY.png.a2a7b0f0659df827f6200a68ab77f34c.png           Forged FGT  60* wedge KURO KAGE 70R SS cross Comfort grip

:odyssey-small:           O-Putter 1W

                        

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Picked up the club after work yesterday.  Here is the new look.  Can't wait to get back out and try it.  If only the rain and cold would stop.

20210504_174720_resized_1.jpg

20210504_174733_resized_1.jpg

20210504_174746_resized_1.jpg

:cobra-small:             F7+ w/Fujikura Pro XLR8 Graphite Shaft

Ben_Hogan_Golf_Equipment_Company.jpg.b9602c912623c841ad9ad52593c15dee.jpg                3-I  MPF H-Series3B2M graphite Shaft w/Winn Dri-Tac grip mid

MALTBY.png.a2a7b0f0659df827f6200a68ab77f34c.png            STi   Irons 5-SW   KURO KAGE  70IR Flex-R  Lamkin Grips

 :cobra-small:             King F6 Hybrid Matrix Red Tie HQ4 Graphite Shaft

MALTBY.png.a2a7b0f0659df827f6200a68ab77f34c.png           Forged FGT  60* wedge KURO KAGE 70R SS cross Comfort grip

:odyssey-small:           O-Putter 1W

                        

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Back in the MIX!! I know I was one of the only UiHi reviews that gave a positive review. Just got out finally (freaking work) and used it three time in my 9 hole league. Needless to say I lost yesterday seeing it was my first time out LOL. Anyways, that is a different subject. I was able to hit a low stinger into the wind on the first hole off the deck that put me in a good place to chip on. The next time I used it was on hole 4 off the tee felt ok, was a little off the toe but left me in a playable spot. I then used it again off the next tee and put it in the woods lol. I am still struggling to find the middle of the club so I don't blame the club for this.

Now when I got home and pulled up the stats I was really shocked about the distance. IT WAS SHORT average of 203 yesterday and my 4i average is 210. So it for now is still in the bag I love love love the low trajectory just need to hit it better. 

2020 TESTER Ben Hogan UiHi 18* Utility Iron

Driver:     - Anser - 8.5* - Fujikara Red Blur 005 XStiff - Standard L/L

3W:     - SQ Sumo - Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana Stiff - Standard L/L

Hybrid 3:     - Machspeed - UST Mamiya AXIVCore XStiff -Standard L/L

Irons:      - Idea Black CB3  4-GW - KBS Tour Stiff+ - Standard L/L

Wedges:    - Vokey 52*, 54*, 60* - True Temper Wedge - Standard L/L

Putter:     - Versa Blade - 35in

Ball:      NXT Tour

Bag:  - Ultra Light Cart Bag  

Loc: USA/MD

Handicap: 13

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 5/5/2021 at 9:08 AM, kardboard.kid said:

Picked up the club after work yesterday.  Here is the new look.  Can't wait to get back out and try it.  If only the rain and cold would stop.

20210504_174720_resized_1.jpg

20210504_174733_resized_1.jpg

20210504_174746_resized_1.jpg

Now that looks like a driving iron!

Ping G430 Max 9* turned up to 10* in draw setting X-Stiff Ping Tour Chrome 2.0 60

Srixon ZX 3w Ventus Velocore Blue 7s

Ping G425 5w X-Stiff Ping Tour 70 

Srixon ZX5 4-6 Modus Tour 105 Stiff 

Srixon ZX& 7-PW  Modus Tour 105 Stiff 

:cleveland-small: RTX Zipcore 50* 54* 58* TrueTemper Dynamic Gold Spinner

 See the source image Phantom X5 Putter

Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond <>

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have had a shaft break in the same location in my back swing as well. But it was an old club that probably had damage from before. 

Driver : :taylormade-small: SIM2 Max 9* MC Kuro Kago Silver 60 Stiff

Woods : :benhogan-small: GS53 3 Wood 14* Mitsubish Tensei Blue 73g Regular

Hybrids: sub70logo.png.3c207e4e90c1eeca7b9a917b5fa4b848.png 949X Project X HZRDUS RDX Black 

Irons : sub70logo.png.3c207e4e90c1eeca7b9a917b5fa4b848.png 699 Pro Black 5-AW 1* flat KBS Tour V 90 Stiff Shafts 

Wedges : File:Kirkland Signature logo.svg - Wikimedia Commons 52, 56, 60 

Putter : :taylormade-small:Spider Red

Bag : datrek-brand_1456761019__86876.original.jpg.7c24f9ae71c7730ce29a828226731487.jpg lightweight cart bag | motocaddy.jpg.258c0b46e60c2804fc6b1f64bca0aef3.jpgDry Series Bag

Ball :  :taylormade-small: TP5 PIX (2019) | Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-7_24.05-AM-300x118.png.9f1c4cb1d62511ee40a05bd6d5795f97.png ProV1x (2021)

Rangefinder : 836d5c8b9e44880db86abcd3b735255d.w2480_h836.jpg.bcd4050c642957abbdca7453a6cb0469.jpg ULT-X

Pushcart : motocaddy.jpg.258c0b46e60c2804fc6b1f64bca0aef3.jpgM5 GPS DHC Electric Push Cart

SoCal, USA

Right handed HDCP 16.4

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 5/8/2021 at 12:07 AM, golfish! said:

I have had a shaft break in the same location in my back swing as well. But it was an old club that probably had damage from before. 

When I picked up the club, I ask if he had any thoughts on where it broke and why.  He felt there was a flat spot that caused weakness.  So there was some sort of damage done under the grip, just not sure where or how.  

:cobra-small:             F7+ w/Fujikura Pro XLR8 Graphite Shaft

Ben_Hogan_Golf_Equipment_Company.jpg.b9602c912623c841ad9ad52593c15dee.jpg                3-I  MPF H-Series3B2M graphite Shaft w/Winn Dri-Tac grip mid

MALTBY.png.a2a7b0f0659df827f6200a68ab77f34c.png            STi   Irons 5-SW   KURO KAGE  70IR Flex-R  Lamkin Grips

 :cobra-small:             King F6 Hybrid Matrix Red Tie HQ4 Graphite Shaft

MALTBY.png.a2a7b0f0659df827f6200a68ab77f34c.png           Forged FGT  60* wedge KURO KAGE 70R SS cross Comfort grip

:odyssey-small:           O-Putter 1W

                        

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 5/10/2021 at 11:15 AM, kardboard.kid said:

When I picked up the club, I ask if he had any thoughts on where it broke and why.  He felt there was a flat spot that caused weakness.  So there was some sort of damage done under the grip, just not sure where or how.  

I see. Can't really tell root cause but important thing is that you did not get injured! 

Driver : :taylormade-small: SIM2 Max 9* MC Kuro Kago Silver 60 Stiff

Woods : :benhogan-small: GS53 3 Wood 14* Mitsubish Tensei Blue 73g Regular

Hybrids: sub70logo.png.3c207e4e90c1eeca7b9a917b5fa4b848.png 949X Project X HZRDUS RDX Black 

Irons : sub70logo.png.3c207e4e90c1eeca7b9a917b5fa4b848.png 699 Pro Black 5-AW 1* flat KBS Tour V 90 Stiff Shafts 

Wedges : File:Kirkland Signature logo.svg - Wikimedia Commons 52, 56, 60 

Putter : :taylormade-small:Spider Red

Bag : datrek-brand_1456761019__86876.original.jpg.7c24f9ae71c7730ce29a828226731487.jpg lightweight cart bag | motocaddy.jpg.258c0b46e60c2804fc6b1f64bca0aef3.jpgDry Series Bag

Ball :  :taylormade-small: TP5 PIX (2019) | Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-7_24.05-AM-300x118.png.9f1c4cb1d62511ee40a05bd6d5795f97.png ProV1x (2021)

Rangefinder : 836d5c8b9e44880db86abcd3b735255d.w2480_h836.jpg.bcd4050c642957abbdca7453a6cb0469.jpg ULT-X

Pushcart : motocaddy.jpg.258c0b46e60c2804fc6b1f64bca0aef3.jpgM5 GPS DHC Electric Push Cart

SoCal, USA

Right handed HDCP 16.4

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 3/24/2021 at 8:00 AM, twyatt700 said:

Who else is using their club?


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

I still have my hybrid in the bag but don't have much confidence in it and as a result haven't used it much this season.  When I've been in a situation to use it, I think I'm about 50/50 on hitting it or taking a different strategy.  

I still want to do a bag fitting this season and whenever I get around to that one of the first priorities I'll be looking at is other hybrid options and fairway woods.  Right now I have a Dr, 3w, 3 hybrid, 4 hybrid and traditional 5 iron.  I don't hit the 3w well and am thinking about going to a 5w just for the shorter shaft and added loft and I may just go with 1 hybrid and play with 13 clubs as my gapping isn't all that different in the top end.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Hey everyone!  I apologize for being MIA for the past few months!  I was dealing with a lot of personal things.  I was finally able to start getting things in order and updated the on-course analysis for the 3 wood.  The on-course performance matched the launch monitors perfectly.  I did have my playing partners give it a rip as well.  They kept seeing the same type of performance as me.

Driver: Callaway Rogue ST Max
3 Wood: Taylormade SIM
3 Utility Iron: Srixon U85
4i – 5i: Taylormade P790
6i – AW: Taylormade P770
SW: Taylormade MG3 TW Grind
LW: Taylormade Hi-Toe 3 Low Bounce
Putter: PXG Battle Ready One & Done

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I have actually been getting out every week for the last month... FINALLY!!

I still stand on my first takes from the range and course play, love the low ball flight but not a fan of the length. I am really thinking about changing the shaft but I will be changing the grip, needs to be larger for my liking. The only frustrating part is I really don't have many course that force me to play a 3 iron very much. I have been in some trouble and had to use it to stay down or punch it out and get some roll out of it. One hole I always use it off the tee and one it depends on the wind for the day, its ether 3 wood or the UiHi. 

My hybrid is loads easier to hit, but just not a fan of the ball flight. On a clear day with no wind I would probably pick the hybrid over the UiHi cause I wouldn't be worried about the wind effecting my distance. Windy day I am going to loose it anyhow so the UiHi is coming to play. 

I will update y'all with pictures when I get the new shaft in and let you know if I see any changes worth noting. 

2020 TESTER Ben Hogan UiHi 18* Utility Iron

Driver:     - Anser - 8.5* - Fujikara Red Blur 005 XStiff - Standard L/L

3W:     - SQ Sumo - Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana Stiff - Standard L/L

Hybrid 3:     - Machspeed - UST Mamiya AXIVCore XStiff -Standard L/L

Irons:      - Idea Black CB3  4-GW - KBS Tour Stiff+ - Standard L/L

Wedges:    - Vokey 52*, 54*, 60* - True Temper Wedge - Standard L/L

Putter:     - Versa Blade - 35in

Ball:      NXT Tour

Bag:  - Ultra Light Cart Bag  

Loc: USA/MD

Handicap: 13

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Back for another update...

I was still using this as almost a 5 wood until recently. I came across a used Mavrik 4 wood and it gaps perfectly with my driver and long irons, so I dropped my Hawkeye 3 wood in favor of that. 

Meanwhile, getting the chance to test this club and reading the other reviews prompted me to invest in new wedges and irons from Hogan. The wedges, Equalizer 2, I love. I have yet to receive the irons. Anyway, back to the 3 wood.

So I love the looks of this club. It feels great, and even though its not the PERFECT club for me, I've been able to overlook it for sheer sex appeal alone. It was the first club I ever unwrapped from the plastic, and it just catches your eye in all the right ways.  Enter Bill. 

Bill is a pretty serious senior golfer at the course I play at. I haven't teed it up with him before, but he plays CFT irons and hybrids and loves them. The second he saw the headcover, it was love at first sight. He wanted to see it, swing it. I told him to hit it. He didn't want to mess it up, and after a while, agreed. He hit it perfectly, right down the center, 220, further than his driver. For the rest of the day he's bragging to his buddies about the X-Stiff shaft he just hammered, but we talked about the forum and how I got the club. 

He was so excited about ball lab he looked it up on his phone, and it was honestly one of the most fun rounds of golf I've played in a long time. 

So of course he's asked about Hogan and where to order it, and when we're walking off the 18th green, he tells me he's going to have to save some money to look into one of those. 

No need. 

It breaks my heart to say goodbye, but I have never seen an old man so happy in all of my life. 

I'll give you a performance update on the club when I get a chance. We have a tee time Saturday morning. 😂

 

 

Titleist 975J

Callaway Hawkeye 3 Wood

Ben Hogan CFT Hybrid, Apex Plus Irons

Cleveland 588 Wedges

Scotty Newport 2 Mid Slant Pro Platinum

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
On 6/17/2021 at 1:19 AM, Crowev01 said:

Bill is a pretty serious senior golfer at the course I play at. I haven't teed it up with him before, but he plays CFT irons and hybrids and loves them. The second he saw the headcover, it was love at first sight. He wanted to see it, swing it. I told him to hit it. He didn't want to mess it up, and after a while, agreed. He hit it perfectly, right down the center, 220, further than his driver. For the rest of the day he's bragging to his buddies about the X-Stiff shaft he just hammered, but we talked about the forum and how I got the club. 

He was so excited about ball lab he looked it up on his phone, and it was honestly one of the most fun rounds of golf I've played in a long time. 

So of course he's asked about Hogan and where to order it, and when we're walking off the 18th green, he tells me he's going to have to save some money to look into one of those. 

No need. 

It breaks my heart to say goodbye, but I have never seen an old man so happy in all of my life. 

I just went through a driver fitting with a good friend, who's a tour van fitter, Wednesday and had him evaluate the 3 wood while I was warming up.  His only negative comment was the amount of offset on the club.  When I asked him who he thought would be a perfect fit for this club and he mentioned exactly what you just said!  "A person who has a slower swing speed, most likely plays a regular/senior flex, that needs help generating spin."  

I've got a few people I know that have this issue so I was going to have them give it a rip!  I have a feeling it will have the exact same outcome as yours!

Driver: Callaway Rogue ST Max
3 Wood: Taylormade SIM
3 Utility Iron: Srixon U85
4i – 5i: Taylormade P790
6i – AW: Taylormade P770
SW: Taylormade MG3 TW Grind
LW: Taylormade Hi-Toe 3 Low Bounce
Putter: PXG Battle Ready One & Done

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Quick follow up. Been having trouble lately with the 3W so I worked on it a bit at the range and noticed that I was trying to give too much forward shaft lean on my woods. Just an observation I had before that helped was to have my hands a bit more back in my stance ( with irons I tend to have my hands in front of the ball closer to the target at address). Well that did it and look at these beauties I hit off the tee recently.

image.png.bd0a55526e8bee499352100f939b618a.png

image.png.51f926a73b1060ccb3c645da60334119.png

gotta be the longest I have ever hit this 3W!

 

Driver : :taylormade-small: SIM2 Max 9* MC Kuro Kago Silver 60 Stiff

Woods : :benhogan-small: GS53 3 Wood 14* Mitsubish Tensei Blue 73g Regular

Hybrids: sub70logo.png.3c207e4e90c1eeca7b9a917b5fa4b848.png 949X Project X HZRDUS RDX Black 

Irons : sub70logo.png.3c207e4e90c1eeca7b9a917b5fa4b848.png 699 Pro Black 5-AW 1* flat KBS Tour V 90 Stiff Shafts 

Wedges : File:Kirkland Signature logo.svg - Wikimedia Commons 52, 56, 60 

Putter : :taylormade-small:Spider Red

Bag : datrek-brand_1456761019__86876.original.jpg.7c24f9ae71c7730ce29a828226731487.jpg lightweight cart bag | motocaddy.jpg.258c0b46e60c2804fc6b1f64bca0aef3.jpgDry Series Bag

Ball :  :taylormade-small: TP5 PIX (2019) | Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-7_24.05-AM-300x118.png.9f1c4cb1d62511ee40a05bd6d5795f97.png ProV1x (2021)

Rangefinder : 836d5c8b9e44880db86abcd3b735255d.w2480_h836.jpg.bcd4050c642957abbdca7453a6cb0469.jpg ULT-X

Pushcart : motocaddy.jpg.258c0b46e60c2804fc6b1f64bca0aef3.jpgM5 GPS DHC Electric Push Cart

SoCal, USA

Right handed HDCP 16.4

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey Spies!  One final update from me on the 3 wood.  I just played in a outing over the weekend where I golf with some older gentleman.  I had them hit the 3 wood and it was the exact same story as @Crowev01 mentioned!  They were all shocked that they could hit an X-Stiff shaft but have the distance and spin that they were getting.  I felt that the 3 wood was in the hands that needed it to the most, so I looked at the guy hitting it the best and said, "Take it home.  It's yours."  

It definitely seems like this 3 wood is built for slower swing speeds that do not generate spin.  This is also a club that you definitely need to get fit for before buying it.  I would have never put an X-Stiff shaft in his hands, but it's what worked out the best for him.

A huge thank you again to MGS and Ben Hogan for allowing me to be a part of this test!  I apologize that things got a bit interesting with COVID and the winter hitting early.  

Driver: Callaway Rogue ST Max
3 Wood: Taylormade SIM
3 Utility Iron: Srixon U85
4i – 5i: Taylormade P790
6i – AW: Taylormade P770
SW: Taylormade MG3 TW Grind
LW: Taylormade Hi-Toe 3 Low Bounce
Putter: PXG Battle Ready One & Done

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 7/18/2021 at 6:33 PM, goaliewales14 said:

Hey Spies!  One final update from me on the 3 wood.  I just played in a outing over the weekend where I golf with some older gentleman.  I had them hit the 3 wood and it was the exact same story as @Crowev01 mentioned!  They were all shocked that they could hit an X-Stiff shaft but have the distance and spin that they were getting.  I felt that the 3 wood was in the hands that needed it to the most, so I looked at the guy hitting it the best and said, "Take it home.  It's yours."  

It definitely seems like this 3 wood is built for slower swing speeds that do not generate spin.  This is also a club that you definitely need to get fit for before buying it.  I would have never put an X-Stiff shaft in his hands, but it's what worked out the best for him.

A huge thank you again to MGS and Ben Hogan for allowing me to be a part of this test!  I apologize that things got a bit interesting with COVID and the winter hitting early.  

Back for a little update but also wanted to piggy back on what @goaliewales14 mentioned. I did notice that I was getting plenty of spin (probably too much spin) and I do not swing it particularly quick (~100 MPH driver swing speed). I would imagine it is an issue of shaft and offset that is generating the extra spin. I additionally already spin the ball plenty so this setup may not be the most suitable. I would like to get it on a proper LM to verify my suspicions. 

Although I probably spin the ball a tad too much with the 3w, the feel and control I have with this club is great. I really enjoy the confidence it brings as I have gotten more comfortable with it. 

Most Recent Testing: :Sub70: 949x PRO Hybrid 

In my  :callaway-small: 2019 X-Cart Bag :  

:taylormade-small: M3 10.5* (TENSEI Blue 6R)

:benhogan-small: GS53 3W 14* (Review)

:mizuno-small: CLK 2017 4H 22* 

:taylormade-small: M6 Irons 4-PW (KBS MAX 85g Stiff Steel Shafts, Std Length & Lie)

AW, SW: :Sub70: Forged Satin 48*, 54* 

LW::vokey-small: SM6 60*

:wilson_staff_small:  Infinite Putter Michigan Ave 34"

:bridgestone-small: e6  

Current Tech:

:918457628_PrecisionPro: NX7 Rangefinder

:skycaddie: LX5 GPS Smartwatch (Review)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...
On 10/30/2020 at 9:05 AM, TCUFrog said:

Final Review - 8/10/2021

Wow, this is entirely too late (Sorry @the mods), but I think I have a pretty unique review for you. After I tested it out a few times post receiving it from Hogan, I knew the club did not have a long term spot in my bag. Instead of that being my final review, I thought it would be interesting to get my wife's opinion on a hybrid because she is a new player and there were no women on the review thread. Her review will be in purple after mine.

First Impressions

Out of the box, I had high hopes for this club. I love a traditional hybrid look and the look reminded my of my old Adams hybrid. That Adams hybrid was one of my favorite clubs I've ever had in my bag and I love a classic simple look at address. As soon as I got the plastic off the club and felt the grip, I knew that was going to be something I had to change if it was going to stay in the bag permanently. The grip looked like a GolfPride MCC grip, but felt like my old US Kids golf grips. Honestly was worried about it coming out of my hands on a hot day.

Looks (9 of 10/4 of 10)

As I said above in the first impression, I am a sucker for a classic look. You can give me all the show of some multi material construction or blah blah blah from Taylormade, but give my a glossy black finish on a classically shaped head and boom, I AM SWOONING. 

To me it just felt a little boring, the lack of markings on the top also make it harder for a newer player to line up.

Sound & Feel (4 of 10/3 of 10)

On the sound for mishits, it was atrocious which was a good feedback mechanism for me. I immediately knew I had missed the center of the face, which sometimes my M6 hybrid sounds too good on toe misses and I'll end up being 15-20 yards short of my expected distance. The feel though was just so dead. Hard to describe the feel, but it just wasnt there. Even on my best hits, it felt like the club face was dead. Something I look for in my short irons, but not out of my hybrid.

As a 20+ handicap, I thought the hybrid would give me better feel compared to my irons, but it just felt flat. Felt like this was designed for someone who might be a better player.

Basic Characteristics (12 of 20/10 of 20)

During my range sessions with the hybrid, I felt it flew fairly well. I liked the mid trajectory that I was getting and ability to work the ball left and right. But as soon as I compared it's performance on the range to my M6 it was apparent I was losing ~10 yards in distance with the VKTR+ vs. the M6. While not detrimental, this does mess up my gapping. Drops it to only about 5 yards beyond my 4 iron, so to keep this club, I would need to adjust the rest of my set up. The shaft is also entirely too light for my swing speed and feels more like a regular flex than a stiff it says it is.

On the driving range, I could barely get the ball off the ground. I might have been better off with a 4 hybrid vs a 3 hybrid. I liked the feeling off the tee though. It was easy enough to hit and I didn't hit it way right as often as I do with my other clubs.

On Course/LM Performance (7 of 20/13 of 20)

This club really struggles anywhere on course except off the tee. The heel really catches if you catch it fat at all and even sometimes on clean hits as well. The frustrating part was because of the lightness of the shaft, it felt like I was having to take something off the shots vs attacking the ball to make sure I didn't hook it into eternity. I played 2 full rounds with it and was absolutely frustrated with the club. On the tee it works great. If I need a 210 yard shot off the tee, this club delivered every time, but that happens so rarely on the courses I play. My home course there are a few layup shots, but I'm usually hitting a 6 iron or I'm trying to get close to driving the green so I would never use this club off the tee at my home course. I felt significantly more confident with my 3 iron over this hybrid...

I really liked using this off the tee. It was easy to get in the air and hit straight, but I don't feel very confident in it off the ground. I'd use it a lot off the tee but not many other places.

Miscellaneous (7 of 10/3 of 10)

Honestly I was a sucker for the headcover that came with the club. The red, white, and blue with that sweet Hogan sunburst logo was just an absolutely awesome look. It looked really nice along my headcovers I've gotten from the different courses I've collected headcovers from.

I would like the club a lot more if it had some sort of alignment aid on the top of the club. 

Play it or Trade it (0 of 20/14 of 20)

This is tough to write being a TCU alum and loving the idea and what Hogan is trying to accomplish reviving their business, but this club just has no place in my bag. I would immediately trade this club. The construction of the club is good, but it's neither more forgiving or longer than my current M6, so it doesn't make sense to replace it. 

Since I don't even have a full bag of clubs right now, I would play this club for holes where I need to hit a tee shot that has to be straight.

Final Score: 39 of 100/44 of 100

Finally posted mine and my wife's final reviews of the hybrid. Check it out

:cobra-small: RadSpeed 10.5, Motore X F1 60 X-Stiff

:cobra-small: RadSpeed 14, Motore X F1 60 Stiff

:taylormade-small: M6, 4H 22.0

:mizuno-small: JPX 921 Hot Metal Pro, 4-PW, Nippon Modus 105

:taylormade-small: MG3 52, 56, 60, SB - Black

:odyssey-small: White Hot OG #7

Vice Golf Pro Plus

:Arccos: Smart Sensors

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Another update: 

Bill is still destroying this thing and has dumped his senior flex driver and is using the GS53 X flex strictly off of the tee. Very interesting that @goaliewales14 and @AGutierrez7 both saw the spin numbers they did, because this is something I would not have expected from this club.  

This test is still making me think about equipment differently, because I would never have suggested this set up to a senior player, but the results are really speaking differently in this case.  I would totally recommend these fairways to players that need lift and a drop in vs. roll out performance. Thanks to everyone still throwing data out, and thanks again to Hogan for putting out a club I'm still posting about 1 year later. 

Titleist 975J

Callaway Hawkeye 3 Wood

Ben Hogan CFT Hybrid, Apex Plus Irons

Cleveland 588 Wedges

Scotty Newport 2 Mid Slant Pro Platinum

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...