The upcoming TM p770/p790 combo thread with bonus MG3 wedge coverage

[Sluggo42]

That’s right folks, my clubs are almost (one day away) in the mail. This set will consist of a 5 and 6 in the p790’s, and then the 7 thru gap (51°] in the p770’s, then a 54° sand, and a 60° lob in the “most wanted” MG3 wedges. The shafts will be the world famous Fujikura Ventus Red in regular flex.

feel free to begin reserving your seats for what promises to be an awesome thread that will cover everything about these wonderful stix, including why I decided to go this way.

I’m also hoping others who game these stix to feel free to chime in their thoughts.

sooooo excited!!

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

Just now, Sluggo42 said:

That’s right folks, my clubs are almost (one day away) in the mail. This set will consist of a 5 and 6 in the p790’s, and then the 7 thru gap (51°] in the p770’s, then a 54° sand, and a 60° lob in the “most wanted” MG3 wedges. The shafts will be the world famous Fujikura Ventus Red in regular flex.

feel free to begin reserving your seats for what promises to be an awesome thread that will cover everything about these wonderful stix, including why I decided to go this way.

I’m also hoping others who game these stix to feel free to chime in their thoughts.

sooooo excited!!

Good luck! I’m surprised you are giving up on the hogans. Enjoy!

[pakman92]

Did you end up tweaking the lofts at all?  I would love to know how the gapping works out between 6 (790) and 7 (770).  I've been entertaining the thought of replacing 8,9,PW,AW of my p790 set with p770s.   I've hit them during a demo day and like the look of them a lot.  They felt pretty similar to my p790s.

 

[Sluggo42]

1 hour ago, Vegan_Golfer_PNW said:

Good luck! I’m surprised you are giving up on the hogans. Enjoy!

Well I doubt I sell the hogans, they are still good. I’m just needing a new “fix” is pretty much the only reason I’m getting new stix

[Sluggo42]

15 minutes ago, pakman92 said:

Did you end up tweaking the lofts at all?  I would love to know how the gapping works out between 6 (790) and 7 (770).  I've been entertaining the thought of replacing 8,9,PW,AW of my p790 set with p770s.   I've hit them during a demo day and like the look of them a lot.  They felt pretty similar to my p790s.

 

Yes on lofts, the factory has a blending “bend” where they strengthen the 7 iron by one degree, and weaken the 6 iron by one, or something close to that- you can see their graphs on their website… but yes the 790’s are a ton jacked compared to the 770’s, so it will be interesting to see how that all shakes out

[Shankster]

I am looking to do a similar set.  I’ll be tuned into this thread.

[bens197]

I dig it sluggo.  You may have inspired me to attempt a similar thread.  

I think I am most excited to see how these shafts fare in your new irons.  I didn't expect it but now that it's happening, it'll be fun to follow.

[Sluggo42]

I think I’ll pontificate (not really sure if this is a real word, but it sounds smart,haha), anyways on why I decided to go with the Talormade combo.

Its been an itch for a few months now, and as much as I like the Hogan PtxPro’s, I can’t help but change things up. The Hogans actually lasted quite a while because they really are “that good”. But, they are a traditional loft, ie the 7 is 34°. They feature the 8-pw in the Icon blades, which are as buttery as a club can get, (insert mp33 as a comparison). Yes. And yum. But, they are a little short, because this little fat man can only swing a 7 iron about 75 mph, at least that’s where I was pre-lessons, but that’s another thread, isn’t it?

A few months ago I took the Hogans down to Bunker golf, which is now called Fore golf, to get the lofts and lies checked. Long story short is they gave me a mini fitting, and we discovered I like about 3° flat! I always would have sworn on a Bible I was standard. And,they fit me into a Reg flex shaft. So then after that just for fun, they had me hit a Ping i59 (short and way to spin your), i525,(pretty good numbers), and a p790 (similar to i525). But- this was all informal and the real objective was bending the Hogans to 3 flat. Since that “bend session”, my iron strikes have been much cleaner. They wanted me to buy a real fancy custom build, but I was hesitant as in the back of my mind I knew I needed a better swing first-hence the Golf-tec sessions.

soooo, I started the lessons and immediately started striking the ball better, but not as well as I’m starting to now, but again, another story. Butttt, the “new” swing was much more consistant. So one morning I wondered down to the local Roger Dunn to hit some Mizuno 223 and 225’s as I was sure that was the club I wanted. I had hit them briefly a month earlier, but the store was very busy and I lost my hitting bay quickly. The one thing I noticed at that point was that the 223’s were much longer than the 225’s, and they felt better (duh- Mizuno). But the 225’s spun better. Hmmmm… so fast forward to this current Roger Dunn visit. One thing that was in the back of my mind was the first image of the p770’s that one of the spies posted. I remember thinking that they were close to the best looking irons I’d ever laid eyes on. So you see, I’m already subconsciously biased towards these heads. The “fitter” there let me hit the p770’s and then the 790’s and he had me using the MMT shafts. They felt ok, but weren’t giving me “all that”. So I poked around in the shafts in the display and found the Ventus shafts. I had him put the head on a regular flex Ventus Blue and started hitting the p770, and it was love at first contact. I hit about 15 shots and they were almost identical, 150-155 ish and all with a tight little draw. And the feel was glorious. So soft. Then I grabbed a mizuno 223 on a steel fiber and while it felt equally as good, (ok-maybe better… but just slightly). But it wasn’t giving me any consistency like the p770. So I hit the 225 and same results, then a p790 and a cobra Forged tec, and same results. Just a little wild. So I figured I was just getting tired and went back to the p770 to prove that theory. Butttttt…., I started roping out shot after shot right into the same little grouping. 
 

so after that long round about it became clear that the p770’s on the Ventus shafts were the deal.
 

Notice I omitted the Golf-Tec fitting. In short, that fitter slept walked that half hour, obviously not up to their standards. His short answer was the 225’s on a senior flex recoil, which I then matched those specs with a few swings from my Hogans on Stiff recoils… he basically just started muttering at that point…

now, the agonizing decision to combo them up with the p790’s for the 5 and 6 iron, or just stick with the p770’s all the way… Unfortunately, I just do not currently have the ability to comfortably hit a green much past 170 yds. I’ll swing my 4UiHi for 180, and occasionally hit, or sometimes I’ll hit my 5/6 cobra F8. But honestly, I’m just a roll of the dice there. So, my hopes are that the p790 5 iron might get to the 180-190 range, and have a touch more forgiveness, but the whole set it going to be longer by about a club. So there is definitely going to be a re-setting of distance per iron. At 66 years young, I’m needing more and more help, even tho it’s hard to admit it. But the age also brings a touch more wisdom, so I’ll swallow my vanity for a chance at shooting better scores, as after all, that’s the real goal isn’t it?

now, throw in watching about 100 YouTube videos about the various irons mentioned above, all helped me finalize my decision. But I think it’s worth noting that there are soooo many great clubs / shafts available now, and they all offer something that will work. I would advise one to hit them all, and try different shaft/head combinations.

I also think a professional fitting has merit, and can certainly put you into a good set, but my personal feeling is that they must also be taken with a grain of salt. I believe there is bias and favoritism even when they say they aren’t. Hopefully you can ind a guy like Ian who understands shaft properties, etc.. But again, that’s my personal opinion…

anyways, now the real wait begins… how long does it really take a set of clubs to cross the country…..?

[hartrick11]

My experience seems pretty similar to yours between agonizing over every detail of every offering and trying/fitting multiple times before settling on a P7 combo. I went 790 4i, 770 5-7i, MC 8-P with 4 degree gaps from 22-38, 42.5* 9i, 47* PW, and $ taper 120s. I am six rounds in and loving them so far…as you said there are a ton of great options available these days but I think you will be very happy with your new sticks! Curious to follow along

[Sluggo42]

1 hour ago, hartrick11 said:

My experience seems pretty similar to yours between agonizing over every detail of every offering and trying/fitting multiple times before settling on a P7 combo. I went 790 4i, 770 5-7i, MC 8-P with 4 degree gaps from 22-38, 42.5* 9i, 47* PW, and $ taper 120s. I am six rounds in and loving them so far…as you said there are a ton of great options available these days but I think you will be very happy with your new sticks! Curious to follow along

Cool

i thought about doing a set up like yours, but decided the gapping would be a real mind bender, and just decided to stick with the p770 all the way through  the A wedge. I did go p790 just for the longer iron shots. I’m kind of expecting about a 10 -15 yard gain through the set, and will be interested in how the wedges line up with the p770 gap wedge at 51°.

my Hogans are really making a fuss about the new puppy’s in transit right now. They were performing well today haha

arriving Monday, maybe even Friday if I’m lucky. Can’t stand the waiting…

[hartrick11]

19 hours ago, Sluggo42 said:

Cool

i thought about doing a set up like yours, but decided the gapping would be a real mind bender, and just decided to stick with the p770 all the way through  the A wedge. I did go p790 just for the longer iron shots. I’m kind of expecting about a 10 -15 yard gain through the set, and will be interested in how the wedges line up with the p770 gap wedge at 51°.

my Hogans are really making a fuss about the new puppy’s in transit right now. They were performing well today haha

arriving Monday, maybe even Friday if I’m lucky. Can’t stand the waiting…

Funny how that happens. My Cobras were protesting big time but I didn’t want to hear it and they have been stuffed unceremoniously into the travel bag in the garage ever since the new ones came!

[Sluggo42]

1 hour ago, hartrick11 said:

Funny how that happens. My Cobras were protesting big time but I didn’t want to hear it and they have been stuffed unceremoniously into the travel bag in the garage ever since the new ones came!

Haha, the Hogans have shot a combined 2 over for the last two days total. I’ve got to admit, it’ll be tough to shelve those guys…

but, I just got an email from UPS, telling me my “packages” will arrive tomorrow between x and x o clock. So next Monday morning… ohhh baby!

[fixyurdivot]

Look forward to hearing how they perform.  The Hogan's will always have this to fall back on .

[Sluggo42]

Teaser…

 

[Sluggo42]

Oh my goodness…

[fixyurdivot]

Those look great!  So where are you going to break them in?  Now if you really want to rock, get em some protection... bag chatter patina is overrated .

[Sluggo42]

18 hours ago, fixyurdivot said:

Those look great!  So where are you going to break them in?  Now if you really want to rock, get em some protection... bag chatter patina is overrated .

I totally agree, sooooo….

[Sluggo42]

Ok, first trip to the driving range, to get a feel for these momma-babies.

but first, a quick word on the fit and finish. In short, these irons are stunning to look at. Perhaps the best looking irons I’ve ever seen, except for a few blades, like my old MP5’s, which were on a different planet of looks. But I’m talking about new age “smart”irons, with tech built in. Mounted on the Fujikura Ventus red shafts (label down)which are basically black with a few red stripes. I mean c’mon man, stunning! Say the name Stu, then add the nning, this will make it sound British and extra cool…

ok then, on with it eh? Right! So to summarize the overall sensation, I would use the word “soft”. I mean soft as a baby’s behind. I’m guessing the Ventus shaft (minus the velocore - so not the big dollar shafts) helps, but softer than the recoils. Now in addition these are regular flex vs the stiff shaft recoils on my Hogans. I personally cannot declare that this affects anything or not, but I wanted to include it, so the shaft smart peeps can decide in their own minds. But the reg flex shaft isn’t so soft it’s whipping or anything, I can hardly tell the difference really. But as I’m 66 now, I can only manage a 77-78 mph 7-iron, and it’s only gunna get slower, so I think I made a good shaft choice.

the range is getting renovated to a degree, so distance flags were minimal, a 118, a 150, and a 176 yd we’re about all I had to work with, soooo, my real distances will be learned the hard way, out on the track on Monday morning.

i would guess they’re averaging 5-10 yards longer on the short irons, and 10-15 yards longer with the 5 and 6. They are the new p790’s, but bent a little weaker to blend into the p770’s.

i remember the one thing the the review by Rick Shiels said was that he couldn’t turn them, but I wasn’t having any problem at all, and in fact the flights were a beautiful soaring baby draw. Obviously I don’t have any spin numbers without a launch monitor, so we will see how well they hold next week when I put them into play.

final analysis for first range day: awesome and soft. Can’t wait for Monday!

[fixyurdivot]

3 hours ago, Sluggo42 said:

I totally agree, sooooo….

And this my friend is how trends begin.  Iron head covers... get em' while you still can folks . 

Regarding the stock (non-Velcore) shafts, did you happen to also test the Velcore and, if so, what was different?  I too chose R flex on my MMT's even though the fitter had me on the fence.  We both agreed the more forgiving ZX5's vs. ZX7's, or combo, and the regular flex would be best as the years roll along.

[bens197]

So sluggo...now that they're in play what are you looking for in these over your Hogans?  You and I are walking a similar walk as former testers who just put a new set in play so I am curious...now that they've arrived, what's your expectation?  

Feel, Trajectory, Distance, change of pace?

They look spectacular...I'm super pumped for you my friend

 

[Sluggo42]

45 minutes ago, fixyurdivot said:

And this my friend is how trends begin.  Iron head covers... get em' while you still can folks . 

Regarding the stock (non-Velcore) shafts, did you happen to also test the Velcore and, if so, what was different?  I too chose R flex on my MMT's even though the fitter had me on the fence.  We both agreed the more forgiving ZX5's vs. ZX7's, or combo, and the regular flex would be best as the years roll along.

Suddenly iron covers will start costing over $100 very soon… haha

now about the VENTUS shafts. I don’t even know if the velocores are available in the iron shafts, that would create an insanely expensive set at $300 each eh? I tried the MMT’s and they just didn’t work for me. Or the steel fibers. 6 years ago I loved the steel fibers. I’ve really looked hard for information on the Ventus iron shafts and couldn’t really find much at all.

[fixyurdivot]

Perhaps you're right and the Velcore is unique to driver and fw shafts?  Definitely a big jump in price between the TM non Velcore stock offering and those with the Velcore label. 

[MattWillGolf]

6 hours ago, Sluggo42 said:

I totally agree, sooooo….

After seeing the great pictures of the irons, I’d support the iron covers. But these don’t look good enough. I’m going to show my age but I think you need iron covers made from (insert Ricardo Montelban voice) “rich Corinthian leather”.

[Sluggo42]

1 hour ago, MattWillGolf said:

After seeing the great pictures of the irons, I’d support the iron covers. But these don’t look good enough. I’m going to show my age but I think you need iron covers made from (insert Ricardo Montelban voice) “rich Corinthian leather”.

Hey now… these are genuine imitation plastic with real metal zippers…. Need I say more?… and genuine shark teeth?. C’mon man!

[Golfspy_CG2]

Those look so good sluggo.  Especially on the black couch backdrop.  Nice job of photo staging there!

I’m glad (really glad ) to hear of the successful maiden range session.  I’ll be looking forward to Mondays results! 

[Sluggo42]

On 4/23/2022 at 3:35 PM, bens197 said:

So sluggo...now that they're in play what are you looking for in these over your Hogans?  You and I are walking a similar walk as former testers who just put a new set in play so I am curious...now that they've arrived, what's your expectation?  

Feel, Trajectory, Distance, change of pace?

They look spectacular...I'm super pumped for you my friend

 

Great question Ben.

mostly I’m looking for a little more distance, as i always felt the Hogans were close to perfect, but they weren’t long at all, but really I only bought a new set because I did well on some golf bets and had some disposable income the wife couldn’t complain about me spending. I have a few holes at my local track that always leave about 170/180 after a decent drive that I rarely can hit, and I’m hoping the p790 5 or 6 iron will be easier to reach with. 

i really kicked a lot of different irons tires, and actually was kind of set on either the 223’s or the 225’s. I remembered when somebody posted up a pic of the p770’s a year or so ago, and thinking to myself that OMG they were just as pretty as an iron could get. So I tried hitting one at Roger Dunn on a MmT shaft, and I just didn’t really get that tingle down my leg. And it really was just a fluke that I decided to try a Ventus shaft, because with the very first shot, I was just blown away with the feel- it was just perfect to me. And then after 15 shots and a grouping the size of a dime, all at a buck fitty, that I knew I was onto something. I also tried leaning into a few shots and was able to squeeze the 160 range with the 7 iron a few times too… the Hogand were 140 ish for a seven iron. 
we shall see how they hold tomorrow…
 

then you throw in those nasty bad iron covers , and it’s  all over. I know “real” golfers scoff, but I’m just one of those guys who likes the clean perfect look to stay that way, been using them for decades.

 

[Sluggo42]

Ok! First round in. No score keeping, just a casual run hitting multiple balls testing the irons.

first thoughts are kind of what I was expecting. soft, and just a little longer than the Hogans. I think what struck me the most was feeling the shafts kicking. Didn’t really feel that with the recoils. They are going higher too. But they must be spinning decently as well, as they were holding the greens pretty well, and the greens were on the harder side. They liked a smooth swing to get that kick happening. Interesting really. Well struck shots went high with a neat little draw. Just a soft kapok, and poof went the ball.

the A wedge (51°]was close to the same distance as the 50° Hogan

the pw and 9 were like 3-5 longer

8 was 5 -8 yds longer

7,6,5 kept getting progressively longer, so it was a nice gapping system they use.

they did what I was hoping, by reaching longer approach shots. The 5 and 6 iron were bent a little weaker than factory, but still went far.

here is the 18th green, with shots from an 8, 9, pw, and a gap W. Shots were coming from the right, and all went a little long. And I missed every putt haha, just kidding, I made them all… ha, honestly … I don’t really remember

 

[fixyurdivot]

20 hours ago, Sluggo42 said:

then you throw in those nasty bad iron covers , and it’s  all over. I know “real” golfers scoff, but I’m just one of those guys who likes the clean perfect look to stay that way, been using them for decades.

No need to explain why we use them.  Bottom line is that, like white belts and velour jackets, some guys can carry them off and some guys can't... and you just know they wanna .

[bens197]

1 hour ago, Sluggo42 said:

Ok! First round in. No score keeping, just a casual run hitting multiple balls testing the irons.

first thoughts are kind of what I was expecting. soft, and just a little longer than the Hogans. I think what struck me the most was feeling the shafts kicking. Didn’t really feel that with the recoils. They are going higher too. But they must be spinning decently as well, as they were holding the greens pretty well, and the greens were on the harder side. They liked a smooth swing to get that kick happening. Interesting really. Well struck shots went high with a neat little draw. Just a soft kapok, and poof went the ball.

the A wedge (51°]was close to the same distance as the 50° Hogan

the pw and 9 were like 3-5 longer

8 was 5 -8 yds longer

7,6,5 kept getting progressively longer, so it was a nice gapping system they use.

they did what I was hoping, by reaching longer approach shots. The 5 and 6 iron were bent a little weaker than factory, but still went far.

here is the 18th green, with shots from an 8, 9, pw, and a gap W. Shots were coming from the right, and all went a little long. And I missed every putt haha, just kidding, I made them all… ha, honestly … I don’t really remember

 

Kleenex...

 

[Shankster]

Oh my… love all of that. Head covers included.

Edited April 27, 2022 by Shankster
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