Players' Forgiveness Irons Recommendations

[MysteryV]

Over the last few years, I've been playing traditional players irons (Epon AF 302, Miura 1008, etc.) with a brief foray into some added tech with the PXG 0311 T.

 

I'm interested in testing added tech, but with a focus on added forgiveness / consistency on off center hits rather than added distance.  I picked up a ZX5 randomly at Golf Mart last week and was SHOCKED that a smooth swing with 7i went 210, 115 feet in the air with 4k rpm of spin.  While that's not what I'm looking for, the tech really got me interested in seeing what's out there that might work for me.

 

I tend to swing the 7i ~90 mph on course and play in soft conditions year round.  Any recommendations?

[me05501]

ZX7

[MysteryV]

1 hour ago, me05501 said:

ZX7

 

Yeah - I love 'em - but they're basically just my AF203s with a thicker top line right?  Endo forged with no real tech?  I think they're a great rec, but the real hope here is to see what forgiveness tech gives me - ideally without being a "players distance iron".

 

Thank you!

[JStang]

Hard to beat Titleist T100 / T150. Highest MOI out there for a "players" club. ZX7's were good as well but I prefer the shape and size of the T100 / T150. 

[AbSWFPGA]

Apex pros, mizuno 243/245, zx7

[Pepperturbo]

I played MBs for most of my golf life.  Recently went from 620 MBs to new T100, which are a bit more forgiving than my MBs.  But I wouldn't say T100's have as much technology in them as my new T200 series 2 iron.  All depends on your skill.

 

If ZX5 got your attention, maybe check out T150 series, they're 1' weaker but 2' stronger than my T100

Edited April 16, 2024 by Pepperturbo

[Yanki01]

I'll throw the ZX5/ZX7 combo which is what I'm currently playing. so smooth, so easy to get them up in the air. love them. Currently playing 5,6i ZX5 and 7, 8, 9, PW ZX7. 

[Green Lit]

I've found the new Blueprints to be pretty damn forgiving 

[DiscoStu35]

Take a look at the Cobra King Tour. They don't have too much tech in them but what's there definitely provides a surprising amount of forgiveness.

 

I've had my set for 3 weeks now and couldn't be happier.

[SwingBlade]

Somewhat similar to you, I have Miura 201's & CB 57's, which I love, and MP 33's which I truly love, but the new Srixon ZX5/ZX7 Combo set is amazingly consistent with high launch, +10 yards distance, and the ball stops within 3-5 feet of touchdown with 7-PW.  

[MysteryV]

17 minutes ago, Pepperturbo said:

I played MBs for most of my golf life.  Recently went from 620 MBs to new T100, which are a bit more forgiving than my MBs.  But I wouldn't say T100's have as much technology in them as my new T200 series 2 iron.  All depends on your skill.

 

If ZX5 got your attention, maybe check out T150 series, they're 1' weaker but 2' stronger than my T100

 

I'm actually getting a Titleist fitting tomorrow.  I love the idea of the T150, but when holding them - really couldn't tell the difference between the 100 / 150 at address (with the 7i).  I also don't love the idea of a 44 degree PW, but I guess I could have them bent weak. 

 

19 minutes ago, Yanki01 said:

I'll throw the ZX5/ZX7 combo which is what I'm currently playing. so smooth, so easy to get them up in the air. love them. Currently playing 5,6i ZX5 and 7, 8, 9, PW ZX7. 

 

4 minutes ago, SwingBlade said:

Somewhat similar to you, I have Miura 201's & CB 57's, which I love, and MP 33's which I truly love, but the new Srixon ZX5/ZX7 Combo set is amazingly consistent with high launch, +10 yards distance, and the ball stops within 3-5 feet of touchdown with 7-PW.  

 

Did either of you have to adjust lofts to get the gaps worked out with the combo set?  Did that lead to any crazy moonballs or oddities with the ZX5?  

[Pepperturbo]

Just now, MysteryV said:

I'm actually getting a Titleist fitting tomorrow.  I love the idea of the T150, but when holding them - really couldn't tell the difference between the 100 / 150 at address (with the 7i).  I also don't love the idea of a 44 degree PW, but I guess I could have them bent weak. 

Good luck. 

 

I have a set of precursor T100S = to new T150 irons.  They only lasted 8 months before I switched to new T100.  Even though they gave me a few extra yards, I didn't like the added spin. 

 

To my eye, there is a noticeable difference in iron head size.  Bent 2' weak adds bounce.  I'd rather bend strong which removes bounce.

 

My T100 PW is 46' which is strong enough and rather amazing now that it has a PX Wedge 6.0 shaft in it, matching SW & LW.

[jj3putt]

If you are already in players cavities I'm not sure you will find anything that will appreciably increase forgiveness without also adding a healthy dose of increased distance. Irons like T100 add significant forgiveness over a blade, or improved size/looks/shaping over similarly forgiving CB's. But they don't approach the levels of forgiveness of larger multi-material forgings like the ZX5, Cobra Tour, PXG, JPX923 Forged, 243/245, P770. They don't really exist because very few in the market are asking for 'not distance'....and the tech that makes them more forgiving also makes them lower spinning.

[MysteryV]

8 minutes ago, Pepperturbo said:

Good luck. 

 

I have a set of precursor T100S = to new T150 irons.  They only lasted 8 months before I switched to new T100.  Even though they gave me a few extra yards, I didn't like the added spin. 

 

To my eye, there is a noticeable difference in iron head size.  Bent 2' weak adds bounce.  I'd rather bend strong which removes bounce.

 

My T100 PW is 46' which is strong enough and rather amazing now that it has a PX Wedge 6.0 shaft in it, matching SW & LW.

 

Thanks - I'm interested to see what my specs look like these days and test some different shafts.  I've been playing the Epons w/ X100 softstepped 1 degree up / 0.5" over Titleist spec for quite a while, and while I swing the 7i 92 - 94 in the sim - I'm curious to see if there's a better fit (maybe something that isn't D6 swing and quite as heavy static).  

 

I actually like my setup currently - but still - really want to see if the tech of something like a T100 will help on course.

[Yanki01]

31 minutes ago, MysteryV said:

 

Did either of you have to adjust lofts to get the gaps worked out with the combo set?  Did that lead to any crazy moonballs or oddities with the ZX5?  

 

I haven't noticed any for me.

[madeonecut]

3 hours ago, Yanki01 said:

I'll throw the ZX5/ZX7 combo which is what I'm currently playing. so smooth, so easy to get them up in the air. love them. Currently playing 5,6i ZX5 and 7, 8, 9, PW ZX7. 

I have the 4,5 in the ZX5 and 6-W in the ZX7. What shaft are you playing?  

[madeonecut]

3 hours ago, MysteryV said:

 

I'm actually getting a Titleist fitting tomorrow.  I love the idea of the T150, but when holding them - really couldn't tell the difference between the 100 / 150 at address (with the 7i).  I also don't love the idea of a 44 degree PW, but I guess I could have them bent weak. 

 

 

 

Did either of you have to adjust lofts to get the gaps worked out with the combo set?  Did that lead to any crazy moonballs or oddities with the ZX5?  

What shafts are you playing in your Stixon’s?

[MysteryV]

3 minutes ago, madeonecut said:

What shafts are you playing in your Stixon’s?

 

I don't have Srixon's - I was just asking if anyone had gapping issues for future reference.

[Yanki01]

1 hour ago, madeonecut said:

I have the 4,5 in the ZX5 and 6-W in the ZX7. What shaft are you playing?  

Modus 120s

[POKeefe]

T150’s are probably the sweet spot for what you’re looking for.

[Barfolomew]

21 hours ago, jj3putt said:

If you are already in players cavities I'm not sure you will find anything that will appreciably increase forgiveness without also adding a healthy dose of increased distance. Irons like T100 add significant forgiveness over a blade, or improved size/looks/shaping over similarly forgiving CB's. But they don't approach the levels of forgiveness of larger multi-material forgings like the ZX5, Cobra Tour, PXG, JPX923 Forged, 243/245, P770. They don't really exist because very few in the market are asking for 'not distance'....and the tech that makes them more forgiving also makes them lower spinning.

 

What jj3 said....

 

Not many clubs add forgiveness but not distance..... prob a segment for better players and pros missed out on.  I keep looking for a forgiving type club with very little offset but they love to add a ton of offset thinking chops need offset or only chops want forgiveness...

 

 

 

Edited April 17, 2024 by Barfolomew

[edutch22]

What about I230?

[vietnameeh]

Unpopular opinion

 

for budget ballers 

 

MALTBY TE forged

[unclefreizo]

On 4/16/2024 at 11:30 AM, MysteryV said:

Over the last few years, I've been playing traditional players irons (Epon AF 302, Miura 1008, etc.) with a brief foray into some added tech with the PXG 0311 T.

 

I'm interested in testing added tech, but with a focus on added forgiveness / consistency on off center hits rather than added distance.  I picked up a ZX5 randomly at Golf Mart last week and was SHOCKED that a smooth swing with 7i went 210, 115 feet in the air with 4k rpm of spin.  While that's not what I'm looking for, the tech really got me interested in seeing what's out there that might work for me.

 

I tend to swing the 7i ~90 mph on course and play in soft conditions year round.  Any recommendations?

I've basically played Ben Hogan and Titleist irons forever. But I do try a lot of irons out of curiosity and forgiveness-wise Ping does a good job filling that market niche with a variety of options. Enough for it to be very noticeable for me.

[madeonecut]

20 hours ago, Yanki01 said:

Modus 120s

Same here not getting along with them. Coming from ap2’s with DG s400 tour issue. 

[me05501]

If you're a "player" for which this category is designed you probably need more front-to-back forgiveness than left-to-right forgiveness. Most manufacturers solve that with designs that add a little speed all over the face. I'm not sure there's a better way to do that, but what we're stuck with are clubs that go too far if you stay close to the center. 

[eric61]

2 hours ago, edutch22 said:

What about I230?

I was surprised they hadn’t come up, too. They’re where I’d start for sure if you want more spin than ZX5s and play in soft conditions where the bounce will help you.

[Yanki01]

22 minutes ago, madeonecut said:

Same here not getting along with them. Coming from ap2’s with DG s400 tour issue. 

The DG's never felt right to me. Gave me no feedback, just didn't like them. I had Modus 105x, then switched to Modus 120s in my 714 AP2s for years, really enjoyed them so these feel just right for me.

 

I've had my 714 AP2's for about 10yrs when they came out I guess. maybe my iron game dropped as I got a little older and wanted more forgiveness. I've always eyed the Srixon irons since the Z745. I've had an all Titleist bag until this year. Swapped my driver from a Titleist 915D2 which is about as old as my irons and got the new Ping G430 Max. Absolutely love it. 

[madeonecut]

48 minutes ago, Yanki01 said:

The DG's never felt right to me. Gave me no feedback, just didn't like them. I had Modus 105x, then switched to Modus 120s in my 714 AP2s for years, really enjoyed them so these feel just right for me.

 

I've had my 714 AP2's for about 10yrs when they came out I guess. maybe my iron game dropped as I got a little older and wanted more forgiveness. I've always eyed the Srixon irons since the Z745. I've had an all Titleist bag until this year. Swapped my driver from a Titleist 915D2 which is about as old as my irons and got the new Ping G430 Max. Absolutely love it. 

I went back to playing my Titleist. Going to hit the mizuno 243 on Friday and see how they feel. Love the srixon’s look and feel, maybe a reshaft project. 

[clinkinfo]

On 4/16/2024 at 2:30 PM, MysteryV said:

Over the last few years, I've been playing traditional players irons (Epon AF 302, Miura 1008, etc.) with a brief foray into some added tech with the PXG 0311 T.

 

I'm interested in testing added tech, but with a focus on added forgiveness / consistency on off center hits rather than added distance.  I picked up a ZX5 randomly at Golf Mart last week and was SHOCKED that a smooth swing with 7i went 210, 115 feet in the air with 4k rpm of spin.  While that's not what I'm looking for, the tech really got me interested in seeing what's out there that might work for me.

 

I tend to swing the 7i ~90 mph on course and play in soft conditions year round.  Any recommendations?

 

 

https://forums.golfwrx.com/topic/1940587-cool-clubs-robot-testing/