The discussion about workability made me think of a potential video idea; Have Mac hit a blade and something like a game improvement chunky iron. Similar lofts. Then hit both using the 9-window drill, and see how much less (if any) the GI iron can be worked. Can he only draw/fade the GI iron half as much as the blade? Can he not get it as low/high as the blade? I see a lot of testers talk about workability, but nobody really shapes the ball as much Mac on youtube.
For this to be most effectively presented, you would need to do this on course or at least a grass outdoor range. The turf interaction alone of the synthetic mat versus real grass on a blade sole versus a game improvement sole is enormous. Then we take outdoor conditions between the low spin game improves versus a much higher spinning blade, I suspect you’d see a huge difference in control, both the height and lateral shaping available to a guy of Mac’s ability using a blade. Of course the issue to consider is do you compare common club number or loft? Most GI clubs are at least 1.5 clubs stronger than a blade. I don’t know if the 30* is standard loft 6-iron on TCB, if not what was rationale for choosing that loft? That however is same loft as my 5-iron Miura. I’ve seen some Ping’s actually spec 27* 6-iron, and I doubt they are alone. Do we compare a 34* 6-iron blade vs a 27* cast cavity back?
As mentioned, they did a whole series early of blade vs GI/cavity irons. There appeared to be no big difference between left and right. The big finding was how difficult the GI irons were to flight lower
I have mine in a NS Pro Modus3 120, they will be in the bag for a long time. I’m not a single digit handicap but the irons have a fair bit of forgiveness. And when you do have a good ball striking day they feel amazing. Don’t let the “better player” tag scare you, they’re worth a try if you golf regularly
Great video! Would love to see y’all do a “best in class” mini series (blades, players cavity, players performance, players distance, game improvement)
I way prefer this type of review where you have at least a couple of the popular comparable models to compare. Really helps to understand what the club brings to the table
10:30 “I hit straight shots a lot when I need to hit straight shots *but* it doesn’t feel as good” is literally Max Boucher golf summarized in a sentence
Love my TCB’s. They just check every box for me. Slightly more forgiving than my MP20’s. I thought it was going to be hard to pry a mizuno out of my hand this year but the tcb is just phenomenal. The feel is incredible, doesn’t sacrifice looks, workable as ever, and the ball flight is perfect now. Going to be hard getting rid of these things, I imagine they’ll be staying in the bag until they are completely worn out.
Playing the Mizuno 223 with the S300 shaft right now and love them to bits. Played the ping I500's before. It's been a great clubswap from me. Some forgivness, great looks, feel and perfect yardages and the "combo set" within the set. Was planning on switching to the ZX-7s but the mizuno ticked my boxes better, such a great review and testing as always guys!
Great time to be alive in the golf club game, tech has got every company knocking it out of the park, there is such little difference and they are all fantastic. Maybe too much choice now, hard to pick which one is for you when they are so close and such a small marginal difference.
A follow up video on iron grinds, turf types, and how to evaluate an individual swing vs those characteristics would be interesting to me, maybe for others?
i played that hole in real life. flushed the living daylights out of it and sailed the green. caddy said it’s not often people go in the water over the green. love that hole/course
785 I think was better for shallow players than zx7 imo. The sole just seemed thinner overall. The zx7 gets out of the turf faster though if you are a little steep
What about the Adams (I think) irons back in the day that had the same offset for all clubs. It would be great to see a video about the differences with offset.
Im jumping between TCB and P790 depending on how well i hit the ball form for day to day /week to week.. =) When im playing well i really love my TCB´s, they are soo nice. Im playing on 12 hcp now, moving from 15 in mars aiming for singel this season. Love from Sweden.!!
Can you guys do a Mizuno 225 Pro review? Better yet, Mizuno 225 Pro vs PXG 0311 Gen 5 comparison! Love and appreciate your reviews, experience and expertise.
Great video. I currently game a combo set srixon z965 p-7iron and z765 6-4. Where would the callaway TCB's compare to my current irons as far as head size/forgiveness? Love the look of the callaway irons. Any help would be appreciated thanks.
I play Apex MB 5-PW and I love them. I would have split the set with the TCB but the TCB just have an odd looking shape. Turns out my 5 iron is probably my favorite iron that I hit the most consistently of all of them so sticking to the blades was the right call, but I don't think anyone would be unhappy with TCB unless you're like me and just don't like the shape.
I’m exactly like you. Grew up on blades. I got the MBs then tried the TCBs but the shape was too round for my liking. The MBs frame the ball so much better to my eye. Sticking with the MBs. Love them. Also, hit the MBs with a little less spin and slightly longer distances.
I don't understand the workability discussion. If someone is concerned about workability then they aren't in control of their swing. I've played chunky irons and found no issues playing the shots I want to hit. The real reason most players choose a blade is because of turf interaction and distance control/consistency. I play a CB/MB combo because I don't want a 30yard flyer and I play in Texas where the fairways become baked and firm, so cutting through the turf is a premium. If I lived in a northern state, I'd probably play more CB irons for a wider sole. Workability has never been a concern.
Hey guys! Great video! Just got an email from BGT (Stability Shaft), they have a driver shaft and are claiming it outperforms Autoflex! Sounds like a great comparison idea!
For me what’s interesting is not Mac’s swing, but rather his ability to deliver the club in different ways. I’m not good enough to tell the difference in swings, but I relate more to the numbers measured!
you really aren’t gonna see a difference big enough to pay for new irons within at LEAST a decade. im still playing my ping i3 blades which were made in 2000 and still cant find a bug enough difference in newer clubs to drop 1500 dollars. your 2019 apex pros are gonna do the same job the new releases will. an emotional connection with clubs is irreplaceable i guess haha.
They play cavity back because of the truck load of money 💰- tour pros can and would hit anything for the right deal - two players always gets mentioned with this club - I have a set, they are not for your average player
What sort of Handicap would you say the Callaway TCBs are aimed at. I was fitted for a set late last year, and though they are great looking and feeling clubs I feel they are possibly too good for my game. I've just gone from 7.7 up to 8.6 and notice a massive loss of distance from miss-hits. Great when I'm swinging well, not so great when the game is off. Seriously considering selling them and moving to Sub70 699pros.
Would like to hear more from the player that is hitting balls (Mac in this case) about what they liked or didn't like about each of the options they are given to try.
Curious why you chose 30* 6-iron setting? That seems quite strong for a “players” club. I also recall, perhaps incorrectly, Mac previous stating his gamer irons are traditional to weak lofted. That 30* 6-iron is same as my Miura 5-iron. I appreciate they were all set the same loft, just curious what the rationale was for choosing such a strong lofted 6-iron.
30 degree 6 iron is by no means strong! You could say it's one degree strong from the very traditional ones like old AP2s. Hell, TW7s, one of the least lofted irons have a 31 degree 6 iron.
Sorry Ian, but I can’t take anyone seriously when they don’t wear a hat indoors. I was told this was disrespectful and as such, none of your knowledge is valid and you probably open doors for other as well, which is just disrespectful because you think they can’t do it themselves.
The discussion about workability made me think of a potential video idea; Have Mac hit a blade and something like a game improvement chunky iron. Similar lofts. Then hit both using the 9-window drill, and see how much less (if any) the GI iron can be worked. Can he only draw/fade the GI iron half as much as the blade? Can he not get it as low/high as the blade? I see a lot of testers talk about workability, but nobody really shapes the ball as much Mac on youtube.
Please do this
They did this previously with matt. The difference wasn’t that drastic.
For this to be most effectively presented, you would need to do this on course or at least a grass outdoor range. The turf interaction alone of the synthetic mat versus real grass on a blade sole versus a game improvement sole is enormous. Then we take outdoor conditions between the low spin game improves versus a much higher spinning blade, I suspect you’d see a huge difference in control, both the height and lateral shaping available to a guy of Mac’s ability using a blade.
Of course the issue to consider is do you compare common club number or loft? Most GI clubs are at least 1.5 clubs stronger than a blade. I don’t know if the 30* is standard loft 6-iron on TCB, if not what was rationale for choosing that loft? That however is same loft as my 5-iron Miura. I’ve seen some Ping’s actually spec 27* 6-iron, and I doubt they are alone. Do we compare a 34* 6-iron blade vs a 27* cast cavity back?
As mentioned, they did a whole series early of blade vs GI/cavity irons. There appeared to be no big difference between left and right. The big finding was how difficult the GI irons were to flight lower
Great idea I want to see it….again
I have mine in a NS Pro Modus3 120, they will be in the bag for a long time. I’m not a single digit handicap but the irons have a fair bit of forgiveness. And when you do have a good ball striking day they feel amazing. Don’t let the “better player” tag scare you, they’re worth a try if you golf regularly
T100 player here. I love how this vid evolved into a top players cavity category review. The context is so important. Brilliant! Bravo TXG!
Great video! Would love to see y’all do a “best in class” mini series (blades, players cavity, players performance, players distance, game improvement)
Think they did a similar series a few years back. Really enjoyed it
I way prefer this type of review where you have at least a couple of the popular comparable models to compare. Really helps to understand what the club brings to the table
I got them tour issue x100 shafts, unreal. Long and accurate. Highly recommend
I’m biased because I’ve been playing them this season, but would have liked too have seen P7MC in the mix
10:30 “I hit straight shots a lot when I need to hit straight shots *but* it doesn’t feel as good” is literally Max Boucher golf summarized in a sentence
I got these last year. My fitter tried a project x ls shaft in them. And they are butter.
Love my TCB’s. They just check every box for me. Slightly more forgiving than my MP20’s. I thought it was going to be hard to pry a mizuno out of my hand this year but the tcb is just phenomenal. The feel is incredible, doesn’t sacrifice looks, workable as ever, and the ball flight is perfect now. Going to be hard getting rid of these things, I imagine they’ll be staying in the bag until they are completely worn out.
Playing the Mizuno 223 with the S300 shaft right now and love them to bits. Played the ping I500's before. It's been a great clubswap from me. Some forgivness, great looks, feel and perfect yardages and the "combo set" within the set. Was planning on switching to the ZX-7s but the mizuno ticked my boxes better, such a great review and testing as always guys!
Thanks Ian for the explanation of workability. I've never heard it explained so easily.
Great time to be alive in the golf club game, tech has got every company knocking it out of the park, there is such little difference and they are all fantastic. Maybe too much choice now, hard to pick which one is for you when they are so close and such a small marginal difference.
Just picked these up used. Havent even taken them out of the box yet, but I know I'm going to win the Masters in 2024. Signed, sealed, and delivered.
lol
A follow up video on iron grinds, turf types, and how to evaluate an individual swing vs those characteristics would be interesting to me, maybe for others?
They are the best irons i’ve ever played, by far
Lets Go!!! Love the shout out to my home state of Idaho!! Come on down any time boys!
Just got rid of mine. Had mmt105tx in them. Got fit into a set of t100s’s…gotta say the sound and feel is a ton better.
i played that hole in real life. flushed the living daylights out of it and sailed the green. caddy said it’s not often people go in the water over the green. love that hole/course
I just put a set of tcb in with 120 $ taper into play. Coming from modus 120 mp18mmc. They're like butter, forgiveness is there. Better flighting
1st, what a great iron! I need to ask Baldo Corsa iron review:)
Thanks guys!
Good stuff guys. Love these little comparos.
785 I think was better for shallow players than zx7 imo. The sole just seemed thinner overall. The zx7 gets out of the turf faster though if you are a little steep
What about the Adams (I think) irons back in the day that had the same offset for all clubs. It would be great to see a video about the differences with offset.
Iron that I have been wanting to try for a long time. Looks like it’s finally available online. No way to try them near me.
Loving the reviews like this!
Im jumping between TCB and P790 depending on how well i hit the ball form for day to day /week to week.. =) When im playing well i really love my TCB´s, they are soo nice. Im playing on 12 hcp now, moving from 15 in mars aiming for singel this season. Love from Sweden.!!
Mac, don’t give up the blades. I spent 1.5 years on that journey and 4 sets later, I’m back to blades. There’s no control like it.
Mac is such a talent. What a baller
I'll be trading in my apex pro's for these very, very soon. Thanks for doing this one finally! :D
The UDI is the best out I think I just got the 24deg an I can’t miss that
The “Thomas Campbell Blade” :D
Can you guys do a Mizuno 225 Pro review? Better yet, Mizuno 225 Pro vs PXG 0311 Gen 5 comparison! Love and appreciate your reviews, experience and expertise.
Great video. I currently game a combo set srixon z965 p-7iron and z765 6-4. Where would the callaway TCB's compare to my current irons as far as head size/forgiveness? Love the look of the callaway irons. Any help would be appreciated thanks.
I play Apex MB 5-PW and I love them. I would have split the set with the TCB but the TCB just have an odd looking shape. Turns out my 5 iron is probably my favorite iron that I hit the most consistently of all of them so sticking to the blades was the right call, but I don't think anyone would be unhappy with TCB unless you're like me and just don't like the shape.
I’ve heard the PW on the TCB/C forged CB looks a little funky. Is that right?
X forged*
I’m exactly like you. Grew up on blades. I got the MBs then tried the TCBs but the shape was too round for my liking. The MBs frame the ball so much better to my eye. Sticking with the MBs. Love them. Also, hit the MBs with a little less spin and slightly longer distances.
I bought my T100s when TCBs were EU only. Had I known they were coming stateside I'd be in those instead.
I don't understand the workability discussion. If someone is concerned about workability then they aren't in control of their swing. I've played chunky irons and found no issues playing the shots I want to hit.
The real reason most players choose a blade is because of turf interaction and distance control/consistency. I play a CB/MB combo because I don't want a 30yard flyer and I play in Texas where the fairways become baked and firm, so cutting through the turf is a premium. If I lived in a northern state, I'd probably play more CB irons for a wider sole.
Workability has never been a concern.
solid comment
Lot of good info there from Ian.
Ian, would you place the mizuno 223 and Callaway Apex Pro in the same category in terms of size and specs?
This was very educational
Hey guys! Great video! Just got an email from BGT (Stability Shaft), they have a driver shaft and are claiming it outperforms Autoflex! Sounds like a great comparison idea!
A bit off topic for this video but how about a review of the new Miura KM 700? No one seems to want to review this new iron.
I bet nobody can get them to test and at ~$3k for a set the market is tiny. I too, would love a review on them but not holding my breath.
Any recommendations on a blade with a longer blade length ie: nike vr pro blade, apex mb 2018?????
Great video! Have you ever did a video with Mizuno hot metal?
Great video, love this
I wish Matt would try Ping I25 irons, I think they may be the perfect fit?
I wish Ian would test more stuff…not sure watching Mac do his bubba watson impression is as helpful…just being honest
For me what’s interesting is not Mac’s swing, but rather his ability to deliver the club in different ways. I’m not good enough to tell the difference in swings, but I relate more to the numbers measured!
What you mean he was hitting straight ones in this one
Yeah find zero relevance in this
Roughly should all of these heads weigh the same or is there a significant difference in some of these?
i59 and tc201
What is the « T M » equivalent to compare? 770?
How many years until a noticeable difference in irons ? I have apex pro 2019s and love them can’t really justify new ones for minimal difference
you really aren’t gonna see a difference big enough to pay for new irons within at LEAST a decade. im still playing my ping i3 blades which were made in 2000 and still cant find a bug enough difference in newer clubs to drop 1500 dollars. your 2019 apex pros are gonna do the same job the new releases will. an emotional connection with clubs is irreplaceable i guess haha.
They play cavity back because of the truck load of money 💰- tour pros can and would hit anything for the right deal - two players always gets mentioned with this club - I have a set, they are not for your average player
Would to see how these compare to Callaway X Forged CB
Tcb are smaller and less forgiving
Never hit these but I hit the driving iron version and its the best feeling iron ive ever hit
Cobra MIM should be in this video
Always surprised how is front foot is open on mid iron!!!
Are these more players compared to apex pro model ?
Could Mac not wear a dark coloured top when on the bay, can’t see hits back swing easily. Great review as always
What sort of Handicap would you say the Callaway TCBs are aimed at. I was fitted for a set late last year, and though they are great looking and feeling clubs I feel they are possibly too good for my game. I've just gone from 7.7 up to 8.6 and notice a massive loss of distance from miss-hits. Great when I'm swinging well, not so great when the game is off.
Seriously considering selling them and moving to Sub70 699pros.
They're aimed at Tour players - they're a smaller version of the Apex Forged CB built for Rahm & Schauffele.
30 plus and higher
P7MC is missing in this test
Would like to hear more from the player that is hitting balls (Mac in this case) about what they liked or didn't like about each of the options they are given to try.
My name is Rob and I am a lover of SLING
Why was the P7mc left out of the group?
The other 3 models we used are significantly more popular in our stores.
Go lefty’s
"It's much easier to curve the ball more (with a draw)... hold my beer. I can slice 5 fairways
Curious why you chose 30* 6-iron setting? That seems quite strong for a “players” club. I also recall, perhaps incorrectly, Mac previous stating his gamer irons are traditional to weak lofted. That 30* 6-iron is same as my Miura 5-iron. I appreciate they were all set the same loft, just curious what the rationale was for choosing such a strong lofted 6-iron.
30 degree 6 iron is by no means strong! You could say it's one degree strong from the very traditional ones like old AP2s. Hell, TW7s, one of the least lofted irons have a 31 degree 6 iron.
Why isn’t Wilson iron in this one? Probably greater performance feel and price. Always disappointing when u guys exclude Wilson :(
P7MC not a hot seller?
No.
Honestly, they probably flew under the radar because you guys didn’t review them! Haha
To be FAIR !!! :)
Blades are best. You’ll regret switching.
Sorry Ian, but I can’t take anyone seriously when they don’t wear a hat indoors. I was told this was disrespectful and as such, none of your knowledge is valid and you probably open doors for other as well, which is just disrespectful because you think they can’t do it themselves.
Mac is cool and all but these reviews provide zero relation to 99.75% of golfers with this swing