EDITOR REVIEW: CALLAWAY LEGACY BLACK IRONS

EDITOR REVIEW: CALLAWAY LEGACY BLACK IRONS

PRODUCT TESTED: CALLAWAY LEGACY BLACK IRONS (comparison pics with the X Hot Pros, the XHP have the satin C Taper shaft, the Legacy Blacks did not at the time)

CLUB SPECIFICATIONS: 4-PW, std lofts, 1* upright, +1/2” in length, KBS Tour C-Taper stiff shafts. NDMC Black/White grips.

PROS:

These are the “Holy Grail” of Callaway cavity back irons. Period. For me, they are the “Holy Grail” of irons period, but that’s just my opinion. They are the ultimate in soft feel, forgiveness with a slight touch of offset, more traditional lofts and plenty of shot making capability. SOFT, SOFT, SOFT when struck well, and mis-hits give plenty of feedback but don’t hurt ones hands.

CONS:

I’m going to be honest, I can’t of a negative thing to say. They are NOT a distance iron, but more of a finely tuned piece of equipment.

BOTTOM LINE:

Unlike the X Hot Pros which are STUPID LONG, the Legacy Blacks are what every single traditionalist would kill for. Beautiful lines. SOFT feel. Solid amount of forgiveness for their size and just flat out KILLER looks. The PINNACLE of a shot makers forged cavity back to me.

LOOKS:

Initial impressions:

I remember seeing these the first time at CALLAWRX’12. HUGE thanks to Doc Hoc (Dr. Alan Hocknell) for letting me see his personal set when we were there at the ECPC. To be honest, I have been enamored with them for years. Ever since they were released. When Doc brought the 5-iron in to show me, everyone in the room just stopped. You could hear a pin drop… it was a moment I’d never forget. They are stunningly beautiful irons. The level of workmanship and detail that went into the design of them just amazes me. They are SUCH great looking irons. Wow. I was speechless.

Long term:

The Legacy Black continues to be just a BEAUTIFUL set of irons. Simply superb. The 4-iron down to the PW is just perfect. The satin finish wears incredibly well. Sitting in the bag, they turn heads too, and when one of my buddies grabs one to waggle, he stands there befuddled while looking at them. They are the perfect iron in my mind. Perfect size, perfect shape, perfect amount of offset.

Rating: 5/5

PERFORMANCE/PLAYABILITY:

As in one of my previous reviews, one of the most important things for me at this period of my life is to be able to enjoy the game the maximum amount with the least amount of effort. Put a good swing and I’m amazed. Put a decent swing and I’m amazed. Put a crappy swing and I have a smile on my face because I’m still on the golf course. LOL.

These irons will give you what you put into them. They aren’t as forgiving as my set of X Hot Pros, but really, what is as forgiving as a set of X Hot Pros. Well, the X Hot’s, but that’s a different story. These are definitely more forgiving than the 2013 X Forged, but a bit less forgiving than the X Hot Pros (which I have found to be STUPID easy to hit).

With the Legacy Blacks, they can be worked, but do definitely offer help. I can work the ball left or right, hit it high, low, dead straight, you name it. BUT, you must put a decent swing on them to reap the benefits. I won’t sit here and tell you that they are as easy to hit as the X Hot’s, because that would be a lie. BUT, they are definitely easier more consistent than am X Prototype blade per say.

With the C Taper shafts, they are incredibly accurate. I’ve hit some phenomenal shots with them. I’ve also hit some BAD shots in which I knew the Indian was smoking the peace pipe before he hit the ball, but hey, at least they felt fantastic. LOL.

Now, similar to the X Hot Pros, I’ve been able to put these through the gauntlet of shots as well. Hook around that tree?? Check. Flush it OVER that tree?? Check. Fade it over that bunker and land softly pin high?? Check. Knock it down to fight the wind?? Yes SIR (although for some reason, I’m not very good at knocking it down when I want to, but I COULD do it at the range. LOL)

WHOA.

RATING: 5/5

FEEL:

This is where, in my mind, the Legacy Black has no sibling. They are SOOOOOFFFFFTTTTTTTTT. I mean, really SSSSSSOOOOFFFFFTTTTT. Whoa man. Uber-soft. With the C Tapers in them, it’s not really a fair fight. My 2013 X Forged with PXi’s are soft. But these are SOFT. I don’t really think I have to go into anything else. I’m pretty sure Henrik Stenson would say the same thing too.

RATING: 5/5

OVERALL BOTTOM LINE:

I love ‘em. Really do. They aren’t UBER forgiving, but they are more than forgiving enough for any 0-10 handicap that plays enough to really LOVE them. I mean REALLY love them. I wouldn’t recommend them for a high handicap. I just wouldn’t. They aren’t point-n-shoot irons, but they aren’t meant to be either… just like a Lamborghini or Ferrari is not really meant to be an everyday commuter car either.

The Legacy Blacks are THE PINNACLE of what an iron should be. In my mind they sure are. I consider myself blessed to have them. And there aren’t many irons I consider myself blessed to have.

I need to meet up with you at the range and give these a go.

Great review GW.

So the immediate question is, any plans to release these in the US? This may be a dumb question but Im curious why they keep them as a Japaneese model.

[quote name='bjackson' timestamp='1380155336' post='7911271']
I need to meet up with you at the range and give these a go.
[/quote]

Any time my man. Shoot me a txt!

[quote name='Carolina Golfer 2' timestamp='1380156391' post='7911365']
Great review GW.

So the immediate question is, any plans to release these in the US? This may be a dumb question but Im curious why they keep them as a Japaneese model.
[/quote]

No plans at this point. But I'm willing to bet that the Apex Pro will be very close.

Nice review golf ware! We're the c taper shafts tip .355?

Best irons I ever played.... perfect profile for me..not too small not too big, GREAT feel....almost swing their self

[quote name='golfware' timestamp='1380156751' post='7911391']
[quote name='Carolina Golfer 2' timestamp='1380156391' post='7911365']
Great review GW.

So the immediate question is, any plans to release these in the US? This may be a dumb question but Im curious why they keep them as a Japaneese model.
[/quote]

No plans at this point. But I'm willing to bet that the Apex Pro will be very close.
[/quote]
My rep told me that the Apex is the same iron. Not sure on lofts, but he said the Legacy was so awesome for Japan that they wanted to bring a version to the US.

You should have cleaned all the drool off them before snapping pics Ramon. So, are these gonna stay in the bag when the Apex/Apex Pro drop?

[quote name='ladahl' timestamp='1381016067' post='7958251']
You should have cleaned all the drool off them before snapping pics Ramon. So, are these gonna stay in the bag when the Apex/Apex Pro drop?
[/quote]

Tough question. Man.. Tough question. The Apex's will most likely be in the bag. These will go into a display case.

If you change these club for the apex let me know! I'll take it!!

Ha ha ha. Nah man, these won't ever go up for sale, but you'll be on the short list. They really are some fabulous irons.

Golfware love the look on them but been lefthanded cant get them but can get hold of these I think they were the 2010 model,do you think they will have the same top line and sole width on them as the black series please

[quote name='golfware' timestamp='1381415918' post='7981109']
[quote name='ladahl' timestamp='1381016067' post='7958251']
You should have cleaned all the drool off them before snapping pics Ramon. So, are these gonna stay in the bag when the Apex/Apex Pro drop?
[/quote]

Tough question. Man.. Tough question. The Apex's will most likely be in the bag. These will go into a display case.
[/quote]

Now that the Apex's are out and in your bag, which do you prefer? The legacy black's or the apex's? Major differences you see between them in terms of forgiveness, length, feel? Thanks!

Just ran across a set of these for sale with GD Tour AD 85 graphite shafts. Anyone here familiar with these shafts?

[attachment=2276841:image.jpg]

Legacy black 2

I want to reshaft these clubs. Could someone tell me the hosel size I need for the 2012 stenson model? Thanks

[quote name='littled1212' timestamp='1428591914' post='11318981']
I want to reshaft these clubs. Could someone tell me the hosel size I need for the 2012 stenson model? Thanks
[/quote]

[quote name='littled1212' timestamp='1428591914' post='11318981']
I want to reshaft these clubs. Could someone tell me the hosel size I need for the 2012 stenson model? Thanks
[/quote]

A bit late I know but every set I've worked has been .370 parallel tip. I have 3 sets of these one is the dark chrome version with Ameritech I80's in best combo I've ever played , awesome irons and also got my hands on a brand new set of 2013 x forged from Germany ❤️ Love both sets.

Old topic I know but I just got one of these 4 irons. Can you confirm the hosel size of this version?

I love my set with Modus 120 S.