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2020 Ben Hogan Icon blades


RobotDoctor

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I put my new Icon irons in the bag today for my round at my home course. First iron shot today was a 5 iron layup in the first hole. The shot was well struck and the feel and trajectory was terrific. Overall the results were mixed. My '99 Apex from 6 iron through wedge is bent to the same lofts as the icons. I sacrifice a little bounce to do so but not much. The distances of the 4 iron (at 22 degrees) matches or might just exceed my 3 iron ('99 Apex- 21 degree loft). That could be a result of being pumped up hitting the 4 iron shots during the round. The 5 iron is close to my '99 Apex 4 iron but longer than the 5 iron. I can see a period of getting used to the new lofts. The feel of the irons are just as solid in iron shots struck center to slightly hosel side of center and the lower 1/3 of the face. I could feel shots on the toe side and recognize where I had struck the shot. The loss of distance on shots not struck in the sweet spot is pretty much the same as my '99 Apex. The shot trajectory was a bit better with the Icons. I like the bounce of the irons and found myself not taking as big of a divot as I do with my '99 Apex irons. (Go figure since I removed a couple degrees or more of bounce by bending the lofts stronger). I believe these irons will produce results that I have come to expect with a Ben Hogan iron.

Now for the negatives: I don't care for the grips at all. I have come to the conclusion that KBS Tour V 110 stiff shafts are not for me. I couldn't get used to the feel of the Icons because the shafts. I can see a set of Nippon Modus3 Tour 120 stiff shafts being ordered and soon. Then I will install the BestGrips Augusta MicroPerf grip. I will review the irons again after that is done.

Conclusion: These irons do require consistent ball striking to produce good shots. However they allow for some not quite perfect strikes to get decent results. Keep in mind there will be a distance loss the worse a shot is struck (like with any blade). I believe a mid handicap golfer (10-12) can still play these irons and hit some terrific shots and enjoy the feel. Those who have terrific ball stricking ability will like this iron.

As for me, I believe once I reshaft/regrip these will become very dependable irons with tremendous feel. The lack of a 3 iron and going to 4 degree loft separation on long irons will take a bit of getting used to. This allows a fourth wedge to go in the bag which I will use a lot more than another long iron or hybrid. Having designed amount of bounce will stop my tendency to dig and might eliminate some slightly chubby (not quite fat but not flush) shots I produce from time to time.

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Driver:  TaylorMade 300 Mini 11.5° (10.2°), Fujikura Ventus Blue 5S Velocore

3W:  TaylorMade M4 15°, Graphite Design Tour AD DI 7S

Hybrid:  TaylorMade Sim2 2 Iron Hybrid 17°, Mitsubishi Tensai AV Raw Blue 80 stiff

Irons:  Mizuno Pro 223 4-PW, Nippon Modus3 Tour 120 stiff

GW / SW: Mizuno T-22, 52° (bent to 50°)/ 56° (bent to 54°), True Temper S400

LW:  Scratch Golf 1018 forged 58° DS, Nippon Modus3 Tour 120 stiff

Putter:  Byron Morgan Epic Day custom, Salty MidPlus cork grip

Grips:  BestGrips Augusta Microperf leather slip on

 

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I have demoed both the PTX Pro and the ICON and both feel great on well struck shots. Obviously the ICON's are a little more harsh when not a solid strike bit you dont lose that much in terms of distance. I wish you could go 7-PW on the combo set but they are not offering that right now. Both great clubs depending on your skill level but for me the combo set is what i am leaning to.

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So if you can get the PTx Pro and Icon in black, wonder why you can’t order the same as a combo set in black?

Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond 10.5 w/Diamana TB 60S

PXG GEN6 5 wood w/Diamana S-plus 70 stiff

Yamaha RMX VD 7 wood w/Diamana S-plus 70 stiff

Callaway Mavrik Pro hybrid (22) w/Aldila Tour Blue 85 stiff hybrid

Wilson Staff Model CB 5-G w/DG s300 shafts

Edel T grind 54 w/Nippon 125 wedge shaft

Fourteen RM-12 58 w/Dynamic Golds400

Axis1 Rose putter, 34 inches

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Just curious. I think the black irons look nice and have played a few black wedges, but tend to buy chrome irons.

Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond 10.5 w/Diamana TB 60S

PXG GEN6 5 wood w/Diamana S-plus 70 stiff

Yamaha RMX VD 7 wood w/Diamana S-plus 70 stiff

Callaway Mavrik Pro hybrid (22) w/Aldila Tour Blue 85 stiff hybrid

Wilson Staff Model CB 5-G w/DG s300 shafts

Edel T grind 54 w/Nippon 125 wedge shaft

Fourteen RM-12 58 w/Dynamic Golds400

Axis1 Rose putter, 34 inches

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My buddy just got these, but he's a + HCP.... he says they are absolutely awesome.. I had the Ft Worth black, but never gave them a good run, and I kind of wish I did. Maybe the Icons deserve a go....

Ping G430 10k 9*  Ventus Velocore blue 6x

Ping G430 LST 15* HZRDUS smoke yellow 70s

Ping G430 19* Tour Chrome 2.0 85s

PXG 0211  4i KBS C Taper Lite 115x ss1x

Srixon zx7 mkii 5-7, Z forged ii 8-P KBS C Taper Lite 

Ping s159 50/12s, 54/10h, 58/8b  KBS Tour
Scotty Cameron NP2 Studio Stainless  34"

 

 

 

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30YAJT55N6XT.jpegJust got off the range so I figured I would give my feedback. I ordered both the PTx Pro & ICON Demo. I consider myself a decent ball striker and the ICON’s outperformed the PTx by a decent margin. I found trajectory, shot dispersion, and distance more consistent with the ICON. I did not think miss hits were that punishing either. Both had KBS Tour V X shaft. Currently gaming TaylorMade SDLR, not exactly a players iron. I planned on combo set but would only game the ICON’s if I were to place an order.

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I wonder how many new owners of the Icon irons are in the process of reshafting them already? Well if nobody has then I might be the first. I have a set of Nippon Modus3 Tour 120 stiff shafts on the way (4-PW, GW and SW). The shafts should arrive mid week so I will be removing the KBS Tour V 110 stiff shafts tomorrow and cleaning them for resale. Then I will prep the heads to be ready to reshaft once the Modus Tour 120s arrive. Have to love the equipment tinkerers here on GolfWRX!

Driver:  TaylorMade 300 Mini 11.5° (10.2°), Fujikura Ventus Blue 5S Velocore

3W:  TaylorMade M4 15°, Graphite Design Tour AD DI 7S

Hybrid:  TaylorMade Sim2 2 Iron Hybrid 17°, Mitsubishi Tensai AV Raw Blue 80 stiff

Irons:  Mizuno Pro 223 4-PW, Nippon Modus3 Tour 120 stiff

GW / SW: Mizuno T-22, 52° (bent to 50°)/ 56° (bent to 54°), True Temper S400

LW:  Scratch Golf 1018 forged 58° DS, Nippon Modus3 Tour 120 stiff

Putter:  Byron Morgan Epic Day custom, Salty MidPlus cork grip

Grips:  BestGrips Augusta Microperf leather slip on

 

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i love them and i miss my 99 set but i will only order them with 4&5 super game improvement irons and rifle shafts.

now a days i only play 9 holes a weekend so i need to max those games everytime.

they will sell, the price is really friendly and people will flock to them.

TAY; 7.5* SIM  SPEEDER 57  S.  (44 3/4")

TTL; 13.5* TSI 2 DIA BLU 70 S.  (42 7/8")

SRZ; 18* 85 U STEELFIBER 95I S. ( 39 3/4")

Cal; 4/5i EPIC, 6i-7i MVRK PR, 8i-PW MB  

Cal; 52* X FRG STK W. 
Cal;  ODYSSEY W B/W 

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Digging all the feedback so far on these. As someone who played or tinkered with Redlines, Apex II's, Apex Plus, and FTX's over the years, this ICON is very intriguing. I'm probably in the minority but I think one of the things I would do is strip off all the paintfill on them except for the sunburst logo. I'm happy to see Hogan was able to keep that piece of their branding history and excited to see them using it again on this iron.

Shaft options continue to leave quite a bit to be desired as I'd love to see another couple choices in that 110-120 weight class. But at their price point, as many have mentioned, re-shafting doesn't put you too far in the hole.

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My current irons have KBS Tour 120's (stiff). How are the Hogan KBS shafts compared to what I have? Just 10 grams lighter? Different profile? Different flight characteristics etc? Thanks!

WITB
Sim 9° Diamana Limited 
TM M3 15°
Adams Idea Pro 22°
Hogan Icons 4-P
Titleist SM8 50° 54° 60°
Callaway MD4 64°
Ping Sigma Darby

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My Icons just underwent a shaft transplant.

FI1FGPFRIAV0.jpegI've replaced the KBS Tour V 110 stiff with Nippon Modus3 Tour 120 stiff shafts. Epoxy is curing. I'm debating whether to add a wooden dowel down each shaft for vibration dampening or not. BestGrips Augusta MicroPerf grips ready to go on.

 

 

Driver:  TaylorMade 300 Mini 11.5° (10.2°), Fujikura Ventus Blue 5S Velocore

3W:  TaylorMade M4 15°, Graphite Design Tour AD DI 7S

Hybrid:  TaylorMade Sim2 2 Iron Hybrid 17°, Mitsubishi Tensai AV Raw Blue 80 stiff

Irons:  Mizuno Pro 223 4-PW, Nippon Modus3 Tour 120 stiff

GW / SW: Mizuno T-22, 52° (bent to 50°)/ 56° (bent to 54°), True Temper S400

LW:  Scratch Golf 1018 forged 58° DS, Nippon Modus3 Tour 120 stiff

Putter:  Byron Morgan Epic Day custom, Salty MidPlus cork grip

Grips:  BestGrips Augusta Microperf leather slip on

 

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The Tour V for most players will launch a little lower and spin a little less than the standard Tours. It’s also feels a little stouter to me. I like it as I spin most shafts too much and the Tour V fights the wind a bit better. It is the shaft KBS basically designed for Phil Mickelson and he has played it for a long time. He plays the 125-gram version.

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Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond 10.5 w/Diamana TB 60S

PXG GEN6 5 wood w/Diamana S-plus 70 stiff

Yamaha RMX VD 7 wood w/Diamana S-plus 70 stiff

Callaway Mavrik Pro hybrid (22) w/Aldila Tour Blue 85 stiff hybrid

Wilson Staff Model CB 5-G w/DG s300 shafts

Edel T grind 54 w/Nippon 125 wedge shaft

Fourteen RM-12 58 w/Dynamic Golds400

Axis1 Rose putter, 34 inches

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Just my experience but I feel the Tour V stiff at 110g feels as stiff or even a little firmer than the Tour at 120g. The Tour V is a little more shaft than some expect but at the lighter weight, I like that because a lot of those lighter shafts spin a lot and/or feel less stable. It’s smooth but not soft.

Still, Hogan’s shaft limitations are a drawback. If a guy wants the Modus 120 or Project X 5.5 or Accra 95, they should be able to turn those orders even if they have to order the shafts and wait. It seems like a fulfillment challenge but solvable. They’re on to a good model but broad selection is important to us golf geeks. I wish Hogan offered the TGI graphites in these heads. The Icons would be incredible in a low torque graphite shaft.

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Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond 10.5 w/Diamana TB 60S

PXG GEN6 5 wood w/Diamana S-plus 70 stiff

Yamaha RMX VD 7 wood w/Diamana S-plus 70 stiff

Callaway Mavrik Pro hybrid (22) w/Aldila Tour Blue 85 stiff hybrid

Wilson Staff Model CB 5-G w/DG s300 shafts

Edel T grind 54 w/Nippon 125 wedge shaft

Fourteen RM-12 58 w/Dynamic Golds400

Axis1 Rose putter, 34 inches

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They released the blended set options on May 5th. 8-PW in the icons in the blended sets. PTX pros in 7i-5i. And you get to chose between a couple of different options for your long irons - PTX pro 4i, UiHi 4i or a hybrid. These are your options you cannot decide where the set will switch between the icons and the ptx pros.

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On the Tour V conversation, I played them for a while about 5 years ago. I have always been a PX player and KBS recommended them as the best fit for me. Since then I have tried the C Taper Lite as well. The Tour V is definitely the best shaft for me as someone that is constantly fit into PX. I have since migrated back to PX LZs as they seem to be the best for me as I get older and want a touch more smoothness. The Tour Vs are a very butt stiff shaft that loses stiffness into the tip. They will definitely feel stiffer over comparable weight shafts because most of their heft is in the handle area. They are not hard to load at all. They just feel different. I found they launch easy, get up quickly and flatten out with less spin. Just one persons experience so take it with a grain of salt.

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Good assessment. I also consistently get fitted to PX Rifle, CTaper Lite, etc., so Tour-V fits right in, slightly easier to load. I was hitting various shafts the other day and which one did I like best? PX Rifle Flighted 6.0 that they don’t even make anymore.

And I think that’s why I like the TGI as well. It’s based on Tour profile. Only with graphite they can very precisely tune the stiffness in each weight class.

The other Ben Hogan stock KBS offering — the Tour 90 — doesn’t get talked about as much. But it’s really a midweight in stiff — a 102g shaft —and I wonder how it would perform hard-stepped? Not a weakling. This test on it is interesting.

Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond 10.5 w/Diamana TB 60S

PXG GEN6 5 wood w/Diamana S-plus 70 stiff

Yamaha RMX VD 7 wood w/Diamana S-plus 70 stiff

Callaway Mavrik Pro hybrid (22) w/Aldila Tour Blue 85 stiff hybrid

Wilson Staff Model CB 5-G w/DG s300 shafts

Edel T grind 54 w/Nippon 125 wedge shaft

Fourteen RM-12 58 w/Dynamic Golds400

Axis1 Rose putter, 34 inches

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I'm hoping they'll have demo clubs back available soon. I'm not really in the market for new irons, but the black Icons look great, and I could see picking up a set as a backup that could eventually transition to my gamers. I like the idea of the 4-degree loft progression, because it would allow me to tighten up the loft gaps in my wedges a little better, because I could drop a long iron (the icon 4-iron is the same loft as my SB-1 3iron), and with the 46 degree PW in the Icon set, I could go to 50-54-58 degree wedges, which would theoretically give me more options for shorter shots. I'm generally pretty comfortable hitting less than full shots with wedges, and I've spent time on Trackman dialing in how far I hit it with different length backswings, but having smaller gaps would seem to eliminate some of the guess work and touch that you need to have to play those shots.

Ping G430 LST 9* (set to 7.5*), 45", Fujikura Ventus TR Black 6x
Ping G430 LST 14.5* (set to 13*) Fujikura Ventus Black 7x
TaylorMade M2 Tour 18*, Fujikura Rombax P95x or Tour Edge CBX Iron-Wood 17* (Black Pearl) Fujikura Ventus HB Blue 9x or Tour Issue or Titleist TSi2 21* (set to 20*) Fujikura Ventus Black 8x
Cobra King RF Forged MB - 4-PW, KBS C-Taper 120 Stiff
Corey Paul 52*, Nippon Modus 125/Titleist Vokey SM8 58* K-Grind & 62* M-Grind DG S200
Byron Morgan long pipe neck B-17, Brushed Mystic finish, 34" or Byron Morgan long pipe neck beached 007x

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