What's it like to hit a modern 1 iron? TaylorMade UDI Testing Thread

[Pepperturbo]

Now and again, I still pull out my Mizuno 15* 1 iron blade with a PX 6.0 shaft at 40" for fun. Struck well on fast conditions, its' worth 230+. Its .5" longer than the '06' X-Forged 39.5" 18* 2 iron in my bag, which I love. Except for the off-set, wide top line and what appears as noticeable extended flange, nice looking. To each his own.

[Stetson]

[quote name='nochct1' timestamp='1406829189' post='9825211']
I'm not sure I see the benefit of this club. For years we've been hearing about the benefits of hybrids instead of long irons. And now they produce a "1 iron" that rolls forever and doesn't stop on approach shots.

If I'm hitting an iron or hybrid off the tee then I want to land it in a certain spot. Having 40 yards of roll can bring trouble into play because roll isn't as predictable.

I understand that this could be a good club in very windy conditions. But I think this is going to be one those clubs that people rush out to buy and after getting over the 240 yard 1 irons they will sell it on BST and go back to hitting hybrids. Maybe the very very good players could find a spot for it, but most golfers won't benefit.
[/quote]

There isn't a lot of options for this club I agree, but if struck well it performs better than a hybrid off the team. Where I play (Midwest) the wind never stops, so on most courses it would get used more than my driver (6-8 times a round).

[Pepperturbo]

I agree with [b]@Stetson[/b]. Its value depends on conditions and of course, skill. Though I am in CA, I face wind rather often. Santa Ana's can be ugly. As for rolling for ever, that's manageable and getting it to stop on approach shots is helped by angle of impact and ground conditions. Many say a 3 iron can't be stopped on a green, yet I do it on long par 4's. Facing fast and windy conditions, either 1 or 2 iron run out makes both better than my 3wd, because 3wd gets easily knocked down for less distance than a running 2i. There are a few courses where I use 2i off the tee way more than driver and still able to score reasonably well. its been so effective, I haven't been able to convince myself to buy a driving iron.

That said, if someone doesn't face much wind or appreciate fast conditions, then it's reasonable to believe, either 1 or 2 iron might have less value; depends on skill though. There are reasons at The Open, long irons were the order of the day.

As for people rushing out to buy one.. you're more than likely right; but that's not a good argument because its no different than all the people that buy SLDR's, etc., and shafts, only to sell them later for various reasons.

[nochct1]

[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1406833905' post='9825745']
I agree with [b]@Stetson[/b].

As for people rushing out to buy one.. you're more than likely right; but that's not a good argument because its no different than all the people that buy SLDR's, etc., and shafts, only to sell them later for various reasons.
[/quote]

I agree, I just find it funny that people rush out to buy all of the new gear and keep making the same mistakes regarding equipment. They get a super low launch low spin driver and can't hit it, so then they go get the mini driver because they can actually get that in the air. Then they realize that the mini driver doesn't go far enough so they end up going back to the original driver that they had (mid/high launch mid/high spin).
And it keeps happening and happening. There's a reason Taylor Made sells a ton of equipment, and I do applaud them for it. They are smarter than other companies.

[Pepperturbo]

[quote name='nochct1' timestamp='1406849359' post='9827973']
[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1406833905' post='9825745']
I agree with [b]@Stetson[/b].

As for people rushing out to buy one.. you're more than likely right; but that's not a good argument because its no different than all the people that buy SLDR's, etc., and shafts, only to sell them later for various reasons.
[/quote]

I agree, I just find it funny that people rush out to buy all of the new gear and keep making the same mistakes regarding equipment. They get a super low launch low spin driver and can't hit it, so then they go get the mini driver because they can actually get that in the air. Then they realize that the mini driver doesn't go far enough so they end up going back to the original driver that they had (mid/high launch mid/high spin).
And it keeps happening and happening. There's a reason Taylor Made sells a ton of equipment, and I do applaud them for it. They are smarter than other companies.
[/quote]

Yeah, I know. If we take into account the extent to which PGA tour players are referenced as a reason for this or that by average Joe's on this board, it confirms there are more dreamer wannabees than doers. I suppose that's their fun.

Yep, TM is smart. They know how to tickle the fancy of those that like to be tickled. Other than my two current TM woods, I only owned one other TM wood in the past. I really have never liked a company that introduces multiple products per year, with only cosmetic differences, but that's me. It will be interesting how many drivers TM brings by years end. I must admit, TM found a good thing in my current woods.

[Stetson]

I have never owned a TM club but the UDI does tickle my fancy (as does the CB ProH by TEE). The reason why is because it would allow two setups:

Driver, 16* iron, hybrid, 3-PW
Driver, 3 wood, hybrid, 3-pW.

It is a 3 wood replacement, not a hybrid replacement to me

[Chilidog]

I agree. I got the 1 iron and it's found a place in my bag. I usually hit my driver around 285 and my TM Mini around 270. I hit this between 250 and 260, but a lot more accurate than the Mini. I've found that I can take the Mini out of the bag and hit this on tight driving holes instead. Most of those holes aren't over 400 yards, so I'm 150 yards and in for my second shot. I now carry:

Driver 285 yards
UDI 1 iron 255 yards
Adams DHY 235 yards
4-PW 220 yards and down
GW
SW
LW

If I am over 240 yards out, I wouldn't probably go for a par 5 in two anyway.

[Stetson]

[quote name='Chilidog' timestamp='1406939383' post='9837005']
I agree. I got the 1 iron and it's found a place in my bag. I usually hit my driver around 285 and my TM Mini around 270. I hit this between 250 and 260, but a lot more accurate than the Mini. I've found that I can take the Mini out of the bag and hit this on tight driving holes instead. Most of those holes aren't over 400 yards, so I'm 150 yards and in for my second shot. I now carry:

Driver 285 yards
UDI 1 iron 255 yards
Adams DHY 235 yards
4-PW 220 yards and down
GW
SW
LW

If I am over 240 yards out, I wouldn't probably go for a par 5 in two anyway.
[/quote]

That is similar to what I am thinking but I don't hit a 4* 220, I play off a 48* PW. How cool would it look to bag driver, 1 UDI, 2 iron (712U maybe) then 3-LW... Only 1 wood, no hybrids. Plus you'd have the distance of woods and hybrids

[Dave Feldman]

Got to give my UDI 1 and 3 iron a try. Solid club with great weighting. You can't swing easy with the 1, but with a full aggressive swing it's not hard to hit off the deck and even better off the tee. With just a couple of swings to get a feel for it, and it's very consistent. This will stay in play nicely. I was seeing 235- 240 carry with the 1 and 215-220 with the 3, very similar to what others have posted. The 3 is in the bag for sure, and I'm looking to put the 1 in as well, if for nothing else it will be fun. Next week I'm going in for some flight scope testing. Really looking forward to seeing the numbers.

I agree the issue is with so many irons now, it's either Driver 3W or Driver 5W for me, then 1, 3-PW, 52, 58, putter. Certainly a different set up than D, 3W, 5W, Hybrid, 4-PW, etc.

[Stetson]

If these come with an iron shaft are they assumed .355?

[dbug567]

Thanks for all the feedback. I will have to take one for a test run to see if I can hit it...

[Zach Heusser]

Doc the TM Hoarder came in the other day and tested some of gear on the FlightScope. He was absolutely killing his 3 UDI ! He hit several bombs like this one... IMO his 3 was better for him than his 1..... I don't think he had any big misses with it at all.

[Dave Feldman]

Yep the 3 is in the bag and the 1 is for laughs! Great session. Thanks Z.

[CheckJV]

FYI -- Budget Golf has the UDI on closeout for $84.97 (June 2, 2015).

[blav28]

[quote name='CheckJV' timestamp='1433250518' post='11673478']
FYI -- Budget Golf has the UDI on closeout for $84.97 (June 2, 2015).
[/quote]

Link? Don't see it on the site. Thanks

[Ed Settle]

[attachment=2787022:image.jpg]

[Ed Settle]

[quote name='blav28' timestamp='1433254488' post='11673914']
[quote name='CheckJV' timestamp='1433250518' post='11673478']
FYI -- Budget Golf has the UDI on closeout for $84.97 (June 2, 2015).
[/quote]

Link? Don't see it on the site. Thanks
[/quote]

http://www.budgetgolf.com/TaylorMade-Tour-Preferred-UDI.html?utm_source=EmailDirect.com&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Deal+of+the+week+6-2-15+Campaign

[blav28]

Are they selling the TP badged versions again? LOL

[blav28]

[quote name='Ed Settle' timestamp='1433255212' post='11674016']
[quote name='blav28' timestamp='1433254488' post='11673914']
[quote name='CheckJV' timestamp='1433250518' post='11673478']
FYI -- Budget Golf has the UDI on closeout for $84.97 (June 2, 2015).
[/quote]

Link? Don't see it on the site. Thanks
[/quote]

[url="http://www.budgetgolf.com/TaylorMade-Tour-Preferred-UDI.html?utm_source=EmailDirect.com&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Deal+of+the+week+6-2-15+Campaign"]http://www.budgetgol...6-2-15 Campaign[/url]
[/quote]

Thanks Ed.

[Ed Settle]

We will see!

[blav28]

[quote name='CheckJV' timestamp='1433250518' post='11673478']
FYI -- Budget Golf has the UDI on closeout for $84.97 (June 2, 2015).
[/quote]

Thanks for the heads up. Don't know why I bought one, but I did. The last hybrid I liked was an '09 Rescue TP. Since, I've tried the RBZ, Stage 2, and Aeroburner TP. Just ordered an Adams Red. Now I'll have two new toys to try out.

[mshills]

Would like to hear a one-year follow up from the original glowing reviews. Is this club manageable for a high single-digit, or was there the infamous "new club magic" that wears off fast? Did it find a lengthy home in any of the original reviewers' bags?

[Ed Settle]

[quote name='mshills' timestamp='1433267951' post='11675650']
Would like to hear a one-year follow up from the original glowing reviews. Is this club manageable for a high single-digit, or was there the infamous "new club magic" that wears off fast? Did it find a lengthy home in any of the original reviewers' bags?
[/quote]

I have played a #4 (23*) since it came out. It is a great club from the tee 215-220 and 210 off the deck. Way easier for me to hit than the 4iron it replaced. This is one of the lofts that will become retail for this year. I am considering a #5 to replace my 5 iron.

[ckay]

I have been playing a 2 and it is my go to tee club for placement. I find I can comfortably play that club for holes that range from 375-450yd to leave myself a confident approach shot and stay out of trouble.

[blav28]

Got my UDI 20*... Switched the C-Taper Lite for a Tour-V shaft. Going to test it out today. (picture from before I turned the ferrule).

 

[JohnHaines]

Where are they available - with Project X shaft?

[Texasfreedom]

very nice, I had seen TM sell their UID's for $200 at the time of this writing. but on ebay some seller is selling at $100.
skeptical bc they are counterfeits out there but he did have a reputable feedback. anyway, I've always wanted a 1 iron but afraid of the long shaft they come with. I was thinking of pulling off a Bryson DeChambeau and putting a 4i into that 1 UID, since I want more control of the trajectory and playing into the Texas wind it just may help. I hit my 4i about 200 so if I put that 1 uid into a 4i shaft I figure I can get a Tiger like low stinger without the Tigers swing speed. maybe get 220-240 out out of it. Very interesting to see how the game is involving and improving.

[SwingBlues]

I just picked up a UDI 18* in the KBS C-Taper lite stiff from our BST and got it today.

Wow. This is one of the best 2 irons I have ever hit in my hand. Long and so easy to launch.

I own some 2 irons and even some 1 irons and went though many 16* and 18* hybrids with the XTD To 16* and Red Altus in the bag...but this UDI automatically kicked it out.

The head is smaller, sets up really well and looks great. It looks like any ordinary 2 iron in my backup bags.

Now hitting the UDI is totally different beast. Very easy to swing, great contact and while the CTaper doesn't have the kick of the Red Altus, it still launches mid high to a very flat flight. Hit it a little low in some shots, it still got out there and straight. Dispersion is very, very tight...much tighter than my XTD Ti.

Taylormade made a great club. The tech in the head is the real deal and it's just such a nice combo with the KBS CTaper. I will need to look at the 16* UDI now but I think this 18* UDI is as long as my XTD Ti 16* but so much more accurate.

ps if anyone wants to move on their 16* udi, lemme know

[Benkross]

Here is a screen shot of mine and my co workers with the UDI 1. It's hot! Hits the ground and goes.

1.5 smash factor is ridonculous. What a pure strike. Maybe golfer #2 should swing more slowly and match strive for the better smash factor.

[cvvorst]

I know this is an old thread, but I got an UDI 1 iron just for fun recently.

 

I've been testing it against my 18 Degree Hybrid and 20 Degree srixon u65 20. I've only hit it off the tee, but it seems just as easy to hit as my 20 Degree.

 

I did a little test. 2 balls with my srixon u65 20 Degree (with Miyazaki dromos 83 x) and 2 balls with the taylormade udi 1 iron (with c taper lite)

 

I was pretty consistent with my results. The first shot with the was a good sized draw into the rough. Second shot ended up left side of the fairway. Both went normal distance. The first shot with the udi had almost the same exact flight as my first with the u65 20, a big draw. It ended up 10 or 15 yards ahead of the u65 shot. The second shot was better, it ended up 15 to 20 yards ahead of the second with my u65, and it was middle - middle right side of the fairway.

 

 

 

I was impressed with how the udi performed. As a result, I ordered the 4 iron. I really like how it looks and sets up. It blends in with an iron set better than any driving iron I've seen (except the T-MB)

 

I don't know that I need the udi 1 iron, but I might just keep it around for those really windy days (or when it's really dry conditions) I'm also considering installing a speeder tour spec 8.8 shaft in the udi 1 iron. Just for fun.