Need help finding a forgiving iron with a low COG…..don’t want large game improvement.

[2717B]

I’m a 5.6 index and have played the Cleveland TA5 for many years. They are very forgiving and launch the ball nicely.  Since they will be non-conforming in 2024, I’m looking for something new that mirrors the look and feel of the TA5.  I have tried the P790’s as they look somewhat similar, but didn’t care for the lofts and feel.  Suggestions?  
  

[GHIN n Juice]

Zx5 and maybe bend them a degree weak?

[Lord Helmet]

T300 Titleist?

[BostonWRX]

If you want something small try the apex pros. Cgs are nice and low in the long irons. Very forgiving for the size 

[wrm2120]

I switched from 0211STs to Adams CB2s for the same reasons. I wanted "more forgiving" but I didn't want a shovel with a 29 degree 7 iron. You should snag a set.

 

 

[cz13X4]

Takomo 101t are pretty solid

[ram01002]

Rogue ST Pro

[PureDivots]

Mizuno JPX forged or Srixon 5 series irons would be my recommendations 

[Wardonation]

PXG 0311 ST's no brainer. Best iron for a picker ever and I have tried them all

[dmeeksDC]

If you want forgiving, some of the irons being listed are less forgiving than your Clevelands. The TA5 is one of the most forgiving irons. 
 

The Honma TW-X (2020) is what the p790 should play like and feel like. It’s just better. More forgiving, low CG, all forged parts and medium offset (less than the TA5, but enough to frame the ball.) Thin top line, forgiving cambered sole, compact blade length. Feel is outstanding. Premium Japanese irons. 
 

Got on to these on the suggestion of a pro who was playing them, switched to Titleist T100S, and now wishes he hadn’t. The guy is a great player and he raves about the TW-X. Incredibly, new sets under $500 from a reputable dealer on eBay. 

[black bnr32]

On paper there ain’t gonna be much.  The cg on the ta5 is ridiculously low.

Edited September 23, 2022 by black bnr32

[Bobb3rdown]

Maltby te forged

[2717B]

I wish I could make heads or tails of the MPF data. It’s hard for me to different taste (in the MPF data) what makes the TA5 so forgiving and high launching. The numbers look similar to some other clubs. 

[black bnr32]

2 minutes ago, 2717B said:

I wish I could make heads or tails of the MPF data. It’s hard for me to different taste (in the MPF data) what makes the TA5 so forgiving and high launching. The numbers look similar to some other clubs. 

It’s basically the Actual VCOG that make it high launch and the MOI that makes it forgiving. And the high C distance means the blade length is on the longer side, so it’s probably relatively forgiving on the toe.

[jblough99]

@2717B
 

The numbers you want to look at on the Maltby charts are C-Dim, MOI, and actual VCOG.

 

C-Dim is how far the CG is from the hosel.  The higher the number the better.

MOI is how resistant the head is to twisting on off center hits.  Again the higher the better.

VCOG is the vertical center of gravity.  The farther below .850 (center of the ball) the easier/higher they launch.  The lower the number the better.

 

As stated above, the Maltby TE or DBM will play very similar to the TA5 but with a sleeker look and better feel being forged.

Edited September 23, 2022 by jblough99

[braincramp52]

On 9/21/2022 at 8:57 AM, 2717B said:

I’m a 5.6 index and have played the Cleveland TA5 for many years. They are very forgiving and launch the ball nicely.  Since they will be non-conforming in 2024, I’m looking for something new that mirrors the look and feel of the TA5.  I have tried the P790’s as they look somewhat similar, but didn’t care for the lofts and feel.  Suggestions?  
  

Do you play in sanctioned tournaments a lot? Being nonconforming means nothing if you don't. 

[SE Gamer]

On 9/21/2022 at 2:08 PM, ram01002 said:

Rogue ST Pro

 

These are a really nice iron, but get's overshadowed by other models. Tried them and a bunch of others at Golf Galaxy. And thinking back they may have been the best feeling (top 2 for sure). They are freaking rockets though. 

 

Odd thing is that I've watched YT personalities test them against other PD type irons. And yardage wise they weren't big standouts. But for me they were 20+ yards longer than everything else I sampled (P790/P770, Mizuno 221/223, Apex Pro, etc). 

Distance was just too much for me. Plus they seemed to really accentuate my draw. But looks and feel were outstanding.

 

I'll also echo the other recommendation of Maltby. The TE or even TS1 would be worth a look. TS1 is more in the PD category. But their lofts are on the weaker side of that spectrum (7i is 32*). 

 

I purchased a 7i with just their stock/exclusive True Temper shaft and have been very impressed. Forgiving, great feel and looks. And the distance's aren't crazy. A little more offset than I'd like. But I'm coming from a set of 10+ year old blades and would prefer zero offset. I'm gonna wait until next season when the drop the new TS1-IM model. Which will have less offset. 

[pak]

Just about any manufacturer has an iron that fits the bill here. I played the black TA5's about 20 years and 5 iron sets ago and they were pretty good and unique irons. Much has changed over the years since these were released and I'm sure you will find more enjoyable irons to play going forward. My favorite so far are the Apex DCB's but that's just me. Spend a couple of hours testing everything out over the winter and you'll find something that can replace your old standby's. Best of luck!

[ChaosTheory]

The Maltby TS3 is due soon.  I expect it to be in the running for this need.  Solid forged players cavity.  But I think the lofts are a bit stronger, like 32d 7 iron.

[ChaosTheory]

TS3 on left

 

[Spankapotamus redux]

Staying with Cleveland, the Launcher CBX from a few years ago are quite over looked and a fantastic iron. I do get a baby draw out of them, YMMV. 30 degree 7 iron, so not horribly jacked and feel sublime for a cast iron. Vsole and nice profile.

Another Maltby offering I wouldn't over look is the KE4 Max. Compact, plenty long, workable. Total package. Also easy to adjust the swing weights to get them dialed in.

[rkochies4580]

Bridgestone TourStage ts 202 irons…classic s

[Bob Cat]

Low COG?  Callaway Apex DCB (deep cavity back).

Went to these from Ping i15's and am super happy.  2 aces since purchasing them this Spring (brag... not even passive).

 

[black bnr32]

The apex dcb has an average Cog at best.  
 

.798

 

Even higher than your Ping i15.

[Bob Cat]

22 hours ago, black bnr32 said:

The apex dcb has an average Cog at best.  
 

.798

 

Even higher than your Ping i15.

 

Interesting and shocking.  Must be the DCB/AMT Red combo that's getting me that higher, more boring flight than the i15's.

[black bnr32]

I mean, Maltby only tests 6 irons.  It’s possible the comparison doesn’t hold across each iron.