Predict the outcome ... New Irons Shootout - 245, i230, Blueprint S, P790, T150, ZX7

[Gareth]

3 hours ago, blades_are_life said:

ZX7 are very love or hate because of the sole design imo.

Interesting. How would you say they are on/through tight turf please? 

[blades_are_life]

6 minutes ago, Gareth said:

Interesting. How would you say they are on/through tight turf please? 

100% swing/personal taste dependent. You can't know until you try it.

[Gareth]

35 minutes ago, blades_are_life said:

100% swing/personal taste dependent. You can't know until you try it.

Ok buddy, thanks.

 

Likely I’ll take a chance and see how they go for me at my club.

[Turfguy]

 I went from 716 AP2 to ZX5/7, and now have T150.  Hanging on the edge of my seat to hear what set you choose. I’m seriously questioning my decision on these Titleist.  They are sexy in the bag, but I have yet to be able to find the magic.  They seem quite a bit more clicky than I expected, and I can see where a previous poster said it seems like they were meant to be hit on the bottom 2 grooves. 

[BCULAW]

5 minutes ago, Turfguy said:

 I went from 716 AP2 to ZX5/7, and now have T150.  Hanging on the edge of my seat to hear what set you choose. I’m seriously questioning my decision on these Titleist.  They are sexy in the bag, but I have yet to be able to find the magic.  They seem quite a bit more clicky than I expected, and I can see where a previous poster said it seems like they were meant to be hit on the bottom 2 grooves. 

I can’t speak to the 150s, but I think titleist, for whatever reason, are really sensitive to shaft choice when it comes to feel. I have a set of 620s that I was ready to replace because they felt clicky and lacked the distance I need at the moment. I switched to a slightly softer shaft. I still lack a bit of distance with them, but they feel outstanding after the switch. 
 

If they feel harsh or clicky, try a slightly softer shaft. Didn’t affect performance, but made a world of difference in feel. 

[Turfguy]

5 minutes ago, BCULAW said:

I can’t speak to the 150s, but I think titleist, for whatever reason, are really sensitive to shaft choice when it comes to feel. I have a set of 620s that I was ready to replace because they felt clicky and lacked the distance I need at the moment. I switched to a slightly softer shaft. I still lack a bit of distance with them, but they feel outstanding after the switch. 
 

If they feel harsh or clicky, try a slightly softer shaft. Didn’t affect performance, but made a world of difference in feel. 

Oddly enough, I had X100 in the AP2 and modus 120x in these which I expected to be a little softer. However, the modus feel mostly harsh and soft at the same time. Have a really hard tim e moving them right to left. 

[underwater]

I can't figure out why anyone who would test the Blueprints and ZX7 would even consider the P790.  The soles of the BP-S and ZX7 appeal to a ball striker...and that ball striker would struggle with the sole of the P790.

 

P790 is a completely different class of club for a much higher handicap.

 

It's like comparing fine calligraphy brushes and a crayon.

[SJP1]

As an aside, I cannot get over how thick the topline of the ZX7's are. Great irons, but the address profile is chunky monkey. First time I picked one up and set it down, I thought I'd made a mistake and picked up a ZX5, but nope.

Edited April 29 by SJP1

[Seidinho]

The zx7 seem a bit thick when comparing to other players irons. I don’t think they’re offensive when you look at them on their own. I find them similar to T150, i230, formerly AP2s. 

[blades_are_life]

11 hours ago, Gareth said:

Ok buddy, thanks.

 

Likely I’ll take a chance and see how they go for me at my club.

This is literally the only way to do it. I would not discourage you from trying them. There is a reason those who don't mind the sole design rave about them.

[underwater]

10 hours ago, SJP1 said:

As an aside, I cannot get over how thick the topline of the ZX7's are. Great irons, but the address profile is chunky monkey. First time I picked one up and set it down, I thought I'd made a mistake and picked up a ZX5, but nope.

The Srixon top line is very squared off for sure. But have you seen the new god-awful Bettinardi CB top line and hosel blend?

 

 I think a few strokes with the ZX7mkII changes a lot of peoples minds. It's one of those irons that when you walk down the range and you see a guy with those in the bag, you know he knows.  I definitely watch the swing of those guys, and I'm thinking of one cat in particular at my driving range who doesn't talk much much but he stripes shapes for an hour and then moves on.  I later find out this ~32 yr old guy is a plus and has won several of our regional events.  
 

It's not an aspirational iron you see in the bags of a lot of 10-12 handicappers- those guys are in something with gloss and shelf appeal. ZX7mkII seems to be an tool that college players and competing amateurs play.  Adam Scott, Jason Day, this week's winner Shane Lowry, the list is long.  Not to mention Minjee Lee and Grace Kim and a ton of other LPGA players (with whom guys here more closely align with, frankly)

 

Not trying to diminish the other options. The Blueprint S are going to be special as we see time go on. It's still early..

 

 

Edited April 29 by underwater

[JStang]

12 hours ago, underwater said:

I can't figure out why anyone who would test the Blueprints and ZX7 would even consider the P790.  The soles of the BP-S and ZX7 appeal to a ball striker...and that ball striker would struggle with the sole of the P790.

 

P790 is a completely different class of club for a much higher handicap.

 

It's like comparing fine calligraphy brushes and a crayon.

 

Several scratch players at my club play P790. Not my cup of tea but they are much better ball strikers than I am and the get along just fine with them. 

[Sam217]

14 hours ago, Turfguy said:

 I went from 716 AP2 to ZX5/7, and now have T150.  Hanging on the edge of my seat to hear what set you choose. I’m seriously questioning my decision on these Titleist.  They are sexy in the bag, but I have yet to be able to find the magic.  They seem quite a bit more clicky than I expected, and I can see where a previous poster said it seems like they were meant to be hit on the bottom 2 grooves. 

I played 716 AP2 since 2016. A month ago I picked up the New Level 480 TC. Same loft, same feel if not better, similar turf interaction, very similar size. I'm loving them. I tried ZX7, King tour, pro 225, i230, T150. The new level was the closest for me to pry the AP2s out of my hands. Also costs significantly less. Not trying to hijack the thread just an idea for a fellow Ap2 guy.

[Gareth]

8 hours ago, blades_are_life said:

This is literally the only way to do it. I would not discourage you from trying them. There is a reason those who don't mind the sole design rave about them.

Thank you

[BCULAW]

16 hours ago, SJP1 said:

As an aside, I cannot get over how thick the topline of the ZX7's are. Great irons, but the address profile is chunky monkey. First time I picked one up and set it down, I thought I'd made a mistake and picked up a ZX5, but nope.

It is the main reason I don’t keep them in the bag!  I love the performance and feel. I just struggle getting used to the looks. I’ll get them in the bag for months at a time but something slimmer always tears me away from them!

[longoffthetees]

Quick update with a more detailed post coming tonight. 
 

winner - Ping i230

runner-up - Mizuno 245

 

[ldchristopher]

The thick top line and general bulky head size are turnoffs for the ZX7’s. My buddy calls them Players’ GI irons. However, the feel is incredible. I played Mizuno for years. MP60, MP67, MP64, MP5, JPX 919 Tour. The ZX7 feel like the old MP line, but considerably more forgiving. 

[Mark38]

On 4/19/2024 at 3:03 PM, PNW said:

 

What makes you think the MKii are inferior? They're probably the most played iron on tour for those not under an equipment contract.

 

Doesn't seem that way.  Blades are more popular than most people think.

 

https://www.pgaclubtracker.com/brands/srixon-tour-players/Iron

[PNW]

3 minutes ago, Mark38 said:

 

Doesn't seem that way.  Blades are more popular than most people think.

 

https://www.pgaclubtracker.com/brands/srixon-tour-players/Iron

I'm not sure I'm following. Are you saying there is a specific blade model that is the most popular iron played on tour by those not on an equipment contract?

[Mark38]

I'm saying when you go through all the brands, blades are popular 6 iron down.

 

As to Srixon specifically,  it doesn't seem that it is played more by non-contract players.

[hwwong]

2 hours ago, longoffthetees said:

Quick update with a more detailed post coming tonight. 
 

winner - Ping i230

runner-up - Mizuno 245

 

 

Wow, the mizzies moved up quite a bit!

[PNW]

Looking forward to your notes. I'm really curious to hear your thoughts on how the 245s compare in particular to the rest. 

[Seidinho]

The discussion around the shape / size of the ZX7 is tiresome. V sole, sure - not for everyone. Is it a bit bigger than blades or T100, sure. It’s more like a P770 or i230. But to act like it is shaped like a GI club is just bizarre. It’s a tour proven, major winning iron. 

Edited April 30 by Seidinho

[longoffthetees]

Some quick thoughts. Will elaborate more tomorrow. 
 

winner - i230 due simply to predictability and consistency.  Dispersion was great. Just all around solid performance. Shortest iron for me but wasn’t chasing length to begin with.  Could do anything I wanted with

these. Feel is good despite being cast. Highest spin by a good bit. 
 

runner-up - Mizzy Pro 245 just all around solid. Good at everything. Feel is good, not great. Very easy to use IMO. Got an occasional flier (10-15 yds longer) and that was the main reason they didn’t win out. Easy to move around. Moderate spin numbers. 

 

surprise - T150 really worked for me once I made a small change (they liked being hit on a more shallow swing). Maybe the longest of the bunch and ball flight was really high despite shallowing my swing. Feel was much better after the adjustment. Spin was good. 
 

Blueprint S - best feeling irons of my group. More forgiving than expected. Solid performance. Long irons were not as easy and that’s why they didn’t challenge for the top spot. Could see the 4 & 5 being an issue in the winter.  Not as much spin as I expected. 
 

ZX7 - you’ll either love the v-sole or hate it. Best long irons of the bunch IMO. Didn’t love the scoring irons as much (maybe a bit clunky to me) but nice combo of feel and forgiveness.  Spin was medium for me. Feel like the v-sole favors a steeper AoA.  
 

P790 - in hindsight, probably should have went 770. Longer heel to toe and a tad chunky. No real flier issues (23’ model). My 2nd favorite long irons. Surprisingly easy to flight.  Can see these being bigtime winners for a lot of golfers. Spin was higher than I expected. 
 

Be glad to elaborate more if you have any questions. All good clubs that provide something unique. May give the 243 & 770’s a shot down the line. 

[vpexp]

Did you think about going with the 230’s in the long irons and BPS for the rest?

[AbSWFPGA]

Surprised by how many people say the i230s don’t go far. Wondering if same result in the power spec loft 

[Pnwpingi210]

7 minutes ago, AbSWFPGA said:

Surprised by how many people say the i230s don’t go far. Wondering if same result in the power spec loft 

I power specd my I230s.  Gave me a couple of extra yards.  I think the big difference for me is the other irons (bps, 243, Wilson cb) give me the ability to knock spin off and get a little more out it if needed.  The i230 just want to go the same distance, which isn’t a bad thing in most cases.

[AbSWFPGA]

1 hour ago, Pnwpingi210 said:

I power specd my I230s.  Gave me a couple of extra yards.  I think the big difference for me is the other irons (bps, 243, Wilson cb) give me the ability to knock spin off and get a little more out it if needed.  The i230 just want to go the same distance, which isn’t a bad thing in most cases.

Totally agree with this. I’m just worried because I did minimal testing but went i230 4-6 and bps 7-pw both sets power specd. Afraid I’ll have gapping issues from everyone saying the i230s don’t go very far. I’m not looking to hit 250 yard 6 irons but coming from srixon zx7 with no gapping issues I worry if I should have just went bps and not the combo

[Pnwpingi210]

29 minutes ago, AbSWFPGA said:

Totally agree with this. I’m just worried because I did minimal testing but went i230 4-6 and bps 7-pw both sets power specd. Afraid I’ll have gapping issues from everyone saying the i230s don’t go very far. I’m not looking to hit 250 yard 6 irons but coming from srixon zx7 with no gapping issues I worry if I should have just went bps and not the combo

You won’t know till you try it the i230s don’t work you will know right away.  You could always pick up a bps 6 iron and then move to retro spec i530.  Those should blend nicely and have the extra kick and forgiveness.  Not much bigger overall than i230 and may even be a tad smaller in some dimensions 

[AbSWFPGA]

27 minutes ago, Pnwpingi210 said:

You won’t know till you try it the i230s don’t work you will know right away.  You could always pick up a bps 6 iron and then move to retro spec i530.  Those should blend nicely and have the extra kick and forgiveness.  Not much bigger overall than i230 and may even be a tad smaller in some dimensions 

That’s a great idea if the i230 creates gapping issues