J33 Combos - HELP ???

[Sean]

I am thinking about purchasing as set of j33 combos and was hoping to get feedback form people that have played them. My most recent sets have been: Titleist 762 (old faithful), Mizuno MP-32, and Srixon i-302. I loved the 32s, but just needed a little more forgiveness. I also like the 302's, but the rifle shafts are just not doing if for me. How are the playing characteristics of the j33 combos - trajectory, playability, and forgiveness?? I noticed the combos have weaker lofts then most, how has this effected your distances? Any and All input is appreciated.

[VTHOKIES]

Have you thought about a combo set of the MP 32's and MP 60's? I think you would love them and the 60's would give you the forgiveness in the irons you choose.

[Sam-Tee-Time]

I just bought a set. Here's my review:

 

PREFACE: I have written before about the Tourstage Z101's, which are made by Bridgestone/Precept. The Z101's are wonderful irons, with a clean, thin topline, and the tungsten weighting in the long irons to help get a higher ballflight. In short, I felt as if these were the best performing irons I've ever owned or demoed. When the J33 combo irons were introduced, I was eagerly anticipating their release, to see if they could surpass the Z101's.

 

APPEARANCE: If you look at them closely, the sole has a "dual grind" with two very distinct grinds, that's supposed to help the sole glide through the grass easier than the Z101's. Very thin topline, and the clubs look great at address. I did notice that the J33's have some sharp lines and angles, but are complemented nicely by curving sweeps. The soles are fairly thin, which should appeal to better players. In short - these are very visually appealing irons, and probably look more "flowing" than the Z101's. The finish is a satin brushed finish.

 

FEEL/PERFORMANCE: As with the Z's, the longer irons are supremely easy to hit, with a very nice medium "click" feel to them, as the club impacts the ball. You can really feel the tungsten weights in the longer irons. The Mid-irons felt very workeable, and easy to control. The Short Irons were VERY solid, and reminded me a lot of the feeling of the Mizuno MP-37's. Very crisp, and a very substantial solid feeling to them.

 

DISTANCE: Distance control seemed very consistent with these irons, not overly short or long.

 

CONTROL: The J33's felt VERY controllable, especially with the long irons. I believe the variable weighting really works, and it felt as if you could feel the ball easily, and control it's trajectory/path.

 

WEDGES: These looked and performed GREAT. I recall opening the face WIDE OPEN, and was easily hitting little cut flop shots easily. The feeling at impact is a little on the crisp side, which reminded me of a Mizuno MP wedge.

 

SUMMARY: I loved the way they look in all aspects (thin topline, not much offset, etc. etc.), and they are solid performers. Of special note is the sole design, which seems to work very well through the turf.

 

Here's some info I received from Bridgestone, when I emailed them asking about the differences between the J33's and the Z101's:

 

The information on our website is exactly what is in the catalog. As for any design features that are similar/different, the J33 combo set was designed from the beginning to be a combo set with a very progressive and consistent CG flow from lowest in the 2 iron to highest in the PW. In order to successfully achieve this, we placed 20 gram tungsten inserts in the trailing edge of the long irons. The z101 irons had tungsten inserts, but not as heavy

 

J33 Combo Specifications:

Irons are .355, Taper tip

Iron Loft Lie Length S/W Offset

2 19° 59° 39.25" D3 3.5 mm

3 22° 60° 38.75" D3 3.25 mm

4 25° 61° 38.25" D3 3.0 mm

5 28° 62° 37.75" D3 2.75 mm

6 32° 62.5° 37.25" D3 2.5 mm

7 36° 63° 36.75" D3 2.25 mm

8 40° 63.5° 36.25" D3 2.0 mm

9 44° 64° 35.75" D3 1.75 mm

PW 48° 64.5° 35.25" D3 1.5 mm

 

[turbodog]

the more traditional lofts are offset by the high cog of the short irons, so you still get a nice, boring flight.