PLAYERS DISTANCE IRON TEST // Reviewing the top irons in the Players Distance category

[@clubchampionmedia]

For those asking about the specific lie and lofts of each of the 6-irons we used in this test see below. NOTE: Not all of these match "stock specs" because we bent them to be close to each other to demonstrate the differences in performance between the models. (Loft / Lie) Titleist: 28.5/62 Callaway: 29/62 TaylorMade: 29/62 Mizuno: 28.5/62 Srixon: 28/62 -RB

[@DanielSmith-ps1yz]

Love this test I wish you could have included the Ping 525 in retro spec

[@SchwinnRichard]

I wish you had noted the bending. It greatly improves the interpretability of your results.

[@peterhammer4644]

Srixon 6-iron is 27 degrees and so is the Mizuno 225. Didn't check the other lofts.

[@codyvangordon1822]

been loving the content so much, have gone from a complete new to golf bad habit filled mess into a 15 handicap with no coaching or fitting because of financial burdens.... however content that is as well done as this and as informative as this channel allows guys like me to become their own pro shop (or as close as we can get to it for free lol) and allows us to make better educated choices on our swing and our equipment even if we are buying second hand... it is an unbelievably helpful resource for a massive audience of golfers thank you!

[@GregVanGorp]

As a scratch player, I thought I’d never like the 225 in person. Thought it would be super chunky, but I couldn’t be more wrong! Looks amazing behind the ball and I would have never guessed it was a hollow ball speed monster. Amazing club!

[@steverupert6988]

So to recap, the Mizuno Pro 225 has the best feel, best ball speed, and best forgiveness?! And it's arguably the best looking. Geezus, I'm going to need to try these! EDIT: They're also saying it's the best sounding too?!

[@jaytucker4338]

'Thin to Win' changes to 'HIgh to Fly'. Boy, Mikey, talk about a full turn. Have you changed your swing there boss? You were slugging those 225s... ...and Ryan - you're just peeling out these TXG videos - so great to see! Great stuff here boys! Keep 'em coming!

[@djmico0713]

I love the comparison within categories of clubs. I know some sites say “here are the best players’ distance irons” but don’t show the characteristics of each that would suit or harm certain players. In my fit last year, I hit the i500 almost 200 yards with a 7 iron, and my fitter said those were best. When I showed the data to my TXG virtual fitter, he said I was spraying it all over the place and a T200 or P790 with distance AND tight dispersion was the best

[@robcoates5253]

Comparison tests really help me understand the product so much more. Always enjoy the earlier reviews when the technology is discussed, but until you stack the product against its cohort, it's all theoretical.

[@dabaumga]

Nailed it

[@liketheresalwaysbeen]

Just got fitted for the Mizuno 225. Almost identical to the p790 numbers, but I'm a Mizuno guy. Wow, what an upgrade for me. Tighter dispersion and 20 yards extra from my current set of mp15's.

[@stephendibari5010]

Love the content and RB and Mike are terrific together. Last April I was custom fit for 2019 T-200’s and they feel incredible on center strikes with their Forged faces BUT clunky when mis hit ! The other reason why I like them is their Forgiveness is amazing!! . I’ve hit shots way out past the grooves out on the toe and only lost about 5 yards.

[@andrewmancuso276]

Great Vid gents! Really enjoyed seeing the differences in ball flight. It would be nice to comment on the landing angles. Selfishly, would love to see the same vid with players cavities (T100, Mizuno Pro 223\JPX tour, ZX7, P7MC, TCB, etc). Keep it coming! Love it!

[@aussienads]

This! 😀

[@Rayceemon]

Worthy!

[@Citizensofthecountry]

Same!

[@tigertim9232]

Yes players cavities!

[@krusher74]

Great video, you two are already a great team, happy to watch as much of this as you make.

[@coreymoore01]

It’s like TXG is stalking my search history - perfect timing

[@stuboy13]

Ha my thoughts exactly

[@manjindermahil2308]

Same lol. Debating replacing my MP20 HMBs as I take a heavy iron shot

[@TheeHypeSquad]

No but google is lol

[@Rayceemon]

You put a nice swing on it , Mike. Loved the comparison of these fine looking clubs. Would have appreciated changing the screen to have a look at the peak heights of each club, along with any other variables, like the descent angle to the green. Noting the static loft of each club would also have helped the comparison. Otherwise, this was a great test, well done fellas.

[@ryanbarath1916]

We'll make sure to include both data screens in future tests - especially since we ( for good reason ) put a big emphasis on the land angle. Thanks for checking out the video Ray!

[@Rayceemon]

@@ryanbarath1916 Sounds great. Keep pumping out the great work. Enjoying the insight.

[@mattw36]

I got fit into a ZX5 5-7 and ZX7 8-9 but my ZX5s are weakened about two degrees which helped with spin and a touch more height. So good

[@ryanwilliams3311]

Love the content. Would be cool to see Ryan hit the exact same club heads to highlight how personalized a fitting would be between 2 good golfers. What works for one person and not the other in the same category of skill.

[@ottodawg9407]

Came here to say this

[@jstagz4949]

You've found your groove, well done gents! 👏 ..I'd love to see you guys layer onto this video with a ball fit for Mike. I know you cant cover everything in a video but RB did highlight ball fitting could add some spin/height as could weakening lofts or doing the opposite for someone like RB, if one felt better than another which was the case for me. I too tried several of these with a similar swing speed to Mike's at my recent TXG fit and Dean weakened the 225s 1* to gap me all the way down through my wedges nicely. "Dispersion is king" was how we landed on the 225s over the others for me.

[@jacobgallaugher]

I just got fitted into the ZX5s. A little shorter than the Cobras, but was much more consistent than every other iron we tested (and we tried 9).

[@brentfeland116]

Nice job guys! I really like seeing swing speeds and swings that aren’t super fast and not always perfect …makes me feel as if what I am seeing can actually relate better to my swing. Way easier to make an educated decision for me based on your info. Thanks!

[@brentjewell9641]

Boys super impressed with the new format! Loved watching Matt hit irons drivers but it's more realistic watching the single digit guy.. today (Mikey) good job guys

[@mwsports]

Agreed. More Mikey. Or guys like him!

[@TMar1961]

Is like to see the 2021 Cobra TEC irons tested against this group.

[@davideubank9534]

It’s hard to include them all. I would like to see the Cobra Forged Tec as well as Sub 70 699 Pro.

[@qdub2012]

1 thing I have took in from golf is that it’s the most fascinating sport/hobby with how much minor details there is about the game and at the same time how you just need to keep it simple. Also how there is an abundance to different categories for each club and technology in each one and how different builds of people benefits either more or less from club to club. Golf is definitely a game I will never give up no matter if I never shoot under 100

[@jfranklin8190]

Tested all these as well. Came down to Apex Pro and T200. Ended up with the T200, best launch spin and consistency for me. I actually think they look sleek and look great at address.

[@jayfangRSA]

The separation between these irons is an eye opener. Great information.

[@GSHOCKOUTDOORS]

Might be your best (and most relevant to me) video in six months. I’m already saving up for a mix of 225,223,221’s. I play a fade so I have plenty of spin already. I need to get my 4i closer to my g425 3H which I think a properly gapped set of irons would do. Love the look of the 770’s as well. Great content lads.

[@ahowarda]

Content has been amazing guys!!!

[@rdbrook100]

Good test again and whatever brand you're into, they all compete. Its a shame they can't put a little effort into tagging the community back on there posts.....74 comments not 1 TXG❤️.....shame it's a good channel 👍

[@dbcooper62]

Just received my Apex Pro 21 irons. Love the look of the head. They are definitely not as soft as my old Apex Pro 2014 set, but I hope to see some more forgiveness on the course with the new set. Great video. Get back down to Pinehurst when you can. Hopefully, I can join you instead of jumping you on the 1st tee on #3.

[@kylesinclair203]

Mikes swing is getting SOOOO much better

[@jvelez1998]

Mike was a line ball machine today!! Great demo! 💪👍🙌💯☝️✊

[@golf007sd2]

A fantastic explanation and demonstration of the diversity of iron given a type of player. Well done gents!

[@thomaswojnicki1554]

Great video ! Could I ask you why the p770 was chosen over the p790? Would you put the p790 into a different category than players distance irons? Also you've chosen some fantastic irons for this review is there a reason why no PxG model was chosen? Thanks in advance!

[@andreasball4845]

Awesome content! Love these kinds of comparisons. All the best from Germany!

[@nathanbelcher6390]

Thanks for the great video -- eye-opening to see the differences between irons! I would love to see a video with muscle-backs from different companies: - New Level - 623 MB - Sub70 - 639 MB, 649 MB - PING - Blueprint - Titleist - 620 MB - And other brands! I know getting past five irons in one video makes the video a bit longer, so maybe a couple of videos and then a summary? Thanks for the great content! Mikey and Ian are always great, but y'all plus RB are making a great team. All the best!

[@Cupillac]

RB killing it on these videos. Podcasts are on point as well

[@antoniom5440]

Great video!!! I just missed Rogue ST Pro, I think it would be a better fit into that category than Apex Pro

[@canuck3375]

Great content, really informative for anyone looking at new options. Like Mike, I was fitted into a ZX 7/5 combo, and I love them. I’m a high spinner and these help me get a slightly lower trajectory, great workability, and a full club longer than my previous set at the same lofts. Wish the Mizunos had been out for my fitting, those look beautiful. Fitted at TXG and it was an excellent experience, highly recommend.

[@dabaumga]

Great stuff fellas! So much good info in this one.

[@nickbeneke1083]

Great content over the last couple weeks. Keep it up legends! I’ve got an iron fitting and the end of the month and looking forward to hitting the Mizuno Pros and Srixon ZX Would love to see the same comparison for the 223 and ZX7!

[@chrishartman5383]

Love these kinds of comparisons.

[@Chit_126]

I just went from z785’s with a z585 4/5 to a full set of zx5’s with Modus 120 X. I’m in love!

[@chipmunk6947]

Every video that comes out amazes me at how well you’ve taken over from Matty, maintained the feel and character of the channel but it has your own little spin on it. So happy this content is even better than anyone could’ve anticipated. Thanks fellas, i appreciate it.

[@Loui_Vizcarra]

Great video!!! Would love to see this same demonstration with CB irons. Mike or RB hitting in the bay. Blades/GI irons too. Great video!!

[@wkndwarrior4733]

Matty was a big loss for the channel... But you guys are doing great and building the channel out deeper. Really enyoing your perspectives 👏

[@peterhammer4644]

has Matty left the channel?

[@obedtorres7445]

Really enjoyed Mike’s perspective. Very good video guys

[@normlang1994]

I always enjoyed seeing Matt hit balls, but honestly, I get more out of watching Mike and Ryan...because they're not pure ball strikers and their swing speeds are closer to mine. Seeing how their misses perform tells me a lot more about the club than the stats of shots hit dead in the sweet spot.

[@mwsports]

Seconded. Love this dynamic.

[@gavincunningham4598]

I got fitted with the pro 225 1 degree weaker and steel fibre shafts.... higher launch and more spin.. spin near 6100.. great distance to

[@ww-oo7ic]

who the heck is that guy in the grey pullover?! Mikey's personality is coming alive!!!! Shout out to RB too he's killin it right now.

[@kevinmcarthur2389]

Mike's ball and swing speed is more relatable great content, very impressed with the 225

[@viewthroughcass]

Really enjoy the content. Please do the blade, players iron, and game improvement iron!

[@MrBrokentowels]

Mikey is a pro in front of the camera now. Cool to see his evolution

[@ricardosegovia8831]

All iron set review should include an off the rack gapping session. That way we can see the bunching or spreading of the short vs long irons due to loft jacking

[@ishannage248]

very good idea! TXG needs to do this!

[@nickrogers6441]

I hit the Apex Pro last weekend, they felt great.

[@minlee5673]

Great content but you guys need to incorporate more graphics. For example, I have no idea which iron was being reviewed unless I saw the 2 second graphic at the beginning of each segment. Also, you didn’t show much in terms of what the actual club heads look like. Just some constructive criticism.

[@seanhaynes5654]

Love this! I can't believe with these style of player distance irons, being so popular mizuno don't offer the 225 in left hand. There renowned for that so disappointing 😞

[@gibsonyu9220]

It almost seems like the Apex Pro is about 1 club short of the Mizuno and Srixon. Would be curious if the test is "to a distance", rather than all 6i. In the test to a distance, you might use a 5i Apex Pro against a 6i Mizuno or Srixon...and I would be interested to know how the ability to hold greens would compare at that point.

[@matthewvenet1082]

Mikes swing is literally me so I’d like to see the blade and super forgiving tests 👌

[@johnbartel5229]

Perhaps this is not the best example for this comment but I think you will get the idea. The best videos I have seen for me is when you showcase the more average swing speed players. While I enjoy seeing how well Matt hits the ball. It is difficult for the average golfer to relate to those swing speeds. I think if male golfers would get honest with themselves the average driver swing speed is more in the 90ish range. Regardless I am a fan of your videos.

[@michaelnakamura2486]

Awesome video fellas Which has the best feel and forgiveness p 770 or the callaway apex pro for someone not looking for distance ?

[@Brickktopp]

Would loved to have seen the ping i525 in this test

[@e.davidjohnson2797]

Would be nice to list what club you're hitting. Is it a 7 iron 6 iron?

[@kolinc]

I want to hear more about Mikey's swing changes!

[@marksteele7001]

Great video guys!

[@ArmyGolfBC]

Cool video. Apex Pro being 3* weaker explains most of the differences. Performed admirably. Would prefer these tests have irons bent to same loft to highlight the design differences

[@clubchampionmedia]

Hi Curtis, we bent the lofts around to get them a lot closer to compare head to head. We've added the final bend specs in the video description to add some extra detail

[@ArmyGolfBC]

@@clubchampionmedia ah, I missed that completely. Apologies. That really makes these differences stand out then, wow.

[@massspike]

@@clubchampionmedia Where is this video description? I am really interested in what you bent the Pro's to...as I have a set and am thinking of strengthening the lofts to be closer to the 225/t200. Thanks.

[@aussienads]

@@massspike click the upside down ^ near the title… the lofts are very close. 👍

[@massspike]

@@aussienads They've been added to the description text but it appears they de-lofted the 225, ZX5, and T200 and kept the Pro's (and 770) as stock...no help for me 😞

[@CSqrdX]

I don't think P770 is the peer for this group at all. I'm almost certain P790 is the one. Also, thin to win is still a thing. Most clubs do produce higher ball speeds off the lower grooves as there tends to be more mass down that area.

[@00OG]

P790 would line up more w zx4 and t300.

[@jacobmccain8082]

Yeah its kind of a mixed bag here. Id split ZX5, T200, and 225 into the P790 category and Apex Pro and 770 in the class with ZX7, T100S, and 223.

[@ph469]

Yeah Jacob, I'm with you... 790 and 225s make a better comparison. I'm dying to try a combo set of 223/225 mix vs 770/790 setup.

[@chuckgagnon6535]

I was also thinking the same. The Apex is also advertized as the payers distance compared to apex pro which is more of a players performance iron. Lineup should have been: 225, T200, Zx5, Apex and P790. Bent between 27-28 loft as typical players distance irons.

[@ben1ben2ben1]

Apex pro is probably the most out of place here

[@SvingitGolf]

Isn't T100S a players distance iron? I like to see Mike hit the T100S. They have thin soles compared to the other irons tested. It would be nice to see test with clubs that compare to T100S.

[@chriscollier3197]

Can you please answer a question from a fitting perspective on these results. On the text figures your toe down seems consistent and fairly large at around 4-5 degrees. My query - why would you not make the lofts upright to compensate? Asking for a friend…. 😊😊👍

[@FratBoyFishing]

Mizuno 225's really on another level compared to anything else.

[@joseheredia7126]

Awesome video. I am a new subscriber. Love the massive information. Do you guys know anything about Scott irons? I been researching on these irons but haven’t had a lot of luck. Thanks for the video.

[@ryang1910]

Can you do this for the regular players category? Mizuno pro 223, srixon zx7, x forged etc?

[@Mjwest23]

Lets see a Mizuno Pro 223/235 combo set gapping session! Curious to see the default yardage gaps and what may be required to blend the sets!

[@blakeg.1093]

Did I miss it or did they not discuss lofts? I can't imagine they were all the same, but maybe!

[@kwakazx10r]

Nah they’re not the same lofts . The ZX5 6 iron is 27 degrees the Apex Pro is 29. Not sure about the others

[@marshallw4492]

Lofts and lie are in the vid description text.

[@juwadanah]

the sound of the Mizuno, man I can't wait to get new clubs. I am playing my MP63's with Nippon 1050GH shafts. I think Its time for un upgrade.

[@bryaneeles7744]

What head would you recommend for a steep swing. I prefer thinner top line and sole

[@mwsports]

Query for the master fitters. What is going to help the launch angle most? The iron head itself or the shaft? I didn’t really see much difference in launch angle and spin with my P770s during a fit when changing between shafts so went for the shaft that on paper is the higher launcher. Should I have tried some other heads?

[@efrits86]

How would you blend the new Mizuno pro 225s with the 223s? would you bend the 225s to match the 223 lofts in the longer irons?

[@lawbinson]

Mike has become a machine...

[@pedro28303]

are Apex Pros really player distance? I thought they were the player iron and plain Apex 21 is the player distance?

[@Dalla5]

What I was thinking

[@owenrivard8832]

Id say they're in between but much more forgiving than they look seems to be the common take away from most people

[@Dalla5]

@@owenrivard8832 the 21s are a little more forgiving than the 19s. I didn’t the the 19s would be in the catagory. They are smaller in blade length than the Wilson and taylormade blades but provide some low strike forgiveness. The 21s look like they have a bit more forgiving technology. Would love to take them out for a round but love my 19s to much

[@FratBoyFishing]

Apex Pros are easily the least forgiving of the group

[@hochbeinz]

What about the new Pings? They would fit into this category. TXG lagging behind😆

[@j.christianlarsen8587]

Where are you guys located? When I heard "ZedX" but without a British/Aussie/NZ/SA accent, it peaked my interest. I own P770s but plan to go back to true forged players irons. I miss the feel and absolute distance consistency.

[@rp6163]

Toronto Canada 🇨🇦

[@IamNexu]

I don't think there is much difference. The Apex Pro is 33*, of course it's going to go about 10 yards shorter but spin more than the clubs lofted around 30. The 225 is like a 6.5 iron. If Mike needed to carry a shot 180+ yards he's grabbing the 6 iron from the Apex Pro's and he's probably getting spin around 4000. I still love the test. I'm in the market for a set from this pool this year.

[@goskawow1943]

Why am I not seeing the Callaway Apex TCB anywhere on your channel?

[@nathanfearnhead1185]

I’ve never seen you guys test anything from these brands but I’d love to have seen the Cobra Forged Tec and PXG 0211 irons in this test. I personally bought the 0211s and for their price point find them very hard to beat.

[@stevenrobertson1416]

Question: If you are that faster player needing the forgiveness, how do you offset the distance gap? Do you build out 4-5 wedges or shift into that more traditional loft iron with some help like a JPX forged? P.S. Love to see the lads coming into their own! Great video!!

[@ryanbarath1916]

There are a number of options to properly gap stronger lofted irons like the ones in this test - the first being to include a set matching Gap Wedges to help transition from the stronger lofted pitching wedge or use a stronger lofted specialty wedge in the 48-50 degree range compared to the traditional 52° to tighten the gap to the pitching wedge. This is also why many of these sets use a 5-degree gap from the 8-PW to help create the separation in the shorter irons, while still allowing the mid and long irons to offer the benefit of the face technology.

[@rp6163]

Desire launch and spin. AA is shallow ... Mizuno 223 or 225 ???

[@allant.9152]

I've got a combo zx5/zx7. instead of strengthening the 7's to close the gap I've weakened the zx5's which maintains the gapping and also increased the launch and spin to keep it at a better level.

[@hiz99]

Mike, which ones would you say were most forgiving?

[@brendandavis9710]

Definitely eyeing off a set of the new Mizunos. Liked my Mp20 MMC's but didn't love them. Looking at 225 4 and 5 iron and 223 6-PW with Modus 105 X

[@kylesinclair203]

Are the MMC’s for sale?? 😂

[@byshopbryan2657]

Boys great comparisons just have one bone to pick. Can’t believe y’all didn’t go with the Rouge ST as the callaway iron instead

[@Falcon-15]

RB seems to have a lot of bounce today. Mikey seeming more relaxed.

[@tannerhillier8003]

I feel like the P790 is a better fit for this category…

[@peterhammer4644]

I have hit the Apex Pro, ZX5 and 225 and in feel they are superior to the 790. I think the P770 just fits perfectly.

[@marshallw4492]

Man, just want to echo that you read my mind with this video.

[@TreyEb3rt]

With the Callaway, the 8 iron and up is different than the 7 and down. How does that compare to the other who's design are the same 4 thru p

[@mikaelpalsson7561]

RB, get in the bay and do the same test! That would be so recognizable!

[@shakes2966]

is the 225 a more forgiving version of the hmb? i game the hmb and i feel I get punished hard on off centered strikes. especially low strikes like you mentioned

[@seadog1062]

P7MC, King Tour MIM, X Forged, ZX7, Mizuno 223...players cavity test would be killer.

[@kevins2749]

Need a review on the ping i525 to throw in there

[@freddym6643]

You think I would have issued blending 2-5 in mp 225 with 6-9 mp 221, if I bend the 225 5 iron 2 weak? 221 standard

[@lindsaynewell6319]

Love this test and would be great to see RB replicate it to show how a different swing might produce different results. Mike’s new swing is 🔥 and RB seems to release the hidden extrovert in Mike 👍 For GI category please do t300, Stealth, 921HM, Rogue max, ZX4. Please include max height and descent angle 🙏

[@93civiccpe]

Why not the Rogue ST Pro irons? They are so much better than the Apex Pros

[@mckayhowland8634]

I have 765 and 565 combo set. Do you think it’s worth upgrading to a zx7? I’m a 10 handicap by the way! Thanks!