WRX Forum Buzzz
Forum Thread of the Day: “What clubs in the last 15 years qualify as ‘unicorns’?”
Today’s Forum Thread of the Day comes from gentles, who asks fellow GolfWRX members for their favorite “unicorn” clubs. Now, the term unicorn is a little subjective in the golfing world, but on our forums at least, the term is generally used to describe a rare and quality club that despite new releases, stands the test of time.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- SetTheBarrHigh: “The Titleist 503i was a unicorn in my eyes, I remember looking at Peter Uilhein’s setup when he was an amateur and drooling.”
- leomessi10: “Unicorns I’ve had over the years. Taylormade 300 Tour (8 deg and 9.5 deg), Taylormade X-300 FCI (Miura forged), I’d call my TN-87s unicorns. I’ve only ever saw two sets and I’ve owned both. I sold one set years ago and bought another a few years ago. They seem to only exist on golf boards. They aren’t super rare but the 16 M2 8.5 is harder to find and really really good.”
- Mych: “The Hibore 2W is a unique combination of shaft length, head weighting, loft, drop-crown, and head size. Now, go find one and see how easy they are to get a hold of. You may find one. You’d be hard pressed to find two. For a while I had an ebay search saved for them and I saw one come up for sale every 6-8 months, usually pretty close to their original retail price.”
- nichho: “My nomination for unicorn status are the JDM Taylormade R9 Forged irons…..stunning. I know they exist because I’ve seen photographs of them, just like I’ve seen photographs of unicorns and I once saw a set for sale on ebay, they were tatty and expensive. However I’ve never seen a set in the flesh, just like a unicorn.”
Entire Thread: “What clubs in the last 15 years qualify as ‘unicorns‘?”
In our forums, our members have been reacting to a cheap iron experiment that is working wonders for one WRXer. ‘Golfpractictioner5’ explained his experiment in our forums, saying:
“So, I bought a cheap set of Orlimar Single Length irons for $175 off of Amazon in December because I’d always liked the idea but never actually tested it. I played with them for a month on my simulator and course and absolutely hated them. I could not hit them consistently for some reason. Flights and distances were all over the place. I was gonna sell them but decided to change them up instead. I cut off an inch in length down to 36 inches on every club from 5-GW and put on some cheap Amazon Champkey regular sized grips.
The last 4 months have been ridiculous. I only lost about 5 yards per club on the 5-7 and everything else stayed the same. Distances march down perfectly 10 yards ever club starting with 5 iron being 170 yards down to GW being 110 yards. The crazy part is the flight patterns on all the clubs. I’m hitting 5-GW in perfect flight windows and spin actually improved most likely due to strike consistency. The dispersion has been the biggest change with my distances tightening up to the +/- of 5 yards with every club and them landing dead center or at most 5 yards to the right of target.
The reason I tried this out is because 9 iron has always been my go to iron and it is 36 inches on my other sets or irons. I always played to that club distance when laying up because it has always been automatic for me. I plan on carrying out this experiment the rest of the year and looking at my numbers at the end of season. So far, scores are staying in low 80s whereas I have mostly been mid to high 80s the last couple of years. I do not keep an official handicap at this time due to no need for it as I have limited time to actually get on the course and no time for tournaments. Maybe, I’ll start keeping one again once my kids are older.
I am mostly interested in seeing what people think about this and if other people have done this as well.”
And our members have been weighing in with their thoughts in response.
Here are a couple of posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- JAM01: “I tinkered with a sub $200 Snake eyes set from Bock Rottom. They actually were ok at that price.”
- Ghostwedge: “This just shows how individual golf is for each of us, I couldn’t jettison my Cobra Forged Tec OL 4\5 irons fast enough for Ping regular length Crossover’s and my 7-gw one lengths drop dimes all day. Somebody playing well with a $175 set of Orlimar One lengths doesn’t surprise me because the shaft probably fits them really well and the swing will get consistent with the same set up all round long.”
Entire Thread: “Cheap iron experiment working out well – GolfWRXers discuss”
In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:
“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly.
My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”
And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
- MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
- dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”
Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”
In our forums, our members have been reacting to a fitting session involving Mizuno’s Pro M13 and Callaway’s X Forged irons. WRXer ‘careergolfer’ recently went through a full fitting session and shared his numbers and commentary, saying:
“After playing Callaway Apex Pros for the pats 5 years, just went through a full iron fitting and thought the data was interesting enough to share. I’ve seen a lot of posts talking about fittings but not many with actual numbers, so here’s mine.
All 7-iron, same ball, same session. Final two were the ones I was choosing between:
| Club | Ball Speed | Launch | Spin | Side Angle | Carry | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current irons | 121.1 mph | 18.3° | 6,691 rpm | 0.7L | 170 | 178 |
| Callaway X Forged | 125.8 mph | 15.9° | 6,144 rpm | 2.2L | 180 | 185 |
| Mizuno M-13 | 125.8 mph | 17.9° | 6,638 rpm | 2.2L | 177 | 182 |
The consistency numbers are what actually made the decision:
| Club | Ball Speed SD | Spin SD | Total Yards SD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current irons | 3.3 | 294 | 5 |
| Callaway X Forged | 2.0 | 211 | 3 |
| Mizuno M-13 | 1.1 | 150 | 2 |
Callaway won on distance by 3 yards but got there with a much lower ball flight (15.9° launch, 6,144 spin). The Mizuno matched my existing flight profile with nearly 3x tighter ball speed consistency.
Fitter also noted I’ve been setting up with a closed face at address to compensate for a heel-heavy dynamic lie. Ordered the M-13s 1° flat to bring impact back to neutral: the theory being if I can set up square, I can actually commit to the release. I’m not sure if this was the right call TBH but took the fitter’s guidance. I’ll see what happens.
Went with the Mizuno. Clubs aren’t in hand yet. Happy to share follow-up data once I’ve played them!”
And our members have been sharing their thoughts in response.
Here are a couple of posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- PowerCobra98: “M13 certainly performed well. Enjoy the new irons once you get them!”
- dmeeksDC: “Two completely different irons. The X Forged is a tour-type iron and would match up with the S3 in the Mizuno lineup. Not going to see a lot of M-13 on pro tours. It’s a crossover iron, three different types of construction in the same set. The M-13 would be more like the AI 150 as the M-13 7 iron is a half-hollow club versus X Forged, which is a straight up forged iron. M-13 middle irons have very thin faces, not holding up well for some buyers if you read through the M-13 thread. Hopefully Mizuno has corrected it. Given the differences in construction, that is surprising ball speed with the X Forged. To me the numbers are quite an endorsement of the X Forged considering it has no ‘tech.'”
Entire Thread: “Mizuno Pro M13 vs Callaway X Forged: My actual fitting numbers – GolfWRXers discuss”
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Distance Compression Dude
Nov 7, 2018 at 3:12 pm
I hit my Vokey SM7 lob wedge further than my PXG driver.
stan
Nov 7, 2018 at 2:54 pm
Ping G2 400cc 15.5º loft and fitted with a whippy Ping Tec100D “Soft Regular” 47″ graphite shaft. Was originally marketed as a “lady’s” club but perfect for my ~87 mph clubhead speed. 200-210 yard carry straight and narrow because of the higher face loft. A perfect 6’4″ “seniors” club! Last driver I will ever own.
Tom Higgins
Nov 6, 2018 at 11:05 am
Ping Eye 2, wedges and irons.
Herb Collins
Nov 6, 2018 at 2:15 pm
Ping Zing 2 wedges and irons….. hot and straight and far !!!!!!!
ogo
Nov 7, 2018 at 2:27 pm
… and you can’t “work” the ball with the Zing2’s because of extreme cavity weight concentrations. I own a Zing2 one iron with which I practice before I practice with my driver. If you can’t hit a one iron you can’t hit a driver.
Brad
Nov 6, 2018 at 6:56 am
My nominations for top “unicorn” clubs are the Ping Rapture 13° 3-wood. The Rapture is an absolute bomber from both the tee and the fairway for those with enough swing speed. I’ve hit my longest drive ever with one (at 297 yards) and my longest shot from the fairway (at 274 yards). This is the only club I’ve never seen equaled or bested in clubs made before or after its release. I’ve considered buying a “spare” one on more than one occasion “just in case”, but since they are still pretty expensive even on the second-hand market I haven’t done it just yet.
Herb Collins
Nov 6, 2018 at 2:17 pm
You can’t determine 297 and 274 yard shots by eyeballing. What are you trying to pull off?
Brad
Nov 6, 2018 at 3:09 pm
They make this neat little gadget these days called a GPS. Some of them are even linked to these other little gadgets on your clubs that also connect to these things called smart phones. They do the “eyeballing” for you. You should look into it, they are pretty neat.
Herb Collins
Nov 7, 2018 at 2:17 pm
Even a GPS unit can’t determine distances so accurately because they only give you a distance range. They are not spot on.
Curt
Nov 7, 2018 at 6:57 pm
Also these things on the course called yardage markers.
stan
Nov 7, 2018 at 3:05 pm
Great club for driver replacement if you have a higher clubhead speed swing, and only 219cc! Here is a glowing review:
https://pluggedingolf.com/ping-rapture-fairway-wood-review/
ND Hickman
Nov 6, 2018 at 3:35 am
Callaway XHot 3Deep 13 degree’s. easily the best club I’ve ever had off the tee or fairway.
Herb Collins
Nov 6, 2018 at 2:19 pm
…. and you prolly don’t carry a driver because your yardage goes down with the driver like most golfers.
Brad
Nov 6, 2018 at 3:10 pm
…and you prolly are a pain in the rear to everyone you’re around.
Herb Collins
Nov 7, 2018 at 2:37 pm
…. up your’s too, I see…. lol … (_*_)
ND Hickman
Nov 7, 2018 at 8:35 am
I’m fairly decent off the tee. I’m no bomber but I usually have a good yardage from a decent position in the fairway after using driver. I just find the 3Deep doesn’t cost me much yardage and gives me more off of the fairway when needed. Not quite sure why you felt the need to make such a snide comment but you do you mate.
Herb Collins
Nov 7, 2018 at 2:14 pm
Okay, mate…. but this may apply more to the gearhead geeks who must buy a new driver every year to rescue their pathetic attempts to hit a driver. 95% of all “golfers” worldwide shouldn’t carry a lower lofted driver…. even “down under”… 😉
ND Hickman
Nov 7, 2018 at 4:42 pm
I’m from Scotland.
Bobthegolferguy
Nov 5, 2018 at 10:22 pm
R500 driver. Not the 510, 540, 580, or the xd’s but just the R500. It looked like a prototype R510tp but smaller. Saw one in a bag about 15 years ago at my club with a EI70 tour x and it was fantastic.
Troy L Rambo
Nov 5, 2018 at 9:05 pm
Taylormade 300 forged Lehman grinds
ogo
Nov 7, 2018 at 2:43 pm
The TM 300R was marketed as a “tour” driver…. only 300 cc’s.
geohogan
Nov 5, 2018 at 7:57 pm
Adams, CMB are not only, works of art to look at, but perform.
Maybe the last great iron clubs from Adams Golf.
rex235
Nov 5, 2018 at 7:01 pm
Gianni-
There were a few of my posts which started referencing “Unicorn” clubs in Golfwrx a few years ago.
The definititon of a Unicorn club wasn’t ever what stood the test of time- Wilson Dynapower SW?
It was to call attention to a club which NEVER EXISTED- specifically these LH models-
A LH 1954 MacGregor Toney Penna WW Special Driver. LH LFFs? Yes. LH 693s? Yes again.
LH Maxfli Tour Limited/Australian Blade Forged irons. Designer Tad Moore says none were made, so-
LH Mizuno MP-14 and MP-29 irons. Great copies of the Original Ben Hogan Precision iron.
Yes,there are LH Mizuno TN-87 and MP-4 irons. These fit your definition
LH 1999 Ben Hogan forged irons. designed by Jeff Sheets. Limited Edition- Blade on blade design.
2014 LH Wilson Staff FG Tour 100 Forged irons-
For a club that was supposed to be celebrating Wilson’s Centennial in Golf, they sure forgot a long history of making LH iron models, specifically the Dynapower “Fluid Feel” irons.
Go ahead- Please let me know if you find any of these LH “unicorn” models.
TigerFan91
Nov 5, 2018 at 5:19 pm
My 1996 Mizuno Grad 2 iron. That little sweetheart has made its way back into my bag as a driving iron. Of course, I reshafted it with a graphite shaft and added a little lead tape to the back…but still. That thing is a monster. I hit it (almost) as far as my 3 wood.
allan
Nov 5, 2018 at 6:42 pm
You and most other golfers suffer from “distance compression” in the long clubs from driver to 5w and even into the hybrids. Your distances are virtually identical for all these clubs because you cannot control long shafted clubs and flatter swing planes. It’s a fact.
TigerFan91
Nov 5, 2018 at 9:07 pm
Astounding how you you can analyze that without even seeing my swing. You must be some sort of golfing god.
EvanM
Nov 5, 2018 at 10:37 pm
You learn something new every day. A 3wood goes longer than a 2 iron…
allan
Nov 7, 2018 at 2:23 pm
No… “almost” as far as his 3 wood. That in itself indicates “distance compression” in the long shafted clubs. I too suffer from compression so I only carry a large headed 3 wood, a 7 wood, a 6 hybrid and then 6 iron to LW. No fantasy golf here!!!
You'reStillAway
Nov 5, 2018 at 10:49 pm
Butch Harmon over here has never seen you swing…
MikeK
Nov 5, 2018 at 11:03 pm
Man Allan, I gotta get me one of those crystal balls you have to know everyone’s swing without seeing it live….must have set you back a couple hundred bucks
allan
Nov 7, 2018 at 2:30 pm
I got two (2) crystal balls …. but none to spare….. 😛
No 3 Putts
Nov 5, 2018 at 9:26 pm
Distance compression. Hahahaha! Funny how you can tell without seeing the guy hit a single shot.
A 2 iron is supposed to go a little shy of a 3 wood just as he described. It’s a fact.
Replianator
Nov 5, 2018 at 9:44 pm
Uhhh uh, oh no girl, you did not…
Sir Walks-A-Lot
Nov 5, 2018 at 11:34 pm
Jeez. All the guy is saying is that he likes his 2 iron.
You go ahead and insult him insinuating that he can’t hit his longer clubs properly.
Besides, I’m willing to bet that his 3 wood and his 2 iron are never in his bag at the same time. One is probably for regular tracks and the other for links style and windy courses.
Allan
Nov 5, 2018 at 11:46 pm
I stand by my observation… 😛
MikeK
Nov 6, 2018 at 12:27 am
Easy now Brandel Chamblee, it’s ok to be wrong sometimes ????
Brad
Nov 6, 2018 at 6:47 am
I’ms sure that you also stand by while other people help look for your ball…that you are constantly losing.
Allan
Nov 6, 2018 at 2:24 pm
WOW!!!!!! I musta hit a nerve, a gearhead nerve on this fine forum exposing the gearheads with their fancy-pancy clubs who can’t hit their driver longer than their 5w…. lol
paul koehorst
Nov 5, 2018 at 3:56 pm
I’ll go with the first Taylor Made, Monza Spider. It was just such a great (but ugly, or even butt-ugly) club but it was fantastic on short putts. Fixed my yips. I’ll also add the Taylor Made RBZ 3-wood. So much longer than anything else at the time…in my experience.
allan
Nov 7, 2018 at 2:34 pm
So you abandoned your driver due to “distance compression” too? Don’t waste money on a Rube Goldberg driver with moveable weights and named “Speed” and stick with your 3-wood… more accurate too.
ThomasW
Nov 5, 2018 at 3:54 pm
My mp33’s and mp32’s mizuno irons never get old.
JordanH
Nov 5, 2018 at 3:29 pm
Cleveland CG1 black pearl and CG2 irons. Both gorgeous and insanely amazing feel, playability, and looks.