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Hey, Baby, Do You Come Here Often? What’s Your Swing Speed? 

NiceBallz told you yesterday about our impressions of a recent golf club demo day. We walked up and down the range where several major golf club makers showed off their latest selection. While we don’t like to judge a book by its cover, we did judge a few brands by their headcovers. Certain stereotypes were reinforced and new perceptions were forged. 

Speaking of forged, we set out to test some of the newest game improvement and better-player irons on the market. And, there’s no faster way than demo day to meet your match. 

Really, it’s like speed dating for golfers. Fall in love fast, seven swings or less. Guaranteed*

*Results may vary

They say you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince. I don’t kiss frogs, and I’m no prince. “They” say a lot of other things, too. This is a family publication, we can’t print them here. But, the truth is that demo day lets you love ‘em and leave ‘em, no strings attached.

Wham, bam, thank you, Ping! 

Having played the same cavity back blades for more than a decade – a 1990′s investment cast set from a major manufacturer with minimal progressive offset and a traditional thin top line – it’s time to think seriously about an upgrade. So what if I have a wandering eye? The technology has clearly improved in the past 12 years and with so many discounts on the market it may be time for me to deal. 

We all know first impressions are important. Here are a few of mine: 

Callaway X-22: A good all-around set. These game improvement irons are incredibly easy to hit and even the extra offset, which was initially concerning for a single-digit handicapper, resulted in a high, straight ball flight – not a severe draw as expected. The “uniflex” steel shaft leaves something to be desired – is it Regular, Stiff or neither? – but, overall, not a bad buy. A good head on her shoulders and a distinctive sense of style, she’s good girlfriend material for many. 

Cleveland HiBORE: These irons look quirky and a bit bulky, which could be a concern on tight lies or in thick rough. But, they have a nice high launch resulting in some soft-landing shots. The mid-irons feel more solid than the wedge, which lacks the feedback some players expect from the scoring clubs. Oddly attractive in an edgy artistic or Goth girl sort of way, but we’re not sure how long the fun will last. 

Nike Victory Red Split Cavity: These forged cavity back blades have a very solid feel and a consistent, penetrating ball flight even with True Temper High Launch steel shafts. A traditional profile and an elegant look mask a relatively large cavity. These clubs provide feel with some forgiveness. A classic beauty who tries a little too hard to stay in style, while some may consider her to be high maintenance, to us she may be worth it. 

TaylorMade Burner TP: These innovative cavity back irons have some signatures of better-player clubs combined with the latest technology for playability. This combination has a nice modern look, but the vibration dampening drum results in a disappointingly chintzy, hollow feel at impact. She comes from great bloodlines, but turned out a little cheap. 

Ping G10: Another set of irons that works for mid-handicappers and better players, with a quasi-traditional look and enough technology to make the game fun. These irons offer a medium-high launch with some workability. Easy to talk to with girl-next-door good looks that will surprise you. 

It’s hard to make a definitive decision based on hitting a dozen balls. It’s like getting married after dinner and a movie. But, you can get an immediate sense for whether you click with a club, and demo day is a great place to pick up ch, err, sticks. Seriously speaking, we recommend you test new clubs thoroughly, on days when your swing is sharp and others when it’s not, and get fitted by a teaching professional before you spend as much as $1,000 on a set of irons. 

While there’s a clear frontrunner that I have feelings for, none of these new irons has gotten past the first date yet. I’m still committed to my current golf clubs, but you’ll be the first to know if there’s a future breakup. I really shouldn’t kiss and tell, but I know you love juicy golf gossip. 

-Corey 

Corey Grice has commitment issues. Not that kind, though he has those, too. On the golf course he’s *too* committed, having played the same technology for more than 10 years. Read more about his unhealthy relationship with golf at http://twitter.com/GolferWriterGuy and follow his happily married collaborator at http://twitter.com/NiceBallz.