TheHawkmc

Who actually forges Tiger's irons? On anther site someone claimed that Hoffman forged his Titleist irons, before they went out of business. I thought Miura had! What about his Nike's? Who are they using for Tiger's forged irons?

Care to share anything you learned. Runyan's had a unique approach, but maybe the best short game to ever play the PGA Tour.

Let me know if Mac plans anything in the Carolina's?

Plus1 - Your coach is correct. Both the headcover (or glove) under the left arm and the shaft into the belly button keep the arms more in-synch with the body (a 'connected' feel). The problem usually stems from an improper pivot or lack of of torso rotation at the beginning of the backswing. Without this rotation, the arms and hands will usually move to the outside and away from the body (unless you make a conscious effort to keep them in). The problem with Hardy's 1P theory is that he tried to oversimplify a complex motion. What is 1P? The hands have their plane, the arms move in another, then there is the shoulder plane, clubhead plane, etc.... If anyone really wants to understand the various planes in the golfswing, I suggest studying The Golfing Machine. It covers this topic very well. There are several websites (Brian Manzella, Lynn Blake and The Golfing Machine) that all go into much detail. Even Hardy, at a teaching summit last year, admitted that his 1P system is an oversimpification with a number of mistakes in it.

Thanks for the feedback....I've decided on the Miura CB-1006's (NS1150X/Iomic) and will be ordring this weekend from Chris.

I'm looking for my next set of forged irons. I'm a +2 handicap looking for a soft, solid, workable player's set of forged cavity backs. I've been playing Bridgestone J33B blades for the past 15 months and dropped my handicap 4 strokes. Now I'm starting to play only 3-4X per month and want a little more forgiveness. I still want to see a relatively thin topline and minimal, very minimal offset. I love irons that I can work, hitting high, low, fades, draws, 3/4 knockdowns, etc....I really like the solid, soft feel of my blades and want a cavity back that is similar. I'm favoring (in this order): Miura CB-1006; Tourstage X-Blade CB's; Scratch Customs (worry about getting my grind right); EPON J Type (looks too offset); Crews (no reviews of...); plus I'm sure there are others. I figure I'll probably try 1150 Tour stiff shafts and Iomic grips also. What recommendations can others make for me to look at? Thanks,

As someone who grew up on Wilson Staff forged irons in the 70's, I guarantee that I can tell the difference between forged and cast. About 10 years ago, I even tried hitting several sets of each with a blindfold and ear plugs. I never got one wrong. Cast do FEEL different, not necessarily better or worst, but different. My personal preference is a very soft, solid forged feel. My favorite irons ever in terms of the grind was a cast set of Reid Lockharts. Oh did they look amazing. I played them for two years based strictly on looks, but eventually that different feel was enough to bring me back to forged. Maybe I am a dying breed, but I've hit too many shots with forged carbon steel not to feel the difference and prefer what I grew up with. NOW if only I could find that perfect set of forged cavity backs that allow me to control spin!!

Are these 1020 carbon steel or Fe99.9 like my current 2006 X Wedge limited 52/58 set (which I am loving).

Also interested, anyone??

What are the options to choose from with custom Mizuno's? Besides finish, can I make the top line thinner, have less offset, change the toe grind, etc....

I was lucky enough to spend time with quite a few tour pros in the mid-late 70's. Knudson, Trevino and Sanders all were master shotmakers. One of the drills I learned from watching them was to be able to hit 3-5 different clubs from every distance between 100-150 yards. I learned to hit low fading, spinning 120yd 7-irons and high, soft draws with 120 yd wedges. My point is that the blades of that era (plus balata balls) made that level of shotmaking possible. There may never be another shotmaker at Trevino's level again IMO!! With today's equipment and balls, I'm still looking for the combination that let's me feel like that 1970's shotmaker. Any suggestions from Chris or readers at TSG is very much appreciated. I want my next purchase to be more than a needle in the haystack!!

...And that is why I will be working with you, Chris, to select a set of CB's next winter. Current contenders are Epon Type-J's, Beres TW901, Tourstage X-Blade CB2, Miura CB-1006 and whatever else is released in the next few months. Still uncertain about shaft options (clubhead speed is high), but guys Chris knows his stuff regarding shaft/clubhead fit.

I hear what you're saying Chris and I don't disagree in principle. But, I tried for years to make CB's work, trying many different US forged (and even cast) models. Never could find consistency with CB's! The problem was two fold. First, I grew up with razor thin topline, zero offset blades and could never adjust to the look of all these cavity backs. Anything offset I'd hit fat and thicker toplines didn't instill confidence from a tighter tie. Second, my trajectory and distance control were never consistent trying to work the ball and hitting a variety of shots. I put the Bridgestone J33B's in the bag a year ago and dropped four shots off my handicap (to +2). The longer hosel, no-offset, thin topline clubs allowed me to hit a variety of golf shots and control the spin. I've become a much more consistent iron player. I'd really would like to go back to a well engineered, soft, forged cavity back, just need to find the right model. At least that's my goal for next season!! I'm considering Epon Type-J's, Beres TW901, Tourstage X-Blade CB2, Miura CB-1006 and custom Scratch's. TSG is a great site to read feedback and narrow the choices.

I attended one of these 12 years ago...best investment I ever made. Changed the way I'll think of the swing forever. I now play 3-4 times a month at most but maintain a +1 handicap.

For me it was THE FEEEL. I have the Gauge Design 'The One' which was accidently shipped to me instead of a wedge I ordered. I took one look at the craftsmanship, the quality, the great setup and had to strike a putt. One putt was all it took. For all the Camerons (Titleist, Mizuno and Customs), the TP Mills (handmades), the Bettinardi's (custom) and Tad Moores (customs)....GD's The One is amazing, more solid, softer, truer than any putter that I have ever hit. Plus with the milling pattern on the face (which looks so great) I get the purest roll of any putter I've ever tried. That first putt sold me...................

Try The Grip Master's, the more humid and sweaty the weather, the tackier these grips get. They are amazing, look great and last a couple seasons...

The Grip Master leather wrapped slip-ons. These are simply the best grips I've ever played in 30+ years of golf. AND the wetter they get (rain or sweat) the tacky they are. My grip pressure has gotten much softer and handicap less since first trying! Check them out....

I know that the Endo's may feel great, but I want my next set to actually be 'made in Japan', not just a Japanese company. I thought that Mizuno US models were no longer forged in Japan. If that's not true, maybe I should opt for a custom MP-32 set!!

Are any of the Tourstage made in Japan anymore (or in China). I bet even my loved 2006 X-Wedges are chinese forged!! What about Miura's? Has he moved his operations for his 2006 CB-1006 out of Japan? Mizuno..I've heard that rumor before at least US market Mizzy's are not Japanese. Even Gauge has gone the chinese route I believe. I'm just wondering what choices I'll have next spring when I buy my next set of forged CB's? Besides Scratch, will there be any other truely Japanese options??

How do the RG's compare to Gauge Design's. I'm currently putting with 'The One' and wonder is there a difference in roll or feel??

What's the best forged Cavity Back for a low handicap (scratch - 5). I'm back to using blades (J33's) because I really love very thin toplines, no offset and the ability to work the ball (low, high, fades, draws). Nothing I tried in the US Market looks, feels or perrforms well. Any suggestions for my next set? thanks,

Chris, How do you compare them to the 2006 Tourstage X-Wedges?

I ended up getting the 2006 Tourstage X-Wedges (52 & 58) set. They are awesome. A great looking and functional grind (8* bounce on both). Very verstatile on both full shots, knock-downs, pitches, chips and sand!!

How much are they selling for in the NS Pro shaft?

Chris, When are these going to be available? I'm looking for a 20*?