2009 Yamaha Inpres X V Forged Limited Tour

[bogeydog]

Ok after an early fall period of reflection, I finally am past my huge error of letting my 2008 Yamaha Tour irons go. That was a big mistake; One that I regretted about 1 minute after they went. Don't ask me why, just know it was stupid. Since then, I must have pulled up the Yamaha website daily looking for the release of the new 2009 model. Well, I am happy now. Below you will find the antacid for my ulcer.

Initial Impressions

Looks - As with the 2008 model, the shape includes a squarish toe. Size is actually pretty small. If my memory serves me correctly, I would say shorter than the George Spirits GS-MB. Perfect size for my eye. I can't stand longer irons and rounds toes make me sick. Finish it super excellent.

Setup - Perfect. Very blade-like. Offset is very small. The square toe for me inspires confidence and frames the ball well.

Design - I really didn't know what was behind the design in the cavity back. My thought was maybe a marketing gimmic. however I after studying these, I think they help place the CG and weight in optimal placement to help trajectory and to enlarge the sweet spot. The sole grind is very cool as there is a tri-grind that they showed in the 2008 model as well. The front sole edge is is only slightly round and sharp but not sharp.

Shaft - Out went the DG S200s and in came the KB Tour nickel 5.5 shafts. What more can I say, but glad to have my favorite shaft in a cool finish.

Feel - Ok I only hit about 2-30 balls with a 7 iron as it is 49 degrees here. I am probably one of a few that has hot both the 2008 and 2009 models. Feel is very solid and positive without a mushy feeling. Of course, well struck shots are pure and buttery. Mis**ts are still solid with good feedback and not harsh. I hate mushy super soft feel, and really prefer the "strike" feel these give.

Performance - Darts. The KB shaft is again a good pair with these irons. I had string opinions as to the 2008 model that the 2009 also shares. Tremendous ball flight, great controllable spin. So far I find these very consistent and are easy for me to hit straight and draw. I haven't had enough time to try and work the ball much. If these are anything like the 2008s in performance, I will be very happy.

One thing that I really like is the progression of the head shapes. As you can see in the pics, the head shape flows nicely from one to the other. Normally the JDM PW get a little weird as compared to the others however you may have a tough time picking out the PW from the pics below. The 2 clubs side y side are the 3I and PW.

All I can say is I am glad they are here. I feel kinda relaxed now because I really missed the 08s. I will be playing 4 rounds this week with these as well as the Yamaha Inpres 460V rpm driver.

[idrive]

Your pictures look so much better than the ones in the catalog, it's amazing. I must say I really like the look of these.

The cavity back looks like it creates a nice "frame" for the ball. It would also seem it would give a little more support if the ball was hit toward the toe.

Very nice.

[TBone]

Thanks for taking the time for some pictures!

Any shots of the iron in the playing position?

[gocchin]

Great pics B and great feedback. Once again Yamaha has a winner with their tour model. It's in very big demand here in Japan and won't last long. Definitely report back once you get out on the course with these!

[jnims29]

Drop dead gorgeous

[bogeydog]

Thanks for taking the time for some pictures!

Any shots of the iron in the playing position?

Pics added. The openess of the setup is the angle I took the pic.

[livetoplay]

Have to admit those irons look much better that I thought they would. Yamaha has done a great job of covering up the cavity of these irons when you look down at them from address, I thought you would see 2 fangs hanging off the back. They look solid... Thanks for the review bogeydog.

[bogeydog]

Ok I have had some time to spend with the clubs and add the following comments to my original review. I have played 4 rounds with them as well as beat some balls at the range.

Looks - I love the looks from address. Sets up well for my eye with little offset. Almost blade like. Head size is smallish and I could never go any smaller. The rear cavity is not visible at address. Wish - I slightly reduced top line. Rating 4.5/5.0.

Feel - Very solid. Epon like feel. Slightly clicky. Not mushy. If you like something real soft, you may be disappointed. These offer a solid positive feel with just a right amount of softness. Wish - Nothing really. 4.0/5.0

Performance - The most accurate sticks to date for me. Plain and simple. They are forgiving. Distance control across the face is excellent. Workability is very good. I think they are more workable than you would expect. I don' know if the offset helps this, but for my shotmaking, they work well. 4.75/5.0

Shafts - In my view, proper shafts have become a major link in golf. I installed the KBS 5.5 black nickel shafts. These provide a good feel with stellar performance. Not a shaft for everyone however if it fits you, it will excel. IMO these are not a shaft for the sweeper swing. They do better with someone that traps the ball properly and loads the club well. Solid swings result in perfect mid/high ball flight with a flat trajectory. Side spin is low. Back spin is about perfect. Even mid/long irons can hold the green. A nice pairing for these club heads.

[gus]

That set is the one and only 2009 iron offering I would love to own; very nice and refined looking....congrats!

[bogeydog]

That set is the one and only 2009 iron offering I would love to own; very nice and refined looking....congrats!

You know, my tastes have changed after roaming around for some time. I have come to realize that I am happiness when I am scoring well. Plain and simple. I like a little help when possible and appreciate a fine made instrument to help me. This is a great combo of design/engineering, etc. This set stands up to my swing when bad, however rewards it when it is good.

[idrive]

I have had these Irons for about 3 months now and finally got them out on the Golf Course yesterday.

Very impressed.

Looking for a very forgiving "players cavity back?"

Great feeling? Great looking? S-O-L-I-D club??

I can't find anything I don't like about these Irons.

[bogeydog]

I have had these Irons for about 3 months now and finally got them out on the Golf Course yesterday.

Very impressed.

Looking for a very forgiving "players cavity back?"

Great feeling? Great looking? S-O-L-I-D club??

I can't find anything I don't like about these Irons.

Glad to see you finely have them out on the course. I have played extensively with them over the last few months and I also cannot find anything I don't like. I have played various turf conditions and think the sole grind works pretty well in all conditions. Yesterday and Sunday I played two rounds in constant rain and the fairways were pretty sloppy. held up well in super soft faiways.

I have mine setup with KBS nickel shafts. 5 stars for this setup. I guy in my group yesterday who is not familiar at all with anything other than US retail offerings asked me if the irons were "some sort of Mizuno knockoffs." I just laughed and offered him a few swings. He quickly recanted and said, "Damn they feel pretty good."

I don't understand why more player here on TSG don't have these irons. Really not lacking, but exceling in ever area.

[idrive]

Mine are still shafted with the stock S200's. Still feels great. Performs great.

All of my other irons are shafted with kbs. They are my shaft of preference. I can't wait to see what happens after the kbs go in.

It is possible that these are the best "overall" iron out there unless you're looking for a

gi (large head) Iron.

Got to play them again today and these are excellent irons.

I realize a lot of guys that buy don't post but are there any other smart guys like me and Bdog :) that bought these and are playing them that has some feed back?

[indharbor]

I would like to give my input on Yamaha V-forged irons briefly.

I am gaming 2008 tour model now.

I NEVER EVER felt that an equipment could drastically change one's game despite hoing for number of years on different drivers, irons, etc.

Ever since using these irons, I have been dead on accuracy and distance. I don't think my swing has changed much but results tell otherwise.

I think one thing sticks out most than others is the distance control. I always seem to hit the right number.

I am using the stock shaft which is S200 and standard spec comes 1/2 inch shorter than US standard.

My initial concern was possible lack of distance but no worries now. They go as far if not further. I think it's due to higher chance of hitting the sweet spot with shorter length.

They are as forgiving as any other cavity backs and feel is solid.

I would highly recommend to anyone who haven't tried Yamaha V-forged irons. You will love them and never go back to any other.

Now, I just need matching wedges.

[bogeydog]

I would like to give my input on Yamaha V-forged irons briefly.

I am gaming 2008 tour model now.

I NEVER EVER felt that an equipment could drastically change one's game despite hoing for number of years on different drivers, irons, etc.

Ever since using these irons, I have been dead on accuracy and distance. I don't think my swing has changed much but results tell otherwise.

I think one thing sticks out most than others is the distance control. I always seem to hit the right number.

I am using the stock shaft which is S200 and standard spec comes 1/2 inch shorter than US standard.

My initial concern was possible lack of distance but no worries now. They go as far if not further. I think it's due to higher chance of hitting the sweet spot with shorter length.

They are as forgiving as any other cavity backs and feel is solid.

I would highly recommend to anyone who haven't tried Yamaha V-forged irons. You will love them and never go back to any other.

Now, I just need matching wedges.

if anyone remembers, I played the 2008 model when first released and the 2009 model since its release. I too agree that the distance and accuracy control are stand out features. In fact, I think that highlighted these features in many posts. No patting myself on the back, but just reiterating that this is the real deal. The 2008 and 2009 play very similarly however I think the 09 is more forgiving towards the toe.

It is interesting that Yamaha doesn't seem to have the big following or name in the golf industry however these two offerings are second to none for those that prefer a smaller square head, players cavity back with minimal offset, Epon manufacture, etc etc. The bad thing is that I will be on the lookout for their new releases each year as I never want to lose out on their limited availability. Considering there were 750 sets in 2008 and 1000 in 2009, I consider myself lucky to have purchased these.

I think that TSG had one set left, so I would act fast if you have the need for these great irons.

I also have their driver: Inpres X 4.6V Tour with Ozik XCON5 stiff shaft. I was not a fan of the stock Rombax however the XCON5 woke up a real monster. Yamaha has quite a few options for shafts with different length and swing weight options. My guess is the GD EV series would be a great choice also. I heard from another member here that he is as happy with the Yamaha Tour FW with the stock shaft. I may pick one of these up also.

[xchangmanx]

It is interesting that Yamaha doesn't seem to have the big following or name in the golf industry however these two offerings are second to none for those that prefer a smaller square head, players cavity back with minimal offset, Epon manufacture, etc etc. The bad thing is that I will be on the lookout for their new releases each year as I never want to lose out on their limited availability. Considering there were 750 sets in 2008 and 1000 in 2009, I consider myself lucky to have purchased these.

I agree, yamaha is a great high end brand. I play their FWs specifcally the tour 17* impres. That is one solid head.

IMO yamaha stuff is very high quality high end products which I wouldn't hesitate to purchase.