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[fundonny]

Does anyone have the 2005 Golf Magazine Club Test issue? If so, I'm looking to find out what iron was top rated in the game improvement category.

Thanks!

[Big Johnny69]

I think I have it. At home though, would have to tell you later today. Pretty sure it was the Ping G2 and MP-32 won for the player's category.

[John]

Pretty sure Geoff's right, i think that the Slingshot OS was in there too or maybe that's this year.

[fundonny]

Slingshot was in this year's test, but didn't do too well. This year in the game improvement category it was the Wilson Ci6 in first, and the top of the line TM in second. I tried to get it from their site, but you can't unless you have a subscription.

[Big Johnny69]

That's this year for sure.

Going from memory: Game Improvement for 2005

1) Ping G2
2) Cally Big Bertha
3) Nike Slingshot (original slingshot)

Player's Irons

1) MP-32
2) Not sure
3) Not sure

But I know that the 704s, 691 or 681s, Macgregor blades, TP blades, CG1s among others were listed in the Player's category.

[rezadue]

Game Improvement:
Adams Idea A2
Callaway X18
Callaway Big Bertha Fusion
Cleveland CG4
Cobra 3100 I/H
Mizuno MX-900
Nickent 3DX
Nike Slingshot Tour
Ping G5
Ping I5
Taylormade R7XD

Super game improvement:
Adams Idea A2 OS
Callaway Big Bertha
Cobra 3400 I X/H
McGregor MacTec NVG2
Nicklaus High-CT
Nike CPR Hybrid
Nike Slingshot OSS
Tayloemade R7 CGB Max
Tour Edge Bazooka JMax QL

[el tigre]

I alway try a whole bunch at the Golf Show each year. I like to test out what will be available for 1/2 price in a couple of years.

This year I tried the Cally X-18's and was rather disappointed. The new Slingshots did nothing for me either - even though I liked the older version from last year. The hands-down winner was the Adams Idea A-2's. You can get hybrid or non-hybrid variations for the 3, 4 and 5 irons and they were all super-easy to hit.

At last year's show, the Callaway Big Berthas were absolutely the most forgiving irons I have ever tried in my life. Those fat soles make them look kinda ugly, but they work. I believe the term is "stupid-easy to hit".

I have Raven Sapphires in my backup bag, which are basically Ping G2 copies. Another game-improvement design that works really well.

[rezadue]

Players Irons:
Bridgestone J33 Forged Cavityback
Callaway X-Tour
Cleveland CG2
MacGregor V-Foil Forged M675
Mizuno MP-60
Nike Pro Combo Tour
Ping S59 Tour
TaylorMade RAC LT
Titleist 735.CM

[Sakuraba]

I have the 2005 hot list issue at home somewhere also, but I can't recall the rankings anymore. I think there were only 2 categories of irons in 2005 players & game improvement.

thinking of doing an iron test a la driver's test donny?

[Ginker]

I have to admit that Golf Magazine has the most useless website ever.. I tried to search the archieves like you can on golfdigest but couldn't find anything..

[fundonny]

Can't afford to do that, but I'd love to try a few out. I have one of the classic game improvement irons of all time, the TM SuperSteel, but they are very dated. I want to get into the 2000's and try some newer used models. For instance, what from 2003 that I can get on Ebay was really great. The Big Bertha's are timeless, I can get a set of those easily. But I want to try a few more too.

I have the 2005 hot list issue at home somewhere also, but I can't recall the rankings anymore. I think there were only 2 categories of irons in 2005 players & game improvement.

thinking of doing an iron test a la driver's test donny?

[CBrown]

In 2005, Golf Magazine didn't seperate the player's irons from the game improvement irons. The top 3 picks were the Mizuno MP-32s, The Callaway Big Bertha Fusions and (drum roll please) the Bridgestone J33 Forged Combos. The Wilson Staff PI5s and Nike Pro Combo Oversize also scored quite well.

Hope this helps ... (ppsst ... buy the J33 Forged Combos ...)

[fundonny]

I have to sell all my drivers first, I don't think the Saint would take them all in trade! LOL

[el tigre]

If you want forged and super game improvement, try the MacGregor M455's. Possibly even uglier than the Big Berthas - but just as effective.

OTOH, if you want a forged and beautiful game improvement set, go back one model year to the MacGregor 1025c. One of the most gorgeous looking iron sets I've ever owned.

[LobWedge]

That's this year for sure.

Going from memory: Game Improvement for 2005

1) Ping G2
2) Cally Big Bertha
3) Nike Slingshot (original slingshot)

Player's Irons

1) MP-32
2) Not sure
3) Not sure

But I know that the 704s, 691 or 681s, Macgregor blades, TP blades, CG1s among others were listed in the Player's category.

Are you sure that's not a list of all the different clubs you've owned in the last 6 weeks...

[Big Johnny69]

Are you sure that's not a list of all the different clubs you've owned in the last 6 weeks...

Nope, I've only owned the Slingshots on that list and that was all the way back to last year.

[KickerOfElves]

Psst:

http://forum.ottawagolf.com/showthread.php?t=15108

Not selling mine, but these are a great combination of forged feel and enough game improvement to get rid of a lot of your frustration. Plus you can still move the ball if need be.

Also, new they would be less $$ than many used OEMs.