Reviewed by: eracer
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Shoots in the 80s Model Reviewed: MacGregor MT irons (2008) Summary: I had the opportunity to hit the MT Mid iron at a demo day, and was very impressed. So when Edwin Watts got them in I went to hit them (as well as some other irons) on their simulator. The salesman asked me a few questions about my game, and I asked him a few questions that told me he was pretty knowledgeable. He told me I should look at the MT instead of the MT Mid, so I grabbed the 6-iron, and had a go.
The MT has a forged stainless steel frame, which is a bit unusual, and features their cup-face technology, which claims to expand the sweet spot. The iron is quite traditional looking at address, with minimal offset, a fairly narrow sole, and GI features like a pocket cavity that is well-hidden.
I hit shots with my current 6-iron (Tommy Armour 845 V-25, a variable cavity blade design, and very nice irons...) and then the MT. It only took about 5 shots with the MT to convince me. I bought the irons on the spot (despite the $800 price tag) and after playing two rounds with them, I couldn't be happier.
The MT's are a beautiful blend of feel and forgiveness. Classic, blade-like looks at address (except for a slightly large topline,) and a clicky, yet soft feel. If you've ever hit a Titleist forging on the screws you know what I'm talking about. Off-center shots with the MT's definitely let you know you've hit a less-than-perfect shot, but the ball goes pretty much where you were aiming. No harshness at all on off-center hits, but the feedback is there.
One of the reasons I picked these irons - despite not being a great ball-striker - is that I can't stand irons that make every shot feel the same. I want to know by the feel of the hit what kind of contact I made. The MT's have that in spades, yet don't punish near-misses the way most muscleback (or even some CB irons) do.
Distance control with these irons is superb - the best I've ever experienced. I can hit punch shots, knockdows, and long chips with these irons. I'm a 15-hadicapper, so I obviousy can't pull those shots off all the time, but the MT's help make me confident enough to try them.
The irons come standard with lightweight and smooth Nippon NS950GH shafts, and I think the shafts contribute to the overall precise feel of these irons. Standard Golf Pride DD2 grips (a very underrated grip, BTW) completes the iron.
I played with a 7 handicap golfer who plays (and loves) Mizuno MP-67's. He hit a couple of shots with the MT's and said, "Wow! When you get ready to sell these in a few years, call me." I think any irons that can make a 15 handicapper and a single-digit player who hits cut-muscle irons happy, speak for themselves.
If you can make a decent swing, and are looking for a classic head shape iron that rewards good swings and forgives less-than-perfect swings, you should definitely test drive the MT's.
MacGregor forged irons have been under the radar for a few years now. I think their 2008 lineup is going to make some waves.
I'm giving these clubs a lowered value rating, because an $1100 list price is too high for any irons, IMHO. But relative to other expensive irons, I think these are a decent value. Customer Service: Unknown
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