Nickent 3DX Pro Irons Review
Posted July 31st, 2006 by Erik J. Barzeski
Nickent, long known for their hybrids, has leapt into the iron-making game with one of the biggest names in iron design. Does John Hoeflich's first effort live up to the "Pro" title?
Nickent, long renowned for their hybrids, took a big step forward when it hired John B. Hoeflich as senior vice president of product development. Hoeflich's design credits include the Tommy Armour 845 irons, the original Titleist DCIs, and recently the TaylorMade RAC irons and wedges. A while ago, Donald MacKenzie wrote "Look for new Hoeflich-designed clubs to debut by year's end under the Nickent name."
Those clubs are here, and they're the Nickent 3DX Pro irons. Though one may wonder why any iron labeled "pro" features such a game improvement look to them, with cavity backs and low weights, one only needs to consider that the TaylorMade LT2, the Titleist 755, and the Callaway Fusions and X-Tours all see a lot of play on the PGA Tour and all are far from muscleback irons.
I currently play the Titleist 735.CM or the TaylorMade RAC MB TP. Do these Nickent 3DX Pros kick them out of my bag? Read on to find out…
Design and Technology
The 3DX Pro, like many of Hoeflich's prior clubs, seeks to blend cavity-back features with an at-address appearance that resembles those of traditional muscleback irons. Clearly, Hoeflich knows a thing or two about designing such clubs.
In fact, Nickent's 3DX Pro pages say "Hoeflich has designed an iron that combines the classic good looks of a blade iron with the forgiving features of a perimeter-weighted iron." It also states that the 3DX Pro is made of a special stainless steel alloy that provides a soft, responsive feel.
Like the "Pro"-less 3DX iron, the Pro features a tungsten-polymer insert (dubbed the "XW Insert") that strives to dampen vibrations, reducing shock and creating a "muscle-back forged feel."
The tungsten composite sole weight and stylish, understated backs of the 3DX Pro irons. The weight helps get the ball out of the rough, while the graphics just look nice.
The XW Insert is concentrated directly behind the face for greater workability in the 3DX Pro. The use of a tungsten polymer provides Nickent and Hoeflich greater flexibility in moving weight around the clubhead without detracting from the overall look or feel of the clubhead. Additionally, because the weight of the XW Insert can be modified easily, Nickent can correctly and easily create a wide range of swingweights at varying shaft lengths simply by varying the amount of tungsten polymer.
The 3DX is married to a specially-made Nippon 1180 shaft. Weighing in at 118 grams (and constant weighted throughout the set), Nickent claims the NS Pro 1180 GH is one of the few shafts that are "100 percent made in a state-of-the-art Japanese factory using unique proprietary materials and a specialized heat-treatment process." In other words, it's made differently than your typical True Temper DG S300 or your Rifle 6.0s, but likely just differently enough to mention.
Appearance
Even the 3DX Pro pitching wedge features a cavity back and what appears to be a lot of weight near the sole of the club, turning off potential low-handicap players looking for something more traditional. Despite the fact that semi-game-improvement cavity backs get wide play on the PGA Tour, many better amateurs like the look and feel of a more traditional iron.
At address, the 3DX Pro has a little offset, a medium thickness topline, and a consistent blade length throughout the set.
The cavity features red, black, and white "3DX Pro" markings with the "Nickent" name in black. The lower portion of the cavity is occupied by the tungsten polymer weight and a large bar of metal extending from heel to tie. The Nickent "N" is raised slightly in the middle of the wight plug. "JBH" is stamped on the bottomside of the hosel.
At address, the 3DX Pro appears to have a tad more offset, a thicker topline, and a wider sole than most "player's" or "pro" irons. Though some find the thicker topline comforting, it doesn't appeal to me. The cavity-back usually hidden behind the thick toplines and wider soles reduces my opportunity to work the ball.
Performance
I tested the 3DX Pro with the stock NS Pro 1180GH in stiff flex. I ventured to a course I've played several times and on which I trusted the yardages (having my Bushnell Pinseeker range finder didn't hurt, either). My first few iron shots flew further than I'd have expected, but I adjusted by swinging more easily and focusing on square contact.
My playing partner knew I was testing the clubs, and after awhile began joking that the marketing slogan should be "Nickent 3DX Pro: Pin High Every Time." It's true that I began sticking shots very close to the pins, yet the shots didn't come off as I thought they would. On one hole, I tried to cut a 7-iron into a right-to-left slope on the green. The ball came off higher than normal, but straight at the flag and without a cut.
Workability is an issue with these clubs, which are clearly closer to TaylorMade's LT2 series and Titleist's 755 than to the TM RAC MB TPs or the Titleist 695MBs. Again, that's to be expected, given Hoeflich's previous club designs - all "player's cavity back" irons.
Still, the clubs had a number of redeeming qualities. The weight low in the head really helped to dig the ball out of questionable lies in the rough. Ball flight was a lower, more boring ball flight than expected, but with plenty of spin to hold firm greens even into the longer irons.
After my first round, suspicious of the lofts, I checked Nickent's site and found that my suspicions were warranted:
Iron 3DX Pro RAC MB TP 695MB ---- ------- --------- ----- 3 21 21 22 4 23 24 25 5 25 28 28 6 29 32 32 7 33 36 36 8 37 40 40 9 41 44 44 PW 46 48 48
The 3DX Pro 6-iron, with 29° loft, plays closer to the TM and Titleist 5-iron (28°) than the 6-iron (32°). This discrepancy exists throughout the set, despite starting similarly (21° or 22°) in the 3-iron. Nickent's pitching wedge plays more like a 9½-iron. It's no wonder my shots went long.
You can't tell it here, but the lofts of these irons are almost a full club strong. Swing easy and you'll probably play well.
In the end, I simply couldn't adjust to the 3DX Pro. Though I quickly became accustomed to the slightly thicker topline - I turned it into a reminder that I only needed a smooth swing and "all that metal" would solidly smack the ball - I crave the workability and feel of a muscleback iron.
Still, the game improvement features of the 3DX Pro are commendable. It was was extraordinarily tough to hit a ball offline. Shots that missed the sweet spot still resulted in admirable results.
Specifications
Nickent 3DX Pro irons are available in 2-iron through gap wedge (51°), with a standard set consisting of 3-PW. The Nippon 1180 shaft is standard (in X, S, and R flexes), but you can order a grahite-shafted set with the UST Speedrated 2 shafts in X (105g), S (95g), and R (85g) flexes. Club length and lie are fairly standard, as is the D2 swingweight, but be wary of the decreased loft discussed above. In steel, these irons will set you back only $599, and in graphite $699.
Conclusion
While the Nickent 3DX Pro irons are not my cup of tea - their thicker toplines and more cavity-like look and feel don't mesh with my traditional sensibilities - I came away impressed with the irons. They haven't replaced my muscleback irons, but for the average golfer or the better golfer unconcerned with feel and workability, these irons perform quite nicely. The heavier sole really digs the ball out of bad lies and the trajectory - due in large part to the decreased loft - bores through the air.
If you're a fan of Hoeflich's previous work, you owe it to yourself to give these irons a thorough examination.
Feedback
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Posted 31 Jul 2006 at 10:12am #
Erik: Good review. I've played a bit with the 3DX Pro irons, too, and found them to be a good middle ground between a "players" iron and something more forgiving. A very good iron for a mid-handicapper who needs a some forgiveness, but doesn't want a big, shovel-like design.
Posted 01 Aug 2006 at 4:16pm #
I am currently playing a 3dx pro set with Nippon 950GH. I am a 9hcp and getting lower, I am really starting to love this irons. I never used a blade, my past 2 sets where Clevelands TA5 and CG4, so for me the 3DX looks like a blade at address ;. I foubd the irons very long, even for its lofts (similar to CG4), very good feel and a lot more forgiving than its look.
I would highly recommend this set to anybody looking for a mid size cavity back.
Posted 02 Aug 2006 at 7:43pm #
I have used the 3dx pro for about 3 months and couldn't be happier. I am currently a 12 hcp playing in very windy conditions and the 3dx is tyhe best club i've hit for driving through the wind. I do very much agree about the pw being more like a 9 1/2 iron so when you buy your set make sure and pick up a good 48-50 degree wedge to go in the bag as well.
Posted 18 Aug 2006 at 2:57pm #
With hybrids now mainstream equipment, Nickent leverages its success in this niche to introduce an integrated set of irons and hybrids that totally rethink loft progression. So is their lofty promise justified?
Posted 17 Oct 2006 at 10:11am #
Smaller club manufacturers like Adams Golf are leading us toward what could be the next sea change in golf equipment.
Posted 08 Feb 2007 at 11:58am #
I just got a set of 3dx pros last week. I play them with an extra 3/4" in length, and love the fact that I could keep the D2 swing weight. Every other set I've owned was D6 to D8, the ablility of Nickent to keep the swing weight constant, regardless of length should not be overlooked. I am currently a 6 handicap and would recomend these to anyone from 0-10. Let's not forget that less than 25% of players on the PGA Tour use true blades.
Posted 05 Jun 2007 at 11:03am #
I hate to break it to you but based on who plays what, the "traditional" , a politically correct way of saying old technology, iron is all but dead.
Posted 22 Jun 2007 at 8:17pm #
I absolutely love these irons! I too play to about a 10 hdcp and am making better shots each time out. I'm 1/2 over 2 deg up... and the consistent D2 weighting is paramount. John Hoeflich did a great job with these irons!
Posted 19 Sep 2007 at 3:49pm #
Is it possible to get a combo set made up of nickent 3dx pro
5,6,7,8,9,10,pw plus the 3 and 4 ironwoods or utility hybrids.
I notice the combo offerings dont include the 3dx pro
Posted 03 Nov 2007 at 12:34am #
I played these irons for a couple of games and i like the feel of the ball launching off the clubface with total control and distance . Kind of reminds me of the Srixon 701 and the Burner xd married into one club . Working the ball left or right is a little technical as one has to adjust a lot of factors in ones swing to get the best results . Unlike MB irons where one can easily do draws or fades at will . These are great clubs for those who want to play consistent shots . I wonder what the results will be if i install Project X shafts in X/S . Will advise .
Posted 12 May 2008 at 5:13pm #
Im thinking about replacing my Nike Slingshot Tours with these irons. I like the minimal offset and the clean look to them. What do you all think??
Posted 09 Jun 2008 at 4:56pm #
I bought a set of 3dx pro irons for my dad, since he still played my old 845s from a couple of centuries ago. He gets them this Father's Day '08.
Range testing shows exactly what I had hoped-- these things just hit the ball straight. No fuss. A sensible smooth swing gets you a boring iron shot with enough height to inspire and enough spin to stop. I didn't try a lot of worked shots, since I was hitting range rocks. But the feel and the ease of straight shots is very very nice.
I do wish they came stock with 38" five iron instead of 37.75". I'm six four and my dad's six one, so I think they might be a teency bit short for him. But the loft will make up for it, as these are NOT short hitting irons.
Great feel, easy to hit straight. I like the very small offset, don't like a big one.
Posted 03 Aug 2008 at 1:59pm #
I had a set of Taylor Made r7 irons, then I tried these irons out with a Nippon steel stiff shaft and bought them. I love how they look like a traditional blade at address because of the thin topline, but are more forgiving than a true blade.
As soon as I hit some at the range with them, I was hitting it straight and controlling them very well from the beginning. I really liked the ball flight- a little bit lower and more penetrating, which I noticed especially with the middle and lower irons. Even though the ball flight was a little lower, I still got great distance with them. I usually land a 3 iron about 205-210. With a smooth, solid swing with the 3DX pro 3 iron I was landing it about 215 easily.
Nickent has a great set of irons with the 3DX pros. I highly reccomend these irons to any handicapper. I am finding my bag to have more and more Nickent clubs these days.
Posted 25 Aug 2008 at 9:32pm #
I got back into golfing this summer and figured out my nortwestern that my grandfather left me were not really what I needed to improve my game.
I tested a whole bunch of clubs and all of the ones I really enjoyed were just too expensive for me untill I got my hand on these.
I lowered my hdcp from 30 to 18 within a month and I feel safe on getting on the green pretty much evertime that I,m on the faiway withing 175 yrds.
Nice clubs for soemone with a decent swing that is looking for clubs that help you going straight to where you want .
Posted 08 Sep 2008 at 11:54pm #
I recently purchased the Nickent 3DX pros with the stiff shaft. These are definately the straightest clubs I have ever played with. It is hard to get that really soft sweet spot but either way, the ball is still going long and very straight. You have to really miss hit it to get the ball off path
Posted 31 Oct 2008 at 8:52pm #
I have a considerable number of irons and currently use a Nickent 3DX Tour Driver and the 3DX Utility clubs. I like the driver and I love the utility clubs. I currently play MacGregor M565 irons. It took me a few holes to adjust to these clubs.
Unlike some reviewers, I had no trouble working the ball with this club. I was able to consistently draw the ball and honestly think these clubs are better for individuals with a low to mid handicap player. I also think the stiff Nippon shafts plays to more of a firm flex compared to Rifle and Tru Temper shafts.
One thing I did notice was these clubs will absolutely shred a golf ball. Which means I could go right at the flag and the ball would stick. In the end, I like the clubs and will continue to play more rounds with them. I believe they hold the green better than any cast club I have played - and a bit better than the Macs. Overall, the Mac 565s remain my favorite irons and will remain in the bag.
These clubs are definitely not as forgiving as the 3dx Hybrids, but I really like the way these set up. A much thinner topline and very little offset. Better players will like these clubs. I would steer anyone shooting above 85 towards another club.
Posted 01 Nov 2008 at 9:33pm #
I recently purchased my 2nd set of Nickent irons for myself. I bought a set for my dad also. I loved the 3dx hybrid irons but was raised on blades so I up graded to the 3dx pro. I love them. Great clubs. Had 1 problem after approx 2 weeks the weight came out of the back of the 3 iron and was lost during play. I contacted The Golf Warehouse TGW.com and Nickent looking for some assistance. I would be happy if they would send me another weight and I can install it. I notified them today so I will get back and repost letting you know how they each handled the problem.