New Titleist VG3 Irons for 2011

**Kazuhiro** · October 18, 2010

Titleist Japan has recently launched their 2011 irons last month for the Japan Domestic Market Only.

There's also a VG3 driver, but I hit about 30-40 balls with one last week and I didn't rate it, just didn't feel right for my game personally, however I'm intrigued by the iron set.
Image:

Links:
http://www.titleist.co.jp/htm/news/vg3_iron.shtml
http://www.tourspecgolf.com/Titleist...orged-Iron-5PW

I hit the display versions of the clubs at a Golf5 (I think similar to GolfGalaxy in the US) in Ibaraki recently and I kinda liked the feel of them. They're meant for the 'improving mid handicapper', although the guy in the shop, who I know very very well, said they really can fit anyone ad would be fine for me.

I played them on a driving range for about 2 hours, and I had mixed feelings. I was disappointed with the distance - I'd say roughly I was hitting most shorts, with pretty much all the different clubs in the set, a good 10-15 feet less than I do with my current Yonex's. Although ofcourse these VG3's look brilliant, I can't decide weather to splash out the equivalent of $700 especially for a brand I've never used.

Theyve been the biggest selling Irons in Japan already this year despite only coming out last month, and all the golf magazines over here are going mad for thems.

But, I've never really used Titleist clubs before and I've an affection with ONOFF & Yonex - I just want some tips really on Titleist, and also; Do you agree that these irons look brilliant, from a design point?!

**sean_miller** · October 18, 2010

Do you agree that these irons look brilliant, from a design point?!

Not reallly. They look a bit like the bas**d child of an AP1 and a ZM blade.

**enis750** · October 18, 2010

hmmm...on looks alone, not a fan

**1par2win** · October 18, 2010

Yea, can't say I like that "arrow" design in the cavity back.

**kpaulhus** · October 18, 2010

Titleist just went back to the "Traditional" look with their 710 series. IDK why they would put another iron on the market that is much more busy (sp?) than the AP series.

***iacas*** · October 18, 2010

Titleist just went back to the "Traditional" look with their 710 series. IDK why they would put another iron on the market that is much more

Because it's for the Japanese market. The Japanese market likes to see more "techy" looking stuff, generally speaking.

**TourSpoon** · October 19, 2010

Those lofts are really jacked up...I hope the Japanese like them...I'll pass just on the looks.

**bwdial** · October 19, 2010

Does the VG stand for "Very Grotesque"?

**kurisu** · October 19, 2010

Tried those a couple of weeks ago at a "new releases" event at my practice range (not only Titleist). Clearly those irons are targeted at the "okane mochi" (i.e. rich) senior salaryman; I mean, the 5 iron is lofted 24º, and the default shaft is a Motore 6.0i. If anything, these are made to go farther.

Even the 710 AP1s that I play are less strongly lofted, and the AP1s are as close to "game improvement" as Titleist can make them.

The shaft selection is pathetic: Motore 6.0i / DG S200 / NSPro950GH. I like the NSPro950, which I have in my AP1s, but you'd think they would at least give a few more options especially in graphite, for the market they target.
Fitting is non-existant for Titleist here in Japan, unless you are really lucky and can attend the very rare demo events they organise once every blue moon in one of those very exclusive golf courses that you cannot enter unless you over 40 years old.
(sorry I realise this starts to turn into a Acushnet rant…)

Back on topic, the only reason that Acushnet Japan released those irons is that senior Japanese golfers are obsessed with distance (see the concept for the VG3 driver) and they are obsessed with forged *anything*. And it looks good to be the only guy playing Titleist clubs when you're out entertaining clients. I think it is brilliant marketing, but these irons are nothing to write home about when it comes to performance.

**Kazuhiro** · October 19, 2010

Hi Kurisu, I was really disappointed with the distance to be honest, I was told they were far longer than most irons, particularly my Yonex's but I just couldn't get them to work for me, was getting no distance at all out of them, which was disappointing.

And also, how can you people not like the looks?! I love them!

**max power** · October 19, 2010

Hi Kurisu, I was really disappointed with the distance to be honest, I was told they were far longer than most irons, particularly my Yonex's but I just couldn't get them to work for me, was getting no distance at all out of them, which was disappointing.

I don't usually comment on appearance of clubs, 'cause I like some that are universally despised, but these are the least attractive Titleists I can bring to mind.

**sean_miller** · October 19, 2010

I don't usually comment on appearance of clubs, 'cause I like some that are universally despised, but these are the least attractive Titleists I can bring to mind.

Probably a good reason why it's not for sale over here. I'd like to see them in person though, before passing my final judgment.

Take the new Mizunos for example - in print they look cheesy and lame. In person I wanted to hit them so badly - they're tenfold better in person.

**wubskis** · October 19, 2010

I like them. A lot.

**Deryck Griffith** · October 19, 2010

I'll pass...the Japanese however (I know from first hand experience in traveling there) love funky stuff so it makes sense why it's not available in North America or Europe.

**kurisu** · October 19, 2010

Hi Kurisu, I was really disappointed with the distance to be honest, I was told they were far longer than most irons, particularly my Yonex's but I just couldn't get them to work for me, was getting no distance at all out of them, which was disappointing.

Kazuhiroさん、

どうもはじめまして。 Well, what shaft came with the set you tried? Beyond loft (which is definitely stronger than on your Yonex set) shaft is the biggest variable when it comes to distance and accuracy. The set I got to try had the same shaft as in my AP1s (NSPro950GH in S) so I got a pretty good idea how they compare and you can definitely see they are longer with the stronger loft, all other things being equal. Sound wise they were awfully "clicky" for forged heads. To be honest, I believe this is more of a marketing move than a true "new" product. I bet the plastic insert in the back is similar to what is in the AP series. As for looks, well, not my cup of tea. They are bulky, thick and kinda square. At address the topline gives the impression you have a frypan to hit with, especially since the heads are in dark chrome colour. Sorry for the harsh words but for me Titleist implies classic looks, and this model certainly doesn't fit that description… If people want to play Titleist, the AP2s are awesome and forgiving (and forged!), and the CB are just gorgeous IMHO… Why do I see so many senior players here with super expensive forged Honma or Titleist or PRGR musclebacks that cannot break 110? I mean, talk about making the game harder than it already is! Acushnet Japan knows this all too well, and that's why they created this VG3 line. They disguised SGI irons, driver, balls (expect a line of fairway woods soon) with buzzwords like "forged", "exclusive", "飛ぶ！" and "experienced golfer". Seriously it's brilliant. (As a side note. The VG3 ball: that's a distance ball in a pretty fancy colour sold at 8,000 yen a dozen. Same as the "GranZ" line before it, which tanked completely.)

**golfro** · October 19, 2010

am i the only one that doesn't mind these at all...? with the kind of monstrocity manufacturers are making these outs, these look just fine to me.

**sean_miller** · October 19, 2010

am i the only one that doesn't mind these at all...? with the kind of monstrocity manufacturers are making these outs, these look just fine to me.

I recommend the Titleist Japan link. There are more photos (albeit small) from more angles. I can't see how someone who likes the Titleist AP1 and AP2 could have anything negative to say about these.

If they were played by Rickie Fowler and called the AP3 there'd be gallons of virtual drool all over this thread.

**golfro** · October 19, 2010

I recommend the Titleist Japan link. There are more photos (albeit small) from more angles. I can't see how someone who likes the Titleist AP1 and AP2 could have anything negative to say about these.

exactly. so they have some kind of "arrow" shape in the cavity...whatever. i won't be drooling over these by any means but i also wouldn't be calling them "ugly"

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