Fusion Wide-Sole Irons First Impression

[muskegman]

I'm testing Callaway's Fusion Wide-Soles with True Temper DG S300 shafts for The Sand Trap.com. I haven't taken them out to the course yet, should do in the next few days. Here's some thoughts:

• They live up to the name "Wide-Sole." Each club from PW-3 looks like a hybrid. They look like a fantastic wet weather set. No digging involved even on wet Pacific Northwest fairways with these.
• Generous offset. Looks like those who lose the ball right (for righties) are going to have an easier time keeping the ball strait.
• Their large head seems to promote a controlled, smooth swing.
• Did I say that they are absolutely gigantic? Much different than the 690.cb's I've been playing. They look suited for another game.
• Craftsmanship looks really good. Visible technology appears in the composite back, and the titallium insert on the sole for increased launch angle and MOI.

I'll report back after I've put them through the paces.

[muskegman]

Thought I'd throw you another bone. I've played both Fusion sets a couple of times now and am getting pretty darned impressed by both sets. I shot my lowest score on Saturday with the Fusion Wide-Soles, an 86 and then took the regular Fusions out today and shot my lowest score again, an 85.

These clubs are long, accurate, and super forgiving. They lack the feel that my 690's have (obviously) but feel very good. Both sets are ultra-forgiving. Off center hits aren't penalized like cut-muscle cavity backs. Hit them off-center, fat, thin or whatever and you are still left with a fairly desireable shot. I think they are going to review well.

The only thing missing is in the feel department. With forged clubs you know where the ball is going at impact most of the time, if there's an off center hit. Its not like that with these. Overall the Fusion's results are better, at least with my swing. I'm impressed.

Bottom line: I've shaved a good 6 strokes off since I started playing these. Maybe it has something to do with leaving the driver and three-wood in the bag too.

The Fusions are a great set of clubs... both the Wide-Sole and regular Fusions.

[Donald MacKenzie]

Jeff: Nice scores! I've played the regular Fusions for most of the last year. The feedback is not nearly as crisp as a forged clubhead, but I do like the overall softness. But the best thing is the forgiveness. Like you said, even poor contact gives you a decent result.

Do you notice any ball flight/trajectory difference with the Wide Sole version? I would think they have to hit the ball higher, since there's so much weight low in the clubhead. Also, do the Wide Soles have more offset? From photos it looks like they do.

Looking forward to the review, and hearing which set you like the best.

[iacas]

My mom told me that if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all. So, on that note...

J/K. I personally wouldn't ever play 'em because of the looks, the offset, and the looks. Oh, and they look horrible to me too. Brick on a stick.

[muskegman]

  Donald MacKenzie said:

Do you notice any ball flight/trajectory difference with the Wide Sole version? I would think they have to hit the ball higher, since there's so much weight low in the clubhead. Also, do the Wide Soles have more offset? From photos it looks like they do.

You know, I didn't notice any substantial difference in trajectory between the two sets. Both sets, as you know, have True Temper DG S300 shafts installed so the clubhead would be the only difference. I'm going to take both sets to the range and see if I pick up any difference in ball flight this week some time.

The Wide Soles have more offset than the Fusions. I'm not sure the exact specs but there appears to be substantially more offset than the Fusions. The main feature of the Wide Soles, beyond their incredible forgiveness, is the way the sole interacts with the turf. It is pretty tough to hit a bad shot with them. I think players wanting to lower their scores will like that a lot. I'll be honest, I wasn't all that enthusiastic about either set when they showed up on my doorstep but their sheer ease of play won me over real fast. My take today is that this: They don't look or feel like a traditional looking forged club but they do what good clubs are supposed to do... help you post low scores. Thats the point of golf right? There is a certain enjoyment we gain from playing certain equipment (whatever that may be) but my buddies always want to know what number I posted. It has been fun to tell them that I scored a full 6 strokes better than previous rounds. I've left the driver in the bag most of the time too which keeps me out of the trees but my ball striking has definitely improved. I've adjusted to the difference in feel I get with both of the Fusion sets. I like them and appreciate them for what they are... really good game-improvement clubs.

  None said:

My mom told me that if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all. So, on that note... J/K. I personally wouldn't ever play 'em because of the looks, the offset, and the looks. Oh, and they look horrible to me too. Brick on a stick.

Yeah, they aren't a traditional looking club but they do accomplish what they were intended to accomplish. I look forward to getting the 690's out again after the experament and see what happens to my ballstriking.