Cleveland CG7: what's the best choice?

[glbrum]

I searched the archives and couldn't find anything specific, so....

I'm tentatively in the market for new irons [maybe a grad gift] and I've decided, for now, to go with Cleveland as I've been playing them for 11-12 years now. My handicap is probably 9-10 right now, although I probably play more to a 12 [haven't been playing much, but that will change once college ends in a few weeks]. Now to the clubs, there are 4 types of CG7's on Cleveland's website that I'm looking at: CG7 Black Pearl, CG7 Tour Black Pearl, CG7 Irons, and CG7 Tour Irons. According to the website, the Tour's are for low - mid handicappers and the normal non-tours are for mid-high handicaps. Then, the Black pearl series has the laser-milled and zip grooved faces, which the regular CG7 series doesn't have.

What are the main differences between the Tour vs. Non-Tour irons? Is one better than the other? Anything the Black Pearl has that the regular CG7's don't that's not explicitly stated on the website? Based on my handicap, should I stick with regular irons or should I try out a Tour set?

[Gilly]

I am wondering the same thing! I have always loved Cleveland irons and played a set of TA3's for about 6 yrs. I was considering the new CG7's but couldn't decide between the BP Tour's with zip grooves or the regular CG7 Tour's. I honestly couldn't tell any difference between the Tour vs. non-Tour CG7's. They look identical to me even at address. Does anyone know what the differences are between the two? Any Cleveland guru's out there?

[andef]

  Gilly said:

Does anyone know what the differences are between the two? Any Cleveland guru's out there?

A Cleveland rep told me the only difference are the grooves and the finish that comes with the clubs, otherwise performance should be the same.

[Stretch]

The CG7s are game-improvement clubs, while the Tours are a player's iron. In practical terms, this means the CG7s have more offset, a larger club head and a thicker sole. See below.





I have the Tours. They are excellent clubs. Although with my game, I should probably play the CG7s. Vanity!

[delav]

  Gilly said:

I am wondering the same thing! I have always loved Cleveland irons and played a set of TA3's for about 6 yrs. I was considering the new CG7's but couldn't decide between the BP Tour's with zip grooves or the regular CG7 Tour's. I honestly couldn't tell any difference between the Tour vs. non-Tour CG7's. They look identical to me even at address. Does anyone know what the differences are between the two? Any Cleveland guru's out there?

The CG7 and CG7 tour look different at address to me. As Stretch stated, the reduced offset, thinner profile and shorter heel-toe length differentiate them from the CG7.

The black pearl option for both clubs is finish and laser milling. I have heard from many that the black finish wears quickly and leaves the clubs looking pretty strange.

[glbrum]

so, is there any benefit to the laser milling and the zip grooves of the BP series versus the regular CG7 series?

[Gilly]

  delav said:

The CG7 and CG7 tour look different at address to me. As Stretch stated, the reduced offset, thinner profile and shorter heel-toe length differentiate them from the CG7.

Absolutely! I'm not sure what the hell I was looking at the last time I was comparing the two. While was at the golf store today looking at them, there was an obvious difference between the tour & non-tour. Mainly the offset & sole.

[delav]

  glbrum said:

so, is there any benefit to the laser milling and the zip grooves of the BP series versus the regular CG7 series?

Yes, marketing.

I haven't hit them into a launch monitor to check spin rates, but I'd imagine the increase in spin (if any) would come from partial swings.

[Stretch]

Personally, I'd go for the standard silver finish, which isn't going to wear oddly, and save the extra cash. You can get CG7s and Tours for as little as $375 online, versus $699 for the BPs.