MPF Iron Ratings for 2007
As an addendum to the Maltby Playability Factor for irons book, Ralph has updated ratings for all new irons. Click on the link below to download and view the latest iron MPF ratings.
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Recent Comments
FMooregolf, great approach! As you know, by the way you teach, the face angle and path are the primary determining factors in not only shaping the shot, hitting it in the right direction, but also in hitting the ball more solid. Couple this with utilizing MPF to get the right iron head design into the golfers hands based on his/her ability and golfer's have a far greater chance of success in playing better golf. Finally, getting the golfer into the lauch monitor and fitting them properly to the correct shaft and the other important fitting variables and sucess is guaranteed. Almost sounds to simple, but this is really how to play better golf.
Thanks Ralph, I read the article and found it very interesting and I agree on your assertion that draw weighted irons just don't help produce a better ball striking and flight. I find that through lessons on swing path and square clubface at impact that my students improve ball striking. I'm using your MPF ratings more and more to give customers some concrete information on the "forgiveness" of different irons. Some of the results like the r7 Draw iron have been rather surprising!
FMooregolf, please read the article on this site “The Maltby Reporter 1:1”. This article compares a number of the new irons for 2007 and even has a drawing of the TaylorMade R7 Draw iron compared to the Ping Rapture. Basically, so-called draw technology in an iron is made-up marketing technology. Why not simply buy a 1953 Spalding Synchro-Dyned iron (also old Macgregor and Wilson irons) and you get the exact same thing, a horizontal center of gravity located back into the heel. The manufacturers attempt to prove out draw technology by using mechanical golfing machines (robots) which is far from real world golfers hitting shots.
Ralph, I was checking your MPF rating for the Taylor Made r7 Draw and it seems very low. Taylor Made qualifies that iron as their most forgiving game improvement iron, but you seem to disagree. Can you elaborate? Fred Moore, PGA Golf Galaxy 068
Jim, first of all, the new Ping I-10's are 645 points and in the Game Improvement category. Any MPF change over 300 points is a fairly significant and noticeable difference in hitting the ball. I prefer the X-18 Pro Series from Callaway and the KE4 Tour's. Obviously you need to hit and compare the clubs you want to try. Being a low handicap, keep in mind that the shaft is going to be very important in the final result. If you can, hit the ball you normally play when hitting on a launch monitor. Trajectory is going to be a deciding factor. I really prefer to see the lower handicap players hitting it higher with the low spin balls. The Callaway has the lowest center of gravity of the 3 irons you mentioned, with the KE4 in the middle and the TaylorMade 320's the highest. The TaylorMades are still quite low however and do play well, so I am assuming you are probably playing a Dynamic steel or Dynamic Gold steel shaft (or a stiffer Rifle). I have not measured the Bridgestones yet for MPF. Let me know when you finally make your decision or how you are coming along with your testing.
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