Bridgestone Golf J40 Iron Review - A Lot More Than Just A Golf Ball Company

Now that Brandt Snedeker has just taken home the 2012 Fed Ex Cup by winning the Tour Championship we thought we would test the irons Brandt used in helping him get to the top spot this year. Brandt is one of Bridgestone Golf's top sponored golf professionals along with Matt Kuchar, Davis Love III and Freddie Couples.

When you think of the Bridgestone Golf, odds are you think of the hot, new B330 and eSeries golf balls, both of which have become very popular recently. What you might not know is that Bridgestone has produced a couple sets of stunning forged irons that have silently flown under the radar.

That is until now...

APPEARANCES:

We tested out both sets of new Bridgestone irons: The Bridgestone J40 Cavity Backs (CB) and the Bridgestone J40 Dual Pocket Cavity (PC). Beginning with the Cavity Backs, each iron demonstrates the appearance and feel that Tour professionals are looking for. At address, the thin topline, short heel-to-toe profile and raised face design look like an iron designed for true shotshaping. But turn it over and you'll see the Cavity Backs are really a modified cavity back, with a perimeter-weighted design and added weight placed behind the sweet spot. This does two things that a standard blade doesn't. It increases forgiveness, which helps golfers hit longer shots, all while retaining the ability to work the ball that comes from the traditional shape. The J40 Dual PCs have a extended profile from heel to toe and two pocket cavities behind the face, both designed to increase the forgiveness factor. Both irons are forged, both have sole designs for versatility (the CBs with slightly more), and both come with Project X steel flighted shafts. Oh, and as for looks? Just look at the photos. They're sweet from head to toe.

FEEL & PERFORMANCE:

As much as we wish we could keep it a secret, the J40 CBs and PCs are much, much more forgiving and longer than you might expect. Yes, they're forged and feel soft and buttery as you'd expect, but they both are very forgiving on miss-hits and distance, even on slightly off-center hits. In the case of the CBs, we felt as though each iron was up to one full club longer than similar forged irons we've tried lately. We realize the strong Project X shaft may have something to do with that, but shots hit with these irons bore through the air with a Tour-like trajectory. In regards to the PCs, they too were long, and a tad more forgiving with the middle and longer irons. That said, it's important to consider these irons were tested by a single-digit handicapper, one of whom already plays forged irons. So don't think these irons are any sort of game-improvement irons. They're not. They're a Players iron, with game-improvement qualities built right in. The PCs had a higher trajectory (albeit only slightly) than the CBs, and the longer irons (4-6) were more forgiving.

EVALUATION:

Both irons, the CBs and the PCs, surpassed our expectations in terms of distance and forgiveness. As for versatility, we didn't have issues hitting different types of shots either. We did feel that they may be better suited for stronger players, possibly due to the Tour-friendly Project X shafts, which combined, might make it more difficult for an average player to hit higher shots. Nonetheless, with the proper iron frequency (flex), that could make a big difference.

We liked both irons a great deal, and couldn't decide on which we favored more. We actually made ourselves a best-of-both-worlds combo set using the Pocket Cavity irons as our long irons (3-6 iron) and the Cavity Back irons as our scoring irons (7-PW). For you forged-irons junkies (like us) who want either an iron that's long and forgiving that's also forged (the PCs), or a forged iron that's also long and forgiving (the CBs), you can't go wrong with these two options. Great Job, Bridgestone!

You can order the Bridgestone J40 Cavity Back Or Dual Pocket Iron Set at a great price at Great Golf Deals.com - Discount Golf Equipment.

Cleveland Classic Driver Review - Great Looks With Performance To Match

When we first saw the brand-new Cleveland Classic driver first hand—which was on the course in direct sunlight—we were amazed. Amazed first at how large a risk Cleveland was taking coming out with a retro-looking, non adjustable driver, and at how different it was from many modern-day, high-tech, multi-colored, adjustable drivers. Nonetheless, as you're about to read, we found the Cleveland Classic not only be among our favorite new clubs for 2012, but additionally be a bona fide leader for Golf Driver of the Year.

APPEARANCE:
Obviously, we were enthusiastic to examine this new driver on the course, with it's deep crimson-colored crown, gold-colored soleplate along with trapezoidal face coloring. In our opinion, it slightly resemble a persimmon head - an homage to the good fashion taste and designs in the late 1950s and beginning '60s. We love that big "1" on the soleplate. As for the size and shape, the Classic is an old-fashioned pear-shaped driver with a deep clubface, two traits in driver design which have stood the test of time. We tried the Cleveland Classic 290 Driver, but there's also a Cleveland Classic 270 driver along with Cleveland Classic 310g Tour version, as well (the 270g being the super-lightweight option for far more clubhead speed, the 310g being suited to faster swingers who desire added maneuverability). The shaft we tried was the Miyazaki C. Kua 43 , with looks that paired well with the clubhead design. Our only issue is the lightning graphic on shaft better doesn't quite match with the retro look, but it's a minor detail. Also, and the retro faux black leather headcover is a good touch. The club looked great in our golf bag.

FEEL & PERFORMANCE:
The 199g head plus the 43g shaft are perfectly matched (with the grip, the driver weighs out at around 290g total). Put simply, it felt light (A D2 swingweight) but balanced and easy to swing. Upon our 1st trial, we found this driver to do exceptionally well, with shots fired off-center of the face flying excessive and far with moderate spin. The driver we tried launched the ball higher than most other drivers in the same length and loft, possibly because we were able to clear and release the hands quicker (the lightweight factor makes a difference). The gold trapezoid on the clubface is noticeable at address along and knowing it's there did actually help us concentrate more on hitting center of the clubface. As for the sound, the club sounded like a modern-day driver, without an excessive amount high-pitch clang. Our ears were met with with pleasing pop sounds that did actually vary, depending on that ball we used.

Now with the good stuff. Because of the deep-face design, we didn't miss the sweet spot that often, then when we did, we only saw minimal decrease in distance—we'd guess between 5 or 10 yards on off-center hits. Cleveland termed their design process the "Right Way Engineering", which is the process of removing excess weight in the clubhead—either getting rid of it completely or repositioning that in strategic locations in the clubhead (which is commonly low, back and for the sides of the head) along with pairing the clubhead with a perfectly tuned lightweight shaft and grip. Combine that with a variable face thickness for a greater COR across more points about the face, and you have a very forgiving Classic driver.

EVALUATION:
The Classic driver is here now to stay. Not only can it be a top performer among lightweight drivers for 2012 its nostalgic look reminds us in the steep history and heritage golf has. Is it the longest driver we tried using in 2012? No, however it probably could be with an even lighter shaft along with grip, or if we tried the 270g variation. Instead, the Classic could be the optimal blend of forgiveness along with distance, which is just what exactly mid- to low-handicappers desire. We hit high, bombing shots that looked like easy to control—we were able to work the ball each way on demand.

The Miyazaki shaft we tried was excellent too with a consistent shot dispersion even though we swung harder than usual which caused higher shots instead of lower ones. Also, we did not notice any accentuated draw bias as on other drivers, which isn't needed by the way. As for adjustability? That is not needed here either, but having three weight options from which to choose is useful to for dialing in the exact type of driver you want. You can get a custom shaft put in if you already have one you like but the stock shafts work well with each driver. And lastly, and perhaps most important of all, the Classic isn't merely a great driver, it's an amazing bargain. Originally launched at a price point of $299, Cleveland has now drop the price on these to $199 - that's almost the total price of the Miyazaki shaft by itself. If you've waited until now to buy this driver you're in luck because at its current price it's a steal.

Buy this driver Now for only $184.99 at Great Golf Deals.com - Discount Golf Equipment.

We finally Took The TaylorMade RocketBallz 17 Yard Challenge - Did you?

If there were any more noticable hype encompassing the 2012 launch of TaylorMade's RocketBallz series of fairway woods, we all would have to hire spin doctors to decipher the facts. The hype that launched the RocketBallz (RBZ) line in February 2012 was this: If you put an RBZ 3-wood in your bag you'd achieve 17 yards more than your past fairway wood. For this reason, their marketing campaign showcasing shocked PGA Tour players demoing the club and then turning up to tournaments with the number "17" imprinted on their hats.

Aside from a outstanding marketing campaign, the various shaft and clubhead offerings and the eye catching white club head, the primary difference between the past line of Burner 2.0 SuperFast woods and the RBZ fairways is the "velocity slot" oh no sorry that was Adams Golf description - TaylorMade calls it the "Speed Pocket" - at the bottom of the club. And that is a game changer. The slot in the sole of the club head makes the clubface springier and increases ball speed, which is what you're looking to obtain additional distance.

Taking The Test

So what are the components that factor into distance? In basic terms, it's quality of contact, ball speed, spin rate, and the intangible of feel. One thing I did just noticed in small print from TaylorMade, however, with the RocketBallz fairway distance claims is that better players with speedier swing speeds should see the biggest distance increases.

So with that in mind, I made the decision to see if an additional 17 yards was in the cards for me. I took my current 2007 Bridgestone J33 fairway 3-wood and put a similarly shafted and lofted RBZ to the test. After warming up, using a Trackman launch monitor on a windless day, my 10.4 USGA Index was able to gain about 6 more miles per hour of ball speed out of the RocketBallz fairway. Ball speed generally converts to 2 yards per mile per hour gained. But, not only had the technology in my '07 Bridgestone gotten older, so had I. So gaining 13 total carry yards is a very acceptable success. What I also noticed was that the RBZ was much easier to hit. Possibly a little heavier head feel, which might be due in part to a lighter-weight shaft (only 45 grams). The sound was solid, as was the feel. Off-center hits were not penalized and their was less shot dispersion.

So I did not get the 17 more yards as TaylorMade promised but I also don't swing like a PGA Tour Pro. I can imagine that if I had a faster swing speed the increase in distance would be greater. But I will take 13 yards any day all day. It could be the difference between going for that par 5 in twoor laying up.

There are a number of various models and loft choices for the RocketBallz fairway woods. The standard RBZ fairway features a slight draw bias, and shallower club face and a light Matrx Xcon 5 Shaft. The Tour RBZ Fairway model of the RBZ features a marginally deeper face, neutral flight bias and a .335 size tip as well as heavier stock shaft. The "Tour Preferred" (TP) RBZ fairway wood model uses the same club heads but adds an upgraded tour level shaft

In a lot of cases the hype for a club exceeds the performance but in the case of the RBZ woods the hype and performance are equal. On top of that a club that is forgiving, high launching and offers lower spin is a club that is most likely to end up in a lot of golf bags. No wonder it is the top selling fairway wood in our store for 2012.

If you've waited this long to try the RocketBallz challenge you're in luck. TaylorMade has just reduced the price of the RBZ drivers and irons and will soon drop the prices on the fairways and hybrids. You can check out the RocketBallz and all the other TaylorMade discount golf clubs at Great Golf Deals.com.

What's In Our Staff Members' Golf Bag?

Ok so we always want to know what the top PGA Tour players have in their bags and it is nice to know what clubs the best players in the world are using while making a living playing golf.

But what about the average golfer?

If the average golfer tried to use the same equipment the PGA Players currently use, in most cases, he or she would find the game much more difficult. PGA players are playing clubs that are designed for scratch golfers or better. Their clubs are not very forgiving if hit anywhere but the sweet spot. They use forged blades for irons and extra-stiff shafts designed to get the most out of their golf swing.

So we thought it may be more interesting to know what the average golfer currently has in their current golf bags and what their favorite go-to club is.

Kevin Lang is our General Manager and currently plays to a 12 handicap with a swing speed of 98. He has been playing golf for about 8 years and according to Kevin, the best part if his game is his driving. The worst part of his game is this short game and putting.

What's In Kevin's Bag?

DRIVER: Nike VR_S Driver (10.5°) with Nike Fubuki Stiff shaft
"I just picked up this driver this year and love it. I was hitting a TaylorMade Burner 09 Driver but I found the Nike to be more forgiving on miss-hits and longer and straighter than the TaylorMade."

HYBRID CLUB: TaylorMade RocketBallz RBZ Tour Rescue Hybrid (2H-16°) with Fujikura RE*AX Stiff shafts
"I needed a replacement for a 2-iron and the tour version of the RBZ hybrid fit the bill. I was still hitting a 2-iron up until this year and once it hit the RBZ 2 Hybrid the 2 iron became a coat hanger. "

FAIRWAY WOOD: TaylorMade RocketBallz RBZ Fairway Wood (3Wood-15°) with Matrix XCon 5 Stiff shafts
"I too bought into the TaylorMade RocketBallz hype so I had to try the 17 yard challenge for myself. I was hitting a Adams Speedline 10 Fairway and when I compared it to the new RBZ fairway I knew immediately that I was getting more distance. On average I think I picked up about 15-20 more yards with the RocketBallz fairway. Needless to say the Adams fairway is not in the bag anymore."

IRONS: TaylorMade R11 Irons (3-PW) with KBS Tour Steel Stiff shafts
"This is a great set of irons that combines the good looks of a players iron with the latest technology to make them forgiving on miss-hits"

WEDGES: Titleist Vokey Design Spin Mill ( 56°, 60°) with Dynamic Golf Steel shafts
"I still love Titleist wedges and until I find one I hit better I will keep hitting them."

PUTTER: Nike Method Putter (Model 001) 35 Inches
"Hey if Tiger Woods putts well using this one I can too"

BALL: Titleist Pro V1x
"Expensive but still the best all-around ball for me"

You Can Check Out All This Gear At Deep Discount Prices at Great Golf Deals.com Discount Golf Equipment

Adams Golf Improves on Their Tech V3 Irons with the New IDEA Tech V4 Hybrid Irons

When you think of the top selling hybrid-iron combo sets on the market you thnk about the products Adams has been putting out since the IDEA line was introduced. Building on the popularity of the Adams Tech V3 Hybrid irons which featured both a forged set with a mix of hybrids and irons and an all-hybrid set, for 2013, Adams in introducing the new IDEA Tech v4 Hybrid Irons.

The most noticable change and and the one that will have the biggest impact on on performance is the addition of the "velocity slots" on the stainless steel hybrids. This technology developed by Adams and "borrowed" by TaylorMade in the RBZ line boost face deflection at impact for explosive distance. The slots extend through the head, from crown to sole, while TPU badges hide the openings. In addition, a new heat treatment process strengthens high stress areas in the head and allows for a thinner clubface.

All these updates combine to generate 3% increase in ball speed over the Tech V3 Hybrids. What this equates to is a about 13 additional yards and who couldn't use 13 more yards carry? The velocity slot technology in these hybrids develops a spring effect off the club face similar to that of a driver. That is no easy feat considering the club face and size of the driver is so much larger than that of a hybrid.

Like the Tech V3 models, the IDEA Tech V4 will be available in 2 models: The first model will include three hybrids (3-5) plus forged mid and short irons (6-PW). A second more forgiving model will consist of all hybrids 4-GW.

Both set makeups will sell for $799 with True Temper’s Performance Step steel shaft, or $899 with Mitsubishi Rayon’s Bassara graphite shaft. Clubs will be at retail beginning September 26.

Cobra Golf Introduces New Baffler Hybrid Iron Sets for 2012

The Cobra Baffler utility wood was introduced in 1975 and was one of the first hybrid utility clubs in the market and they played an important role in the hybrid club revolution.

"Our Baffler products have helped make golf easier for generations," said Bob Philion, President of COBRA PUMA GOLF. "We've taken the best design elements from our heritage and updated them with modern technologies to create an easy to hit Baffler Hybrid Iron that truly takes our Baffler family to the next level, making golf easier for golfers around the world."

The New Baffler Hybrid Irons take key technology from COBRA's iconic Baffler Hybrids to create an easy to hit iron that delivers maximum forgiveness, higher launch and improved distance; it truly is Golf Made Easy.

The progressive, oversized face profile provides high MOI for superior forgiveness as well as a low center of gravity for easy up. E9 Face TechnologyTM brings a variable thickness face that progresses from short to long irons, providing faster ball speeds and greater distance on off center hits while a full back cavity TPU tunes vibrations to improve sound and feel on all shots.

The Baffler Hybrid Irons are also available in a Baffler Hybrid Iron Combo set (men's and women's), where the long irons are replaced with easy to hit Baffler Hybrids. The Baffler Hybrids have a wide, railed sole and shallow face for high and easy launch as well as a top-line alignment system for added confidence.

The COBRA Baffler Hybrid Irons are available in right and left handed models in steel (4-PW, GW), graphite (4-PW, GW) and graphite lite (5-PW, GW, SW) sets. MAP is $499 for steel (stiff or regular) sets and $599 for graphite (stiff, regular or lite) sets. The COBRA Baffler Hybrid Iron Combo Sets are available in right and left handed models in steel irons and graphite hybrids (4-6h, 7-PW, GW) and graphite hybrids and irons (4-6h, 7-PW, GW). MAP is $599 for steel (stiff or regular) combo sets and $699 (stiff, regular, lite) for graphite combo sets. All Baffler Irons and Hybrids feature a Lamkin COBRA REL Grip. Baffler Hybrids feature an MRC COBRA Baffler Hybrid shaft and Baffler Irons feature an MRC COBRA Baffler Iron shaft. The full set is Revolver Grey with Barbados Red highlights.

In the women's line, the Baffler Hybrid Iron Combo set is available in right and left handed graphite models (4-6h, 7-PW, SW) with MAP of $699. They feature a COBRA Winn Wrap grip and an MRC COBRA Baffler Hybrid/Iron shaft. The set is Capri Blue with silver highlights.

The Baffler Hybrid Irons and Baffler Hybrid Iron Combo Set (men's and women's) will be available at Great Golf Deals.com on October 19th, 2012.