TaylorMade RAC LT irons 30sw
Shaft:TaylorMade rifle 5.0 (regular) steel
Grip:TaylorMade
Looks:The modern trend in irons is one of compromise between looks
an performance on one hand and forgiveness and playability on the other.This
has led to manufacturers offering the whole gamut of iron styles (from
blades to deep cavity backs) and then some that fall between the two stools
like the Rac LT.
The LT stands for "low trajectory" and these irons are reminiscent
of the 300 series forged irons that they are replacing.
They are a forged compact cavity back club with a thick topline and cambered
sole (slopes from front to back) with minimal offset and a beautiful high
chrome finish.
The interesting feature of these irons is the so called "tuned performance
cartridge" which is a set of 5 metal rods set in a clear plastic
housing which is set central and low in the cavity of each iron.It is
said to lower weight and push weight to the perimeter which in theory
should increase forgiveness on mishits.
Although it is not visible at address and is well finished,it does tend
to slightly cheapen the look of the club.The "feel pockets"
at the back the club are precision milled and the chrome finish is top
class.
The Rifle shaft and Velvet grip are also high end components and the club
looks great (apart from the cartridge that is!)
Marks:(out of 10) 8
Performance:When these clubs are set behind the ball the firs word
that comes to mind is "POWER".The chunky look and quite wide
head of each club gives the impression that nothing can go wrong.
When it comes to striking the ball,however,this illusion is soon shattered!The
LT is not stamped on these clubs by accident.Trajectories throughout the
set are low and fiery and the ball tends to run a good deal on landing.
This is particulary so for the 3 and 4 irons,which will prove to be superb
driving iron alternatives on tight par 4's.Overall yardages for the set
are above average (low trajectories and what appear to be strong lofts)
and spin seems to be reduced due to a high centre of gravity.This hurts
on the middle and short irons where control is at a premium.
The cambered sole compensates a little for the high COG of the irons,but
these clubs can be quite a struggle from the rough and it is difficult
to get the ball airborne from lush grass.The short irons perform all the
shots despite looking chunky although little lobs and lops are quite difficult
because of the emphasis on high weighting in the clubs.
The "feel cartridge" may look cheap,but it certainly seems to
do the trick and mishits do not sting the fingers too much while pure
strikes can only be described as solid.Overall forgiveness is quite good
but is not up with the most forgiving (Callaway Big Bertha,Ping G2).
Overall this is a good compromise club.
Marks:7
Value:$699 in steel, $899 graphite means that these clubs are not
cheap so shop around for a bargain.
Taylor Made are notorious for obsoleting models every 6-12 months and
trade in and resale value is often in the order of 40-60% less than initial
purchase price so consider this if you intend to splash out.
Marks:6
Verdict:These are good,solid clubs for the mid handicapper who
is a decent n player,but still needs help on mishits.If you play on a
particulary windy course these are also worth investigating.
Higher handicappers will benefit more from Taylor Made's RAC OS model
while low shooters will prefer the looks and performance of the MB or
RAC combo.
Marks:7
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