TaylorMade Burner 2.0 Irons - Forum Testing Review

[imz23]

A follow up to my initial post on 7/14 re: purchasing the 2.0's. But before I begin, a quick recap...
- Started the year as a 18 hndcp, upon purchase 7/14/11 down to a 14 hndcp and now a 12 handicap.
- spent about 10 hours at the range comparing Mizuno JPX 800 & Pro's, CB2's Callaway Razr's, Cleveland CG 16, Adam Black Cobra S3, Ping G15 to my old set of Cleveland CG 4's.
- Weakness; Driver only 240-250 w/ fade. Puts a lot of stress on my mid-short game
- Strength: 170 yds and in, especially short game
- felt the need to strengthen my irons to make up for my driver as we typically play 6400-6600 yds.
------
I've had the 2.0's for just over a month now. And have played about 27-36 holes and minimum 200+ balls at the range per week. I've finally have a good grasp on my distances. It took me a little longer to get my finesse shots dialed in (chipping; bump & run, etc.), but in a matter of a month, I've already lowered my handicap to a 12 from 14. I can directly attribute this to my new irons as my driver hasn't improved. The 2.0'2 have improved my all around game as I now feel comfortable enough to hit 3 or 5 wood off the tee knowing my long-mid irons have improved dramatically to go along w/ my strength of 100 yds and in.

more details to come...

 

[imz23]

Hi Guys,
Another couple of question if I may, there was talk earlier on in the thread about unusual wear on the clubs /sign of aging (other than that caused by bunker rash). Would you care to give an update, now you all seem to have played considerably more rounds than when this strand emerged? Only cautious as I hope to order my set in 2 weeks ( Clearly I will be going to the belfry for a fitting with an open mind;-)) I just hope the Fitter and Trackman agree that these are the set for me)......

Secondly,
It is clear to me that in most cases there have been increases in length when you have got used to these clubs compared to your old clubs. I wonder if anyone has noticed or even tested the dispersion they get. Perhaps old and new clubs on the range at the same time with dispersion in mind and not the distance. The reason I ask is in the UK Today’s Golfer magazine rated them highly on all things (silver award) but appeared to mark them down slightly on dispersion which I presume is dispersion left to right and not Long/Short. Anyway, if you have any thoughts would be great to hear them and keep up the good work.
Very Many Thanks

Dez

1) Surprisingly, after a month playing 27-36 holes & 200+ balls at the range per week, I haven't seen any signs of wear to the face or bottom of the club.
2) I'm not a long hitter to begin with but I've seen a increase in all my clubs. Depending on the club 10-15 yards. All of my clubs are at least 1 club longer (probably due to the stronger lofts), but still longer then my old comparable lofts. It took me almost a month to dial in the distances, but have already lowered my handicap from a 14 to a 12.

 

[tomahawk18]

A follow up to my initial post on 7/14 re: purchasing the 2.0's. But before I begin, a quick recap...
- Started the year as a 18 hndcp, upon purchase 7/14/11 down to a 14 hndcp and now a 12 handicap.
- spent about 10 hours at the range comparing Mizuno JPX 800 & Pro's, CB2's Callaway Razr's, Cleveland CG 16, Adam Black Cobra S3, Ping G15 to my old set of Cleveland CG 4's.
- Weakness; Driver only 240-250 w/ fade. Puts a lot of stress on my mid-short game
- Strength: 170 yds and in, especially short game
- felt the need to strengthen my irons to make up for my driver as we typically play 6400-6600 yds.
------
I've had the 2.0's for just over a month now. And have played about 27-36 holes and minimum 200+ balls at the range per week. I've finally have a good grasp on my distances. It took me a little longer to get my finesse shots dialed in (chipping; bump & run, etc.), but in a matter of a month, I've already lowered my handicap to a 12 from 14. I can directly attribute this to my new irons as my driver hasn't improved. The 2.0'2 have improved my all around game as I now feel comfortable enough to hit 3 or 5 wood off the tee knowing my long-mid irons have improved dramatically to go along w/ my strength of 100 yds and in.

more details to come...

Very cool! Soon you will be a single digit HC! Congrats.

 

[Kurt]

A follow up to my initial post on 7/14 re: purchasing the 2.0's. But before I begin, a quick recap...
- Started the year as a 18 hndcp, upon purchase 7/14/11 down to a 14 hndcp and now a 12 handicap.
- spent about 10 hours at the range comparing Mizuno JPX 800 & Pro's, CB2's Callaway Razr's, Cleveland CG 16, Adam Black Cobra S3, Ping G15 to my old set of Cleveland CG 4's.
- Weakness; Driver only 240-250 w/ fade. Puts a lot of stress on my mid-short game
- Strength: 170 yds and in, especially short game
- felt the need to strengthen my irons to make up for my driver as we typically play 6400-6600 yds.
------
I've had the 2.0's for just over a month now. And have played about 27-36 holes and minimum 200+ balls at the range per week. I've finally have a good grasp on my distances. It took me a little longer to get my finesse shots dialed in (chipping; bump & run, etc.), but in a matter of a month, I've already lowered my handicap to a 12 from 14. I can directly attribute this to my new irons as my driver hasn't improved. The 2.0'2 have improved my all around game as I now feel comfortable enough to hit 3 or 5 wood off the tee knowing my long-mid irons have improved dramatically to go along w/ my strength of 100 yds and in.

more details to come...

That's awesome mate. I'm just playing the waiting game 'till they arrive, but hopefully I see a positive result the way you have. Im so pumped to go out and have a hit as I'll have a lot more confidence in them as they're my first set that I've been properly fitted for.

 

[homesy68]

well after having these for over 6 weeks and they look like they have been in the bag for over 2 years there gone,yes there a nice club yes they go far but that black just fades of the heads really quick were i play,and it was getting me mad everytime i cleaned them so goodbye 2.0 and would of loved to of seen you in a satin finish or just plain chrome

 

[chrislindy]

I purchased a set of these at the start of the season, replacing a VERY OLD set of Tommy Armour EVO's. Two things I noticed in my first round that would need some getting used to... 1) the shaft lengths on all of my 2.0's are slightly longer than the stock shafts on my EVO's. 2) The stronger lie does cause for a considerable bump in distance. Once I became comfortable with the longer shaft, I noticed I was hitting everything at least a club longer if not 2 clubs. I agree with those who have observed a hot spot, but also agree that I don't play often enough or well enough for it to be a problem. The consistency in the mishits more than makes up for the occasional 190-yard 7-iron.

What I like (besides the added length and/or ease of hitting the mid- and long-irons) is the trajectory of shots and knowing that even from 180+ I can feel rather confident in hitting the green. With my old set, if I had to pull the 5 iron (or on bad days, even the 6) it was a real challenge to believe in my swing.

I'm probably an 8 handicap if I played regularly enough to post an index. With that in mind, and having only played this new set 5 times this season, I posted a 76 that was my lowest handicap round since I've been tracking my personal stats (over 6 years). I think with more time to figure out my numbers and groove the partial swings, I could see my scores really dropping in the next few months.

 

[ddxu]

but that black just fades of the heads really quick were i play,and it was getting me mad everytime i cleaned them

I am just not seeing the same wear issues. Where did you buy your set? All I am seeing is a slight fade to a silver finish right at the bottom of the face where it cuts into the turf

I think with more time to figure out my numbers and groove the partial swings, I could see my scores really dropping in the next few months.

Glad to hear you're liking the new purchase, hopefully the trend towards par continues

 

[jefrazie]

well after having these for over 6 weeks and they look like they have been in the bag for over 2 years there gone,yes there a nice club yes they go far but that black just fades of the heads really quick were i play,and it was getting me mad everytime i cleaned them so goodbye 2.0 and would of loved to of seen you in a satin finish or just plain chrome

I'm sorry you're having those issues. I really am not seeing any wear on the clubs like that. Maybe you ought to bring them into a pro shop and get their opinion on this?

 

[homesy68]

I'm sorry you're having those issues. I really am not seeing any wear on the clubs like that. Maybe you ought to bring them into a pro shop and get their opinion on this?

the company i got them of have had a look at them and are going to get in touch with taylormade over them, but he had a new set of x22 tour irons in which he said if i wanted could do a straight switch so went for it, 2.0 are cracking clubs just cant believe how they are turning out cosmetic wise,but maybe ive getting a dodgy set but he will let me no what taylomade says about them

 

[jefrazie]

the company i got them of have had a look at them and are going to get in touch with taylormade over them, but he had a new set of x22 tour irons in which he said if i wanted could do a straight switch so went for it, 2.0 are cracking clubs just cant believe how they are turning out cosmetic wise,but maybe ive getting a dodgy set but he will let me no what taylomade says about them

Sorry to hear that. At least you got a good set of irons out of the trade.

 

[jefrazie]

Quick update on the 2.0's:

Played in work league last night and straightened the irons back out. I focused on my posture (see previous update post) and was hitting the ball much better. I played much better than I scored. I just kept finding sand traps over and over (5 in 9 holes ). Shot a 44, not too bad. Irons were straight and true.

 

[tomahawk18]

well after having these for over 6 weeks and they look like they have been in the bag for over 2 years there gone,yes there a nice club yes they go far but that black just fades of the heads really quick were i play,and it was getting me mad everytime i cleaned them so goodbye 2.0 and would of loved to of seen you in a satin finish or just plain chrome

I have a bad feeling that 1 of 2 things happened to you. You either got a lemon set, in which I would think TM would replace them, or you got counterfeits. My guess is the ladder. There are too many sets out there that just aren't seeing the wear you are. Mine look great with minimal face wear and nearly no sole wear, just slight turf interaction scratches. I am hard on irons as I tend to take deep divots and have a higher than average swing speed. I play regularly with 2 other guys who have 2.0's and they have seen no such wear issue. The other testers here have seen no such wear issue. Doesn't this raise a red flag for your set? Where did you buy? Internet?

 

[yorkem]

Quick update on the 2.0's:

Played in work league last night and straightened the irons back out. I focused on my posture (see previous update post) and was hitting the ball much better. I played much better than I scored. I just kept finding sand traps over and over (5 in 9 holes ). Shot a 44, not too bad. Irons were straight and true.

That is awesome Jeff. So glad you were able to get them straightened out quickly. I knew you would

 

[jefrazie]

That is awesome Jeff. So glad you were able to get them straightened out quickly. I knew you would

Thanks buddy! I'm still waiting to see how straight you hit them now.

 

[dez_oconnor]

Mercer

Also, just throwing this out there, but the wedges AW, SW, and LW lookamazing for those who have not seen them. I thought they would look horrible,but I was pleasantly surprised.[/QUOTE]

Firstly, thank you all for your response in regards to my 2 questions,apologies for the delay I have been working away for a while with v poorinternet so just catching up - I am so looking forward to trying these out, they seem too good to be true, as long as you don’tget a dud set which will discolour!!!!

Mercer, I have raised this point before and that whilst I am going to befitted for irons I wondered what the effect of this extra distance between TMB2 PW and your existing wedge set up has had , so considered some creative accounting tothe wife and purchasing the other three TM B2s wedges, or lose the 4 Iron inplace.

I appears you have done so and I would be very interested to hear whetheryou think they provide a solution to what I perceive would be a problem, I havealready been advised that my gaps would be too large against existing irons sowas going to buy a couple of matching wedges ( nike VRs) .. But if you rate thewedges - or do they just look good, it would seem sensible that TM have donethe math and there are logical gaps.

Would you care to explain your distances for full and 9 to 3 swing with eachwhen you have a chance or simply give your thought as to whether the purchaseof all the wedges is justified? I worry that getting fitted correctly withinthe hour and half you get a belfry and then try and analyse the wedges may bepushing the boat a little especially if the irons i am trying will need to bealtered (i have not been fitted before but presume they cannot do it whilst youare there so may only have a 6 iron to establish what changes are required). Ifthey work then it may be a no brainer.

Once again, thank you to all that have answered previously, I and the restof the forum am sure really appreciate your input keeps me sane also whilst Iam away).

Regards

Dez

 

[Foreplay]

Ok. Here is my distances that I have setup in my iPhone. I keep tweaking them as it averages my yardage for each club.

 

[homesy68]

I have a bad feeling that 1 of 2 things happened to you. You either got a lemon set, in which I would think TM would replace them, or you got counterfeits. My guess is the ladder. There are too many sets out there that just aren't seeing the wear you are. Mine look great with minimal face wear and nearly no sole wear, just slight turf interaction scratches. I am hard on irons as I tend to take deep divots and have a higher than average swing speed. I play regularly with 2 other guys who have 2.0's and they have seen no such wear issue. The other testers here have seen no such wear issue. Doesn't this raise a red flag for your set? Where did you buy? Internet?

it is the internet tomahalk but its a reliable source,ive been going there for 10 years now and he is the major dealer in lefthanded gear over here,so they are not fakes i can say that for certain,it must of just been a faulty set i think but like i said ive moved away from them now so its done,but he said he would let me no what taylormade say about them so will keep you lot informed on them

 

[Foreplay]

8 rounds on mine in dry hard fairways. When I'm lucky. Lol. But mine look brand new. A little wear on the face but sole looks sweet. I'd call and talk to TM.

 

[Bobby Burner]

I haven't played for 11 days, since causing myself various mischiefs last time on the course. It's felt like a lot longer! I've been desperate to get back out, whilst reading this thread and missing the fun. I booked a round for Sunday and couldn't resist popping to the range today, even at the risk of spoiling a few more days’ recuperation.

So I tried to keep it to a minimum, 50 balls, chipping and short pitches, trying to keep everything as gentle as possible. I absolutely love that my SW falls at such distinct round distances; full swing 100yards, half swing 75 yards.

Inevitably I couldn’t resist a few balls each with 9i and 7i, and seriously tried to play as smooth and gentle a swing as possible. And the outcome was exactly what I need to know and learn: that no excess force is required or helpful, I can still achieve my best distances with ease.

I caught the 9i sweet and landed dead on 150 with each ball; exactly what I have done when playing at my best. The 7i also took off and carried beyond 180+ and rolled to 200 with at least 3 balls.

Perhaps I’m being very naïve and this is how everyone should always swing. And perhaps all good modern clubs will achieve good distances. All I’m saying is… I’ve experienced what I consider very long distances with the 2.0 irons, as pretty much a beginner, forcing myself to swing as gently as I can. That's got to be good!

 

[homerdog]

I thought I would chime in with an update on how I'm progressing with mine, now that I've had them for a month. First of all, I would like to comment on the wear issues, because that has caused some interest. I have to say that mine are fine, although there is some wear on a couple of clubs from bag chatter. I am considering iron covers because of this, but like most people I hate them! The easiest way to show you what mine are like after about 10 rounds and 300 range balls is to post some pics of a few of the clubs, starting with the SW, which is the worst by far:

As you can see there isn't any significant wear to the clubs apart from this and certainly not from actually hitting balls.

I have the PW, AW & SW, because I was keen to have even yardage gaps between clubs. Like most, I have been using specialist wedges, but thought I would find out how the SW performs. As you can see in the photo below, in terms of size, it compares favourably to my old Vokey. Performance wise, I am enjoying the slight extra forgiveness of the Burner and the nice yardage gap between it and the AW.

I ordered mine with Dynamic Gold SL shafts and NDMC grips, which I am delighted with. My dispersion has definitely improved compared to the regular TM shafts in my Burner 09s, even though I have given up a few yards in distance.

In my old set, I had a 3 iron which was great off the tee. The 4 iron in this set is costing me about 30 yards, so I might buy the 3 iron. At the moment I am using my old Ping 1 iron, but it isn't as forgiving as my old Burner 3 iron and only gives me similar distance. Here's an 'in the bag' picture of my current set-up, showing off my 2006 Season Opener bag!

So, to sum up my experience so far, I am delighted with my new clubs. The only downsides are the fact that the AW came direct from TM with a big scratch on the sole and the shaft labels are already peeling off. I think I can live with that! I played in a club medal on Tuesday and shot a 73, my lowest competition round ever, so it's onwards and upwards with these beauties!

 

[Bobby Burner]

homerdog...

Excellent pictures. I'm sure your SW wear must be chatter rash.

I wonder if you'd mind taking one more detailed shot, to show how your clubs compare to mine? I'm stuck for getting my own pictures on to my PC or visiting a golf shop at present.

I noticed a while back that the badge in the back of my 8iron noticably does NOT fill the cavity. It only really just tucks inside where the chrome of the sole wraps round to the rear, leaving a gap somewhere between 0.5 - 1.0 cm inside the bottom of the cavity. It is the only club so obviously like this. However, the 9i and SW have a very small space there too (<0.5cm). All other clubs, including those immediately adjacent (i.e. 7i) have cavity-filling badges. The picture of the back of your SW (though difficult to see to be sure) looks like it might leave a small gap between the badge and the bottom of the cavity like mine.

Would you post a picture of the cavity of your 8i please?

p.s. Has anyone ever tried those golf club seperating devices that clip on to the top of your bag? They're like a little rack structure. If so... Do they work? Are they stable? Do they spoil your bag? Do they block too much space? Are they cumbersome?

 

[Brett_Ingle03]

When I was buying a new set of irons about a month ago I considered these. The finish on them scared me. I thought they would look awful after one round. So that was one of the factors that switched me to the Burner 1.0s. But gosh these have held up so much better than mine. My 1.0s look bad compared to these. Really liking how the finish held up. May try to sell mine to my cousin and go back to these. Thanks for the pictures!

 

[TheHeez]

It's always encouraging to read through a thread like this and see pretty much the same results as all the THP testers.

I got my 4-AW 2.0s in late May and have since played about 10 rounds and quite a few range sessions. First, the wear on them has been noticeable but not concerning. I think bag chatter accounts for the majority of what I am seeing. Give them a quick cleaning after each use and they sparkle yet again! I like hearing what you guys say about pure-ing a shot, every now and again these things jump, to the point that it feels like the club face trampolined the ball down range. I too am really loving these clubs. When the swing is on, they make it easy, when its off (or like presently, way off) they find a way to help me out.

Keep up the good work fellas!

 

[Foreplay]

Since switching to these irons I've consistently broke 100. Lowest round was a 92 today. As soon as I break my over the top swing which leads to my pulled shots, all will be great. Playing again somewhere on Monday. Can't wait! Distance is so effortless with the B2's. Great name for them. Still looking brand new. I considered buying the sand and lob as well but I love my Niblick 49 and barely use my Titleist SW.

Here is wear after 6 rounds and several outings at the range.

 

[ddxu]

I played 18 holes this past week while out in Las Vegas. I played a pretty good round (for me) and shot 86 on the first time playing the course. I found 8 fairways and only had 2 bad misses off the tee that resulted in a double and a triple. My short game and short iron game really kept me in the round and kept me in the 80s. The 8-AW were on fire, only missing 1 green by a few feet. The middle irons were a struggle with all missed greens and 1 bad hook. I have around 10 rounds and abt 4 range sessions so far, and here is my most beat up club (PW). As you can see, my misses are on the toe.

Someone mentioned their 8 iron badge is must smaller than the rest of their clubs. Here is the backside of my 8 iron for comparison, hopefully this helps...