2015 Ben Hogan FT15 Irons and TK15 Wedges: THP Review Thread

[Canadan]

Good stuff hawk. The up to 18 yards lost on mishits for a game improvement iron is sadly too hard to ignore. That's alone would deter me to look elsewhere if I was in the market.

Speaking of 441, I've got a video I need to upload.

 

[mikedean441]

Speaking of 441, I've got a video I need to upload.

Negative rep added

 

[Jman]

I wouldn't ever call it a game improvement iron, but I can understand not wanting to go that route.

Me neither, but its hard to ignore what the company is saying in spots.

I agree with both of these. Our eyes don't lie, these are muscleback irons no matter how they try to paint them or weave the words when it comes to the weight placement for the sake of playability. But some of that verbiage they use, lays it on awfully thick, but, that is marketing I suppose.

 

[Canadan]

I find the low contact strikes to be a bit unfair on the hands (not surprising) but reasonable in distance loss. It's not wildly different than most MBs on the market I don't think, mostly because we are seeing a lot of the extra material being dumped at the low end of the head.

The concept of carving out the material directly behind the sweet spot of the club is still a bit foreign to me. While we are seeing numerous MB offerings where the shaping on the back turns into a bit of a triangle, focusing a lot of the weight into the strike zone. In this case, especially as you move towards the 20*, they take away that material in order to build some mild contact forgiveness when you're fractions away from center.

It has to be a brutal balance. Maintaining that excellent feedback/feel most seek (see any MB wedge) without costing the golfer any form of forgiveness.

 

[pdgoblue25]

The company recently sent me 3 clubs for a free 30 day trial

The company recently sent me 3 clubs for a free 30 day trial

All I had to do was pay the shipping costs. If you go onto the website and go through the online Hogan fit process it will save your information in there. After about a month they will send you an email with information about a 30 day trial. I called the number, paid $30 for shipping, and they sent me a 5 iron, 8 iron, and gap wedge. For 30 days I was able to do whatever I wanted with them, then I just sent them back.

To me this was a unique and brilliant marketing campaign. I can't say enough how gorgeous these irons are. After 30 days I had to buy the gap wedge, the turf interaction, feel, and control was just too awesome to ignore. After having it in my bag I couldn't imagine playing without it.

The 5 iron was a little intimidating because it looks like a butter knife. I was very surprised at how well I hit it though. However, I am not a good enough ball striker to switch to these irons. I wish I was though because I just couldn't stop looking at them.

 

[JB]

I believe Bridgestone and a couple of other places do the same thing in terms of trials (generally anyway). The Bridgestone Test Drive is well documented on THP for those that have gone through it. Nice to see companies offer this, although to me its quite similar to being able to walk into a place, or go to a THP Event and hit anything wanted, which is great too.

 

[pdgoblue25]

I believe Bridgestone and a couple of other places do the same thing in terms of trials (generally anyway). The Bridgestone Test Drive is well documented on THP for those that have gone through it. Nice to see companies offer this, although to me its quite similar to being able to walk into a place, or go to a THP Event and hit anything wanted, which is great too.

I just found it to be such a different experience hitting a club actually in one of my rounds with the pressure on and different lies. There are feelings there that I can't replicate in a hitting bay.

 

[JB]

I just found it to be such a different experience hitting a club actually in one of my rounds with the pressure on and different lies. There are feelings there that I can't replicate in a hitting bay.

I agree that is what I have liked about the Bridgestone test drive they have done for a few years and of course THP events where you can take them all out on a course

 

[Kevin]

All I had to do was pay the shipping costs. If you go onto the website and go through the online Hogan fit process it will save your information in there. After about a month they will send you an email with information about a 30 day trial. I called the number, paid $30 for shipping, and they sent me a 5 iron, 8 iron, and gap wedge. For 30 days I was able to do whatever I wanted with them, then I just sent them back.

To me this was a unique and brilliant marketing campaign. I can't say enough how gorgeous these irons are. After 30 days I had to buy the gap wedge, the turf interaction, feel, and control was just too awesome to ignore. After having it in my bag I couldn't imagine playing without it.

The 5 iron was a little intimidating because it looks like a butter knife. I was very surprised at how well I hit it though. However, I am not a good enough ball striker to switch to these irons. I wish I was though because I just couldn't stop looking at them.

This is great to know and I appreciate you sharing. I filled out the Hogan Fit form a few weeks ago and would love the chance to try these out.

 

[DufferToo]

Finally had the chance to catch up on this thread. All three of you are doing a great job, it's been a fun read.

I find the low contact strikes to be a bit unfair on the hands (not surprising) but reasonable in distance loss. It's not wildly different than most MBs on the market I don't think, mostly because we are seeing a lot of the extra material being dumped at the low end of the head.

The concept of carving out the material directly behind the sweet spot of the club is still a bit foreign to me. While we are seeing numerous MB offerings where the shaping on the back turns into a bit of a triangle, focusing a lot of the weight into the strike zone. In this case, especially as you move towards the 20*, they take away that material in order to build some mild contact forgiveness when you're fractions away from center.

It has to be a brutal balance. Maintaining that excellent feedback/feel most seek (see any MB wedge) without costing the golfer any form of forgiveness.

The first thing I noticed is the back of the FT15 appears to be similar to the Mizuno MP-32 & MP-67 "cut muscle" blades. The cut (more like the depression of a finger pulled through clay) was supposed to add forgiveness in the 32's and fine tune weighting in the 67's. Based on their marketing, it appears that the designers of the FT15 are trying to achieve the same results.

 

[Canadan]

The first thing I noticed is the back of the FT15 appears to be similar to the Mizuno MP-32 & MP-67 "cut muscle" blades. The cut (more like the depression of a finger pulled through clay) was supposed to add forgiveness in the 32's and fine tune weighting in the 67's. Based on their marketing, it appears that the designers of the FT15 are trying to achieve the same results.

It has to be a tough battle. For Mizuno, I'd argue they got it way right with the MP-15 irons, keeping the material behind the sweet spot by utilizing different metals, leaving the MBs for the best players.

For BH, I worry they they take away from that extremely solid feedback that can be had by perfect contact in the center of the face. Purists (and some who've hit these around me) claim they are a bit 'different' or 'weird' in comparison. Saying something just didn't seem right.

The balance has to be nearly impossible. While I think the marginal forgiveness benefits are useful, I'm not sure they would be THAT useful in a profile like this iron.

 

[SCC4380]

I do want to address the thought of the stamped lofts helping with the "vanishing loft syndrome" as some out there on the internet refer to it as. You have to remember, the iron numbers that are placed on clubs out there are done so by the launch, not the loft. So yes, a 30* iron CAN be called a 7i based on how it launches the ball. I'll leave that discussion to that as I don't want this thread to derail. But NOTHING will ever change my opinion on that.

To be fair, its not an opinion. Its a fact. The only people that can give that information are the actual people that make the clubs, and it comes straight from them. Then again, like many things on the internet, its not worth the hassle very often and some people dont want to deal in facts.

Exactly dude. I know its fact, you know it's fact, the R&D guys we visit with who design the clubs tell us its fact, yet on the Internet its just not worth the battle sometimes.

One of the things that attracted me to the Ben Hogan irons was their approach to gapping. I really liked the idea of 4* gaps between my clubs because I have issues in my current setup with 5* between my 9 iron and PW and 6* between my PW and GW. It gives me fits. I assumed that the issue was the 5* and 6* differences between the clubs, but when I read the above quotes it makes me think that the issue is user error, though I guess it is also possible that the R&D department didn't do their best work.

 

[cjroman]

I'm going to be in the DFW area for work next week. On a whim I reached out to Hogan via their website asking if I could come by the company and see the clubs in hand and possibly demo them.
I received a message back the next day from Hogan with a contact number for their fitter and I called him up and have something set up tentatively for next week if my schedule allows.
They do not have anything at the factory for demos/fittings, but the fitter works out of a course on the north side of Ft.Worth. He asked if I'd have my set up with me (I won't) and what I currently play. He also asked what shafts I wanted to hit. A cool thing to note was the message said the demo/fitting would be no charge...

I met Jamie Pipes at Diamond Oaks Country Club (Haltom City/Richland Hills) last Tuesday evening for my demo/fitting of the Hogan irons and wedges. Before joining Hogan last year, Jaime worked for UST Mamiya from 2000-2014, and also worked for the previous incarnation of the Ben Hogan company. Jamie was excellent to work with and I truly appreciate the time he gave and the opportunity to be able to see the clubs in hand and demo them.
As we were dodging some intermittent rain from the incoming TS Bill, I hit the 7 and 9 iron equivalents (a 34 and a 42) with the KBS Tour 90 in stiff. This approximated the makeup of my current set. As others have stated in this thread, the clubs are very nicely made and have that classic Hogan look. They are more of a players iron. Mishits were noticeable on feedback (thin/toe/heel) as far as knowing where you hit it. Mishits were not very penal in direction, but did come up noticeably (10-15 yards) short. Center of the face, or close to it was instantly noticed also and was a pleasant reward. Turf interaction was very nice, even with the narrower soles. We worked the standard shaft and plus 1/2 inch (which is the standard length of my gamers). He also took note of any possible lie corrections. I was also able to hit a few balls with a couple of prototype hybrid clubs. I was asked not to divulge anything further on this.
We moved to the chipping area and tried out wedges next, hitting the 54 and 58, with the same shaft as the irons. I really liked the wedges. The first shot was a 40 foot or so pitch with the 54 from the second cut and it was two hops and in. From there we worked on different length shots both off the fringe and 2nd cut, Jamie had me trying low checkers, standard bump and runs, and a few shots with a little more distance. I managed to sink two more shots and really started getting the distance control working. The leading edge grind is very easy to use and did not want to dig, even in shots into the grain.

Overall my impressions are the irons take more game than I currently have. However, they are very well thought out, quality clubs for someone who has the swing for them. If I had to bag them it would be the 7 iron equivalent on down.

I am really pondering at least a 54 and 58 in the wedges.

After we were done, we went to the clubhouse for a drink and spent about a half an hour talking. I asked if he would be willing to do the same for other THPers (He mentioned the site) what he did for me and he said yes. Here is his contact information if you are going to be in the DFW area and want to demo the clubs:
Jamie Pipes
Custom Fit Specialist
Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company
685 John B. Sias Memorial Parkway, Ste 515
Fort Worth, TX 76134
JamieP@BenHoganGolf.com
817-939-8439 (Cell)

He had my fitting recommendation to me the next day and was a very professional and knowledgeable guy to work with.

 

[Rusty]

One of the things that attracted me to the Ben Hogan irons was their approach to gapping. I really liked the idea of 4* gaps between my clubs because I have issues in my current setup with 5* between my 9 iron and PW and 6* between my PW and GW. It gives me fits. I assumed that the issue was the 5* and 6* differences between the clubs, but when I read the above quotes it makes me think that the issue is user error, though I guess it is also possible that the R&D department didn't do their best work.

Its not user error. I don't think those loft gaps in the shorter clubs of your current setup are reasonable, but, apparently, the designers say their loft choices are reasonable and we are not allowed to question that. Well, I question everything, and I still think the loft approach by The Hogan Equipment Company makes more sense (http://www.benhogangolf.com/Equipment). If you have a really slow swing speed, then those 5* and 6* gaps in your shorter clubs might equal just 10 yards or less separation in average shots, but I think most golfers would benefit from a better setup at the scoring end of the bag. IMO, you need larger yardage gaps at the top end of your bag, and smaller gaps at the short end.

 

[Jman]

I'm pretty sure no one said you weren't allowed to question things. But just as you're allowed to question, we are allowed to share insight and information directly from the people who design the clubs. Its the beauty of THP and the relationships this great site has.

 

[JB]

2015 Ben Hogan FT15 Irons and TK15 Wedges: THP Review Thread

Its the beauty of THP and the relationships this great site has.

And gives to the forum members through THP Events. The ability to talk and ask the actual people responsible for the science ends the internet myths and falsities. Real information straight from the source delivered to you over a weekend like no other. It's the THP Way.

 

[emart2173]

And gives to the forum members through THP Events. The ability to talk and ask the actual people responsible for the science ends the internet myths and falsities. Real information straight from the source delivered to you over a weekend like no other. It's the THP Way.

So true...LIITA, Bstone U, Cure, UST, Up & down w/Cleveland just to name a few. These experiences and opportunities are awesome and informative

 

[T2GRN18]

So true...LIITA, Bstone U, Cure, UST, Up & down w/Cleveland just to name a few. These experiences and opportunities are awesome and informative

There's one you've missed: Grandaddy! Doc Hoc and company will absolutely blow your mind.

 

[Canadan]

I should have a full update soon'ish, but I wanted to share some of the green spin I've been seeing. These shots range from 100-160 yards.

Notes to be had:
- First three photos are a Bridgestone B330 RX.
- Rest of the photos are Bridgestone B330
- The course has seen a TON of rain this week, but the greens are rolling well. Pitch marks offer a good idea of how receptive the greens are.


This is a 9 iron on the 2nd hole.

7 Iron layup on a par 5. Not sure the last time I backed up an iron this far in a fairway (that's grown longer because of rain)

48 degree Hogan. Spin wasn't massive here. My ball is the one further away from the hole.

Harder to see the spin here. Another 48* into the wind but it's also a slope it came down.

52* wedge that spun back off the green (mark is where his putter is pointing)

52* wedge again that spun back and a bit left. Nearly drained off the pull back!!

8 iron here. That's about 12 feet.

This was the crazy one. 48* again, this time the landing spot is where my top of the putter grip is. Nearly in the rough and spins back that hard IN THE FRINGE?!?!?!?!

 

[SCC4380]

I have two questions for the reviewers.

First, the claim of the Ben Hogan Company seems to be that the design of their clubs makes them more consistent and accurate if you can hit the middle 2/3 of the face. If you can't do that, then heaven help you because no club can. Ignoring mishits, would you say that their claim is accurate for shots on the middle 2/3 of the face?

Second, after reading through this thread I think that these irons are probably for better ball strikers than I am, but how would you rate the TK 15 wedges? Are they more demanding than other wedges or would an average golfer be just fine with these? Also, how do the TK 15 wedges compare to other wedges? I am thinking that when the time comes to replace my wedges these might be a good option.

Thanks for your replies.

 

[Canadan]

In case it wasn't clear above, I got the Hogans back on the course for a round today. Between a tournament and crazy amounts of rain, this was the first time playing in about five days, but I welcomed the rest after a TON of golf through last weekend. I only announce this because of the demands of these irons, and in my warmup on the range it was obvious that poor strikes would not play well on the scorecard.

....But I think at this point, it's obvious. These are muscleback irons, and should be treated as such. Presented as an opportunity to be played by a large range of the handicap spectrum, I'm not terribly confident about 15+ handicaps giving these a look for their bag. With the cavity technology present in today's iron designs, there simply isn't enough forgiveness in a marginal cutout with weight pushed towards the perimeter to accommodate a swing that strays from 'solid' contact more often than not. With that in mind, for the design, and the lower handicap players, I believe they will have a great time carving up a golf course with Hogan irons and wedges.

One thing that won't change with an MB design is that technique outweighs just about everything..
- Shut face swings are going to turn the ball left.
- Open face swings are going to spray the ball right.
- Steep contact behind the ball into the turf will generate a large divot, with large distance loss.
- Aside from shaft options, there is little to improve the flight or spin on a golf ball (outside of 'flighting' based on swing type)
- Thin shots are marginal in distance loss, but generally only when they are towards the center of the club on lower grooves

This is also a big benefit for golfers with a ton of control in their game..
- Spin can be generated in heaping amounts with the wedges into the higher lofted FT irons.
- Changing flight patterns (high/low, left/right) is extremely easy to accomplish
- There are no surprises and few 'crazy flyer' lies
- You get what you put into the swing

As a 1 handicap, I think I could get away with gaming the Hogan Irons and wedges full time.

- The blend of the set between irons and wedges are exactly what I'd look for as it relates to not worrying and distance gaps between the two, or design variances. In fact I think that may be one of the best assets to the overall concept, is that I find myself not really considering them as two separate entities - Rather, they are one and the same.

- The weighting, despite gaming 110g shafts, makes a smooth swing incredibly easy to accomplish. I've always been a "Low C" swingweight preference, and the transition between my typical gamers to the hogans is easily noticeable, but I don't see it as a negative. The worst thing about it, is the need to drive harder into the zone when I get after a shot. For golfers who need help increasing their iron speed, this could be very counter productive.

- I still don't look at the lofts with numbers in mind. I have my bag grouped with certain irons (for my gamer bag) and I use it as a 'cheat' for the Hogans. (ex: It's not 44, 40, 36 -- It's "here's the slot where 9-8-7 sit so I'll pull 7 aka 36 because I normally hit my 7 175 and this shot is 170.... which is perfect for a slightly weaker lofted 7 Hogan"). Maybe after a month or so I could find my way into accepting the lofts vs distances hit, but for now I still don't look at them in the way they were intended.

- Not too many can complain about the shape at address. It's crazy clean, and tiny. For the aesthetics of the back of the irons and wedges, I suppose it depends who you talk to. I've heard comments ranging from "those irons are stunning" to "those irons look stupid, like you spit shined something that has sat in the garage for 40 years" ---- Clearly, to each their own. The only issue I have is looking down at the TINY profile of the 20* iron before I pull it for a swing haha! Not exactly a confidence builder.

- the jury is still out for me on V-Sole. I'm sure there are blades that really carve the turf, but I've been able to take some MONSTER divots (with intentions of driving into the ground) with the Hogan design, and I am wonder just how much the V-Sole is doing when the entire head profile is quite compact on the sole. It's interesting and worth a longer consideration.

Hopefully the abbreviated comments are easier to follow. I am trying to get most of my thoughts out without trying to write a book.

 

[Canadan]

I have two questions for the reviewers.

First, the claim of the Ben Hogan Company seems to be that the design of their clubs makes them more consistent and accurate if you can hit the middle 2/3 of the face. If you can't do that, then heaven help you because no club can. Ignoring mishits, would you say that their claim is accurate for shots on the middle 2/3 of the face?

Second, after reading through this thread I think that these irons are probably for better ball strikers than I am, but how would you rate the TK 15 wedges? Are they more demanding than other wedges or would an average golfer be just fine with these? Also, how do the TK 15 wedges compare to other wedges? I am thinking that when the time comes to replace my wedges these might be a good option.

Thanks for your replies.

I think they promote launch adequately based on the swing you impart on the golf ball. There's nothing unexpected when i hit the ball.

To the wedges, I think they are excellent. One thing to consider, is the weighting. It's a personal thing and definitely worth trying out for yourself to see if the particular wedge weight suits your preference.

 

[Jman]

Danathan, that is great stuff sir.

I have two questions for the reviewers.

First, the claim of the Ben Hogan Company seems to be that the design of their clubs makes them more consistent and accurate if you can hit the middle 2/3 of the face. If you can't do that, then heaven help you because no club can. Ignoring mishits, would you say that their claim is accurate for shots on the middle 2/3 of the face?

Second, after reading through this thread I think that these irons are probably for better ball strikers than I am, but how would you rate the TK 15 wedges? Are they more demanding than other wedges or would an average golfer be just fine with these? Also, how do the TK 15 wedges compare to other wedges? I am thinking that when the time comes to replace my wedges these might be a good option.


Thanks for your replies.

Like any other iron of this type, I believe you get what you put in. Good, consistent swing, good results....if not....well....

I think the wedges are really really solid. I could 100% game them full time, and I think they are playable for a wide range, to me more than the weighting with these the key will be footprint, they are smaller than many wedges and looking down at them may not be for everyone. I think they are a minor evolution on the SCOR's, which is good, I also believe they feel/sound better.

 

[AMart]

In case it wasn't clear above, I got the Hogans back on the course for a round today. Between a tournament and crazy amounts of rain, this was the first time playing in about five days, but I welcomed the rest after a TON of golf through last weekend. I only announce this because of the demands of these irons, and in my warmup on the range it was obvious that poor strikes would not play well on the scorecard.

....But I think at this point, it's obvious. These are muscleback irons, and should be treated as such. Presented as an opportunity to be played by a large range of the handicap spectrum, I'm not terribly confident about 15+ handicaps giving these a look for their bag. With the cavity technology present in today's iron designs, there simply isn't enough forgiveness in a marginal cutout with weight pushed towards the perimeter to accommodate a swing that strays from 'solid' contact more often than not. With that in mind, for the design, and the lower handicap players, I believe they will have a great time carving up a golf course with Hogan irons and wedges.

One thing that won't change with an MB design is that technique outweighs just about everything..
- Shut face swings are going to turn the ball left.
- Open face swings are going to spray the ball right.
- Steep contact behind the ball into the turf will generate a large divot, with large distance loss.
- Aside from shaft options, there is little to improve the flight or spin on a golf ball (outside of 'flighting' based on swing type)
- Thin shots are marginal in distance loss, but generally only when they are towards the center of the club on lower grooves

This is also a big benefit for golfers with a ton of control in their game..
- Spin can be generated in heaping amounts with the wedges into the higher lofted FT irons.
- Changing flight patterns (high/low, left/right) is extremely easy to accomplish
- There are no surprises and few 'crazy flyer' lies
- You get what you put into the swing

As a 1 handicap, I think I could get away with gaming the Hogan Irons and wedges full time.

- The blend of the set between irons and wedges are exactly what I'd look for as it relates to not worrying and distance gaps between the two, or design variances. In fact I think that may be one of the best assets to the overall concept, is that I find myself not really considering them as two separate entities - Rather, they are one and the same.

- The weighting, despite gaming 110g shafts, makes a smooth swing incredibly easy to accomplish. I've always been a "Low C" swingweight preference, and the transition between my typical gamers to the hogans is easily noticeable, but I don't see it as a negative. The worst thing about it, is the need to drive harder into the zone when I get after a shot. For golfers who need help increasing their iron speed, this could be very counter productive.

- I still don't look at the lofts with numbers in mind. I have my bag grouped with certain irons (for my gamer bag) and I use it as a 'cheat' for the Hogans. (ex: It's not 44, 40, 36 -- It's "here's the slot where 9-8-7 sit so I'll pull 7 aka 36 because I normally hit my 7 175 and this shot is 170.... which is perfect for a slightly weaker lofted 7 Hogan"). Maybe after a month or so I could find my way into accepting the lofts vs distances hit, but for now I still don't look at them in the way they were intended.

- Not too many can complain about the shape at address. It's crazy clean, and tiny. For the aesthetics of the back of the irons and wedges, I suppose it depends who you talk to. I've heard comments ranging from "those irons are stunning" to "those irons look stupid, like you spit shined something that has sat in the garage for 40 years" ---- Clearly, to each their own. The only issue I have is looking down at the TINY profile of the 20* iron before I pull it for a swing haha! Not exactly a confidence builder.

- the jury is still out for me on V-Sole. I'm sure there are blades that really carve the turf, but I've been able to take some MONSTER divots (with intentions of driving into the ground) with the Hogan design, and I am wonder just how much the V-Sole is doing when the entire head profile is quite compact on the sole. It's interesting and worth a longer consideration.

Hopefully the abbreviated comments are easier to follow. I am trying to get most of my thoughts out without trying to write a book.

Really easy to understand the points you're trying to make Canadan. While I've only hit the 3i I feel like I've spent several rounds with them after reading that....except the spin, I don't have that in my game!

 

[Canadan]

Really easy to understand the points you're trying to make Canadan. While I've only hit the 3i I feel like I've spent several rounds with them after reading that....except the spin, I don't have that in my game!

Thanks dude!! Let's get over to the course this week so you can hit a few more!