It would be a pretty safe bet that most golfers around the world have at some point tried Dynamic Gold shafts. In fact, to say that the “Dynamic Gold” name is synonymous with iron shafts might be selling it short, as the DG line from True Temper has been around for more than 30 years. Just as True Temper touts, they are the number one iron shaft in golf by use. However, the increase in technology in recent years has led to an explosion of iron shaft R&D, a much more competitive atmosphere, and an assortment of new options on the market. With so many new options around and the DG line standing firm, it has come to draw increasingly varying opinions. It is for that very reason that when I found out I would be reviewing the True Temper “DG Pro” S300 iron shafts I had the thought of “Oh, just another DG shaft”. I can honestly say that thought couldn’t have been more wrong.
Information from True Temper on the DG Pros
The new DG Pro is the industry’s first “Progressive” iron shaft:
- What is progressive technology? Higher launching long irons that get progressively more tip stiff (bringing trajectory down) through the mid/short irons.
First shaft ever to feature an optimized step pattern that visibly transitions within the set:
- 2-5 iron shafts feature six 1.25” steps in bottom half of shaft
- 6-8 iron shafts feature six 1.5” steps in bottom half of shaft
- 9-W shafts feature six 1.75” steps in bottom half of shaft
The Rundown
As I alluded to earlier, when finding out I would be doing the review on the DG Pros, I was hit with a bit of a “ho-hum” mindset initially. I know that might not sound fair, but because I played Dynamic Gold S300’s in my irons forever, I have developed some distinct thoughts about them. Plus, in today’s market it can generally be expected that when a company adds “Pro” to something’s title it is either a re-hash or a minor tweak.
It wasn’t until I tried to do some research on what I was about to embark on reviewing and found absolutely nothing (other than a mention on Twitter) about them that I began to be intrigued about the unknown. However, what really piqued my intrigue was opening the box to see a step pattern unlike anything I have ever seen.
The step pattern of the DG Pros is incredibly unique in both the staggering and the varied tip sections. It was at this point that I made another assumption, “Oh, they made the S300’s flighted”. I was wrong again. Yes, as mentioned earlier the DG Pros do have what some would consider “flighted” characteristics, but rather than manipulating the kick point like a traditional flighted approach, the DG Pros instead use the tip-section of the shaft to accomplish what they refer to as a “progressive” iron shaft. Essentially, the flight is controlled through the set by utilizing stepping patterns that are progressively adjusted in length to alter the tip stiffness as you move from the long irons (softer tip for higher launch) to the short irons (stiffer tip for flatter trajectory).
Another widespread thought about Dynamic Gold shafts is that very little feel exists through the swing compared to other iron shafts and I will openly admit to falling into that realm of belief. I expected that to stand true with the DG Pros as well, but I was wrong again. From the very onset of my time with them, up until putting my findings down here, the feel of these shafts was what perhaps stood out the most. It is so unlike what one expects from a DG shaft.
Essentially, what it comes down to is that despite utilizing a classic namesake, these really are a different animal. The breakdown of technology above points to that, but the performance is what solidifies it. Since the shafts are designed for progressive flight, it makes the most sense to also break down the feel and performance of them the same way.
Long Irons (3-5)
The long irons are the least tip stiff of the DG Pros. This is to encourage a higher trajectory, since most golfers struggle to launch these clubs as high as they do the shorter and higher lofted clubs. Additionally, the higher launch should lead to more overall carry and less rollout than standard setups.
- Feel:
In this particular portion of the iron shafts, the smaller steps down to the longer (and softer) tip section are quite apparent through the swing. You can truly feel the shaft unload and kick through the zone. I want to make it clear that it is not a harsh thing here; the feel is actually very nice and enjoyable. It simply took me (and others that tried them) by surprise compared to what I was used to.
- Performance:
The intention of this section of the DG Pros is to provide a higher trajectory and they really do accomplish this thanks to the progressive tip stiffness. Time and time again it was quite evident that I was able to launch long irons better than I typically do. The most impressive part to the higher trajectory was being able to hold greens with a 3-5 iron, as it has always been something that myself (and most amateurs) tend to struggle with. Though the words “higher” naturally bring concern to some over loss of distance and dispersion, the S300’s still maintained a penetrating flight arc throughout. It is also worth noting that even with the higher launch characteristics there were no issues at all with flighting this portion of the DG Pros down when need be.
Mid Irons (6-8)
The mid irons have increased tip stiffness through a shorter tip section and slightly longer lower steps to encourage a more “standard” trajectory, as these are the clubs that most golfers have the most consistency in their flight.
- Feel:
With the increased tip stiffness here compared to the 3-5 irons there is a noticeable difference in feel of the shafts. The feel is akin to what you get from the long irons and you can still feel the shaft load and unload, simply not to the degree of the longer irons.
- Performance:
If I was going to compare the DG Pros to the original Dynamic Golds it would be in this portion of the shafts. The fact is that in my time with the shafts this 6-8 mid iron section performed very close to what I am accustomed to seeing out of their namesakes. Time and time again I saw a penetrating flight from a solid launch that lead to very nice dispersion, and most importantly, consistency of shots.
Short Irons (9-P)
The short irons of the DG Pros are the most tip stiff of the iron shafts thanks to the larger steps they possess leading into the even shorter tip sections. The stiffer tips are intended to provide a slightly flatter trajectory than typically seen in the scoring irons to prevent ballooning.
- Feel:
The short irons in the DG Pro shafts are without a doubt the most subdued of the set as far as feel is concerned. It most certainly does not mean that they lack feel, but the increased tip stiffness in these irons just leads to a noticeably different feel than that of the long or mid irons. The shorter and stiffer tip section just is not as active feeling through the swing.
- Performance:
I was most concerned about this portion of the DG Pros “progressive” nature because when talking about lowering the flight of your scoring irons you cannot help but immediately think about how it affects your ability to hold the green. The purpose is obviously based on the belief that many golfers will actually lose some distance off of the shorter irons due to too high of a flight. What I saw were short irons that held into the Oklahoma wind better due to the lower flight, but still had no issues holding greens on both windy and calm days.
Parting Thoughts:
The most poignant thing that can be said about the DG Pros is that just because they share the same moniker as the original Dynamic Gold shafts we all know so well (for better or worse), they most certainly are NOT just a rehash of them. These shafts are a breath of fresh air from True Temper and that is something we have not seen in some time. The bottom line is the DG Pros are a unique take on variably flighted shafts that works and works quite well. Although they won’t fit everyone (as with any shaft), I really do think there are a large portion of golfers that could benefit from the progressive flight that they offer through the variable tip stiffness of the set.
It should be noted that the MSRP, as well as the release date of the True Temper DG Pros, are still currently to be determined. For more information on the rest of the True Temper lineup be sure to check out www.truetemper.com.
Very nice and thorough write up Jman. These shafts sound like a winner for True Temper. I really am intrigued by these shafts and would love to spend some time on course with them. The flight ht characteristics of these shafts sounds like a true winner for golfers like myself. I could always use a higher ball flight with the longer irons,, and bringing the launch down on the short irons could definitely help with the control. Sounds like a fantastic new addition to the DG line up.
Great review JMan! I’m intrigued for sure. The stepping of the short and mid irons that could help bring the ball down a bit is always of interest with my swing.
Some good information right there. I am glad to see DG putting out shafts that are not only solid but helpful. Maybe some long irons will stay in the bag instead of being replaced by hybrids.
I’m looking forward to getting a set in some clubs for some long term play. Thanks again James.
Awesome review James. DG I think is really on to something with these shafts. Interesting to see a release date/MSRP when it comes out.
Great review here James, bringing us information on a new product where literally nothing out there existed about how these are supposed to perform and what type of golfer they are intended for.
I really like the idea of the PROgressive set and it makes complete sense given how tough it can be for me to get the longer clubs up in the air while not having that issue with the shorter irons.
Thanks for speaking very well to the “feel” issue commonly associated with DG iron shafts, will be interesting to see if these make it into bags out on tour.
Nice review James. Love to see something new in the DG line up. Sounds like they have done their homework. I really like the idea of the softer tip in the long irons. This may be the shaft that helps put long irons back into my bag.
Awesome writeup James! I remember you raving about these things in Texas, and those who hit them seemed to say the same.
Really nice to see the DG line taking what seems like a massive step forward with these. Hopefully they will continue to build off of this
I like it. It seems like this might be a little more accessible to the golfer that doesn’t want the heavy and stiff DG’s, but isn’t ready to drop to an across the board high launcher like the the XP. Seems like a new take on flighting and I’d love to give them a try.
It sounds like while these aren’t exactly the traditional flighted concept, they are the perfect combatant against other companies doing just that.
James, it has been fun to follow along with your experience and I really enjoyed getting to hear your thoughts put together in this review. Well done!
This was a great review, I loved now you broke down each shaft category and I learned a lot reading this. Like you, most of my iron sets up until last year came with the DG S300 and while I can’t ever say I hated them they definitely didn’t provide the feel and performance of some of the other shafts I have since opted for. It’s nice to see TT back with a good option, I tend to think they might have a better chance of getting these shafts out to more people if they simply went with an entire different name for this line though, just to break away from the line of thinking that you (and many others) had when they first heard about this shaft.
Great work as always, thanks!
Very nice JamesMan. These are definitely a different beast and feel seems to be the best part about them (besides the new tech). You were stroking these shafts with consistency all freakin day dude. Love the review.
Awesome review James, sounds like a great set of iron shafts, interesting to see the 3 iron have a higher flight than the 3 iron, a bit of a flighted type setup!
Very informative review on a new shaft offering from True Temper that seems packed with new technology. I enjoyed your descriptions throughout the review, especially the distinction and difference between these progressive shafts and other shafts that are flighted.
another great review brother.
the progressive trajectory is very interesting as it pertains to the shorter irons and in keeping them lower, but still able to hold greens. an interesting concept in increasing distance for players that may balloon scoring irons and lack the distance they really need out of them.
consider these considered….
Great information James! I really liked your review and what DG is going going forward. Do you think these are prototypes and they have a “wait and see” attitude on whether they will be released or not? Would love to see if this is going to be the new way of the iron shafts. Good stuff buddy!
Nice write up Jman! I find their take on the ‘progressive’ shaft interesting. Nice to see another shaft option from TT
Complete job Jman! I’ve had TT shafts in my irons “forever”. They haven’t needed to change because they’ve been good for so long. Sounds like this break away from tradition will or can meet the needs of aspiring amateurs like us in THP.
Thank you!
Great review. Appreciated the breakdown of the different sections of the set. Im looking for a set of shafts with a bit more feel but still have the “flighted” characteristics. Sounds like TT did some R/D and came up with a great solution.
Cant wait until they come out. Keep up the good work.
seems a like a updated version of Dynalite,TT lite and d gold/
I didn’t see anything about one of the most important characteristics of any golf shaft; weight.
What is the weight on these shafts?
This is a solid review. I like how you broke down each section.