Lotte Kasai Golf in Tokyo held a demo day for the new Titleist Japan VG3 Forged Iron. Like the driver which I have posted about many times here on the blog, the Japanese Market VG3 Irons are aimed at the average golfer and improving mid capper. The strong lofts (24* 5 iron) matched with low CG in the form of tungsten weights in the sole create a higher launch and more MOI. The interesting thing is that the VG3 features variable placement for the tungsten weights on the sole depending on the iron just like on the driver. I can’t wait to hit the irons to see how the different placement affects trajectory, feel and control.
The iron is most likely premium Japan forged by Endo which typically does the advanced multi piece forgings and does manufacture the VG3 driver already for Titleist as well as most of Titleist Japan’s forged irons. The VG3 is longer from heel to toe and features small offset with a mid sized top line and sole. Trajectory is on the high side and is made for distance and forgiveness which is typical for the average golfer target audience. We’re looking at a late September release for the VG3 Forged Iron which will be available with 3 shaft choices initially, NS Pro 950GH, DG S200 and a Fujikura Titleist Motore 6.0i 3 axis carbon shaft.
I’ve already asked our Titleist Japan rep to send over demos which I will test along with the new Tourstage GR Forged. Two very good irons made for the average to quickly improving golfer. Premium forged, and top notch peformance!
Now this is really nice and I hope they do come with graphite shaft for the more mature golfers.
That’s an interesting cavity. Is it just aesthetics or does it add weight to the mid-toe part? It is a nice iron.
Hi R, yes it sure does. It comes with a 60g Motore 6.0i as an option.
“The strong lofts (24* 5 iron) matched with low CG in the form of tungsten weights in the sole create a higher launch and more MOI. ”
These modern clubs are so confusing, and are some of the reasons why the game has changed so much. Lower launch used to mean lower flight and more roll, but now they deloft the clubs but put so much more weight at the bottom that there is a counter-bend of the face to make the ball go back up! To top it off they put such lightweight yet accurate shafts that just go straight, no wonder amateurs have no feel or touch, nobody really plays the course layout, they hit straight balls instead of working it around the corner, so when they come across old courses that have penalizing obstacles like a tree in the middle of the fairway, they can’t curve the ball so they always play out and lay up.
Yeah I don’t like these sorts of clubs. They should at least only sell them with heavy shafts in them LOL
You brought up some good points GT. The truth is these type of strong lofted irons are aimed at the average golfer who want an automatic iron to simply go straight. The target audience probably can’t work the ball around the corer as you say. They want an iron to launch high and carry far but still drop down and stop on the green. The disadvantage to this as well as the lighter shafts is in the wind shots get killed distance wise, however on a calm day, an average golfer swinging 90mph driver speed can hit a 7 iron 160 yards.
Anyone know when VG3 will be in the U.S.A? What groove are these irons? U or V
The VG3 will not be coming to the USA as far as we know.
I am interested to get a set of vg3 iron. I am residing in malaysia. how do i go about ordering one? Thanks.
You can order them right in our shop, but keep in mind there is about a 2 week back order right now.
http://www.tourspecgolf.com/Titleist-Japan-2010-VG3-Forged-Iron-5-PW
thank you for your reply. For the vg3 iron ,how much is the total cost (including shipping cost) if I were to order a set of 3-9 iron (without the p wedge)? and how long before it reaches malaysia? thank you. Shaft- nspro regular.
I notice that the VG3 irons and the AP1 irons have a lot of similarity. How about the size of the club and the thickness of the topline? Are they the same? Hope to hear from you soon so that I can decide on the purchase. Thank you.
Please email me at gocchin @ tourspecgolf.com without the spaces… its much easier over email than in the comments section.
Thanks,
T