When it comes to choosing golf clubs, every player has a different level, swing and in many cases, budget.  For those living outside of Japan, mainstream Japanese golf clubs from brands like, Tourstage, XXIO, PRGR, TM Japan, Callaway Japan etc. are already considered very expensive. However there is a whole other level that thrives in the Japanese market and that is the Premium or Executive class of golf clubs. In addition to performance, this class of clubs also provides, prestige, bling and status for players ready to spend the money.

Premium and Executive Type Golf Clubs….

Most have probably heard of Honma, one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious brands. Their 5 Star clubs are the pinnacle of prestige and image in the golfing world’s rich with some clubs and irons costing over $5,000 EACH. Another line of clubs that also has a very premium image throughout Asia is Maruman’s Majesty line.

I have tested some Honma clubs in the past and are they worth the money? That can be very subjective. Honma does have some nice clubs that provide some good performance.  Their drivers and fairway woods at the lowest 2 star rating is on par with many mainstream offerings from other brands. Their 2 star irons on the other hand are expensive with a set of 5-PW costing over 2000.00. So in comes the Maruman Majesty Prestigio Gold Premium Irons (quite a name isn’t it?).  Maruman sent me the Gold Premium’s for testing and I wondered what it would be like to hit a set of clubs costing $4500.00 for 5-PW.

The Majesty Series…

The “Majesty Series”, Maruman’s flagship line, is the realization of every technological innovation pioneered by Maruman, one of golf’s equipment engineering technology leaders for over 35 years.

Lots of technology…

The Majesty Iron features a Nano-Technology Toughest Maraging Face and Fullerene Composite Shaft, both creations of Maruman’s years of R&D.  The Majesty Premium Gold are Ion Plated Pure Gold clubs made from the highest grade steels Japan has to offer. Maruman believes these characteristics and design aspects work together to open up new levels of performance, prestige and quality to discriminating golfers around the world who insist on only the best life has to offer. Maruman touts the “Majesty Series”  as a rewarding golf club for those who seek and demand the finest in luxury, quality and beauty.

Pure Gold Plated accents…

The Majesty Prestigio Gold Premium Irons are made for premium performance and ease of use. The iron features a 17-4 stainless body with micro plasma welded Toughest Maraging Face. The 1.6mm thin face creates hot feel and high ball speeds. Shallower in the longer irons and longer heel to toe for forgiveness while the shorter irons are taller for control and accuracy. The Gold Premium irons feature a Pure Gold Plated Titanium ring and back face with tungsten insert for higher MOI. The head is chromium finished along with the gold and brown gradations. Forgiveness is created by a rather large and deep pocket cavity which increases the heads MOI.

Titanium Carbon Shaft…

Distance performance is obtained by stronger lofts and ultra light weights creating an ideal club for the slower swinger or senior executive golfer wanting to gain back some lost distance. Contributing to the lightweight and ease of use are the  Majesty shafts, which are high bow-power of high functional carbon bringing in additional yards and control to each swing. Nano-technology Fullerence Titanium and ultra-thin carbon sheets, rolled and bonded by minimum amount of resin achieve undeniable bowing power, which accomplish most effective predictable kicking motion and energy transfer in the swing. The design and materials are similar to higher end carbon like 50t and 80t which utilize more metal and glass particles instead of rubber in lower end shafts.

Larger sized but reasonably good looking…

Appearance wise I thought the irons were rather classy. They were better than I expected as the first thing I think of when I hear “gold” in golf clubs is “bling bling”.  The gold in the Majesty iron is more of an accent and the iron does not look cheap but is well finished and actually looks expensive (which it had better). The Prestigio Gold is by no means a small iron nor is it meant to be. This iron borders on the chunkier side and has obvious offset. I wondered how the thick top line and sole would affect feel but surprisingly the iron is rather good feeling most likely thanks to the soft maraging face. Launch is high and carry is long and far. This iron is made for distance.  I hit the 7 iron 160y and i swing under 90mph with the driver.

Pocket Cavity and Head Design = Automatic

The pocket cavity is very forgiving. Without a doubt the Majesty Prestigio Gold is is in the automatic category for irons. I had a hard time telling if I miss hit a shot or not as off center shots felt very similar to shots on the sweet spot and lost practically nothing distance wise. Some players may not like this type of feedback however others won’t mind it in exchange for its forgivness and performance. This iron is not meant to be worked. You pretty much aim a target and swing away.

Performance and Prestige…

So the Maruman Majesty Prestigio Gold Premium irons, look pretty good, are packed with nice materials and design aspects and really can perform distance and ease of use wise. Are they worth their price tag? For many people probably not but for those executive and premium golfers willing to buy image and prestige, why not also pay for an iron that will make golf more fun and easier to play.