Pro Gear or PRGR as we all know it, the golf division of Yokohama Rubber Industries as been doing very well the last few seasons with their GN502 and EGG line raising popularity to new levels. We also saw PRGR release the limited TR500 Forged iron last year which sold out within weeks. The TR500 was forged at Endo in Japan and the good news is PRGR has moved all of its forged clubs production back to Japan at Endo.

A Real “Tour” Model?

Last year’s GN502 Tour model saw what was really a mid sized cavity with some offset. Most didn’t believe it really fit the “Tour” moniker and PRGR Pros did not play it on tour. PRGR worked quickly to design a new model for 2010 that would be in play by PRGR Pros on tour and more deserving of the “Tour” label. Following the success of the TR500 Forged, they made the new conforming 2010 GN502 Tour Forged in a smaller package premium forged from S20C at Endo. So does this new 2010 GN502 Tour Forged model fit the bill as an athlete and low handicapper model? I received a demo from PRGR to find out.

Player’s CB with a Pocket Cavity

At first glance, the new GN502 Tour stands out with its milky satin finish. The lines of the iron are obviously boxier and sharper than the more rounded previous generation. A taller more square toe and along with less offset and a thin top line and sole all point at the better golfer. Interestingly, PRGR decided to keep the pocket cavity that was also in the previous Tour model. Typically pocket cavities are associated with average golfer models as pocket cavity’s offer increased forgiveness across the face of an iron. What some athlete golfers don’t like is the perceived clickiness in feel and sound that come with pocket cavities on impact. One can never have too much forgiveness but whether or not the sound and feel is affected will be something we look at.

Forgiving grind on a narrow sole….

The center of gravity is low on the GN502 Tour at 20.5mm high on every iron. This provides a consistent feel across the set and predictable ball flight and control. It appears that PRGR has attempted to package some level of forgiveness into a small sized player’s CB not only due to the pocket cavity but also the grind of the iron. The narrow sole features very obvious trailing edge and leading edge relief making it very versatile in all kinds of lies allowing players to make pure contact in any situation.

Straight neck sets up well…

The iron looks very good at address with the straight neck and minimal offset flowing to the head. The boxier face nicely frames the ball at address and while a small sized cavity back, still provides confidence. Lower handicap golfers will like the way this iron sets up. Lofts are on the traditional size leaning towards a focus on playability. With all these features, how does the GN502 Tour Forged actually feel and perform?

Feel and Performance…

There are several factors that will affect the feel of this iron and please keep in mind that feel is subjective. The iron is soft S20C Endo Forged and features a very forgiving grind. When I tested this iron both on the fairway and rough, and on different level lies, I was able to make consistently pure contact 95% of the time. The feel is soft but crisp at the same time due to the pocket cavity. There is a slight click but it is ever so subtle and I actually liked it as I take it as sound tuning like a sound slot or floating face on a putter. The tester I had was shafted with PRGR’s Spec Steel II M-43 Shaft. This shaft is very comparable to Nippon’s NS Pro 950GH, it’s smooth and has a mid to higher trajectory. For the swinger under 105mph, the stock Spec Steel is a great option all the way up to M-46 as its feel compliments the head very well. Those who swing more aggressively or over 105mph and want something heavier may be better of choosing the S200 option which will provide a lower ball flight than the Spec Steel.

A wider audience than expected…

Ball flight is consistent and the boxier head and minimal offset allow for soft fades or draws. Feel and control is what this iron is all about but after spending a week with the tester it made me realize what PRGR was doing when designing this iron. It’s more than just a players cavity that will satisfy the best of golfers as the extra forgiveness that PRGR puts in the iron make it appealing even to the fast improving golfer who is striving for single digits. Be rewarded with pure and good strikes but at the same time not be penalized harshly for missing ever so slightly. Then iron definitely looks different and depending on the golfer, may be great looking or odd looking. One thing is for sure though it, feels great and has a great mix of performance and forgiveness all in a small premium forged package.