Cheap Vs Expensive Golf Balls Test

When it comes to choosing a golf ball many players understand the benefit of urethane-covered options. Offering the spin in the short game that provides control while also allowing the manufacturers to design the core of the ball to help maximise distance, urethane-covered options are always very popular. In this video and article we tested models from either end of the price-spectrum to see how the performance differs.

If you are looking for a urethane-covered ball you can either go for one of the best premium golf balls on the market, such as the Callaway Chrome Soft X. These options will cost around $50/£50 per dozen. Alternatively, you can opt for one of the best mid price golf balls but these will still set you back around £30 per dozen. If you don’t want to stretch that you far, then Costco have the Kirkland Signature 2.0 golf ball at just over $1.50/£1 per ball. It also has a urethane cover - but how does it compare?

We wanted to find out so we tested it up against the Callaway Chrome Soft X on a SkyTrak launch monitor and on the golf course at the London Club. Take a look at the video that comes with this article if you’d like to see how they both performed in a series of on course challenges. In this article, we are going to focus on the launch monitor data. 

We hit a series of 50-yard pitch shots with both balls, then we hit some 7-iron shots and we finished off with the driver. The data chart below shows the averages for the 50-yard shot with both golf balls.

As you can see the Callaway spun more - just over 1500 rpm - than the Kirkland 2.0 from 50-yards. However, this spin number from the Kirkland is still very good. During our on course testing this was particularly impressive. Even from very close range, it was clear to see how much spin the Kirkland was offering and when you couple that with the soft feel off the putter face, we thought the short game performance was up there with some of the best options on the market. By contrast the Callaway felt a little firmer off the putter face but the spin control was superb.

With the 7-iron, you'll notice a difference in ball speed (and spin) that translated into a jump in distance from the Callaway. At this point it is important to say, the reason we chose the Callaway Chrome Soft X was because, when we reviewed it, we were very impressed by its performance at both ends of the bag. Indeed, if you opt for one of the best golf balls on the market, you are likely to have the choice of a few models to suit your game. For me, it was the X version within Callaway’s latest premium balls that worked best. If you go for a budget urethane option, like the Kirkland Signature 2.0, you are likely to have just the one option.

The big difference in performance, both in our launch monitor testing and on the course, was noticeable from the tee. The Callaway Chrome Soft X is particularly impressive in this department. Again, there was a jump in ball speed and with a higher launch angle and less spin than the Kirkland, we saw a not-insignificant gain in distance from the more expensive option.

For most regular golfers, the price of a ball is a very important factor. The good news is that if you opt for something like the Kirkland Signature 2.0, you will get some hugely impressive performance. But for us, at a driver clubhead speed of around 112 mph, you can start to see what we were giving up on in the long game. Indeed, with some of the best premium golf balls, it is the ability to separate long game and short game performance that seems to be the main benefit. 

In this Golf Tech Head-To-Head, Golf Monthly's Neil Tappin and T3's Dave Usher have carefully selected two bits of innovative new golf tech they think will guide them to victory. Who chose correctly? Find out in the video...

Technology and golf are a match made in heaven. And nowadays, it’s far more than clubs and balls that get the R&D treatment. From launch monitors to rangefinders and everything in between, there is no shortage of gadgets and gizmos designed to make the game a little easier for recreational golfers. 

And that’s the premise behind this Golf Tech Head-To-Head video feature.

The idea is simple. It’s a nine-hole match between Golf Monthly’s Neil Tappin and Dave Usher from tech brand T3, and both have picked two bits of cool golf technology intended to help steer them to victory.

Neil has opted for the Stewart Golf Q Follow Trolley and the A.I.-driven Arccos club sensors, while Dave has put his trust in two Garmin products - the Approach S62 GPS Watch and the Approach Z82 Rangefinder.

The Heritage Course at the London Club was the venue for this blockbuster head-to-head, and you can find out who came out on top in the video above.

But how did they get on with the products?

Stewart Golf Q Follow Trolley

Neil Tappin: “It works off bluetooth, so I have a little handset which is in my back pocket and the trolley just connects to that and follows you as you work your way round the golf course. It’s pretty cool - I'm completely hands-free. 

“If you need to use it with the handset to use it more like a normal remote control trolley you can. As soon as it gets close to you it stops.

“I really enjoy using it. It takes a little getting used to but not much. It was a bit slippy underfoot so it's just knowing when I need to use the remote and when I can put it into follow, and it just leaves you free to do other stuff.

“When it gets really wet you can walk along just holding the umbrella - every little helps. It’s also just really good fun.”

• Stewart Golf Q Follow Trolley Review

Garmin Approach S62 GPS Watch

Dave Usher: “So the watch is telling me to hit 3-hybrid on this drive. Normally if there was a chance for me to hit driver and take the risk, I would, I’d go for it - it’s ruined many a scorecard. But on this one there’s no point in me doing it because the watch shows where your average drive will land. 

“That black curve [where Dave’s drive will land] is either front of the water or middle of the bunker and I can’t hit over that. Even the voice in my head saying to go for it is quiet because it knows that’s physically beyond me to do that.

“So it’s telling me to lay up with the 3-hybrid on this nice wide bit of fairway.

“When I started playing when I was younger there was none of this technology so you were just relying on your eyes and a 150 marker on the fairway. You do feel the benefit when you use it.

“If you hit a bad shot it’s on you, it’s not because you’ve got incorrect information.”

• Garmin Approach S62 GPS Watch Review

Garmin Approach Z82 Rangefinder

“Why have you brought the rangefinder when you’ve got the watch?”

Dave Usher: “For shots like this. I can’t really see the base of the pin so I’m looking at this now and deciding where to try to put my tee shot. I’ve also got the distance to the flag - it’s saying 337. That’s about right.

"The 3-wood might go through it [the fairway] but 3-hybrid might just sit nicely on the fairway all being well and then I’ve got a nice shot in.”

• Garmin Approach Z82 Laser Rangefinder Review

Arccos Caddie

Neil Tappin: “I’ve been using Arccos for the last two or three months and it picks up every shot you hit out on the golf course so it starts giving you a picture of how far you hit every club in the bag.

“Then once you’ve got a certain number of rounds logged with Arccos it can start telling you what shot to hit in different scenarios round the golf course as it’s got this caddie function.

“I’m going to follow what the caddie says on every hole, every shot. This has got a more realistic picture of how far I actually carry the ball and actually hit it.

“It knows where all the trouble is, it knows the elevation change, it knows where the wind is and it can factor all that in before it gives you a club.”

• Arccos Caddie Link Review

Take a look at the video to find out more about the products chosen by Neil and Dave and who progressed to victory!

There is £385 in price difference, but how much difference is there in performance?

Cheap Vs Expensive Putter Test - Inesis Vs Scotty Cameron

NEW FOR 2021 – FEATURED PRODUCTS

Golf Monthly is partnering with Titleist and FootJoy as our official golf ball, golf bag, footwear and apparel partners for this year.

Shop the featured FootJoy footwear and apparel worn in this video:

• Shop FootJoy Men’s shoes
• Shop FootJoy Men’s shirts
• Shop FootJoy Men’s pullovers/mid-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s jackets/outer-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s trousers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s gloves
• Shop FootJoy Men’s belts & accessories
• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf balls used in this video Discover Titleist Pro V1x balls
• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf bag used in this video Discover Titleist Stand Bags

Cheap Vs Expensive Putter Test - Inesis Vs Scotty Cameron

In the video above, GM Editor Mike Harris pits the premium £399 Scotty Cameron Phantom X 12 putter up against the £14.99 Inesis 100 Mallet bought from Decathlon.

We see plenty of comments on our gear reviews that golf equipment is too expensive and stops people getting into the game, but a putter for just £15 shows that perhaps it actually isn't.

A £15 putter might be ridiculously cheap - but is it actually any good?

Watch our video test above.

We tested in three different categories on short, medium and long range putts.

The Scotty is a thing of beauty. A lovely design, a mix of aluminium and stainless steel to give it a great feel.

The Inesis is made out of zinc alloy and we could quickly tell that it is a lot lighter than the Scotty Cameron.

Short Range Test

We did a very non-scientific test to see how many consecutive putts we could hole with each on a dead-straight 3 1/2 footer up the hill.

The Inesis actually won this test, holing 10 in a row with the Scotty holing seven consecutive putts.

The Inesis 100 Mallet felt quite tinny and significantly lighter than the Scotty, which felt much smoother with a lovely feel and sound.

However, the proof is in the numbers and the Inesis did the job for its modest price tag.

Related: The Best Putters

Medium Range Test

We managed to hole one more putt from 12ft with the Scotty Cameron and felt like we had a little bit more control with it.

However, the results were very similar.

Long Range Test

We didn't notice much difference here either apart from the difference in feel between the models.

The Scotty feels very balanced with a lovely feel off the face whilst the Inesis sort of 'pinged' off the face.

Conclusion

The Inesis won the short range test but you'd probably say the Scotty won the medium and long range putts.

However, saying that, the results were close.

The Inesis 100 Mallet performed incredibly well for just £15.

It really is an entry level putter, perfect if you're just getting into the game or you're on a budget - this does the job.

Yes it feels lightweight, sounds a bit tinny, by contrast the Scotty Cameron is beautiful balanced, looks absolutely stunning and comes with a wonderful premium headcover too.

Scotty Cameron is all about great performance and beautiful aesthetics, and would be a great club to have in your bag.

But for £385 less you can get a putter that does the job.

If you are starting out in golf or are on a budget, you definitely don't need to spend hundreds of pounds on your flat stick.

Would you be happy playing with a £15 putter? Would you consider investing £400 in a putter? Let us know on social media

In this video, we take a look at the history of FootJoy from the birth of the company in 1857 with the tagline 'the shoe that's different' to how the brand developed its presence on tour and on towards the innovative 'modern classic' designs you'll find on the shelves today.

In this video, we take a look at the history of FootJoy from the birth of the company in 1857 with the tagline 'the shoe that's different' to how the brand developed its presence on tour and on towards the innovative 'modern classic' designs you'll find on the shelves today.

Make sure you do these things before your next round.

8 Things You Need To Do Before A Round Of Golf

Ever wondered why you rock up on the first tee with a hangover and just seconds to spare only to play terribly? Fail to prepare then prepare to fail, as they say.

But by implementing these suggestions from Kit Alexander in your pre-round routine, you give yourself the best chance of playing good golf. He covers everything from how to correctly warm up the most important body muscles, groove your technique and even get your mind in the correct state to score better. Give them a go, what have you got to lose?

8 Things You Need To Do Before A Round Of Golf

1. Clean your clubs

Dirty golf clubs can have a very negative impact on your performance especially when you are trying to generate spin on approach shots into greens, and on those finesse shots.

Therefore you want to make sure your clubs are as clean as they can be. What you want to do is leave them to soak for a while in warm, soapy water. Then take them out and use an old toothbrush, or a groove cleaner to remove dirt in the grooves.

Related: How to clean your golf clubs and grips

2. Get a good nights sleep

Sleep is incredibly important when it comes to playing golf and you probably don't want to be playing hungover either.

3. Plan your day

You do not want to be rushing around and getting frazzled before you get to the club and golf course. So therefore plan your day properly. Leave yourself plenty of time to get to the club, and then go through your entire routine before teeing off. Also, be sure to leave yourself a little bit of extra time because of traffic.

4. Build a strategy for the course you're playing

If it is your home club, you probably know it like the back of your hand when it comes to where to go, where not to go, and which clubs to hit. But we still recommend writing it down and make sure you have a clear idea on how you are going to attack the golf course. Of course this is especially important when it comes to playing a golf course you haven't played before or are unfamiliar with.

Also, be sure to stick to that strategy you laid out too, regardless of how you are playing.

Related: 11 Driving Range Mistakes

5. Eat and drink properly

What you eat and drink has a huge impact on how your mind and body feels both on and off the golf course. So it is really important you eat right and stay hydrated before you play and also during the round too.

This will of course depend on your tee time. If you have a morning time, then maybe a bowl of porridge or something with slow release energy is great. If you would normally be eating around when you are supposed to be teeing off, then adjust your meal times around the round of golf.

Additionally we overlook staying hydrated too which can have a negative impact on concentration.

6. Stretching

When you get to the range, it is important to have a stretch before you hit any golf balls. This will warm up the muscles and get them nice and loose which not only will help you athletically make the golf swing, but also stop you from getting injuries.

One particular stretch we recommend is whilst standing, crossing your legs over and stretching downwards to the floor. This will stretch the back of your legs and lower back.

Another is a simple rotation of the hips, and finally grab a golf club and put it behind your shoulders, then just turn as far as you can to improve your turn.

7. Hitting golf balls

When it comes to hitting shots before the round, do not go straight for the driver. Go with a wedge first because it is an easier swing to make an it allows you to really ease yourself into the session.

From there we recommend working your way up your golf bag, you do not have to hit every club but every two or three is recommended.

This is to create some familiarity with the swing before you get to the tee, and it will also give you an idea of where the ball is going, and what you are going to be able to do on the course that day.

One final tip is with the last few shots on the range, play some of he first few holes in your head and hit the corresponding clubs.

8. Chipping + Putting Green

Going to hone these parts of your game is also vitally important as well.

Chipping in particular saves a lot of shots and not only are you practicing the aspect of the game, but you also gain a better idea of how firm and fast the greens are. When it comes to the actual chipping, also give yourself a good variance when it comes to lies which will prepare you for different shots on the course.

Then go to the putting green to get an idea of the pace of them so you can calibrate your stroke. Then introduce holes too with putting drills like the around the world drill.

The final thing you should do before heading to the tee is see the golf ball go into the hole so you are full of confidence too.

In this video, Kit Alexander explains the 11 most common mistakes golfers make when going to the driving range

11 Driving Range Mistakes

Whether it's starting your session with the driver or forgetting to put a basket under the ball dispenser we've got them all covered in this video.

So sit back and enjoy while taking special care to never make any of these mistakes yourself!

11 Driving Range Mistakes

1. Going for the driver right away

It makes zero sense to go for the driver right away because it is the longest club in the bag and also one of the hardest to hit. It also takes the most effort to hit too especially if the warmup has been sub-standard.

Undoubtedly that first shot will be hit terribly, and the session has started you off in a terrible mindset as a result.

2. Unsolicited advice

We have all probably been in these situations and as much as the advice probably comes from a good place of trying to help, if you are the receiver of the advice, the last thing you want to hear is someone unqualified jumping in. Our tip is just focus on your own game.

3. Hitting aimlessly on the range

Most driving ranges out there will have some kind of flag or nets to aim for, which should act as specific targets for your shots. If you have no target and are just hitting for the sake of it, then what is the point in being there?

4. Hitting driver from the wrong tee height

Nothing good ever comes from hitting driver from a tee height you wouldn't use on the golf course. It is going to give you an incorrect idea of how you are hitting the ball and could implement some bad habits in as well.

5. Hitting the same club over again

That repetition might work if you are trying to groove a specific swing change but on the whole it doesn't help. In general, in a round of golf you are hitting different clubs from one shot to the next so it makes sense to do that in practice too.

We recommend trying shots from the tee, then hitting from the deck, to different targets around the range. This kind of session is particularly useful to use as a warmup session before going out to play.

6. Use alignment tools

Whether it be a stick or a club shaft on the ground, we recommend using these to make sure your feet and body are aiming exactly where you want them to. At times the bays can be aligned oddly which could skew your stance and body alignment, so using an aid will make things a lot clearer.

Related: Best Golf Training Aids

7. Have an aim/target for that session

Whether you are working on a move recommended to you by your coach, or just working through your golf bag to gauge your yardages, you must have a clear idea of what you want to achieve in each session at the range.

8. Abandoning changes after bad shots

Falling into old habits is easy to do but if you are looking to make changes, you are doing that for a reason and it takes time to implement them.

If you want to get better, the driving range is the place to make those mistakes and work on them, rather than out on the course during competition.

9. Hitting the bay partitions

Always be aware of your surroundings when taking a golf swing and placing your golf bag. Just take a moment to check because not doing so could cause your equipment some grief.

10. Rolling up from the office

You are not going to be able to swing properly with your work shirt on, nor will you get any grip with office shoes on either. Just try and find a few minutes to get changed and pick up your proper golf gear, or take it with you to the office.

11. Basket under the dispenser

We have all done it. Always remember to put the basket underneath the ball dispenser!

Neil Tappin takes a look at the 7 Easiest Golf Gear Upgrades covering everything from new grips to your choice of wedges to help you make smarter equipment choices!

7 Easiest Golf Gear Upgrades

Let’s face it, no matter how you play, the 2021 golf season is likely to be one of the best ever. Having spent so much time indoors recently, the prospect of dusting off your clubs and putting a score together is seriously exciting. In preparation for the season ahead, we put together a list of the 7 Easiest Golf Gear Upgrades to inspire better equipment choices. 

1 Grips

If you have certain clubs in your bag you love but that are feeling a bit tired, a great option is to put new grips on them. Before you do, take a good look at your grips. If the condition isn’t too bad, give them a good clean with hot, soapy water. If they still aren’t providing much traction, think about investing in new grips.

At anywhere between around £5 and £12 per grip, this might seem expensive for a full set of irons but you’ll be amazed at how it can make older clubs feel like new!

RELATED: Best Golf Grips

2 Lob wedge

Every time you hit a bunker shot, you are effectively sand blasting the face of your wedge. Over time, the grooves will wear and the amount of spin you generate will reduce - and this won’t just affect how much your chips check but it will also change the flight of your pitch shots. If you are looking for more control in your short game, a new lob wedge could be the way to go. 

RELATED: Best Golf Wedges

3 Golf Balls

Do you use the same model of ball every time you play? If not, now is the time to consider it because, the more you play the same ball, the better feel you will have for how it performs, particularly in the short game.

Every ball on the market is designed to perform differently - whether it is to fly lower, feel softer or spin more in the long game. Identify the ball that you think will help you play your best and then buy a couple of dozen. You can then use the same ball for the first few months of the season (hopefully!) and you’ll be able to see if this makes a difference.

RELATED: Best Golf Balls

4 Golf Shoes

Now is a good time to think about your golf shoes for the year ahead. Start by looking at the shoes you currently have. If there are any pairs that are particularly tired, and you can’t imagine wearing them again, get rid of them to make some space.

Now clean the other pairs that are left and replace any missing or worn soft spikes. Once you have done that you’ll be in a better position to identify any gaps - it might be that you need a new pair of spikeless shoes to wear in the summer or you want something that can cope for all weather conditions.

RELATED: Best Golf Shoes

5 Distance Measuring Devices

A good DMD should tell you a lot about your game. It should be easy to use, provide consistently reliable yardages and give you some insight into how far you hit the ball while you’re competing on the course. How does yours stack up? If it is unreliable or frustrating to use, now is the time to upgrade. The 2021 offerings are packed full of features and easier to use than ever. 

RELATED: Best Golf GPS

6 Fairway Woods

These are often the hardest clubs in the bag to hit well. With the ball on the deck and the shaft of the club so long, finding consistently sweet strikes can be tricky. However, today’s range of fairway woods are much easier to hit than older generations. If you are using an older fairway wood that doesn’t instil confidence, now is a great time to invest!

7 Putter Grip

Given the number of shots you hit with it, the grip of your putter is likely to wear faster than other clubs. If yours is looking a bit tired, or perhaps your putting isn’t as good as it could be, think about a new putter grip. This will give you a completely new feel - if your putting has been poor, go for something that’s either fatter or thinner to change the way it feels in our hands. This is a relatively small change that could make a big difference to your performance!

In this Ping G425 drivers review, Joel Tadman tests the new models up against his trusty G410 to see if the performance has improved

Read our full Ping G425 Drivers review!

In this Cobra Radspeed drivers review video, Joel Tadman tests the new models against the prior generation to assess how the performance has evolved for 2021

In this video Neil Tappin and Joel Tadman offer some pointers about your equipment choices.

10 Biggest Golf Gear Myths

Many golfers have ideas about what might be best for them but sometimes these can be based on pre-conceptions that are wrong.

Of course, this can lead to you spending money on golf gear that isn't quite right for you. In this video they look at what the 10 biggest golf gear myths are!

WATCH: 10 Biggest Golf Gear Myths

10. Higher handicappers = More forgiving golf clubs

There are lots of reasons why a player might have a higher handicap, it doesn't always come down to ball-striking.

The gap in your game might be based around short-game or putting, so there is more to think about here and it would be wise for you to think about what the gaps are in your game rather than just immediately assuming a forgiving set of golf clubs will solve the problem.

9. Everyone needs a lower spinning driver

Some golfers will definitely benefit from lowering their spin to maximise carry distance, but actually many more will benefit by optimising the spin they generate, and finding out how to best combine that with the launch angle and ball speed they  produce.

Therefore for many people, if they take spin off their drives then this could actually be detrimental to distance and performance.

8. The shaft is the most important part

Of course the shaft is important but it is only one piece of the jigsaw puzzle. For example, during a fitting the fitter has to think about variables like lie angle, lofts, weight settings and other factors because they all have an impact.

Getting the best clubs for you will take into account all of these factors so it is too simplistic to say that getting the shaft right will lead to better performance.

7. Higher handicappers = distance oriented golf balls

Many higher handicappers assume they are not good enough to generate spin around the greens and as a result they choose golf balls that are more focused on distance.

However this might not be the case because all players can create spin provided the strike is solid. This will become apparent when higher handicap players switch to a premium golf ball because there is an increase in control.

Just because you may be a higher handicap player or you struggle around the greens, that does not mean you can't benefit from the performance and the feel of a premium golf ball.

6. Higher handicappers = draw biased drivers

The assumption that draw bias drivers are meant for higher handicap players is incorrect. Draw bias drivers are purely designed for those players who tend to hit a consistent fade and want a slighter straight ball-flight and maybe a bit more distance. Or for those players who slice the ball.

Therefore draw bias drivers can be used by players of all abilities because they are designed around ball-flight, not playing ability.

5. Every golfer needs a gap wedge

A more truthful way to say this is that every golfer needs even gaps between their clubs and each of their wedges. This can depend on a couple of factors.

First, what loft is your pitching wedge? Because if it is quite strong then you may need a gap wedge to plug the gap between your pitching and sand wedges.

Second how many wedges do you want to carry? This will probably depend on what clubs feature at the top end of the bag, what course you play and what kind of versatility you want in your wedge setup.

4. "I am not good enough to get custom fitted"

This is something we hear a lot and is not true. A couple of things to mention here;

Every fit involves a series of static measurements which enables you to find the right shaft length, lie angle, grip thickness and so on. All of these things will make a difference to your game.

Second the key part of a fitting is to guard against bad shots. Whatever your bad shot is, fitters can do things to clubs that can guard against those shots.

3. Graphite shafts in irons are for slower swingers

During testing we found graphite shafts in irons to offer excellent performance. For those that swing faster they may feel lighter and the graphite may take a bit of time getting used to, but if you get the right specifications for you, then you could definitely enjoy the feel and performance on offer.

From what we have seen, there is no real sacrifice in performance provided you go for a custom fitting.

2. Finding the right putter is all about feel

Put simply, there is more to a putter than feel. The best putters currently on the market all offer good feel so we would argue that it is also about getting a putter that is the right length, finding a putter that complements your stroke, and finding one that suits your eye in the aesthetics department as well.

1. Tour professionals use different equipment to amateurs

In reality the equipment that pros and amateurs use is very similar. Of course the top players have access to the tour trucks so they can make specific adjustments and changes to their clubs.

However, on the whole the heads you can buy are the same as what the tour pros are using.

NEW FOR 2020 – FEATURED PRODUCTS

Golf Monthly is partnering with Titleist and FootJoy as our official golf ball, golf bag, footwear and apparel partners for this year.

Shop the featured FootJoy footwear and apparel worn in this video:

• Shop FootJoy Men’s shoes
• Shop FootJoy Men’s shirts
• Shop FootJoy Men’s pullovers/mid-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s jackets/outer-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s trousers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s gloves
• Shop FootJoy Men’s belts & accessories
• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf balls used in this video Discover Titleist Pro V1x balls
• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf bag used in this video Discover Titleist Stand Bags

Don't forget to follow Golf Monthly on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

In this Zoom Focus Tour laser rangefinder review, Joel Tadman puts it to the test out on the course to determine if it's an upgrade to the Focus X model

In this video, Joel Tadman talks through the details of the clubs and ball in the golf bag of world no.3 Justin Thomas.

In this Cobra King Supersport-35 putter review, Joel Tadman tests Cobra's first putter in 14 years made using 3D printing out on the golf course

In this Stewart Golf Q Follow electric trolley review video, Joel Tadman takes the unique model out for a spin to test out the plentiful features on offer

Joel Tadman and Neil Tappin test and compare the Titleist TSi2 and TSi3 fairway woods at West Hill Golf Club

Joel Tadman and Neil Tappin test and compare the new Titleist TSi2 and TSi3 drivers at West Hill Golf Club

In this video, Joel Tadman tests out ten of the very best distance irons and picks out his favourites.

Best Distance Irons 2020

Here, Joel Tadman runs through the best distance irons on the market in 2020 and beyond.

These are the models featured in the video with the 7-iron lofts:

Cobra King Speedzone - 27.5° Cleveland Launcher UHX - 30° Callaway Mavrik - 27° Honma XP-1 - 30° Mizuno JPX921 Hot Metal - 29° Ping G710 - 29.5° TaylorMade SIM Max OS - 28.5° Titleist T400 - 26° Yonex Ezone GS - 29° Wilson Staff Launch Pad - 30°

Looks This is of course subjective but if, like us, you like a more traditional head shape and size to look down on then the Yonex Ezone GS and Honma XP-1 will tick the boxes for you. The Ping G710 is very long and inspires a lot of confidence with the lighter hitting area framing the ball really nicely. If you prefer to see more real estate behind the ball, the more hybrid-like Titleist T400 and Wilson Staff Launchpad irons will fit the bill.

Performance Unsurprisingly it was the Titleist T400, lofted way down at 26° in the 7-iron, that produced the longest average carries but also with a healthy peak height to maintain some stopping power into greens. The performance of the Honma XP-1 really stood out because of distance it generated with relatively weak lofts. The feel of the Cobra King Speedzone stood out from the rest, coming off like an absolute rocket and producing some impressive distance with accuracy, as did the TaylorMade SIM Max OS and the Callaway Mavrik.

Verdict While the Titleist T400 was the longest iron on test, we felt like the Ping G710 iron provided the best of everything. We really like the darker finish, it makes the iron look smaller than it is, the forgiveness levels were through the roof and it sounds and feels much softer than the prior generation.

For all the latest golf equipment news and reviews, be sure to follow Golf Monthly on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

We gain an exclusive look inside the TaylorMade tour truck

Inside The TaylorMade Tour Truck - Behind The Scenes

The TaylorMade tour truck is a regular fixture at European Tour events. It travels all over the UK and mainland Europe providing the gear support required by many of the best players in the world.

Watch our tour above courtesy of TaylorMade's Sam Day.

There are 3600 grips on board. A pneumatic clamp holds the shaft in place without snapping it. There are two different types of tape so the grips can be set to the exact size the player is looking for.

An air clamp holds the club in place as the fitter manipulates the loft and lie. Small alterations are made and then checked as the club is slowly moved into exactly the correct set up position.

Related: The 10 best TaylorMade clubs of all time

There is space on board for over 4000 shafts. Most of the players on Tour require versions of extra stiff shafts in their clubs. There are current and old shaft models from every brand available.

A combined 850 driver and fairway wood heads are kept on board when the truck is fully stocked. There is also room for 600 different hybrid heads. With so many players on tour using TaylorMade metalwoods, this is the busiest section of the truck.

The players have their own cubby hole where the golf balls, gloves and hats for each week are stored. TaylorMade players tend to receive 36 balls, three caps and four gloves each week.

Inside the TaylorMade Tour Truck: Vital statistics

8 Miles Per Gallon

35 Tonnes

22 weeks spent on the European Tour

510 horsepower Mercedes engine

20,000 miles per year

3 days – the longest drive the truck does from the UK to Valderrama

For all the latest golf news, check the Golf Monthly website and follow our social media channels @golfmonthlymagazine on Facebook and @golfmonthly on Twitter and Instagram

GM Reader Tamas Ray needed more launch and more spin on his drives

TaylorMade SIM Metalwood Reader Fitting - 12 Handicap

In the video above, 12 handicapper Tamas Ray gets fit for a new driver and fairway wood with TaylorMade Tour Truck fitter Sam Day.

Tamas, a member of Hadley Wood Golf Club, had previously had a 'semi-fitting' before for an older driver where he tested different heads and shafts in a golf shop.

His ultimate goal is to get to single figures, having shot numerous rounds in the 70s before but never consistently enough to drop to single digits.

Usually a gentle drawer of the ball, Tamas needed to get rid of his nemesis shot that is a high block out to the right.

He eventually settled on a TaylorMade SIM Max D-Type driver.

Tamas was hesitant to move into a draw-bias head but ultimately trusted Sam's expert opinion.

"For me what I was looking at was what I could better on what his Titleist driver was doing and he needed a little bit more launch, a little bit more spin just to try and keep it in the air a little bit longer," Sam Day said.

"We got there in the end, we did test a few things and we met in the middle a bit and we got the best of both worlds basically what I wanted to see and what he wanted to see

"He was really struggling getting the driver in the air and getting it flying a comfortable number so that was one thing that we needed to address.

"We went in for a little bit more loft, slightly different look with a shaft that helped him get it in the air and that's when we started seeing big distance gains but also the dispersion tightening up.

"There was around 4 or 5mph ball speed gain, which is obviously massive. The softer, lighter shaft helped him with his clubhead speed number.

"The thing for me was having someone who knows what they're doing," Tamas said after his fitting.

"On my own I can go and try different clubs but someone who objectively can look at my swing, look at my ball flight characteristics and can straight away zero in on what the right tool is for the job.

"I'd definitely recommend a fitting. It would have taken me months of trying different clubs and combinations to get to that outcome on my own."

For all the latest golf news, check the Golf Monthly website and follow our social media channels @golfmonthlymagazine on Facebook and @golfmonthly on Twitter and Instagram

In this video, Joel Tadman talks through the Ping putter ranges on offer in 2020 to help you pick the best model for your game.

For a deeper dive into the latest Ping putter offerings, click here.

Be sure to follow Golf Monthly on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest gear news and reviews.

In this video, Joel Tadman runs through the pros and cons of six of the best golf GPS watches on the market in 2020

For a more detailed look at the best golf GPS watches on the market this year, click here.

For all the latest golf equipment news and reviews, be sure to follow Golf Monthly on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

In this video, Neil Tappin tests out Big Max Golf's new trolley and bags

Big Max Ti Lite Trolley And Dri Lite Bags Review

Watch the video above for our full review of Big Max's new Ti Lite Trolley and Dri Lite Bags.

The trolley features ultra-lightweight performance, coming in at just 5.4kg and comes with a really simple folding mechanism, plus a five year warranty.

Both bags offer very high levels of water resistance for when you're playing in changeable conditions or, frankly, when it is tipping it down.

The Dri Lite Sport is a pure trolley bag whereas the Dri Lite Hybrid is designed to be used as a versatile carry bag that you can also put on a trolley as well.

Dri Lite Sport Bag

The pockets and the material is all 100% waterproof and it's great that it provides the confidence you need that whenever you get caught out by heavy showers that this bag will protect everything that's inside it.

We poured water over it and it simply beaded off, so it passed that test!

It has nine waterproof pockets in total so there's plenty of great storage but it only comes in at 2.2kg so it shoudn't get too heavy if you do want to take a lot of stuff out with you to the golf course.

The bag comes with a 14-way divider to keep your clubs apart and an oversized putter well at the top provides easy access to your putter. We really liked that.

It also has a huge cooler pocket to keep your drinks and snacks nice and cold, and we found that all of the pockets are very spacious.

The base is also designed to fit flush on the Big Max Ti Lite trolley to keep it secure whilst you're playing.

It has sleek, sporty look to it and we think it looks great.

Ti Lite Trolley

The key talking point here is just how lightweight it is, coming in at just 5.4kg.

As soon as we put our bag on the trolley we noticed how light it was, and it really does take little effort to push it round the golf course, even when we had quite a lot of things in the pockets.

It comes with a straight central axel linking the two big wheels, which should provide a bit more stability and help it last longer.

The central storage unit on the trolley comes in very handy with lots of space for items you'll need quick access to.

We also loved the foot brake, it worked perfectly well keeping the trolley in place whilst on uneven ground.

You can set the height of the central console and handle to your preferred height using a clip, and that clip also works to fold the trolley down.

It folds down very easily and also very small.

To sum up, Big Max have created a very user-friendly trolley that works well on the course but also folds down easily and small.

Thumbs up from us.

Dri Lite Hybrid Bag

This has been designed for those golfers who sometimes want to carry and sometimes want to use a trolley, and just want one bag to do both jobs.

Stand bags can sometimes be annoying to place perfectly on a trolley and that is something that Big Max has thought about with the Dri Lite Hybrid.

The trolley-compatible Hybrid Stand sits a little bit lower and allows the bag to be placed flush at the top of the trolley.

The bottom of the bag also sits flush on the trolley too so it should stay just as secure as the trolley bag would do.

However, saying that, it still works perfectly as a stand bag with great padding on the straps and an an Airtec Air Channel to ensure your back doesn't get too sweaty when it's a hot day.

At 2.2kg it's supremely light but having said that, there's great storage space with numerous pockets including a full-length space to store things like waterproofs and jumpers, a valuables pocket and a cooler pocket.

There's also the usual pockets you'd expect to store things like balls, tees and gloves.

Regardless of whether you want to use it with a trolley or carry it, the Dri Lite Hybrid meets both needs really well.

Watch the video above for our full review

For all the latest golf news, check the Golf Monthly website and follow our social media channels @golfmonthlymagazine on Facebook and @golfmonthly on Twitter and Instagram

Technical Editor Joel Tadman tests eight of the best laser rangefinders on the market out on the golf course

Joel Tadman tests the new Shot Scope V3 GPS Watch out on the course over multiple rounds to assess its accuracy and functionality

We take a look at the clubs and ball used by Englishman Justin Rose in 2020

We take a look at the clubs and ball inside the bag of 15-time major champion Tiger Woods

We run through who each iron in Titleist's latest range is aimed at and the type of performance you can expect

We test out the unorthadox Wrist Lock Putter Grip from SuperStroke to see if it could change around your fortunes on the greens

SuperStroke Wrist Lock Putter Grip Review

We were more than a little intrigued when SuperStroke announced its new Wrist Lock putting grip.

It is USGA approved and 'engineered to “lock” in the upper wrist to prevent any unwanted motion leads to greater consistency in starting the ball on-line and overall distance control'.

Given there is definite merit in the Arm lock method, used so prolifically by Bryson DeChambeau, we were keen to give this unique approach to it a try. We put it on an old TaylorMade putter and tested it on the excellent practice putting green at Burghley Park Golf Club on a variety of lengths and slopes of putt.

Our first question was, how is this legal? Well it turns out that, under the Rules of Golf:

“A putter grip may have a non‑circular cross-section, provided that the cross-section has no concavity, is symmetrical and remains generally similar throughout the length of the grip. The phrase “generally similar” is interpreted to mean: (i) that the butt (top) end of the grip must not involve a sharp change in slope or dramatic flare on the underside."

So the fact that the Wrist Lock grip has dramatic flare on the side, to make it sit better into the inside of the lead arm, and not the underside appears to be the reason it is conforming under the rules.

It is noticeably longer than a conventional putter grip and has the same no taper concept on the front moving down as other SuperStroke models.

Generally it feels good, although we’d have preferred the shape on top to be more pronounced. We found the lower down you hold it the more naturally it fits, so you might want to think about adding some length to your putter to accommodate this and stop you bending over too much.

It’s design unquestionably helps in applying pressure into the lead arm and increasing the tension in the wrists to stop them breaking down, so your stroke feels a lot more robotic.

As a result, our stroke felt like it was more easy to replicate although we struggled from long range initially. You also need to employ a lot of shaft lean at address to get the top of the grip fitting securely against your arm.

We therefore the ball tended to dig into the ground a little after impact because of how much effective loft we’d taken off from the added shaft lean. That said, with the hands so far ahead of the ball we did feel like they were travelling more upwards and the putter head was attacking the ball shallower, so you may not need to adjust the loft as much as you might think, only 1-2 degrees should do the trick.

This grip would certainly work better if you already employ a lot of shaft lean in your method or if you are quite bent over when you putt.

It isn’t quite as simple as putting it on a normal putter and off you go but regardless of how you hold the putter, this grip could certainly help improve your overall consistency by taking the smaller moving parts out of the equation.

With some subtle tweaks to the make up of your putter combined with this grip you can utilize the bigger muscles for a more repeatable stroke and over time, you will regain the feel required to control distance from longer range.

Undoubtedly worth a try if you struggle to hole your fair share of putts.

In this video, we take a look at the clubs inside the bag of four-time major champion Brooks Koepka

We take a look at the best putters in 2020 and pick our favourites based on the looks, feel, roll and forgiveness.

Best Putters 2020

In this video, we test 13 of the best putter ranges on the market in 2020. We selected models launched in 2020 or the second half of 2019 and tested them all on a variety of different types of putt to fully assess the performance using Titleist Pro V1x golf balls.

The models on test were:

Axis1 Rose £449 Cleveland Frontline Elevado £149 Evnroll ER10 Outback £349 Mizuno M.Craft #1 £249 Odyssey Triple Track Stroke Lab Ten £239 Odyssey Stroke Lab Black Ten £269 Odyssey Toulon Design Atlanta £379 Ping Heppler ZB3 and Tomcat 14 £250 Rife Riddler £79.99 Scotty Cameron Special Select Fastback 1.5 £380 TaylorMade Spider S £299 TaylorMade TP Collection Patina Soto and DuPage £239 TaylorMade Truss TB1 £269

Can a golf shoe really increase your chances of hitting the golf ball further? We sent Joel Tadman to find out...

Manufacturers will nearly always talk about how their new golf shoe offers 'improved stability'. But what exactly is stability in golf footwear, how can it be measured and what are the benefits to the golfer?

Ahead of the launch of Spieth 4 GTX, we were invited by Under Armour to test the shoes at elite coach Dan Whittaker’s state-of-the-art facility just outside Knutsford.

As well as using Trackman, we also had access to special force plates and were able and encouraged to test the Spieth 4 GTX against as many competitors as we liked. We obliged, taking the latest models from all the leading shoe brands, including FootJoy, Adidas, Skechers, Ecco and Puma.

In a nutshell, stability refers to the movement of the foot during the swing. If the foot is moving less, ie more stable, through impact, the golfer should be able to deliver the club back to the ball faster and on a more consistent basis.

Specifically, we were looking at vertical ground force, the force you put into the floor, measured as a percentage of your body weight.

The more you limit lateral movement of the foot, the more you push down into the floor which means you get more energy return from the floor pushing back up. This is why we see golfers like Justin Thomas with their feet off the ground at impact, because he puts so much force into the ground relative to his body weight during his swing. Energy is then transferred up from the floor through the body and into the clubhead, almost like a slingshot effect.

It’s difficult to associate how much added performance comes from the stability of a shoe alongside other factors like the fit and the number/positioning of the sole’s traction elements, but the overriding thing to look at is distance.

We tested numerous models of golf shoe, soft and rigid, spiked and spikeless, with a 7-iron. Generally speaking, the more stable the shoe was (the less the foot was able to move), the more force and clubhead speed we created and the better control we had of strike and direction, leading to longer carries on average.

Our testing showed that the Spieth 4 GTX is one of, if not the most, stable shoe on the market alongside the FootJoy Tour X – there was little between them in terms of performance - both achieving the same average 7-iron clubhead speed and average distance.

The Adidas Tour360 XT and both the spikeless FootJoy Pro/SL and Pro/SL Carbon also performed well, comparable with these shoes in terms of clubhead speed generated and distance achieved, although admittedly not at the level of the Spieth 4 GTX or Tour X. Underneath these shoes were the Skechers Go Golf Pro 4 and Ecco Biom Cool Pro.

While flexible, soft-feeling shoes may ‘feel’ more comfortable to walk in, we saw noticeable drop offs in clubhead speed and control of direction. In fact, it was surprising to see how much dispersion was effected in shoes like the Adidas Codechaos and the Puma Ignite Pwradapt.

While these types of shoes unquestionably have their place, especially for those who want a softer, more lightweight feel, for the majority of golfers a more stable shoe with a firmer outsole will deliver the most optimum combination of clubhead speed, distance and accuracy.

We saw variances in carry distance of 7.5 yards on average, 2mph in clubhead speed and 13 yards in dispersion from best to worst. This would almost certainly be amplified were we to test with driver.

We also found that more unstable shoes can also exaggerate swing faults. Using me as an example, my lead knee collapses in the backswing and them my left ankle folds as a result. A shoe with a more rigid base would help prevent that while a more flexible shoe makes it worse. It does also work the other way but more often that not, a more stable shoe will promote a more powerful, controlled swing.

So what should golfers look for in a shoe? Whittaker explains.

“You’ve got to have a foot plate that doesn’t twist. The more rigid a sole is, the more power you can put through the ground. A wider base is absolutely key and you’ve got to have a really snug fit inside the upper with no movement of the foot at all inside the shoe. Make sure the laces are pulled tight all the way down and done up properly.”

In summary, it’s time golfers really started to consider footwear as an important piece of kit that can have tangible performance benefits, rather than simply things that cover their feet when they play golf.

Joel Tadman talks you through the tips and tricks you need to get your clubs, bag, trolley and everything else ready for that first round of golf after lockdown lifts.

Your Ultimate Lockdown Gear MOT - Get Ready For Golf!

With talk of golf courses opening sooner rather than later and the R&A releasing a plan of how golf can be played safely, NOW is the time to get your clubs, bag, trolley and all other golfing paraphernalia ready for when the moment arrives.

We’ve outlined some top tips and tricks you can do at home to ensure every item you rely on for a round of golf is primed and ready. Let’s face it, with lockdown still in full flow, you’ve got no excuse and it will put you in the best position to play some good golf once the courses re-open. Be prepared or prepare to fail, as they say...

1. Clean your clubs

This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many golfers simply don’t do it. Dirt on the face or in the grooves can effect the starting direction, speed and spin of your shots and therefore be detrimental to the result. There’s nothing worse than thinking you’ve hit the perfect shot, only for the ball to come up short.

So give your iron and wedge faces a good clean with a wire brush to remove dirt from the grooves and then a cloth and warm soapy water ready for their long-awaiting return to the course.

2. Care for your electric trolley

You’ve been ignoring the fact your trolley has been transporting dirt or veering to one side for long enough. So give the wheels a proper clean and sort the tracking of the front wheel if required.

Your trolley battery will also need some TLC. When not in use, Motocaddy say Lithium batteries should ideally be left in a half-charged state – so charge it for an hour and a half if you haven’t charged it since you last played. Failing that, storing it fully charged is the next best option. Remember to charge it on a dry, non-carpeted surface.

3. Reinvigorate your grips

Over time, dirt and sweat builds up in the tiny channels on your grips that provide the traction we need to maintain control of the club.

Giving your grips a good scrub with a cloth and warm soapy water will remove this and also reinvigorate the rubber, providing that soft, tacky feel you got when they were new. It’s a lovely feeling, so don’t give up on your grips just yet.

4. Remove unnecessary items

Your bag has undoubtedly accumulated some items over the previous weeks and months that you no longer need. It is important to remove them, as extra weight will make carrying more physically demanding or drain more life from your trolley battery.

Get rid of those old balls you found in the rough, that driver wrench you never use and maybe that emergency jumper stuffed in the bottom that has never seen the light of day. It all adds up in the end.

5. Clean your shoes/laces

Take the time you have now to ensure your golf shoes are "properly" clean including laces, cleats etc and nourished with leather cream if it’s a leather shoe. If you want to go even further, remove the laces and run them through your fingers in warm, soapy water.

It’s the care and attention you put in now that will ensure they’re looking their best for as long as possible. Just make sure you remember how to thread the laces back in!

6. Mark up your balls

Being punctual when golf returns will be key. Your playing partners won’t thank you for any delay in getting off the first because you need to mark your ball with your favourite design.

Spend five minutes at home with a sharpie marking a good dozen or so, so you’re ready to roll as soon as you arrive on the tee.

7. Prepare your return outfit

When we eventually get back out on the course, we want to be looking the part. So set aside your go-to outfit, perhaps it comprises your lucky polo shirt, most stylish hat or your most comfortable pair of shoes. Don’t make the mistake of wearing them to practice in the garden on lockdown, only to find them smelly in your wash bag when you really need them.

 8. Categorize your gloves

This might sound a little drastic but if you don’t already, you should probably think about having different styles and conditions of gloves for different purposes. This also applies to your shoe collection and ball stash.

Back to gloves though, less expensive, synthetic gloves are good for the winter because they are hard wearing. Older, worn-out leather gloves are best kept for practice while newer gloves should be reserved for social rounds. Only slide on a brand new leather glove for an important match or competition. Any gloves with holes in belong in the bin!

This tactic will ensure you get the maximum use out of all of your gloves and that you get the best feel and performance when you really need it. Separate them in plastic sandwich bags inside your bag so they don’t get mixed up and to keep them dry if your bag isn't waterproof.

9. Stock up on essential items

There are certain items every golfer needs aside from the obvious balls, tees, marker etc. A spare laser battery will get you out of trouble should your current laser battery fail you mid round.

Perhaps consider a first aid kit of sorts with plasters for untimely blisters, lip balm, sun cream, allergy tablets etc. Also think about carrying a rules book if the app doesn’t tickle your fancy.

10. Nail your home course strategy

Perhaps the reason you’ve been struggling to post a score in the monthly medal is because your strategy is all wrong. Really think about the club selections off the tee that will get you in the least trouble and keep a double-bogey or worse off the card.

Consider the correct side to miss greens on and where the best place would be to putt from on certain greens that have caught you out in the past. It’s this type of preparation that the tour pros will do every week that can be the different between a good and bad score after all 18 holes.

Don't forget to follow Golf Monthly across social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Trident Align is the world's first adjustable ball marker and is permitted in the Rules of Golf. Joel Tadman tests it out on the course...

World's First Adjustable Ball Marker Tested

Trident Align is the world's first fully adjustable ball marker and has been deemed legal for tournament play by USGA and R&A. Why would you need to adjust the line on your ball marker, I hear you ask?

Well firstly, it allows the golfer to begin fine-tuning the aim of their putt even when the ball is not in place on the ground. The Trident Align has a fairly weighty black base and sitting on top is the adjustable white section, which can slide round to the left or right.

The idea being that you are able to do the lining up you would normally do with the ball standing over your marker while others are putting out, in theory speeding up play. In reality though, there aren't many situations where you would be able to do this without putting off one of your playing partners.

The second benefit of the Trident shape is that it ensures the long line is exactly parallel to the ground. For a golfer using a line on their golf ball to putt, the line sitting at 90° is critical. If the line is tilted or rotated in either direction it effects how and where the golfer percieves their aim to be when they stand over the putt. The square shape that is created between the ball and marker ensures this 90° position is replicated.

This is a clever design that gives you the confidence that the line is positioned correctly, although it can be difficult to get the ball sit in exactly the position you want it to when putting it back.

Visually, there's a lot going on with the markings on your ball, which could put you off a little on shots taken away from the green. That said, the system is especially helpful on the greens and well worth trying for golfers that struggle with their aim or starting the ball on their intended line.

We also like the extra clubface line, which helps set the face perpendicular to the long alignment line.

The Trident Align costs around £25, quite alot for a ball marker, but for this you get a 25mm marker coin, the stencil tool, a marker pen and a carrying pouch. Annoyingly, the lid of the pen doesn't secure to the other end when in use like it does with a Sharpie, but I have been informed that Sharpie will be supplying the pens from the next production run moving forwards.

For golfers that like to use a line on their ball when putting, or are tempted to do so, the visual effectiveness of the trident shape alone makes it one of the best systems around. The amount you actually use the adjustability will be fairly limited, but it will come in handy when you can use it and it should speed up the time in taken in your pre-shot routine when it is your turn to play.

We tested the £30 Inesis wedge up against a premium offering from Callaway at Bishops Gate International Junior Golf Academy in Florida

Cheap Vs Expensive Wedge Test - £30 Inesis Vs £149 Callaway

NEW FOR 2020 – FEATURED PRODUCTS

Golf Monthly is partnering with Titleist and FootJoy as our official golf ball, golf bag, footwear and apparel partners for this year.

Shop the featured FootJoy footwear and apparel worn in this video:

• Shop FootJoy Men’s shoes
• Shop FootJoy Men’s shirts
• Shop FootJoy Men’s pullovers/mid-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s jackets/outer-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s trousers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s gloves
• Shop FootJoy Men’s belts & accessories
• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf balls used in this video Discover Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x balls
• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf bag used in this video Discover Titleist Stand Bags

Cheap Vs Expensive Wedge Test - £30 Inesis Vs £149 Callaway

How much does the price you pay affect the performance you get?

We bought an Inesis wedge from a Decathlon store for £29.99 and wanted to see how it compared with a premium model, so we put it up against a Callaway Jaws MD5 wedge that would set you back around £149.

So around £120 price difference, and if you are in the market for wedges you're probably going to be buying more than one.

The question is, if you were to go for a wedge for just £30, what would you be giving up on?

Watch the video above or read below for our thoughts on the £29.99 Inesis.

• WATCH: Cheap vs Expensive Putter Test - Inesis vs Scotty Cameron

Looks

If you're going to be spending £150 on a wedge then you certainly want it to look good and the truth is that the Callaway MD5 does indeed look stunning.

We loved the way it looked behind the ball and the chrome finish is superb.

It also looks fantastic in the bag.

The Inesis wedge looks incredibly simple and we thought that is a really good thing.

There is nothing to put you off this wedge.

It has a slightly duller grey finish as well as a noticeably thicker top line and a more generous hitting area, the sort of thing a beginner golfer or higher handicap will appreciate.

It is definitely a more confidence-inspiring look.

But generally speaking, it's not quite as eye-catching as the Callaway but is it offensive? No, it looks really simple, really classic and anybody could play it.

• Related: The Best Wedges 2020

Feel

The feel from the Callaway is ultra-soft and smooth and you know you're going to get plenty of spin if you strike it out of the middle.

It's just beautiful, really soft and silky through the impact.

It's exactly what we'd expect from a premium wedge but how does the Inesis compare?

It feels a little heavier but through the ball there isn't a huge amount of difference.

Indoors on a launch monitor we found it slightly louder and firmer but that was less noticeable when out on the course.

If we were choosing one for feel, we'd go for the Callaway but the Inesis is pretty good.

You're only paying £30 for it and it's good to know that it doesn't feel terrible through the ball - nice and smooth and feels like there's spin on offer.

On course test

We hit both wedges from the 70 yard range and we found both to be very similar from this distance.

The two closest shots were with the Callaway but the Inesis more than held its own.

We noticed that the Inesis seemed to be spinning just as much as the Callaway MD5.

Related: 12 Things you didn't know about Callaway

Performance

Having tested both wedges indoors and outdoors, we were very impressed with the Inesis' performance.

As you can see in the numbers above on 100 yard shots, they're very similar with the Callaway, as you'd expect, spinning a little bit more.

However, on the 50 yard shots we noticed more of a difference between the two with the spin rate gaps increasing.

It's perhaps not a huge difference but it is there and goes to show that when you're hitting shorter shots you are giving up a little bit on spin control.

You'd expect to be giving up something if you're putting a £30 wedge into play and this is what that would be, however it is certainly not vast and we thought that was really good to see.

We would say that the performance we got from the Inesis on the launch monitor, using premium Pro V1 golf balls, was pretty good.

Verdict

Over the years we've tested an awful lot of golf equipment and this was definitely one of the most enjoyable ones we've done.

This one has been really revealing because Inesis, we think, have done a great job.

The Callaway was also brilliant, it is absolutely a premium wedge in terms of the way that it both looks and performs, how it feels, how it spins around the green.

It's an excellent wedge and if you are looking for great looking wedges that perform brilliantly, then investing in the MD5s will not disappoint.

However, at no point did we really feel that we were giving up on something whilst hitting the Inesis.

The full shots spun up nicely, it performed well on the launch monitor, it felt good and the simple look is good too.

What the designers have done is not try to re-invent the wheel but just create a wedge that won't put people off.

They've done a great job, we like the grey, dull look to it and it's a very impressive product.

The only downside is that the face was slightly worn after a long day of testing, much more so than with the Callaway.

The Inesis was starting to scuff up a bit on the face.

What the means in the long term we don't know, perhaps you'll be giving up a little bit of spin a bit sooner than you would in its lifespan.

But, let's not forget you're only paying £30.

The grip is fine, it's not brilliant but it's fine, the feel is really good, it has that generous hitting area and slightly thicker topline that higher handicaps will like.

Full marks to Inesis for producing a product that a lot of golfers could put into play.

Would you put the Inesis wedge in the bag? Let us know on social media

For more equipment tests and all the latest golf news, check the Golf Monthly website and follow our social media channels @golfmonthlymagazine on Facebook and @golfmonthly on Twitter and Instagram

In this Wilson Staff Launch Pad iron review, Joel Tadman tests the theory of whether the effect of fat shots can be reduced

Wilson Staff Launch Pad Irons Review

NEW FOR 2020 – FEATURED PRODUCTS

Golf Monthly is partnering with Titleist and FootJoy as our official golf ball, golf bag, footwear and apparel partners for this year.

Shop the featured FootJoy footwear and apparel worn in this video:

• Shop FootJoy Men’s shoes
• Shop FootJoy Men’s shirts
• Shop FootJoy Men’s pullovers/mid-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s jackets/outer-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s trousers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s gloves
• Shop FootJoy Men’s belts & accessories
• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf balls used in this video Discover Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x balls
• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf bag used in this video Discover Titleist Stand Bags

In this Galvin Green Apollo Jacket Review, Joel Tadman wears it out on the course to assess the fit and the performance of the new features

Neil Tappin gives his verdict on the unorthadox TaylorMade Truss putters having tested them out on the course

TaylorMade Truss Putters Review

NEW FOR 2020 – FEATURED PRODUCTS

Golf Monthly is partnering with Titleist and FootJoy as our official golf ball, golf bag, footwear and apparel partners for this year.

Shop the featured FootJoy footwear and apparel worn in this video:

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• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf balls used in this video Discover Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x balls
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Joel Tadman tests the two new flagship spikeless golf shoes for 2020 from FootJoy, the Pro/SL and Pro/SL Carbon

FootJoy Pro/SL and Pro/SL Carbon Shoes Review

NEW FOR 2020 – FEATURED PRODUCTS

Golf Monthly is partnering with Titleist and FootJoy as our official golf ball, golf bag, footwear and apparel partners for this year.

Shop the featured FootJoy footwear and apparel worn in this video:

• Shop FootJoy Men’s shoes
• Shop FootJoy Men’s shirts
• Shop FootJoy Men’s pullovers/mid-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s jackets/outer-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s trousers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s gloves
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• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf balls used in this video Discover Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x balls
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In this Ping Heppler Putters Review, Joel Tadman tests two models from the new Ping Heppler putter range - the ZB3 and Tomcat 14.

Ping Heppler Putters Review

NEW FOR 2020 – FEATURED PRODUCTS

Golf Monthly is partnering with Titleist and FootJoy as our official golf ball, golf bag, footwear and apparel partners for this year.

Shop the featured FootJoy footwear and apparel worn in this video:

• Shop FootJoy Men’s shoes
• Shop FootJoy Men’s shirts
• Shop FootJoy Men’s pullovers/mid-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s jackets/outer-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s trousers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s gloves
• Shop FootJoy Men’s belts & accessories
• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf balls used in this video Discover Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x balls
• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf bag used in this video Discover Titleist Stand Bags

In this FootJoy Tour X Shoe review, Neil Tappin gives his verdict on the latest cleated golf shoe from FootJoy

FootJoy Tour X Shoe Review

NEW FOR 2020 – FEATURED PRODUCTS

Golf Monthly is partnering with Titleist and FootJoy as our official golf ball, golf bag, footwear and apparel partners for this year.

Shop the featured FootJoy footwear and apparel worn in this video:

• Shop FootJoy Men’s shoes
• Shop FootJoy Men’s shirts
• Shop FootJoy Men’s pullovers/mid-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s jackets/outer-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s trousers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s gloves
• Shop FootJoy Men’s belts & accessories
• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf balls used in this video Discover Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x balls
• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf bag used in this video Discover Titleist Stand Bags

GM's Neil Tappin explains why the Mizuno ST200 drivers might be the most underrated on the market in 2020

Titleist Vokey SM8 Wedges Review - We test the new Vokey SM8 wedges out on the course and give our verdict on the performance

Titleist Vokey SM8 Wedges Review

NEW FOR 2020 – FEATURED PRODUCTS

Golf Monthly is partnering with Titleist and FootJoy as our official golf ball, golf bag, footwear and apparel partners for this year.

Shop the featured FootJoy footwear and apparel worn in this video:

• Shop FootJoy Men’s shoes
• Shop FootJoy Men’s shirts
• Shop FootJoy Men’s pullovers/mid-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s jackets/outer-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s trousers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s gloves
• Shop FootJoy Men’s belts & accessories
• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf balls used in this video Discover Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x balls
• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf bag used in this video Discover Titleist Stand Bags

Ping G710 v G700 Iron Test - Joel Tadman tests the new Ping G710 iron up against the outgoing G700 on the GCQuad launch monitor and out on the course

Ping G710 v G700 Iron Test

NEW FOR 2020 – FEATURED PRODUCTS

Golf Monthly is partnering with Titleist and FootJoy as our official golf ball, golf bag, footwear and apparel partners for this year.

Shop the featured FootJoy footwear and apparel worn in this video:

• Shop FootJoy Men’s shoes
• Shop FootJoy Men’s shirts
• Shop FootJoy Men’s pullovers/mid-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s jackets/outer-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s trousers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s gloves
• Shop FootJoy Men’s belts & accessories
• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf balls used in this video Discover Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x balls
• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf bag used in this video Discover Titleist Stand Bags

Titleist 2020 Balls Test - Neil Tappin tests the new Titleist AVX, Tour Soft and Velocity balls for 2020

Titleist 2020 Balls Test

The Pro V1 and Pro V1x will always represent the best of the best from Titleist in terms of all-round feel and performance but for 2020, Titleist has launched updates to three other balls for golfers that have different preferences when it comes to feel, flight and price.

AVX is at the same price point as Pro V1 but has a softer feel and lower flight and spin off the tee. For 2020, Titleist has made it a little bit faster on iron shots and provide more spin control into and around the greens.

When we tested the original AVX it didn’t quite spin as much with a wedge as Pro V1 and Pro V1x but now the three balls are much more in line in terms of short game performance, while still providing a great option off the tee for golfers that need lower spin to maximize distance.

The Tour Soft has always been an excellent all-rounder that offers soft feel at a lower price point. Our testing of the 2020 version has shown that it is a little bit faster off the tee, possibly because of the larger core and thinner cover, and gave us a touch more control around the greens while maintaining that soft feel many golfers enjoy.

We also really like the new sidestamp design, with the T-shape provide an effective visual to line up your putter’s sightline and clubface to help return it square at impact more consistently. We found it to be especially effective on those nervy putts from 3-6 feet.

The final update for 2020 is on the Velocity, Titleist’s longest ball off the tee. It has been made even longer this year and while the gains are minimal over the previous version, it remains the ball of choice for golfers that want to out-drive their playing partners but not have to pay a premium for the privilege.

Titleist has also added some new matte finish colour options and not only do they really stand out against the grass and sky, we also found them to be particularly durable, along with the white version too. So as long as you can keep it in play, your Velocity ball should last you multiple rounds and be easier to spot and track in dim light conditions.

In this video, Joel Tadman tests the best fairway woods 2020 has to offer and picks his top three favourites.

Best Fairway Woods 2020

NEW FOR 2020 – FEATURED PRODUCTS

Golf Monthly is partnering with Titleist and FootJoy as our official golf ball, golf bag, footwear and apparel partners for this year.

Shop the featured FootJoy footwear and apparel worn in this video:

• Shop FootJoy Men’s shoes
• Shop FootJoy Men’s shirts
• Shop FootJoy Men’s pullovers/mid-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s jackets/outer-layers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s trousers
• Shop FootJoy Men’s gloves
• Shop FootJoy Men’s belts & accessories
• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf balls used in this video Discover Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x balls
• Find out more about the featured Titleist golf bag used in this video Discover Titleist Stand Bags

In this video, Neil Tappin tests the best drivers 2020 has to offer and delivers his verdict on the performance of each

Joel Tadman tests the new TaylorMade SIM Max and SIM Max OS irons up against the outgoing M5 and M6 models

Callaway Mavrik Drivers Review - Joel Tadman gives his verdict on the new Mavrik and Mavrik Sub Zero drivers

Neil Tappin delivers his verdict on the new TaylorMade SIM and SIM Max drivers having tested them against the outgoing M5 and M6 models.

GM editor Mike Harris reflects on how things played out in his season-long COBRA Golf Get Fast Go Low venture, with particular focus on his One-Length irons

COBRA Golf Get Fast Go Low in 2019 - One-Length Irons

In 2019, GM editor Mike Harris embarked on a targeted campaign to halt a worrying slide in form with the help of COBRA Golf – a slide that had seen a handicap once threatening category one slip up to double digits at one stage.

When Mike underwent his full driver-to-wedge COBRA fitting at the start of the season he was playing off 8.8, with eyes set firmly on exploring every possible avenue to turn the corner. Technique, course management and fitness advice from COBRA PUMA Golf’s popular YouTube coach, Alex Elliott, were also all part of Mike’s ‘Get Fast, Go Low’ mission.

In his fitting, Mike tried, and then embraced, COBRA’s One-Length concept pioneered by Bryson DeChambeau, in which all irons are 7-iron length from wedges to utility irons if so desired. The rationale is that the 7-iron is a favourite club for many, so why not simplify things and make every club feel and play like one?

COBRA Golf takes care to keep feel the same too by adding up to 15g of weight in the long irons and taking away up to 26g in the shorter irons, with shafts progressively weighted too so every iron is the same swing weight as well as the same length. The theory is that a more repeatable set-up and swing throughout the set will result in greater consistency and accuracy.

In this final instalment, Mike focuses on his experiences with One-Length irons throughout the year…

Mike was fitted for... Driver: COBRA King F9 Yellow, 9˚ (set to +1), 45.5in, Project X HZRDUS Smoke 6.0 60 shaft Fairway wood: COBRA King F9 Yellow 3-4 (set to -1), 43in, Project X HZRDUS Red 6.0 75 shaft

Utility irons: COBRA King Black Utility 2-3 and 3-4 set to 18˚ and 21.5, Recoil F4 Smacwrap stiff flex graphite shafts Irons 5-PW: COBRA King Forged Tec Black One-Length, 1˚ flat, -¼in, Recoil F4 Smacwrap stiff flex graphite shafts

Wedges: COBRA King Black Versatile Grind 50˚, 54˚ & 58˚, 1˚ flat, variable length KBS C-Taper Lite stiff flex 110 Shafts All clubs: Lamkin Rel Black Connect Grip

Mike’s One-Length feedback I’ve played well over 50 rounds with my irons and they have lived up to the promise of the fitting day. Part of my desire to give it a try was that I’ve always felt iron-play to be a weakness, and you do need to put some practice in so it feels more natural when you face a full wedge shot and the club in your hand is 7-iron length. But it didn’t take me that long to get used to it on the course.

I didn’t opt for One-length in my wedges and utility irons initially, but although I stuck to variable-length wedges, COBRA Golf kindly allowed me to switch to One-length utility irons mid-season as I was hitting my 5- and 6-irons well and felt that the switch would benefit my long-iron play. These are my One-Length pros and cons…

Pros * I have undoubtedly hit my irons better. * I have become more consistent throughout the bag. * My Arccos shot-tracking data shows I’m more accurate with my 6-iron than my 50˚ wedge (a pro or a con?). * Little bump-and-runs with my One-Length utility irons have proved a great option.

Cons * Variable-length utilities seemed increasingly hard to hit as I became more comfortable with the rest of my irons, hence that mid-season switch. * It took a while to get used to the longer 8- and 9-irons on chip shots. * The pitching wedge sometimes ‘feels’ long. * My Arccos data shows little difference in distance between my 5- and 6-irons. Apparently, such gapping issues are not uncommon.

Mike’s end-of-year report My closing handicap is 9.8 after a lot of 0.1s, so it’s been frustrating. When I’ve played well, I’ve played a lot better than in previous years, so the good shots have been really good. The Arccos data shows that the short game has been a bit of a struggle, although that has definitely turned a corner from a real low point at the start of the summer.

I’ve felt the pressure of trying to improve too. In competitions, when I start dropping shots my mind starts telling me, “You’re not going to make buffer or get a cut now,” particularly around my home course of Hartley Wintney where it’s tight and the greens are so small that when you start trying to force it, the margins for error just aren’t there.

I’ve struggled to stick to the old ‘one shot at a time’ adage too, and many of my errors have been course management-related. That said, I did shoot 75 in a friendly at Liphook – my best score for three years – and that was a good indication of where I feel my best golf is now at.

I played well from start to finish and got up and down a lot too. When I did start playing better, the weather sadly took a turn and wiped out a number of competition rounds just as I was hoping to finish the year strong.

So, no handicap cut, but I’ve really enjoyed the One-length irons and my COBRA King F9 driver, so maybe 2020 will be the year that I reap what has been sown in 2019. And yes, I will be sticking with One-length!