Hello All,
I finally purchased a set of ARIAS (http://www.truezerooffset.com) irons, 4-PW. This is a quick review of the product thus far...enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: I am a firm believer in zero offset/onset. I will be as neutral as possible when discussing these clubs--but know I was biased before purchasing, knowing the advantage of zero offset and my release pattern.
INTRODUCTION:
I have had these clubs for roughly 3 weeks now, and I must say they are working out far better than expected. I won't belabor the point too much, but I will say that using advanced ball striking technique in unison with these clubs has provided me with very interesting results. I have averaged 16/18 GIR, 26.7 feet proximity over the last few rounds with these clubs . Easiest 60's rounds I've ever shot, minus the 34 putt 71 I shot in the middle of the week. Hard to say if it's the chicken or egg...but I had not broken 70 all year before getting these clubs.
ADDRESS--AESTHETICS
PROS: Thin top lines and ease of aim are the pro's when it comes to the setup of these clubs. Small adjustments to face angle can be made with ease, while never losing your target awareness. The look of the club at address really inspires confidence. Bounce and leading edge inspire confidence on hard and soft course conditions.
CONS: Top line could be thinner but I've been playing blades for over 20 years now, so personal preference here. Would like a sharper leading edge in the shorter irons, but again--more a preference based on my style of play from 175 and in.
PLAYABILITY/YARDAGE/ETC.
PROS: I can now work the ball both ways much more consistently and with advanced refinement. With offset I always struggled to hit a fully released fade, now it's effortless. This has also helped with my confidence approaching tucked pins. Working the ball from the center towards a tucked pin is an advantage I never fully capitalized on with offset. This has given me an extra 10 yards per club minimum, excellent launch and spin rates (previously I had too low launch and spin rates with mid- long irons), etc. Bottom Line: I'm getting much more out of my technique now and swinging through the ball instead of at it.
CONS: No offset can lead to a huge pull if you get steep (30+ yards with a 6 iron). However, once you pull one...it just doesn't happen anymore. It seems the feedback is so clear that your subconscious makes an instant adjustment. Even though I have this random huge mishit on the range, it never happens on the course...so, hard to say what this is yet. It is concerning when thinking forward to tournaments, but I believe this is just old swing DNA from playing offset for too many years.
RESULTS/COURSE DATA
PROS: Ball stops better than ever. Trajectory control gives me so many more options when facing tougher pin positions, wind, hazards, etc. The higher launch and spin rates have improved my proximity to the hole by 7 feet too. My mizuno MP 69's had a tendency to roll out a bit more than I liked. The more I practice with these clubs, the better my technique/results seems to get. This is how it is supposed to be right? LOL...
CONS: Ball goes too far sometimes, but it still holds the green when it does. There must be a microscopic hot spot on the face of the club, because occasionally I fly my target by 5-10 yards. It could be an address/delofting thing since offset does help you set the face angle/loft more INTUITIVELY, but I feel like it's something else. I have been happy to see it hold greens even when this happens though...so there is that. Just a bit frustrating...OF NOTE: This doesn't happen at all with softer balls. Seems the premium Pro V1 equivalent does not have this problem, but the Pro V1X does. Still working through this to know if it's the clubs or balls.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
1. Hitting them off mats is not a pleasant experience
2. Hitting them off grass gives you a forged feeling at impact, but not old school "heavy hit" forged. Think TM MC's...circa 2005ish.
3. Mishits fly full distance with most of the spin.
4. Sweet spot is elongated due to cavity design, but you have no issues with feedback. You know exactly where you hit it when you hit it good or bad. None of that confusing modern alloy crap...just clear precise feedback.
5. Precision aiming is possible and far more consistent than it was with offset. Again, I improved my proximity by 7 feet--just by switching my clubs.
That's really all I have for now...please leave any questions you may have.