Special Iron Test- found here in rankmark's August, 2008 newsletter.
Twenty-eight sets of irons were sent to the rankmark test sites.
The test irons were put in groups of four with the testers picking the best in each group. Ping easily knocked off its group getting almost all number one votes as did Taylormade and Titleist. Callaway FT just beat out Cleveland Hibore, and Nike. MacGregor and Yonex tied in their foursome with MacGregor winning the playoff. Then Cobra nipped the heavily touted Wilson and the one major surprise winner award went to Nicklaus who rounded out the field of first place finishers. All of these will receive rankmark’s “Best of the Best” award.
Callaway FT Irons
The new FT Irons are the evolution of Fusion Technology, delivering the utmost in performance and playability in Callaway Golf irons for mid to low handicap players who demand the latest innovation with proven results.
King Cobra S9 Irons
The expanded three-piece polymer topline and urethane sole insert optimize discretionary weighting for a lower CG and higher MOI, offering higher launch, greater distance and more accuracy. Combine that with the club’s low profile and wide sole with a chamfer relief design – and you gain improved versatility and more forgiveness.
MT MID Irons
Keeping with MacGregor's tradition of creating game improvement products with a classic sense of style, the MT MID Iron pulls out all the stops. With the everyday player in mind, MacGregor capitalized on the Tour inspired shaping one can find in the MT Irons.
Polarity MTR Irons
The Polarity MTR Irons feature Patented Extreme Polar Weight Distribution creating the highest M.O.I. in an iron to date. This in turn promotes straighter shots.
Ping G10
A game-improvement iron that delivers consistent results best describes the high-launching, wide-soled G10 irons. Designed with low toe weight for higher MOI, the G10 brings your game the forgiveness it deserves.
r7 CGB Max Irons
The r7 CGB Max Irons offer maximum technology for maximum speed, distance, forgiveness, and accuracy.
Titleist AP1 Irons
Titleist AP1 irons are advanced performance, multi-material, dual cavity irons providing great looks, feel, shot control and higher flight with forgiveness for the skilled and aspiring player.
We asked each of the testers to hit all of the above seven and pick just one manufacturer’s clubs based on looks, feel, closest-to-the-target, and overall satisfaction. Much to my surprise, the one with far and away the most number one picks was the Nicklaus Company’s Polarity Irons.