- Callaway photo
Before you dismiss the distance gains and increased forgiveness of the new MAVRIK Irons as being the result of strong lofts and longer shaft lengths — like some traditionalists can often be heard grumbling in response to manufacturers’ iron distance claims — I suggest you give them a try first.
Provided with a mixed bag of mostly drivers and fairways to test in advance of the MAVRIK product launch, I went out to play a few holes. After a par-5 and two par 4s, I found myself facing a 195 yard shot on a tricky par-3 at San Jose’s Coyote Creek, I pondered the choices in front of me. Let’s see, there were three different 3-woods. I could always saw one of those off. But from my “gamers” I had only brought 7-wedge to keep my golf bag under the 50 pound flight limit.
So there they were, three MAVRIK 6-irons -- one of each new model. I usually hit 6-iron about 175, maybe 180. What’s 20 yards I figured? And the miss was short anyway. So I grabbed the "MAX" model and teed it up slightly higher than normal (more like Hybrid height) and closed my stance a little. Putting a full turn on it, I caught one high-toe and watched it hit the front of the green and release to 10 feet past the flag. My playing partner shook his head.
"Technology," he groaned.
Sure, drivers seem to get all the attention. But some of the biggest gains in golf club technology have taken place in the clubs you count on more often -- the irons.
And while I'm not sure that the MAX model is the right one for me, I can say with some assurance that the technology in all three new MAVRIK models has me rethinking my forged clubs altogether. I'm ready to hit an 8-iron from 160 again!
But all of that technology isn't worth anything if you don't get the kind of feedback from a good shot that goes beyond the result (although I don't think any of us mind seeing a slight "miss" carry the water no matter how it feels). The millions of urethane microspheres inside the MAVRIK series act as the glue that brings everything together - absorbing vibration while maximizing distance. The 6-iron I hit on the par-3 was the perfect example. It felt a bit high and on the toe, but I didn't get the kind of hollow, twisting vibration in my hands that says "this ball is hooking into the short left bunker."
So if I've got you intrigued, let's look at the shared features of all three models, and then dive into each one individually.
Industry-leading Ball Speeds From Flash Face Cup Technology
A.I. machine learning helped Callaway creat a sophisticated face architecture that’s unique to every loft, promoting higher ball speeds and increased spin robustness off of every iron. And ball speed is further enhanced by the 360 Face Cup that flexes and releases at impact.
Optimal Launch From Tungsten Energy Core
Custom tungsten-infused weights in each iron allowed Callaway's design engineers to locate the precisely position the CG in each iron while still maintaining ball speed in the Flash Face Cup. This promotes optimum launch and ball flight through the set, from strong lofts and player preferred trajectory, spin rates, and descent angles.
Unprecedented Feel From Urethane Microspheres
Callaway's patented urethane microspheres absorb unwanted vibration for pure feel, while also maximizing COR for increased ball speeds.
Premium Components
MAVRIK is available in stock premium shafts from True Temper, Project X and KBS with premium Golf Pride Grips.
MAVRIK Irons
MAVRIK Irons will appeal to the widest diversity of players, with incredibly fast ball speeds from A.I and Flash Face architecture for consistent distance. To provide complete performance to match these distance technologies, each iron is engineered to optimize launch and trajectory while promoting player preferred trajectories, spin rates, and descent angles.
MAVRIK Pro Irons
The MAVRIK Pro Irons feature a more compact head shape, flatter lie angle and thinner topline that better players prefer for better workability and control. The look is similar to the Epic Forged irons; if you're looking for a "small sports car" then MAVRIK Pro may be for you.
MAVRIK MAX Irons
If you’re looking for distance from your irons, and maybe a little help getting it airborne, it doesn’t matter what the loft or length is. Results count. The MAVRIK MAX is a large headed, majorly offset distance iron that is has hybrid-like tendencies. A cup face to drive ball speed, and a lightweight shaft to match. (And this one wasn’t even graphite; I’m looking forward to trying that combination.)
SUMMARY
Now, many of you reading AmateurGolf.com are going to err on the side of traditional when it comes to irons. And in fairness, unless you bought forged blades, if you’ve purchased a set of irons from any of the “majors” lately you’re likely getting some cool distance technology in more subtle ways. Technologies like distribution of tungsten weight and face cups, can be found in Apex Pro 19 Callaway irons as just one example.
But the three new MAVRIK models really push the boundaries of what's possible in an iron. As the Callaway tagline goes, they offer "MAVRIK distance in every face." They are available for pre-order on January 14, with a product-at-retail date of February 6.