Honma TW-U

[Klimski]

Quick review of the Honma TW-U utility iron (from the TW 747 series of irons). I have it in a Vizard 50 gram regular graphite shaft, with 25 degree loft, making it a 5 utility iron. So, what is it for? I have a gap to fill between my 5 wood and 6 iron. It could have been a 7 wood, 9 wood, 20-26 degree hybrid. It's a club for off the tee on a par 3, or to advance the ball on a par 5 hole. I am looking for 160-170 yards (I am not a long hitter). I just sold my 23 degree hybrid, as I can't stop hooking hybrids. My shot shape is a draw and my two misses are a hook, and a push (push slice with driver). So I can't have a club that hooks easily.

I got this club barely used. At the range, the first 6 balls I hit with it were low squirters...oops! All the experts say: driving irons are harder to hit than hybrids or fairway woods. But, once I found the groove I was quickly enjoying hitting this club. Getting quite tightly grouped 160 yard shots. I have found that the misses are more front to back, with the club keeping a relatively narrow landing arear. Later, in the indoor trackman range I was hitting the club a lot longer. 170 yards total distance.

In all, I feel I've now completed my bag for the 2026 season. I can recommend a higher loft utility iron to folks who don't really like hybrids. To be honest a modern 9 wood would have been my preferred choice for even greater ease of use.

 

[Neilds]

Sounds like you are getting decent distance, but what is the stopping power like? Roll out is good for 2nd shot on par 5s but not so useful on a par 3.

 

[Klimski]

I need to test that in real conditions, but the flight is pretty high - it is 25 degrees after all.

 

[Klimski]

Update: it turns out that this club is a bit too hard to hit consistently for me. So I have put it up for sale. I think people with a higher swingspeed, or myself aged 25, would really enjoy this. I am now trying a Wilson Fybrid, which is a bit of a blend between a 7 wood and a 4 hybrid. Hope that works

 

[Orikoru]

I didn't think they made 'driving irons' with loft as high as 25° to be honest. Wouldn't you be better off just buying a regular old chunky game-improvement 5 iron?

 

[Klimski]

I didn't think they made 'driving irons' with loft as high as 25° to be honest. Wouldn't you be better off just buying a regular old chunky game-improvement 5 iron?

I have one of those too. But as you struggle with chipping, my challenge is the 150 yard carry shot. Which is so important for scoring... I have gone through many different clubs over the last 4 years but still haven't found a reliable solution. I have now bought another hybrid... To be honest, I think it's time for lessons.

 

[Lucifer MorningStar]

If it’s 5 iron distance why not try a 9 wood. High launch and more forgiving.

 

[Klimski]

If it’s 5 iron distance why not try a 9 wood. High launch and more forgiving

I would love a modern 9 wood. But they are both hard to find and expensive! But if I had gone and bought a good one three years ago I would have probably saved money by now....

 

[Klimski]

Okay, so today was indoor day. My 'new' Wilson fybrid 24 degree was good. In fact, one shot even went 185 yards (total). In general, much easier to hit.