WRX Forum Buzzz
Forum Thread of the Day: “What clubs in the last 15 years qualify as ‘unicorns’?”
Today’s Forum Thread of the Day comes from gentles, who asks fellow GolfWRX members for their favorite “unicorn” clubs. Now, the term unicorn is a little subjective in the golfing world, but on our forums at least, the term is generally used to describe a rare and quality club that despite new releases, stands the test of time.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- SetTheBarrHigh: “The Titleist 503i was a unicorn in my eyes, I remember looking at Peter Uilhein’s setup when he was an amateur and drooling.”
- leomessi10: “Unicorns I’ve had over the years. Taylormade 300 Tour (8 deg and 9.5 deg), Taylormade X-300 FCI (Miura forged), I’d call my TN-87s unicorns. I’ve only ever saw two sets and I’ve owned both. I sold one set years ago and bought another a few years ago. They seem to only exist on golf boards. They aren’t super rare but the 16 M2 8.5 is harder to find and really really good.”
- Mych: “The Hibore 2W is a unique combination of shaft length, head weighting, loft, drop-crown, and head size. Now, go find one and see how easy they are to get a hold of. You may find one. You’d be hard pressed to find two. For a while I had an ebay search saved for them and I saw one come up for sale every 6-8 months, usually pretty close to their original retail price.”
- nichho: “My nomination for unicorn status are the JDM Taylormade R9 Forged irons…..stunning. I know they exist because I’ve seen photographs of them, just like I’ve seen photographs of unicorns and I once saw a set for sale on ebay, they were tatty and expensive. However I’ve never seen a set in the flesh, just like a unicorn.”
Entire Thread: “What clubs in the last 15 years qualify as ‘unicorns‘?”
In our forums, our members have been discussing the most forgiving wedges on the market. WRXer ‘aaronpoling’ lays out his current setup and what he’s currently considering, saying:
“I am looking at getting new wedges, but looking for a forgiving wedge.
I currently play Ping G25 50°, MD4 54° and 58°. I used to play the CBX2 in the 50°, 54° and 58° and liked them a lot; but like any good dad, my son took them.
I am currently looking Callaway’s CB12 and Cleveland’s CBZ. Anyone have thoughts on these? Or recommendations of other wedges that I should check out?”
And our members have been weighing in with their thoughts and recommendations in response, with one brand coming out emphatically on top.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- boggyman: “CBZs are amazing wedges!”
- drewbens: “Agreed, the Cleveland CB wedges are great! Already had a CBX Full Face 2 54 and recently added a 50 and 58 (for well under $100 a piece). Was chipping so well last week that my brother-in-law asked if the wedges were legal. Definitely underrated wedges for those of us that are not scratch golfers.”
- BogeyTed: “Get Cleveland CBX/CBZ. Very underrated clubs.”
Entire Thread: “Best ‘forgiving’ wedges – GolfWRXers discuss”
In our forums, our members have been reacting to a WRXer who claims to have built the “worst fitting clubs ever.” ‘dlow206’ recounts his experience with plenty of insightful findings for where he can go better next time in a detailed post, saying:
“Here’s my story of building the worst fitting clubs ever (for me). And my findings of what a better fit is.
I am short in stature, as well as a very short wrist to floor of 30.5″. I went down a rabbit hole of wanting to try irons 1″ shorter of more than standard length. Given the shorter lengths, the swingweights would be super light unless I added back a ton of weight to the heads, but I don’t like adding an extreme amount of weight back to the heads, so I decided to compensate with heavier shafts (115 grams instead of 95). Played with this set for a while and was hitting all irons extremely poorly. Thin, fat, right, right, left. My swing didn’t deteriorate that much because I was hitting my driver well, woods well, etc.
Went back to my older set of irons, playing at standard length, and my iron play improved immediately. Since then, have been doing more testing, while paying more attention to different possible variables. What I have found is I actually prefer lighter total weight with relatively normal or slightly heavier swingweights. Did a recent fitting and found that 85 gram shafts were better for me than 95 grams with standard length and relatively standard swingweights.
Still trying to dial in a final iron shaft choice, so have a few contenders that I will be testing. Will be moving away from my current Steelfiber i95 S parallel to lighter and softer
- MMT 80 parallel R – worked pretty well in a limited number of swings at a fitting
- Fujikura Travil 85 R – the fitter liked the Axiom 95 R for me at Club Champion, but i didn’t love the effort required to swing them. If there was a 85 Axiom, that would probably have been a great fit. So i am going try a Travil 85 R which is japan only
- Steelfiber i80 CW R – i have been playing Steelfibers for a long time, so need to give one Steelfiber shaft a shot
Given I do club building work, I am going to build all of these shafts with the All-Fit universal iron adapters to pair with a Srixon 7 iron head for testing. With these adapters, there isn’t a swingweight issue because the amount of weight from drilling out is about equivalent to the universal adapter components.”
And our members have been sharing their reactions in our forum.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- Mikey_HACKilroy: “That length cut costs you a fair amount in swing points. I’d posit the length mattered more than the weight because a 115g shaft isn’t going to actually add enough back after cutting an inch off. Does it mean 115 would ultimately work? Hard to say. Maybe try a 1/2″ cut and add 2g to the head to compensate assuming the 7i is 37″ long. Maybe that will feel better. It translates to the same ~D2 you’re swinging at with the 95g shafts (estimated based on common weight, but you can weigh your parts on your own obviously).”
- Stuart_G: “Your process is good – keep at it and trust it.”
Entire Thread: “I built the worst fitting clubs ever – GolfWRXers discuss”
A second version of PXG’s Secret Weapon has this week landed on the USGA’s conforming list, much to the interest of our members.
The original version of the brand’s Secret Weapon launched in January of 2025, with the second version also featuring four distinct weight ports in the head and coming with 13-degree of loft.
In our forums, our members have been assessing the new version and sharing their thoughts.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- DTorres: “Kinda looks like the face on the new one might be slightly deeper. Little bit more rounded leading edge.”
- snagy2000: “The current version is REALLY good, long…This one looks like they’re bringing some lightning tech to it…”
- SEP1006: “Agree with this, hard to tell from that angle but looks like the face may be the same as the Lightning. If that’s the case may have to give this a serious look. Absolutely love my 2wd which is also a 13* loft. But that Lightning Tour Mid Driver face is hot and forgiving.”
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Distance Compression Dude
Nov 7, 2018 at 3:12 pm
I hit my Vokey SM7 lob wedge further than my PXG driver.
stan
Nov 7, 2018 at 2:54 pm
Ping G2 400cc 15.5º loft and fitted with a whippy Ping Tec100D “Soft Regular” 47″ graphite shaft. Was originally marketed as a “lady’s” club but perfect for my ~87 mph clubhead speed. 200-210 yard carry straight and narrow because of the higher face loft. A perfect 6’4″ “seniors” club! Last driver I will ever own.
Tom Higgins
Nov 6, 2018 at 11:05 am
Ping Eye 2, wedges and irons.
Herb Collins
Nov 6, 2018 at 2:15 pm
Ping Zing 2 wedges and irons….. hot and straight and far !!!!!!!
ogo
Nov 7, 2018 at 2:27 pm
… and you can’t “work” the ball with the Zing2’s because of extreme cavity weight concentrations. I own a Zing2 one iron with which I practice before I practice with my driver. If you can’t hit a one iron you can’t hit a driver.
Brad
Nov 6, 2018 at 6:56 am
My nominations for top “unicorn” clubs are the Ping Rapture 13° 3-wood. The Rapture is an absolute bomber from both the tee and the fairway for those with enough swing speed. I’ve hit my longest drive ever with one (at 297 yards) and my longest shot from the fairway (at 274 yards). This is the only club I’ve never seen equaled or bested in clubs made before or after its release. I’ve considered buying a “spare” one on more than one occasion “just in case”, but since they are still pretty expensive even on the second-hand market I haven’t done it just yet.
Herb Collins
Nov 6, 2018 at 2:17 pm
You can’t determine 297 and 274 yard shots by eyeballing. What are you trying to pull off?
Brad
Nov 6, 2018 at 3:09 pm
They make this neat little gadget these days called a GPS. Some of them are even linked to these other little gadgets on your clubs that also connect to these things called smart phones. They do the “eyeballing” for you. You should look into it, they are pretty neat.
Herb Collins
Nov 7, 2018 at 2:17 pm
Even a GPS unit can’t determine distances so accurately because they only give you a distance range. They are not spot on.
Curt
Nov 7, 2018 at 6:57 pm
Also these things on the course called yardage markers.
stan
Nov 7, 2018 at 3:05 pm
Great club for driver replacement if you have a higher clubhead speed swing, and only 219cc! Here is a glowing review:
https://pluggedingolf.com/ping-rapture-fairway-wood-review/
ND Hickman
Nov 6, 2018 at 3:35 am
Callaway XHot 3Deep 13 degree’s. easily the best club I’ve ever had off the tee or fairway.
Herb Collins
Nov 6, 2018 at 2:19 pm
…. and you prolly don’t carry a driver because your yardage goes down with the driver like most golfers.
Brad
Nov 6, 2018 at 3:10 pm
…and you prolly are a pain in the rear to everyone you’re around.
Herb Collins
Nov 7, 2018 at 2:37 pm
…. up your’s too, I see…. lol … (_*_)
ND Hickman
Nov 7, 2018 at 8:35 am
I’m fairly decent off the tee. I’m no bomber but I usually have a good yardage from a decent position in the fairway after using driver. I just find the 3Deep doesn’t cost me much yardage and gives me more off of the fairway when needed. Not quite sure why you felt the need to make such a snide comment but you do you mate.
Herb Collins
Nov 7, 2018 at 2:14 pm
Okay, mate…. but this may apply more to the gearhead geeks who must buy a new driver every year to rescue their pathetic attempts to hit a driver. 95% of all “golfers” worldwide shouldn’t carry a lower lofted driver…. even “down under”… 😉
ND Hickman
Nov 7, 2018 at 4:42 pm
I’m from Scotland.
Bobthegolferguy
Nov 5, 2018 at 10:22 pm
R500 driver. Not the 510, 540, 580, or the xd’s but just the R500. It looked like a prototype R510tp but smaller. Saw one in a bag about 15 years ago at my club with a EI70 tour x and it was fantastic.
Troy L Rambo
Nov 5, 2018 at 9:05 pm
Taylormade 300 forged Lehman grinds
ogo
Nov 7, 2018 at 2:43 pm
The TM 300R was marketed as a “tour” driver…. only 300 cc’s.
geohogan
Nov 5, 2018 at 7:57 pm
Adams, CMB are not only, works of art to look at, but perform.
Maybe the last great iron clubs from Adams Golf.
rex235
Nov 5, 2018 at 7:01 pm
Gianni-
There were a few of my posts which started referencing “Unicorn” clubs in Golfwrx a few years ago.
The definititon of a Unicorn club wasn’t ever what stood the test of time- Wilson Dynapower SW?
It was to call attention to a club which NEVER EXISTED- specifically these LH models-
A LH 1954 MacGregor Toney Penna WW Special Driver. LH LFFs? Yes. LH 693s? Yes again.
LH Maxfli Tour Limited/Australian Blade Forged irons. Designer Tad Moore says none were made, so-
LH Mizuno MP-14 and MP-29 irons. Great copies of the Original Ben Hogan Precision iron.
Yes,there are LH Mizuno TN-87 and MP-4 irons. These fit your definition
LH 1999 Ben Hogan forged irons. designed by Jeff Sheets. Limited Edition- Blade on blade design.
2014 LH Wilson Staff FG Tour 100 Forged irons-
For a club that was supposed to be celebrating Wilson’s Centennial in Golf, they sure forgot a long history of making LH iron models, specifically the Dynapower “Fluid Feel” irons.
Go ahead- Please let me know if you find any of these LH “unicorn” models.
TigerFan91
Nov 5, 2018 at 5:19 pm
My 1996 Mizuno Grad 2 iron. That little sweetheart has made its way back into my bag as a driving iron. Of course, I reshafted it with a graphite shaft and added a little lead tape to the back…but still. That thing is a monster. I hit it (almost) as far as my 3 wood.
allan
Nov 5, 2018 at 6:42 pm
You and most other golfers suffer from “distance compression” in the long clubs from driver to 5w and even into the hybrids. Your distances are virtually identical for all these clubs because you cannot control long shafted clubs and flatter swing planes. It’s a fact.
TigerFan91
Nov 5, 2018 at 9:07 pm
Astounding how you you can analyze that without even seeing my swing. You must be some sort of golfing god.
EvanM
Nov 5, 2018 at 10:37 pm
You learn something new every day. A 3wood goes longer than a 2 iron…
allan
Nov 7, 2018 at 2:23 pm
No… “almost” as far as his 3 wood. That in itself indicates “distance compression” in the long shafted clubs. I too suffer from compression so I only carry a large headed 3 wood, a 7 wood, a 6 hybrid and then 6 iron to LW. No fantasy golf here!!!
You'reStillAway
Nov 5, 2018 at 10:49 pm
Butch Harmon over here has never seen you swing…
MikeK
Nov 5, 2018 at 11:03 pm
Man Allan, I gotta get me one of those crystal balls you have to know everyone’s swing without seeing it live….must have set you back a couple hundred bucks
allan
Nov 7, 2018 at 2:30 pm
I got two (2) crystal balls …. but none to spare….. 😛
No 3 Putts
Nov 5, 2018 at 9:26 pm
Distance compression. Hahahaha! Funny how you can tell without seeing the guy hit a single shot.
A 2 iron is supposed to go a little shy of a 3 wood just as he described. It’s a fact.
Replianator
Nov 5, 2018 at 9:44 pm
Uhhh uh, oh no girl, you did not…
Sir Walks-A-Lot
Nov 5, 2018 at 11:34 pm
Jeez. All the guy is saying is that he likes his 2 iron.
You go ahead and insult him insinuating that he can’t hit his longer clubs properly.
Besides, I’m willing to bet that his 3 wood and his 2 iron are never in his bag at the same time. One is probably for regular tracks and the other for links style and windy courses.
Allan
Nov 5, 2018 at 11:46 pm
I stand by my observation… 😛
MikeK
Nov 6, 2018 at 12:27 am
Easy now Brandel Chamblee, it’s ok to be wrong sometimes ????
Brad
Nov 6, 2018 at 6:47 am
I’ms sure that you also stand by while other people help look for your ball…that you are constantly losing.
Allan
Nov 6, 2018 at 2:24 pm
WOW!!!!!! I musta hit a nerve, a gearhead nerve on this fine forum exposing the gearheads with their fancy-pancy clubs who can’t hit their driver longer than their 5w…. lol
paul koehorst
Nov 5, 2018 at 3:56 pm
I’ll go with the first Taylor Made, Monza Spider. It was just such a great (but ugly, or even butt-ugly) club but it was fantastic on short putts. Fixed my yips. I’ll also add the Taylor Made RBZ 3-wood. So much longer than anything else at the time…in my experience.
allan
Nov 7, 2018 at 2:34 pm
So you abandoned your driver due to “distance compression” too? Don’t waste money on a Rube Goldberg driver with moveable weights and named “Speed” and stick with your 3-wood… more accurate too.
ThomasW
Nov 5, 2018 at 3:54 pm
My mp33’s and mp32’s mizuno irons never get old.
JordanH
Nov 5, 2018 at 3:29 pm
Cleveland CG1 black pearl and CG2 irons. Both gorgeous and insanely amazing feel, playability, and looks.