Equipment

Andrew Von Lossow: Why I joined GolfWRX

Published

3 months ago

Feb 26, 2026

Hello GolfWRX world, this is Andrew Von Lossow, and I’m joining you from my Instagram page Lead Tape Chronicles. I am ecstatic to be part of the team!

A little about me: I grew up in Seattle, Washington, very close to the game of golf. My Dad, Jim Von Lossow, operated Von’s Golf and Putter Studio. He took care of the region’s players for 30 years, providing club repair and club fitting. He was the first to have Trackman in Washington State in 2005. My Dad worked on the whole spectrum of golf, from beginners to touring professionals. On a daily basis, I would see things from a beginner set, to a set of clubs for a former NFL quarterback with 12 wraps of tape under the grip, and bending to lie angle one degree for a very well-known feel-based tour player.

Seeing all of the options there were in the world of custom clubs, I was curious about what it would do for me to get the ball to get into the hole in the most efficient way possible. Little did I know it would be a new world.

My beginnings in the game

I got my start in golf with my parents handing me a club when I could walk. That grew into playing junior tournaments and into high school and community college. In high school, I worked in the bag room at Sand Point Country Club in Seattle and my Dad’s golf shop. In college, I caddied in Montana during the summers.

During college, video editing and then graphic design were my off-the-course passions, but there was always the pull back to the course. For the last six years, I have been working with decorating apparel for golf courses with events and pro shops.

On the course, I have loved tournament golf and competing. I have had some highlights over the last number of years such as qualifying in four USGA Championships. Highlighted by the US Amateur in 2022 at Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, New Jersey. I made it into match play through a playoff and was the 63 seed. That meant my match was slated against tournament favorite and number two seed Michael Thorbjornsen. A great match was had, and I was fortunate to be victorious with a 3 and 2 victory. The next day I lost to the eventual runner up Ben Carr in the Round of 32 by the tally of 1 down. I have been fortunate to win the Rosauers Open, which is a Pacific Northwest PGA Section major, and win the Washington Golf Player of the Year once and the Washington Golf Mid-Am Player of the Year three times.

It is my favorite to prepare and compete in tournaments for this wonderful game, which begins with equipment. What clubs are going to be battle-tested? I am of the belief that every time you practice or play golf there is a moment for a breakthrough that can change your game for the better.

Enter @LeadTapeChronicles

The Lead Tape Chronicles Instagram page started in July 2018. I noticed the beginning of niche golf pages highlighting certain elements of the game. With my experience growing up in the club shop and seeing all of the custom clubs over the years, this was a creative outlet to express.

A page highlighting amateur players’ clubs from all over the world and shots of tour professionals’ clubs. I thought about how this page can cover the world of golf equipment with a personal touch for each player. To me, lead tape on clubs is a symbol of ownership: how a club should feel in your hands, making it yours, not something off the rack. Growing up in a custom club shop, some element of the club had to be worked on. A club is great right out of the factory, but if you can’t feel the club head enough, it’s time for lead tape to help it align with your feel.

Lead Tape Chronicles has been built by players sending in their photos of their clubs. Their way of playing the game and showing what makes a club feel good to them. It has also been a page that draws inspiration for other players on how to adjust their clubs. It is great because it brings together many other elements of the game, such as golf courses, tournaments, and shared experiences.

How I see the world of golf gear

As I look at the gear world these days, I reflect on what I like in my own bag. Today, with so many new clubs entering the market, when do you make your decision to change yourself?

I look at drivers and wedges frequently: the modern-day scoring clubs. New driver technology each year seems to amplify with better mishits, but how do those mishits with the clubs react to your swing? That’s one of my keys: finding the best club for your game with mishits.

Fresh grooves on a wedge are a great feeling. It’s been amazing seeing the amount of grinds available for retail when you used to see them only in tour bag scenarios. The world of wedges is wide and underreported on.

Putters are always intriguing, and with so many new models today, especially with the arrival of zero torque. Multiple putting categories are there to review. My Dad had a putter line from the late 90’s to 2010 or so. Even featured on the original GolfWRX forums, his putter was made of 303 stainless steel, a once-notable material that is now commonplace, so I have plenty of history in the realm of flatsticks.

Another area I find fascinating in today’s equipment world is the technology with shafts. The ability to fine-tune a graphite shaft, seeing all of the different available weights and the shaft profiles. There have never been more options, from driver to putter.

What you can expect from me in the future

Looking forward, I would like to dive deeper into what makes our bag setup what it is. And how a course management philosophy can be based off equipment decisions. So many options come into play now — such as driver, mini-driver, fairway woods, hybrids, and driving irons — even wedges can be part of the iron set down to the gap wedge with ease.

Being into the equipment world as deeply as we are, we are aware of the new gear that hits the market year after year. The dopamine rush is worth it to see where the new clubs came from their predecessors. I also wonder what makes a club’s staying power in the bag? We see it with fairway woods, putters, and drivers until they reach the COR limit. I am curious about what makes a club stay in a player’s bag, and I want to explore that further.

Of course, as a competitive player myself, I’ll be bringing you insights from that aspect of the game. Building a bag for competition is quite a bit different than picking your 14 for a weekend round with the guys.

Look for all of this and more in my content, and a focus on lead tape use, naturally!

Equipment

Best irons 2026: Best irons overall, most forgiving irons, and more

Published

1 hour ago

Jun 4, 2026

Ben Alberstadt

In our effort to assemble the 2026 best irons, we have again compiled an expert panel of fitters to help you find out which of the 2026 irons is optimally suited to your game.

We are not, however, just running it back with the same categories. Instead, we have asked our fitters to shortlist their best irons overall, the best irons for better players, and the most forgiving irons. That’s it. Three categories. We are also featuring all the Best Irons categories in one piece, rather than dedicating an article to each.

We are in the era of not just maximizing distance but also minimizing the penalty of common misses for each player — this applies to irons just as much as it does with any other club in the bag. And of course, proper set makeup and gapping are essential. This is why, now more than ever, custom fitting is essential to help you see results on every swing you make.

Best irons of 2026: The process

The best fitters in the world see all the options available in the marketplace, analyze their performance traits, and pull from their internal databases of knowledge and experience like a supercomputer when they are working with a golfer.

Modern iron sets are designed into player categories that overlap the outdated “what’s your handicap?” model, and at GolfWRX we believe it was important to go beyond handicap and ask specific questions about the most crucial performance elements fitters are looking at.

These are the best iron categories we have developed for 2026.

Best irons overall

Srixon ZXi5

From our launch piece: Srixon developed some new technology and processes to ensure the ZXi line pushed the limits of performance in each iron category. A new forging process and new materials help create strength in the irons while giving better immediate feedback.

Fitter comments:

Immense forgiveness across the face while maintaining consistent ball speeds and reducing flyers. Amazing feel.
If this was a “most underrated iron” survey, the ZXi5 would be #1 by a long shot! Super soft iron that has a lot of forgiveness, is super soft feeling and has the best sole for anyone that is steeper into the turf. This one will win if it is put in the mix. Period.
Best irons for steep players. The v-sole provides effortless turf interaction for steeper players, and the iron helps cut spin for high spin players but provides optimal launch angle. Would recommend to any player with a steep attack angle or out-to-in swing that is looking to get into the Player’s Distance Category.

TaylorMade P790

From our launch piece: The P790 irons feature a forged 4340M face material, which is 20-percent stronger than previous iterations, allowing for a thinner and faster face. The material change contributes to up to a 24-percent larger sweet spot in comparison to the previous P790 model, promoting more consistent distance across the set.

Fitter comments:

A classic that continues to improve and remain dominant in feel, speed, and a more compact look.
Tried and true. Consistently one of the highest performers in all the recent generations. This generation has fixed some of the consistency (flyer) issues. feels great. performance is great.
Best for all golfers.

Titleist T150

From our launch piece: For golfers seeking tour-like feel with added speed and launch, the T150 is the go-to. Slightly larger profile than T100 with stronger lofts. Improved muscle channel for faster ball speeds in mid- to long-ironS. Same VFT and groove enhancements as T100 for consistency across the face. Split tungsten weighting for optimized CG and improved launch.

Fitter comments:

Another Titleist iron that I could have put higher up on the list. The T150 is a much more forgiving iron than the T100, yet you still get the great look of the T100. Really great iron to combo with T100 or even the opposite way and do the T250 at the top and the T150 in the low irons.
Titleist has found a forgiving sweet spot for a players iron that provides amateurs with enough forgiveness without sacrificing all the feel and workability you receive with the T100.
Like most Titleist products, hits all the marks without being to flashy.

Ping i540

From our launch piece: Distance gains come from multiple sources in the i540 iron, including tungsten sole weighting in the 4-7 irons that lowers the center of gravity in design for more ball speed. In addition, the forged, highly flexible maraging-steel C300 face is precisely welded to a 17-4 stainless-steel body, creating metal-wood-like bending in a bid to ensure faster ball speeds with higher max height for more stopping power.

Fitter comments:

This has been one of the longest clubs since it’s arrival in the players distance category. It is hard to find anything close to it in a similar size.
The biggest surprise of this year’s releases. Ping manages to fix the feel, sound, weak spin, and inconsistent performance areas that their prior irons have suffered from. The i540 really gives category giants like the P790 a run for it’s money.
Consistent, fly high, not too low spin. Great all around iron for mid handicappers or combo sets.

Mizuno Pro M-13

From our launch piece: Leading edge bevel provides a sharp leading edge with a high bounce surface, designed for ease of entering the turf without digging. In addition, the trailing edge bevel reduces turf drag as the head passes through the turf.

Fitter comments:

Feel amazing, ball speeds are great, distance and trajectory are phenomenal.
Better players with great feel. Really great follow up to the 243. Sleeker look with great performance.
Mizuno consistently makes solid irons, and this is a nice, traditionally eye-appealing golf club for better players.

Best irons for better players

Srixon ZXi7

From our launch piece: For the ZXi7 irons Srixon knows the focus is on pure strikes, precision distances, and workability. PureFrame is forged behind the sweet spot to help strengthen that section, reducing unwanted vibration and giving the golfer that soft and solid feel.

Fitter comments:

Packing feel and aesthetic with a dash of forgiveness that is not too intimidating to look at. Blends look great.
Srixon just keeps hitting it out of the park with this model. Consistent Endo forged greatness! Smallish profile fits the eye and penetrating ball flight with great balls speed and control.
The V-sole technology continues to deliver excellent performance and turf interaction in this generation of Srixon iron.

Titleist T100

From our launch piece: The updated T100 continues its reign as the most played iron on the PGA Tour. Designed for elite ball-strikers, T100 features, Forged, multi-material construction with a compact, tour-preferred profile, New muscle channel in the 3- and 4-irons for higher launch and better gapping. Variable Face Thickness (VFT) in long irons for more speed across the face. Aggressive grooves in the mid- to short-irons for more consistent spin, even from the rough. A traditional cavity back with a little bit of forgiveness works for a lot of players, even better players looking for a higher ball flight.

Fitter comments

A traditional cavity back with a little bit of forgiveness works for a lot of players, even better players looking for a higher ball flight.
Extreme control over the ball with excellent feel, and the right amount of forgiveness even for lower handicaps.
The T100 is just a great iron for anyone that is in that better player category. It combines look, feel, and proper spin rates leading to steeper land angles.

Titleist T150

From our launch piece: Golfers seeking tour-like feel with added speed and launch, the T150 is the go-to. Slightly larger profile than T100 with stronger lofts. Improved muscle channel for faster ball speeds in mid- to long-iron. Same VFT and groove enhancements as T100 for consistency across the face. Split tungsten weighting for optimized CG and improved launch

Fitter comments:

Provides forgiveness, while maintaining workability and feel.
For those who are not fearful of the more blade-oriented shape, the T150 is incredibly rewarding. Great feel. Great forgiveness.
Best blend of workability and forgiveness.

Callaway X Forged

From our launch piece: Crafted from a single piece of 1020 Carbon steel, the X Forged irons are designed to deliver the crisp sound and soft feel that discerning players seek. Targeted for professionals and elite ball strikers, the irons feature a streamlined cavity back, compact profile, minimal offset, and a thin topline.

Fitter comments:

Solid forged goodness! Nice ‘mid’ look with smaller footprint. Enough cavity to be forgiving but the essence of player iron just oozes from everywhere.
Callaway finally improved on their 2018 version of this iron. This is a soft, sweet feeling iron and gives the player great turf interaction with the pre ground leading edge.
Amazing look and feel with excellent performance.

Mizuno Pro M-13

Fitter comments:

Mizuno, again, just knows how to make irons. The amazing feel is complemented by the look and the performance. Great grind on the leading edge allowing for better turf interaction.
Nothing feels like a Mizuno. You know what you’re getting. Predictable flight, spin and control. Blends well.
Looks and feels like a Mizuno with better ball speed than previous generations.

Most forgiving irons

Mizuno JPX Hot Metal HL

From our launch piece: Mizuno’s latest iteration of its technology-packed JPX iron series continues the company’s history of questioning and innovation by incorporating, for the first time, multi-material construction in the JPX family. Engineers use nickel chromoly and strategically positioned tungsten across the lineup for higher launch and steeper angles of descent.

Fitter comments:

Great Mizuno feel with the performance for the person that doesn’t hit the ball as high. Makes it easy to launch but doesn’t sacrifice on the ball speed.
Great feeling club, super forgiving, launches to the moon with spin in a confidence inspiring profile without excessive size.
One of the best feeling in the high launch category.

TaylorMade Qi Max HL

From our launch piece: “Per TaylorMade, through extensive testing, engineers were able to deduce that the faces in most game improvement irons flex more on the toe at impact than anywhere else on the face. The result is unwanted fade bias that sees golfers losing too many shots to the right (for right-handed players). To counteract this tendency, the faces in Qi Max and Qi Max HL irons are designed to flex in unison and reduce cut spin for shots that stay online.”

Fitter comments:

A good forgiving large iron with very high flight.
Really good mix of ball speed and height for the player that doesn’t mind a bigger, thicker head. Tons of forgiveness.
Players looking for height this is the club.

Srixon ZXiR HL

From our launch piece: Per TaylorMade, through extensive testing, engineers were able to deduce that the faces in most game improvement irons flex more on the toe at impact than anywhere else on the face. The result is unwanted fade bias that sees golfers losing too many shots to the right (for right-handed players). To counteract this tendency, the faces in Qi Max and Qi Max HL irons are designed to flex in unison and reduce cut spin for shots that stay online.

Fitter comments:

The ZXIR HL launches the ball significantly higher than traditional game improvement irons while maintaining a high amount of ball speed. It uses it’s V-sole to help guide players through the turf.
Best addition to this category in years. Gret look and feel that Srixon is known for. Numbers are incredible.
This has been a phenomenal club for the person that isn’t launching the ball or getting any distance from their shots. Great for the person that hits down a good bit.

Titleist T250 Launch Spec

From our launch piece: An upgrade from the outgoing T200, the T250 introduces a sharper, all-steel look while packing in powerful tech. Forged L-Face insert and Max Impact 2.0 for explosive speed with control. V-Taper design and lower CG promote high launch and consistency. Split tungsten weighting enhances forgiveness and stability. Slightly thicker topline and wider sole offer added confidence at address.

Fitter comments:

All of the great stuff about the the T250 with the higher loft to help with peak heights.
A player oriented look, with traditional lofting and exceptional forgiveness.
Higher lofted launch spec irons are great for chasing that extra bit of height for a proper, functional ball flight.

Titleist T350

From our launch piece: Built for maximum forgiveness and distance, the T350 offers. All-steel construction with a clean, premium look. L-Face with multi-zone VFT for ultra-fast ball speeds. Deeper CG and high-density tungsten weighting for higher launch. Max Impact 2.0 and progressive grooves for better consistency from all lies.

Fitter comments:

Great for distance.
People are often intimidated by the name, but performance changes their mind quickly.

Equipment

Interesting clubs at top of bag – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

23 hours ago

Jun 3, 2026

Will Schube

In our forums, users are talking about top of bag setups that are non-traditional or thought-provoking in some way. Original poster @SuperSpurs106 inquired about other members who might use unorthodox set-ups to help with gapping issues or weak spots.

They wrote:

“I currently have a PING G430 driver, TM Qi35 3W and a TM Qi4D 7W. Driver and 7W are fine but can’t get on with my 3W and have always struggling with this club over the years. Thinking of adding a 2H which I know would look odd. Just wondering if anyone else had a weird set up at the top of their bag?”

Our members in the forum have offered up their thoughts and personal experiences with non-traditional top of bag set-ups, and their reasoning for thinking outside of the box to begin with. 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.

BowMain42: “Don’t worry about what “looks” odd. If the club does what you need it to do, it’s the right club.”
scooterhd2: “I cant hit 3 woods either. Thats why I roll with a unicorn XL Hibore 2 wood. 400 cc head at 16 degrees of loft and its just a monster 3 wood off the tee. Off the deck, we are playing the f6 baffler. 5 wood at 41.75 inches and its easy to control.”
phizzy30: “I had driver, 3 metal, 2/4 hybrid once upon a time as a higher ss player. 4 hybrid is gone and in place is a driving iron nowadays. I don’t think what you’re proposing is weird in anyway, however the yardage gap might be glaringly huge between driver and 2 hybrid. What is it about your 3 metal that has got you all messed up? You could always go 4 metal with shorter shaft and see if that works.”

Entire Thread: “Interesting clubs at top of bag”

If you aren’t a member, join us in the GolfWRX forums today!

Equipment

Members of the Mini Driver Club – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

23 hours ago

Jun 3, 2026

Will Schube

In our forums, one user has gone searching for fellow users of a mini driver. In a post, @TightFade asked for other mini driver users to chime in with their weapon of choice, the reason for employing a mini, and what club follows it in the bag.

@TightFade asked:

“What mini are you playing? What spot in the bag did it take over? What’s the next club after it? For me: Elyte mini 13.5. Replacing 3w. Next up club looks like it’ll be 5w.”

Our members in the forum have been sharing their own bag setups featuring the mini driver, and the various reasons they purchased one in the first place. 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.

RCGA: “Ping G430 Max 12* ‘Thriver.’ Next club is a 4w and 2i (I play a weird course).”
JMB3: “R7 at 12.75 with Diamana BB 63s. 3w replacement. Next Club: Elyte Ti 5w at 17*.”
ColdOkieGolf: “R7 15.5 turned down to 13.5 It replaces the 3w. I found it surprisingly easy to hit off the deck, and it’s very rare that I need or want to hit something beyond 250 from the fairway, so next club is my 7w.”
ChaosTheory: “I’m sub-90 MPH with driver. But I’m able to hit DOD. I have been wanting something like the R7 15.5, so I just ordered one. I have a spot in the bag so nothing has to go. But I could see it replacing my trusty 4 wood, which I never use for approach shots. Just tee shots and lay ups. If I drop the 4 wood, I will turn my 7 wood down to ~20 degrees and will have good gaps. I recently tried a thriver build: 12 degree driver turned to 14, with a heavier 44 inch shaft and added head weight. I hit it great. Very accurate and not overly high, but the problem was that it sometimes went as far as a typical drive. And that’s not what I needed. So I will probably turn the 15.5 up to 16.5 or even 17.5. It’s all theoretical at this point. ?”

Entire Thread: “Members of the Mini Driver Club…Check In.”

If you aren’t a member, join us in the GolfWRX forums today!