First Cut
Honma T//World 757 irons: What you need to know
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Honma is debuting three new iron models under its T//World microbrand: the players-distance 757P, the cavity-back 757vx and the muscle-back blade 757B.
PRICE: All three models are $218 per club in steel and $250 in graphite.
THE DEEP DIVE: Honma has had starts and fits in trying to establish itself in the United States as a viable option to some of the more well-known equipment brands, but rarely at issue has been the quality of equipment it produces. Its latest T//World 757 iron continues the path of performance while hopefully gaining some positive traction among the masses.
In this instance, it means three iron models created in the company’s legendary Sakata design studio targeted at better players. The one that will perhaps appeal to the widest audience is the T//World 757P, a player’s distance iron with a thin, 2.2 millimeter L-face (where the bottom of the face wraps around part of the sole to increase rebound).
Twelve grams of tungsten are located in the sole and, along with a undercut pocket cavity design, lowers the center of gravity to assist launch despite the relatively compact head shape. A six-gram toe weight also helps to move the sweet spot more in line with face center, properly rewarding shots struck flush while adding a hint of forgiveness.
Honma also is unveiling a one-piece cavity-back forging in its 757 Vx iron. Forged from S20C carbon steel, this iron uses a slightly heavier toe weight (seven grams) in the 4- through 8-irons to move the CG to face center. Internal heel and toe weighting helps raise the moment of inertia to help mitigate the loss of ball speed on off-center hits while aiding launch.
For those who play for pay (or think they’re good enough to), Honma’s 757B is a classic muscle-back blade design forged from 8620 carbon steel with a tin topline and sole. Still, this is not just a piece of metal on a stick. A seven-gram tungsten weight and resin insert are placed in a port on the toe in the 3- through 7-irons while material is removed from the heel area to prevent the CG from getting too far toward the heel (a common issue with muscle-back blade irons). These are irons designed to allow players to find their preferred flight while providing the distance control they desire.
Pricing on all three models of irons is $218 per club in steel and $250 in graphite.