Equipment Review: KZG High Performance Irons
HB 516 Irons
MC III Irons
by Jeffrey Reed, Editor, LondonOntarioGolf.com

KZG proudly bills itself as, golf’s “#1 Custom ProLine.” That’s a pretty big pat on the back, but it’s well deserved. In fact, no other company – big or small – takes as much pride in its custom fitting of clubs as does KZG.

We’ve raved about the KZG forged Evolution Irons – some of the best irons made in recent times. Now, KZG offers two additional iron sets in its High Performance line: the HB 516; and the MC III.

First, more on KZG’s “Custom ProLine” moniker. When my clubs arrived, they were accompanied by a Custom Club Specification Card to keep in case club replacement is necessary. It’s the most detailed club spec card I’ve ever laid eyes on – it details everything from loft, lie, weight, distance, grip, shaft specs, special notes – and more. Just another reason why KZG is put on a pedestal in the custom fitting circles.

KZG, headquartered in North Hollywood, California – and maker of the much-heralded Gemini driver – is proud of its Fitting Centre and Performance Centre. Each year, KZG also names its World’s Top 100 ClubFitters – visit http://www.kzgolf.com/sites/courses/layout9.asp?id=588&page=33467 to learn more about the 2008 honourees, including a group of Canadian clubfitters.

Now, onto the new KZG irons.

HB 516 Irons

Billed as “the blade that forgives,” the HB 516 iron is another winner from KZG. In fact, it’s one of the prettiest sticks we’ve tested, and one of the best. Hands down. Even KZG calls the HB 516 “without a doubt the most beautiful irons we have ever produced.”

Boasting both beauty and brawn, the HB 516 appears to be a player’s club – and it is – but it also boasts game-improvement qualities, including an offset hosel kind enough to stroke the ego of even a mid-handicapper. Exceptionally forgiving and easy to hit, the HB 516 irons are cast in soft proprietary steel alloy. A hollow cavity provides plenty of energy off the face for explosive distance. And the sleek muscle back appearance brings game forgiveness in the form of the hollow cavity back – the best of both worlds.

The HB 516 features internal weighting, optimum feel and world-class aesthetics. This is what I like about KZG irons: they’re not just another pretty face. The look good with a mirror finish, feel great and bring outstanding results from tee to green. The rebound effect off the clubface ranks amongst the best of any club in its category.

I tested the 5-iron from the HB 516 set, and was impressed with all of the above. This right-hand set actually offers a 17-degree 1-iron, then jumps from 20-degree 3-iron to 55-degree SW. The NovaTech Tour 125 shaft is a quality shaft, too, packing plenty of punch and stability.

The HB 516 irons are priced at $82 per club steel/$98 graphite. Looking for high-performance clubs with timeless beauty and Tour looks? Then the HB 516 irons are for you.

MC III Irons

Offering a classic mid-size profile with modern lofts, the MC III irons from KZG are another solid offering in the High Performance category. With a hosel slightly less pronounced than the HB 516 iron, the MC III still provides plenty of forgiveness in a better player’s iron. Still, the MC III irons are easy enough to hit well when in the hands of a mid-handicap golfer, and for a number of reasons.

Delivering a design with classic lines, the MC III irons include a bevelled leading edge, mid-size design, deep forgiving cavity, low Centre of Gravity (CG) and moderate offset. KZG says the MC III irons are “an instant classic that will provide great shots for years to come.” We won’t argue.

There are two weight options in the MC III line, including the slightly heavier MC IIIx irons, weighted for graphite shafts or for shorter length shafts. I tested the 6-iron from the MC III set with NovaTech BTR steel shaft – the MC III irons are weighted for steel or longer length shafts. Each set runs from 20-degree 3-iron to 55-degree SW.

The MC III and MC IIIx irons are versatile performers, designed for a wide variety of golfers. They’re priced from $70 per club steel/$85 graphite.

From player to weekend warrior – thanks to the weight options – the MC III and MC IIIx irons are designed to better your game while offering playability.

For more on all of KZG’s offerings, visit www.kzgolf.com.