Equipment Review:
PowerBilt Citation FZ1 Forged Irons, Hybrid, Driver
by Jeffrey Reed, Editor, LondonOntarioGolf.com

PowerBilt Golf has manufactured golf equipment since 1916. This company knows golf. Not only that, but PowerBilt remains the oldest golf equipment company under continuous family ownership. Now that’s consistency.

In fact, that’s all a golfer wants in his or her game: consistency. Now, with its best equipment ever produced, PowerBilt offers the Citation FZ1 line of equipment. This time around, we review the PowerBilt Citation FZ1 forged irons, hybrids and driver.

The ‘FZ1' comes from 12-time PGA Tour champion Fuzzy Zoeller, who has worked closely with PowerBilt to research and develop this outstanding line of equipment aimed at the better player. I’m not kidding when I say this is PowerBilt’s best offering to date. And although each piece of gear in the FZ1 line is manufactured for low handicappers, mid-handicappers, too, can benefit from the technology of the Citation FZ1 clubs.

Fuzzy Speaks

“I’ve had more success with PowerBilt than with any other clubs in my career,” said Zoeller. “I love everything about the new PowerBilt Citation FZ1s (which) set up beautifully at address. And they have that sweet feel that excites a player when the club strikes the ball.”

Fuzzy should know. He has captured a Masters, U.S. Open, Senior PGA and Ryder Cup title during his career. Now, the PowerBilt name steps forward with Fuzzy’s assistance to present equipment which puts it right up there with the big boys of the golf industry.

FZ1 Forged Irons

Pure carbon steel cavity-back forged irons benefiting from the latest club-making technology, the Citation FZ1 forged irons are a pleasure to play with, and more. A traditional design appeals to the purist in all of us, and a high MOI allows players of almost every ability to benefit from shot-making forgiveness. These sticks are CNC milled for precise head weight shape, providing perfect weight distribution. Made from 1021 carbon steel, the FZ1 irons also boast nickel and chrome plating, and a combination of satin and head blasted finishing. A bead blasted top line eliminates glare at address – an important part of clubs which many manufacturers ignore. An attractive multi-finish, four-colour emblem is featured on the back.

I tested the 6-iron from this set, and was pleasantly surprised by its combination of forgiveness and shot-shaping ability. Trajectory was in the mid range, and distance was very long. I really like the size of the sole – traditional yet, again, forgiving in the form of a mid-handicapper’s club.

The Citation FZ1 irons feature Dynamic Gold R300 or S300 shafts, and Golf Pride Tour Velvet grips. Sets are available in standard 3-SW, or 3-4 hybrids with 5-PW/SW. There are also 2 and 5 hybrids available. MSRP 3-SW is $799 US.

FZ1 Hybrids 

The Citation FZ1 Hybrids are for golfers of every ability – they’re hybrids, right? Yet, these pretty sticks carry a traditional hybrid/rescue club design. A low CG, thanks to the PowerBilt hybrid back-weighting design, with tungsten strategically placed in the heel and toe, provides the ultimate in control and distance.

A four-way, multi-finish, two-level radius sole minimizes turf drag, and two level soles in this hybrid work to remove any impediment to a clean ball strike. Quite simply, the pill doesn’t stand a chance from going pin hunting with this baby in your hands. Lofts of 18, 21, 24 and 27 degrees provide plenty of options, too, when assembling a custom set.

The FZ1 hybrid is an above average performer. I put the 21-degree 3 hybrid in play and found it to be the ultimate rescue club. Close the face, and go pin hunting from the fairway. Open it up in the rough and get out of trouble no problem.

The Citation FZ1 hybrids offer an Aldila VS Proto graphite shaft, and carry a MSRP of $149 US.

FZI Driver

Here’s the crown prince of the new Citation FZ1 line: the FZ1 driver. As expected, PowerBilt has included optimum horizontal bulge in the design of this big stick, but here’s what I love about this club (other than the fact my drives travelled into a different zip code): the head isn’t overwhelming – it’s actually traditional in design – and the weight of the clubhead is perfect. A lot of the oversized drivers today are too light in my estimation, but the FZ1 driver has a perfect feel. 

This big dog’s MOI is 4700+, in the upper scale for traditional shape drivers. Off-centre hits? Forget it. Internal and external weight distribution makes clubhead twisting almost a thing of the past. The FZ1 driver, with two-level multi-finish sole, boasts a face made of ultra-strong, lightweight aerospace grade 15-3-3-3 beta titanium. This means maximum COR – that’s energy transfer – from clubface to ball.

The two internal weights in the club’s rear create a deep CG, minimizing backspin for greater carry. No kidding. This was one of the longest drivers I have ever hit. And, this is also one of the prettiest clubs I’ve ever had the pleasure to test drive. It’s a keeper.

Available in RH draw (9, 10.5 and 12 degrees – I tested the 10.5-degree draw), and RH neutral (9 and 10.5 degrees), the FZ1 driver comes with an Aldila VS Proto graphite shaft – perfect match for this clubhead. MSRP: $299 US.

This trio of offerings, as well as the new Citation FZ1 fairway woods, put PowerBilt back in the saddle when racing against the big boys of golf club manufacturing. The price is right, too. See for yourself: visit www.powerbilt.com.