Bridgestone JGR Hybrid Forged Irons

For the longest time, Bridgestone Golf has been chasing the more recognized golf equipment brands, scratching and clawing for their piece of the market. And, although they recently closed the doors on UK operations, the company considers to be a major force in the Asian markets. There's a good chance that with the introduction of the new JGR Hybrid Forged Irons, Bridgestone could very well see their US market share increase too.

With the new JGR Hybrid Forged Irons, Bridgestone has created a whole new category of irons - the forged Super Game Improvement iron. The new JGR irons are different from anything I've seen on the market. Picture if you will, an attractive forged cavity back iron. Now add an extra wide sole to this image. What you now envision is probably similar to the new JGR irons.

Most mid to high handicappers shy away from forged irons. Many feel that they're not "good enough" to play forged irons; others have the idea that forged irons are too hard to hit. The JGR Hybrid Forged Irons dispel both of these myths. First of all, that big, wide, oversized sole (aka flange) has a purpose. It makes the JGR irons a lot easier to hit, especially out of the rough or sand, and helps to launch the ball higher and quicker. It also produces the lowest and deepest center of gravity of any forged iron on the market.

Another technological strength (pun intended) in the JGR irons is the club face. Bridgestone calls it Ultimate Strong Metal 2.0, and it's their version of a super-thin, super-strong face that creates a trampoline effect at impact. This is what creates more ball speed and increases your distance. Couple that with another Bridgestone exclusive - Turbo Rubber - and you've got superb vibration control and a better feel on mishits.

The set configuration of the JGR irons is a little convoluted; a standard set is 6 - PW2; six clubs. In this case, less is more; the loft is at least 1 club stronger than most of the competitors (i.e. a 26 degree 7-iron vs 30 degree in the King F6 from Cobra and 31degree in the Titleist 716 AP1 7-irons), so it's like having a 5-iron thru wedge set. Their standard length is also up to an inch longer than most other brands. There is a 5-iron available as well as an AW. It's probably a good idea to get on a launch monitor and make sure these irons are gapped the way you want them. For me, the gapping worked out well. This just proves how meaningless and insignificant numbers on irons really are!

The JGR Hybrid Forged irons are available in a right hand orientation only, with either an 85 gram Nippon NS Pro Zelos 8 steel shaft (regular or stiff flex) or a UST Mamiya ReCoil, graphite shaft (regular or stiff flex). A yellow Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip is also standard on the club. The standard set is 6 iron through PW2, with an optional 5-iron and AW available. A 6-piece set with steel shaft sets will retail for $699 while graphite will set you back $749.

With the JGR Hybrid Forged irons, Bridgestone has been able to increase the length and strengthen lofts while maintaining traditional iron trajectories. This helps to maintain landing angles so that Joe Golfer can easily stop the ball on the green. These irons fly longer yet still provide great shot shaping ability.

I found that the extra wide flange is extremely helpful regardless of how bad the lie is. It also seems to make it a little bit easier to work the ball either left or right; or hit it straight - with added oomph! Miss the center of the clubface and the ball still goes a long way and never too far off line. The Turbo Rubber helps with feedback and lets you know how pure you really did hit the shot. Considering the target market for these irons is the high handicapper who wants to be able to launch the ball towards the green and have some fun, why not throw in the added feel and workability of a forged iron? The Bridgestone JGY Forged Hybrid Irons are destined to become a big seller in the Super Game Improvement equipment category.

Bridgestone's new JGR irons are available at authorized Bridgestone golf retailers. You can also find more information or buy them on their website, www.BridgestoneGolf.com.