TaylorMade RAC TP Forged Irons Review: Playability & Feel - SirShanksAlot.com

TaylorMade Golf is quickly becoming a major player in the “players” market with the emergence of their TP line of equipment. The RAC Forged TP is the most recent addition to the TP iron line and offers better players a good combination of feel and playability.

Finding the perfect set of irons can feel impossible. But your search might end here. This TaylorMade RAC TP forged irons review takes a closer look at these meticulously crafted clubs. They’re designed for golfers who demand precision and control. We’ll explore the technology behind the TaylorMade RAC TP irons’ unique design and discuss the pros and cons. Is this the key to unlocking your golfing potential? Let’s find out.

First things first… the RAC TP is geared towards the better player and only a good ball striker will benefit from this club. Sure there is a cavity but I don’t think the TP will ever be accused of being a “forgiving” iron. TaylorMade calls the iron a “muscle-cavity”… which means that there is a cavity but additional weighting fills up some of it. This weight bar gives the iron the playability of a blade. The club is forged of S25c carbon steel and this material gives the iron great feel… something that a better player is looking for. There are other “players irons” traits here too… the thin top line and sole, reduced offset, cambered sole and solid stock shafts (True Temper Dynamic Gold steel). The center of gravity is higher than most game improvement choices but is still a bit lower than other “players” irons.

It’s tough to find enough testers that really appreciate a club like the RAC TP. An average player wouldn’t like these irons because they lack forgiveness and a low center of gravity. Better players really enjoyed the feel and playability that these irons provided. The iron is very soft and the extra weighting towards the center of the cavity makes it easy to control the ball. The RAC TP is a beautiful looking club… TaylorMade’s coin-forged process has really turned out some nice looking clubs in the past and this one is no different. There were a few negative comments that we heard again and again though. The first had to do with the ball flight. The TP’s hit the ball a bit higher than other “players” irons and some of our testers mentioned that it was a bit difficult to control the ball in certain situations. A different shaft should help with this problem and I have talked to players that use Rifle Project X shafts to keep the ball down in this case. The other comment we heard had to do with the “clicky” sound when the ball met the club… especially on miss hits. I guess you have to take the good with the bad here… the club will perform on a miss hit but the feel and sound will be much better on a well struck shot… that’s the deal with a “players” club. If you are a solid ball striker and are looking for new irons consider the TaylorMade RAC Forged TP… what they lack in forgiveness, they make up in performance.

Overall Rating – 80%

Target Handicap – 10 and below

Ball Flight – Mid to Low

Offset – Minimal

Finish – Chrome

Construction – Coin-forged S25c Carbon Steel

Stock Shafts – True Temper Dynamic Gold steel

Introduction: A Blend of Feel and Playability

TaylorMade Golf is rapidly making a name for itself in the “players” market with its TP line of equipment. The RAC TP Forged irons, a notable addition to this lineup, offer a compelling blend of feel and playability for discerning golfers. Designed for skilled players, these irons prioritize feel and control, making them a popular choice for those seeking a balance of performance and workability. Think of them as the sports car of golf clubs – responsive and rewarding in the right hands.

Key Takeaways

Prioritize feel and playability with TaylorMade’s RAC TP Forged irons: Designed for skilled golfers, these clubs offer a balance of control and workability, thanks to their forged construction and unique cavity back design. They’re a great option if you value a responsive feel and the ability to shape your shots.
A proper club fitting is essential: While the stock Dynamic Gold shafts are a solid option, consider exploring different shafts to optimize performance and address individual swing characteristics. A professional fitting can help you find the ideal setup for your game.
Consistent ball striking is key for optimal results: The RAC TP Forged irons provide excellent feedback and feel, particularly on clean hits. However, they are less forgiving than game-improvement irons, so a consistent swing is crucial to unlock their full potential.

Detailed Specifications: What Makes the RAC TP Forged Stand Out

Set Makeup and Shaft Options

The RAC TP Forged irons typically come as a standard 3-PW set, with a 2-iron available separately. Golfers can choose from X-Stiff, Stiff, or Regular flex options in the True Temper Dynamic Gold steel shafts, allowing for a personalized fit based on individual swing characteristics.

Material and Construction

Forged from S25c Carbon Steel, a premium material known for its soft feel and responsiveness, these irons offer a distinct advantage. The forging process enhances the grain structure, contributing to both performance and durability. This means a solid feel at impact and a club built to last.

A Deeper Dive into Design and Performance

Hybrid Cavity Design and Feel Pockets

The RAC TP Forged irons feature a hybrid cavity design, cleverly combining the workability of a blade with the forgiveness of a cavity back. Strategically placed “feel pockets” further enhance the club’s feel and responsiveness at impact, giving you more control over shot shaping and trajectory.

Center of Gravity and Launch Characteristics

Compared to the RAC LTs, the TP Forged irons have a higher center of gravity, promoting a more penetrating ball flight. This characteristic is ideal for skilled players who value control and precision. The CG sits higher than game improvement irons but lower than traditional blades, offering a sweet spot between workability and forgiveness.

Release Date and Historical Context

Launched in the UK on November 15, 2008, the RAC TP Forged irons represent TaylorMade’s ongoing commitment to innovation in golf club technology. The RAC (Rotary Alignment Compensation) technology, introduced in 2002, has been refined and implemented in these forged irons to deliver exceptional performance.

What the Experts and Users Say

Golfalot Review and User Feedback

Golfalot awarded these irons a solid 4 out of 5 stars, praising the feel, control, and attractive design. User reviews consistently echo these points, emphasizing the irons’ performance and playability for skilled golfers.

Reddit Community Insights

On Reddit, discussions around the RAC TP Forged irons highlight their demanding nature, but also the rewarding experience they offer to skilled players. The buttery feel and exceptional control are frequently mentioned, with some users even pointing out that pros like Martin Kaymer have used similar irons to win major championships. The hybrid cavity design has sparked some debate about whether these clubs are true blades, adding another layer to the conversation.

Sandtrap Review: A Closer Look at the Details

The Sandtrap review provides a detailed look at the RAC TP Forged irons, covering specifics like the CNC milled face and grooves, thin sole, and Tour Satin finish. They also note the standard Royal Precision FCM iron shafts, traditional lofts (3-iron at 21°, pitching wedge at 48°), minimal offset (1.9mm in the 3-iron to 0.5mm in the pitching wedge), and the original retail price of $999.

Confirmation of Forged Construction

Discussions on the GolfWRX forums confirm the forged construction of both the RAC TP MB and RAC TP CB irons, further emphasizing the quality and craftsmanship of these clubs.

Recommendations for Golfers

Skill Level and Fitting

The RAC TP Forged irons are best suited for low to mid-handicap golfers who prioritize feel and control. A professional club fitting is highly recommended to ensure the proper shaft flex and lie angle for your swing. This will help you maximize performance and get the most out of these irons.

Echoing this sentiment, Reddit users advise getting a loft/lie check even for standard sets, while The Sandtrap review stresses the importance of selecting the right shaft for optimal results.

Mixed Media Reviews: A Balanced Perspective

While reviews are generally positive, some golfers describe the RAC TP Forged irons as a bit heavy with larger heads, suggesting they might be more distance-oriented than some players prefer. This reinforces the importance of personal testing and finding the right club for your individual game and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the TaylorMade RAC TP Forged irons designed for? These irons are definitely geared toward more experienced, lower-handicap golfers who prioritize feel and control over pure forgiveness. If you’re a skilled ball-striker looking to shape your shots and fine-tune your trajectory, these could be a good fit. Less experienced players might find them a bit challenging.

What makes these irons different from other “players” irons? The RAC TP Forged irons have a unique “muscle-cavity” design. This means they offer a blend of the workability you’d find in a blade iron with a touch of the forgiveness from a cavity back. They also feature “feel pockets” designed to enhance the feedback you get at impact. The higher center of gravity compared to game improvement irons contributes to a more penetrating ball flight.

What shafts are available for the RAC TP Forged irons? The stock shafts are True Temper Dynamic Gold steel shafts, and they come in X-Stiff, Stiff, and Regular flexes. However, some golfers choose to switch to different shafts, like the Rifle Project X, to further fine-tune ball flight and feel. A professional club fitting can help you determine the best shaft for your swing.

What are some of the common drawbacks mentioned about these irons? Some golfers have noted that the RAC TP Forged irons produce a slightly higher ball flight than other players’ irons, which can sometimes make it tricky to control trajectory in windy conditions. Others have mentioned a “clicky” sound on off-center hits. While the irons still perform reasonably well on mishits, the feel and sound are optimized for well-struck shots.

Where can I find more information and reviews about these irons? Several reputable sources offer in-depth reviews and discussions about the TaylorMade RAC TP Forged irons. You can find reviews on Golfalot, discussions on Reddit’s golf subreddit, a detailed breakdown on The Sandtrap, and conversations about the club’s construction on the GolfWRX forums. These resources provide a well-rounded perspective on the irons’ performance and suitability for different players.