Conventional wisdom dictates that inserts in irons are for choppers. But the
dampening device directly behind the hitting area in the Cleveland CG Red iron
quickly won over our low-handicap testers. “I wasn’t so sure about it when I
first picked it up,” says a 5, “but I quickly became a fan. I could tell
when I hit it off-center, but it was never jarring.”
According to the
company, the “Gelback” is vibration-tuned to reduce the shock on mis-hits, yet
still allows the better player necessary contact feedback. (The insert on the
game-improvement CG Gold irons is 10 percent softer and 30 percent larger.)
Thankfully, the cosmetics—compact head and somewhat square toe—are those of
a low-handicap club. Another players’ touch: Rifle flighted shafts with varied
kickpoints to launch long irons higher and short irons lower are available.Cleveland CG Red 5-iron
Clubhead speed: 80.7 MPH
Launch angle: 17.6 degrees
Spin rate: 3,825 RPM
Carry distance: 174.7 yards
Average of five testers, handicaps 2-8
Average 5-iron
Clubhead speed: 81 MPH
Launch angle: 21.7 degrees
Spin rate: 5,586 RPM
Carry distance: 173 yards
Data provided by Tom Wishon Golf Technology
