Guy is back on H.I.T Golf with a proper throwback test, comparing 1969 Ping Karsten 1 irons against today’s top-spec modern irons.

How far has iron technology really come in 50+ years? In this video, Guy puts the classics up against the latest gear for distance, forgiveness, feel, and control to find out whether modern irons are genuinely miles ahead… or if the old-school irons still have something to say.

Welcome to H.I.T Golf Reviews – the home of honest, independent and trustworthy golf equipment reviews.

If you want straight-talking advice on drivers, irons, wedges, putters, golf balls and golf tech, you’re in the right place. Every review is based on proper testing, launch monitor data and real on-course experience – not marketing slides.

We test all the big names (TaylorMade, Callaway, Ping, Titleist, Mizuno, Cobra and more) plus the direct-to-consumer brands you’re starting to hear about. New vs old, budget vs premium, “forgiving” vs “players” – we put them head-to-head so you can see what actually performs.

Our testing is built around launch monitor data (GCQuad) and real-world shots, but we always explain the numbers in normal-golfer language. No fluff, no hidden agendas – just whether a club will help your game or not.

Whether you’re:
buying your first proper set,
a mid-handicapper looking for more forgiveness, or
a low-handicap player chasing that perfect combo of feel and distance,

H.I.T is here to help you pick the right gear for your swing, not just the newest thing on the shelf.

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To save you time, money and a few golf balls.
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24 Comments

  1. And now put brand new steel shafts and grips on the Pings and re-test. Shafts are 60 yrs old if they're original.

  2. For the most part, irons are hunks of metal. There really isn't going to be major differences between any of them. The most important thing with irons is lie angle, club length, and turf interaction. Otherwise, you should just get whatever appeals to your eye.

  3. It’s almost like chunks of metal haven’t had much technological advancement

  4. What this test shows is that the modern golf ball is where all the distance gains have come from, not the £1250 iron sets they try to sell you, near identical distances from 1969 clubs with worn-out decades old grips, with new grips on them they would probably out perform the new clubs.

  5. Guy, I'm surprised you're gaming T100. Seems like you'd play much better gaming a more forgiving model.

    Even Peter Finch has ditched the T100 for a blended set of more forgiving models.

  6. I think Irons havent changed so much because of three main reasons. 1. Simplicity of design 2. Rules regulating what can be changed. 3. "Aint broke, dont fix it" mentality

  7. excellent video… goes to show you dont need the latest and greatest to have fun golfing.. New grips and you can easily play with them thru the 5 iron.. The carry yards are spot on compared to todays technology in the T100's . that said, been golfing since 1993 and im on my 8th set of irons; latest are my custom fit Srixon ZXi5's which i was fit for in the fall last year. feel as good/same as the Mizuno JPX 925 Forged i compared them too..

  8. Great concept to a video but the first 5+ minutes being standing and talking is a bit much. Break up the edit a bit. Action early or people gonna click off

  9. In a fully kitted out studio why do we not regroup these clubs before using them? Again cool idea poor execution. Give them the best shot at competing.

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