Technology (88/ 100)  

J15 Hybrid Crown and Face

Bridgestone has incorporated three core technologies in to its new J15 hybrid. The Flex Action Speed Technology (FAST) crown increases the launch angle and ball speed, because it is thinner near the face and progressively thicker towards the rear of the head, allowing the face to flex more at impact, creating a spring-like effect. The J15 has a Hyper Stainless 455 steel face is the thinnest hybrid face Bridgestone has made, creating maximum ball repulsion and increased distance. The J15 has weighted port technology, a removable weight in the sole allowing players to adjust tradjectory and the swing weight of the club.

Available in 17,19, 21, and 23 degree options.

Looks (86/ 100)

The J15 hybrid head shape is quite a toe heavy shape, which makes the head look quite closed. As a better player I would prefer this to be square or a little open. Other than the club face looking closed it is a very clean, traditional looking hybrid. I like that it is a black head, and that you can see the sharp white lines on the club face.

Performance (80/ 100)   

J15 Hybrid Performance

I reviewed J15 Hybrid with a Graphite Design 105 Hybrid X shaft. I carried the ball 235 yards for a total of 252 yards. These numbers are basically identical to my current hybrid, which is the Bridgestone J40.

However the shape difference was very noticeable. I kept drawing the ball, and it was a struggle to fade the ball with this club. It was a high soft draw but I like to be able to work the ball in both directions. If you are looking for a club you could turn over right to left, you might be pleasantly surprised with the J15.

Final Thoughts (overall) (84/ 100)

Nice traditional looking hybrid, that is easy to draw. Bridgestone suggests that this club is for professionals to high handicap players, however I would recommend this club for mid to high handicap players seeking a club that may assist with their misses to the right. I’m not saying this club couldn’t be used by a professional, I just would prefer a hybrid that I can work the ball in both directions.

The post Bridgestone J15 Hybrid appeared first on 2nd Swing Golf Blog.

Technology (88/ 100)

Bridgestone has incorporated three core technologies in to its new J15 fairway. The Flex Action Speed Technology (FAST) crown made of high strength AM355 Maraging Steel; which increases the launch angle and ball speed, because it is thinner near the face and progressively thicker towards the rear of the head, allowing the face to flex more at impact, creating a spring-like effect. The J15 has a Hyper Stainless 455 steel face, which is the thinnest Bridgestone face ever at just 1.8mm, creating maximum ball repulsion and increased distance. The J15 has weighted port technology, a removable weight in the sole allowing players to adjust trajectory and the swing weight of the club.

Available in 13.5, 15, and 18 degree options.

Looks (90/ 100)

J15 Fairway Wood Crown and Face

The J15 fairway has a clean looking generous sized black head. I love to look down at the traditional black titanium head. It is very clean, and traditional looking. What you do see at address is the white lines on the club face. These look sharp against the pure black head. However the face did seem to setup closed, I prefer my fairway woods to look more open. It just felt like I was going to hit it left.

Performance (88/ 100)

I reviewed the J15 15 degree fairway with a Graphite Design Tour AD MT-8X shaft. The numbers I got out of the J15 fairway were pretty okay, but not outstanding.

Bridgestone J15 Fairway

Launch Angle: 15.9 degrees

Club Head Speed: 106.7 mph

Ball Speed: 153 mph

Carry Distance: 259 yds

Total Distance: 274 yd

I carried the ball 259 yards for a total of 274 yards. The flight was pretty straight, with some shots having a hint of draw. This could be due to the club looking a little closed at setup, as I usually fade the ball. The flight was also higher with a higher launch angle than other fairways I have reviewed. This would be great to stop the ball fast on greens on long par 5’s, but I would be concerned with spinning the ball, especially into the wind.

The club creates a really deep solid sound, that is quite loud, like the J715 driver.

Final Thoughts (overall) (88/ 100)

This is a clean traditional looking club. I didn’t see advances in distance, but the ball did fly pretty straight. If you prefer a closed face on your fairway woods, and you like the traditional look you might like the J15 fairway. I would recommend this club to low to mid handicap players.

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There are four different iron models available in the Bridgestone’s J15 line. This review is for the MB muscle backs which look like traditional blades and are aimed at elite players.

Technology (100/ 100)

The J15 MB irons are made from premium forged 1020 carbon steel to provide the player with an incredible feel. The ultra compact head provides ultimate shot shaping, workability and versatility. The J15 MB has a narrow sure contact sole to ensure consistent contact and turf interaction . The J15 MB have a flatter, more narrow sole for elite more demanding players.

Available in 3-PW.

Looks (100/ 100)   

J15 MB Looks

The J15 MB is the best looking blade I have ever looked down at. The top line is nice and thin, which you would expect out of traditional blade. The irons do look quite small at setup compared to your typical iron, but once you hit a few shots you definitely get used the small head. Very shiny, clean blades.

Performance (96/ 100)

The J15 MB are the current irons in my bag. I have the NS Pro Modus Tour 125 S shafts in my irons.

Bridgestone J15 MB 7 Iron

Launch Angle: 20.3 degrees

Spin Rate: 5377 rpm

Carry Distance: 173 yds

Total Distance: 182 yds

I carried the ball 173 yards for a total of 182 yards. These irons are not designed for assistance with distance, and I recommend only elite players attempt to hit these irons. I love the workability and versatility the irons provide me with, I will sacrifice the distance as I don’t need the extra distance. The irons have an incredibly soft forged feel. The launch is 20.3 degrees, with a spin rate of 5377 rpm. These irons provide me with a mid range flight that is not too spiny. To be honest the flight is quite boring, but very consistent.

Final Thoughts (overall) (99/ 100)

Not your typical game improvement irons. If you can’t break par forget about these beauties. But if you are an elite player I highly recommend you consider these irons. There is a reason why they are in my golf bag! Incredibly soft feel, with great workability and control.

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The J15 Wedges are available in black oxide or a satin finish.

Technology (97/ 100)

The J15 Wedges are designed to provide spin and versatility through 3 key technologies. The Sure Contact Sole design; offers unique heel side shaping that features a reduced profile and ensures consistent forgiving accuracy and turf interaction from any lie on the course. The J15 Wedges Pro Groove Design focuses groove efforts on increasing the inner groove area for the wedges. The aggressive conforming U grooves offer unmatched ability to channel dirt, water and debris away from the face, increasing spin and ensuring consistent ball to face contact from all lies. The J15 Wedges Durable Heat Treatment provides heat-treated faces for enhanced durability and longer club life. This unique heating process reinforces the premium forged carbon steel face without compromising club feel or performance.
The J15 Forged Wedges are available in lofts of 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60.

Looks (98/ 100)   

J15 Wedges

I Love the way the head sits down behind the ball. The J15 has a stylish and innovate look. Personally I prefer the matte black oxide finish as it is not as shiny, but a player that likes the shiny looks will be really impressed with the satin chrome look. The wedges look slightly smaller than the previous J40 models but you get used it it right away.

Performance (95/ 100)

I carry two J15 black oxide wedges in my bag, a 54 and 60 degree. I use the  S400 True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue shaft. My 60 degree wedge can carry 90 yards, although for gaping purposes my 9 o’clock swing carries 70 yards, and my 10:30 swing carries 80 yards. My 54 degree wedge can carry 110 yards, although for gaping purposes my 9 o’clock swing carries 90 yards, and my 10:30 swing carries 100 yards. I love the gaping distance I have with these wedges and wouldn’t change a thing.

The J15 really grabs the ball on full swings, even out of the rough which helps get the balls to bite quick. The spin is also predictable providing control on chips and pitches. The feel is super soft, and the club doesn’t feel as heavy as many wedges do. More of an elite players club, the curved leading edge and bounce profile can be intimidating on tight lies, and requires a very good execution.

Final Thoughts (overall) (96/ 100)

Leave this club for the elite players who have great feel around the green. The club feels incredibly soft and is great to look down at, but does not offer forgiveness on badly executed shots. However when you make solid contact from the fairway and even the rough, you will get plenty of bite. If your a great player I highly recommend this wedge, as I already have them in my bag.

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Technology (100 / 100)

Bridgestone incorporated four new technologies into its new J715 driver that allow it to launch higher and spin less than previous models.. The 460cc Flex Action Speed Technology (FAST) crown design  increases the launch angle and ball speed, because it is thinner near the face and progressively thicker towards the rear of the head, allowing the face to flex more at impact, creating a spring-like effect.

The J715 Power Milled Face provides incredible spin reduction, adding friction helping grip the ball more at impact to stop it slipping up the face. This reduces the spin rate by 200-300rpm.  Bridgestone also added its new Spin Control Technology to the driver allowing complete control of trajectory and spin by allowing golfers to adjust the center of gravity and ultimately increase distance. The J715 has two adjustable weights in its sole to allow golfers to customize CG by moving weight forward for less spin and more fade, or back for more spin and more draw. The J715 also has an adjustable hosel that can set the face angle 1 degree open or closed, and lie angle set to standard, or 1 or 2 degrees upright.

Available in 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 12 degree options.

Looks (100/ 100)   

The J715 Driver Face

I love to look down at the black gloss, titanium head. It is very clean, and traditional looking. I like that it doesn’t feature any logos, or alignment aids, it just looks so pure! What you do see at address is the white lines on the clubface. These look sharp against the pure black head.

Performance (100/ 100)

The J715 is the current driver in my bag. I have a 9.5 degree head, with the Graphite Design Tour AD BB8S shaft. For the purpose of comapring the performance of the club I have the settings set at neutral.

J715 Driver Performance

My carry distance was 288 yards for a total distance of 307 yards. This is the longest I have carried the ball with any of the drivers I have reviewed. I love that I can stand on the tee, knowing that I can carry the ball 280 yards if I need too. On a lot of quality courses I play there are many bunker protected doglegs that I need to carry 270 yards + or I have to play more conservative to the corner. I now have shorter 2^nd shots into long par 4’s and par 5’s! The spin rate is great right around 2300 rpms, with a launch angle of 14.5 degrees. I would love to reduce the spin rate slightly when hitting into the wind but overall my driver has pretty awesome numbers!

The J715 driver sounds quite different to your typical driver with quite a loud zing noise. It doesn’t bother me at all, but you will notice the difference.

Final Thoughts (overall) (100 / 100)

This driver is in my bag for a reason. I carry the ball further with this driver than any other driver I have reviewed. I would recommend this driver for professionals through to mid handicap players. This is definelty Bridgestone’s best produced club yet!

The post Bridgestone J715 460 Driver appeared first on 2nd Swing Golf Blog.

There are four different iron models available in the Bridgestone’s J15 line. This review is for the CB irons which look almost like blades, but have more forgiveness aimed at your lower handicap players..

Technology (100/ 100)

The J15 CB irons are made from premium forged 1020 carbon steel to provide the player with an incredible feel. The compact head provides tour control and shot shaping workability. The J15 CB has a wide sure contact sole to ensure consistent contact and turf interaction, while offering additional forgiveness. Like the J15 MB the CB has a flatter, more narrow sole but the sole is slightly wider than a blade allowing the player more control.

Available in 3-PW.

Looks (99/ 100)   

The J15 CB is a very good looking iron. It was very hard for me to decide on the MB or CB when I purchased my Bridgestone irons. The CB looks slightly more forgiving with a slightly larger head than the MB. The top line is still nice and thin to look at, almost looking like a blade, but giving a little more comfort. The irons are very clean and shiny.

Performance (98/ 100)  

I tried The J15 CB 7 iron with the True Temper Dynamic Gold S300 shaft.

Bridgestone J15 CB 7 Iron

Launch Angle: 21.0 degrees

Spin Rate: 5434 rpm

Carry Distance: 175 yds

Total Distance: 184 yds

I carried the ball 175 yards for a total of 184 yards. These irons carried a pretty similar number than my current MB irons, maybe I got a couple of yards more with the CB. They are not really designed to improve distance, but give plenty of forgiveness and control.

I loved that on mis-hits I got more out of the irons than my current MB, but luckily I don’t miss hit too many shots, so I sacrifice that to keep the MB in my bag. The irons still have an incredibly soft forged feel, much like a blade. The launch is 21 degrees, with a spin rate of 5434 rpm. This is a little higher and spinier than my current irons, but I didn’t see drastic changes where it would affect the performance.

Final Thoughts (overall) (99/ 100)

I recommend these irons for anybody that can break 80. Sorry if you haven’t don’t come back looking until you can. The irons offer a lot of control and forgiveness for a player iron. Very good looking club. Sometimes I still wish I chose these irons over my MB’s. They are worth the investment.

J15 CB Iron Set Specs

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M1 Rescue Technology (95 / 100)

Unlike the M1 driver, and fairway woods, the carbon composite crown is absent on the M1 Rescue Hybrid.

M1 Rescue Components

The M1 rescue hybrid features a tour inspired traditional shape to enable better playability from any type of lie. The M1 rescue hybrids feature shot shape personalization with the use of two movable weights (1-3g & 1-25g) for preferred shot shaping for either a fade, or neutral ball flight. This allows the player to dial in trajectory for distance and consistency. The back weight is 25g and the toe weight is 3g to provide the player with a neutral set up with a mid to high launch. Swapping them over gives a strong fade bias. It is clear that this hybrid was designed to avoid hooking the ball. Similar to previous TaylorMade rescues there is still a small speed pocket in the sole to assist with ball speeds on miss hits. The M1 rescue is available in five options: 2-17º, 3-19º, 4-21º, 5-24º.

M1 Rescue Looks (100/ 100)

TaylorMade has really changed the look of the M1 rescue. Last years R15 model was completely white, the M1 head looks clean and is entirely black. It almost doesn’t look like it belongs to the M1 line, but it is sexy to look upon. The head looks similar to last years R15 rescue with a classic square style face but the face is slightly taller, and obviously black.

M1 Rescue Hybrid Performance Averages

Performance in the M1 Rescue (98/ 100) 

I reviewed M1 3-19º rescue with a Fujikura Pro 80h S shaft. I was pleasantly surprised how much further this hybrid went compared to my current hybrid. I carried the ball 245 yards for a total of 262 yards. This is about 15 yards further than my current club. Quite a jump that I wasn’t expecting. I would have to play a weaker lofted hybrid to keep my gaping numbers similar.

Final Thoughts of the M1 Rescue (overall) (97 / 100)  

M1 Hybrid Face

The M1 rescue is directed towards players seeking maximum distance and personalization. Players will be more confident knowing that this rescue has a strong neutral to fade bias, which will get rid of shots to the left.  But unfortunately for the players that miss it to the right all the time, you get no relief, or adjustment to draw the ball. This is more of an elite players club.

The post M1 Rescue Hybrid by TaylorMade Reviewed appeared first on 2nd Swing Golf Blog.

The TaylorMade M1 Driver is available in two different head sizes options, the 460 or the 430. This Review is for both head sizes.

Technology (100 / 100)   

The M1 Driver pulled apart into it’s Main Components

TaylorMade again claims that their newest M1 driver is the longest ever. The M1 driver has a multi-material construction, which features an ultra-thin, ultra-light and high-strength carbon composite crown. This new carbon crown makes the club lighter to provide more distance, playability, and feel for all golfers. Each golfer has a unique swing, and the M1 can provide ideal launch conditions to all player types with a single club. The construction of M1 driver allows all players options to personalize their driver to their exact specifications, leading to optimal performance; which is a direct result using the advanced T-Track System. The T-Track system allows you to customize a draw or fade, and high, medium, low launch swing biases. This system consists of both a front and back track with 25 grams of adjustable weight. The front track weights provide multiple draw, neutral and fade settings, while the back track weights are adjusted for multiple high, medium and low launch and spin settings. Using these two separate tracks also allows for the CG to be moved left to right independently of it moving front to back.

The 460 M1 Driver comes in lofts of 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 12 degrees.

The 430 M1 Driver comes in lofts of 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5 degrees.

Looks (98/ 100)  

M1 Driver Crown

The new white and black crown look is very distinct. The carbon fiber pattern on the back top of the head gives the driver a great look. I felt that the contrast of the black and while face helped with alignment at setup. Even though this look is quite unique and took some time getting used to, however I did feel more confident over the ball.

Performance (100/ 100)  

I hit both M1 drivers with a 9.5 degree head, with the Aldila Rogue 110 MSI 70 gram 3.15 shaft. For the purpose of comparing the performance of the club I have the settings all set at neutral.

For both M1 drivers my carry distance was 285 yards for a total distance of 314 yards. Really quite long! This is about 15 yards further than I hit my current driver, and I could get used to some more yards off the tee! The spin rate with the 460 M1 driver was great right around 2000 rpms, with a launch angle of 13.5 degrees. The spin rate with the 430 M1 Driver was also awesome at 1800 rpms, with a launch angle of 14.5 degrees. Pretty awesome numbers!

My ball and club head speed increased a couple of mph more than my current driver, which would explain the extra distance.

The sounds at impact felt really solid, like the ball was getting crushed.

M1 Driver Aerodynamics

Final Thoughts (overall) (99 / 100)

Most players could use a better fitting driver to optimize their results. The M1 driver might be the best fitting driver line available right now. The M1 driver would be ideal for any golfer, as the fitting options allow anyone to be fit for the correct specifications. It has so many adjustable options and optional shafts making the ability to fine tune it to your swing is beyond what most other driver have available in their settings. I guarantee if a golfer takes the time to do a fitting; the M1 driver will beat their current driver.

There is no TP model or up charge for most options, but the base price is high. But you are paying for the best current driver available for everyone.

460 & 430 M1 Drivers Side by Side Compared

The post M1 Driver by TaylorMade appeared first on 2nd Swing Golf Blog.

Technology (97 / 100)  

M1 Fairway Wood Low Profile

Similar to the M1 driver, the TaylorMade M1 fairway is the first carbon crown fairway, which is designed to lower CG (Center of Gravity) for optimal launch conditions and speed with every shot. TaylorMade has used the lighter carbon composite crown material to save weight, which they have then shifted the weight to the sole of the club. Also new in the M1 fairway is the front track system offering two sliding weights (15g each) for preferred shot shaping for either a draw fade or neutral ball flight. These two sliding weights also increase the stability and forgiveness, especially on miss hits. The M1 fairway has an adjustable loft sleeve with 12 positions to vary +/- 2 degrees of loft in a standard or upright lie.

The M1 fairway is available in 15, 17, and 19 degree.

M1 Fairway Wood Crown

Looks (97/ 100) 

What you notice right away is the new carbon composite crown behind the white titanium top line.

The new white and black crown look is very distinct, and even helps with alignment at setup. The white leading edge acts as a great alignment aid. Even though this look is quite unique and took some time getting used to, however I did feel more confident over the ball, and I eventually forgot about the dark part of the head.

M1 Fairway Wood Performance Averages

Performance (99/ 100)

I reviewed M1 15 degree fairway with a Fujikura Pro 80h S shaft. The numbers I got out of the M1 fairway wood were pretty good. I carried the ball 266 yards for a total of 287 yards. However the most impressive results I noticed was the consistency. Every shot had a similar ball flight and similar carry and total distance. I believe this is due to widening the sliding weights, providing stability and forgiveness even on miss hits.

Final Thoughts (overall) (97 / 100) 

Compared to TaylorMade’s most recent models (R15, and AeroBurner) I didn’t see huge advancements in distance. However the results were very consistent, and you now have even more adjustability available to get the right specifications in your fairway wood, and provide shot shape personalization.

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Technology (95 / 100)

The new Titleist 716 MB version features a higher, more curved muscle back that not only increases the material behind the sweet spot but also gives a fresher, more stylish look than the straight line muscle on the previous MB irons. The high muscle design has a squarer toe, thin topline and pre-worn leading edge for maximum shot control and less dig. This refined blade was designed using a combination of player input and high tech CAD modeling.  Optimized GC progression provides precise tour-proven trajectory through the set. The length of the head is not drastically different to the CB 716 irons, but the real difference is that the CB has perimeter weighting and has the tungsten in the toe, therfore the MB version is not as forgiving, and was designed simply for playabilty.

Looks (98 / 100)

At address the Titleist 716 MB looks so square with a fresher, more stylish look than the previous MB irons. The toe is also a little squarer to enhance the look at address, which can only be described as compact. This is a very clean looking club and the top line looks nice and thin, exactly what you would expect from a top of the line blade.

Performance.  (92 / 100)

I tried out the 716 MB with a KBS Tour S shaft and hit the 7iron. The club had a very soft forged feel.  The ball carried 174 yards, for a total of 181 yards. It’s obvious that the 716 MB wont win any distance contests, however I was provided with a very consistent ball flight. I did find it easy to turn of right to left, workabilty I would expect from a club used to gain control over shot shape. The launch was quite high at 20.9 degrees, and the spin rate was the highest of all the clubs I reviewed. This could be a concern expecailly into the wind for a player struggling to control their trajectory. However the workability that I gained with this club was quite appealing, and the MB should only be used by an elite player who can already control ball flight.

Final Thoughts (overall) (96 / 100)

This club is the real deal. If you have never broken par I suggest you look for another club that provides more forgiveness and performance . If you are lucky enough and are an elite amateur or pro the 716 MB could be your next club. Very impressed with the ability to shot control.

6 Iron Set put up to the test by Thomas Cambell

*Comparision of irons reviewed today

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