MacGregor Golf's MACTEC NVG2 Irons
A Review of a Great Set of Game Improvement Clubs
Lots of golf irons claim to be "game improvement" clubs. MacGregor Golf's MACTEC NVG2 Mid Irons actually live-up to their billing.
According to the Manufacturer: Due to their Cup Face 360° technology, MacGregor Golf maintains the MACTEC NVG2 irons have the biggest sweet spot available. Combine the sweet spot with the progressive tungsten weighting that optimizes launch angle and golf irons with the mid- to high-handicapper in mind are born. MacGregor apparently doesn’t stop there; they also maintain that golfers of all skill levels will enjoy the supreme shot control delivered by the NVG2's.
Talk about high-tech, the Cup Face 360° is plasma welded to a unique Hollow-Body Structure which moves weight back and deep to promote an easy high launch and increased MOI (resistance-to-twisting). The combination of Cup Face 360° and the Hollow-Body Structure creates a trampoline effect across the entire clubface for maximum forgiveness and distance, even on off-center shots.
MacGregor claimed everything for everyone with the MACTEC NVG2 Mid Irons. As shown through testing, they largely lived-up to it.
Irons Tested: MacGregor Golf MACTEC NVG2 Mid Irons, True Temper S300 (stiff) shafts
Average MSRP: $599, steel, $699 graphite
Forgiveness Results
Anyone purchasing these irons for their forgiveness will not be disappointed. As mentioned, they’re loaded with technology, but without scientific testing, it can’t possibly be determined why they were so forgiving. What is certain is that a good result resulted from shots struck virtually anywhere on the clubface. As with any club, iron or otherwise, the contact between ball and sweetspot was definitely "sweet," but off-center shots remained true to the target line and were surprisingly long.
The low center of gravity in the middle and longer irons delivered high a launch angle perfect for mid-and high-handicappers. The NVG2 Mids will, possibly more than any iron experienced, help in getting the ball airborne.
The forgiveness of the MACTEC NVG2 Mid Irons is where they set themselves apart from the rest.
Forgiveness Rating: 9.9 out of 10
Feel/Workability Results
It is difficult to assess a club that is largely built for game improvement in the areas of forgiveness and workability, but since MacGregor’s claims for the irons incorporated it, an assessment must be made.
As for feel, the golf iron review revealed them to be a solid iron set. Feel was a bit muted, but much better than most game improvement irons. Working the ball was more challenging. The sweet spot dispersion throughout the clubface, that aided so much in forgiveness, must have made working the ball more of a challenge.
Feel/Workability Rating: 9.0
Distance Results
Simply put, these new golf irons didn’t lack in distance. Typically, with impact on the heel or toe of the club, expected distance is reduced. In the case of the NVG2 Mid Irons, the distance results were surprisingly long. Most surprising was the length delivered by toe impact shots. Sweet spot impact delivered the most distance. Although not drastically longer than other irons of similar loft, given the "soft" launch angle it was surprising.
Distance Rating: 9.7
Design Results
The MACTEC NVG2 Mid Irons are a cavity back design, wide sole and thick topline, but they are able to maintain classic look. The classic look is likely achieved by the asthetic design. The high MOI (moment of inertia) and Cup Face 360° technology certainly delivered what they were intended to deliver.
Design Rating: 9.8
Overall Rating: 9.6
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