Thorough Examination of MacGregor MT-86 OS Iron Set - A Critique
Gearing up with MacGregor's Powerhouse - The MT-86 OS Irons
Skeptical about MacGregor's latest offering in the distance iron market? I was too, but let me tell you - I was pleasantly surprised by the MT-86 OS irons. Though they might seem like a throwback to golf's yesteryears, these bad boys are packing a punch.
My initial impression was mostly positive. The MT-86 OS irons boast a confidence-inspiring look, with a slightly larger profile than their siblings, the MT-86 Pro irons. They present a clean yet substantial playing position, offering a reassuring sense of confidence.while the topline is a touch thinner than some competitors like the Ping i530 or Callaway Ai200, offering a bit more of a 'playery' visual.
Aesthetics aside, the tech behind these irons is impressive. The hollow body, super thin yet strong face, and toe biased weighting system are designed to optimize the center of gravity (CG). If you're curious about the nitty-gritty, I'd recommend checking out our review of the MT-86 Pro irons for the full lowdown.
Performance-wise, I was delighted by the results. The strong lofts delivered some impressive distance without negatively impacting the launch angle. Despite aggressive lofts, the MT-86 OS irons produced a consistently high ball flight, which facilitated excellent carry numbers and a playable descent angle for even firm greens. This combination of strong lofts and high launch suggests that the internal weighting and face technology are doing their job.
The feel off the face is powerful, with a familiar springy sensation synonymous with this type of iron. Even on slight mishits, the ball seemed to jump off the face with speed, demonstrating the high Coefficient of Restitution (COR) face design.
Overall, I liked what I saw from the MacGregor MT-86 OS irons. The slightly more user-friendly looks, combined with the strong distance output with no compromise on launch, are a nice combination. If these performance characteristics could benefit your game, then the MT-86 OS should be on your testing list.
Interested in testing them out? Take advantage of MacGregor's online demo program. For just $100, you can buy a demo 7-iron and return it after 30 days (or sooner), where you'll get your $100 refunded as store credit.
A 4-PW set will cost you $899.99. You can choose between steel (KBS Tour) or graphite shafts (UST Recoil) in flexes from Senior to Extra Stiff, and customize your length requirements on the website at the purchase stage.
What Makes MacGregor MT-86 OS Irons Special?
The MacGregor MT-86 OS irons are packed with features designed to maximize distance and forgiveness. Key features include:
- Forged Construction: High-quality feel and explosive impact thanks to carbon steel and maraging steel.
- Oversized Head: Increased MOI and larger sweetspot for enhanced forgiveness.
- 2mm Explosive Face: Maximizes ball speed and consistency for exceptional performance on mishits.
- Proprietary Soft Polymer Foam: Delivers a buttery feel and satisfying sound at impact.
- 5g Tungsten Weights: Strategically placed to lower the center of gravity, increasing MOI for better performance on off-center strikes.
- Slight Offset: Helps counteract slices while providing forgiveness.
Compared to the Ping i530 and Callaway Ai200, the MT-86 OS offers different approaches to distance and spin optimization. The Ping i530 might differ in feel and sound due to its construction and materials, while the Ai200 features advanced AI-designed features for precise control over spin and distance.
The MacGregor MT-86 OS irons, with their forged construction, oversized head, and explosive face, are designed to deliver maximum distance and forgiveness, setting them apart from competitors like the Ping i530 and Callaway Ai200. Moreover, these irons can be a suitable choice for sports enthusiasts who enjoy a round of golf.
