We have spent countless hours refining our testing protocols and data processing methodologies. We’ve worked with R&D experts from some of the largest companies in golf with the singular goal of creating the most informative test for the golfing consumer.
The number of testers we use, the number of shots we collect, the way we analyze data, even the way we sort and randomize clubs during the test itself is directly influenced by the conversations we had with those experts.
The result is what we believe to be the largest, independent, 100% Datacratic iron test you’ll find anywhere.
OUR TESTERS
For 2018, 20 golfers across a wide-range of ages, swing speeds, handicap and abilities participated. Our group of testers includes collegiate golfers, retirees, and average golfers just like you. Here are a few additional details about our test.
- SHOTS HIT: 9,481
- DATA POINTS: 426,645
- TIME: 120 hours
- TESTERS: 20
- HANDICAP RANGE: +2 – 8
- AGE RANGE: 23 – 64
- DRIVER SWING SPEED RANGE: 90 mph – 120 mph
- IRONS TESTED: Three irons, a short, middle, and long iron from each set
THE TEST
MyGolfSpy’s 2018 Most Wanted Players iron test was conducted over the span of two months. In total, the 20 golfers who participated in our tests spent more than 120 hours hitting over 9,400 total shots.
To collect a valid sample size across all testers and all clubs, each tester participated in 6 sessions. To minimize the impact that day to day swing variances may have on the final results, one club from each of the three sets was hit.
Testers were asked to take 4-5 swings with each club before moving to the next club in the rotation. The process was repeated until we achieved a sample size of 8-12 ‘good’ shots for each tester with each club.
Ball flight and clubhead data were collected with a with a Foresight GCQuad Launch Monitor. All testers hit Bridgestone Tour B-RX Golf Balls exclusively. Balls were inspected after each session. Any ball showing signs of wear was replaced.
Data was exported and checked for errors. Outliers were then identified using a statistical approach developed at MyGolfSpy. Shots identified as outliers were dropped before data was aggregated and final averages were calculated.
THE CLUBS
MyGolfSpy tested short, middle, and long irons from each set:
While irons do not have the capability for adjustments, shaft flex was our only component of optimizing the clubs for each tester. Manufacturers were asked to send standard, off-the-rack length and lie set-ups for the iron sets.
RESULTS AND RANKINGS
Our rankings aren’t determined inside a conference room. We don’t have a panel, and there are no votes. The launch monitor is the one and only judge. For our 2018 Most Wanted Players Iron test, we collected a standard set of launch monitor metrics (ball speed, launch angle, spin rates, distance, etc.).
Our Most Wanted winner is the club that finished in the statistically significant top group (based on Strokes Gained Driving) for the highest percentage of our testers. To simplify things a bit, we call the final order TRUERank; a metric that includes the order of finish (rank), along with the percentage of golfers for whom each club was shown to be in the top group.
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Data Matters
We do realize that data is inherently interpretive, which is why we choose to share our data with you. For those who prefer things clean and simple, we have provided our data-driven rankings. For those of you who want to dig deeper, make your own interpretations, and draw your own conclusions, we share our data with you.
Ultimately, the metrics that matter to you are the metrics that are most important.
This is your test.
Note: This page is updated on an annual basis to reflect the latest information about how we test. As such, it may not be wholly applicable to previous tests.
