Golf is a sport that requires a lot of skill and precision. The type of golf clubs that you use can greatly impact your performance on the course. Two popular models from Titleist, the PTx Pro and Icon, are frequently compared by golfers looking for the best golf irons to enhance their game. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two models.
Design and Construction
The Titleist PTx Pro irons feature a dual-cavity design, with the top portion of the club head featuring a soft polymer insert to improve feel and sound at impact. The lower portion of the club head has a high-density tungsten weight to increase the moment of inertia (MOI) and lower the center of gravity (CG) for better forgiveness on off-center hits. The PTx Pro irons are also designed with progressive blade lengths, sole widths, and hosel lengths, allowing for more precise control and feel throughout the set.
On the other hand, the Titleist Icon irons are designed with a more traditional blade shape that golfers often refer to as a “muscle back” design. The Icon’s forged construction provides a soft feel and excellent feedback, while the blade design allows for workability and shot-shaping capabilities.
Performance
Both the PTx Pro and Icon irons are designed for mid to low handicap golfers seeking maximum performance and control. However, their different designs cater to different playing styles. The PTx Pro irons are engineered to provide more forgiveness and distance, with a higher MOI and a lower CG that allows for higher launch and lower spin. These clubs are designed to help golfers hit consistent shots with accuracy and distance, even on off-center strikes.
The Icon irons, on the other hand, are designed for more advanced players who are seeking a higher level of control and shot-shaping capabilities. The muscle-back design allows for greater feel and workability, giving golfers the ability to shape shots and control trajectory with greater precision.
Appearance
The PTx Pro and Icon irons both feature sleek, classic designs that are sure to appeal to most golfers. The PTx Pro irons have a modern look with a brushed satin finish, a small cavity back, and a slightly larger top line. The Icon irons, on the other hand, have a more traditional look with a classic blade shape, a bright chrome finish, and a thin top line that is favored by many accomplished players.
Price
The PTx Pro irons are priced slightly higher than the Icon irons due to their advanced technology and engineering. However, both models are considered to be premium golf irons that deliver exceptional performance and quality.
Technical Specifications
When it comes to technical specifications, the PTx Pro and Icon irons have some differences that are worth noting. The PTx Pro irons have a hollow body construction, which allows for more weight to be distributed to the perimeter of the clubhead for greater forgiveness. They also feature a progressive set design, with long irons having more offset and thicker toplines to help with launch and forgiveness, while the short irons have less offset and thinner toplines for improved control and workability.
The Icon irons, on the other hand, are forged from a single piece of high-grade carbon steel, which provides exceptional feel and feedback. They feature a traditional blade design with minimal offset and a thin topline, which allows for greater control and workability.
Shaft Options
The shafts that come with the PTx Pro and Icon irons also differ. The PTx Pro irons come with the True Temper AMT Red shafts, which are designed to provide a high launch with a mid spin rate. These shafts are made with ascending mass technology, meaning that the weight of each shaft increases as you move down the set, allowing for more control and consistency.
The Icon irons come with the True Temper Dynamic Gold shafts, which are a popular choice among professional golfers. These shafts are designed to provide a low launch with a low spin rate, giving players maximum control and workability.
Customization
Both the PTx Pro and Icon irons can be customized to fit your individual preferences. Titleist offers a wide range of customization options, including different shafts, grips, and even custom stamping on the clubheads. Custom fitting is also available at Titleist fitting centers and authorized retailers, where experts can help you find the perfect set of clubs for your game.
PTX Pro Irons Specifications
| Model | Loft | Lie Angle | Length | Swing Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 20° | 60° | 39″ | D2 |
| 4 | 22° | 60.5° | 38.5″ | D2 |
| 5 | 25° | 61° | 38″ | D2 |
| 6 | 28° | 61.5° | 37.5″ | D2 |
| 7 | 32° | 62° | 37″ | D2 |
| 8 | 36° | 62.5° | 36.5″ | D2 |
| 9 | 40° | 63° | 36″ | D2 |
| PW | 45° | 63.5° | 35.75″ | D3 |
| GW | 50° | 64° | 35.5″ | D3 |
| SW | 55° | 64° | 35.25″ | D4 |
Icon Irons Specifications
| Model | Loft | Lie Angle | Length | Swing Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 20° | 60° | 39″ | D2 |
| 4 | 22° | 60.5° | 38.5″ | D2 |
| 5 | 25° | 61° | 38″ | D2 |
| 6 | 28° | 61.5° | 37.5″ | D2 |
| 7 | 32° | 62° | 37″ | D2 |
| 8 | 36° | 62.5° | 36.5″ | D2 |
| 9 | 40° | 63° | 36″ | D2 |
| PW | 45° | 63.5° | 35.75″ | D3 |
| GW | 50° | 64° | 35.5″ | D3 |
| SW | 55° | 64° | 35.25″ | D4 |
Features
| Model | Forged Body | CNC Milled Face | Tungsten Weighting | Progressive Blade Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| 4 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| 5 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 7 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 8 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 9 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| PW | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Icon Irons Features
| Model | Forged Body | CNC Milled Face | Tungsten Weighting | Progressive Blade Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| 4 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| 5 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 7 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 8 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 9 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| PW | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| GW | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| SW | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
PTX Pro Irons vs. Icon Irons
| Model | PTX Pro Loft | Icon Loft | PTX Pro Lie Angle | Icon Lie Angle | PTX Pro Length | Icon Length | PTX Pro Swing Weight | Icon Swing Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 20° | 20° | 60° | 60° | 39″ | 39″ | D2 | D2 |
| 4 | 22° | 22° | 60.5° | 60.5° | 38.5″ | 38.5″ | D2 | D2 |
| 5 | 25° | 25° | 61° | 61° | 38″ | 38″ | D2 | D2 |
| 6 | 28° | 28° | 61.5° | 61.5° | 37.5″ | 37.5″ | D2 | D2 |
| 7 | 32° | 32° | 62° | 62° | 37″ | 37″ | D2 | D2 |
| 8 | 36° | 36° | 62.5° | 62.5° | 36.5″ | 36.5″ | D2 | D2 |
| 9 | 40° | 40° | 63° | 63° | 36″ | 36″ | D2 | D2 |
| PW | 45° | 45° | 63.5° | 63.5° | 35.75″ | 35.75″ | D3 | D3 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Titleist PTx Pro and Icon irons are both exceptional golf clubs that offer high performance and quality. The PTx Pro irons are designed for golfers seeking maximum forgiveness and distance, while the Icon irons cater to more advanced players who prioritize workability and shot-shaping. It’s important to consider your playing style, skill level, and personal preferences when choosing between the two models. Additionally, getting a custom fitting can help you find the best set of clubs for your game.
