GTI Exclusive: Epon AF-502 w/Custom Black Finish & Crazy Longest Yard Iron Shafts

2010 has been the best year in a long while for golfers searching for the perfect players iron or semi players design.  For a while it almost appeared that technology had maxed out in forged iron arena but when Epon released it’s AF701 model just over a year ago everything changed…

The all new AF-502 like the AF-701 features a hot steel face attached to an S20C forged body.  Endo owns the patent on this technology and all OEM’s that use it are required to pay a licensing fee. I’m not 100% sure but I think they have this patent for another several years before its free for other OEM’s to take advantage of.   What this technology does for the player is expand the sweet spot over a much larger zone making poorly struck shots travel much further. It also incorporates hot spring steel which really cranks up the distance so be prepared for the increase, this was the most noted thing about the AF-701.  The downside to his face insert is the feel at impact it feels like a driver had a child with an Iron set. What Epon has done to fix that is fill the AF-502’s hollow areas with a vibration dampening ” Alpha Gel “ making it soft and very rewarding when you make contact with the ball.

This year I have gone through a ton of different forged cavity backs.  Everything from the Yamaha Tour Model to the PRGR TR500 or the Epon AF-302, and more.  All very good irons but I figured it’s about time I drop the ego and play something that is easier to hit. While golfing with Gocchin about a month ago he was kind enough to let me play his ONOFF backup set, they had a healthy portion of offset, a bigger profile and was no where near compact but to my surprise I could easily produce straight high shots that landed softly. This helped me realize that I don’t need to have the most playeresque iron out there, I can handle a some offset, a thicker sole and top line in the name of forgiveness.

Click “Read More”to see stunning In-Hand images of the Custom AF-502 Irons by Epon…

I decided on the Crazy Longest Yard Iron Shaft. It’s produced of 50 ton carbon and plays much lighter (77g ) than past graphite shafts I have had in Irons. It also spec’s out much stiffer than other carbon shafts I have tried.  The stiff flex for this shaft plays to the same frequency as a DG S200 steel shaft. The 50T carbon really helps square the club head up at impact very quickly.  I decided on a single soft stepping of the shafts.  I really hope my experiment works out as these shafts run almost 250.00 a piece! combine that with the price of the 502’s + Custom Finish and I’m look at a very expensive trial.

It’s been a long time since I have had graphite in Irons, The Miura MB5003’s with Roddio I-10s were the last set I gamed with carbon shafts.  The graphite gave the Miura muscle back extra added distance, It also allowed me to swing at a more controlled pace. I feel like mis struck hits did not vibrate as harshly up the hands and overall it was just a good solid performing experience.  That has me excited about my new irons, instead of going muscle back im going semi players cavity back. Instead of the pure feel of a blade I am giving an advanced CB technology a try. It should be interesting stay tuned.

I have a couple of rounds scheduled this week with lots of Demo club’s to hit. Expect some reviews coming soon with my input as well as our top tester “Tatsuro” who is back in town and will be testing with me. Should be good to get feedback from two very different levels of players.

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