Just a few months in the past, Proto Idea introduced the C03 TC cavity-back iron which changed the unique C03 CB mannequin that it launched simply over a yr in the past. Predictably, the JDM (Japanese home market) newcomer additionally replaces the first-generation C01 muscle-back iron with the C01 TB. Technically the nickname is C01 TBic – we’ll deal with that “ic” half momentarily.
If you realize me, you realize I’ve a fever for Japanese gear and the one remedy is extra Endo solid irons and wedges (though I do not thoughts a solid cowbell, I suppose). That apart, the aim of the C01 TBic is to supply golfers with a real muscle-back iron that may be paired with the C03 CTthough the C01 TBic is obtainable from 5 iron to pitching wedge for individuals who need to play a full set of bladeirons.
It is also honest to notice that the C01 TBic is the epitome of a distinct segment product. It’s geared toward extremely expert ball hitters who will not be simply deterred by a excessive price ticket, reminiscent of $450 per excessive membership. That mentioned, the usual pricing disclaimer applies: if costly merchandise irritate you, you are most likely not the goal shopper. Furthermore, the existence of luxurious objects doesn’t eradicate the provision of cheaper alternate options.
Proto idea refresh
Many golfers know the title Lydia Ko. Severe followers may acknowledge Haeji Kang or Ryuji Imada. What they’ve in frequent is that they’re a part of a rising contingent of pros taking part in Proto Idea gear.
With that, Proto Idea isn’t as acknowledged as JDM stalwarts Miura, Epon or Yonex. Rising a model takes time, particularly while you will not discover it in your native huge field retail retailer. So there may be this.
Different salient speaking factors embrace:
Proto-C is a collaborative effort between forge home Endo and government possession group Golf Accomplice.
Golf companion is the biggest golf retailer on the earth. It has almost 400 retailers and 550,000 golf equipment in inventory. It is one thing just like the Japanese equal of Starbucks however for golf gear. I point out this primarily as an example that the corporate has a novel perspective and breadth of data of JDM. Its management has a deep understanding of what works, what would not, and most significantly, what resonates with the audience.
The Endo forge home is a benchmark within the trade. Past Proto Idea and its home model Epon, Endo counts a litany of manufacturers amongst its prospects. Srixon, Yamaha, Mizuno, Honma, Bridgestone, Tourstage, S-Yard, Daiwa, Callaway and Titleist have all at instances relied on Endo to forge their premium golf ranges. irons And wedges. Many nonetheless do.
Endo is the restaurant the place all of the cooks go to eat.
Proto Idea C01TBic Technical presentation of the iron
The primary piece of tech historical past is a go-anywhere muscle again iron gimmick. In different phrases, technical speaking factors deal with supplies, mass properties, and design aesthetics. As such, irons on this class do not go away a lot room for superior polymers, ultra-thin faces, or excessive perimeter weighting structure.
That apart, the Proto Idea C01 TBic isn’t devoid of expertise. Quite the opposite, it is a bit more refined and nuanced. That is the place the “ic” comes into the chat.
Whereas the Proto Idea C03TC Irons characteristic a milled pocket cavity within the 4-7 irons to exactly place the CG (middle of gravity) location, the CO1 TBic makes use of an ‘interior ceramic’ to realize an analogous end result.
Within the first Proto Idea C01 mannequin, engineers infused the metal billet with a titanium shank to launch some weight that was reallocated to the physique perimeter to reasonably improve heel-toe MOI (sorry). In impact, the inner ceramic materials replaces the titanium shaft whereas offering two vital efficiency advantages: further forgiveness and much more exact CG location.
Why change it? The only reply is Muneyuki Matsuyoshi, aka “Q”. On the earth of CAD design, “Q” is held in excessive regard and a few gear insiders even use the label “savant”. After his time at Fourteen Golf (which mysteriously disappeared from the North American gear panorama), he launched his personal model, Juice. From there, Proto Idea turned to “Q” to design their second technology of irons, beginning with the TC CO3 and now the CO1 TBic.
Twinkie Know-how
I perceive the Twinkie analogy is not excellent but it surely’s ok.
Most one-piece solid irons begin with a billet of carbon metal that’s heated after which subjected to a number of blows from massive hydraulic hammers. The place the “ic” expertise differs is that every spherical billet of S20 carbon metal is impregnated with an inner ceramic bar. From there, the forging course of is comparatively much like different high-end one-piece solid irons. Nonetheless, making certain that the ceramic cavity maintains its exact place all through the method is a process requiring the experience of the aforementioned Endo forging home. The idea of built-in forgings is kind of complicated, and as of right this moment, Endo appears to be, as soon as once more, on the forefront of the dialog.
Proto Idea C01 TBic Iron Efficiency
As we mentioned, the inner ceramic materials serves two functions. The primary is to generate a extra correct CG location which, in flip, has a big influence on ball flight. In keeping with Proto Idea, every iron’s middle of gravity is uniquely positioned to account for contemporary shafts and variation in influence loft (dynamic influence).
The simplified model is that the modified CG location within the C01 TBic ought to enable golfers to hit the lengthy irons greater and the brief irons decrease. This was a direct request primarily based on suggestions from PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour gamers who’ve used Proto Idea irons in competitors.
As for the heel-toe ME (sorry), I do not assume we’ll see a considerable enchancment over the ProtoConcept C01. That mentioned, the added advantages are all golfers ought to fairly anticipate from the participant iron class.
In earlier Most Needed assessments, the Proto Idea irons appeared to prioritize accuracy over distance. In addition they obtained reward from testers for sound and really feel. As a shopper group, this aligns with what high gamers are likely to search for in a set of irons.
Full disclosure: I have not hit the C01 TBic but however I might guess a superb steak dinner (with dessert in fact) it would not stray too removed from that formulation. Moreover, we don’t embrace muscle-back irons as a separate class in our annual testing. That mentioned, we’ll take a better have a look at the C01 TBic as soon as we get them in hand. We’re excited to place them on our Foresight GC Quad launch monitor.
As with the Proto Idea C03 TC, the fundamental goal of the C01 TBic is sort of equivalent, which is to generate adequate distance, constant launch situations and a fascinating steadiness between forgiveness and maneuverability. The small adjustment is that in comparison with the C03 TC, the C01TBic needs to be barely much less forgiving however extra sensible.
Proto Idea C01 TBic Aesthetics
The Proto Idea C01 TBic is primarily what golfers have come to anticipate from a conventional muscle-backed one-piece cast-iron. My solely level of rivalry is that I may do with out the “interior CERAMIC” label within the cavity. Basically, I like my again muscle cavities like I like my clean checks.
MON $0.05
I’ve a set of CO3 TC Irons in play and the primary outcomes are promising. If we use it as a proxy (coupled with check information), I am optimistic that the C01 TBic ought to supply marginal however noticeable enhancements over the mannequin it replaces, the C01.
It might appear unusual that we’re already speaking a couple of new model of the Proto Idea C01, provided that JDM product cycles are usually longer than the most important American manufacturers. My hunch is that Proto Idea noticed a chance to get ‘Q’ within the Proto Idea crew (which is a significant win). And while you add somebody like that to the roster, you do not wait to place them within the recreation.
Furthermore, Proto Idea doesn’t search to achieve market share by pumping out a large quantity of kit. So it isn’t like they’re sitting on a variety of previous inventory, if any.
As for the C01 TBic’s place within the Proto Idea line of irons, it is the proper “How do you want your participant’s iron cooked?” historical past. Proto Idea presents the C01 TBic as a blade iron with again cavity tolerance. Conversely, the C04 TC is a cavity again iron that approximates the maneuverability of a muscle again iron. For sure, it is splitting hairs, however the alternative between the 2 most likely comes all the way down to what’s extra vital to you: dealing with with a contact of forgiveness or stability with some trajectory management.
Worth and availability
Proto Idea cleats are at present obtainable from licensed retailers.
The MSRP of the Proto Idea C01 TBic is $450 per membership. Pricing will range relying on location and parts chosen.
For extra data, go to protoconceptgolf.com
