Expert Review: Callaway Mavrik Pro Iron Set
During a wedge from 150 yds out in Cove Cay 2022. All photos courtesy of Andrew S.
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the iron set which I purchased with my own money in August of 2020.
My take
The Callaway Mavrik Pro is a compact iron designed for control and performance for low- to mid-handicap golfers. Players looking for some forgiveness and distance from a sleek black and chrome satin look will enjoy these clubs.
Getting some practice in before my round at Black Mesa in New Mexico.
About the clubs I own
- Model: 2020 Callaway Mavrik Pro 5-PW
- Loft setting: 5 iron 23.5 degrees, 2 degrees upright
- Shaft type: True Temper Elevate 105 Steel, .5” long
- Shaft flex: Stiff
About me
- Average score: 82
- Handicap: 8
- Experience: 25 years
- Right/Left-Handed: Right
- Typical ball flight: High Draw
- Golf ball used: Snell MTB-X
- Club swing speed: 105 mph
Test conditions
- When I bought the club: Aug 2020
- Days tested: Owned for 1.5 years
- Where I’ve used it: Local MO courses and ranges (mats and grass), IL, FL, NM
- Weather and wind conditions: Hot/humid, Cold/wet, Elevation
How it performs
What I was looking for
I was at the point where the clubs I bought for myself served their purpose. My game had improved and I needed a set that fit it. I was looking for more of a players set versus game improvement clubs, and wanted to be sure it looked right standing over the ball.
Why I chose this club
I ended up purchasing these clubs not just for the looks, but for the solid feel as well. I tested with the 5 and 7 irons, and the sound was what really stood out to me. It was instant feedback.
I also tested Mizuno JPX Hot Metal Pros, Titleist T200s, and TaylorMade P790s. I ended up going with these based on the feel and sound. The Mavrik Pros looked sharper while over the ball, and the sound was instant feedback for striking it well.
Mavrik Pro 5 iron. 18 months in and still clean!
What I love about it
- Forgiveness: The grooved faces on these irons feel like they are the entire sweet spot. Moving toward the toe does not sound as good, however, the distance and shape are still there. These are surprisingly more forgiving than what I’ve experienced with other players irons.
- Feel: A well-struck ball feels great with these clubs. It’s barely noticed off the center of the face.
- Sound: The sound is one of my favorite characteristics of these clubs! It’s crisp and reverbs into my hands, so I know it’s a clean shot. Contrastingly, when the ball is struck far off-center, I immediately know this has happened.
- Workability: I have the ability to shape my shots with relative ease with these clubs. I have confidence the turf interaction will be smooth. My distance control is enhanced by the Flash Face cup technology as I can stop a 5 iron on the green within a few feet. I can hit slightly off center and not lose distance so they’re quite forgiving.
- Shaft Feel: I like the weight and response from the True Temper shafts. They are solid on impact, and not heavy through the swing.
- Shaft Performance: These shafts are a great pairing to these irons.
- Aesthetic Appeal: I really like the black and steel look of the back, as well as the shape of the sole.
- Grip Feel: I had the Golf Pride Callaway Chevron MCC standards added to these. I love the design, red/grey color, and feel in my hands.
- Spin: Every club stops on a dime!
Issues I’ve encountered
- Distance: The distance with this set is not as long as some of the others I tested. However, it was longer than my previous set with similar lofts. I gained about 3-5 yds on average where I was expecting a little more from having a proper set.
- Adjustability: These are not adjustable.
- Launch Angle: I tend to have a higher ball flight. Paired with the True Temper Stiff shafts, I was hoping to lower the launch a bit (and gain a little distance). I still hit high draws with these clubs.
Best shot with this club
My best shot with these clubs was at Eagle’s Knoll #10. After controlling a 3W off the tee into the fairway, I was 166 yds out with a blind approach over a rolling hill. I picked a line and trusted my 8 iron to do the rest. I hit the exact line I was trying to hit, and my buddy on top of the hill watched it land a foot short, bounce forward, and zip back into the cup! Too bad I didn’t see any of it!
Value for the money vs. other options
I was drawn to these irons for the look, sound, and feel. It just so happened I also found a great deal on them. I also looked at the TaylorMade P790s and Titleist T200s. Those were both a few hundred dollars more than this set, but I loved the feel of these more. I didn’t have to upgrade the shafts or grips, but did lengthen by .5” and adjusted 2 degrees upright.
Final verdict
The Mavrik Pro is a great set of irons for low- to mid-handicap golfers prioritizing feel and control over distance. The sleek look and shape are attention getters, but the performance and playability steal the show.
