Review: MacGregor Golf V-Max Speed Driver, Irons, Principal Cart Bag
MacGregor Golf is back with a bang this season as it launches an affordable new range for game improvers and beginners.
MacGregor Golf's revamped V-MAX SPEED range has landed for 2024, and the brand has been kind enough to let GolfMagic test out the Driver and Irons, as well as its equally admired Principal Cart Bag.
One of the best things about MacGregor Golf is that it not only has the history behind it, having featured in winning bags at 59 majors, but it now caters for you beginners and game improvers out there with affordable quality.
That is reflected no better than with its new V-MAX SPEED Driver and Irons.
First Look: V-MAX SPEED RANGE 2024
The new driver retails for £129.99 and the irons start from £249.99.
MacGregor also helps to save the pennies with its choice of golf bags this season, in particular its popular Principal 10' Cart Bag available for a tenner less than the driver.
But are these products any good?
Let's delve a bit deeper...
MACGREGOR V-MAX SPEED DRIVER
Key Features:
High MOI design and oversize sweespot to aid off-centre hits, perfect for beginners and game improvers
Regular flex Dynamic Launch shaft to help get the ball airborne and out there
Aerodynamic head features SPEED contours to reduce drag and increase clubhead speed
Ultra slim face for optimised ball speed
Price:
£129.99
Verdict:
First things first, it's got plenty of shelf appeal.
It's easily one of the better-looking MacGregor drivers we have seen with its premium finish and subtle-coloured detailing on a black base.
The head shape is fairly traditional and it sits nicely behind the golf ball, inspiring plenty of confidence at address.
We also appreciated the silent V in the centre of the crown to aid with alignment off the tee.
The driver also comes with a nice headcover.
In terms of performance, while this driver doesn't quite match the distance of the best golf drivers of 2024, it more than helps you on the forgiveness front.
Don't get us wrong, it's not short by any means. After all, its name promises an element of SPEED. But it's just not quite as fast as others we have tested this year. Then again, you would probably anticipate that given it retails for £130 instead of £530!
As we say though, the V-MAX SPEED Driver certainly offered us a good offline dispersion, so we have to tip our cap to MacGregor here. Even on a number of squiffy hits, the ball still stayed between the bumpers.
There is also a fairly hearty sound at impact and there is plenty of feedback on offer at impact to help you improve, which is great.
Given the price point as we say, this driver is a great option for someone just starting out or a golfer who just plays every now and then and cannot possibly warrant splashing the extra cash on a more premium driver retailing in excess of £400 this season.
This driver is available for men in 10.5 and 12-degree options, and for ladies in 13.5 degrees.
MACGREGOR V-MAX SPEED IRONS
Key Features:
Enclosed cavity back, high MOI design and low centre of gravity (CG) to aid launch and forgiveness
Kinetic Sole Technology uses evenly spaced grooves to promote a smooth transfer of energy from club to ball even on off-centre hits
Consistent distance, lots of forgiveness
Accented colours on back of the club with subtle detailing on the toe
Traditional top line inspires confidence at address
Price:
from £249.99
Verdict:
A very decent set of beginner irons and game-improvement irons for under £300.
The big positive with the V-MAX SPEED irons is its consistent distance control, a key factor if you want to get any good at this game.
The forgiveness on offer with these irons was superb, and no matter where the ball was struck on the face we did not lose a whole lot of distance which is great to see. It really allows you to dial in those iron yardages with confidence.
While not the longest irons in the world, does that really matter? Okay, distance helps for sure, but the end of the day you want a game-improvement iron to be accurate and help you get closer to the pin... or shall we say, minimise those misses.
The MacGregor V-MAX SPEED irons do exactly that with a very pleasing offline disperson.
On the 20 strikes we hit with a 7-iron, 15 of them ended up within 10 yards of each other, and we'll take that.
The longer irons were equally forgiving, too, something all us need a bit of help with from time to time.
Although we do prefer the feel and overall performance of a number of other game-improvement irons this season, the V-MAX SPEED irons should certainly be of interest to any of you beginner or even 18-handicappers out there, especially if you want to save some cash for lessons or other areas.
Those of you playing off lower double-digits will likely want to look elsewhere though.
Prices for these irons for men start at £249.99 (steel) and £299.99 (graphite), and £279.99 (graphite) for ladies.
MACGREGOR PRINCIPAL CART BAG
Key Features:
- 10" top with 3 integrated carry handles
- 14-way top with large putter divider covered with colour-coordinated air mesh cushioned fabric
- 3 full length dividers
- 9 strategically placed pockets including seamless velour-lined valuable pocket
- All pockets face forward for easy access
- Padded shoulder strap for easy carrying
- Umbrella loop and pen holder
- Extra-large travel and rain hood
- Available in 4 stylish colour combinations, all featuring the classic MacGregor logo
Price:
£119.99
Verdict:
A fantastic cart bag offering from MacGregor Golf, with lots of space for all of your clubs, outerwear and accessories.
The Principal's 10' 14-way top provides ample space for a full set of clubs.
It also combines three integrated grab handles with three full-length dividers to make the organisation of your clubs a breeze.
On top of that, you have nine strategically placed pockets including a seamless velour-lined valuables pocket.
Other neat features include an umbrella loop, perfect for us UK golfers, as well as an extra-large travel and rain hood.
The shoulder strap is also padded to aid comfort should you need to lug your bag over to a trolley or golf cart.
The MacGregor Principal Cart Bag is available in a range of different colours to suit preferences.
For more information, please visit the MacGregor Golf website.
Andy first joined the brand on a month's work experience back in April 2011, and he now assumes the Editor role. When Andy joined GolfMagic it was a small site with potential.
