Cleveland 588 TT
On test: 10 of the latest irons for the better player. Results were close but one club emerges as winner
Brand: Cleveland
Player iron: TT
RRP: £449 Best price: £369
Loft: 27-degree Lie: 62.25-degree Length: 37.86”
Shaft: Cleveland Traction 85 Grip: Lamkin
Summary: The 588 Tour Trajectory irons are fully interchangeable with 588 Mid Trajectory and Altitude irons so you can build your perfect set. The 588 TT set consists of a constant blade height with progressive blade length to promote more forgiveness in long irons and controlled, penetrating trajectory in short irons.
Appearance: A much friendlier looking club than the 588 MT and Altitude but there is certainly more heft than a true blade here. The compact shallow cavity, however, does appear tucked away so it’s by no means off-putting. 7
Feel: The forged face in a cast head provided me with a hot, springy sensation but at the same time, maintained softness. It was very easy to feel the head through the swing as all the weight is the clubhead. 9
Performance: Average distance on solid strikes but very straight and true. Off-centre strikes also travelled better than expected. The TT is about as forgiving as many game improvement clubs, provided me with decent control in the wind and easy workability, particularly right-to-left. 9
Verdict: Very forgiving iron that sits somewhere between the better player and game improvement categories. Still not the most attractive looking iron out there with its thick topline but if you struggle to get the ball airborne and want consistent accuracy, the TT will become your best friend. 25
Pro Verdict: On first inspection, the 588 TT has a relatively chunky head for a better player iron. It also has a relatively big flange, so I feel like you may catch the ball a bit heavy off tight lies. The grip and shaft is very light and all the weight is in the head. There’s plenty of forgiveness here to help the mid-handicapper but it wouldn’t be for me as it lacks the hallmarks of a true blade as such.
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