Adams A12OS Iron Review

"Ideal for start golfers, or seniors hoping to regain some lost clubhead speed, the Adams A12 OS hybrid-irons are an intriguing offering in the super game-improvement space. With traditional hybrids available through the 7-iron, and new transitional hybrid options through the 8-atomic number 26, Adams has provided the golfer with the flexiblity to build his bag exactly as he sees fits. While they're perhpaps not the well-nigh accurate of the clubs we've tested, they are just exceptional when information technology comes to keeping the brawl in play, which makes them a compelling option for those looking for maximum forgiveness."

Adams A12 Bone Hybrid-Irons

(Written Past: GolfSpy T) Adams clubs have traditionally fared very well in MyGolfSpy's lodge tests. Though all were tested nether previous, and less rigorous review system, the 9064LS driver, Idea Pro A12 hybrids, and MB two irons are all at the tiptop or nearly the meridian in their respective categories, and I call back most of our testers would concord that regardless of what the testing system was at the time, each is among the very all-time we've ever tested. The A12 Bone series, however, is unlike any other Adams irons we've ever had in for review.

For starters, the Adams A12 Bone is a hybrid-iron set. While information technology won't exist the last, this is the offset fourth dimension we've had to endeavour and account for a hybrid replacement for long irons (and even middle irons). It also happens to be the first super game-improvement iron review we've done under the new system, and in actuality, only the second time we've ever taken on the category. What tin can I say…the super game-improvement can exist difficult to estimate. I'g a guy who needs a bit of aid from my irons and shaft to help go on the ball down. About super game improvement are designed to help golfers become the brawl in the air. I'm a guy who needs a heavy shaft to help control my frenetic swing. Most super game improvement clubs characteristic lightweight shafts to help golfers generate more clubhead speed (and become the brawl even further into the air). The point is, I probably wouldn't consider bagging any fix of super game improvement irons, and realistically, neither would most of our testers.

It's really tempting to skip the Adams a12 OS, and other Super GI designs, but our readers run the gamut in regards to what they play, and it would be pretty stupid to review irons the exclusion of a big portion of the golfing population. While the results might not exist what you expect, and may non gel with your definition of forgiveness, we came away from this exam impressed past how well the Adams a12 Bone can relieve strokes by keeping the ball in play . Perchance more intriguing for those of you looking for your side by side set, or peradventure outset set up of super game-improvement irons, is our newly found conventionalities that when it comes to SGI, the more hybrids you can stick in your bag, the ameliorate.

Tell Us What You lot Think!

  • Would y'all consider replacing your mid irons with hybrid equivalents?
  • Do you believe Super Game-Improvement irons are truly more forgiving?
  • When it comes to iron pattern, particularly in the SGI infinite, how large is as well big?

The Marketing Angle

We don't like to get too bogged down in the marketing speak. You guys can go that stuff anywhere. Nosotros're working on some ideas for sprucing this upwards a bit, simply until nosotros get that implemented, I'm just going to drop a few bullet points on you that I discover at lest a little interesting.

  • The A12 Bone hybrid, bachelor in lofts designed to replace your 2-iron all the way upward to your seven-iron, is the first that leverages Adams' Velocity Slot Technology
  • The A12 OS introduces us to what Adams calls the Transitional Hybrid. The "Truss Back" design does all the stuff that makes GI irons what they are; it lowers the eye of gravity, and distributes more weight to the perimeter.  Conceptually, a traditional hybrid bridges the gap between fairway woods and irons. The Transitional Hybrid, bridges the gap between the modernistic hybrid and traditional irons.

How We Tested

To find out more about how we test our irons: CLICK HERE

Radius-Based Scoring

For more information on our "Radius Based Scoring Organization": CLICK HERE


Performance SCORING

The Adams A12 OS are the fourth in total, and the 1st true Super Game-Improvement iron that nosotros've put through our revised testing organisation.

Short Iron Operation

There'south a curious pattern developing as we examination more and more irons. What we're finding is that our testers, at short atomic number 26 distances, are generally more than authentic with what most would consider "Player'south Clubs". We've speculated that the cause might be equally simple as what suites the eye, or it could be that clubs designed with precision over forgiveness might actually be easier, at least when shaft length is manageable, to hit at shorter distances. I suppose there is a reason why Pro Combo sets exist.

In truth, our testers struggled to observe the pin more than so with the A12 OS short irons than any fe tested nether the new arrangement. Our testers missed the pin by an average of 29.l anxiety, which is roughly 7 feet further away than the about accurate short iron we've tested. When nosotros remove our to the lowest degree accurate tester, the boilerplate improves to 27.27 feet.

Command was clearly a problem for our testers who missed the accented target distance by an boilerplate of xix.55 feet (17.28 feet with the least accurate tester removed).  Left/Right dispersion was also a flake below our previous results. Directionally testers missed past an average of xix.55 anxiety (17.28 adjusted), which is over again is roughly two feet further than the other irons we've tested under the new protocols.

Nearly surprising peradventure is the overall dispersion blueprint. While by and large speaking shots oft fall long left, and brusk right, with the A12 OS short irons nosotros come across a higher than expected number of shots that fall brusk left of the target.

Looking for birdie opportunities (shots within ten anxiety), we find a total of 10 shots from 5 different golfers. When birdie range is bumped out to 15 feet, we find no improvement.

Brusk Iron Performance Score : 87.58

Middle Iron Functioning

At centre atomic number 26 distances, our testers showed improvement with respect to the comparative accuracy of the Adams A12 Os irons. Our testers missed the target by an average of 35.85 anxiety. When we remove the least accurate tester, the distance to the pin improves to 34.33, which while close to the other game improvement iron we've tested to date, is still well outside the range posted with clubs generally targeted towards improve players.

Just every bit with curt irons, north/south and left/right distances were a bit off from previous tests. Our testers missed the target distance by an average of 25.3 feet, or 23.46 feet with our least accurate tester removed from the equation. Left/Correct dispersion was actually ameliorate than nosotros saw with the PING G20s, with our testers posting averages, and adjusted averages of xx.55 feet and 19.86 anxiety respectively. Noteworthy is that these numbers are merely slightly worse than the short atomic number 26 equivalents suggesting minimal accuracy loss with the longer clubs.

Looking for birdie opportunities, we find our testers only placed 5 shots (from 4 testers) inside of xv feet. When we bump the distance out to 20 feet, birdie opportunities increment to 9. Interesting perhaps is that all 4 of the shots inside xv feet are from locations either directly below the hole, or to the right side of it.

Middle Atomic number 26 Performance Score: 87.44

Long Iron Performance

In many respects the A12 OS long irons could exist considered a totally different set of clubs. To hit the target altitude, each of our testers was required to choose one of the true hybrids from the gear up. Based on our results, the alter from the irons to hybrids is a pregnant one.

With the A12 Bone hybrids in mitt, our testers missed the pivot by an average of 42.59 feet, which is the best raw number we've had from any atomic number 26 exam in which all 6 of our testers participated. When the least authentic tester is removed, the boilerplate improves to 40.29 feet. While that number isn't the accented best it is nigh the top. More than compelling is that removing a tester resulted in simply a 2 foot improvement in accurateness, which suggests not a single tester struggled to striking the A12 Os hybrids.

While not the absolute best, at the distance, missing the vertical distance by an average of 29.00 yards (27.66 adjusted) is respectable. More telling is that left/correct dispersion averaged but 25.55 yards off the heart line. When our to the lowest degree accurate testers is removed, that number improves to 23.05 feet, which is the 2nd best we've seen to engagement.

Fifty-fifty at long iron distances, our testers managed to put 5 shots within of fifteen feet (including one just inches from the pin). Increasing the range to 20 feet, bumps the birdie opportunities upwardly to 9. Finally, if we expand out to thirty anxiety (which I'll have all day long from distances in the vicinity of 20o yards), we find 23 shots (with all 6 testers represented) that could exist considered legitimate birdies opportunities for the distance.

From a scoring perspective, one-half of our half dozen testers posted their best numbers with the hybrids, and only a single tester was measurably worse (and he's the guy who is most always significantly worse with long irons in his hand).

Long Atomic number 26 Performance Score: 88.00

Performance Notes

It's hard to pinpoint exactly what went wrong for our testers at middle and short iron distances. Information technology could be as simple as the A12 Bone non suiting our testers eyes particularly well (the A12 OS is larger iron than whatever of our testers currently game). It besides must exist pointed out that our examination sets were outfitted with the stock graphite shafts. Ameliorate than half of our testers play heavier weight (120+ gram) steel shafts in their games, so it's reasonable to speculate that the lighter weight (well-nigh 50% lighter) shaft may have played a roll in the accuracy bug.

It's certainly noteworthy that one time our testers moved into the hybrids, where the shaft weights are more in line with what our testers are more familiar with, the results improved. With amend plumbing equipment shafts iron functioning would likely meliorate, and every bit we've come to look from Adams, the hybrids in the A12 Bone sets are excellent.

MGS OVERALL Functioning SCORE: 87.39

The Interactive Data

The charts below show the individual and group averages (black dotted line) for each shot our golfers took during our test of the the Adams A12 OS Irons. You can click on each of 3 tabs (Adams A12 Bone – Short Irons,Adams A12 Os – Mid Irons, Adams A12 OS – Long Irons) you can run into where each shot came to rest on our virtual driving range, and the raw data (averages) for each of our testers. Hovering over whatever point will give you all the details of that particular shot. You can employ the filters on the right-paw side to prove and hide individual golfer based on handicap and proximity to the pin.

SUBJECTIVE SCORING

When it comes to the subjective side of things, many of our testers indicated they were of two minds. For them, the irons and hybrids that contain this set, look, experience, and most chiefly play differently. A few of our testers ultimately decided to score the hybrids and irons separately. In those cases, the average of the 2 scores was used to determine the private rating.

Looks

In my estimation Adams has ever taken a slightly understated approach to game improvement, and certainly super game-improvement designs. The Adams a12 OS is no exception. From graphics, to contours, everything most the irons are exceptionally clean. Now certainly they don't possess the natural beauty of a forged bract, or even a modernistic thespian'south cavity back, merely at that place'due south goose egg loud or ostentatious almost the design, and that's a true rarity amidst super game-improvement clubs.

Equally yous would look, soles are broad, and toplines, peculiarly in the transitional hybrids, are thick. Compared to other irons in their class, the A12 Bone are long from heel to toe, and insufficiently shallow from bottom to top. Offset is noticeable, but non visually extreme. For some lofts, the broadness of the sole, and parts of the back crenel are visible at address, which some may find distracting.

// "I'm a golfer who is swayed A LOT by looks, and these but don't fit my eye" – Nick B.

The hybrids are a bit more refined. The lower lofted clubs are bulkier (the 2 hybrid is almost a fairway wood), but one time yous move into the higher lofted clubs (we received all lofts of hybrids equally role of our "test kit"), transitions are polish, and caput size is manageable (although it is admittedly odd swinging a hybrid at seven iron distances).

While initially the velocity slot tin can be distracting, after a few swings our testers establish they didn't much discover it whatever more. With the hybrids, though offset is again noticeable, Adams has composite it well. None of our testers expressed whatever concerns that they might produce a disproportionate number of hooks.

Generally speaking our testers preferred the looks of the hybrids over the irons.

MGS Looks Score : 83.31

Sound & Feel

From a feel perspective, what I think stands out almost the Adams A12 Bone is that, unlike many of the game improvement clubs we've tested, they provide an outstanding amount of feedback. While not everyone necessarily likes to feel their misses, I do, and the A12 Bone allow me know exactly how well I've struck the ball. This is true of the hybrids also, which some of our testers found to be harsh on mishits. Hitting them on the sweetness spot, however; and the feel of the hybrids is as practiced as anything we've tested.

// "The hybrids felt and then overnice to hit…I would definitely look at this when replacing my current hybrids" – Lou Y.

In general, I think the hybrids do offering better feel in general, but the more time I spent with the irons, the more the feel started to grow on me; though they'll never be confused with the Thought Pro A12 irons, and certainly not the MB2s.

MGS Feel Score : 86.00

Perceived Forgiveness

Every bit we've indicated in the by, forgiveness means different things to different people. While we could talk about MOI, and distance loss on mishits, after managing and participating in a a few dozen order tests over the final couple of years, forgiveness, for me, has become a measure out of penalization. In my observations, the almost forgiving clubs aren't necessarily those that consistently hit closest to the pin, or even maintain the most consequent distance across the club confront. To me, forgiveness isn't near precision, it's about keeping the brawl in play, minimizing the impact of mistakes, and reducing penalization strokes forth the way.

Looking at our charts for the Adams A12 OS, even though our testers weren't always precise with their shots, they e'er kept the brawl in play. Granted a few bad swings with the brusk irons put some testers upwards of nearly 20 yards offline, but that number actually improved as the clubs got longer. With the long irons, remarkably, barely more than than a handful of test shots were more than than fifteen yards offline.

// "Very forgiving and Long" – Dan R.

While not every shot our testers hit resulted in a solid birdie opportunity, if y'all assume no ponds between our testers and the greens, nigh every shot our testers took resulted in a ball that would be easy to find, and well-nigh importantly, a brawl they could hitting again without penalization.

// "Cant hit anything but straight" – Tim South.

When our testers considered the results, especially with the A12 Bone hybrids, it'south non surprising that the forgiveness number was the highest of any rating for the club.

Tester Perceived Forgiveness Score: 91.38

Likelihood of Purchase

While a few of united states of america are platonic candidates for game improvement irons, once y'all move up into the Super GI space, we're admittedly out of our chemical element. At 1 signal nosotros tried bringing in college handicap golfers (22-25 alphabetize), only unfortunately, the level of consistency was insufficient to get any sort of meaningful test data. Simply put, even with adjustments for handicaps, scores would have been horrific.

Instead I've asked our testers to try to step into the shoes of  the guy looking for Super Game-Improvement clubs, Framed in that context, almost of our testers told us they remember the Idea A12 Bone irons, are an splendid offering; yet, when measured against some of the other game improvement and super-game improvement clubs nosotros've tested, none was absolutely sure the A12 OS irons would be his first choice.

Tester Likelihood of Purchase: 80.63

While most of our testers liked (or even loved the hybrids), the irons, which at a minimum would include 8-iron through gap wedge, didn't actually excite our testers. In some respects the Adams A12 OS irons don't await the office of a super game-comeback iron. Don't get me wrong, as I said, they're make clean…almost refined, merely the Super GI space is dominated past clubs with bright graphics, flashy designs, and even a little bit of bling designed to attract golfers in that market segment (which includes many young, beginning golfers).

I doubtable, while Adams isn't going to practice especially well with what you might call the PUMA crowd, amongst the 50+ grouping; aging guys looking for a fleck more altitude, and more than forgiveness, the Adams A12 Os will be viewed every bit null brusque of an infrequent offering.

TOTAL SUBJECTIVE SCORE: 84.66

Decision

Our testing doesn't have into account whether the iron being tested is longer or shorter than another. It'southward gotten far too difficult to draw apples to apples comparisons when you're dealing with lofts that can be as much equally 3 degrees weaker than what's by and large regarded as standard. Toss in the occasional ¼" to ½" longer shaft and things go murkier yet.

It has e'er been our position that iron altitude doesn't really matter. Most increases are artificial (most ten+ g gains can be traced to manipulations in loft and length), and quite bluntly, the number on the bottom of the club has become meaningless, but… we besides realize that some of you out in that location desire to squeeze every ounce of distance you possibly tin out of every club in your handbag. So…I will at least mention that our testers establish the Adams A12 OS irons to be approximately one club longer than much of what we exam (of course, much of we examination is targeted at golfers in the 5-15 handicap range). Nigh of u.s.a. who mostly hitting pitching wedges to our brusk fe distance found ourselves hit gap wedges. Some of us had to bump out the middle atomic number 26 altitude in gild to keep a true center iron in our easily, and for some who often find themselves hitting 3 or 4 irons to go to go the long iron distance, the 5 hybrid proved to be the right choice.

If getting more altitude out of your iron play is the objective, the Adams A12 OS hybrid irons tin can nigh certainly aid you reach that goal.

As a set I have mixed feelings about the Adams A12 Bone. While I think they very well could improve the average to start golfer's game, the irons and transitional hybrids merely didn't move me. They true hybrids notwithstanding; are another story. That shouldn't really surprise anyone given that Adams is basically known for their hybrids above all else, but speaking every bit a guy who has a strong preference for modest peanut style hybrids, I'm much more than impressed with the OS hybrids than I would have expected to exist. The face up is extremely hot, and more than importantly, our testers hit them straight, and at the target.

With that in listen, for those who do ultimately choose the Adams A12 OS (I believe the prepare is better than the score might propose), the MyGolfSpy recommendation is to skip the transitional hybrids, and order your A12 OS prepare with 4-7 hybrids.

MGS TOTAL SCORE: 87.11

DONATE

If you found this review and others useful, please consider making a donation to help support MyGolfSpy or a contribution to our Club Recycling Program. A PayPal account is not required in order to donate.

[donation-can goal_id='fund-the-revolution' style_id='mgs' show_progress=false show_description=false show_donations=faux show_title=false title="]