EPON AF-706S Iron Test Hit Review
Recently, I had the opportunity to test this golf club.
The club I tested is the EPON AF-706S Iron 7-iron.
The shaft is a FUJIKURA DIAMOND Speeder IRON 6.
Loft: 28°, Club length: 37.25 inches, Shaft flex: R, Shaft weight: 65g, Balance: C9.5, Kick point: Mid, Total weight: 384g.
This is an iron that perfectly fits the term “beautiful.” While it is an easy-to-hit type, its shape is well-maintained, offering a clean and attractive design.
I believe this is a result of the manufacturer’s attention to detail in design.
This is a large, easy-going iron with a look that emphasizes comfort and playability.
From this angle, it appears slightly bulging, which made me think it might be a hollow-body iron. However, it is not as extreme as other hollow irons.
While hollow-body irons often have flat profiles and resemble muscle-back irons, this iron maintains a distinct “cavity back” design.
The combination of a hollow body and cavity back could be seen as a “doubling of ease.”
The top line is slightly thicker but still within a standard range, and I did not find it to be distracting in any way.
The sole is wide but not overly so. It is noticeable that both the leading edge and trailing edge have been slightly shaved.
It is interesting to see how the grind varies among different models of the same manufacturer.
This is not just a characteristic of EPON; other manufacturers also adjust the sole grind according to the iron’s features.
Soles can feel either flat or rounded, and this iron has a more rounded, utility-iron-like sole.
The neck is slightly thicker and shorter, which is typical for easy-to-hit irons.
The face does not have milling, and it feels standard. The scorelines number 14, which vary depending on the model.
When I took a few practice swings, the club felt surprisingly lightweight, but still gave me a good sense of control. The DIAMOND Speeder IRON shaft, while carbon, has a steel-like feel, which I liked.
Irons generally require shafts that don’t overly accelerate the head, and this one delivers that. The higher flexibility of carbon allows for more design freedom and the creation of varied shafts, which has led to the widespread adoption of carbon shafts even for irons.
Although I appreciate the evolution of carbon shafts, I still personally prefer steel shafts for their solid feel and consistency. Nevertheless, carbon shafts are becoming more and more popular among golfers, and I am open to their benefits.
When addressing the ball, the moderate degree of the offset was not overwhelming, and I found it easy to align the shot.
If you prefer a stronger offset, this might take some getting used to, but it is in line with the current trend of producing irons with more subtle offsets.
Test Hits Begin
After hitting the first shot, it became clear that this is a hollow-body iron. The thin feel was characteristic of hollow-body designs, even though it wasn’t as extreme as other hollow-body irons.
The hollow-body “thunk” was evident, and while it’s not the feel I typically seek in an iron, it is becoming more common and widely accepted, especially for players accustomed to this type of feel.
The sound is different from traditional irons, and many players prefer this kind of responsive feedback.
The ball launches easily and with no difficulty. The high trajectory was clear, and the sole design played a significant role in this.
A deeper, lower center of gravity is likely contributing to the excellent launch angle, making this club particularly forgiving and easy to hit.
The club offers incredible stability, and I experienced little to no twisting on off-center hits.
The design, with its cavity back and hollow features, provides a large sweet spot and a lot of forgiveness.
In addition, the club is balanced well and easy to address, making the swing feel more consistent and reliable.
The stability is what impressed me most, and the iron’s forgiving nature will likely appeal to a broad range of players. This makes it a versatile option for golfers looking to improve their consistency and distance without compromising on design.
Post-Test Impressions
This iron has a remarkable balance of ease of use and distance capabilities. It’s a game-changer for golfers who want both performance and a forgiving design.
The unique blend of hollow-body design and cavity back provides a forgiving feel while still offering excellent distance. The balance, especially in the head, makes it appealing to golfers of various skill levels.
One of the standout features of the EPON AF-706S Iron is its impressive balance between forgiveness and aesthetics. It combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, offering both ease of playability and an elegant design that appeals to players of all skill levels.
Another notable advantage is its ability to launch the ball with ease. Even on off-center hits, the iron’s cavity-back structure helps maintain consistency, ensuring you still get a solid strike with plenty of distance. This feature makes it an ideal option for golfers who struggle with mis-hits or inconsistencies in their game.
In terms of distance, this iron performs exceptionally well. With a comfortable swing, it provides impressive distance, even on less-than-perfect strikes. For golfers seeking that extra yardage, the EPON AF-706S Iron stands out as a great tool for boosting distance off the tee or from the fairway.
However, while the iron provides outstanding ease of play and forgiveness, it also requires a certain level of control. Those who are accustomed to more reactive or “manual” clubs may find the EPON AF-706S to be less responsive than what they are used to. It isn’t designed for golfers who want to manipulate shots with extreme curve or spin, but for those looking for a stable, reliable tool, it excels.
The forgiving nature of the EPON AF-706S Iron can be a game-changer for those looking to improve their accuracy and consistency without sacrificing performance. It’s a highly recommended option for beginners and intermediate players who want to elevate their game with a more forgiving design that doesn’t compromise on the feel of the shot.
That said, golfers who prefer a more traditional feel with a higher degree of shot shaping may find it a bit limiting. Its stability and forgiveness are excellent, but its responsiveness could be considered a little too subdued for some players who thrive on the ability to manipulate shots aggressively.
As with all golf clubs, personal preference plays a large role in finding the right fit. The EPON AF-706S Iron is an excellent choice for golfers who prioritize forgiveness, distance, and consistency, but those with a penchant for fine-tuning every shot may want to consider other options.
In conclusion, the EPON AF-706S Iron is a top-tier choice for golfers seeking an easy-to-play, forgiving club that provides distance and stability. Its sleek design, coupled with impressive playability, makes it an ideal choice for those looking to enhance their performance without compromising on aesthetics. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this iron will likely help you achieve more consistent results on the course, giving you the confidence to take your game to the next level.
Final Thoughts and Rating:
☆
Ease of Setup: ☆☆☆☆
Feel: ☆☆
Launchability: ☆☆☆☆☆
Stability: ☆☆☆☆☆
Distance Performance: ☆☆☆☆☆
Control: ☆☆
*100 points max
☆1 = 0-20 points
☆2 = 21-40 points
☆3 = 41-60 points
☆4 = 61-90 points
☆5 = 91-100 points
If you’re a golfer looking for a combination of beauty, forgiveness, and performance, the EPON AF-706S Iron is a standout option. Whether you are a seasoned player or just starting, this iron can help elevate your game by providing consistent results without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal that EPON is known for.
One of the key selling points of the EPON AF-706S Iron is its ability to help golfers with a variety of skill levels find consistency. The club’s design offers a balanced blend of forgiveness and distance, meaning you don’t need to be perfect with your strikes to see impressive results. This makes it an excellent choice for players who may struggle with mishits but still want to maintain strong performance on the course.
In terms of performance, the EPON AF-706S Iron excels in both distance and forgiveness. The unique cavity back design allows for maximum stability, helping the ball maintain flight even on off-center hits. For players who tend to have a slightly inconsistent swing, this feature is crucial in ensuring that every shot counts, even if it’s not hit directly in the sweet spot.
That said, if you’re the type of player who thrives on making fine adjustments to your shots or manipulating the ball with advanced spin and curve techniques, you might find the EPON AF-706S Iron a bit too stable. It’s a more “auto-pilot” type of club, meaning it’s designed to help golfers achieve solid, reliable shots without needing too much input. If you’re looking for a club that responds quickly to subtle tweaks in your swing, you might want to explore other models with more reactive properties.
For those who are primarily concerned with ease of use, consistency, and distance, the EPON AF-706S Iron shines. It’s incredibly easy to hit, and its forgiving nature means you can focus on your swing mechanics rather than worrying about hitting the sweet spot every time. The feel of the club is comfortable, and it provides a smooth, satisfying feedback with each shot. The performance in terms of ball flight and trajectory is also exceptional, especially for players who may not have the highest swing speeds but still want to achieve good distance and accuracy.
Aesthetically, the EPON AF-706S Iron has a sleek, modern design that stands out among its competitors. The clean lines and appealing look make it a club that not only performs well but also adds to your overall confidence when you step up to the ball. The craftsmanship is top-notch, and the visual appeal reflects the high-quality materials and engineering that EPON is known for. The club’s clean, minimalistic design offers a professional, sleek appearance that will appeal to those who appreciate good craftsmanship in their equipment.
For golfers who are just beginning to play or for those who are still building their skills, the EPON AF-706S Iron provides the perfect blend of forgiveness and ease of play. While it might not offer the sharpest responsiveness or the ability to create extreme shot shaping, it will certainly help you improve your consistency, distance, and overall game. The club’s forgiving nature allows you to focus on improving your swing mechanics without worrying about errant shots or mis-hits.
As for more advanced players, the EPON AF-706S Iron offers solid performance but may not provide the level of fine-tuned control and shot manipulation that lower handicap players are accustomed to. While the stability and forgiveness are fantastic, the lack of pronounced feedback might not appeal to those who prefer a more tactile response from their clubs. For players who prioritize precision over forgiveness, this might not be the best fit. However, for those who are focused on consistency and distance, it’s an excellent choice.
In conclusion, the EPON AF-706S Iron is a versatile club that offers a great balance of distance, forgiveness, and aesthetics. It’s ideal for golfers of all skill levels who are looking for a reliable, easy-to-use club that won’t sacrifice performance. Whether you’re a beginner seeking consistency or an intermediate player looking to improve your distance, the EPON AF-706S Iron will serve you well. Its sleek design and forgiving nature make it a great choice for anyone looking to take their golf game to the next level, regardless of their experience on the course.
If you’re considering the EPON AF-706S Iron as your next club, rest assured that it offers top-tier quality and performance that can meet the demands of players at every stage of their golfing journey.
The EPON AF-706S Iron also excels in terms of comfort and ease of use. Its forgiving nature, combined with the sleek design, ensures that you can make the most out of each shot. Whether you’re practicing on the driving range or playing a round, you’ll find the EPON AF-706S Iron easy to control and confident in your ability to hit solid shots, even if you’re still perfecting your swing mechanics. This makes it an excellent choice for golfers who want to see immediate improvements without having to change too much in their technique.
One of the standout features of the EPON AF-706S Iron is the advanced technology used in its design, including the hollow and cavity back combination. This gives it the perfect mix of distance and forgiveness while maintaining a sleek appearance that will appeal to golfers who value both aesthetics and performance. The innovative design ensures that even if you don’t strike the ball perfectly, you will still get a great result, making it an excellent choice for golfers who want consistency with every swing.
Another great advantage of this club is its suitability for a wide range of golfers. It’s not just for beginners or high-handicap players—it can be used by golfers at various skill levels who are looking for a balance of forgiveness, distance, and feel. The EPON AF-706S Iron is a club that will grow with you, helping you improve your skills while offering the reliability and performance you need to enhance your game.
While the EPON AF-706S Iron may not be the best choice for low-handicap players who demand extreme precision and shot-shaping ability, it offers a fantastic option for those who want consistent, dependable performance. The forgiving nature of this iron makes it a great tool for refining your swing and increasing confidence on the course. Whether you’re playing in casual rounds or competitive events, you can trust that the EPON AF-706S Iron will deliver impressive results.
In terms of feedback, the EPON AF-706S Iron has a solid feel that suits golfers looking for stability and consistency rather than sharp feedback. While the hollow design might provide a bit more of a “spongy” or “dead” feel compared to more traditional solid irons, the stability it offers in terms of forgiveness and trajectory control is hard to beat. For golfers who prioritize ease of play and distance, this will feel like a natural fit.
In conclusion, the EPON AF-706S Iron stands out as a highly versatile and forgiving iron that can serve golfers of all levels well. Whether you are just starting out and need a club that’s easy to hit, or you’re a more experienced player looking for a consistent performer with good distance, the EPON AF-706S Iron is an excellent choice. Its blend of design, comfort, and performance makes it a top contender in the market, and it’s one that’s sure to help elevate your game to new heights.
Whether you’re playing for fun or serious competition, the EPON AF-706S Iron can help you hit consistent, solid shots with ease. If you value comfort, forgiveness, and a sleek, modern design, this club is definitely worth considering as your next upgrade.
Make sure to check out the official EPON website for more details on the EPON AF-706S Iron and other clubs in their lineup. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this club could be the perfect addition to your bag.
