Adams A12OS Iron Review

"Ideal for beginning 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 vii-atomic number 26, and new transitional hybrid options through the 8-iron, Adams has provided the golfer with the flexiblity to build his purse exactly as he sees fits. While they're perhpaps non the most authentic of the clubs we've tested, they are simply infrequent when it comes to keeping the ball in play, which makes them a compelling option for those looking for maximum forgiveness."

Adams A12 OS Hybrid-Irons

(Written Past: GolfSpy T) Adams clubs have traditionally fared very well in MyGolfSpy'due south gild tests. Though all were tested under previous, and less rigorous review system, the 9064LS driver, Idea Pro A12 hybrids, and MB two irons are all at the top or near the top in their respective categories, and I think most of our testers would agree that regardless of what the testing arrangement was at the fourth dimension, each is among the very all-time nosotros've e'er tested. The A12 Os series, however, is unlike whatever other Adams irons we've e'er had in for review.

For starters, the Adams A12 Os is a hybrid-iron set up. While information technology won't be the last, this is the commencement fourth dimension nosotros've had to try and account for a hybrid replacement for long irons (and even middle irons). It likewise happens to be the first super game-improvement fe review we've washed under the new system, and in actuality, just the second fourth dimension we've ever taken on the category. What can I say…the super game-improvement tin be difficult to judge. I'm a guy who needs a bit of help from my irons and shaft to help keep the ball downward. Well-nigh super game improvement are designed to help golfers get the ball in the air. I'm a guy who needs a heavy shaft to help command my corybantic swing. Most super game improvement clubs feature lightweight shafts to aid golfers generate more clubhead speed (and get the ball even further into the air). The bespeak is, I probably wouldn't consider bagging any set of super game comeback irons, and realistically, neither would most of our testers.

It'southward really tempting to skip the Adams a12 Bone, 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 large portion of the golfing population. While the results might non be what y'all wait, and may not gel with your definition of forgiveness, nosotros came away from this test impressed by how well the Adams a12 OS can save strokes by keeping the ball in play . Maybe more intriguing for those of you looking for your next fix, or maybe get-go set of super game-improvement irons, is our newly found belief that when it comes to SGI, the more hybrids you tin stick in your pocketbook, the improve.

Tell Us What Yous Think!

  • Would you consider replacing your mid irons with hybrid equivalents?
  • Practise yous believe Super Game-Improvement irons are truly more forgiving?
  • When information technology comes to iron blueprint, particularly in the SGI space, how big is too big?

The Marketing Bending

We don't like to get likewise bogged downward in the marketing speak. You guys tin get that stuff anywhere. Nosotros're working on some ideas for sprucing this upwardly a bit, but until nosotros become that implemented, I'g just going to drop a few bullet points on y'all that I find at lest a niggling interesting.

  • The A12 Os hybrid, bachelor in lofts designed to supervene upon your 2-iron all the mode up to your 7-iron, is the start that leverages Adams' Velocity Slot Technology
  • The A12 OS introduces us to what Adams calls the Transitional Hybrid. The "Truss Dorsum" blueprint does all the stuff that makes GI irons what they are; it lowers the heart of gravity, and distributes more weight to the perimeter.  Conceptually, a traditional hybrid bridges the gap betwixt fairway woods and irons. The Transitional Hybrid, bridges the gap between the mod hybrid and traditional irons.

How Nosotros Tested

To find out more nigh how we test our irons: CLICK Hither

Radius-Based Scoring

For more information on our "Radius Based Scoring Arrangement": CLICK Hither


Functioning SCORING

The Adams A12 Os are the 4th in total, and the 1st true Super Game-Improvement iron that we've put through our revised testing system.

Brusque Iron Performance

At that place's a curious design developing as we test more and more irons. What we're finding is that our testers, at short atomic number 26 distances, are generally more accurate with what nearly would consider "Actor'southward Clubs". We've speculated that the cause might exist as simple every bit what suites the eye, or it could exist that clubs designed with precision over forgiveness might actually be easier, at to the lowest degree when shaft length is manageable, to hit at shorter distances. I suppose at that place is a reason why Pro Combo sets be.

In truth, our testers struggled to observe the pivot more then with the A12 Bone short irons than whatever iron tested under the new arrangement. Our testers missed the pin by an average of 29.50 anxiety, which is roughly vii feet farther away than the most accurate short iron we've tested. When we remove our least accurate tester, the average improves to 27.27 anxiety.

Control was conspicuously a problem for our testers who missed the absolute target distance by an average of nineteen.55 anxiety (17.28 feet with the least authentic tester removed).  Left/Correct dispersion was likewise a bit beneath our previous results. Directionally testers missed past an average of nineteen.55 feet (17.28 adjusted), which is again is roughly 2 anxiety further than the other irons we've tested nether the new protocols.

Most surprising perhaps is the overall dispersion design. While generally speaking shots often fall long left, and short right, with the A12 OS short irons we see a higher than expected number of shots that fall short left of the target.

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

Short Iron Operation Score : 87.58

Middle Iron Performance

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 to the lowest degree authentic tester, the distance to the pivot improves to 34.33, which while shut to the other game improvement iron nosotros've tested to date, is notwithstanding well exterior the range posted with clubs more often than not targeted towards better players.

Only as 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 to the lowest degree accurate tester removed from the equation. Left/Right dispersion was really improve than we saw with the PING G20s, with our testers posting averages, and adjusted averages of twenty.55 feet and nineteen.86 feet respectively. Noteworthy is that these numbers are only slightly worse than the brusk iron equivalents suggesting minimal accuracy loss with the longer clubs.

Looking for baboon opportunities, we notice our testers only placed 5 shots (from 4 testers) inside of fifteen feet. When we crash-land the distance out to twenty feet, birdie opportunities increase to ix. Interesting possibly is that all 4 of the shots inside fifteen feet are from locations either direct below the hole, or to the right side of information technology.

Middle Iron Performance Score: 87.44

Long Atomic number 26 Operation

In many respects the A12 OS long irons could be considered a totally different fix of clubs. To hit the target distance, each of our testers was required to choose one of the truthful hybrids from the gear up. Based on our results, the change from the irons to hybrids is a significant one.

With the A12 OS hybrids in hand, our testers missed the pin by an average of 42.59 feet, which is the best raw number we've had from any fe test in which all 6 of our testers participated. When the least accurate tester is removed, the average improves to twoscore.29 feet. While that number isn't the accented best it is near the top. More compelling is that removing a tester resulted in only a ii foot improvement in accuracy, which suggests not a single tester struggled to hit the A12 Os hybrids.

While not the accented best, at the distance, missing the vertical distance past an boilerplate of 29.00 yards (27.66 adjusted) is respectable. More than telling is that left/right dispersion averaged only 25.55 yards off the center line. When our least accurate testers is removed, that number improves to 23.05 anxiety, which is the second all-time nosotros've seen to appointment.

Even at long iron distances, our testers managed to put 5 shots inside of 15 anxiety (including ane just inches from the pivot). Increasing the range to 20 feet, bumps the birdie opportunities up to 9. Finally, if we expand out to xxx feet (which I'll take all day long from distances in the vicinity of 20o yards), we find 23 shots (with all 6 testers represented) that could be considered legitimate birdies opportunities for the distance.

From a scoring perspective, half of our vi testers posted their best numbers with the hybrids, and only a single tester was measurably worse (and he's the guy who is nearly e'er significantly worse with long irons in his manus).

Long Atomic number 26 Performance Score: 88.00

Performance Notes

Information technology's hard to pinpoint exactly what went wrong for our testers at heart and short iron distances. It could be as simple as the A12 OS not suiting our testers eyes particularly well (the A12 OS is larger iron than any of our testers currently game). It also must exist pointed out that our test sets were outfitted with the stock graphite shafts. Better than one-half of our testers play heavier weight (120+ gram) steel shafts in their games, then it'south reasonable to speculate that the lighter weight (almost 50% lighter) shaft may take played a roll in the accuracy problems.

Information technology'south certainly noteworthy that once 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 better fitting shafts fe performance would likely improve, and as we've come to expect from Adams, the hybrids in the A12 Bone sets are excellent.

MGS OVERALL PERFORMANCE SCORE: 87.39

The Interactive Information

The charts below show the individual and group averages (blackness dotted line) for each shot our golfers took during our test of the the Adams A12 Bone Irons. You can click on each of 3 tabs (Adams A12 OS – Short Irons,Adams A12 Os – Mid Irons, Adams A12 OS – Long Irons) you tin see where each shot came to rest on our virtual driving range, and the raw information (averages) for each of our testers. Hovering over any point will give you all the details of that detail shot. You lot tin use the filters on the right-manus side to show 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 comprise this set, look, feel, and well-nigh chiefly play differently. A few of our testers ultimately decided to score the hybrids and irons separately. In those cases, the average of the two scores was used to determine the private rating.

Looks

In my interpretation Adams has e'er taken a slightly understated arroyo to game improvement, and certainly super game-comeback designs. The Adams a12 Bone is no exception. From graphics, to contours, everything nigh the irons are exceptionally clean. Now certainly they don't possess the natural beauty of a forged blade, or even a modern player's crenel back, but in that location's zero loud or ostentatious nigh the design, and that'south a true rarity amid super game-comeback clubs.

As you would expect, soles are broad, and toplines, specially in the transitional hybrids, are thick. Compared to other irons in their class, the A12 OS are long from heel to toe, and comparatively shallow from bottom to top. Beginning is noticeable, just non visually extreme. For some lofts, the broadness of the sole, and parts of the dorsum cavity are visible at address, which some may observe distracting.

// "I'm a golfer who is swayed A LOT past looks, and these just 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 woods), merely once y'all move into the higher lofted clubs (we received all lofts of hybrids as function of our "examination kit"), transitions are smooth, and head size is manageable (although it is absolutely odd swinging a hybrid at 7 atomic number 26 distances).

While initially the velocity slot tin can exist distracting, after a few swings our testers found they didn't much notice it any more. With the hybrids, though get-go is over again noticeable, Adams has blended information technology well. None of our testers expressed any 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 about the Adams A12 Os is that, different many of the game improvement clubs nosotros've tested, they provide an outstanding amount of feedback. While non everyone necessarily likes to feel their misses, I do, and the A12 Bone let me know exactly how well I've struck the ball. This is truthful of the hybrids as well, which some of our testers establish to be harsh on mishits. Hitting them on the sweetness spot, however; and the feel of the hybrids is as good as annihilation nosotros've tested.

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

In general, I think the hybrids do offer better feel in full general, just the more fourth dimension I spent with the irons, the more than the feel started to grow on me; though they'll never be confused with the Idea Pro A12 irons, and certainly not the MB2s.

MGS Experience Score : 86.00

Perceived Forgiveness

As we've indicated in the past, forgiveness means different things to different people. While nosotros could talk about MOI, and distance loss on mishits, after managing and participating in a a few dozen club tests over the last couple of years, forgiveness, for me, has get a measure of penalty. In my observations, the most forgiving clubs aren't necessarily those that consistently hit closest to the pin, or even maintain the nearly consistent distance across the guild face. To me, forgiveness isn't about precision, it's about keeping the ball in play, minimizing the impact of mistakes, and reducing punishment strokes along the way.

Looking at our charts for the Adams A12 OS, fifty-fifty though our testers weren't always precise with their shots, they always kept the ball in play. Granted a few bad swings with the short irons put some testers upwards of nearly 20 yards offline, but that number actually improved equally the clubs got longer. With the long irons, remarkably, barely more than a handful of exam shots were more than 15 yards offline.

// "Very forgiving and Long" – Dan R.

While non every shot our testers hit resulted in a solid baboon opportunity, if you 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 most importantly, a ball they could hit again without penalty.

// "Cant hit annihilation only straight" – Tim S.

When our testers considered the results, especially with the A12 Os hybrids, it'due south not surprising that the forgiveness number was the highest of any rating for the lodge.

Tester Perceived Forgiveness Score: 91.38

Likelihood of Purchase

While a few of us are ideal candidates for game improvement irons, in one case yous move up into the Super GI space, we're absolutely out of our element. At one indicate nosotros tried bringing in higher handicap golfers (22-25 index), but unfortunately, the level of consistency was insufficient to go any sort of meaningful test information. Simply put, fifty-fifty with adjustments for handicaps, scores would have been horrific.

Instead I've asked our testers to effort to footstep into the shoes of  the guy looking for Super Game-Improvement clubs, Framed in that context, most of our testers told us they recollect the Idea A12 OS irons, are an excellent offering; notwithstanding, when measured against some of the other game improvement and super-game improvement clubs nosotros've tested, none was absolutely certain the A12 Os irons would be his get-go selection.

Tester Likelihood of Purchase: fourscore.63

While nearly of our testers liked (or even loved the hybrids), the irons, which at a minimum would include 8-fe through gap wedge, didn't actually excite our testers. In some respects the Adams A12 OS irons don't expect the part of a super game-improvement iron. Don't go me wrong, as I said, they're clean…virtually refined, but the Super GI space is dominated by clubs with bright graphics, flashy designs, and even a piddling bit of bling designed to attract golfers in that market place segment (which includes many young, beginning golfers).

I suspect, while Adams isn't going to do particularly well with what you might call the PUMA crowd, amongst the fifty+ group; aging guys looking for a bit more distance, and more forgiveness, the Adams A12 Os will be viewed as nothing short of an exceptional offering.

Full SUBJECTIVE SCORE: 84.66

Determination

Our testing doesn't have into account whether the iron beingness tested is longer or shorter than some other. It's gotten far also difficult to describe apples to apples comparisons when you're dealing with lofts that can be as much as 3 degrees weaker than what's generally regarded every bit standard. Toss in the occasional ¼" to ½" longer shaft and things get murkier still.

It has always been our position that iron distance doesn't really thing. Most increases are bogus (nigh 10+ yard gains can exist traced to manipulations in loft and length), and quite bluntly, the number on the bottom of the lodge has get meaningless, but… we likewise realize that some of you out there desire to squeeze every ounce of distance you possibly can out of every gild in your bag. So…I volition at to the lowest degree mention that our testers found the Adams A12 Os irons to be approximately one club longer than much of what we test (of course, much of nosotros examination is targeted at golfers in the 5-15 handicap range). Most of u.s.a. who by and large hit pitching wedges to our short atomic number 26 altitude plant ourselves hitting gap wedges. Some of united states had to bump out the eye iron distance in order to keep a true middle atomic number 26 in our hands, and for some who often detect themselves hitting iii or 4 irons to get to get 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 can almost certainly aid you attain that goal.

As a set I have mixed feelings about the Adams A12 OS. While I call back they very well could improve the average to start golfer'due south game, the irons and transitional hybrids simply didn't motion me. They truthful hybrids however; are another story. That shouldn't really surprise anyone given that Adams is basically known for their hybrids above all else, just speaking as a guy who has a strong preference for pocket-sized peanut style hybrids, I'm much more than impressed with the Os hybrids than I would accept expected to exist. The confront is extremely hot, and more importantly, our testers hit them straight, and at the target.

With that in mind, for those who practice ultimately choose the Adams A12 Bone (I believe the set is amend than the score might suggest), the MyGolfSpy recommendation is to skip the transitional hybrids, and order your A12 Bone set up with 4-seven hybrids.

MGS Full SCORE: 87.xi

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