Cleveland 588 TT
We test 10 of the latest better player irons on the market and then award them with Gold, Silver and Bronze
Brand: Cleveland Golf
Player iron: 588 TT
RRP: £449
Loft: 27-degree Lie: 62.25-degree Length: 37.88”
Shaft: CG Traction 85 Grip: Lamkin
Summary: Constant blade height with progressive blade length promotes more forgiveness in long irons and controlled, penetrating trajectory in short irons. Face forged technology enhances feel. Modest cavity back with engineered undercut improves ball speed and accuracy on off-centre hits. Iron set is fully customisable alongside 588 Altitude (max game improver) and 588 MT (game improver).
Looks: Lovely finish but the top edge is a little thicker than ideal and the offset isn't blended that well. Not the most traditional looking player iron and probably won't suit the eye of many lower handicappers. It also has a relatively big flange, so you feel like you may catch the ball a bit heavy off tight lies. 3.5 (out of 5)
Feel: Feels very soft but at the same time, it's very loud. You can feel the multi-material insert working its magic at impact, though. This consists of polymer and aluminum in iron plaque and helps dampen any vibration at impact for a more consistent feel. Grip and shaft is light and all the weight is all in the head. 8.5 (out of 10)
Performance: Very powerful iron yet there is consistent distance throughout, so there are no problems on distance control. Very accurate, too. Not as workable as some others out there but certainly one of the most forgiving irons in this test and for that we rate it highly. 9 (out of 10)
Verdict: Looks will take some getting used to but it still has a place on the shelf. Consistent performer in terms of distance and dispersion. Performs better than it looks and offers great value for money at less than £450. If you're after a player iron that performs and you're on a budget, 588 TT could well be the way forward. 21 (out of 25)
