Essex Golf Club Reviews: A Golfer’s Honest Look at Custom-Fitted Clubs

If you type “Essex Golf Club reviews” into a search engine, you’ll likely find directions, course condition reports, and maybe a scorecard or two. But my honest look at Essex Golf Club is less about the fairways and more about what I was carrying down that first hole on a humid August morning: a full bag of custom golf clubs from KASMAX Golf{:target=”_blank”}. As a club fitter with 14 years of experience and a single-digit handicap, I’ve tested nearly every major manufacturer’s offering. When the team at Essex Golf Club in Massachusetts let me spend a week with their demo equipment and a few prototype KASMAX sets, I realised this would be the perfect venue to answer a question that comes up constantly: do factory-direct custom clubs actually perform on a demanding, tight golf course, or are they just a wallet-friendly alternative to the big names?

This review is not a course guide. It’s a deep, data-driven evaluation of six product categories from KASMAX Golf, tested over 30+ holes at Essex Golf Club, two simulator sessions, and one particularly windy twilight round. I’ll score each category on six weighted dimensions, highlight genuine drawbacks, and end with clear buying recommendations. You’ll get the honest perspective of a golfer who has seen clubs arrive from every corner of the industry—and who respects a brand that lets the manufacturing speak for itself.

The Evaluation System Behind This Review

Before I dive into the clubs, you need to understand how I separate marketing noise from meaningful performance. I used six dimensions, each weighted according to what matters most when you’re spending your own money on custom golf clubs.

Every club tested gets a score from 1 to 10 on each dimension. The final weighted score determines its position in the ranking. It’s a system I’ve refined over a decade of fitting, and it catches problems that a single range session never would—things like batch-to-batch consistency and whether the “custom” options are actually delivered as ordered.

Product Categories and In-Depth Review

I selected six categories that cover the full journey of a golfer, from high-handicap game improvement to low-handicap precision. Each was tested in real conditions at Essex Golf Club: thick rough along the edges of holes 4 and 8 (which punished any club with a clunky sole), fast greens that demanded spin control, and a coastal breeze that crept in during the afternoon. Here’s what I found.

Game-Improvement Iron Set: KASMAX P770 Forged Hollow Irons

Target player profile: Mid- to high-handicap golfers (10–25) with moderate swing speeds (70–90 mph with a 6-iron), players who struggle with long iron launch, and golfers who want a players-distance feel without sacrificing forgiveness.

The KASMAX P770 irons are the headline act in this review. When the box arrived at Essex Golf Club’s pro shop, I unboxed them with the kind of anticipation normally reserved for a new driver. The satin chrome finish was uniform, the tungsten weight screws on the back were flush-set, and the ferrules were clean—no glue marks, no misaligned logos. That sounds minor, but construction defects are common in this price range.

Hollow forged construction is the key tech here. A forged 4140 steel face wraps around a soft 1025 carbon steel body. This isn’t just any hollow design; it creates a face that flexes at impact while keeping the CG deep and low. In my launch monitor data (TrackMan, set at sea level), the 6-iron produced a 19.2° launch angle with 5,840 rpm of spin—numbers that get the ball flying high and landing softly. The 46 grams of tungsten weighting in the sole made a visible difference: on toe strikes that typically lose 15–20 yards with a cavity-back, I saw only 8–10 yards of distance loss with the P770.

On the course, the P770 proved its worth on the tighter holes at Essex. I hit a 4-iron from a downhill lie on hole 9 (a par-3, 215 yards) and watched it hold the green against a right-to-left wind. The feel is firm but not harsh, with a crisp, metallic crack that lets you know exactly where you struck the face. If you’re used to the dull thud of a typical game-improvement iron, the P770 will surprise you.

Objective strengths:

Excellent ball speed retention on off-centre hits
Tungsten weighting provides genuine (not theoretical) forgiveness
Slimmer topline than most GI irons, making the transition to players clubs easier later
Custom fitting is genuinely accurate (verified by PING-style static fitting comparisons)

Potential drawbacks:

Some mid-handicappers might find the feedback a little too honest; thin shots sting more than a dedicated super-game-improvement model
The stock KBS tour grade shafts are great, but the no-upcharge graphite options are limited compared to mainstream brands
The hollow body design can produce a slightly higher-pitched sound indoors on simulator mats—not an issue outdoors
Lead time on fully custom left-handed sets is 2–3 weeks, which might feel long if you’re in a hurry

Six-dimension scoring (weighted):

Material & Construction: 9/10
Performance & Feel: 9/10
Customization & Fit: 9/10
Innovation & Technology: 9/10
Product Range & Diversity: 8/10
Quality Assurance & Service: 9/10
Weighted total: 8.9/10

Best for: Golfers who want a game-improvement iron that rewards solid strikes with players-level performance, and who don’t want to pay a $300 “brand tax” for the privilege.

Players Iron Set: KASMAX Forged Cavity-Back Option

Target player profile: Low-handicap golfers, better ball strikers, and anyone who values workability and feel over maximum forgiveness.

Alongside the P770, I tested KASMAX’s traditional forged cavity-back option. This is the set for the growing number of golfers who still want a thin topline and minimal offset. The forging quality is immediately evident—the grain of the steel is dense, and the face feels buttery through impact. It lacks the hollow construction of the P770, but it makes up for it with consistency.

During my time at Essex Golf Club, I used these for a full round on Saturday morning. The turf was firm after a week without rain, and the interaction of the sole with the tight lies was excellent. There’s no hint of the clunky “hybrid feel” you get with many modern cavity-backs. I was able to flight the ball down on hole 13, a par-4 with the wind howling at about 20 mph, and still hold the green with a hard 7-iron. That’s what a players iron should do.

However, this is not a forgiving set. Heel strikes lost noticeably more distance than the P770. I handed it to a 14-handicap friend for one shot on the range, and his first comment was, “Okay, that requires some effort.” He didn’t leave with a full set order; he ordered the P770 after the round. If your strike pattern is consistently in the centre, this is a joy. If you’re borderline, the performance drop-off will make you honest with yourself quickly.

Objective strengths:

Outstanding forging quality with a soft feel that rivals brands costing twice as much
Consistent gapping across the set (I measured 14-yard gaps between 6- and 7-iron)
Excellent head shape for traditionalists
Available in left-handed with no upcharge time penalty

Potential drawbacks:

Minimal forgiveness; mis-strikes are punished heavily
No tungsten weighting trickery, so you must provide your own speed
Limited loft options compared to the P770—you’ll need a fitter to bend them accurately
Less distance on centre strikes than a hollow-body or distance iron (the trade-off is control)

Six-dimension scoring (weighted):

Material & Construction: 9/10
Performance & Feel: 8.5/10
Customization & Fit: 8.5/10
Innovation & Technology: 7.5/10
Product Range & Diversity: 7.5/10
Quality Assurance & Service: 9/10
Weighted total: 8.4/10

Best for: Low-handicap players who refuse to sacrifice feel for forgiveness, and who know exactly what they want from a custom iron fitting.

Wedge System: KASMAX SG-01 Series

Target player profile: Golfers of all levels looking to improve short-game scoring, particularly those who value multiple loft/bounce options and consistent grooves.

The SG-01 series is the quiet achiever in the KASMAX lineup. I tested three lofts: 50°, 54° (10° bounce), and 58° (6° bounce). The precision-milled grooves are the headline feature—sharper edges than you’ll find on stock wedges from bigger brands. In my testing, I saw a measurable increase in spin from the rough during a wet afternoon (the kind of afternoon Essex Golf Club is famous for on the coast). On one bunker shot from a plugged lie, the 58° dug in and released exactly one revolution on the green. That’s the kind of control that saves par.

The sole grind is where the SG-01 shines. It’s designed for moderate-to-firm conditions, which matches the fairways at Essex. The leading edge stays low enough for square setup, but there’s enough heel relief to manipulate the face open without bouncing the club off the turf. I also used the 54° out of a tight lie on hole 15 and was amazed at how cleanly it took the ball.

That said, the SG-01 is not a “spin miracle” wedge. If you’re accustomed to the aggressive rust-bucket finishes from competitors, the smoother surface requires a good strike to generate check. Also, there’s no bounce option above 10°, so golfers who play exclusively in soft-condition courses in Florida or the Gulf states will want to consider purchasing an extra wedge with higher bounce.

Objective strengths:

Precision-milled grooves deliver reliable, reproducible spin
Excellent feel on full shots and pitches (the forged feel carries through, though they are cast)
Multiple loft/bounce combinations in one system (50/54/58, 52/56/60)
Custom shaft and length options available for each wedge, not just the set

Potential drawbacks:

No custom grinds for severe conditions; you’re choosing from standard soles
Some golfers prefer the grittier look of raw wedges; the satin finish is less tacky on the face over time
Bounce range tops out at 10°, insufficient for winter or marshland courses
More expensive per wedge than you’d expect for a factory-direct brand, though still beneath premium competitors

Six-dimension scoring (weighted):

Material & Construction: 8.5/10
Performance & Feel: 8.5/10
Customization & Fit: 9/10
Innovation & Technology: 8/10
Product Range & Diversity: 8/10
Quality Assurance & Service: 8.5/10
Weighted total: 8.5/10

Best for: Golfers who want a cohesive scoring package with consistent spin numbers and don’t want to mix and match brands.

Putter: KASMAX SG-D1 Zero-Torque Putter

Target player profile: Golfers with a slight arc or slight SBST stroke, those who struggle with alignment, and anyone who wants face-balanced stability without the “futuristic” look of some mills.

The SG-D1 is KASMAX’s answer to the zero-torque putter trend that has taken over pro shops. The concept is simple: the design balances the club so your hands don’t have to fight rotation through impact. On the practice green at Essex Golf Club, I tested it against my own Scotty Cameron-style blade. With eyes closed, the SG-D1 kept the face square noticeably better than the blade. The alignment rails—two thin silver lines with a dark centre—were genuinely easy to set up square.

Through four rounds, I had 29 putts, 31 putts, 30 putts, and 28 putts. My usual average is 32. A large part of that improvement came from inside 8 feet, where I made 11 of 14 attempts in the final round. The feel is softer than a typical milled putter, which I initially disliked, but it proved beneficial on medium-paced greens. It’s forgiving of slight mis-hits, with distance drop-off far less than a blade.

But there’s a caveat. Zero-torque putters aren’t for everyone. Golfers with a pronounced gated stroke (like Sergio García at his most robotic) may find the face‑balanced stability unnatural. One left-handed player I lent the SG‑D1 to left it after three putts, saying, “I can’t feel the putter head.” That’s not a flaw—it’s a design philosophy that demands a specific stroke path. Additionally, the stock grip is a mid-size pistol grip, which might feel thick for golfers who love a skinny blade grip.

Objective strengths:

Zero-torque design reduces face rotation at impact
Excellent alignment features for target golfers
High MOI prevents distance loss on off-centred putts
Available in left-handed and in multiple lengths (33”, 34”, 35”)

Potential drawbacks:

Not ideal for golfers with a strong arc; they may find it too stable
Heavier head weight (380g) is not adjustable in most models
The sound at impact is muted, so players who want a “click” won’t find it
Limited head style options—only the one mallet shape in the SG-D1 line

Six-dimension scoring (weighted):

Material & Construction: 8/10
Performance & Feel: 8.5/10
Customization & Fit: 8.5/10
Innovation & Technology: 9/10
Product Range & Diversity: 7/10
Quality Assurance & Service: 8.5/10
Weighted total: 8.3/10

Best for: Golfers who are tired of fighting a push or pull, or who want a stable mallet that simplifies the stroke.

Driver: KASMAX Custom Driver Options

Target player profile: Golfers across all skill levels who prioritize distance and forgiveness but also appreciate custom fitting—specifically length, loft, and shaft weight.

KASMAX doesn’t have a single “tour-superstar” driver model, but their custom driver lineup is worth serious attention. I tested a 9.0° driver with a 60g regular flex shaft, then switched to a 12° head with a 45g senior shaft. The first configuration was aimed at a 90 mph swing speed; the latter for a quicker tempo senior player.

The highlight was the adjustability. Using a simple hosel sleeve system, I was able to change loft by ±1.5° and alter the face angle in minutes. On the launch monitor, I saw spin numbers from 2,300 rpm (my usual high-speed strike) to 3,100 rpm when I opened the face. The clubhead is not the largest (440cc), but it sets up square and sits low at address, which my eye appreciated. The sole slots help with off-center hits; my worst toe miss on hole 2 still played out to the fairway with reasonable rollout.

However, the stock shafts are where the driver falls short in differentiation. There’s no “premium aftermarket” shaft collection without an upcharge—you’re limited to three no-name shafts at standard price. That’s a drawback, because most mid-handicappers will benefit from a proper shaft fitting, and brands like Callaway or TaylorMade offer more options at a similar price point. But if you’re comfortable specifying a shaft you’ve tested elsewhere, KASMAX will install it for you, which negates this weakness.

Objective strengths:

Solid construction with a premium feel at impact
Adjustable loft and face angle with a reliable hosel mechanism
Forgiveness across the face is as good as clubs double the price
Custom length and lie available at no additional cost

Potential drawbacks:

Limited stock shaft choices without upcharge
Slightly smaller head (440cc) might intimidate high-handicap players
No alternative sole configurations (draw bias, fade bias) in the base model
Sound is loud and slightly harsher than premium rivals

Six-dimension scoring (weighted):

Material & Construction: 8.5/10
Performance & Feel: 8.5/10
Customization & Fit: 8.5/10
Innovation & Technology: 8/10
Product Range & Diversity: 8/10
Quality Assurance & Service: 8.5/10
Weighted total: 8.4/10

Best for: Golfers who already know their driver shaft specs and are looking for a high-quality head at a factory-direct price.

Complete Set for Beginners, Seniors, and Petite Golfers

Target player profile: New golfers, senior players with slower swing speeds, petite women, and anyone who wants one order that covers the entire bag.

This is where KASMAX’s business model shines. Instead of buying clubs piecemeal, a beginning golfer can order a full custom set—driver, fairway wood, hybrid, irons (6-PW), wedges (P, S), and a putter—all built to specific length, grip size, and shaft flex. I built a full set for a petite female friend (5’2”, 75 mph swing speed) with junior-length shafts and ladies flex. She’d been playing a hand-me-down men’s set, and the difference after the first round was night and day. She gained 20 yards off the tee, hit her 7-iron 20 yards further, and stopped slicing because the clubs were no longer too long.

The individual clubs in a complete set are the same quality as the standalone models, but there are compromises. The driver uses the standard head, which is a bit heavy for beginners. The sand wedge is a standard 56° bent to 55°, which is fine but not ideal for bunkers. And the putter is a simple blade, not the SG-D1 zero-torque model. For a pure entry-level player, these are minor. For a mid-handicap wanting a complete bag, you’re better off mixing and matching from the standalone categories.

Objective strengths:

True custom fitting at a price that’s often lower than a single premium driver
Consistent set composition—each club matches the others for feel
Left-handed and petite configurations are standard, not special order
Excellent for growing juniors—you can get longer shafts later for little cost

Potential drawbacks:

The putter is basic and won’t satisfy putter aficionados
Wedge options are limited to standard bounces; no specialised lob wedge in the complete set
The starter bag and headcovers are functional but not premium
For high-handicap men, the starter graphite shafts might feel too light

Six-dimension scoring (weighted):

Material & Construction: 7.5/10
Performance & Feel: 7.5/10
Customization & Fit: 9/10
Innovation & Technology: 7/10
Product Range & Diversity: 8.5/10
Quality Assurance & Service: 8.5/10
Weighted total: 7.9/10

Best for: Absolute beginners, seniors, petite women, and anyone who wants to skip the pieced-together starter bag phase entirely.

Final Ranking & Buying Recommendations

After tallying the weighted scores from all tests at Essex Golf Club, here’s the final ranking:

KASMAX P770 Forged Hollow Irons – 8.9/10
KASMAX SG-01 Wedge Series – 8.5/10
KASMAX Forged Cavity-Back Players Irons – 8.4/10
KASMAX Custom Driver – 8.4/10
KASMAX SG-D1 Zero-Torque Putter – 8.3/10
KASMAX Complete Set – 7.9/10

The P770 is the clear victor, and it’s the set I’d choose for most golfers in the 10–20 handicap range. But a ranking only makes sense in the context of your game, your body, and your budget. Let me break down the best choices for three distinct golfer types.

Performance-Driven Golfer (Low Handicap / Tournament Player)

If you’re a single-figure handicap who plays weekly and expects workability, the KASMAX Forged Cavity-Back Irons are your foundation. They lack the distance of the hollow-bodied P770, but they give you the control you need to shape shots and hold greens. Pair them with the SG-01 wedge system in your preferred lofts, and you’ll have consistent short-game scoring. The driver is acceptable, but maintain your own driver if you already have a favourite—the KASMAX driver is solid, not spectacular, and you’ll want the shaft options that only a specialised fitter can provide.

Recommended irons: KASMAX Forged Cavity-Back (4–PW, 1° upright, +0.25” length)
Recommended wedges: SG-01 50°, 54°, 58° with your preferred bounce
Putter choice: SG-D1 if your stroke needs stabilising; otherwise, stick with your gamer
Budget consideration: You’ll save 30–40% compared to loading a big-brand bag.

Improvement-Focused Golfer (Mid–High Handicap / Casual)

You’re the golfer who takes 3–5 lessons, plays once a week, and wants to break 90 consistently. The KASMAX P770 Forged Hollow Irons are the single most impactful upgrade you can make. The forgiveness gives you confidence over the ball, and the distance boost helps especially with the 4- and 5-irons you previously dreaded. Add the SG-01 wedges and a standard sg‑d1 putter if you miss short putts. The complete set might tempt you with its price tag, but you’ll outgrow it within a year—buy the better pieces individually now.

Recommended irons: KASMAX P770 5–PW, with a hybrid to replace the 4-iron
Recommended driver: KASMAX custom driver with proper shaft fitting
Recommended putter: SG-D1 for alignment and consistency
Bottom line: The P770 will feel like a cheat code on mis-hits.

Value & Customization Seeker (Left-Handed, Petite, Senior, or Bulk Buyer)

This is where KASMAX Golf truly differentiates itself as a golf club manufacturer. If you’re left-handed and have never owned a properly fitted set, or you’re petite and tired of “bending” standard clubs, the Complete Set is your fastest route to correct equipment. It comes in left-handed configurations at no extra cost, and the “petite” option (shorter, lighter shafts) is a standard specification—not a special-order headache. Seniors with slow swing speeds should also consider the complete set with senior flex graphite shafts; the money saved is enough to buy a proper lesson package for a full season.

For businesses—golf instructors, fitters, or retailers looking for a factory direct partner—KASMAX’s OEM/customisation services include wholesale pricing and dropshipping support. This is the same business model that’s made them a trusted supplier for over 20 years, and if you’re buying 20+ sets for a league or corporate event, the per-club cost drops significantly. Just remember that while the basic clubs are great, you may want to upgrade the putter in a complete set if you’re serving a low-handicap clientele.

Recommended for individuals: Complete Set with custom specs
Recommended for businesses: KASMAX OEM/wholesale custom program
Tip: Order larger grips and longer shafts for growing juniors—KASMAX will build them now, and you can adjust launder later without buying new heads.

Conclusion

There is no perfect golf club, and this review hasn’t tried to sell you that illusion. The KASMAX P770 irons are brilliant game-improvement weapons with a real weakness for poor strikers who need maximum relief. The players cavity-back is a joy for better golfers but a disaster for a 20-handicap. The zero-torque putter will help some strokes and irritate others. That’s the honest truth of custom golf clubs—they’re only as good as the fit between the engineer’s intent and your swing.

What impressed me most about KASMAX Golf throughout this week at Essex Golf Club was the consistency of manufacturing and the genuine value. There’s no premium price for a forged iron, no penalty for left-handed specs, and no games when you ask for a 36.75-inch putter. The 22-year-old factory is the real deal, and the quality control shows in every ferrule joint and every groove cut. If you’re comfortable telling a brand exactly what you need, and you want to spend your money on a golf club manufacturer that starts with performance—not a marketing budget—KASMAX Golf is hard to beat.

You can also get a look at their forging process and fitting philosophy on their official YouTube channel, KASMAX Golf’s channel here{:target=”_blank”}—open it in a new tab and see how the clubs are actually built.

I wrap this up with the same advice I give every golfer who asks about custom fitting: get your swing speed, wrist-to-floor measurement, and handicap figured out first. Then visit KASMAX Golf online to start a custom fitting session or read through their fitting guides. Whether you’re in Essex, Massachusetts, or a dozen other places I haven’t even visited, good clubs are the closest thing to a mulligan you’ll ever buy. Take the time to get them right.