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For many years, Benross has been a brand synonymous with value, often serving as the entry point for golfers looking for reliable equipment without the four-figure price tag.
However, with the release of the new RS iron range - comprising the RS100, RS200, and RS300 - the brand seems to be moving into a new tier and looking to challenge some of the best irons in the game.
At £549 for a seven-piece set, the value proposition is immediately clear. But after testing the range, it was immediately evident to me that these aren’t just budget clubs; they are serious performers that offer a strong alternative to the dominance of the major manufacturers in the hollow-body category.
The first thing I noticed about the RS range was the shelf appeal. Benross has opted for a minimalist, clean aesthetic from the back that is remarkably sophisticated.
For me, the finish is a particular highlight - a matt texture that reveals an almost sparkly quality in certain lights. It looks significantly more premium than the price tag suggests, avoiding the cluttered, busy graphics often found in value-driven irons.
Because the branding and design language are so consistent across all three models, they are strikingly similar from the back.
While this made picking the right club out in testing worryingly difficult(!), it makes the RS range one of the most cohesive options on the market for creating a combo set. You could easily transition from an RS300 long iron into RS200 mid irons and RS100 short irons without the set looking mismatched in the bag.
All three models share the same DNA: a two-piece foam-filled hollow body construction featuring a 431 stainless steel body and a heat-treated S450 face. This uniform construction means the feel remains consistent as you move through the range.
During testing, the aforementioned feel was impressive - solid and dampened, yet noticeably energetic. The 20% thinner S450 face certainly does its job in generating ball speed. If there is a caveat, it’s that the face can feel a touch lively for those used to traditional forged blades.
I experienced a couple of mildly jumpy strikes that flew about 5 or 6 yards further than anticipated. However, these weren't ‘card wreckers’; we’re talking about landing on the back edge of the green rather than pin-high, a potentially fair trade-off for the distance on offer.
While they look similar, the performance characteristics are clearly defined:
RS100: This is the "player's" profile. With a classic profile and minimal offset, it’s designed for the better ball striker. It flew a touch lower and offered the most workability in the range. In terms of look and flight, it would be comparable to something like the TaylorMade P770.
RS200: Positioned as a mid-handicap solution, the 200 model offers a mid-size head and moderate offset. It balances workability and forgiveness nicely, reminding me of the TaylorMade P790. The CG is slightly lower than the RS100, making it easier to launch while maintaining a predictable trajectory.
RS300: For the golfer seeking maximum help. This is the largest head with the most offset, designed to promote face closure and a more draw bias flight. It launched very high and was incredibly forgiving through the turf thanks to a wider sole. For me, this one is competing with the likes of the Callaway Quantum Max or Cobra King irons.
One of the most impressive aspects of this launch is the accessibility of custom fitting. On the American Golf website, there are double-digit shaft options to select from (including KBS and Fujikura), along with loft and lie adjustments and various grip choices. This level of customization at this price point is a real bonus.
I would genuinely have absolutely no reservations recommending the Benross RS range to friends looking to save money on their next purchase. They look great, feel decent, and the performance gaps between the models are perfectly judged.
Benross has proven that you don't need to spend £1,200 to get a high-performing, custom-fit set of modern hollow-body irons.
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