50 Words or Less
The New Level NLU-V2 utility iron is faster than previous models with enhanced forgiveness on thin strikes. Offers ample versatility for skilled players and shot shapers. Enough ease of use for mid handicaps.
Introduction
The longest-tenured club in my bag – by a healthy margin – is the New Level 4995 HB utility iron [review HERE]. It strikes that perfect balance of forgiveness and control that I’m looking for in a long iron, and it’s never given me a reason to distrust it. However, none of that means I’m immune to the lure of new clubs. When I had the opportunity to try the New Level NLU-V2 utility iron, I ran to the course to pit it against its predecessor.
Looks
In the bag, the New Level NLU-V2 has a cleaner silhouette than the NLU-01 [review HERE]. The stepped back has been replaced with a simple angle to bring the wide sole in line with the rest of the back. There’s also less branding – just a white “NL” logo on the toe. The one major addition is the weight port centered in the back of the head.
At address, the NLU-V2 has an average top line and moderate heel-to-toe length. There’s a hint of offset, and some of that wide sole is visible behind the top line. Overall, it has a little more size and heft but not enough to dissuade the low handicap players. It’s a look that will blend well with players or game improvement irons.
Comparing the New Level NLU-V2 to my 4995 HB gamer, the top line is noticeably thinner, but the 4995 HB doesn’t have any “extra” sticking out beyond the top line. They have almost identical blade lengths and similar offset.
One final note: to their credit, New Level acknowledges right on the product page that the Black Pearl PVD finish “will wear over time and may show marks from bending”. This is not unique to New Level’s finish; all dark finishes wear over time. If you need your clubs to look pristine forever, opt for clubs with a traditional chrome or matte finish.
Sound & Feel
More surprising (but appreciated) candidness comes in New Level’s description of the feel. They describe it as “slightly firmer than the original” while stating it feels smoother than most other driving irons. This change is likely due to the new C300 forged face insert.
I found that the sound of the New Level NLU-V2 was very consistent, regardless of what type of golf ball I was using. The sound is a muted knock that’s lively without being loud. Mishits sound a bit more dull, which provides good feedback on strike quality.
There is also excellent feedback through the hands. I had no issue locating the strike point based on the feel. Striking a premium golf ball produces a strong, firm feel that’s slightly cushioned. I’d equate it to punching a heavy bag with a thin glove on – you get the powerful sensation without the sting. Like the sound, the feel is more lively on center, more dull off.
Performance
The aforementioned C300 forged face insert is the key to the upgraded performance of the New Level NLU-V2 utility iron. Comparing it to my trusty 4995 HB, the NLU-V2 posted higher and more consistent ball speeds. It’s not a night-and-day difference, but it was easy to see the superiority of the NLU-V2 on the launch monitor.
Beyond the ball speed, what stood out was how easily the NLU-V2 launched the ball. On premium strikes, the launch angle was slightly higher. On thin strikes, the launch angle was substantially better. Since low launch – on good and bad strikes – is most player’s main issue with long irons, this makes the New Level NLU-V2 much more playable than other utility irons.
What impresses me about the NLU-V2 is how it balances ease of use with versatility and shot shaping. While you can put this club on auto-pilot and let it send the ball straight down the fairway, it’s also very happy to produce specific shapes. I had no issue getting this club to cut or draw, and I could flight it down with moderate effort.
Finally, New Level offers numerous of shaft options with the NLU-V2 utility iron. Their catalog includes Fujikura, Graphite Design, Accra, Project X, and KBS. There are 25 shafts available with no upcharge and another 27 with upcharges ranging from $85 to $125. I had mine built with the 2025 Fujikura Ventus Blue hybrid shaft [review HERE] – a $200 shaft that is offered for an upcharge of only $100.
Conclusion
With three loft offerings and an impressive blend of forgiveness and versatility, the New Level NLU-V2 is a utility iron I would recommend to a wide range of golfers. Dial in the right shaft and specs, and you may start looking forward to long par 3s.
Visit New Level Golf HERE
New Level NLU-V2 Utility Iron Price & Specs
Editor In Chief at Plugged In Golf
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.