COBRA // KING TEC IRONS
Cobra ’ s KING TEC irons are aimed at 0-12 handicaps seeking a player ’ s distance model . They feature refined shaping with a shortened blade , softened topline , tucked toe and updated pitching wedge that has a flattened topline and straighter leading edge . The company used a five-step forged hollow clubhead construction and enhanced foam microspheres that fill the clubhead and dampen vibration to improve impact acoustics without sacrificing the feedback better players want . The brand ’ s proprietary forged face insert is included , along with its variable face thickness that ’ s thin and robust . This combination yields more rebound for faster speed and longer distance . Our testing confirms all of that — expect excellent distance , feel and impressive trajectory . Lightweight steel shafts are standard . $ 1,299 / 7-piece set ; cobragolf . com
CLEVELAND // HIBORE XL DRIVER
Cleveland Golf ’ s new loft- and weight-adjustable HiBore XL driver bears a classic design with a modern twist . Using artificial intelligence , its triangular chassis enhances forgiveness and maximizes distance . “ Removing the constraints of a traditional looking shape would allow for new and exciting performance opportunities ,” says Casey Shultz , the brand ’ s senior product manager . “ We were able to unlock levels of forgiveness and distance that weren ' t possible before ." Its sharp geometric angles are specifically engineered to optimize forgiveness , distance and sound . The weight is low and deep , the rear tapered and the face oversized — creating a sweet spot 19 % larger than its predecessor for faster ball speed , straighter flight and more distance . Airfoil technology at the heel of the crown enhances downswing stability and impact consistency . Internal ribbing helps control sound and feel by boosting stiffness in the sole and crown and reducing vibration . $ 400 ; us . dunlopsports . com
HONMA GOLF // TW767 MAX DRIVER
Honma Golf ’ s forgiving TW767 MAX driver features a high- MOI , 460cc clubhead that ’ s created from a new carbon construction coined Carbon Roll Technology . Weight saved from employing this technology was moved to the back titanium weight , resulting in the largest-ever MOI in company history . The ample projection area with the larger head and draw bias provides a game-improvement aspect that mid to higher handicaps will appreciate . There ’ s also a new face design that includes a vertical slit that reduces energy loss from impact over a wider area , further improving MOI . That in turn helps maximize strength and spring effect , resulting in a high initial ball speed for longer distance . And the driver also generates a low spin , which enhances carry distance . It ’ s offered in base lofts of 9 , 10.5 and 12 degrees — all are adjustable . To boot , it looks inviting at address . Plus , the standard proprietary Vizard graphite shaft is designed synergistically with the driver and is spine-aligned for added stability and control . $ 650 ; us . honmagolf . com
GARMIN // APPROACH R50 LAUNCH MONITOR
Most avid golfers dream of having their own portable swing data system . Here ’ s a fresh option that just hit the market . Garmin ’ s Approach R50 launch monitor and simulator sports a threecamera system and tracks 15 + ball and club metrics . It can also provide precision analytics for every club in your bag and deliver high-speed impact videos so you can review a close-up look at your impact . Its 10 ” built-in color touchscreen display lets you see all your pertinent swing metrics , and you can project to a big screen via HDMI . The cutting-edge , high-speed cameras capture every movement of the ball frame to frame , helping it instantly calculate the likes of ball speed , launch angle , face to path , etc . Plus , it can be used inside or outdoors . And of course , you can customize the indoor experience so that you can play virtual versions of 43,000 + courses . It ’ s lightweight , comes with a carrying case and runs up to four hours per battery charge . $ 5,000 ; garmin . com
vsga . org JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2025 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 39