CALLAWAY // Paradym Ai Smoke MAX
What may wow you most about hitting Callaway ’ s Paradym Ai Smoke MAX driver is the solid sound and feel it generates . It ’ s all due to a carefully designed internal structure , but the construction is even more about performance , of course . And in this case the smart face technology includes micro deflections that are activated upon impact , to help optimize launch and spin on off-center shots . The result ? You ’ ll think the sweet spot is not just in the center , but rather all over the clubface . The 360-degree , lightweight Carbon Chassis has been refined to promote more weight distribution . That in turn helps to enhance both launch conditions and forgiveness . $ 600 , callawaygolf . com
WILSON // Staff Model Blades
The latest Wilson Staff Model Blades ($ 1,400 / set of 4-PW ) blend those timeless looks with modern technology . It ’ s geared toward elite players wanting to dial in their long and short-iron preferences . Precision milling on the clubface allows for longer ball-to-face contact , which yields more consistent spin and extra stopping power . The Fluid Feel Hosel , adapted from the classic Dyna-Powered irons , was refined to eliminate unused weight within the hosel and redistribute it toward the toe for an expanded impact area . This weight shift toward the toe also allows you to hold the face open and provides forgiveness while maintaining control . It eliminates low , left shots . The irons are made with ultra-soft forged 8620 carbon steel , which provides workability and instant feedback . $ 1,400 / set of 4-PW , wilson . com
COBRA // DARKSPEED
Cobra ’ s hollow-body DARKSPEED irons aim to give you speed , distance and soft feel . They contain feel-and-sound-enhancing foam microspheres inside , along with a thin and responsive clubhead structure that unlocks more face flexion for extra ball speed and distance . “ We have upped the ante for out-of-this-world speed and even better feel ,” says Tom Olsavsky , Cobra ’ s vice president of club research and development . “ This truly is one of the best feeling irons .” An L-Cup construction also boasts an improved AI-designed clubface that makes it fast and efficient while showcasing an optimized variable thickness pattern that results in a large sweet spot for speed on both center and off-center hits . $ 999- $ 1,099 / set , depending on shaft , cobragolf . com
BRIDGESTONE // TOUR B
Bridgestone has modified its popular TOUR B ball family for 2024 . The four models each feature the new REACTIV X System that combines a smart urethane cover with a dense XCLRNT mid-layer , the latter acting as a backboard at impact to create extra backspin around the greens . As a side note , Tiger Woods helped develop these balls , paying particular attention to the TOUR B X , which he switched to from the XS model after two decades , as he was seeking more tee-shot distance . The company offers an online ball fitting tool at its website , to help you figure out which model best suits your game . $ 50 / dozen , bridgestonegolf . com
vsga . org M ARCH / A PRIL 2024 | V IRGINIA G OLFER
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