Equipment
Irons that
Adams Golf
Blue line irons
SHINE
New technologies enhance performance,
giving golfers a variety of choices to fit and
improve their game | by SCOTT KRAMER
GOLFERS TEND TO UPGRADE THEIR IRONS every five
to 10 years, on average. But the latest models may well have you buck
that traditional timeline. With plenty of feel and forgiveness, recent
introductions offer a potential upgrade for every caliber of player.
ADAMS GOLF Blue line irons
CLEVELAND GOLF
CG Black CB irons
If you like working the ball, but also prefer some
forgiveness on off-center shots, then Cleveland Golf’s
CG Black CB irons may be the perfect fit. These cavity
backs were primarily designed for better golfers with swing
speeds between 85 and 105 mph. The long and mid-irons
use a thin, high-strength steel face that creates a large
area of maximum ball speed output. Moreover, the design
of the clubface allows for more perimeter weighting to
ultimately boost consistency, forgiveness and distance.
The impact sound and feel is satisfyingly solid, offering
the kind of feedback better players seek. Sporting a
rich-looking, all-black finish, the effect reduces glare and
makes for one of the company’s most eye-catching irons
to date ($799 for graphite shafts and $699 for steel shafts;
clevelandgolf.com).
Adams Golf has long been a leader in the hybrid market. Over
the past few years, the company’s irons have impressed as well.
Its latest introduction of irons, coined the Blue line, are sold as
a combination set that includes a 3- and 4-hybrid plus a 5-iron
through pitching wedge. Like the brand’s hybrids, the irons are
designed to help shots get airborne with ease and consistency.
The clubs feature an Easy Launch System that’s comprised of
Velocity Slot Technology on the sole. The design promotes a high,
draw-biased ball flight and helps the entire clubface flex at impact
for distance and accuracy. A low-back center of gravity allows for
a higher launch angle, more spin and plenty of carry. A slight offset
benefits players who want to move the ball from right to left ($799
for graphite shafts and $699 for steel shafts; adamsgolf.com).
Cleveland Golf CG
Black CB irons
Callaway’s two new iron models are both designed to generate
ball speed. The XR is touted as a high-speed and cup-faced cavity
back iron. The irons adapt Callaway’s fairway wood 360 Face Cup
Technology, which springs on shots hit low on the club to increase
ball speed across the entire face for distance. A forgiving iron that
features a low center of gravity and high moment of inertia, the XR
will appeal to most golfers. Better players may want to consider the
XR Pro, which sports the Cup 360 face and lower center of gravity
complemented by a compact clubhead with a thin topline and narrow
sole width. It’s an aesthetically pleasing player’s iron (XR irons: $799$999, depending on the shaft; XR Pro irons: $899-$999, depending
callawaygolf.com).
on the shaft; callawaygolf.com
Callaway Golf
XR irons
36
Callaway Golf XR
Pro irons
PHOTOS BY THE MANUFACTURERS (16)
CALLAWAY GOLF
XR and XR Pro irons
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