HOT LIST 2007: SUPER GAME-IMPROVEMENT IRONS

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CALLAWAY FUSION WIDE SOLE: street price: $1,300.; specs: 6-iron: 29 degrees; PW: 46.; key technology: The titanium body is about a third lighter than a similar stainless-steel frame. Its wide sole has a weight to lower the CG. A thermoplastic-urethane insert helps feel.; panelist comments: "Might be the easiest club I've hit so far. It inspires confidence at address. . . . I hit the 3-iron as high as my normal 6-iron. . . . The black insert on the back looks like a scab, but the only itch you'll have is to hit these again."; judge's verdict: The size of the club takes some getting used to, but you'll like the results.; hot: A 3-iron you can actually hit off the ground. How cool is that?; Not: Would prefer a standard steel-shaft flex option other than Uniflex.; Nippon steel shaft perfect for slower swings.; callawaygolf.com

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MIZUNO MX-19: STREET price: $650.; specs: 30 degrees; PW: 46.; key technology: A generous pocket cavity in the long irons (4-iron through 6-iron) allows weight to be moved down and away from the clubface to help launch the ball higher.; panelist comments: "Some clubs in this category look cheap, but this one looks professional. The ball came off with speed. . . . A little square at address, but I couldn't miss it."; judge's verdict: Exudes muscle at address—a plus in super game-improvement irons. Known for its better-player irons, Mizuno has done a nice job for the high-handicapper.; hot: Ditching the 3-iron is a good move.; Not: We miss the forged feel we've come to expect from Mizuno irons.; Only R and S shaft options in steel a bit miserly.; mizunousa.com

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PING RAPTURE: STREET price: $1,200.; specs: 6-iron: 30.5 degrees; PW: 46; key technology: Titanium in the face allows 25 grams to be used in a tungsten toe weight for a higher MOI. A lightweight graphite shaft designed for the Rapture line helps improve clubhead speed and stability.; panelist comments: "You can really see that toe out there, but this club is functional. It has a nice swing to it, and the ball really flies out there."; judge's verdict: It's not as smooth at address as other Ping irons, but that's a minor distraction. Rapture means to be carried away in a state of joy. It's an apt description for this club.; hot: Light swingweights are perfect for slow swingers.; Not: Do you really need a titanium face in your short irons?; The color-coded fitting system has a lot of options.; pinggolf.com

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TAYLORMADE r7 CGB MAX: STREET price: $1,300.; SPECS: 6-iron: 26 degrees; PW: 44.; KEY TECHNOLOGY: The ultra-thin steel clubface with inverted-cone technology is designed to increase ball speed. Weight saved from the hollow top line (17 grams) is used in the form of tungsten weights in the back flange for forgiveness.; PANELIST COMMENTS: "A clean look for a super game-improvement club. . . . Terrific shots with a lot of height. Soft at impact with plenty of power."; JUDGE'S VERDICT: There's a lot of technology, and it should appeal to a lot of players. High-handicappers could benefit from a slightly wider sole.; HOT: Largest clubface of any TaylorMade iron.; NOT: Good luck getting the strong (21-degree) 4-iron to hold the green.; Might need to take out a 401k loan to pay for these.; taylormadegolf.com

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TOUR EDGE BAZOOKA JMAX QL: STREET PRICE: $450.; SPECS: 6-iron: 30 degrees; PW: 46.; KEY TECHNOLOGY: More than 40 percent of the clubhead's weight has been moved to the outer edges of the club. A wide sole and a low-profile face help lower the CG.; PANELIST COMMNETS: "The amount of mass behind the face makes me feel like I'm going to make solid contact every time. . . . The amount of offset is ideal."; JUDGE'S VERDICT: The mix-and-match sets are perfect for players in this category. How could you not like a set of irons that costs less than a single monthly car payment?; HOT: The five standard shaft-flex options are a nice touch.; NOT: The extra-wide, extra-heavy soles on the short irons aren't.; Buying these will allow you to pay back that 401k loan.; touredge.com

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WILSON Di7: STREET PRICE: $550.; SPECS: 6-iron: 28.5 degrees; PW: 43.; KEY TECHNOLOGY: The wide-sole, deep-cavity design gains stability from a .500-tip graphite shaft made by UST. A thick rear flange pulls weight away from the clubface.; PANELIST COMMENTS: "You'll want to put the umbrella up because you'll hit shots high enough to bring rain. . . . Love the thin top line, and the fatter shaft helps hide the offset."; JUDGE'S VERDICT: We're happy to see the Fat Shaft (even though Wilson isn't calling it that) back because it provides high-handicappers with a larger margin for error. But what took so long?; HOT: A thin top line and a low blade height provide a sleek look.; NOT: Wish the wide shaft felt a little less "boardy."; Elastomer coating produces a soft feel and sweet sound.; wilsongolf.com