Player's Irons

CLUBS LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

: CALLAWAY X-20 TOUR; STREET PRICE: $800 (set of eight, steel)
WEBSITE: callawaygolf.com
LOFTS
6-iron: 30, PW: 46

TECH STORY
Callaway used feedback from its tour staff when deciding on the heel design (which helps reduce turf drag in the rough). A longer hosel helps move the center of gravity inward for better trajectory control. This version has a shorter blade-length than the X-20. Its minimal offset, narrow, beveled sole and chamfered top line appeal to better players.

PLAYER COMMENTS
"This is an operating tool that you can use to surgically tear apart the course. . . . If I had to play in a three-club tournament, this 6-iron would be one of them. . . . A super club for the low-handicapper who doesn't want to spend a lot of time practicing."

HOT
This sleeker version of the X-20 offers plenty of forgiveness and three versions of Royal Precision's Project X Flighted shafts (5.5, 6.0 and 6.5) standard. You know when people tell you to trust your swing? It's easier to do so when you're swinging these.

NOT
It's a little too bulky to be a true player's iron.

: CLEVELAND CG RED; STREET PRICE: $700
WEBSITE: clevelandgolf.com
LOFTS
6-iron: 30.5, PW: 46

TECH STORY
The red "gelback" insert is slightly more firm than the gold version to appeal to the accomplished player who wants a soft feel on well-struck shots but requires more feedback on off-center hits. The microcavity technology saves 10 grams of weight, which was moved lower to improve the CG location.

PLAYER COMMENTS
"The dampened feel is a winner. . . . It's a very workable club. You can keep your shots down when you try to. . . . This is a set that middle- to low-handicappers should love. A little meat down there, but not too much to be offensive."

HOT
When our panelists talk about a dispersion pattern so tight you could drop a napkin over the balls, we tend to take notice. Cleveland has produced a visually appealing player's club that you don't need to be a Ben Hogan wannabe to use. Don't let the price fool you. There is a ton of technology here.

NOT
Would it kill them to offer a shaft lighter than 127 grams as a standard option?

: MIZUNO MP-57; STREET PRICE: $850
WEBSITE: mizunousa.com
LOFTS
6-iron: 31, PW: 47

TECH STORY
A full cavity provides a larger sweet spot, and 1025E carbon steel is used for the clubhead to create a soft feel. The rolled leading and trailing edges along with a cambered mid-sole are designed to make the club more playable from different lies. A grain-flow forging process helps consistency throughout the set.

PLAYER COMMENTS
"These traditional clubs look great and have a syrupy feel. Anyone with an eye for pretty golf clubs will gravitate toward these. . . . They don't have the knife-like top line of other Mizunos, which is a plus. . . . I could definitely put these in my bag. In fact, I might."

HOT
Bravo! The MP-67 was too much of a blade to be helpful, but this club -- Mizuno's deepest full-cavity MP iron -- gets it done while maintaining a player's look. The "cut-muscle" in the cavity is an innovation that we're happy to see continued.

NOT
Project X 6.0 shaft would be a better choice as a standard option than the 5.5.

* Category Leader

: TAYLORMADE r7 TP; STREET PRICE: $800
WEBSITE: taylormadegolf.com
LOFTS
6-iron: 31, PW: 47

TECH STORY
The minimal offset and a flatter-than-standard lie angle give players the ability to use their hands in working the ball. A tour-inspired sole design has a ground leading edge and a softened trailing edge to prevent digging. The SelectFit system provides several shaft options.

PLAYER COMMENTS
"This iron is the whole package: long, high and workable in every direction. . . . I hit it a mile in the air, and it came down like it had a parachute attached. But you can hit the frozen ropes if you need to, too. . . . You want to love this because it looks so sweet -- and you will."

HOT
No one does a better job of concealing the technology in a club than TaylorMade, and the r7 TP is no exception. From inverted-cone technology to the higher CG provided by the shallow cavity, this club should be on anyone's short list to try.

NOT
The RE*AX TP graphite shaft is more than a bit beefy at 115 grams.