Super Game Improvement Irons

CLUBS LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

* Category Leader

: CALLAWAY FT I-BRID; STREET PRICE: $1,300
WEBSITE: callawaygolf.com
LOFTS
6-iron: 28, PW: 44

TECH STORY
Fusion technology allows a lightweight polymer to be used so that weight can be moved to the perimeter of the club and to tunite weighting ports in the sole. The result is a high MOI and a desirable CG location. The irons feature increased offset to help get the ball airborne.

PLAYER COMMENTS
"They feel fabulous at impact: the nicest, softest feel of all the clubs in this category. . . . They are very correcting on mis-hits. This is going to overtake everybody. Callaway has exceeded itself this year. . . . You know where the ball is going without even looking."

HOT
For years Callaway eschewed hybrids completely. Now the company is all in with a hybrid-iron set designed for the super chopper that can be played by almost anyone. It's a substantial upgrade from last year's Fusion Wide Sole.

NOT
You have to win a lot of nassaus to cover the cost of these clubs.

: COBRA UFI; STREET PRICE: $1,000
WEBSITE: cobragolf.com
LOFTS
6-iron: 28, PW: 43

TECH STORY
Multiple materials abound in the UFi. There's a polymer top line, a metal-matrix face insert (a nine-material alloy that is 65-percent lighter than stainless steel), a back-cavity-plate urethane insert and tungsten weights in the heel and toe of the wide sole.

PLAYER COMMENTS
"They had a good super game-improvement club, but this is better. And for a forgiving club it's not loaded with offset, which is nice. . . . Impact is cushioned without feeling mushy. . . . A really great shape. It looks as good as anything I've seen."

HOT
The company claims these are its "most technologically advanced irons to date." It's hard to dispute that. The use of multiple materials is impressive and achieves a club that is easy to launch the ball. Those who believe the Cobra S9 does not offer enough help should take a hard look at this club.

NOT
A 43-degree pitching wedge is pushing the boundaries of decency.

: MIZUNO MX-950; STREET PRICE: $1,000
WEBSITE: mizunousa.com
LOFTS
6-iron: 30, PW: 46

TECH STORY
A pair of wood-like hybrids are followed by three hollow-back hybrid irons that, like the short irons, are forged. Tungsten weights are located low and back in the hollow-back irons to provide consistency. The short irons are made of carbon steel for a soft feel.

PLAYER COMMENTS
"If you don't like this set then you are not smarter than a fifth-grader! . . . These went only so far, but I could make an adjustment to that. . . . The bells and whistles make the club work and are within the range of good taste."

HOT
A great design by a company known more for its better-player irons. It seems just right to have this pair of true hybrids followed by three hollow-back irons. The custom-fitting options that include loft choices make finding the right yardage gap between the 4-hybrid and 5-iron easier. It's a good set for the guy who needs help but insists on playing forged.

NOT
The sole on the short irons might be a touch thin for this category.

: NIKE SQ SUMO² HYBRID / IRON SET; STREET PRICE: $1,000
WEBSITE: nikegolf.com
LOFTS
6-iron: 30, PW: 46

TECH STORY
Nike has been at the forefront of the MOI movement, and this iron set continues that trend. Four hybrids incorporate the company's "powerbow" design that shifts weight to the perimeter for more forgiveness. The cryogenic-steel face is designed to increase ball speed. The polymer insert is to promote better feel.

PLAYER COMMENTS
"The hybrids going so far up in the set is a little much, but there's no doubt they get the ball in the air. . . . Of all the hybrid-iron sets, these gave the best results. The ball really pops off the clubface."

HOT
We applaud Nike for designing the standard set in its super game-improvement line with four hybrids and for beginning at the 4-hybrid and going through the gap wedge. The Mitsubishi Diamana graphite shaft should appeal to many players.

NOT
We really dig the quartet of hybrids, but some players will shy away because of that.