IRONS: Game-Improvement

: ADAMS IDEA TECH A4; STREET PRICE: $800 (set of 8, steel)
WEBSITE: adamsgolf.com
LOFTS: 6-iron: 29 degrees, PW: 45 degrees

TECH TALK: This is a combination set that includes a pair of hybrids. The six forged irons are made from a soft 8620 carbon steel and feature a stabilizer bar designed to provide feedback at impact and improve feel. The cavity-back design pushes weight to the perimeter for forgiveness. A four-way tour-cambered sole reduces turf interaction for more consistent results.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (M) "Now this is a good idea! Loved being able to pick up some extra distance with the hybrids." . . . (T) "I like the hybrid-to-iron progression." . . . (T) "Crisp impact with the irons that any player could appreciate."

HOT: The hybrids, with Boxer technology that increases moment of inertia (MOI) and a Mitsubishi Javln FX shaft, make this a set to consider. Reducing the number of hybrids from three to two is a plus in this category.

NOT: No matter how good, square hybrids look wrong in the minds of some.

* Category Leader

: CALLAWAY X-22; STREET PRICE: $700
WEBSITE: callawaygolf.com
LOFTS: 6-iron: 30, PW: 45

TECH TALK: The sixth iteration of this cast club incorporates several hallmarks of previous X-series irons, such as a variable-thickness face and a 360-degree undercut channel that aids in the location of the center of gravity (CG). The Tru-Bore hosel has a polycarbonate tip for vibration control.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (M) "I could hit these blindfolded. Sign me up right now." . . . (M) "I was smoking the 3-iron. I can't remember the last time I was able to do that.". . . (T) "You can get forgiveness on just about every shot. That's cool." . . . (T) "Doesn't dig, yet doesn't look boxy -- a rare combination."

HOT: The cavity gel enhances this classic design and improves the feel, something that any caliber player can appreciate. The "standard" and "low" bounce options are distinct and easily understood.

NOT: There are three stock shaft-flex choices in graphite, but just one (UniFlex) in steel. Excuse me?

: MIZUNO MX-200; STREET PRICE: $700
WEBSITE: mizunousa.com
LOFTS: 6-iron: 29, PW: 45

TECH TALK: An external power bar and an inner Y-shape cavity pad extend the sweet spot toward the toe to deliver forgiveness on mis-hits. A slightly larger clubhead (than its MX-25 predecessor) and a deep, milled pocket cavity help launch the ball high.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (M) "I'm very impressed with the whole set. It's the ultimate point-and-shoot club." . . . (L) "The traditional look hides the game-improvement features nicely, and it has a blade feel on center strikes." . . . (T) "The softest feel in a game-improvement iron."

HOT: When it comes to forgings, few (if any) do it better than Mizuno, and that extends from its player's irons to this game-improvement set. The aggressive, triple-cut sole is a cool feature for those middle-handicappers who like to work the ball.

NOT: The big, honkin' sole on the long irons is a bit scary to look at.