Player's Irons

: CALLAWAY X-FORGED; STREET PRICE: $900
WEBSITE: callawaygolf.com
LOFTS: 6-iron: 31, PW: 47

TECH TALK: The short blade length and minimal offset appeal to the traditionalist, even if they are un-Callaway like. The CG is lower in the long irons and moves progressively -- but subtly -- higher through the set to create the proper ball flight with each club.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (L) "Love the old-school look." . . . (T) "You've got to be on your game to use these. A beautiful set, but definitely not for the weekend warrior." . . . (T) "A terrific player's iron for a company long associated with game improvement."

HOT: It has the thinnest topline, narrowest sole, least offset and shortest blade length of any Callaway iron. This should appeal to those turned off by the more game-improvement X-22 Tour. Ernie Els and Annika Sorenstam used these irons during wins in 2008.

NOT: Ernie and Annika can hit these. But new endorser Justin Timberlake, like most 6-handicappers, would struggle.

: PING S57; STREET PRICE: $900
WEBSITE: pinggolf.com
LOFTS: 6-iron: 30.5, PW: 47

TECH TALK: The dense tungsten toe weight, longer hosel and small cavity are designed to increase MOI for forgiveness. The dual-stabilizing bars in the cavity and urethane insert help improve feel. Ping's Web-Fit system will make sure you're correctly matched to one of the company's 12 color codes.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (L) "This club produces shots with a nice, climbing trajectory." . . . (L) "Quite workable. Everything you would want in a player's iron." . . . (T) "Good, sharp feel coming off the head. Not the softest feel, but it's still a nice club."

HOT: This is a stellar upgrade from the S58 and S59 offerings, both in technology and appearance. With this clean-looking club and its game-improvement features, Ping continues to add the form to the function it has long been known for.

NOT: The cast feel remains noticeable in a mostly forged field.