Super Game Improvement Irons

*category leader

: MIZUNO MX-100; STREET PRICE: $700
WEBSITE: mizunousa.com
LOFTS: 6-iron: 29, PW: 45

TECH TALK: The hybrids are designed with a drop-down crown that allows them to be bent for loft and lie-angle adjustments. Like the MX-200, the Y-Tune bar pushes weight to the toe to help mis-hits, and the Exsar graphite shaft comes in regular (65-gram) and light (60-gram) versions. For those seeking custom-shaft options, Mizuno offers 48.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (H) "This set makes a perfect transition from hybrids to irons. Are the hybrid shafts shorter than normal?" . . . (M) "What you get is a repeatable ball flight with no crazy jumps." . . . (M) "This club is in the wrong category -- and I mean that as a compliment. It has the feel of a player's blade."

HOT: Mizuno gets major kudos for starting the set with 4- and 5-hybrids that use 4- and 5-iron-length shafts, respectively. We'd like to see more companies follow.

NOT: A lightweight steel shaft would be nice.

: NIKE SLINGSHOT HL; STREET PRICE: $700
WEBSITE: nikegolf.com
LOFTS: 6-iron: 30, PW: 45

TECH TALK: The set has three hybrids (3, 4 and 5) and "slingback" game-improvement irons that feature more offset in the middle irons than in the short irons. The middle irons have an elongated face to increase MOI. This helps improve ball speed on mis-hits. Nike worked with shaftmaker UST on a proprietary graphite-shaft option.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (H) "These irons get up so high they might need a parachute for landing." . . . (M) "Cool-looking and contemporary. Center hits feel soft; I wasn't expecting that." . . . (M) "Provides a confident feel at address."

HOT: The sole design is a hallmark of Nike irons, and that attention to detail shows -- not only in the variable width sole of the 6-iron through pitching wedge, but in the functional keel-sole design of the hybrids that cuts through lettuce-like rough.

NOT: High-handicappers might hit a few worm burners with the 19-degree 3-hybrid.

: TAYLORMADE BURNER PLUS; STREET PRICE: $800
WEBSITE: tayormadegolf.com
LOFTS: 6-iron: 28, PW: 45

TECH TALK: The oversize head has generous offset and a wide sole to help the strong-lofted irons get the ball airborne. A thin (2.4 millimeter) clubface combines with the company's inverted-cone technology to optimize ball speed on off-center hits. A longer, lightweight shaft is designed to further enhance distance. The CG is positioned to promote launch and spin (as much as 300 revolutions per minute). This allows the lofts to be strengthened by 1 degree.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (H) "They pretty much have it all: good distance, solid impact, no slice and great feel." . . . (M) "Whoa! Absolutely no need to lay up with these irons in the bag."

HOT: The large clubhead and thick topline help create a "can't miss" confidence. And for players who aren't able to hit a 3- or 4-iron, there's an option to grab a pair of Burner Rescue clubs for an extra $100.

NOT: Burner Rescues should be standard.