Super Game Improvement Irons

: PING RAPTURE V2; STREET PRICE: $1,200
WEBSITE: pinggolf.com
LOFTS: 6-iron: 29, PW: 45

TECH TALK: A technological treat made of multiple materials (a tungsten weight in the sole, a titanium face and a stainless-steel body) that place weight where it's most needed. A tuning port is designed to help stabilize the titanium face for improved feel and consistency.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (H) "They make you feel and play like a big boy. Are the lofts jacked up on these?" . . . (M) "Just effortless distance." . . . (M) "You can't really see any of the crazy stuff, and that's good. The topline is a bit thick, but that's about it." . . . (H) "Dynamite clubs. A great impact experience every time."

HOT: The ascending-weight shaft system (with lighter shafts in the long irons and heavier shafts in the short irons) shows smarts, but what really rocks is Ping's online Web-Fit program. For do-it-yourself fitting, this is as good as it gets.

NOT: Why even make a 3-iron?

: WILSON DI9; STREET PRICE: $550
WEBSITE: wilson.com
LOFTS: 6-iron: 28.5, PW: 42.5

TECH TALK: After Wilson's research revealed that more than 80 percent of iron strikes are from the center to the toe area, the company turned its focus to helping players with mis-hits on the toe by increasing the hosel length, using wide-tip shaft technology and moving weight to the toe. A wider sole and lower blade height than its predecessor help increase MOI as well.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (H) "A nice, clean look for such a forgiving set." . . . (M) "Even the wide shaft seems to fit nicely with this set." . . . (M) "I think it's safe to say anyone could play with these."

HOT: Padraig Harrington's major wins have given the company some visibility, and golfers would be wise to give this iron a look. The urethane badge offers a syrupy feel for a super game-improvement iron.

NOT: Calling a 42.5-degree club a pitching wedge is misleading. Calling an 18-degree club a 3-iron is dangerous.