__DRIVERS: Bobby Jones Workshop $400__The distinctive triangular geometry boosts gear effect on shots hit marginally off center. The Russian beta-titanium used for the face produces a distinctively crisp sound and feel in a mostly composite driver.__DRIVERS: Bobby Jones Workshop $400__The distinctive triangular geometry boosts gear effect on shots hit marginally off center. The Russian beta-titanium used for the face produces a distinctively crisp sound and feel in a mostly composite driver.
__DRIVERS: Callaway FT-9 $400__This driver is a significant upgrade from its FT-5 predecessor. Among the improvements: a carbon-composite clubhead that is 7 percent larger front to back and a CG that is 18 percent lower (thanks to the use of a half-dozen materials to save weight).__DRIVERS: Callaway FT-9 $400__This driver is a significant upgrade from its FT-5 predecessor. Among the improvements: a carbon-composite clubhead that is 7 percent larger front to back and a CG that is 18 percent lower (thanks to the use of a half-dozen materials to save weight).
__DRIVERS: Nike SQ Dymo/Dymo2 STR8-Fit $450__One of the most intriguing uses of adjustability to date, the STR8-Fit system allows for face angle to be altered anywhere from 2 degrees open to 2 degrees closed, while lie angle can be modified by 2 degrees up or down.__DRIVERS: Nike SQ Dymo/Dymo2 STR8-Fit $450__One of the most intriguing uses of adjustability to date, the STR8-Fit system allows for face angle to be altered anywhere from 2 degrees open to 2 degrees closed, while lie angle can be modified by 2 degrees up or down.
__DRIVERS: Titleist 909D2/D3 $400__Titleist's recent driver lines have provided more than one option for players, and the 909 continues that trend. The D2 is a 460cc club with a deeper CG than the D3, which features a smaller (440cc) head and a more forward CG to promote greater workability.__DRIVERS: Titleist 909D2/D3 $400__Titleist's recent driver lines have provided more than one option for players, and the 909 continues that trend. The D2 is a 460cc club with a deeper CG than the D3, which features a smaller (440cc) head and a more forward CG to promote greater workability.
__FAIRWAY WOODS: Cobra S9-1 $180__Faster swingers may gravitate to the Pro model while more moderate swing speeds should look at the F- and M-Speed options, both available in standard and offset (for those seeking help in getting the ball airborne).__FAIRWAY WOODS: Cobra S9-1 $180__Faster swingers may gravitate to the Pro model while more moderate swing speeds should look at the F- and M-Speed options, both available in standard and offset (for those seeking help in getting the ball airborne).
__FAIRWAY WOODS: Nickent 3DX RC $150__The 3DX RC boasts the highest moment of inertia (3,500-plus) of any Nickent fairway wood. The club's triangular shape combines with a heavy tungsten weight plug to promote squaring the face at impact.__FAIRWAY WOODS: Nickent 3DX RC $150__The 3DX RC boasts the highest moment of inertia (3,500-plus) of any Nickent fairway wood. The club's triangular shape combines with a heavy tungsten weight plug to promote squaring the face at impact.
__FAIRWAY WOODS: Exotics XCG-V $370__A club with this steep a price tag needs to come with loads of technology-and it does, starting with a titanium hosel that saves 30 grams. Additional savings come from a lightweight titanium cupface and crown. This allows 60 percent of the club's total weight to be used in a high-density steel soleplate, thus boosting MOI and launch conditions.__FAIRWAY WOODS: Exotics XCG-V $370__A club with this steep a price tag needs to come with loads of technology-and it does, starting with a titanium hosel that saves 30 grams. Additional savings come from a lightweight titanium cupface and crown. This allows 60 percent of the club's total weight to be used in a high-density steel soleplate, thus boosting MOI and launch conditions.
__HYBRIDS: Adams Idea Tech a4 $170__Intended for the low- to mid-handicapper and available in four lofts between 17 and 26 degrees, the Tech a4 combines the narrow sole and limited offset of a player's club with the high-MOI (for stability) square shape of a game-improvement club.__HYBRIDS: Adams Idea Tech a4 $170__Intended for the low- to mid-handicapper and available in four lofts between 17 and 26 degrees, the Tech a4 combines the narrow sole and limited offset of a player's club with the high-MOI (for stability) square shape of a game-improvement club.
__HYBRIDS: Nickent 5DX $195__Two weighted wings on the back of the clubhead give the 5DX an MOI of 3130-extremely high for a hybrid. A manufacturer-adjustable weight plug in the sole allows for the customization of swing weight. Available in nine lofts ranging from 14 to 26 degrees.__HYBRIDS: Nickent 5DX $195__Two weighted wings on the back of the clubhead give the 5DX an MOI of 3130-extremely high for a hybrid. A manufacturer-adjustable weight plug in the sole allows for the customization of swing weight. Available in nine lofts ranging from 14 to 26 degrees.
__IRONS: Cleveland CG7 $600__More moment of inertia and a CG that is 10 percent deeper are improvements over last year's CG Gold iron. Also noteworthy are the microcavities (which decrease in size as you go from long irons to short irons) that allow for a draw bias on the longer irons.__IRONS: Cleveland CG7 $600__More moment of inertia and a CG that is 10 percent deeper are improvements over last year's CG Gold iron. Also noteworthy are the microcavities (which decrease in size as you go from long irons to short irons) that allow for a draw bias on the longer irons.
__IRONS: Mizuno MX-200 $700__A well-thought-out game-improvement set by a company known more for its better-player clubs. The MX-200 utilizes a deep, milled pocket that creates a lower, deeper CG for a high launch and the "Y-Tune" bar in the cavity moves weight to the toe to help on mis-hits.__IRONS: Mizuno MX-200 $700__A well-thought-out game-improvement set by a company known more for its better-player clubs. The MX-200 utilizes a deep, milled pocket that creates a lower, deeper CG for a high launch and the "Y-Tune" bar in the cavity moves weight to the toe to help on mis-hits.
__IRONS: TaylorMade Burner '09 $700__As with the driver of the same name, this iron has slightly longer, lighter shafts as well as a lighter grip to reduce overall club weight to promote a faster swing speed. The club also uses TaylorMade's inverted-cone face technology to enhance ball speed on mis-hits.__IRONS: TaylorMade Burner '09 $700__As with the driver of the same name, this iron has slightly longer, lighter shafts as well as a lighter grip to reduce overall club weight to promote a faster swing speed. The club also uses TaylorMade's inverted-cone face technology to enhance ball speed on mis-hits.
__IRONS: Wilson Di9 $550__The company concentrated its efforts on the area from the center to the toe, as its research showed a high majority of the hits take place in that spot. The result: a wide-tip shaft and longer hosel weight that moves weight to the toe area where it is needed (graphite).__IRONS: Wilson Di9 $550__The company concentrated its efforts on the area from the center to the toe, as its research showed a high majority of the hits take place in that spot. The result: a wide-tip shaft and longer hosel weight that moves weight to the toe area where it is needed (graphite).
__WEDGES: Bobby Jones Pelz Wedge $150__Looking to attack the issue of groove- edge durability, the wedge features a separate face insert made of wear- resistant, Carpenter 440XH steel. The insert is backed by a 3M-developed bonding membrane to enhance feel.__WEDGES: Bobby Jones Pelz Wedge $150__Looking to attack the issue of groove- edge durability, the wedge features a separate face insert made of wear- resistant, Carpenter 440XH steel. The insert is backed by a 3M-developed bonding membrane to enhance feel.
__WEDGES: Scratch $150__With five different grinds (JLM, SND, EGG, PDG, SFU, TNC) and an exclusive online fitting tool to match three types of wedge swings, it's easy to say Scratch is all about fitting-but don't overlook the sleek technology in its 1018 carbon steel (the softest in the industry) and precise six-step forging process.__WEDGES: Scratch $150__With five different grinds (JLM, SND, EGG, PDG, SFU, TNC) and an exclusive online fitting tool to match three types of wedge swings, it's easy to say Scratch is all about fitting-but don't overlook the sleek technology in its 1018 carbon steel (the softest in the industry) and precise six-step forging process.
__PUTTERS: Heavy Putter Mid-Weight K4 $170__The company known for its hefty putters took off some of the tonnage in its Mid-Weight Series, designing putters at 750 grams instead of previous Heavy models at more than 1,000 grams. The K4 is a classic toe-droop style blade with a half-shaft offset, a design favored by those who rotate the putter through impact.__PUTTERS: Heavy Putter Mid-Weight K4 $170__The company known for its hefty putters took off some of the tonnage in its Mid-Weight Series, designing putters at 750 grams instead of previous Heavy models at more than 1,000 grams. The K4 is a classic toe-droop style blade with a half-shaft offset, a design favored by those who rotate the putter through impact.
__PUTTERS: Odyssey White Hot XG Teron $170__At 5,750, this model claims the highest MOI of any mallet in the Odyssey putter line. Other prominent features are the "hi-def" alignment bars borrowed from the Marxman and a soft, textured elastomer-backed insert.__PUTTERS: Odyssey White Hot XG Teron $170__At 5,750, this model claims the highest MOI of any mallet in the Odyssey putter line. Other prominent features are the "hi-def" alignment bars borrowed from the Marxman and a soft, textured elastomer-backed insert.
__PUTTERS: Ping iWi Anser $170__Triangular ports in the heel and toe permit customizing the total weight and toe-hang nine different ways if you buy the optional wrench kit ($70) with 20- and 28-gram weights. The same self-fitting technology also is available in the iWi Craz-E and ½ Craz-E.__PUTTERS: Ping iWi Anser $170__Triangular ports in the heel and toe permit customizing the total weight and toe-hang nine different ways if you buy the optional wrench kit ($70) with 20- and 28-gram weights. The same self-fitting technology also is available in the iWi Craz-E and ½ Craz-E.
__PUTTERS: TaylorMade Itsy Bitsy Spider $200__This scaled-down version of the first Spider still boasts a beefy MOI of 5,500. Two rear-weight cartridges, which allow for customization, have been pulled inward to simplify the aesthetics. The Rossa AGSI+ face insert has 14 polymer-filled grooves to assist forward roll.__PUTTERS: TaylorMade Itsy Bitsy Spider $200__This scaled-down version of the first Spider still boasts a beefy MOI of 5,500. Two rear-weight cartridges, which allow for customization, have been pulled inward to simplify the aesthetics. The Rossa AGSI+ face insert has 14 polymer-filled grooves to assist forward roll.
__PUTTERS: Titleist Cameron Fastback $300__Part of the Newport line, this rounded flange mid-mallet is forged from 303 stainless steel. The top line curves slightly up from heel to toe to discourage lifting the toe and aiming left.__PUTTERS: Titleist Cameron Fastback $300__Part of the Newport line, this rounded flange mid-mallet is forged from 303 stainless steel. The top line curves slightly up from heel to toe to discourage lifting the toe and aiming left.
__SHAFTS: Grafalloy ProLaunch Axis $150__Available in two models: The 63-gram Red version promotes a flatter trajectory while the sub-60-gram Blue (shown) is for players seeking a higher launch.__SHAFTS: Grafalloy ProLaunch Axis $150__Available in two models: The 63-gram Red version promotes a flatter trajectory while the sub-60-gram Blue (shown) is for players seeking a higher launch.
__SHAFTS: Mitsubishi Fubuki $300__High-modulus fibers work in concert with other fibers in and above the tip section to produce a more consistent launch angle with reduced spin.__SHAFTS: Mitsubishi Fubuki $300__High-modulus fibers work in concert with other fibers in and above the tip section to produce a more consistent launch angle with reduced spin.
__BALLS: Bridgestone B330-RX $43/doz.__The theory from Bridgestone is that sub-100 mph swingers aren't getting the most from tour-level multilayer urethane-cover balls. The answer is the B330-RX's lower-compression core, designed to optimize distance for slower speeds but not give up the feel and spin of the tour ball's urethane cover.__BALLS: Bridgestone B330-RX $43/doz.__The theory from Bridgestone is that sub-100 mph swingers aren't getting the most from tour-level multilayer urethane-cover balls. The answer is the B330-RX's lower-compression core, designed to optimize distance for slower speeds but not give up the feel and spin of the tour ball's urethane cover.
__BALLS: Nike One Tour $45__The urethane-covered, four-piece design incorporates a polymer mantle for improving speed and an inner cover to enhance feel. The three-piece Tour D utilizes a similar mantle but is designed for players with a steep angle of attack.__BALLS: Nike One Tour $45__The urethane-covered, four-piece design incorporates a polymer mantle for improving speed and an inner cover to enhance feel. The three-piece Tour D utilizes a similar mantle but is designed for players with a steep angle of attack.
