Do you want your new clubs single-use or multi-purpose? For example, are you partial to a driver that's big and forgiving or one that allows you to tweak an array of settings? Do you want irons designed to launch it high and far, or do you want a compact head that lets you control trajectory? Even in wedges, you can choose between larger heads with wider soles and limited lofts or models that offer multiple lofts, sole designs and bounce configurations. Knowing what you want from your wedges, irons and driver is the first step toward knowing what kinds of clubs should be in your bag.
WEDGES
CLEVELAND RTX-3 BLADE
A revamped hosel shifts weight toward the toe. That moves the sweet spot in line with the center of gravity for better consistency across its 18 lofts and three sole grinds. PRICE: $130
WEDGES
CLEVELAND RTX-3 CB
There's only one sole grind and fewer lofts (16) than the RTX-3 Blade, but it adds forgiveness with a larger size and a vibration-damping insert in the back cavity. PRICE: $130
WEDGES
MIZUNO JPX-900
There are just three lofts, but you don't need more. Plus, you get a large, forgiving size and sole, a milled face, loft-specific grooves and a soft stainless steel for better feel. PRICE: $100
WEDGES
MIZUNO T7
Infusing forged carbon steel with ultra-strong boron makes the grooves more precise and durable. The grooves, soles and shapes change as the loft changes. PRICE: $150
IRONS
CALLAWAY STEELHEAD XR
The name's a throwback, but the horsepower is all new. That includes a wraparound face for better flexing. Specialized internal weighting keys the ideal shot trajectory for each iron. PRICE: $800
IRONS
MIZUNO JPX-900
A steel alloy found in solar cars is used to construct a thin face and clubhead walls. The result is that shots tend to launch high with distance and a steep landing angle. PRICE: $900
IRONS
SRIXON Z 765
The head is compact, but it's still forgiving thanks to perimeter weighting, a low tungsten weight in the long and middle irons and a reshaped sole for smoother turf interaction. PRICE: $1,100
IRONS
WILSON FG TOUR V6
Blocks of tungsten are fused selectively in the sole of this better-players set: spread to the heel and toe for more stable long irons; centered in the middle irons for easier launch. PRICE: $1,000
DRIVERS
CALLAWAY BIG BERTHA FUSION
Two kinds of lightweight carbon composite are fused in the crown. The materials and oversize shape stabilize the head on mis-hits high and low and on the heel and toe. PRICE: $400
DRIVERS
MIZUNO JPX-900
Two sole weights can move between a center track and heel and toe spots to dial in shots high and low as well as left and right. The larger shape means it's also more stable on mis-hits. PRICE: $500
DRIVERS
SRIXON Z 565
There's a high launch and slight draw to this maxed-out-size head. Plus, off-center hits get back some zip thanks to a face that wraps into the crown and a stepped sole. PRICE: $450
DRIVERS
TITLEIST 917D3
Familiar are the adjustable hosel that tweaks loft and lie angles and the sole channel that helps the face flex more. New is an adjustable sole weight to control direction and spin. PRICE: $500
DRIVERS
TOUR EDGE EXOTICS XJ1
The driver is lighter than most because of a thin Kevlar crown piece and a titanium alloy in the body. Tungsten weights in the sole help produce high-launching shots. PRICE: $700
