Burner 2.0 irons$700Burner 2.0 ironsWhy They're Hot: Most average golfers won't admit this, but they secretly love distance in their irons. And they'll secretly search for it on the internet like they secretly search for other things on the internet that restore their lost youth. The Burner 2.0 ironis all about playing the game the way you used to or think you should be able to.
Ping
G15 irons$700G15 ironsWhy They're Hot: Ping invented forgiveness in irons and is still perceived that way. The G15 ironsoffered the most forgiveness per dollar in the company's history. One other thing: Ping irons hold their value, so a lot of folks might be looking at used versions of these clubs. The is all about playing the game the way you used to or think you should be able to.
TaylorMade
R11 Driver$400R11 DriverWhy It's Hot: There were rumors that the company had more than a 70 percent market share in metalwoods in some stores early this year, largely because of this club. Visually, and the internet is a visual medium, there is no club that has sparked as much curiosity as the white driver. Let's not forget, the R11 driverwas an Editor's Choice on the 2011 Hot List, too.
Callaway
RAZR X irons$700RAZR X ironsWhy They're Hot: The Callaway X iron line (X-12, -14, -16, -18, -20, -22, -24) frankly had become a little stale. The RAZR Xwas (finally) something new--and we think better-looking, performing and feeling--from a trusted iron company. Maybe those Ernie Els ads ("This thing is just killing it!") resonated, too, along with that Golf Digest Editor's Choice selection.
Callaway
Diablo Octane Driver$300Diablo Octane DriverWhy It's Hot: Sometimes it's all about the Benjamins. Callaway's flagship driver is the RAZR Hawk, which uses a whole bunch of the company's trademark "forged composite" to make a faster driver. But it costs $400. The Diablo Octaneuses some of the same material (only in the crown) and just about all of the same smarts, but it costs $100 less.
TaylorMade
Burner SuperFast 2.0 Driver$300Burner SuperFast 2.0 DriverWhy It's Hot: Built to be long and light, this club delivers distance in spades and costs a hundred bucks less than the R11. Sure, the SuperFast 2.0has fewer technical bells and whistles, but did we mention it's still white? And still long?
Titleist
910D2/D3 Driver$400910D2/D3 DriverWhy It's Hot: The adjustability features in the 910D2 and 910D3clubs break new ground--consider them a fitter's and tinkerer's dream. But the fancy pyrotechnics can't hide the fact that the 910D2 is the first Titleist driver that truly works for less-skilled golfers, while the D3 maintains prom-king status among the sticks.
Ping
G15 Driver$300G15 DriverWhy It's Hot: Another Hot List Editor's Choice (in 2010), the G15 driverhas subtle but effective technology that delivers solid performance for players of all levels without looking like a spaceship. Since Ping products have a longer shelf life than most, golfers see a club like this as a smart investment.
Callaway
Diablo Edge irons$800Diablo Edge ironsWhy They're Hot: They're arguably the most forgiving irons Callaway has ever made, and they come with up to four long, easy-hitting hybrids. These Diablo Edgeis the kind of set that allows even the worst hacker to look like he knows what he's doing. And the Callaway name carries weight in irons.
Callaway
RAZR Hawk driver$400RAZR Hawk driverWhy It's Hot: The "forged composite" material used in the RAZR Hawk driveris billed as a lighter, stronger alternative to titanium, and ads touting its use in Lamborghini cars probably haven't hurt. This isn't the first time Callaway has offered a pricey composite driver, but it's the first time they've truly figured out how to make it sound good at impact.
