STREET PRICE: $200LOFTS: 18, 21, 24, 27TECH TALK: The Super DHy features a slot in the sole and a thin, steel face designed to create high ball speeds. To improve forgiveness, the clubface includes a bulge that lessens the curve on balls hit off the toe and heel.PLAYER COMMENTS:"The flight is penetrating and predictable, exactly what I want." ... "It feels like a complete club in my hands, and it's as forgiving as can be. I also like the smaller back edge."HOT: Many in this category only enhance a player's skill, but the bulged face and slot in the sole solve some problems as well, especially from a thick lie in the rough.NOT: The gray/black contrast can be distracting, and the flight could be too high for a better ball-striker.INFO:adamsgolf.com
PING RAPTURE D.I.
STREET PRICE: $220LOFTS: 18TECH TALK: A wide sole and tungsten in the heel and toe help boost the moment of inertia (MOI) for better results on mis-hits. The center of gravity (CG) is positioned to produce a lower, more boring trajectory with less spin. The flat face enhances workability.PLAYER COMMENTS:"Just enough heft to give it a meaty feel at impact." ... "The head is the perfect size. I can control it easily and hit different types of shots."HOT: Many in this category only enhance a player's skill, but the bulged face and slot in the sole solve some problems as well, especially from a thick lie in the rough.NOT: A true long-iron replacement, this club uses multiple materials to bolster forgiveness while losing none of the shotmaking ability better players demand. not The single loft option seems insufficient.INFO:ping.com
TITLEIST 712U
STREET PRICE: $235 (steel)LOFTS: 18, 21, 24TECH TALK: The 712U is marked by a deeper CG then traditional Titleist blades, making for a higher MOI and a more stable head. The Carpenter 455 steel face insert is designed to help ball speed. A tapered shaft assists flight control.PLAYER COMMENTS:"Looks perfect, very polished and clean with no junk on the back edge." ... "It's surprisingly forgiving and makes me feel like I can't miss."HOT: Don't let the muscle-back 2-iron looks fool you. This club, a favorite of the company's tour staff, performs more like a low-flying hybrid with more than enough distance and minimal spin off the tee.NOT: You're not getting much forgiveness for your $235.INFO:titleist.com
CALLAWAY X UTILITY PROTOTYPE
STREET PRICE: $200LOFTS: 18, 21, 24TECH TALK: Forged from 1020 carbon steel with a hollow construction. The use of tungsten places more weight at the bottom for a lower CG to assist launch. Designer Roger Cleveland fashioned the heel and toe areas on the sole so they move through grass more easily.PLAYER COMMENTS:"It's a little hard to find the sweet spot, but when you do, it feels great." ... "The 'beef' on the bottom inspires confidence."HOT: There's a fine line between utility iron and super game-improvement iron. This resides on the purist side of that line, giving enough help without sacrificing aesthetics.NOT: The longish shafts and smallish face make this more for scratch players than single-digit handicappers.INFO:callawaygolf.com
