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Why We Like It
- The larger of the two Lightning options mixes forgiveness with adjustability and a higher range of lofts to provide ease of use for most average players.
- The squared-off face design provides a larger lower face area to push more weight low and forward while creating room for more ball speed in the place many average golfers most often contact their fairway woods.
- The perimeter of the face is 12.5 percent thinner than previous PXG fairway woods to increase face deformation at impact for more ball speed and a higher launch.
- Three movable weights in the sole increase fitting options. Two 2.5-gram weights and a 12.5-gram weight allow the user to shift the heavier weight to the rear to favor forgiveness, to the toe to guard against a hook and to the heel to moderate a slice.
- Loft range now extends to 28.5 degrees with an adjustable 11-wood, the broadest range in company history.
- 15, 17, 18, 21, 24, 27 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
- all
- low
- mid
- high
Hot List panelists observed a pleasing, low‑shine look and an effortless, light swing that feels comfortable at address. Testers praised generous forgiveness, consistent, penetrating (often low‑spin) ball flight and a "mini‑driver" hot‑off‑the‑face energy that delivers solid distance. Compact, deeper‑face and lower‑profile heads inspired confidence over the ball and provided a precise, satisfying feel. A few saw very high launch for low‑spin players, but it can be finicky off the turf — it needs precise contact.
Hot List testers noted a very high-launch profile that’s ideal for low-launch, high-spin players — it helps get the ball airborne and produces softer, stopping landings. The club presents an elegant, beautiful look and a slightly oversized head versus peers; that size could be tricky from tight lies or first cut.
Hot List testers noted a pleasing, non‑shiny crown and comfortable, well‑balanced weight with a low profile that inspires confidence at address. The head shapes (compact to slightly wider) produced consistently forgiving, straight shots with good feel and feedback; off the tee it was especially easy to hit, though turf shots demand more precision. Ball flight ranged from high and dead‑straight to penetrating, low‑spin trajectories. One consistent caveat: a few golfers wished for more launch and distance.
Hot List testers noted effortless, forgiving strikes that still produce strong distance. Mis-hits fired decently and well-centered strikes felt connected, launching a penetrating, driver-like ball flight. The heavier head felt hot off the face and delivered noticeable energy to the ball. One minor caveat: the design carries a touch of extra mass, but it still sets up clean.
A Skeptic’s Guide To New Golf Equipment
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