Callaway X Hot Irons
Category: Game-Improvement Irons
Price: $699, steel; $899, graphite
WE TESTED: 3-PW with True Temper Speed Step 85 steel shaft.
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: Callaway's "Speed Frame" technology optimizes stiffness across the entire clubface to maximize ball speeds. A deep undercut cavity allows the lower portion of the face to flex more for faster ball speeds and greater distance. A dual material medallion controls vibration to improve impact feel.
PROS
PLAYABILITY: The X Hot can be worked gently in either direction; a typically high ball flight can be lowered whenever needed; useful from tough lies in the rough.
ACCURACY/FORGIVENESS: Its greatest strength; not a lot of wavering with these -- straight bullets to the target; mis-hits stay on-line fairly well and even thin shots seem to produce adequate distance.
DISTANCE CONTROL: Yardage produced by solid and less-than- solid hits is pretty similar; not the longest sticks in the test but long enough and consistent through the bag.
FEEL: Weighty through the swing and stable in most situations; impact sensation is subtly rewarding; rarely jarring, regardless of the shot.
LOOK: Pleasing, conservative appearance; deep cavity and somewhat thick topline are typical of Callaway irons.
CONS
Some guys complain that good and bad shots feel too similar; not everyone is a fan of the large cavity view at address; a little harder to keep under the wind than some others.
BOTTOM LINE: A forgiving and accurate iron that excels at controlling distance.
MORE INFO: Callaway X Hot Irons
NEXT REVIEW: Cleveland 588 MT Irons
