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ClubTest
Fred Vuich

  • ClubTest 2006: Better Player Irons
  • ClubTest 2006: Hybrids
  • ClubTest 2006: Drivers
  • ClubTest 2006: Fairway Woods

    • ClubTest 2006: Game-Improvement Irons

    Our 40 ClubTesters put the latest game-improving irons through their paces. See which of these seven new models they liked most.

    By ROB SAUERHAFT
    Managing Editor (Equipment), GOLF MAGAZINE
    Published: May 01, 2006

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    Callaway X-18
    $880 steel; $1,120 graphite; callawaygolf.com

    Greg Lord
    WE TESTED: 3-PW with System 75 CW and System 85 CW graphite shaft

    THE COMPANY LINE "Our 'Extreme' notch weighting produces amazing stability and solid, crisp feel to maximize playability. A deeper 360-degree undercut channel maximizes perimeter weighting."

    OUR TESTERS SAID

    Pros

  • "Blue and black details and dramatic cavity make it the most attractive Callaway to date."—Jeff McKinney (handicap 15)
  • "Johnny Mathis-like soft sound at impact."—Kevin DiNapoli (19)
  • "A reliable, if unspectacular performer. It accounts for bad swings and rewards good ones."—Ken Stauffer (14)
  • "Keeps shots in play, even in strong crosswinds and out of tough spots."—Don Ytterberg (15)
  • "These really drive through high grass."—Eric English (12)
  • "With a little adjustment, shots from uphill and downhill lies come out fine."—Victor DeMarco (12)

    • Cons
  • "Would prefer more head feel during the swing."—Jeff Bones (10)