LAUNCH-MONITOR TESTING BY HOT STIX GOLF

Swing away
Four weapons that match better players to a tee

What we did
Six testers — handicaps: 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11 — hit dozens of balls with the test models. Hooked up to a launch monitor, the testers hit clubs in varying order. Well-struck shots were recorded, and we averaged the testers' totals. Here's how the clubs fared:

What we learned

• Trajectory: The Callaway X Hot launches highest, which leads to the highest overall ball flight and, very likely, the softest-landing shots. The Titleist PT 906F2 and Adams Insight BTY travel on the lowest flight path.

• Distance: The Callaway X Hot is, indeed, hot. One can assume that the extra-long (44-inch) shaft contributes to increased clubhead speed, faster ball speed and, ultimately, longer carry. The difference between the longest and shortest models is 12 1/2 yards.

Hot Stix Golf collected data using the AccuSport Vector launch monitor. Look for more launch-monitor testing in future issues of Golf Magazine.