As with most elite golf-manufacturing companies, Callaway makes irons in three categories. One is for elite players and pros such as Ernie Els, who endorses Callaway clubs. These clubs are called "players clubs." The second category is for golfers whose handicaps are in the 7-to-15 range. These golfers usually play best with "game-improvement" clubs, which are more forgiving for those who don't always hit the ball in the center of the clubface. The third category of clubs is for the majority of players who shoot 90 and above. These clubs are called "super game-improvement" or "maximum game-improvement" irons. They are designed to produce better results when a mediocre golfer mishits the ball, which is most of the time. The clubs are oversize to help instill confidence, and they are designed to make it easier to lift the ball into the air.
Players
The Callaway models for 2010 include three sets of irons for the elite player. The first is the X-Forged Irons. Players clubs are intended to produce workability, or playability, a measure of how easy it is for top players to hit both draws and fades. A narrow topline, narrow sole and short blade length are intended to give players maximum workability. The second set of players clubs is the Tour Authentic X Prototype Iron, a forged muscle-back iron that produces the proper trajectory for top players -- a relatively low ball flight that bores through the air -- and the most playability. Callaway X-22 Tour Irons, the third company entry in the players club division, are also designed for top-level players. They offer, according to the company, premium feel and stability.
Game-Improvement
One of the two game-improvement sets from Callaway is the X-24 Hot Irons, which are intended to produce more distance. But there are always trade-offs with game-improvement irons, so you might hit them farther, but not necessarily as straight on mishits. The X-22 Tour Iron is a model designed to offer a premium amount of both stability and feel. It is intended to provide an ideal trajectory, which is the type of low trajectory favored by better players.
Maximum Game-Improvement
Diablo Edge Irons are geared to give high-handicappers more distance on their shots by enlarging the sweet spot of the clubface to better correspond to where the player actually strikes the ball. They are designed for the maximum amount of forgiveness.
Reviews
The 2010 Hot List from "Golf Digest" and the 2010 list of best irons from "Golf" magazine include varios Callaway models. The X Forged Irons and the X-22 Tour ranked among the best in the players iron category. The X-22 nontour model and the Diablo Forged were top picks in the game-improvement category. And the Diablo Edge was a top choice in the maximum game-improvement category.
Considerations
New Callaway irons can be expensive. You may pay $1,000 for a set, as of December 2010. To get the most value from your new clubs, you should be fitted for not only the right clubs, but also for the right type of shaft. Shafts are made of steel, graphite or a mixture of metals. Shafts may be flexible or rigid. All these factors should be taken into account when you select a set of clubs. A club professional can help you properly match the right shafts with the right clubs, the ideal way to ensure better scoring on the course and more enjoyment of the game.
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