Callaway X Hot Pro Irons Review
05 Jul 2013
by Pete Wlodkowski of AmateurGolf.com
see also: Equipment Reviews
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Callaway's X Hot Pro irons represent the
middle of the three models in the X Hot iron
family -- combining a size and shape low
handicappers prefer with "distance
iron" features.
So, you ask, what makes a distance
iron?
First off, the heads are cast stainless
steel, not forged. But forged iron fans take
note -- these irons are anything but clunky.
Buttery might be a better word. Behind the
face is a bulging metal “X”
surrounded by elastomer that Callaway calls
“Feel Management Technology.”
It serves the dual purpose of letting you really
feel a solid strike while providing a crisp
sound,
even on slightly off center shots.
Feel and sound are important, but ball
flight doesn’t lie. What really separates
the X-Hot Pro from its forged counterpart is
what Callaway calls “J-Face
Dynamics” – a pocket cavity shaped like
the letter J, if you cut a cross section – which
puts the center of gravity low, without the
huge flange that you see on some game
improvement irons. You'll find this particularly
effective if you play in firm conditions, where
a
large-soled iron tends to flip open at impact.
SETUP & ADDRESS
Players that like a slight offset will love
the way the X Hot Pros look at address. The
slight offset promotes a square clubface at
impact, and I found it particularly effective at
providing shot control with the mid and long
irons, especially off a tee on par-3s. The finish
is a non-reflective buffed stainless. At
address, you see just what you want to see,
nothing sticking out from the bottom and a
"right sized" top line. It's perhaps
this combination of looks and performance
that
won X Hot Pro a "Golf Digest" Gold
Medal among Players Irons. They called it
"a players iron that is very
playable."
SPECS
X Hot Pro irons carry relatively strong
lofts
(45 degrees for the PW to 24 degrees for the
5-iron) but since they are slightly offset
(which helps promote a higher ball flight), the
loft progression is more about flighting your
shots than it is about bragging that you hit an
8-iron where your friends hit 7-iron.
Standard shafts are Project X Flighted 95.
(Read review and watch video here.)This lighter version of the
shaft long preferred by strong ball strikers
allows Callaway to put more weight in the
clubhead. "Flighted" refers to the
progressively higher launch characteristics of
the shaft as you go from wedge through long
irons. Matching up top grade shafts with their
"Tour" or "Pro" model
products is a trend that Callaway started when
Chip Brewer took over as President and CEO.
It's a message that shows Callaway is serious
about getting into the bags of better players.
Grips are solid black Lamkin Crossline; the
classy Callaway "V" at the bottom
adding an attractive and useful (for alignment)
adornment.
Changing irons is an important decision
for
avid players, so I suggest that you get
properly fitted (visit Callaway's website for a list of
their
fitting centers) before making the switch.
Visit Worldwide Golf
Shops, home of the 90 day playability
guarantee, to view current pricing and
availability on Callaway X Hot Pro Irons. Their
service, prices, and ship times are the best in
the business!