ORLANDO — Game improvement has been the mantra in the irons market for several years and 2010 is no exception.
Not for the traditionalist to worry; a standard, forged muscle-back blade is still available. But for the majority of players — those in the mid handicap range and above — cavity back designs are de rigueur.
Titleist introduced the AP1 and AP2 irons here at the PGA Merchandise Show. Both feature dual cavity, multi-material clubheads for stability and control and utilize the manufacturer’s “tuned feel system” that is designed to improve the sound of shots. The AP1 has a slightly thicker top line than the AP2, but both irons are directed at the mid-handicapper.
True to its core, though, Titleist also included its forged CB and MB irons in its 2010 product line.
Trying to bridge the gap between game improvement clubs and the classic look and feel of more traditional designs is Tour Edge with the Exotics XCG-3 irons. A slightly larger version of last year’s XCG, the 3 uses a dual-dampening system that fills the cavity with composite material. This is softer in the shorter irons for more control and harder in the longer irons for greater rebound effect, according to the manufacturer.
