Equipment Woods, Irons, and Gear

New Drivers for the New Season

By ED TRAVIS

Each season when the new clubs are introduced drivers get the most attention for a good reason. That new number-one wood may be the answer to taking our game to a higher level, one where we hit our tee shots farther and straighter…well, at least that’s the dream.

Unrealistic perhaps, but at the same time the quest for “better” is the only way our games will improve and that is true for touring professionals as well as weekend amateurs. California Golf has researched the latest driver offerings from manufacturers and here are those we feel should be on anyone’s short list. And as we preach each time don’t spend your money unless you have a professional fitting. The fitting’s cost is simply an insurance policy on your future enjoyment of the game.

Srixon ZX5 and ZX7

The ZX5 (game-improvement category) and ZX7 (better player category) have a larger carbon fiber crown with the ZX5’s being more rounded along with a larger footprint and designed for higher launch. It has a pointed rear shape and shorter skirt than the ZX7’s rounded rear profile and taller skirt. The ZX7 is a low spin low launch design. Both use Srixon’s Rebound Frame with flexible and stiff zones. ZX5 $500, ZX7 driver $530.

Cobra Golf Radspeed

A new internal weight configuration, Cobra calls radial weighting, which was arrived at by calculating the radius of gyration resulted the Radspeed’s most interesting feature, placing significant weight behind the face for low spin and adding rear weight to maintain high launch and keep up ball speed when impact is off center. Three variations including a draw bias slice-fighter are available. All have Arccos Cobra Connect. $449.

Callaway Golf Big Bertha B-21

The B-21 is engineered for high launch and low spin using Callaway’s Flash Face design using their supercomputer and artificial intelligence software. Inside are the familiar Jailbreak rods tying the sole and carbon fiber crown together to put more impact energy into the ball. To straighten out the usual left to right curvature of most recreational players extra weight was located towards the heel. $500.

Callaway Golf Epic

There three new Epics and all were designed using Callaway’s proprietary artificial intelligence software. The Speed model was reshaped for lower aerodynamic drag and the MAX is a game-improvement driver. They are joined by the MAX LS (low spin) for those with higher swing speeds and better players. All use the Flash Face SS21 and replacing Jailbreak rods, a Jailbreak Speed Frame to reduce head distortion. $530.

Ping G425

Following up on the G410 drivers the new G425 lineup has three models, the MAX, LST and SFT targeted for three types of players. MAX with its 26-gram sliding weight will be the choice of most and the LST with smaller clubhead, 17-gram sliding weight and lower spin the selection by higher swing speed golfers. The SFT has a 23-gram weight in the heel to counter left to right ball spin, the dreaded slice. $500.

Ben Hogan Golf GS53 Max

A 460cc head of four-piece construction game-improvement driver comes standard in either 9° or 10.5° loft with an adjustable hosel allows +/- 1° change and a forged variable thickness face of titanium. The carbon fiber crown and tungsten weight in the sole means the center of mass is low and towards the heel for a slice reducing bias while producing a high ball flight. Available only on BenHoganGolf.com $355.

Titleist TSi2 and TSi3

A game-improvement model, the TSi2, is a high launch, low spin design with a “Speed Chassis” clubhead while the better-player TSi3 tends to a mid to high launch with low spin along with a sliding weight. The TSi2 has a replaceable rear weight that comes in 2-gram increments. Both models have a new titanium alloy face the company says produces more ball speed and distance. Pricing for each is $549.

XXIO Prime Driver

Every component of the XXIO Prime driver is lightweight to help slow-to-moderate swing speed players generate more ball speed and distance off the tee. The frame of alternating stiff and flexible areas promotes added yards as well and the flat cup face of Super-TIX PLUS Titanium is extremely strong. A counterbalance grip helps overall performance and straighter ball flight along with the draw bias face bulge. $899.99.

Tour Edge Exotics C721 Driver

In a real design departure for the latest in the Exotics line the crown of the C721 driver has a titanium brace from face to skirt with carbon fiber panels wrapping around onto large areas of the sole. This lowers the CG and improves launch characteristics. The face uses their variable thickness Diamond Face tech to help on off center impacts. A 10-gram adjustable rear sole weight improves the Exotics C721 forgiveness. $399.99.

Improve Your Game with New Irons

By ED TRAVIS

Statistics show golfers replace their irons less often than they do drivers or putters but having the proper set of irons to fit your swing is more important than that pricey one-wood you use off the tee.

The logic is simple. A round of golf requires maybe 14 tee shots with a driver but many more iron shots from the fairway or rough plus of course those critical scoring shots from 100 yards or less. Having irons that fit your eye at address, have the potential to produce more distance at the proper trajectory with the right amount of spin gives players the best chance to lower their scores. With irons it is all about control.

Each season there are a multitude of new iron models and for 2021 California Golf has surveyed the latest so when you go for a fitting you can have an idea of what is reasonable for you. Our selection is those we consider the most significant from the most respected club manufacturers and suitable for the majority of golfers.

Srixon ZX7

These new player category irons have a forged cavity back design with a narrower, shorter blade than the ZX5s and Srixon has built in a tungsten toe weight in the low and medium lofts. Grooves are progressive throughout the set and turf interaction has been improved with a Vshaped sole. At address the smaller blade with thin topline and minimal offset is what better players want. 8-piece set $1,299.99 (steel only)

XXIO PRIME

Lightweight premium materials help players with slower swing speeds create more distance, straighter flight with more control in these counterbalanced irons. The face is an extremely strong titanium alloy saving grams and behind the face are two interior slots or grooves that help preserve ball speed when impact is low on the face. Turf interaction is improved from any lie with the stepped sole. 4-piece set $1,099.99

Honma Golf TR21X

This distance iron is targeted for play by better players to mid-handicappers with a blade-like look at address and a hollow body construction. A tungsten bar (weight varies with loft) inside pushes the head’s center of gravity down low and the head is filled with foam to dampen vibration. The face is a L-cup design and lofts are strong but with high launch and lots of stability. $188 each steel shafts, $212 graphite.

Tour Edge Exotics C721 Irons

This player’s distance iron is a hollow-body construction with TPU injected in two places to improve feel by dampening vibration. The L-cup face is very thin maraging steel welded to the stainless-steel body with the face shape acting as a hinge to give better ball speed. The face has 92 interwoven diamond shapes of three thicknesses giving extra forgiveness across the entire area. $142.99 each graphite shafts, $129.99 steel

Callaway Golf Apex 21

A family update of the Apex 19 includes the Apex 21, Apex Pro 21, and Apex DCB. All have forged heads with an A.I.-designed face cup for individual lofts, internal tungsten weighting and urethane microspheres to absorb vibration from ball impact. DCBs are a true game-improvement model with a deep cavity back design for those wanting ball launch help in a wide sole iron. $185 each steel shafts, $200 each graphite

Ping G425

The face of hyper steel is constructed like that of metal woods with a variable thickness to improve impact when the ball is not struck in the face’s center while the top rail and sole allow the face to “hinge.” This improves both distance and control which along with the toe and heel weighting plus more weight around the outside of the head increase the iron’s MOI. Arccos Smart Grips. $137.50 each steel shaft; $150 each graphite shaft

TaylorMade Golf P770

Compared to previous P790s the P770 model has a shorter blade length and slightly smaller clubhead with thin topline, these players-distance irons also feature a forged hollow body foam-injected design with tungsten near the sole which has a slot for better flexing of the variable thickness of the forged face. Company says they are ideal for combining with other P-series irons. 7-piece set $1,400 steel shafts

Cobra Golf Radspeed

Using a similar radius of gyration calculation to set the location of internal weighting as the Radspeed woods, Radspeed irons have a 3-gram heel weight and 10-gram toe screw in the forged head. The variable thickness face is L-shaped and the topline is carbon fiber to further push weight lower towards the sole. In an industry first, the medallion is a 3D printed latticework. 7-piece set $899 steel shafts, $999 graphite

Great Gear for On and Off the Course

By ED TRAVIS

There is no question whether its an enjoyable round with friends, a quick nine after work or time in the park with the kids, having the right clothing and accessories can make all the difference. California Golf staffers are outdoors types too and know the right gear is a must to get the most out of whatever you are doing. Here are a few of our favorites likely to improve the quality of life and we are sure you will like them as we do.

Linksoul Kirkwall Down Hoodie

Overcome cold weather with this extremely lightweight down-filled nylon jacket. The two exterior zippered pockets plus two on the interior, the draw closure at the bottom and a draw string on the hoodie make this very practical outerwear complimenting its stylish looks. The warmth to weight ratio is outstanding making the Kirkwall great for pre-dawn beach walks or late day hikes. Two color choices $195.

Good Walk Coffee

We like a hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning, maybe even carrying our second to the first tee and if you haven’t heard of Golf Walk Coffee you don’t know what you are missing. This direct-to-consumer brand uses the best imported beans (Asia, Africa, Central America) which are roasted and packaged here in the U.S. with a variety of roasts available. Three-month subscription plans ($47.50) are available.

Vessel Player III Golf Bag

The Player III Stand Bag from Vessel is a premium update of the previous Player model including a larger top and a choice of six or 14 dividers. It has generous storage including a fulllength apparel pocket and two insulated beverage sleeves with magnetic closures. The top accessories pocket is lined with microfiber and with its magnetic closure a perfect place to stash a laser rangefinder. Five color choices $375.

Duca Del Cosma Masters Golf Shoe

Handmade of Italian design this eight-soft spike golf shoe gives even vigorous swingers great traction and stability. The quality construction is evident from the upper made of a mixture of patent leather and luxurious Nappa leather and accentuated by the wax laces. In addition to looking great these Masters shoes have a waterproof “bootie” with a breathable membrane and memory foam leather covered insole. $259 per pair.

High Camp Fairway Flask

Here is a flask that is rugged enough for the course with the looks to take a space on your home bar. The Fairway Flask is made of surgical steel with the tumbler securely and seamlessly fasten with the integrated magnetic locking system. The model 375 ($85) comes with a single double-wall tumbler and the model 750 ($125) with two. The smaller Fairway Flask holds a generous 375 ml of your favorite beverage or one-half bottle of whiskey and the larger one, you guessed it, 750 ml. Both Fairway Flasks are light weight with vacuum insulation to keep contents either warm or cold for 24 hours and the top is leak-proof with a stainlesssteel plug cap set in a silicone seal. High Camp Flasks in addition to their looks have several nice touches such as the lip is no drip and they fit in the drink holder of a golf cart. Custom engraving is available.