TAYLORMADE R11 Iron Set 3-PW with Steel Shafts

The new TaylorMade R11 irons pack a lot of technology, with “precision center-of-gravity (CG) placements, ultra-thin faces, a Tour sole design, and Inverted Cone Technology.”

One interesting note about this set is that TaylorMade claims to have created weights to ensure a constant swingweight while positioning the center of gravity between toe and heel. This is said to solve the clubmakers’ problem of adding weight to a port in the hosel, which evens out swingweight, but shifts the COG.

The Inverted Cone Technology, which TaylorMade has been using for the better part of a decade now, is designed to create faster ball speed on off center hits. The thin face promotes higher ball speeds.

These now are running $100 off at most major retailers.

Srixon Men’s Z-STAR Tour Yellow Golf Balls - 12 pack

Golf Galaxy is running deals on all of the Srixon golf balls. Here’s the skinny from Srixon:

The new Z-STAR golf ball’s proprietary thin urethane cover is extremely soft for added spin control without sacrificing distance. The 324 aerodynamic dimple designs, combined with the large Energetic Gradient Growth core, produces a penetrating ball flight that is unyielding to the wind.

Callaway RAZR X 5-PW Iron Set with Steel Shafts

GolfSmith is running a deal currently where you can save up to $100 on a set of Callaway’s well-regarded Razr X Irons.

TaylorMade Burner 2.0 HP 4-PW, AW Iron Set with Steel Shafts

Now’s a good time to get that set of TaylorMade Burner 2.0 Irons you had your eye on last year. They’re $300 off the original price at GolfSmith.

TaylorMade Men’s ATV Wedge

You will need only one.

The new TaylorMade All-Terrain Versatility Wedge has an innovative sole that adjusts the bounce depending upon club head and face position. This lets a player chip, pitch, flop, explode, escape and crunch all with one club. In addition to the ATV sole, an all milled groove design and micro-texture across the face generates more spin, while remaining within USGA rules.

I’d love to give this one a try.

Hireko Golf Acer XDS React Driver

In the mail this week was an Acer XDS Driver from Hireko Golf. The titanium clubhead is designed to set up like a player’s driver—square—but with internal weighting that helps to close the clubface. Hireko does this by shifting weight from the crown to a location on the sole closer to the heel.

I like the classic look of this driver. The crown is plain, but attractive. It sets up nicely, too.

Can’t wait for a chance to take it on a test drive.

Wilson DUO Golf Balls

Grade: A
Teachers’ Comments: A very nice ball.

Wilson says that with a compression of 40, the Duo is the softest ball on the market. Wilson also claims that the Duo the longest. While I can’t vouch for the superlatives, my impression of the ball is quite favorable.

The low compression rating initially attracted me because early season (and late season) rounds here in Michigan often are chilling experiences. In 40 degree temperatures, balls simply feel harder than in mid summer and I often switch to a model that has a softer reputation, such as a Noodle. Conventional wisdom says that softer balls will compress more and produce more explosive distance. I need all the help I can get, so I buy into that line of thinking.

My experience with the Duo is that it really hits the sweet spot of “long and soft.” For the irons, it’s as long as anything I’ve recently played. Maybe longer. Ball flight is relatively low, which works for me. They also seem to have a bit less spin off the irons. The combination means that I’m hitting shorter irons into greens, watching them kick forward ... and then watching them roll off the back.

I realized quickly that I had to adjust my planning. But I’m still rolling them off the back. I’ve got to learn to land them short and watch them run up.

I get the same roll around the greens. That’s ok, though, because I’ve never been one to hit a flop. I like to chip and let it run. I’ve always felt better about getting the ball rolling.

The feel of the balls is very nice. Off the clubface, I get a distinct sense of purpose. The Duo is indeed soft, but not mushy. I make contact, and they go.

Off the driver and fairway metals, on the other hand, I don’t think I detect any appreciable distinctions. It performs for me just about as well as some of the other balls in my rotation.

This is a good ball, and one I’ll keep playing.