Dynacraft Avatar XMOI Fairway Wood - Custom Assembled

I’ve built and played with a large number of Dynacraft golf clubs over the years. The company originally was in Newark, Ohio, and I visited their tiny showroom (the front of a larger warehouse) on several occasions as I traveled from Michigan to visit family on the East Coast. Not a clone or knockoff company, they did original designs for custom clubmakers (like Golfsmith and Ralph Maltby’s Golfworks). Dynacraft was, in recent years, bought by a much larger company, Hireko Golf, which has continued the original designs.

The Dynacraft Avatar XMOI is a good example. Hireko writes:

Our design aim was to create a driver that possessed the highest moment of inertia (MOI) implemented to date. From the first detailed initial drawings begun at the end of last year, to CAD, to the first sample received back in the early part of summer ’08, we produced a head that had an MOI of over 5400g-cm2. We could have stretched the MOI close to the highest allowable limit, but we wanted to maintain the normal 200g head weight we use on our other driver models.

The extra large face area is augmented by a taller face height than most high MOI drivers on the market today and it will boost even more confidence off the tee. We exploited the full potential of the size as it looks larger than any other driver in our line to provide for the maximum stability on off-center shots. In addition, the Avatar XMOI driver produces both a pleasing sound at impact and brilliantly sculpted traditional shape which will be preferred by a wide range of golfers seeking maximum distance and accuracy.

The best part is the price. In these toughening economic times, the $180 fairway woods of some manufacturers don’t make sense. But the Dynacraft Avatar XMOI is right around $50.

Acer XK Fairway Woods - Custom Assembled

Here’s a good deal for these tough economic time: For right around $50, Hireko Golf offers the Acer XK Fairway Wood. Constructed of stainless steel (not an alloy, like so many other lower-cost clubs), it features a variable face thickness of the sort you’d normally only find on Callaway’s clubs. The crown also has Hireko’s exclsuive Variable Crown Technology, which lets the engineers move the weight to optimal locations. The result, Hireko says, is a club with high launch and high accuracy.

The matching Acer XK Irons were named a Best Value by Golf Digest. And I’ve had good luck with Hireko products. I’ve got an Acer hybrid in my “Up North” set, and in the past, I’ve owned both Dynacraft Drivers and Irons. The thing about these clubs is that Hireko is not a second tier knockoff company. Their clubs are steel and titanium, not aluminum and zinc alloy like so many imitations you see at discount stores and local golf shows. And while their designs often are not cutting edge, they’re solid originals.

Hireko Acer CB5 Putter

Another entry in the strange looking putters sweepstakes. This one is designed to have less depth (front to back) than other mallets, while moving weight to the outside for stability.

Power Play System Q Tri-Port Titanium Driver

Coming in at the maximum allowable 460ccs, the System Q Tri-Port features three interchangeable weights to help you shape your shots. A “power pad” in teh sole is designed to increase sole weight for greater stability, higher launch angle and reduced spin—all of which will result in longer drives.

The Tri-Port comes 9, 10.5 and 12 degree lofts.

The best part is the price. You can get one for as low as $89.

Power Play System Q2 Hybrid

The PowerPlay Q2 Hybrids from Hireko Golf apply geometric club design to make already easy to hit hybrids even easier.  Weight is redistributed to the two rear corners to provide increased stability by raising the moment of inertia about the center of gravity. The unpainted portion along front of the crown is an added alignment feature to complement the rectangular profile and slight offset hosel to assist in squaring the face toward the target. The club is precision cast from 17-4 stainless steel and created with a special glider sole to reduce turf drag in addition to fat shots.

Sand Blaster Wedge

If you have a lot of trouble getting out of the sand, you should perhaps consider a “trick” club like this Sand Blaster from Hireko Golf. Hireko says that the Dual Sole on this unique design acts like skis in the water, gliding across the sand or rough. The hollow 2 piece construction allows the sole width to be increased dramatically to make it ultra forgiving in either soft or firm sand, and even chipping and pitching around the green. It also features a negative offset or face-forward feature which will help those who may have a tendency to pick or sweep the ball and makes this club virtually shank-proof.

I have a lob wedge of virtually the same design, and can tell you that it works like a charm.

Power Play Select 5000 Maraging Utility Iron

The Power Play Select 5000 Utility Club is designed to replace the hard-to-hit 2 through 5 irons. Unlike fairway woods and many hybrids, it has a compact head that allows you to use it from more lies. Hireo says that its exclusive “Ball Bearing Insert” helps distribute weight and dampen shock for a crisp, pure feel. The face includes a maraging insert, creating one of the hardest and hottest surfaces available.

The best part is that you can get this club for as little as $40.