Acer XDS React Hybrid Review

The Acer XDS React Hybrid is an interesting design. With the rails, I at first thought it was another La Jolla knife knockoff, but as it turns out the magic of the design is not in the rails at all. What Acer has done with the XDS line is to create a full set of hybrids (3 iron through SW) that allows a golfer to play each and every club from the same position.

Here’s what I mean. With a regular set of irons, ball position ideally move forward slightly as each iron gets progressively longer. The design of the XDS React keeps the face progression and crown heights constant, so that each ball can be played from the same position. This should help beginners (and weekend hackers) develop a more consistent game. You can see an illustration below:

The prominent rails of the design are designed glide across various types of terrain increasing solidness of contact. In addition, the leading edges on all the clubs are set forward of the hosel to prevent the possibility of the shanks. In all, there are a lot of solid design thoughts for the beginner.

So how does work? It is impossible for me to make a call on the progression because I have just the one club. But I can say that as a single hybrid (3 iron), the React plays well. I tried it out of a variety of lies, including some pretty thick rough and was pleased with the height of the shot and the distance. If you regularly play courses that call for high shots to fall softly on their target, this is a good substitute for a long iron.

As with all Hireko clubs, the real selling point is the price/value ratio. This club, which plays as well as any big name club, is just $45. And it comes with Hireko’s 60 day guarantee, so you can be buy without risk.