GAME IMPROVEMENT IRONS

When you need a little extra help.

CALLAWAY ROGUE X £849 (S) £1049 (G) www.callawaygolf.com

TECH: Callaway say Rogue X are an all-out assault on distance. Their lofts are strong, the shafts are longer and they’re lighter than the standard Rogue. The 7-iron is 27°, which is only half a degree from being a 6-iron in other sets. Callaway insist they’re not for everyone, but are essentially aimed at golfers who like and/or want distance, and let’s face it most golfers don’t often have too much of it.

WHY IT’S WON: An all-out assault on distance? Our data completely supports that claim. We tested the Rogue X in our longest irons of 2018 test and it proved to be a worthy long distance winner. Some will argue the 7-iron (thanks to a strong loft) is really a 6-iron, but “loftjacking” is a game Callaway didn’t start. If you need validation of the X’s credentials in the hands of average golfers, it was the flat-out longest iron we hit for all three testers. Even at an average swing speed, Rogue X went eight yards further than the next longest iron on test. But, importantly, it went just as high as other models. Our test pro carried Rogue X on average six yards further than the next longest iron tested. The head’s big, butch and chunky, and while ball flight was four yards lower than the highest iron, it was exactly the same height as the Cobra F8, suggesting you should hold approaches.

PING G400 £110 (S) £120 (G) www.ping.com

TECH: Ping says there’s no point hitting shots further if they don’t fly higher, as they won’t stop. The multi-material G400 has undercut cavities in the sole and top rail to launch shots higher and further. Think hitting a 7-iron as far as you’d usually hit a 6, but as high as you hit an 8-iron. There’s also improved forgiveness over the previous G model.

WHY IT’S WON: Ping has always been one of the best options for game improvement irons, ever since they introduced the Ping Eye which both tour pros and amateurs loved. Even though the G400 was launched last year, it’s still a brilliant option for 2018. With a 7-iron loft three degrees weaker than the Rogue X it was never going to be the longest iron, but we can’t fault its fantastic overall distance and forgiveness package. Average swing speed golfers might well see a gain in distance going for the new Ping G700, but make no mistake the G400 is a top club across the board. Ping irons also hold their value more than virtually any other brand; worth remembering. Ping have made brilliant game improvement irons for years, and the G400 follows that trend. We say it time and again but it’s well worth investing the time to get properly fitted. We love how buying each iron individually means you only pay for the clubs you’ll actually use.

TAYLORMADE M4 £749 (S) £849 (G) www.taylormadegolf.com

TECH: New RIBCOR tech behind the face localises face flexibility, which Taylormade says transfers more energy to the ball. A fluted hosel, undercut top edge, speed pocket sole and face slots all help create a super low CG design and highly forgiving iron.

WHY IT’S WON: A seriously good iron that suits a wide audience of golfers. They’re especially good if you’re not a fan of chunky game improvement irons as the profiles are sleeker than many we tested within the game improvement category. Taylormade’s engineers have worked hard to improve sound (by controlling vibrations), and it has paid off as the M4 sounds powerful and feels explosive. In each of the past two years, Taylormade’s equivalent iron (the M2) was the longest iron we tested, but for 2018 Callaway’s Rogue X trumped M4 thanks mainly to a stronger loft. But this is still a top iron. We’re big fans of the KBS Max steel shaft, which gives a light and responsive feel.