We saw and tested a LOT of products in 2023, including plenty of golf equipment. To start wrapping up the year, we thought we would start taking a look back to share some perspectives on the season. In this post we choose notable gear from the golf club manufacturers that caught our eyes.
Adams Golf – IDEA Wedge
Adams Golf made what we believe is a notable return this year with a wide range of products offered direct to consumer. There were a lot of products to appreciate across the board but the ones that captured us the most was their value-priced IDEA wedges. (Now sold out but we hope for new variations soon). They were sold in two lofts (54, 58), had wide soles that were very effective for a wide range of golfers, and deep cavity back designed pushed mass high in the head and contributed to these being easy to create spin with.
Callaway – Apex CB Irons
These forged carbon steel irons really hit the mark for a lot of quality players. They meet high standards for look, feel, and performance. While very traditional-looking they pack in a myriad of technologies that make them easier to hit, even away from the centre of the face.
Cobra: Air-X Irons
A late arrival on the scene for 2023, the Air-X was intended to be a lightweight niche product but we feel it is suitable for a wider range of golfers. For the price level and components included it is hard to beat the value from a highly-respected manufacturer.
Cleveland Golf – HALO Launcher XL Irons
What they lack in aesthetics they make up in performance. Many golfers shy away from irons like this with their wide soles and unusual looks from the “soldier” position but players warm up once they start hitting them. If you are into high, long bombs, or suffer in your iron performance due to low clubhead speed, this set is a potential solution.
Mizuno: ST-G Titanium Fairways
With a great shape, clean profile from the address position, and plenty of ball speed performance, this treat from Mizuno was one of those “secret” clubs that not enough people were aware of. With a massive sole weight, high launch conditions were easy too achieve, even from bare lies, and the low spin rates help it travel plenty far, even into a solid breeze.
PING: G430 Max Driver
What can you say? Since they were established the “G” line of drivers for PING has become favoured for their forgiveness factor, even the making the bags of tour players under contracts to other brands. The MAX took the stability to new levels and made this go-to club for those wanting as close to a “point & shoot” driver as possible.
PXG: GEN6 Irons
Large heads inspire confidence which is merited given the high ball speeds these irons can deliver thanks, in part due to strong lofts and a bevy of included technology. Not the look all players will prefer, with severe industrial design vibes, but those who are just wanting a pleasing ball flight will likely look past any aesthetic barriers. Look for a bigger presence of this brand in Canada in 2024.
Srixon Golf: ZX7 Mk II Irons
Simple, supple, and a huge hit with clubfitters who loved their malleable nature, perfect for loft and lie adjustments. These irons quickly established themselves as a classic that are timeless in look and appeal. Suitable for a wide range of players and attractive for all their attributes.
TaylorMade: Stealth 2 Driver
The next progression of the “Carbonwood” product was a real winner for TaylorMade. These new drivers upped the forgiveness level over previous Stealth models while refining the looks. We expect it is going to continue to be a strong platform to build on heading into the future.
Titleist: T-200 Irons
With the look of a “beefy” muscle back but the pop of a hollow body cavity, the T-200 provides the best of both worlds. As both a long iron alternative or as a full set, the real key to these clubs is the strong flight performance even when the ball is struck low on the face. The T-150 was likely the top seller among the new Titleist T-Series but we feel some more attention should go to the T-200, especially for players seeking a little more assistance.
