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X-18 Pro Series Irons
Callaway Golf

Another addition to the "X" family at Callaway Golf; the X-18 iron series replaces the X-16 as the premier line for this season. With very few overall design changes we expect the X-18 to perform very much like the X-16.

After several rounds of play we have in fact determined that the overall playability is very much like its predecessor; a medium-low ball flight with a forgiving sweet spot are the key aspects of this club. While the rifle shaft certainly plays a part in the ball flight, we don't think it contributes significantly for the average player.

While the regular X-18 irons do not differ in look and feel from the Pro Series, the offset of the two sets serves as the major point of contrast. The Pro Series irons have a "reduced offset", while the standard X-18 has a full offset. Having played with both, we certainly prefer the reduced offset, however, this of course is a preference indicative of the golf swing, and is surely not for everyone.

Overall the X-18 is, in performance at least, almost identical to the X-16 series, which in the end, in our opinion, is pretty good for the mid-handicapper. However, aesthetically speaking, the new X-18 is just plain gaudy and would certainly deter me from spending the dough on a new set when I know I can grab a set of the X-16s, which perform pretty much the same and look really clean, for half the price.