The latest line of Callaway irons is the Steelhead XR cavity back irons. With more and more PGA Tour Pros going to cavity back irons it will likely be the case that amateurs and your everyday scratch golfers go to cavity backs some time in 2017. While cavity backs are extremely forgiving, it might be the case that they have too much of a cavity for some of the better low handicap players.
Before assuming the Callaway Steelhead XR irons are right for you, I would strongly suggest trying them out for a round or two. You can pick up a set at Golfsmith or Golf Galaxy for around $800 depending on how many clubs you want. I think everyone should have an A wedge or approach wedge in their bag. This is something I use for chipping around the green on tight lies and a 100 to 115 yard shot. Instead of trying to flush a gap wedge you can use the approach wedge and have much more control.
As we near the beginning of the 2017 golf season, look for Callaway to make a very strong push to sell these Steelhead XR irons to the weekend golfer. In the last two years I have had the X Hot and the XR Irons. Personally, the XR irons were a huge step up and it is mostly because of the cavity back and forgiveness.
For the golfer that struggles to get distance on their irons, you may want to consider getting regular 5.5 graphite shafts. Personally, I love a very light shaft with my irons as it makes them much more whippy. You can also get the stiff or extra stiff steel shafts if you feel you want more distance with a high club head speed.
Coming from someone that is a 5 handicap, I can promise you that club head speed does not always determine how good of a golfer you are. My driver club head speed is around 80 mph and my irons are much lower. I can still shoot in the low 70s on any given day. Learn to chip and putt and you won’t need to hit your 8 iron 175 yards.
Have you purchased the Callaway Steelhead XR irons? What do you think about them? Do you think the cavity back is too much? Would you rather have a blade such as the Apex line?
