PICS! – 2013 Callaway X Hot Irons & Woods
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PICS! – 2013 Callaway X Hot Irons & Woods

PICS! – 2013 Callaway X Hot Irons & Woods

2013 callaway x hot irons

What Will Callaway’s Story Be in 2013?

A good portion of the MyGolfSpy staff just got back from Callaway Golf…where we got to see the entire 2013 line-up.    Callaway is going through a major transition to say the least right now.  So, while we were definitely interested in checking out all the new equipment we were actually just as interested to see what they had planned to change the minds of our readers and consumers regarding the Callaway brand.  We wanted to know what their story is going to be in 2013 and for the future.

Cause let’s face it, in our opinion they already have clubs that have been performing at the top of their class the last couple years, the area we think they have been missing the boat is telling the story to the consumer.  The real trick isn’t having clubs that perform (it should be, but it’s not), because nobody will know they perform unless you tell them a story that convinces them to take one off the rack.

Will Golfers Take More Callaway Clubs Off The Rack in 2013?

When a golfer walks in a golf store he is literally bombarded with an overwhelming amount of choices.  How does he weed through those choices?  Well, one of the first ways is all about marketing.  Which brand has told a compelling enough story for him to actually want to pull one of their clubs off the shelves, set it down on the show room floor and see if he likes the look of the thing.  Sounds simple, but that is one of the keys to selling golf equipment.  If they never pull it off the rack, they can’t take a hack.

By now if you are any kind of a regular to MyGolfSpy and our club reviews, you have seen that most of these clubs perform fairly similar when it comes to performance, so you HAVE to tell a story to separate yourself from the pack. So, how are they going to convince golfers to take their clubs off the rack and give them a chance at being in their bags.

Well, we have our opinions about the new 2013 Callaway line-up and their story (more coming on that soon) and they have theirs, but, today we just want to hear your opinions.

:: What Are Your Thoughts On Their New Irons & Woods?

:: Do You Think They Are Moving In The Right Direction?

:: What is Your Opinion On The Callaway Brand in 2013?

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      swigges

      11 years ago

      Just demo’d mizuno’s MP 64, titleist AP2, Taylormade rocketblades, pings several, and a few others. All providing the same distance, good but not spectacular….then I hit the X Hot Pro’s. HUGE DIFFERENCE guys. These things went 30 yards further consistently. Very easy to hit. They look great in person. I hit them so well, I ended up with the X Hot 3 wood as well. Chose the X Hot 3 wood over the X Hot pro due to the slightly larger head with great looks. Hit both 250 off the ground straight consistently. Ya’ll should give them a try.

      Reply

      ideszamarch

      11 years ago

      I understand the criticism over the look of the back of the club but thats just a simple cosmetic feature and I’m fine with it.. The real beauty in these babies are when you look them right in the face and see an increase of about 25% in grooves. She may not have the prettiest dress at the Prom but oh those lines!!! Each X on the back of each iron is specifically cut to fit that club. In other words the X in the back of the wedge would not fit into the back of the 3 iron. It doesn’t seem to be the cheap way out. To simply call it a decal sounds pretty unfair. To the touch, it’s solid, like a weight. I’m not about to peel one off my set to find out but if anyone has, please let me know what you find. If the red X bothers you,,take a little black magic marker to it and it will give your sticks a more ominus look.

      Reply

      Sean "The Rat"

      11 years ago

      “Speed Frame Technology; This iron is Callaway’s longest iron ever!”
      The X Hot 5 iron loft is 23* versus the 2013 X Forged 5 iron loft of …. 27*
      That’s a full club with zero change in technology. This marketing BS is ridiculous and bordering on deceptive.
      …..and the ever changing glue-on stickers just cheapen what are 5 years of recycled average irons.
      Can’t wait for the “X” line to be killed so they can move on to a new decade of another letter in the alphabet.

      Reply

      Ideszamarch

      11 years ago

      Sorry guys. I could not disagree with you more. I’m moving out of Yonex irons circa 2000 because these XHOT Pros have been the only sticks with significant changes that would make me dump a bag of trusted friends. The xhots moved me from a 170 yd 6 iron to a 195 yd 6 iron.Great feeling also. (you better now what shaft is good for you before you buy), Trash them all you want if you’ve had a bad time with them but it really sounds lke you didn’t hit them and are making superficial calls on them. No club is for everyone but for guys that are comfortable with the feel and shafts will find these babies are game changers. Hence the saying different strokes for different folks. I ‘m hoping to know 3 or 4 of them off my 8 handicap.

      Reply

      Sean "The Rat"

      11 years ago

      Couldn’t agree more on proper shaft selection but many folks could gain 10+ yards simply by reshafting their current set from whatever they purchased off the rack (not saying that applies to everyone). The loft difference is at least another 10 yards (for everyone). Accurate increase in distance is the ultimate goal, let’s just understand where it’s actually coming from and how set-to-set distance comparisons warrant at least some modest scrutiny.

      Kenneth Clouthier

      11 years ago

      Have a set of Callaway Razr HL’s. 4 through PW. New Lampkin Grips. Just like new. Asking $275.00

      Reply

      Bob Flowers

      11 years ago

      Not so fast all you “experts”. Just bought an played with the new X hot irons. Love them. Distance and performance are terrific. Gave up Cobra after 20 + years and 7 different sets.
      I kept my Cobra S3 three iron with KBS 90 degree shaft tweaked stronger by 1.5 degrees.
      Callaway 4 iron with more loft is about 5 to 8 yds longer than the tweaked S3. I am playing TourEdge Exotics driver, fairway, and metals and now I am all tore up on whether to switch to Cobra or Callaway Driver and woods. I bought all the X hot irons thru all the wedges and love every one of them. U really should try them before condemning . FYI–I am an 8 Hdcp. and have no problem working these irons. Want to buy a nice set of Cobras including a very good S3 three iron. They are now for sale.

      Reply

      dave

      11 years ago

      From a long time Callaway and Titleist guy, I for one am tired of watching 6 out of 10 Pro’s wearing TM logo’s and playing there clubs and getting a free pass from the forums. I have found little to no difference in any manufacturer in the last few years, it’s all hype anyway, The X Hot’s look like AP-1 and AP-2’s to me with Callaway in the cavity. The driver and woods similarly. Callaway did it to them selves with the composite crap, Titleist still rules with Ping a close second (IMO). I do have a set of R-9 and R-11 irons and they are a 7 out of 10, quality is very good however. All in all I root for Callaway to wipe those smug TM smiles and dollar signs off of the faces of the golf world, just sayin, like they used too.

      Reply

      Kyle

      11 years ago

      I have played the XHOT 3Wd and 5WD for 10 rounds and can say they blow away teh new 913s and the stage 2. They are sleek and long from the rough. Ridiculously long! I have not felt a fairwood as solid as this. The sound is awesome as well. It sounds so crisp with tingyness to it at all. So pure.

      Reply

      Kenneth Clouthier

      11 years ago

      What is your opion of the new Callaway X Hot irons? I just ordered a set.

      Reply

      Javelina

      11 years ago

      I’m going to demo these irons along with the Taylormade Rocketbladez. I’ve been switching back and forth between an old set of Taylormade cgb’s and some newer Cobra S-3’s. The cgb’s are butter smooth and despite being several years older in technology than the Cobras are equal in distance. If one of these two sets feel as solid as the cbg’s and get appreciably more distance I will buy them.

      Reply

      Kenneth Clouthier

      11 years ago

      Does the Callaway Hot irons have a 3 iron?

      Reply

      MGC

      11 years ago

      STILL USING MY 96 GBB IRONS GRAP SHAFT,IF ANYTHING HAPPENED TO THEM I WOULD BE SICK…..LOOK AT NEW ONES STILL BEATING MY FRIENDS W THERE NEW STUFF

      Reply

      Ransom Jay

      11 years ago

      It’s funny how you guys walk a new product into the ground before you even get your hands on it – regardless brand. My guess is this product line will perform very well, and yet similar to other companies top of the line equipment. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but once you close the hood, I’m certian these will run with the best. New paint is always nice anyway you look at it.

      If its distance you’re looking for – go to the gym.

      If its accuracy you’re looking for – practice.

      If its trash talk you’re interested in – Just bring you money to the course and play.

      Reply

      Ideszamarch

      11 years ago

      Well said Ransom. I’ve been hitting the same set of Yonex Titanium ADX for 14 years. Every year I go out and test a number of new offerings to see if anything really makes a marked difference. I wouldn’t buy on hype alone. This is the first year that I’ve found a club that makes a difference. ( everyone will have different results depending on their game and how well you match your shafts and irons) I’ve hit both these sets of irons and these clubs perform as advertised. I ordered the Xhot pro with the M75i tour shaft. The extra fifteen to twenty yards on my irons will take some getting used to but I’ll live with it. I’m sure there are going to be some cry babies out there trashing the jacked up lofts that add plenty of distance but before you open your mouth, go check your bag and tell me how many Mashie’s you have in it!

      Reply

      ron b.

      11 years ago

      amen!

      Reply

      Steven Blew

      11 years ago

      I got a chance to speak with a Callaway rep today at a local course. I have to say I am flat out sold on the new products. Especially the 3wood. It will be going in my bag! I think they have the right idea, as far as their new marketing plan. Its “If you cant beat them Join them” mentality. The rep was shooting out some crazy numbers to me on the 3wood. But once I was shown the cut aways of all the products and could see the new technology everything made sense. These are fantastic sticks. Those haters will be proven wrong. I Promise!!!

      Reply

      JOEL GOODMAN

      11 years ago

      callaway irons still look like slightly update “big bertha” clubs. They are too fat, too thick at the topline and too wide in the sole for any serious player to consider them.. Tell their design staff to look at a MIzuno MP68 or 69.. That is what an iron is supposed to look like. These clubs are for the weekend hacker and wILL make Ely spin in his grave again aND AGAIN AND AGAIN.

      Reply

      Neil

      11 years ago

      I used to bag a whole set of Callaway clubs. But that stopped four years ago when I felt that Callaway was playing catch-up rather than being the innovator that lured me to the company in the first place. I still don’t see anything innovative in these clubs. This is why TMAG-Adams will again trump Callaway in 2013.

      Reply

      JK

      11 years ago

      I think they are ugly – while I like the brand, these are not inspiring me at all. I would be ok to buy Calloway, but I also want something that looks good in my bag…..for mid handicappers the difference in performance between the options on the market today are not enough to inspire an ugly club in the bag. Although too much neon, like Cobra, so that it looks like a disco isn’t desireable either.

      Reply

      Paul Markowski

      11 years ago

      The irons are not bad looking but not that different then the Razr X. I understand that callaway needs a new product each year to ahve something new to sell. but can there be that big a difference for the average golfer. I played x12 for years then moved to the x18 to be honest the difference was minimal. The woods i really don’t care for the look. I have been playing Delablo Edge woods and love them Callaway makes a great product, but the new line does not make me want to run out and try them.

      Reply

      Dan S

      11 years ago

      I agree with everyone on the irons but those woods look really solid to me . Low profile, matte black and with a seemingly good shaft. I kep buyin fairway woods but nothing beats my v steels…. See if these ones can.

      Reply

      antp2008

      11 years ago

      I am looking for a set of blades irons and I like the new colour of callaway’s wedges, if I could find a callaway iron set this cupper colour , it would be faboulous
      I am playing under 80 and want to have more feeling, still I already have X18 irons and fusion hybrids 1 ans 2, and they play very well.

      Antoine

      Reply

      Leftfield

      11 years ago

      These looks like overrated, colourful junk from Wallmart to me…

      Reply

      ron b.

      11 years ago

      i’ve got a good optometrist i can recommed

      Reply

      Tim

      11 years ago

      Some very interesting observations, I would encourage all to at least hit the irons to judge their performance. I have and can attest that with the “pro” irons the ball speeds are the best yet for Callaway. As we all know faster ball speed more distance. In today’s designs you really have to look beyond the “badge or paint schemes” to find the real performance benefits. The new Callaway line-up has plenty.

      Reply

      David Mc

      11 years ago

      Callaway were pioneers in their early days, products like the Big Bertha really changed the game of golf. Somewhere along the way this spirit for true innovation was lost.
      Sadly the 2013 line looks like another treading water year for Callaway; just like software products this range is another case were paying for an upgrade is not money well spent, better waiting for the next version.
      There are hints at a new direction influenced by their new ex Adams CEO, real deal shafts in the extreme and the X Forged for example. There also seems to be a lighter more open official position form the company, for example the honest addition that Phil Mickelson was playing a painted RBZ 3 wood for example.
      I guess the 2013 products were at the manufacturing stage preventing any major changes in product philosophy for 2013. Hopefully the 2014 or 2015 product range will signal the reawakening of a sleeping giant.

      Reply

      Golf Equipment

      11 years ago

      This is a really good read for me, Must admit that you are one of the best bloggers I ever saw.

      Reply

      obo

      11 years ago

      Oh my thoes top lines on the irons are thicker then Álvaro Quirós
      sideburns. I do like the look of the super game improvement iron and the
      max game improvement iron.

      Reply

      Tyk

      11 years ago

      For the last several years Callaway has just lost me. I can’t even quite pinpoint why. I know they make quality products, but in every segment there is something I prefer to Callaway. I think if I had Callaway products of any kind and played them I’d probably like them fine. But when I go to spend money, they don’t crack the top 3 in any category.

      Reply

      Frank

      11 years ago

      Hey TYK,

      I think it’s Two things.
      1. they are not in your face constantly with the marketing (or right pitch points) they tend to feed from TMAGs initial marketing scheme and basically say we have that beat..IMO. nothing egregious that says I can’t believe what they are saying but let me go test it to see if it pans out (ie.. +17 yards).
      2. year to year, while their may be changes within the clubs technology, they don’t have the “IT” factor change or aren’t getting it across to us. Like MGSD said we should never discount but the likelihood of getting you to a range on demo day would need to come from some of the reviews here because the ads AREN’T CUTTING it (FOR ME AT LEAST)

      Reply

      ron b.

      11 years ago

      give them a try. don’t think you’ll regret it.

      Reply

      Matt W

      11 years ago

      The more I look at them, the more they look like RAZR XF’s with a different finish. Maybe they have a maraging or titanium face to make them “hot.” Most of the other GI models have that v-notch/heel and toe looking back cavity, or the draw bias back cavity like in the Diablo’s. definitely XF’s……….definitely.

      Reply

      JBones

      11 years ago

      Which Project X shaft is that going to compare to? I ask, because yesterday, I hit a Diablo Octane with the “made for” Project X Black and got some of the best numbers I’ve gotten with any shaft I’ve tried. I was on the search for a D.O. Tour, but I may wait for one of these, if the shaft can compare to their previous P.X. Black.

      Reply

      TwoSolitudes

      11 years ago

      eh.

      Not unique. Not really interesting. There is really nothing there in the looks to inspire. Plus the whole XHot branding seems pretty cheap looking to me. It wouldn’t look out of place on a Canadian Tire set of Slazengers.

      In looks alone, these are a real step back from the Razr’s or even the FTiz’s.

      Reply

      ron b.

      11 years ago

      wow! you must have a hang up with callaway. in my opinion, adams, nike and ping don’t look any better. titleist and mizuno have nice looking irons but,i don’t find them as forgiving.callaway makes a great product and their customer serv. is 2nd to none. speaking from exp.

      Reply

      Yohanan

      11 years ago

      I have never purchased a Callaway branded club. The last 2 putters including the one currently in the bag Odyssey.

      I have demo’d a few but never purchased.

      Looks are important- Performance more so.

      The look good to me. I hit them. Especially that FW.

      Chip I think is going to get Callaway relevant again.

      Adams was about ready to breakout.

      Then the economy tanked. Drove by a 9 hole last week overgrown.

      Lets check back in 90 days and see how opinions change?

      Cheers

      Reply

      Chris

      11 years ago

      Word is these are seriously Hot. No pun intended. They are real deal. Also comes with new projectXv shaft. It’s a light weight (which I don’t like) stable low to mid launch shaft with low spin. I would not count it out until you hit it.

      Reply

      Frank

      11 years ago

      Hey Chris,

      Callaway always had a hot club,. I used to play the GBB II 3 plus and I could with roll get it out to my driver. the face was crazy hot but hard to elevate off the fairway. if this club allows for that change (which I am sure they have address in the 7-10 years fro m the GBB) I would test it ASAP

      Reply

      RAT

      11 years ago

      KFlare nailed it!
      Looks like another line of just change the badge and color .”X” something 47,48,49 etc.
      Peat and Repeat
      Put Them in WALMART.
      IF you wait a little while Greg Norman will buy the company,rape it then sell it..(GolfSmith/Mcgregor)

      Reply

      Matt W

      11 years ago

      The irons remind me of the RAZR XF irons, albeit without the black PVD finish. Long blade length and very “un-Callaway ” looking cavity. Top line looks thicker though. Bagged the XF’s last season, and bagged Callaway irons 3 out of the last 4 seasons, but sorry Callaway, got to go with the Mizuno JPX 825’s with PX graphite shafts this season. Callaway is falling behind……

      Reply

      atm

      11 years ago

      Uninspiring is a good word…Kflare said it best…For years I have heard this year we will be different we have an all new concept, we are going to spend x amount on marketing, our clubs are better than everyone else, ooops we just let go of 200 employees “oh I guess we needed to trim the fat..” It looks repackaged razr series…just like the x-series really never got a true face lift x-12 was different than X-14 and the 14’s were different than the 16’s but that is where it pretty much stopped….the 16’s thru the 22’s and X-24 hot were all basically the same club with just a little cosmetic tweek….Callaway seems to be all substance and no real pizazz….Don’t get me wrong they really do make good stuff but it is certainly no better than anyone else…It used to be under Ely’s rein that they would make a decent product and charge a premium price, people would buy on the assumption that it was better, but times have certainly changed the competition is way to fierce to skate by on Name alone….Ask Nike about that they have the biggest name in sports yet they have not been able to dominate this sport “YET” and I do me yet, I am expecting big things from them they just needed to find their niche…

      Reply

      Tony Castillo

      11 years ago

      Well, I would wait for the review on these clubs. For me, performance is of utmost importance.

      Reply

      ron b.

      11 years ago

      just traded my g20 ping for the x hot driver. better accuracy and distance. also demo’d the ping g25 can’t touch the x hot. glad to be back with callaway. used the callaways before switching to ping. what was i thinking? still like my x20 irons with graph. shafts.

      Reply

      Chal

      11 years ago

      It does seem like there irons look very similar year after year, but they make a very good iron for a someone looking for some forgiveness. I love their drivers and feel like they perform. I believe the idea that you can color the club to your liking is just a fantastic idea. The fairway woods look good, have to see how they perform.

      Reply

      blstrong (SeeRed)

      11 years ago

      The irons look kind of clunky- even the pro- though it’s difficult to tell from a few photos. They aren’t bad looking, just clunky. Not so the metals- this is a nice look to me. Sleeker look, nice matte finish, and potentially a good shaft. Not sure, though, about the crown graphics and how they tie into anything else that says “Callaway.” My two cents.

      Reply

      cdvillasenor

      11 years ago

      Are they still paying Timberlake? If so, they should fire him… these clubs have zero excitement value and probably cost a lot. That’s a bad combo.

      Reply

      Dave S

      11 years ago

      Callaway sure isn’t hiding the fact that they’d rather you buy the new Razr Fit xtream… this thing looks like a toy.

      Reply

      David W

      11 years ago

      My thoughts exactly, especially the fairway woods. Cobra and Taylormade seem to be able to add color and fun to their clubs but you still feel like they are a serious piece of equipment. I’m not saying Callaway can’t (I like the new green Razr Fit extreme) and I’m not saying Cobra and TMG always hit the spot (TMG ATV wedge and Cobra Baffler hybrid irons for example). But these look more like a full package set with bag and putter included to me.

      Reply

      Golfspy Dave

      11 years ago

      All I can say is you guys need to hit the X Hot woods before you dismiss the playability.
      I understand that some are put off by the looks, but if that keeps you from hitting them you will miss out. I bet most of the Callaway pros actually play the X Hot fairway over the Fit this year…

      Frank

      11 years ago

      Hey GSD,

      I did have my doubts but wouldn’t dismiss anything ever. Can you elaborate, if you have the knowledge, about the Speed frame face cup and the “technology” behind what it is supposed to do?

      ron b.

      11 years ago

      that’s what i thought the first time an m16 was put in my hands but, it was no toy.

      Reply

      ms1195

      11 years ago

      I don’t think the irons look terrible, but a couple of questions came up. What is the difference between the pro and the non-pro, and are these supposed to be GI with that rather large cavity?

      I will say besides the X Games inspired X Hot print on the sole of the club, I think the woods look very appealing. Love the flat black.

      Reply

      Golfspy Matt

      11 years ago

      The difference between the pro and non-pro irons are what you’d expect: the Pro has less offset, thinner top line and sole, shallower cavity. The Pro actually looks quite good. The non-Pro will be good for higher handicap players.

      Best,

      Matt

      Reply

      Frank

      11 years ago

      Wow Kflare…that should cover it for everyone. I do like the iron BOTH VERSIONS but not much different from the predecessor and after each comment above I went and looked at the picture and yup I 20 with TMAG decals okay…the white shaft…..AEHHHHH…if it is a good stock Project X then I am okay with it but if it resembles the “FAKE” Xcons TMAG put in there RBZs I’ll be pulling it anyway and putting in a custom boy….

      Fair to midland!!!!!!

      I do have one question….What was Callaway’s answer to the Speed frame face cup? Does this add Nike’s technology into the mix with their VR series (i.e. compression channel) if so then they covered the trifecta of gathering something from every competitors 2012 model in one.

      Reply

      KFlare

      11 years ago

      “Uninspired” comes to mind…

      The irons look like might as well be Razr X’s with new badges.

      The fairway wood is an i20 with TaylorMade crown decals.

      And that shaft! Well, I do like me a white shaft…

      Reply

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