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strong>Price: $1,099 steel; $1,299, graphite

WE TESTED: 4, 7, 9 with True Temper XP95 steel shaft; 4, 7, 9 with UST MamiyaRecoil 660 graphite shaft

KEY TECHNOLOGIES: A thin, hot Carpenter 455 steel face increases ball speed. The forged carbon steel body combines with a cavity medallion to soften feel.

PROS
PLAYABILITY: One of the highest-rated in its class; nimble and easy to hit out of the rough and from tight lies; consistent mid-trajectory is simple to alter; hitting draws or fades is a snap; longer irons launch shots easily.
ACCURACY/FORGIVENESS: Sidespin is adequately reduced on misses; highly accurate, as expected, on solid strikes.
DISTANCE CONTROL: Testers give it very high marks — terrific distance control; panelists are able at will to take a little something off or add a bit of force; many guys pick up a half-club versus their own irons; typical misses don’t lose much distance — very predictable outcomes.
FEEL: One of the better-feeling models tested; crisp and solid at impact with little unwanted vibration; very stable through the ball—you can really feel the weight of the clubhead; a sharp but pleasing sensation, not mushy at all.
LOOK: Classic appearance says “I’m a player” to many guys; midsize heads with a bit of offset look just right; a traditional design that masks game-improvement qualities.

CONS
Not the most forgiving club in its group; trajectory is a bit lower than a few testers prefer.

BOTTOM LINE: One of the top-rated models. A game-improvement club that better players can play and enjoy as well.