• Callaway Steelhead XR hybrids and irons unveiled
• Both new designs are aimed at the game improver
• Renowned Steelhead X-14 irons had a major influence
Aimed at the game improver, the new Callaway Steelhead XR designs are the latest addition to the growing XR family and they arrive with a name many golfers will recognise.
The Steelhead moniker dates back to the middle of 1998 when the Big Bertha Steelhead metalwoods were introduced. It’s a name that has graced many of Callaway’s most revered products since then and these new designs are the latest to bear the Steelhead title.
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Inspiration for the new Callaway Steelhead XR irons arrived courtesy of the Steelhead X-14 design from 2003. One of Callaway’s most successful irons of all time, the brand’s R&D department says the new designs feature ‘the beautiful shaping and playability’ that made the original so popular.
Callaway was quick to point out, however, that the Steelhead XR irons are much more advanced in terms of material, design and manufacturing processes than the Steelhead X-14 models.
Forgiveness, higher launch and better feel are all key to the performance of the new Steelhead XR irons
While the 360 Face Cup technology makes distance one of the most important attributes of the irons, Callaway says it also wanted to design a set of irons that offered more ball control to more golfers.
It was achieved through what it is calling ‘Flighted CG’. It means the centre of gravity moves progressively through the set to give ‘better flighting and more control’.
Forgiveness and better feel are on offer in the new Callaway Steelhead XR irons, too, making them ideal for the game improver.
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The irons are joined in the family by the Callaway Steelhead XR hybrids. Also aimed at the game improver, Callaway has created the hybrids with the purpose of being very easy to play.
Sitting alongside rather than replacing the current XR hybrids, the Steelhead XR version has a head that is longer from heel to toe and deeper from front to back. Once you add in the extra weight positioned low and back in the head, you have a club that is both forgiving and easy to get in the air.
 ’Like in the irons, the Steelhead XR hybrids have also taken inspiration from the X-14 irons’
Like in the irons, Callaway’s R&D department has taken inspiration from the X-14 irons. It says doing so has made the hybrids ‘extremely playable and versatile’.
The XR 16 driver has also had an influence of its own. Launched earlier this year, Callaway’s design team has brought in its Speed Step Technology to improve airflow over the clubhead. This ultimately results in more clubhead speed at impact and more overall distance.
Callaway Steelhead XR irons
Clubs 3-PW, AW, SW, LW
Stock steel shaft True Temper XP 95 Stepless
Stock graphite shaft Matrix F15
Price £649 (steel), £829 (graphite)
Available September 2, 2016
Callaway Steelhead XR hybrids
Clubs 3H (19Ëš), 4H (22Ëš), 5H (25Ëš), 6H (28Ëš)
Stock graphite shaft Matrix F15
Price £199
Available September 2, 2016Â
More information callawaygolf.com
Originally published on bunkered on August 23, 2016.
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