Callaway X-24 HOT Iron Set

I was hitting Callaway X-20 irons and liked them but noticed a loss of distance from my old set of Cobra irons and was seeking to make that distance up. Looking at the specs on the X-24 irons, the lofts are stronger. Knowing that there were design similarities between the 20's and the 24's, I pulled the trigger. I bought the 4-PW along with both the SW and AW to complete my set. I like the Uniflex Shaft and stuck with it. I got an awesome deal on the set in "Like New" condition and, after my trade-in, ended up only a little over $100 into the new set. In under a week I had my new irons and was ready to test them out.

Strengths

The X-24's look great. The color combination, the shape, and the size all match perfectly and inspire confidence. Even though these fall into the game improvement category, they don't appear oversized or bulky. When addressing the ball they really allow a better view of alignment because of the darker tint finish. But their real strength lay in their performance. With each iron I gained yardage over the X-20 set. I gained an average of 8 yards with the PW, 9, 8, and 7. With the 6, 5, and 4 I gained 12 yards. The AW is deadly accurate for me from 85 to 115 and the SW is awesome from 50 to 85; I have no gaps in distances long or short now because I made the decision to buy the entire set. Best of all regarding performance was the workability. I play to a 6 handicap and enjoy working the ball a little. I usually play a draw but it was nice to see that I could pull a fade off when I wanted/needed to. These irons also hit the ball high which means a nice, soft landing. This means more accuracy. So, between the hotter face, the hotter lofts, and the large sweet spot, even mishits are going to go further.

Weaknesses

Don't get too used to that beautiful finish; it won't last. I had only finished my first bucket at the range when I noticed the finish being worn on the sole and face of each iron. Now that I have played 10 rounds with them the faces are bare of the original finish as are the soles. This does not affect play at all. You cannot see the marks at address; only when the irons are upright in the bag. It is just a shame that Callaway didn't follow in the footsteps of other makers and assure that this finish lasted.

In addition these irons are a real challenge to dial in. Go into them knowing that they are going to be MUCH longer. This will mean rethinking things, believe me. I was hitting my X-20 7 iron about 145 to 150. I hit the new 7 iron solidly 155 with ease and can push it up to 160. On my first par 3 with the new irons, a 148 yarder with a slight wind in my face, out of habit I pulled the 7. I flew the green. Great for the ego and for up and down short game practice. Not so great for the end score if you do this sort of thing too often.

Summary

Bargains can be had on these irons now and they are, as their name implies, HOT. I personally love the gain in distance and accuracy and really enjoy hitting more greens in regulation. On one recent outing I hit a solid 4 iron onto a par 3 green 198 yards downrange! (a little wind helping) I NEVER hit my old Cobra 4 that far and no way would the X-20 4 iron go even close.

If you are looking for a bargain set from a quality manufacturer that is going to improve your distance, consistency, and fun, you should at least test these out. Let's face it; golf is a four letter word for a reason. But we can make it more fun by playing with quality. Better clubs mean better results. And these ARE better clubs.

Good Luck. Keep them in the short grass. Hope this review helps!

Jim Wilson