Callaway X-18R Irons

[mbmbmbhb]

Hey all. I'm pretty new to golf. I have been practicing at a driving range a few times a week for about a month, and played my first 9 holes last week. I've been using my girlfriend's clubs up until now, and I'm looking into starting my own little collection.

My girlfriend and I went to Sports Authority yesterday, and she (an avid golfer) had me try out a bunch of different iron sets to see which one I liked. Out of the 5-6 different sets that I tried, the Callaway X-18R irons really took me by surprise. They felt a lot more natural in my still-developing swing than every other iron I have tried. Plus, I hit 5-6 balls perfectly straight consistently, which doesn't happen very often if you are as new to the game as I am. My girlfriend said that my swing looks a lot better with the X-18R's.

I've been trying to find out more information about them, but I feel like there is very little out there. I have a few questions about them....

1. From what I know, Callaway released their X-18's, followed by their X-20's, and then their X-22's. Do they still manufacture and sell the 18's? I'm really afraid that I wont be able to find a new set in the upcoming months.

2. At first, my girlfriend thought that the "R" in X-18R stood for "right handed", but it apparently stands for "refurbished". Can anyone give me some insight on what this means? How does it affect the quality of the club?

3. If I'm going to spend $400 on irons, I'd rather not settle for "beginner irons". In the long run, do you think that it would be a smart decision to purchase these if I were to stick with the game?

Thanks a bunch!

[NativeTxn]

1) I doubt they are manufacturing any new X-18s or X-18Rs, BUT I definitely do not know that for sure - it is just my assumption since they have come out with 2 newer models (X-20 and X-22) in the X-series since the X-18 (which was the 2005 model). I know you can go on Callawaypreowned.com and get a used set of X-18s (not the X-18Rs), but I could never find the X-18s in the stores - only the X-18Rs.

2) I do not think it means refurbished. The main difference is that there is no Tru Bore hosel. Another poster on a different forum said he received the following response from Cally's customer service department when he posed the question:

"In response to your inquiry, the X-18R does not have the Tru Bore at the bottom of the clubhead like the original X-18 irons. The X-18R has a new uniflex shaft and grip not found on the original version. Also, they are not available in graphite, nor can you custom order them. They come as a complete set available in 4 iron through Sand Wedge."

This apparently allows them to hit a lower price point. But, if you chose the X-18R irons from Dick's or another retailer, you would be getting brand new clubs (unless they said they were used, in which case, the price should be even lower).

3) I think just about anything in the X-series from Callaway would serve you well for several years. IMO, you will not outgrow them too quickly.


All of that being said, if you sniff around on EBAY you could probably get a set of X-20 or X-22s for close to (and possibly less than) $400 brand new from a reputable seller. I got my X-22s off of EBAY for $450 shipped (it was only 4-PW, but I didn't care as I wouldn't, and wasn't going to, use the AW or the SW from the X-22 set anyway, and I can't hit a 3i consistently either).

However, that would only be worth looking into if the X-20 or the X-22s worked for you, but it is something to consider.

[steve8820]

If you go the ebay route, be very careful of fakes. LOTS of fake Callaway products out there............LOTS.

[Balto]

My Brother-N-Law got a set of the X-18r's.

Its actually a GREAT deal!!!!

$399 for brand new X series clubs.

Here is the reason for the "R". Callaway had a bunch of left over X-18 heads and wanted to sell them so they just put them on the NEW shafts and called them X-18r's.

So what your getting is a X-18 with a X-20/22 shaft. Pretty great deal

OH and they hit like a dream. I wanted to get some other brand since he got the callaways (I'm just like that hehe) but its really hard to find a set of clubs that feel better than those. The price is great too.

I vote BUY EM!!!!

[alomar123]

  steve8820 said:

If you go the ebay route, be very careful of fakes. LOTS of fake Callaway products out there............LOTS.

And the thing is they look and feel exactlly like the real ones if the fake is done right. They even put a fake or a real serial # on them from a real set.

[Balto]

  alomar123 said:

And the thing is they look and feel exactlly like the real ones if the fake is done right. They even put a fake or a real serial # on them from a real set.

But I'm guessing they perform like crap huh hehe

[leo3]

The X18 R is a club that Callaway brought out to compete at the $399 price point. They do not have the Bore Thru hosel, don't have a full 360 degree undercut, and use a different uniflex shaft. But they are still Callaways, with all the quality that comes with the brand. As a new golfer, you can't go wrong with Callaways, either the X18 r or a used set. Check the Callaway Preowned site, as they have some great deals on X18's and X20's, all certified, and a great exchange program if you don't like the clubs you buy.

[mbmbmbhb]

Wow. Thanks a bunch for all of the help! This is definitely the most helpful forum I have ever visited.

I found them on Golf Etail for $350.
http://www.golfetail.com/p-169451-ca...-set-4-sw.aspx

I have to think about it for a little while. I really want them, but $350 isn't exactly pocket change for a college student like me :)

[Sherlockian]

First, the R is for Reissue not refurbished or other r words. Callaway has done this in the past with some of their more popular discontinued models. I personally use all Steelhead Reissue woods. They are not old X-18 heads that Cally had laying around. There is no information on their website, just like other reissues. The heads are like a mixture of the best original X-18 and X-18 Pro features. They do not have bore thru hosel, S2H2, or 360 undercut(as mentioned above), and you cannot tell a difference at this lack of standard Callaway features. Callaway hit the nail on the head with these irons at this price point. I had a set of the Rs for a couple of months, and they were great clubs. I loved them but my eyes have gotten used to a smaller clubhead, profile, topline, etc. I personally think these clubs would serve you for many years without having to buy other clubs as you get better. They will work great for the beginner to the low handicapper. And for $350 to $399 for a set of NEW Callaways, these clubs cannot be bet. Good Luck and Go For It.

[WUTiger]

mb,

If you like them, go with them. The best clubs are ones which fit your ability level, and ones that you like.

The original X18 model falls in the Ultra Game Improvement (UGI) category, which means they help you get the ball up, and give you a cushion on mishits. I play the X20s, which also fall in the UGI category.

I first saw the X18R version at Sports Authority, after the X20s had come out.

I hope you appreciate your good fortune. You've found a solid set of irons, and a dynamite girl friend!

[sam004]

Despite my sig, I switched back to my X-18's. Bought a set of the X-20's Steel, but like the graphite shaft at the moment. I don't believe there is much of any real difference between the X-18 or the X-20's in feel or playability, certainly not for a beginner.

If price is your stumbling point, as a beginner may I suggest the following:
Depending on if price is an issue or not.

X-18r look nice with an inviting price.
If you can still find them, Ben Hogan Apex $299, BH-5 and CFT set [about $199-299]are all very cheap, and good sets. Seen mostly at Golf Galaxy if there is one near you or online at rockbottomgolf.com

http://search.rockbottomgolf.com/Ben%20Hogan.html

PS - GF is a keeper if she plays golf :)

Also check out this link for a used set of X-18 or X-20's.
Bought 2 sets from here in avg condition, Great clubs !

http://callawaygolfpreowned.com/isets/isets-x-20.aspx

[Quinn07]

I don't know how much help this post is going to be, but I played X-18s for a season and loved them. However like someone else posted I prefer a smaller head so I switched to the X-tours.

Try taking a look on Callaway golf pre-owned. I bought my clubs there in "like new" condition and they looked like they had never been hit. Their prices are usually pretty good as well, and the customer service is outstanding.

My vote is to go ahead with the X-18Rs I don't think you will be disappointed.

[Livestrong]

I just bought a set of x18r's brand new for $330. Just got them in a week ago. I also JUST started playing golf a few weeks ago so I couldnt tell you if they are any good or not haha. Just been to the range a few times. I like them and they feel smooth to the hit. GPP.com or gamespeopleplay.com. I ordered them and got them the next day. They're in texas and I'm in louisiana though.

[mbmbmbhb]

To the last poster: I don't see how those sites are relevant.
I'm still looking around for the best deal I can find.

[Livestrong]

Relevant because everywhere I looked they were $399 plus tax. The lowest I could find brand new was what I posted. $330 with tax or $319 before. Pretty significant but I'm sure if you wait long enough and keep looking you will find better. I just bought my FT-i for $150 2 weeks ago. Edwin Watts here in town matched that price. Everywhere else it was $199. I went to Dicks tonight and it was $149, when 2 weeks ago it was $50 more. Crazy how prices drop.

[pxc]

  WUTiger said:

mb, If you like them, go with them. The best clubs are ones which fit your ability level, and ones that you like. The original X18 model falls in the Ultra Game Improvement (UGI) category, which means they help you get the ball up, and give you a cushion on mishits. I play the X20s, which also fall in the UGI category. I first saw the X18R version at Sports Authority, after the X20s had come out. I hope you appreciate your good fortune. You've found a solid set of irons, and a dynamite girl friend!

Per Golf Digest 2007 Hot List, your X20s are GI, not UGI or SGI.

http://www.golfdigest.com/equipment/...ronsintro_0702

[mbmbmbhb]

  Livestrong said:

Relevant because everywhere I looked they were $399 plus tax. The lowest I could find brand new was what I posted. $330 with tax or $319 before. Pretty significant but I'm sure if you wait long enough and keep looking you will find better. I just bought my FT-i for $150 2 weeks ago. Edwin Watts here in town matched that price. Everywhere else it was $199. I went to Dicks tonight and it was $149, when 2 weeks ago it was $50 more. Crazy how prices drop.

Sorry if I didn't make this clear, but both of your links seem dead. Can you link me to the exact page that lists the irons?

Thanks!

[WUTiger]

  pxc said:

Per Golf Digest 2007 Hot List, your X20s are GI, not UGI or SGI.

PXC,

That depends on whether you're using pure Maltby or GD categories. The SGI, and GI categories are borrowed from Ralph Maltby's Maltby Playability Factor (MPF) rating system for golf clubs. Maltby ranks clubs into six categories which range from Player Classic (hard to hit) up through Ultra Game Improvement (helps get ball up, gives cushion on off-center hits). So, if you are using pure Maltby MPF ratings, the X20 is UGI at MPF = 1051, while X18 is UGI at MPF = 1040. If you want to see the MPF ratings on hundreds of iron models for recent years, check out Ralph's website: http://http://www.ralphmaltby.com/ Golf Digest uses a simplified version of the MPF system. It collapses the six categories into three, which it calls Super Game Improvement, Game Improvement and Players. So, the GD categories make more sense for general discussions of classes of irons, telling us how user-friendly they are for the average golfer. And, thanks for the GD link. I'll bookmark it for future reference.