Equipment
Callaway Steelhead XR irons and hybrids
Callaway’s new Steelhead XR irons and hybrids each draw from equipment designs and technologies in the company’s history.
The new Steelhead XR irons are influenced by the Steelhead X-14 irons — some of the most highly coveted irons in Callaway’s catalog — that were released in the year 2000 (click for a reminder of what they look like). For its new release of game-improvement irons, Callaway looked to the classic Steelhead X-14 irons for shaping and mass properties, and used its since-acquired knowledge of iron design to add performance benefits.
A face-on look at the Steelhead XR irons shows they’re reminiscent of the original Steelhead irons.
The Steelhead XR hybrids also implement designs from other Callaway products, albeit from the not-so-distant past. For its Steelhead XR hybrids, which are to be used as replacements or complements to the iron set, Callaway borrowed design concepts from both the Apex hybrids — originally designed for better players, according to Callaway — and the Callaway XR drivers, which were co-engineered with Boeing.
For more specifics, read below. To join the conversation about the Steelhead XR release and see more photos, CLICK HERE.
Callaway Steelhead XR irons
Callaway’s line of XR clubs have become known for speed and forgiveness. The new releases are no different in that sense.
The idea behind looking into its history at the Steelhead X-14 irons was to implement characteristics of shaping and mass properties to make a more forgiving, balanced iron. Visibly, you’ll notice a “hitch in the topline near the heel,” as Dr. Alan Hocknell, Callaway’s Senior VP of R&D, describes it. This allowed Callaway to put the center of gravity (CG) at the direct center of the club head, in relation to the heel and toe. Additionally, there is a bore-through in the heel, helping also to control the CG, and to raise moment of inertia (MOI), according to Hocknell.
It was important for Callaway to control CG from heel-to-toe, placing it on the center line, as well as controlling it from top to bottom. The irons are designed to have lower CG in the long irons, where higher launch is crucial for more distance, forgiveness and stopping power. On the other hand, the short irons are designed with higher CG, which is important for control, and to avoid producing shots that are “too floaty,” as Hocknell said.
Here is what the construction looks like. Graphic provided by Callaway.
Callaway uses a new material — steel-infused polyurethane — that sits behind the face in the cavity of the irons, which are made from 17-4 stainless steel. The material (pictured above) is placed low in the irons to drive CG downward, and also serves to dampen vibrations at impact, keeping the irons from feeling harsh, according to Callaway.
The Steelhead XR irons were also designed with coefficient of restitution (COR) that goes “as high as anybody dares to go,” Hocknell said. With faster 360 Face Cups — Callaway’s familiar variable-thickness faces that are welded to the bodies — than previous irons, the Steelhead XR irons have thinner perimeters helping to extend the high-COR area, and pushing it right up to the legal limit. This means they will produce extremely fast ball speeds across the face.
Steelhead XR iron sets (3-LW) will be available in stores on September 2, and will sell for $799 with a steel shaft and $999 for graphite. Stock shafts will be True Temper’s XP 95 Stepless (Steel) and Matrix’s F15 (Graphite), although there is a “wide array” of aftermarket shafts available.
Click here for more photos and discussion.
Steelhead XR hybrids
To Callaway’s surprise, according to Hocknell, average players showed serious interest in the recently released Apex hybrids, although they were designed for lower-handicaps.
After listening to the feedback, Callaway looked to the Apex design, and made some adjustments for those who need more forgiveness, launch, and ultimately, distance. To do this, Callaway made the blade lengths longer, and made the club heads deeper from front-to-back, while keeping the familiar squared-off toe reminiscent of the Apex hybrids. The bigger surface area of the face allowed the Steelhead XR hybrids to have higher MOI than you’ll find from the Apex hybrids, but a similar head shape.
Also, you’ll notice the Steelhead XR hybrids have Callaway’s Hyper Speed Face Cups welded to the bodies, which are made to enhance ball speeds on mishits.
For additional head speed, Callaway implemented the familiar Speed Steps from Callaway’s XR drivers, engineered in tandem with Boeing, that are said to provide better aerodynamics for players who need it.
The Steelhead XR hybrids (3-6) will be available in stores on September 2, selling for $219 each. Matching the irons, they too will have True Temper’s XP 95 (Steel) and Matrix’s F15 (Graphite) stock shafts, although there is a “large selection” of aftermarket shafts available.
Click here to see more photos of the Steelhead XR irons and hybrids, and join in the discussion.
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Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (4/18/24): TaylorMade BRNR mini driver head
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a TaylorMade BRNR mini driver head
From the seller: (@lasallen): “For sale is a BRNR mini 11.5 deg head only in brand new condition. $325 shipped.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: TaylorMade BRNR mini driver head
This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (4/18/24): Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made.
From the seller: (@DLong72): “Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made. ?: $1150. ?? 100% milled collectors item from the limited releases commemorating when Ping putters won every major in 1988 (88 putters made). This was the model Seve Ballesteros used to win the 1988 Open Championship. Condition is brand new, never gamed, everything is in the original packaging as it came. Putter features the iconic sound slot.
Specs/ Additional Details
-100% Milled, Aluminum/Bronze Alloy (310g)
-Original Anser Design
-PING PP58 Grip
-Putter is built to standard specs.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made
This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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As you probably know by now, Collin Morikawa switched putters after the first round of The Masters, and he ultimately went on to finish T3.
The putter was far from the only change he made last week, however, and his bag is continuing to change this week at the 2024 RBC Heritage.
On the range of The Masters, Morikawa worked closely with Adrian Reitveld, TaylorMade’s Senior Manager of Tour at TaylorMade, to find the perfect driver and 3-wood setups.
Morikawa started off 2024 by switching into TaylorMade’s Qi10 Max driver, but since went back to his faithful TaylorMade SIM – yes, the original SIM from 2020. Somehow, some way, it seems Morikawa always ends up back in that driver, which he used to win the 2020 PGA Championship, and the 2021 Open Championship.
At The Masters, however, Rietveld said the duo found the driver head that allowed “zero compromise” on Morikawa’s preferred fade flight and spin. To match his preferences, they landed on a TaylorMade Qi10 LS 9-degree head, and the lie angle is a touch flatter than his former SIM.
“It’s faster than his gamer, and I think what we found is it fits his desired shot shape, with zero compromise” Rietveld told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday at the RBC Heritage.
Then, to replace his former SIM rocket 3-wood, Morikawa decided to switch into the TaylorMade Qi10 core model 13.5-degree rocket head, with an adjustable hosel.
“He likes the spin characteristics of that head,” Rietveld said. “Now he’s interesting because with Collin, you can turn up at a tournament, and you look at his 3-wood, and he’s changed the setting. One day there’s more loft on it, one day there’s less loft on it. He’s that type of guy. He’s not scared to use the adjustability of the club.
“And I think he felt our titanium head didn’t spin as low as his original SIM. So we did some work with the other head, just because he liked the feel of it. It was a little high launching, so we fit him into something with less loft. It’s a naughty little piece of equipment.”
In addition to the driver and fairway wood changes, Morikawa also debuted his new “MySymbol” jersey No. 5 TP5x golf ball at The Masters. Morikawa’s choice of symbols is likely tied to his love of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.
Not enough changes for you? There’s one more.
On Wednesday at the 2024 RBC Heritage, Morikawa was spotted with a new TaylorMade “Proto” 4-iron in the bag. If you recall, it’s the same model that Rory McIlroy debuted at the 2024 Valero Texas Open.
According to Morikawa, the new Proto 4-iron will replace his old P-770 hollow-bodied 4-iron.
“I used to hit my P-770 on a string, but sometimes the distance would be a little unpredictable,” Morikawa told GolfWRX.com. “This one launches a touch higher, and I feel I can predict the distance better. I know Rory replaced his P-760 with it. I’m liking it so far.”
See Morikawa’s full WITB from the 2024 RBC Heritage here.
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Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
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Collin Morikawa WITB 2024 (April)
Collin Morikawa what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. More photos from the event here. Driver: TaylorMade...
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Brian K
Sep 14, 2016 at 8:31 am
No matter what haters complaining, this steelhead irons have really good quality.
I compared with apex cf16 with same stock shaft, xp95. steelhead was softer and more precise. I landed every shot 2 yard radius, I was really impressed.
JThunder
Sep 4, 2016 at 2:11 am
This entire comments section proves without doubt that comments sections are the most useless part of any website. Those old enough will remember how newspaper and magazine “letters to the editor” were largely populated by cretins. The internet breeds cretinism.
JB
Aug 29, 2016 at 8:41 am
I slept with these irons last night. Lets just say they delivered solid feel where it counts and feedback was oh so sweet. Are these the best irons ever you ask yourself? DING DING DING!
Marc
Sep 1, 2016 at 8:02 am
Yup, I agree. Best iron ever!
Joshua
Aug 28, 2016 at 12:48 am
Been to a few thp events and Josh and Morgan are great people.Their website isn’t about die hard golf but more about meeting new friends for a lifetime.The forum is fun chats non golf and semi golf related.The teaching dept on thp is quite poor as the main instructor Fred can barely break 80.But the forum isn’t like wrx it’s a meet and greet and make friends for a lifetime.I see no dishonesty on their site or when meeting in person
Josh
Aug 28, 2016 at 7:52 am
Congrats on getting picked to “test” these irons! Jman will tell you the rules. Which are proclaim these irons the best ever before selling them on wrx. We of course sell all our “used” equipment on eBay. You can too with some solid pictures and description!
peter collins
Aug 27, 2016 at 9:18 am
These are gonna be the greatest Callaway irons ever
Josh
Aug 26, 2016 at 7:45 am
Any chance we can “glitch” these comments away?
Christian Ponder
Aug 27, 2016 at 1:31 pm
No. Go cry in your own banter thread.
Canadan
Aug 27, 2016 at 7:22 pm
I really enjoy your BH. That lube has really helped in so many ways
Ddec
Aug 25, 2016 at 3:10 pm
When I get randomized into the mother effin Grandaddy this year these are going in my bag. I could care less when we lose to the Zoo Crew for the 4th straight year. Free Callaway gear is always a win for me.
JMan
Aug 25, 2016 at 4:05 pm
The Mother EF’ing Granddaddy, I love it when I us mod’s get randomly selected for cool things. Must be because we are Albatross Members. #FreeStuffisCool#MotherEF’ing#Where’sCookie#6gootgimmee#ToppedTeeShot#Youaren’tcoolifyoudon’tplaywith36capTHP’ers
THP's eBay Account
Aug 25, 2016 at 4:12 pm
Wooooooo Grandaddy I cant wait for all those new clubs to hit my listing pages! I’ll have more page views than a THP unbiased Callaway driver review copied straight from the web. Plastic still on all clubs except the 7 iron fetches top dolla yo. Jman is always one of the first to ditch his “best club I have hit” irons. Freddie will need a little help with his listing description too. #mindblown
BigHitter
Aug 25, 2016 at 5:47 pm
THP, did someone restart my bombsquad site? DTown and I are gonna sue JB over this, wait, no, we were shills for Taylormade, nevermind.
MikeDean441
Aug 25, 2016 at 5:58 pm
You know Ddec, it’s about the memories, not the score, and scoring a lot of free swag that most of the poor suckers on the site have pay for. I hope we get to eat the best food ever at Denny’s again this year. See ya latter, I’ve got to go practicing chutting.
War Beagle
Aug 25, 2016 at 8:29 pm
Remember when I quit this awesome site and ragged on J.B. and the rest of the THP staff all the time?
Oh yeah. Me neither.
OFFICIAL THREAD STARTER, BEEACHES!
OleGrey
Aug 25, 2016 at 10:17 pm
Well dag numit, JB dun gone an gots another Granpappy set up. My dog hunt much but I got a sense for thievery and I bet those THP boys are up to no good
Nate
Aug 26, 2016 at 7:45 am
Hey is this where I make some funny comment that isn’t really funny? No, ok, I’ll post up some pictures I took then added in a bunch of clouds so y’all can tell me how great I am. I’m Big Time you know, BTD to you.
Twitter Bird
Aug 27, 2016 at 11:21 pm
#BigTime Nate is all up in some Twitter DM’s talking trash.
9stick
Aug 25, 2016 at 1:42 pm
This comments section is brutal.
THP's eBay Account
Aug 25, 2016 at 4:12 pm
You want to buy some new irons?
Canadan
Aug 24, 2016 at 10:02 pm
Please stop this. I get free equipment from thp and will never ever share it with anyone
JB's yellow tooth
Aug 24, 2016 at 10:18 pm
eBay in a few weeks?
THP's eBay Account
Aug 25, 2016 at 3:27 pm
Just like everything else!
Golf4lefties
Aug 24, 2016 at 7:20 pm
I love the Legacy Iron look but will never be able to own a set. These look like the Legacy’s to me. I have Gamed just about every set of Callaway Iron from at least 2000 and on and the Steel Heads were one if not my favorite Callaway Offering. I will Buying these ASAP.
Leaded
Aug 24, 2016 at 6:59 pm
These are gonna be the greatest Callaway irons ever
Canadan
Aug 24, 2016 at 6:37 pm
I have had mad secret love with the entire Callaway staff. J rod gives great H E A D
MikeDean
Aug 24, 2016 at 6:41 pm
I want a divorce!
Freddie Kong
Aug 24, 2016 at 6:08 pm
Leave J.B. alongated! I love hemoglobin!
JB's yellow tooth
Aug 24, 2016 at 9:39 pm
Hashtagdad?
JB's yellow tooth
Aug 24, 2016 at 6:02 pm
Somebody please call the tooth fairy! I’ve been held hostage in this sewer one might mistaken for a mouth for decades! callaway take me away!
JMan
Aug 24, 2016 at 6:08 pm
#Where’sHawk#Where’sCookie#Where’sOleGray#Theserverwaswipedclean
JB's yellow tooth
Aug 24, 2016 at 8:35 pm
How should I know? I’m stuck in this fools upper sphincter and I don’t have eyes!
THP Tour Van
Aug 24, 2016 at 3:05 pm
I can’t wait to have these laying in the back of the van. Of course, they won’t be there long since eBay will come calling soon. Then all that will be left will be beef jerky wrappers, wet dog hair, and the bad memories of what #TheGranddaddy was really about.
#ilovecallaway
#goodsourceofprotein
#tastesgoodgoingdown
JMan
Aug 24, 2016 at 5:35 pm
That’s the Mother EF’ing Granddaddy. #Mother EF’ing Granddaddy#PlayingGolfwith39handicapsisbest#IloveCallaway#Where’sCookie
JMan
Aug 24, 2016 at 11:32 am
Can’t wait to try these out at the Mother EF’in Granddaddy. I say Mother EF’in because JB does and that makes it really cool. #Mother EF’in#I’mbeingacrybabyagain
JB's yellow tooth
Aug 24, 2016 at 8:44 pm
I’ve seen you before! Well… Just the tip anyway
Pingback: Review: Callaway Steelhead XR irons and hybrids | GolfJay
Golfer Gal from THP
Aug 23, 2016 at 7:34 pm
As said above, these are the best irons Callaway has ever offered to the public. It was a spirited debate between me and JB whether or not to sell these on eBay. But in the end, $$$ won out. I mean we can’t save the animal kingdom one dog at a time without moolah!
Golfer Gal from THP
Aug 23, 2016 at 7:31 pm
As said above, these are Callaways greatest irons ever. When they sent us them to test, we had a spirited debate whether or not we would put them on eBay to sell. But in the end, $$$ won out. We can’t save the animal kingdom one dog at a time without moolah!
Justin
Aug 23, 2016 at 6:33 pm
personally, I think the irons are hideous. I love Callaway and currently bag their irons, wedges, and 3 wood, but these look terrible. But, if they can improve someone’s game, go for it!
Mark
Aug 23, 2016 at 3:31 pm
Have they finally run out of ideas?
cgasucks
Aug 23, 2016 at 8:15 pm
Probably…other OEMs might be running out of ideas as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if Titleist revived their DCI concept and TM brings back their bubble shafts…
C1
Aug 23, 2016 at 3:24 pm
Callaway #1! Very clever, the Callaway people. Excellent marketing, and their products perform just as described.
No I don’t work for Callaway, and I approve this message.
JB from THP
Aug 23, 2016 at 3:24 pm
I personally LOVE these so much. Seriously the greatest club ever designed. I really didn’t think Callaway could come out with anything better than the Apex CF16 but wow have they proven me wrong. I’ll have these in my Callaway stand bag as soon as they hit retail. I don’t even need to see the price tag – just ring them up and take my money.
#Epic
#AlwaysInnovating
#PXGPutsWeinersOnTheirDrivers
dsd
Aug 23, 2016 at 4:06 pm
#SHANK lol
Jay
Aug 23, 2016 at 7:33 pm
#You’veneverhitthem
#Rehashofoldideas=notinnovative
JB's Dog (kid)
Aug 24, 2016 at 10:30 am
Well said my master! You always know a solid shovel when you dig with one. I mean you really tore it up with those Altitudes! Never thought you would ever leave those giant earth movers. But these seem like they have JB all over the giant faces. Cant wait to see these in your Callaway bag inside the Callaway paid for tour van. #nobiasreviewsFTW
JB's yellow tooth
Aug 24, 2016 at 8:50 pm
#family! Guess that doesn’t include veneers
Jim
Aug 23, 2016 at 10:55 am
Not sure what Callaway is doing with their club releases? Now they will have XR, XR Pro, XR OS, Steelhead XR and then the Apex line. Where do these slot in or are they meant as the replacement for the XR series? They’re starting to act like TM on the multiple releases. Very confusing.
Scooter McGavin
Aug 23, 2016 at 11:21 am
Most likely to replace the XR. XRs are like 1.5 years old now.
Oskars
Aug 23, 2016 at 8:53 pm
I have always thought that for the last couple years Callaway has been much worse than Taylormade in that regard. Sooo confusing.
JThunder
Sep 4, 2016 at 2:09 am
What’s confusing about buying a set of irons that works for you or keeping your current ones? Are you a staffer who has to choose between their sets to make your living? Or a rep who has to know the lines inside and out?
alexdub
Aug 23, 2016 at 10:39 am
Awesome that they are bringing back the old branding. I wish more companies would do the same.
Patrick
Aug 23, 2016 at 9:46 am
Also, will they be releasing a Steelhead line of woods?
Mat
Aug 24, 2016 at 8:05 am
Those would be the 2016.2 Steelhead Apex XR OS OMG driver and fairway. The OMG stands for the Oversized, Massive, Gigantic sweet spot just above the aftermarket weight ports that will have a different adapter and and 12 colors to choose from. Unless you’re a Lefty.
Patrick
Aug 23, 2016 at 9:39 am
Does anyone know if they will be releasing a “pro” version?
Mat
Aug 24, 2016 at 8:01 am
The Steelhead XRII Pro 2017, in semi-delaminating “chrome”. It’ll be out just in time to use the Golfsmith card your spouse got you, assuming they aren’t in Chapter 11.