The R11 irons are an amalgam of the popular Burner 2.0 and Tour Preferred irons from TaylorMade and feature a laundry list of features and benefits. Lets start with the fact these are a cast club -- not forged. This often leads to inconsistent weight variations and "hot spots" in the clubhead. However, TaylorMade has gotten around that with their "Precision Weight Port" system. This is a plug that is mounted in the back of the clubhead and allows them to dial in a precise weight for each club. This bright red plug is made of either aluminum, steel, or tungsten with weight variations of 2.5 to as much as 17 grams, and are not adjustable by consumers.

Next comes a lively (and light face) that combines with their “Inverted Cone Technology” to deliver more consistent ball speeds and forgiveness on mis-hits. The Inverted Cone concept employs a thinner face at the center of the clubhead and thicker as it radiates out toward the edges. This allows for little loss of distance on slight mis-hits and directional deviations of only a few yards. At impact, the R11 feels and sounds quieter ("muted" is a good word) than the rather loud Burner 2.0 because the R11's clubface is slightly thicker in the impact zone as well as where it connects to the sole.

There is also some progression in the R11 irons as the short irons have a shallow undercut channel between the face and rear to control both feel and CG (Center-of-Gravity) location. The mid-irons have a moderate undercut, and finally the long irons have a larger undercut that puts weight farther back from the club face for added forgiveness. Two other progressions in the set are: 1) The top-line thickness. You'll see the widest top-line in the long irons (for confidence as you address the ball) and getting progressively thinner as the irons shorten and your natural confidence increases. 2) The sole width. This feature allows a bit more weight to be added lower in the clubhead on the longer irons to help with getting the ball airborne and progresses to a slightly narrower sole in the short irons.

To say there is some variety in how you can get these is an understatement of epic proportions. The R11 irons come in both Right and Left hand versions; can be ordered up to 1.5" shorter OR longer that standard (in 1/4' increments); can be ordered with the lie angle up to 3 degrees flat OR upright; and finally, in most configurations you have a choice of the KBS Steel shaft or the Fujikara Motore graphite shaft (in 65 or 75 grams) and your choice of Regular of Stiff flex.

In my mind, these irons are targeted at the mid-handicapper (10-18) but with the progressive features that abound, there is no reason to think these couldn't work well for a higher handicap player as well.

Available for shipment on September 1, 2011, the new TaylorMade R11 irons are available from a variety of online outlets, and will also be coming to local golf shops.

Find these R11 Irons:

• Click here to find this product at Amazon.com

Find this bag on eBay:

Fitted with the tried-and-true True Temper Dynamic Gold shafts, they are available in Regular or Stiff flex. The eight-piece set includes the 3-iron through Pitching Wedge. Grips are the Red Grip from Easton. Easton -- for those who don't know -- is the maker of GolfPride grips. This version has a dual-density design that provides for maximum grip in the top half, and enhanced feel on the bottom of the grip. Visually, these irons are like most forged sets, they are simple in their elegance. A dark chrome finish is offset by the Nike swoosh and the now familiar red/black "V" for Victory that adorn so many hats and shirts on the PGA and other Tours.

If a set of forged irons is a consideration, you might also investigate the Titleist AP-2 or ZM-Forged models.

Find this Nike VR Split Cavity Iron:

• Click here to find this product at Amazon.com

Find this iron on eBay:

VFT is an acronym for Variable Face Thickness, and is a patented feature from Callaway. This feature allows Callaway to fine-tune the performance of every club throughout the set, maximizing the performance characteristics of each iron to its intended purpose. The Hawkeye VFT features a long, internal weight pocket that extends the weight distribution further across the face of each iron, allowing for more forgiveness on off-center hits and keeping the ball headed closer to your intended goal. With a compact head size (within the game-improvement club category) and thinner top-line in the titanium head, these irons will appeal to many players. Callaway has also redesigned the 360° undercut channel on the back of the Hawkeye VFT, which allows them to position the center of gravity precisely in each iron through the set.

The Hawkeye VFT irons cover nearly every option a golfer could imagine. Available in sets (3-PW) and individual 1 and 2-irons as well as Sand, Lob, and "A" wedges, they were produced in both right hand and left hand orientations. There are two shaft options to choose from, both Callaway OEM exclusives: System 75 Ascending Mass Graphite Shaft (Light, Regular and Firm flex) or the Callaway Uniflex Steel Shaft. Although the Callaway Hawkeye VFT clubs were produced in 2002, they are widely available in used sets or individual irons from a multitude of online merchants.

Find this Callaway Hawkeye Iron:

• Click here to find this iron at Amazon.com

Find this iron on eBay:

The COR is the spring effect that the club possesses. Like a trampoline, it makes the ball leap off of the face like a drop of water hitting a hot oiled skillet. The USGA has set a maximum on the Coefficient of Restitution so that it doesn’t get out of hand. Without getting into the actual formula (I was told there wouldn’t be any math) club makers, like Mizuno, have pushed it to the max.

In addition, Mizuno has long been known for their metallurgy technology, and the "Hot Metal construction" utilizes a new manufacturing process that increases the natural strength of the club head material to create an ultra-strong and yet multi-thickness face for consistent ball speed. The JPX-800 also features a "pocket cavity" (which is a bit reminiscent of the TaylorMade Burner Plus irons) with an external power bar design. This design expands and extends the sweet spot and lowers the center of gravity (CG) for some pretty remarkable forgiveness. If you have ever mis-hit a forged iron, then you can appreciate what this means. Rather than feeling like you hit flagpole with a pipe wrench in 20-degree weather, you actually get some good vibes, even on those mis-hits. The sole of the JPX-800 has been triple cut (essentially, rounded off) to ensure a solid ball/club strike from all types of lies.

The set consists of a 4-iron through Pitching Wedge (PW) and a Gap Wedge (GW) for a total of 8 clubs. Shaft options are either the Mizuno Graphite Exsar IS4 (Regular flex) or the True Temper Dynalite (in Regular of Stiff flex). As is often the case with forged irons, the JPX-800 is available in Right Hand orientation only. The manufacturing process for making forged irons is very expensive (and the price of these clubs reflects that) and offering them in a Left Hand version is rarely done.

These are a striking looking club -- with clean, simple lines -- that will appeal to nearly every level of golfer. If you're a mid-to-high handicap player and would like to try a forged iron that will still give you serious game improvement features, you would do well to take a close look at the Mizuno JPX-800 Forged iron set. If you are in the low-handicap range, take a look at the JPX-800 Pro set.

Find this Mizuno JPX-800 Forged Iron Set:

• Click here to find this product at Amazon.com

Find this set on eBay:

With the Bridgestone Precept J33 Forged Cavity Back iron set, you get a set of clubs forged from 1020 mild carbon steel with a progressive muscle back design. Forging clubs was the only way golf clubs were made (mass produced) from about the 1930s until the late 1970s -- before the advent of investment casting. Forging requires a lot of technical skill, expensive machinery, and the artistry and talent to finish each club to the exacting standards required for optimum performance. Starting with nothing more than a rough hunk of steel, the shape is gradually created by smashing the block of steel in progressively more club head like dies, or molds. To the untrained eye, a golf club is a golf club. But if you can recognize a forged club, you can see the care, attention to detail and -- dare I say -- affection that goes into each one. The greatest demand for forged irons comes from better players -- those who can tell the difference in feel and who also benefit from the enhanced ability to "work" the ball that a forged club allows.

In the J33 irons, Bridgestone has engineered a variable head thickness and progressive Center of Gravity (CG) for enhanced feel and shot-making control. Bridgestone uses the acronym F.S.C. Design -- which stands for Forgiving long irons, Stable mid irons, and Controllable short irons. The progression of the set includes: 2-5 irons made with a forged cavity back and tungsten insert, 6-7 irons with a forged cavity back design, and 8-PW irons that are forged trapezoid muscle back irons. This progression of design makes the long irons easier to hit, the mid-irons with good workability, and the short irons with maximum feel.

The J33 irons are fitted with the True Temper Dynamic Gold S300 shaft and Golf Pride Tour Velvet Grip, and are available in right hand only.

If a forged iron is on your wish list, you might also consider the Mizuno MP58 or Tiger Woods Victory Red Forged irons by Nike.

Find this Bridgestone J33 Iron:

• Click here to find this iron at Amazon.com

Find this iron on eBay:

What sets the TA7 apart from many of the others is the "Microcavity" design that removes weight from the top-line of the club and disperses it around the perimeter of the clubhead for tighter shot dispersion, even on off-center hits. The TA7 is a direct takeoff of the still popular TA5 model. The TA7 is available in the dark gunmetal finish that many people prefer to chrome. It does have a non-glare surface; the contrast between the dark club head and white ball is bound to create confidence when setting up to the shot. Add to that the progressive offset throughout the set and you have a club that is easy to swing, forgiving on off-center hits, and easily gets the ball airborne, even from tough lies.

I have been a user of Cleveland irons for many years now (the TA2 model) so can attest first hand to the performance, quality, fine finish, and attention to detail found in every Cleveland club. This TA7 set is comprised of the 4-iron through PW + GW (Gap). Shafts are the Cleveland Action Lite in steel (Uniflex). Uniflex shafts utilize a variable flex throughout (designed for swing speeds between 75 and 95 mph) the set that takes advantage of the length (and thus speed) difference of each club in the set.

For some comparison shopping, check out other similar irons like the Cleveland TA5 or Nike Ignite 2 sets.

Find these Cleveland TA7 Irons:

• Click here to find this product at Amazon.com

Find this iron on eBay:

For a golfer, of course forgiveness means keeping the ball in play on those less-than-perfect strikes that afflict most of us. The TaylorMade Burner Plus irons were designed with maximum forgiveness in mind.

If you are a novice golfer, you can’t go wrong with this set of irons. The sweet spot of the clubface is almost as big as the entire clubface. Those of you that have played blades your whole life are not going to know what to do. A shot that is hit off the toe on a blade and dies right into the trees will fly high and land on the right side of the green instead. And a thin shot that kills worms off a blade will fly to the front of the green.

TaylorMade is one of my favorite manufactures and makes clubs for everyone from Tour pros to the Saturday morning hacker. Regardless of the players skill level though, with TaylorMade, you'll get a nicely made set with appropriate design features for your game. The Burner Plus irons have been created with TaylorMade's "Inverted Cone Technology," designed to increase the Coefficient of Restitution (COR) -- a measure of the energy with which the ball leaves the club face -- over a larger portion of the face itself. When you pick up the Burner Plus irons, you'll notice the heads are pretty good-sized; this allows for wider distribution of weight and advanced perimeter weighting, promoting a lot of forgiveness on those off-center hits mentioned earlier. You'll also note the deep undercut back of the Burner Plus. There is something about these that just look "meaty" -- this is a substantial set of clubs, built with a purpose. Not to be left out, even the sole of the club has a specific purpose in mind: The TaylorMade Multi-Functional sole is a wide, beveled surface, making it easier to get the ball airborne from a variety of lies (good or bad) and to get, and keep, the ball in play. Available in Right hand only, the shaft is steel in Firm flex.

If you've ever struggled to hit a blade-style iron, or have been using a 30-year old set of irons, try the Burner Plus irons. By using equipment like the Burner Plus irons, we can hit better shots and simply enjoy the game more.

One word of warning, better players will not appreciate the bulk and thickness of these Burner Plus. These irons were built for forgiveness not workability. For you folks, you should take a look at the R9’s and R11’s. These irons are also very forgiving but are slightly thinner and easier to work the ball.

And other options to consider in game-improvement clubs include the Callaway X22. And for you beginners I really love Adams A7s. This set includes hybrids which are even more forgiving then these Burners, and way more forgiving than my girlfriend.

Find these TaylorMade Burner Plus Irons:

• Click here to find this product at Amazon.com

Find this iron on eBay:

Many better players prefer what is called a muscle-back iron (rather the perimeter-weighted, cavity-back design). This design allows the player to "work" the ball in either a controlled fade or draw far easier than with the perimeter-weight design. The S58 irons are a quasi-muscle back design that also incorporates some game improvement (i.e., forgiveness) characteristics such as: Custom-Tuning Port (CTP) that positions the Center of Gravity (CG) lower and deeper to give the club a slightly higher, yet still penetrating trajectory. Ping has also moved the CG within the set -- farther back on the long irons and farther forward on the short irons -- again to capture that same ball flight. The S58 also has a slightly wider sole to help the club move through the turf just a bit easier and be a little more forgiving. Finally, there is a Vertical Stabilizing Bar which is said to improve distance and shot dispersion, even on off-center hits. The Ping S58 irons look like a players club with a thin top line and compact head. The finish is a brushed chrome that, together with the overall design, create a clean, simple look that is generally preferred by better players.

The Ping S58 is available in both Right and Left hand orientations; they are fitted with steel shafts in either Regular of Stiff flex. Irons are available from 2-iron through PW, but sets are generally 3-PW (8 clubs). Similar clubs in this same category are the Mizuno MP-32 and MP-60, as well as the TaylorMade MC Steel irons.

Find Ping S58 Irons:

• Click here to find this iron at Golfsmith.com
• Click here to find this iron at Amazon.com

Find this iron on eBay:

The Big Bertha design really starts with a low center of gravity (CG) which helps get the ball airborne more quickly and easily. These irons also feature a significantly offset hosel and cavity-back head with perimeter weighting -- all designed to improve performance (both distance and direction) on off-center hits. The shaft is a "bore-through" design where the end of the shaft is visible on the heel of the club. For me, this is really a cosmetic design element, but some claim it reduces twisting of the clubhead at impact, which of course would also help consistency. Having used other clubs with a bore-through shaft, I have not found this to have any impact one way or the other.

While these clubs have been played by nearly every level of player, they are targeted at the intermediate handicapper. These days, of course, you're looking at a used set of X-12s -- and due to the prolific distribution and popularity of these clubs in the late '90s, they are widely available on the used club market. Built in both Right and Left hand orientations, they were shafted with either steel or the RCH99 graphite from Callaway. A variety of flex options from Senior to X-Stiff in both versions were made, so finding a set, or even an individual club, in the type you need is within reach. Also, these were made at a time before hybrids were common, so you'll likely see everything from a 1-iron to an L-wedge.

Cosmetically, these are pretty simple. The investment cast process used to make these doesn't lend itself to a lot of beauty. They have a flat stainless steel finish, and the only embellishment is the characteristic Callaway logo insert in the cavity back in their standard royal/white/black.

Find these irons on eBay:

On the G15s, it really threw me. When I honestly looked, they really didn't look too different, but I can't deny the fact that I simply did not like the G15s at address.

The club is awfully bulky looking. I feel like I’m holding a lacrosse stick. The back of the club is ugly as well. Ping has tried to make the club look modern. They may have accomplished that, but it’s still ugly. I mean a Prius Hybrid car looks modern, but it’s still one of the ugliest cars on the road.

The idea behind the technology is to design a very large forgiving face with more MOI than any of their predecessors. The face as I already mentioned is huge. There is one white line on the bottom. I’m not sure of the point on that brilliant idea. It looks random and doesn’t fit. The club has an offset to help with closing the face at impact. One thing that will help cure your slice. That is not a bad thing. Perhaps if it did that I could overlook the hideous look of it.

If you CAN get used to the look and you are looking for a game improving iron you might like the technology used with the floating Custom Tuning Port. It is suppose to be incredible, and the center of gravity is one of the lowest in all of golf. The COG is very deep and low which makes it much easier to get the ball airborne. It also helps with mishits towards the bottom of the club. Perhaps this is why the white line is on the bottom. Ping is trying to say, “don’t worry about low mishits!” If it were me, I would have made it red with a big bull’s eye on the bottom. (If you are going for ugly, go all the way.) In addition the low weight allows Ping to increase the launch angle, for higher flying ball. And last but not least, it helps the club get down through the rough and “ensures a smooth transition through the turf.

This would be a good club for you high handicappers or those of you that are just getting into the game. The custom tuning port (CTP) means the scientists at Ping made the face even thinner and moved all the weight to the perimeter, in particular the toe. This means off center hits, still fly far and the higher MOI keeps the club from twisting.

Ping has been making such good clubs for so long that they really have it together. As I think back on some of the good experiences I had with Ping irons, it may have been the need to have a custom fitted iron like the "i" series.

Try before you buy...

Find Ping G15 Irons:

• Click here to find this product at Amazon.com

Find this iron on eBay: