XXIO Golf, which is a division of Dunlop Sports, may be a lesser known brand in America, but it has been the No. 1 seller in Japan for 16 straight years. When I tested last year’s models I knew very little about XXIO, and that provided me with an eye opening experience. XXIO Golf’s main technology is their proven Dual Speed Technology.
XXIO 9 Irons
Club Tested: 7 Iron Shaft: Nippon N.S. Pro 890GH; Flex: Stiff; Loft: 30°
The Takeaway
XXIO irons feature Dual Speed Technology which maximizes the efficiency of the golfer’s swing. The newest improvement to DST includes a boost efficiency for the initial portion of the downswing. Lag is increased by utilizing a heavier head and lighter shaft with a heavier balance point moving the CG closer to the grip which generates more centrifugal force (rotational speed) for increased speed and greater distance.
A 5 piece head structure (4–7 irons) creates an even lower CG. In addition to the nickel weight in the sole, engineers have place a high-density tungsten weight in the toe and heel. The result is a head with the lowest CG in XXIO history and high heel-to-toe MOI. This 5-piece structure enables the ball to get airborne with ease and further improves the carry distance on miss-hits resulting in higher speeds from outstanding forgiveness for shots of the lower part of the face.
Who’s It For?
This very large oversized Game Improvement Iron is from any playing looking to gain distance and increase launch angles with excellent forgiveness. In order for the DST concept to stay in place I would definitely recommend these irons for players with an average to smaller hand size.
Final Take
Just like last year’s version, the new XXIO 9’s have a very large, confidence inspiring head with a very rounded toe. Again, it is super easy to increase your launch angles, even with stronger lofts. The feel and sound were on par compared to last year’s version, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Having a lighter shaft only increased the DST concept, and that makes quite of bit of sense. While XXIO is very well received and known in Japan, it remains a relative unknown in America. So, never heard of them you say? I suggest a test drive if you’re looking for a super easy iron to swing.
Shop XXIO 9 Irons at GolfDiscount.com
XXIO Forged Irons
Club Tested: 7 Iron Shaft: Nippon N.S. Pro 940GH; Flex: Stiff; Loft: 30°
The Takeaway
The XXIO Forged Irons produce longer distance from a higher repulsion face with an enlarged thin area, creating an expanded sweet spot. XXIO has moved the CG closer to the grip through a lightweight shaft, and an overall a lighter weight club. Dual Speed Technology maximizes a player’s rotational efficiency while also delivering more kinetic energy at impact. The end result: more head speed, more ball speed, more distance.
Who’s It For?
These irons are perfect for players who are looking for that forged iron feel, but want as big of a sweet spot as possible. Also, players who are looking for maximum elevation and incredible distance will want to have a look at these irons. One note, with the lightweight shaft, players with larger hands might struggle with the smaller grips, which is a byproduct of the DST principal.
Final Take
Testing the XXIO irons last year was quite a surprise. Well this year’s forged version did not let me down and wowed me even more so. The feel was incredible, extremely solid yet with great feedback. I found that mishits also felt better than most heads I have tested. Elevating the ball is effortless and well struck shots get a great jump off the face. It was a thing of beauty to watch in the air. Distance came with ease and was consistent. Definitely one of the best irons that I have tested this year to date.
Shop XXIO Forged Irons at GolfDiscount.com
Bob Gomavitz
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1 Comment
Xxio 8 xoxi on prime irons what s the difference?