The Steelhead is back baby! Inspired by the incredibly successful Steelhead X-14 irons, the new XR version of Callaway's classic iron set is bolder, badder and we are absolutely loving it. Here's a quick overview of what you need to know about the new Callaway Steelhead XR Irons from none other than Dave Austad himself:
Steel has long been the dominant material used for making irons. Yet Callaway stands alone for possessing unique steel-working talents that have allowed them to create a long history of sophisticated iron designs that combine modern performance-enhancing technologies with clean, strong shapes that appeal to the eye from every angle. It’s a skill that they've worked tirelessly to develop and which they guard closely.
The newest addition to the XR family, Steelhead XR irons, combine the beautiful shaping and playability that made the Steelhead X-14 one of the most popular irons of all time. Callaway has paid special attention to some of the design aspects on the original Steelhead iron, including a slightly longer blade length, a slightly more rounded toe and the signature hosel-to-face transition.
The speed and distance of Steelhead XR irons is based on Callaway's next-generation 360 Face Cup™ technology, which allows the edges of the ultra-thin face to freely flex and release at impact with greater efficiency, adding ball speed that promotes more distance, especially on off-center hits. The boost in face-speed is so significant that it’s hiked the COR close to the USGA limit.
More speed and distance on mis-hits is made possible by the modern Hollow Bore-Thru hosel design, which allowed Callaway engineers to remove useless weight from the hosel and reposition it in strategic areas within the head to:
1) Increase MOI for more forgiveness on mis-hits.
2) Precisely position the CG strategically in the long, middle and short irons.
Steelhead XR long-irons feature an exceptionally low and far-back CG to make them easier to launch high and long. Middle-irons have an exceptionally low and mid-back CG to promote easy launch and keen control. Short-irons have a low and mid CG to make them easier to promote lower, high-spinning shots ideal for attacking the pin.
Great feel and sound come from Callaway's new steel-infused polyurethane layer positioned low in the head, behind the lower portion of the face. In addition to absorbing unwanted impact vibration to promote a remarkably satisfying sound and feel at impact, it also helps lower the CG to promote faster ball speed and higher launch characteristics for more distance.
Put it all together and you have an iron that delivers the finest combination of speed, forgiveness, distance and control to ever emerge from the Callaway R&D department. For a brand with Callaway’s history of innovation and performance, that’s saying a lot.
You can stop by any Austad's Golf location now to see the stunning Callaway Steelhead XR Irons in person. You can demo the clubs and speak to a Certified Custom Club Fitter. If you want to learn more about custom golf club fitting at Austad's Golf, check out our quick overview of the Austad's Custom Fitting Process and then call or stop by to speak to one of our Certified Custom Club Fitters today.
