Equipment
Adams Golf’s new XTD “Cross Cavity” Irons
The give-and-take of golf club’s design is one of the biggest challenges engineers face when tuning its distance, forgiveness and feel.
Take, for example, golf equipment’s hottest trend of “distance irons.” Such clubs have extremely thin, unsupported faces that drive their fast ball speeds. But the thinness of their faces also tends to change their sound in a negative way, creating a loud, high-pitch noise at impact that golfers equate with bad feel.
Adams’ newest distance irons, the XTD “Cross Cavity” irons, are designed to fix that feel problem, while at the same time adding ball speed and forgiveness. To do so, however, the company needed an out-of-the-box solution that came by way of the Cross Cavity design.
The Cross Cavity design in the rear of the iron heads serves to move the center of gravity farther back, allowing the irons to be more forgiving than their size indicates. That’s the genesis of Adams’ claim that the irons have forgiveness that’s “more like a hybrid,” because the deeper CG generates a gear effect (draw spin on toe hits, fade spin on heel hits, etc.) that is similar to a hybrid.
But what makes the XTD irons truly unique is what Adams calls a “Pressure Piston,” a structure that’s mechanically lodged between the Cross Cavity and the club face to quiet sound and vibration (see the diagram below).
Justin Honea, senior director of research and development for Adams, said that Pressure Piston’s acoustic benefits allowed for a thinner, harder face material (450 stainless steel) to be used in the XTD irons. The thinner faces, combined with a 25 percent longer Cut-Thru slot on the irons’ soles, makes them significantly longer and forgiving than their predecessors, Adams’ Super S irons.
Sole shape (left) and topline (right). Click to enlarge
Just how much longer are they? According to Honea, they’re about 10 yards longer than the Super S irons while maintaining the same modest lofts (the 6 iron measures 28 degrees, 1.5 degrees weaker than TaylorMade’s SpeedBlade irons and 2 degrees weaker than Callaway’s X2 Hot irons).
The XTD irons sell for $599 for a seven-club set and come stock with KBS C-Taper 90 steel shafts. Golfers can also add one of Adams’ new Pro hybrids to the set for $100 each. Click to enlarge the spec sheet below.
Equipment
Putters that never made it: Check out some of the best tour builds that didn’t make the cut
Arguably, the best perk of being a professional golfer on the PGA Tour is the ability to request or even just be handed pretty much any club you could think of. It happens more often than you think, usually with putters around the practice green from one event to the next. Come Wednesday, the Tour bags lining the edge of the putting surface become resting places for fallen flatsticks that never made the cut.
So let’s take a look at some of the best we’ve seen out on Tour this year that never made it to the competition. (You may notice none of Hideki Matsuyama’s custom Scotty Cameron putters made this list. There are too many.)
Let’s start with this custom Damascus Milled Odyssey Rossie made for Ryo Hisatsune. Featuring a single line and the short-slant hossel, we’ve seen plenty of Number 7 and jailbird heads featuring the Damascus Milled insert, but this is the first and only one we’ve spotted in a Rossie. Hisatsune primarily putts with an Odyssey Black Series iX #9, but we have seen him recently with a TaylorMade TP Collection SOTO, so there could be potential that the Damascus Milled Rossie could end up in the bag.
Everyone wants to be Cameron Young right now. We’ve had Justin Thomas and Tom Hoge both game the Scotty Cameron 9.5R prototype. Well, for the PGA Championship, Brooks Koepka nearly joined that list after requesting the same style of putter, with the full-length alignment line. But the Scotty Cameron reps took the request a step further and made one specially for Koepka with a Teryllium insert, similar to one in his previous Newport 2 gamers. The reason why this one didn’t go into play, though? Because it was too heavy.
Harry Hall was the third-best putter on Tour last year, so when Bettinardi made him a custom proto, you know it was going to be good. The custom BB28 blade features VDF face milling, a custom-welded single-bend shaft, and the owner’s initials – HH – on the sole of the putter. Hall, who usually games an Odyssey O-Works #7 W, has dabbled with a TaylorMade Spider Tour X already this year. Maybe there’s a chance this Bettinardi might make his bag.
Honestly, this one doesn’t need a description. It’s Kieth Mitchell’s custom Scotty Cameron Napa. One Scotty Cameron face stamp, two Scotty Dogs, two Scotty Cameron 7-Point Crowns and one Circle T. That is all. Oh, except for the Cashmere Cameron headcover.
Finally, and just for fun, how about we pour one out for this TaylorMade Spider Tour X made for Scottie Scheffler in its new torched finish. It’s unlikely we’ll see a putter change anytime soon from the best golfer in the world. In fact, he hit just two putts with it on the Harbour Town practice before going back to his trusty gamer.
Driver: Titleist GT3 (9 degrees) Buy here.
Shaft: Aldila Rogue Silver 130 M.S.I. 70 TX
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi35 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 7 X
7-wood: TaylorMade Qi35 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 8 X
Irons: Grindworks PR-202 (4), Grindworks PR-101A (5-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Cleveland RTX6 Tour Rack (52-10 Mid), Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (56-08M), SM11 (60-04T)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: Scotty Cameron Tour Rat 1.5 Tour Prototype
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
Grips: Golf Pride MCC
In our forums, our members have been discussing their favorite major winning irons used by Tiger Woods. WRXer ‘golferdude54’ kicks off the thread saying:
“Mizuno MP 14/29. Titleist 681T. Nike Forged Blades. TaylorMade P7TW.
Among these irons that helped Tiger win 15 majors, which is your favorite in terms of looks?”
And our members have been naming their favorites and why in response.
Here are a couple of posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- SwingBlade: “I prefer the early blades he played and the more recent TM TW’s especially because after Tiger had his major behavioral setbacks, part of Nikes support payback was making Tiger play a Nike putter and cease using his beloved uniquely customized Scotty putter.”
- ProjectX: “This (Nike Forged Blades) and there’s not even a close second.”
Entire Thread: “Which of Tiger’s major winning irons are your favorite? – GolfWRXers discuss”
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Patrick Reed WITB 2026 (May)
Driver: Titleist GT3 (9 degrees) Buy here. Shaft: Aldila Rogue Silver 130 M.S.I. 70 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi35 (15 degrees)...
Aaron Rai’s winning WITB: 2026 PGA Championship
Driver: TaylorMade M6 (9 degrees) Shaft: Aldilda Synergy Blue 70 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (15 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue...
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Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D (9 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black VeloCore+ 5 X 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D (15 degrees @14.25) Shaft: Mitsubishi...
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Driver: Krank Formula Fire Pro (6 degrees) Shaft: Project X Prototype 3-wood: Krank Formula Fire (10 degrees) Shaft: LA Golf BAD...
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Joe
May 29, 2015 at 6:48 pm
I just bought the xtd irons and two months later the 4 iron backing plate broke off, then three months after that the 3 iron broke in the same place, looks like a bad design,anyone else have such problems?
Joey
Aug 3, 2015 at 11:43 am
Bought my clubs about a year ago and the exact same thing happened to my 4 iron. Hasn’t happened to any other clubs yet though.
Pingback: Adams Golf 2014 Xtd Irons | Bi Golf Psychology
gray
Oct 21, 2014 at 7:44 pm
I just played these irons….they are really good. I think they set up nice behind the ball and they just have a beautiful flight. yes they are long but very, very forgiving….I ma purchasing them… I am a low handicap player by the way…
luis d
Sep 9, 2014 at 5:48 pm
I just bought these this past weekend. I went in with the mindset of buying the JPX or Apex, then the golf pro came over and handed me the 7 iron of the XTD and man i was hitting the ball straighter and at least 14 yds longer. A great product and cant eait to hit the links this weekend.
marty
Jul 14, 2014 at 10:17 am
Love these clubs.
Vaun Stoots
Jun 27, 2014 at 11:15 pm
These irons are incredible! They are 1 to 1 1/2 clubs longer than my Taylormade irons. The ball flight is high and just seems to carry & carry. Awesome feel! My last 2 rounds have been -1 and -2 & I’m an 8 handicap. They have been a huge difference in my game.
Birdman
Jun 25, 2014 at 12:07 pm
Hit these at a Demo Day a few weeks back … best feeling club I’ve hit in a long time. Not crazy about the ‘gimmicky’ back – but who cares if it works?! Tried it both with the stock steel shaft & also the graphite Matrix Q shaft. Loved the feel, the ball flight, and the distance so much – that I bought a set. Oh, and I went to this demo thinking that I would buy one of the following sets: Taylormade Speedblade, Titliest AP2, or Ping G25’s — sorry guys – Adam’s performed and felt better than all 3 of those, hands down!
marty
Jul 14, 2014 at 10:18 am
Not a gimmicky back. The cross brace allows a thinner club face. Beast.
leftymoose
Feb 13, 2014 at 10:21 pm
When’s the release date on these? And what are the specs on C-taper 90’s? KBS doesn’t even show them on their website.
Duncan Castles
Feb 13, 2014 at 8:20 am
‘Modest lofts’? A 28-degree six iron is at least 3 degrees stronger than standard. Essentially, Adams’ ‘modest’ six iron is a five iron…
leftymoose
Feb 13, 2014 at 10:09 pm
Have these irons been released yet or soon to be? Also, what are the specs on the KBC c-taper 90 shafts? Can’t find any info on them
Kenneth Petersen
Aug 31, 2014 at 8:28 am
Then speedblade 6 iron is essentially a 4 iron compare lofts to dif clubs of same nature, they are not as strong
Joe Golfer
Feb 13, 2014 at 1:57 am
Since Ernie Els is putting something like this in his bag now, I wonder what his lofts will be on his Adams XTD’s?
M
Feb 11, 2014 at 12:41 pm
Not only are the lofts jacked up now, the lengths of the shafts have gotten longer than what they used to be too, so the number of club doesn’t really matter any more than to just to help us count how many clubs there are in the bag.
Kyle
Feb 10, 2014 at 8:15 pm
Hit these the other day. Great clubs! Who cares what the back looks like, because it is all hidden at address.
Fuck Off
Feb 9, 2014 at 11:24 am
They look tight to me
markb
Feb 8, 2014 at 10:31 pm
Yes they are ugly, but I wonder how they perform.
Is that “piston” that connects to the face made out of a polymer or some speedslot goop? If so, it probably doesn’t impact the trampoline effect much.
Double Mocha Man
Feb 8, 2014 at 1:39 pm
“What’d you hit there?” Just bought some Titleist irons with close-to-old school lofts. 3-4 degrees weaker. So now when I’m asked that question (because I’ve got them all memorized) I just respond with the degrees of loft.
Ryan
Feb 8, 2014 at 1:29 pm
I don’t get it. First they tout how thin faced irons will have a trampoline effect for MAXIMUM DISTANCE. Then they add a bar to the face so it can’t flex?
Joe Golfer
Feb 13, 2014 at 1:45 am
If you are referring to the “Pressure Piston”, I suppose it acts like a normal piston in that it moves up and down, or in this case, back and forth. The metal support in the back is all off of the face, so that the face is unsupported.
It doesn’t even say what this “Pressure Piston” (see diagram they posted) is made up of, so it could be rubber material or elastomer.
The word “piston” would indicate that the object moves when the face is struck, so it isn’t a rigid support.
Kenneth Petersen
Aug 31, 2014 at 8:34 am
That “piston” is just for a sound dampener so club doesn’t sound so pingy and vibration isolator all I can say is go hit one then you’ll know what your talking about
Dave
Feb 8, 2014 at 12:38 pm
In a few years our 5i will have 21 degrees and we’ll be playing six wedges. No different than what we play now, just different labeling. Will we have a sub set name for wedges weaker than 53* ?
Bradley Lawrence
Feb 8, 2014 at 12:05 am
These are not like the speedbladez. I was able to hit these yesterday, they feel and perform incredible. The feel is much more solid than the speedbladez, much more like an AP1 feel. These are also crazy long! I hit a steel shafted 5 iron with the Stock KBS Tour C-Taper lite in them, and a 7 iron with the matrix program 85. They were both 15-20 yards longer than my current irons, Titleist 714’s.
I also had one of my members hit them, and he gained 15 yards, and was straighter than his Mizuno’s.
Are these for everyone? No are they for the average golfer who wants to hit the ball longer, straighter and higher. Not the Golfwrx member who wants a 52* PW, and wants to curve shots on command.
Ron H
Feb 13, 2014 at 12:34 am
Why does it matter in ANY way that your irons go further than any one else’s? Irons that fire the ball farther serve no purpose other than “bragging rights”. If your 6-iron is really like my 4-iron, will that lower your scores? Nope. But it will shrink your wallet because you’ll have to buy annother wedge or two to make up the gap at the scoring end of your set. It’s worse than pointless; it’s a waste.
Aaron miller
Aug 13, 2015 at 1:34 pm
I bought a set of these because I loved the way they looked at set up address. I played them for the first time last weekend and they launch the ball very high and mishits are very forgiving. I was really surprised at how easy they launch the ball out of deep rough on a buried lie but they are great feeling irons. I’ve always been a ping guy and play a set of titleist blades also. Guys these clubs are nice. Only down fall is you will have to add another wedge to your bag most likely. The pitching wedge is deep long. I hit it 135-150 pending wind here in Colorado. So a 50-52 degree gap wedge will mist likely be needed. A scratch golfer may not like these but if your a 8-10 handicapper you will love them.
prairiegolfer
Feb 7, 2014 at 11:29 pm
I thought these things were butt ugly and I still think they are. However, looking deeper at the technology they might have sick performance. I got to try them to find out. If they perform really well, a purchase may have to be made.
kev
Feb 7, 2014 at 11:02 pm
Just about everything Adams makes looks ugly…..including the name.
marty
Jul 14, 2014 at 10:20 am
Not a gimmicky back. The cross brace allows a thinner club face. Beast.
Amir
Feb 7, 2014 at 9:59 pm
Look at those jacked up lofts! PW at 44*..
Justin
Feb 7, 2014 at 10:05 pm
I’m not sure why everyone complains about the lower lofts. Does everyone’s pitching wedge have 52 degrees? No? Well, if not, then you’re technically playing irons with jacked up lofts. According to Mr. Wishon, in the 60’s and 70’s that was the standard pitching wedge. A 6 iron was 36 degrees, and even traditional players with “standard” lofts are a maximum of 31 degrees usually.
RumtumTim
Feb 7, 2014 at 8:37 pm
Ugly, maybe, but I have a hunch that these perform.
Adams is still playing catch up to my Wishon’s though.
Because
Feb 9, 2014 at 11:10 am
yea, because your Wishons are probably properly fit to you.
Joe Golfer
Feb 13, 2014 at 1:55 am
I like those Wishon 771 irons, with the High COR unsupported thin face.
Maybe that’s what you play, since you are comparing Wishon to these particular Adams clubs.
Don’t know how those Wishon heads sound though, as this article states that Adams made these so that they’d have the benefit of the unsupported thin face as well as good acoustics.
With Wishon’s prior model, the 870Ti irons, I have heard that they sounded sort of “clicky” to some golfers.
Wishon has a lot of great products, but I think they’d do themselves a good service if they provided all the aftermarket shafts of other companies in addition to their own in-house shaft models, just like companies such as Golfworks and Golfsmith and Hireko do.
Mike
Feb 7, 2014 at 8:19 pm
Look very much like Adams version of Speedbladez. Sure they are great but do we really need two versions of Speedbladez?