Hippo Hex fairway and rescue clubs

	Hippo Hex fairway and rescue woods
Contact: www.hippogolf.com Technology: Unique head shape pushes weight into the corners for better stability on miss-hits. Mitsubishi Rayon with high modulus graphite fibre. Clubs available in right-hand only with stiff and regular flexes in 3- and 5- woods plus 21- and 24- degree rescue wood options. Price: £59.99 (fairway) £49.99 (rescue)

Hippo Hex fairway (left) and rescue club The word 'unique' tends to be over-used when companies describe products - and not just in golf. The true meaning of the word means it's a one-off, the only one of its kind. And while the technology may be similar to many clubs - including fashionable engineering to improve clubhead forgiveness and reduce miss-hits - Hippo Golf can fully justify the unique individuality of its designs. Who'd have thought that clubhead design in the 21st century would come to this - and really work? After trying out the Hippo Hex2 square driver driver, I've had two samples of Hippo's spin off Hex fairway and Hex rescue clubs in my bag for a couple of weeks and after initial concerns that their head shape was a little disconcerting at address, I've learned to enjoy their performance as well as the attention they attract. Fitted with 65 gram, bronze Mitsubishi Rayon regular flex shafts with mid-kick points to help get the ball airborne for slower swing speeds, they sit more comfortably behind the ball than I'd first imagined - a white elipse on the distinctive black and brown grip helping correctly position the right thumb (for a right hander) on the handle.

The Hex fairway at address The 15-degree Hex fairway wood - equivalent to a strong 3-wood - has given good service from both the fairway and the semi-rough, though with its shallow face I haven't had the confidence to strike it with sufficient consistency off the tee. It tends to deliver a penetrating flight and can also be used for those tricky little chips around the green. Its sister club - the 21-degree rescue - looks smaller than most hybrids because of its sculpted shape but keeps the ball more airborne and I found was easier to hit off the turf on par-3s than off a low tee. It generates enough spin to pitch and stop like a 4- or 5-iron and with its looks and price (under £50) is a real conversation stopper when you peel off the high quality-zipped headcover. The Golfmagic Verdict Rating: 8/10 Summary: Both are futuristic clubs for the modern golfer and as well as appealing to the younger player looking to stand out from the crowd, will also suit those on a budget looking for forgiveness and performance in equal measure. *What fairway wood and rescxue clubs are you carrying in your bag? Submit a user review for the chance to win prizes every month. And if you've got equipment to buy or sell second hand you can do that too, in our popular classified section.