Adams Golf XTD Cross-Cavity

Brand: Adams Golf
Game improvement iron: XTD Cross-Cavity
RRP: £500 Best price: £500
Loft: 28-degree Lie: 61.5-degree
Length: 37.875” Swing Weight: D2.0
Shaft: KBS C-Taper 90 Grip: Adams

Summary: The new Adams Golf XTD C-C irons feature the industry's first-ever cross-cavity design, combined with Cut-Thru Slot Technology, to create distance through technology instead of strengthened lofts. The cross-cavity, a cavity that runs from the top of the sole to the bottom and is enclosed by an X-shaped piece of metal, helps to redistribute weight to the rear of the clubhead. This was a priority for Adams engineers and will help get the ball in the air faster and stabilise the club at impact, especially on off-centre hits.

Appearance: The cross cavity design at the back of the XTD divided opinion. Two testers wanted to kiss it, two wanted to turn it over as quick as possible and just hit it. It's an unusual design. Although the XTD Cross Cavity irons are categorised as game-improvement, they've got the look of a performance model with a thinner topline, sole and multi-material body that’s made from 17-4 stainless steel with an ultra-thing maraging steel face. At address, we love the alignment as framed scorelines include a polished finish to set the club on its correct line at address. 3.75 (out of 5)

Feel: Face impact damper, known as Pressure Piston, decreases the vibration. Direct pressure on the back of the face produces a crisp sound of a forged iron and it encouraged us to drive through the shot. This also allows for the multi-material construction of the clubhead to make them longer and more forgiving than ever. One of the best feeling clubs in the test. 9 (out of 10)

Performance: Explosive distance off the face and decent launch angles, helped by a 28-degree loft. Spin rate about average but relatively easy to get airborne and very forgiving across the board. Biggest asset is distance, though. The Cut-Thru technology helps balls fly off the face as it flexes. 8.75 (out of 10)

Verdict: Not the sexiest looking stick in the world but it does the job. One of the longest and most forgiving clubs in this test. Adams Golf is renowned for its award-winning hybrids but these game improvement sticks are just as impressive. A real ease of launch, which we're all now accustomed to when it comes to Adams products. Easy to see why new staff player Ernie Els is using the Tour version of these irons. 21.5 (out of 25)

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