Golf Club Review

Hireko Golf scored a big winner when their new 2009 Acer XK Irons were selected by Golf Digest's 2009 "Hot List" as "Best Value" Irons. Given the big 'hoo-hah' that these irons caused we figured we should take a closer look as well.


  
What's so special?

The interesting thing is that these irons come in four different configurations, catering to the players ability to strike the ball. As illustrated in the picture on the right (from left to right) you have the standard Acer XK Irons, the Acer XK Ladies HT Irons, the Acer XK Pro Irons, and the Acer XK High Trajectory Irons. Let's look at each iron in more detail:

Acer XK Irons
This model caters to the average golfer in the mid-handicap range. Despite the narrow sole design and the slim profile, which provide a sleek appearance when setting the club behind the ball, this is still a modern game-improvement club. You will note the generous offset (see red circle in the picture below) which allows mid handicappers to hit both solid and straight shots while still giving reasonable shot shaping capabilities. The relatively large club head and the cavity back make this club very forgiving for the average player. It is built from 431 stainless steel and, when assembled with a Apollo Standard steel shaft and Karma Black Velvet Grip, costs only US$24.95 a piece - including custom fitting and a free head cover. Full details are here: Acer XK Iron

Acer XK High Trajectory Iron
The Acer XK HT (High Trajectory) iron is best suitable for slower swing players (including beginners and Senior Golfers) and golfers with mid and higher handicap looking for greater forgiveness in their iron game. The sole is some 30% wider than the standard Acer XK model (compare the club heads in the picture below) which allows the club to 'muscle' thru all kinds of rough in case you miss the fairway. The additional loft (34 degrees compared to 33 degrees for a 7 iron) combined with the low center of gravity, the deep cavity back and the large sweet spot makes this one of the most forgiving irons on the market, perfect for beginners. The standard configuration includes an Apollo steel shaft and a Karma Black Velvet Grip, and the club will be custom fitted on the Hireko website. The price of US$24.95 includes a free head cover. Full details are here: Acer XK High Trajectory Iron


Acer XK Pro Iron
The Acer XK Pro Iron model is the iron of choice for the better golfer. With its undercut cavity back and some enhanced heel-toe weighting this iron is still a game-improvement design, yet the more compact and slim design allows for greater shot shaping abilities. This is assisted by the elongated hosel length which makes it easier to control the trajectory of the ball. In the 'looks department' this club scores well with its bevelled sole and thinner topline. The standard Apollo steel shaft may not be the best choice for low handicappers, but there are many shaft upgrades available. A better option to the standard shaft would be the True Temper TT Lite XL steel shaft. As for the other irons there is free custom fitting included, as is a free head cover. Read more details here: Acer XK Pro Iron

Acer XK Ladies Iron
The Acer XK Ladies iron is designed for ladies of mid to high handicap who are looking for greater forgiveness in their iron play. Like the HT model discussed above the sole is 30% wider than the standard Acer XK model mentioned above which provides a lower and a deeper center of gravity. This enables you to get the ball up in the air quickly from virtually any lie, and hold the greens. Substantial offset combined with an expansive undercut channel and a generous hitting surface makes this one of the most forgiving ladies iron on the market today. Like the other Acer XK irons it is made from 431 stainless steel. The price of US$24.95 includes an Apollo steel shaft, a pink Karma Velvet Grip, custom fitting and a free head cover. Read more here: Acer XK Ladies Iron

Conclusion
 
We think the Golf Digest made a good call to include the Acer XK Irons into their hotlist. The different irons provide golfers of various abilities with a great choice of clubs at exceptional prices. Acer itself is known for good workmanship, and Hireko backs this with their 60 day satisfaction guarantee: if you are unsatisfied with their clubs for any reason whatsoever you will get a refund! If you are in the market for new irons at 'recession' prices you should take a closer look. Click the following link for details on the 2009 Acer XK line of Irons

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