As a leader in golf equipment innovation, Adams Golf isn’t shy about releasing unique and sometimes risky items into the marketplace. With successful ideas like the tri-level sole, Velocity Slot, and length adjustments, their gambles have benefited many consumers. Their newest iron release, the XTD, is radical in design, and according to Adams – radical in performance.
XTD Irons
The new XTD 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.
Key Technology
Cross Cavity
An industry-first cross-cavity technology helps keep errant-struck shots on their proper path. Constructed for players of all skill levels, XTD irons boast a center of gravity (CG) moved off the face to generate gear effect similar to a hybrid. The result is corrective spin to straighten off-center hits. After contact, a face impact damper dramatically decreases vibration. Direct pressure on the back of the face produces the crisp sound of a forged iron, while some competitors use a simple badge. This also encourages players to drive through the shot.
Thin Face and Cut-Through Slot Technology
The XTD series houses the company’s thinnest cast-iron face to date, promoting maximum deflection and ball speed. Adams remains committed to finding greater distance through technical advances, while retaining proven design characteristics, such as a 28° loft on a 6-iron. Club engineering promotes ideal launch angles throughout the set, with explosive height off of the face, penetrating ball flight and more preferable descent in attacking the pin.
Specifications:
- 3-SW available – option to purchase with 3 or 4 Pro Hybrid instead of long irons.
- Shafts: KBS C-Taper 90 or Matrix Program Q 85
- All clubs except SW available both RH/LH
While THP only had a chance to sample the XTD 6 iron, there are some observations that can be made in the absence of a full review. First of all, the iron offers an incredibly diverse aesthetic quality, with areas that are both eye pleasing and some that may take some time getting used to. The cross-cavity, while apparently offering a performance benefit, does detract from the club in both a visual and audible fashion. With a centrally placed red dot, the cavity almost looks like the peering eye of a robot when looked at dead-on. In addition, the sound at impact with the XTD is definitely more hollow and unappealing than other irons in the same class. Though both of these issues can be looked past by some, the design elements are bold enough that Adams does risk losing people before they even swing the club.
Still, at address the XTD’s are very striking, with the glossy black finish, thinner appearing topline, and slightly squared-off toe giving them a look that is easy to appreciate. In hand, the irons do give the feeling of a lighter game improvement offering, but the D2 swingweight is quite conventional and helps them seem balanced.
Time spent swinging the XTD 6 iron on the range did reveal both impressive distance and a high, penetrating ball flight, though it weren’t really longer than other distance-oriented game-improvement offerings for the tester. Off-center strikes were handled exceptionally well, as should be expected with the level of weight manipulation seen in the heads. Though little is known about the C-Taper 90 shaft at this time, it seemed to be a very nice match for the head. Considering the C-Taper name, it was enjoyable to swing, not overly stiff, and delivered a very nice ball flight.
The XTD irons are available now at retailers and more information about them can be found at the Adams Golf website, www.adamsgolf.com. If you’ve had a chance to try out this new Adams offering please comment below or join in the discussion on the THP Forum.
Good stuff Ryan, I agree that the “robot eye” appearance when looking at the back of the iron would take some getting used to, but as you said Adams Golf has not hesitated to bring new ideas and technology over the past few years. The cross cavity may become another of those, time will tell.
Good work Ryan, I really love the look of this iron set, Adams has come leaps and bounds from where there were in iron sets. I can’t wait to give these a swing!
Good info here Hawk, this is an intriguing looking iron for sure. I actually like the darker finish assuming that it doesn’t wear too bad.
Lots of chatter about these during the Adams event in Dallas….and CT 90’s? Even more intrigue.
Really like the topline. As long as I can’t see the ‘eye’ on address, I’m good. I saw these up close in Kenny Perry’s bag recently and they look good to me. They hit really well, too. At least Kenny made it look really easy!!
Good stuff Hawk!
I agree with the looks..first time I saw it I thought “somebody made a club for the Terminator”
How different was the sound? I really like a good solid sounding iron on well struck shots.
Enjoyed the review Hawk. This is definitely didn’t looking. Adams looks to be trying to push the envelope here on design. An iron designed to perform like a hybrid. Being known as a hybrid leader, I can see that being good.
Having the chance to make a few swings with these in Dallas, I wouldn’t think twice about putting them in my bag.
Great review Hawk! I love the look at address, and the new technology is quite interesting.
Nice review Hawk, thanks for sharing. These would be perfect for my Dad.
Just got fitted for irons and these absolutely out performed all other candidates. What a pleasant surprise! Didn’t expect to buy or even consider Adams. These clubs set up nicely, are very attractive. They really launch it and off center hits still travel well and on line. Can’t wait to get em!!
I hit the XTD at an extended session at Golf Galaxy this weekend. I was swinging well and tried virtually every major, current release. These were the longest to my surprise. Hit a Stiff graphite shaft and it was longer than the usual long suspects, Speedblade and Altitudes.
The felt great too. As for sound I didnt notice, was occupied admiring the shits and the feel. With the Ozik shaft, they felt soft and forgiving, yet stable. How I feel about Apex and Speedblade, though maybe more stable than speedblade.
One of these days I’ll go through a more focused session and these will be on the focus list for sure. I was pleasantly surprised. If I can look past the appearance of the Altitudes, then the Ceylon on the back of these aren’t going to bother me.
If you’re looking, give these a try with an open mind.
I just retired my FT’s for a set of XTD’s. They feel very much the same but the new irons are a club longer and land softer. I tried the TM offerings. They were just as long and straight but no two shots went the same distance for me. Perhaps the FT’s spoiled me but knowing how far my irons are going to go is important to me. With the XTD’s I get the distance and the consistency.
I am 64 years old and carry a 3 handicap. I don’t play for money because I love the game too much for that ego stuff. In 2007 I bought a set of new Callaway X-Forged irons and was in heaven. In 2013 I bought the new Callaway X-Forged irons and they were even better. I recently tried the Adams XTD irons and immediately sold my 2013 X-Forged Callaway irons. Stop talking about Adams XTD irons and go hit them. My normal 150 club with the Callaways was a 7 iron. I hit the Adams XTD 9 iron 145. I don’t get it, I don’t question it, I just enjoy it……so should you. Quit talking about ball speed, launch angles and all of the technical garbage. You aren’t going to be on the tour next month, skippy, so JUST ENJOY THE GAME! Set your egos aside and hit these irons….you will be amazed.
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I recently upgraded to the Adams XTD irons and was blown away with these clubs. I hit them 15-20 yards further than my previous ironset, the King Cobra 2s (II), and I hit them with more accuracy as well. I’m not sure how Adams did it, but as an amateur golfer I find these irons the best I’ve ever hit. I did notice that the red dot on the back, on my 8 iron, did come off after my first few hits so I just glued it back on. Hope it stays.
I love looking at your website. Regards!
I also play a set of the XTD’s and I love them.
Does anyone know the standard lengths of the XTD IRONS? 3-PW?