Adams XTD Tour iron Review

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Designed with feedback from Tour staffer Ernie Els, the XTD Tour is the latest better-player iron from Adams.

The iron is around 10 per cent smaller than the standard version, has less offset and offers a more compact, boxier look with a narrower sole. It features the same ‘Cross Cavity’ design as the game-improvement XTD iron, which moves the centre of gravity away from the face similar to a hybrid. The result is extra stability on off-centre hits. It also has the same sole slot to increase the face’s ability to flex at impact. Nickel chrome plating creates a satin finish.

“I have improved from 150-175 yards incredibly,” Els said. “I’m hitting my second shots much closer because I’m getting more distance so I can hit into the greens with a shorter iron. It has changed my game.”

Els finished the 2014 PGA Tour season ranked 2nd in the “proximity to the hole” stat between 150-175 yards, averaging 24 feet.

Details: £599 (4-PW). www.adamsgolf.com

Technology
The head is 10 per cent smaller than the standard XTD iron and features a satin finish. The same “Cross Cavity” design moves the CG away from the face to increase stability on mishits while a sole slot increases clubface flexibility.

Looks
Really slick at address. A classy satin finish looks flush while the clean lines, minimal offset and a thin topline creates the perfect look for the better player’s eye similar to a blade. The cross cavity design on the back is a bit of an eyesore – a minor qualm.

Feel/Sound
A really soft, pure feel from the sweetspot, much like that of a forged iron combined with a dull, muted sound. It makes you want to hit another shot.

Forgiveness
Surprisingly good for an iron that is so compact. Poor strikes seemed to hold their line and lose just a few yards of carry distance.

Performance
There’s lots to like here – the classy look, soft feel at impact and pretty consistent trajectories through the set. I hit these irons half-a-club longer than my current irons, but the XTD Tours maintain traditional lofts. They weren‘t as workable as I’d have liked, but that really is my only negative; they were a joy to hit. The cross cavity design seemed to enhance the feel from the sweetspot and they have such a clean look at address your confidence over the ball is boosted. The size may not appeal to game improvers, but the feel, stability and forgiveness certainly will.