Most golf equipment companies develop clubs by asking elite golfers to test prototypes and provide feedback. Designers take what they learn from those sessions, combine it with computer simulations and other development tools, then release new drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons to the golf world.
XXIO, the premium brand sibling of Cleveland and Srixon, does not make golf equipment for tour pros or elite golfers. You will not see it on the PGA Tour, the Korn Ferry Tour or the European Tour because the Japanese company does not make clubs for fast-swinging players. Instead, its research-and-development department concentrates on creating products that benefit moderate- and slower-swinging players.
The newest family of clubs from XXIO, 12, features several new technologies to go along with the brand’s ultra-light philosophy to help golfers generate more clubhead speed and distance. The woods and irons arrive in stores Feb. 11.
XXIO designers divided the hitting area into six regions and gave each its own unique curvature (bulge and roll). This should help normalize the launch angle and spin rate for more consistency.