Srixon introduces new 403 series

This is a unique technological advancement that we were able to apply to the driver based on our extensive research, said Pai.

In a test session among various levels of players assembled by GolfWeb, the W-403AD driver received high praise for its looks, ease of swing and solid feel at impact. Golfers especially noted the club felt very light and forgiving.

With a variety of lofts, suggested retail price for the driver is $399.

FAIRWAY WOODS

There are three clubs in the fairway woods lineup: Nos. 3, 5 and 7, with fractional lofts of 14.5, 18.5 and 20.5 degrees, respectively.

The heads are made of steel, with maraging steel faces, and an elliptical COR area that extends from high toe to low heel, to provide forgiveness. The clubs have a mid profile and a low center of gravity.

Suggested retail price is $299 each.

IRONS

Srixons I-403AD irons are cast cavitybacks and follow last years introduction of I-302 forged irons.

GolfWeb testers credited the I-403AD irons for their looks and forgiving feel at impact.

Additionally, the I-403ADs variable hosel length and back-weighting should help square the club at impact and deliver enhanced scoring trajectories.

GolfWeb testers credited the irons for their looks and, most notably, a very solid, forgiving feel at impact.

Available in irons 3-pitching wedge with matching approach and sand wedges, suggested retail price per set (3-PW) is $599 with steel shafts and $699 with graphite.

BALLS

Last year, Srixon introduced its three-piece UR-X ball with a urethane cover. This year, the company has launched a two-piece AD333 ball, three-piece HR-X333 ball and just now its Soft-Feel 2-Piece ball.

All the models this year bear a new cover material called Rabalon, which is designed to be 25 percent more resilient than ionomer for enhanced energy transfer and greenside feel. Theres also a proprietary, seamless 333-dimple pattern for enhanced aerodynamics.

Weve streamlined the ball lines to make it very easy for consumers to pick the right one for their games, said Pai. Essentially, there are two tour-level multilayer balls and two two-piece balls.

The new Soft Feel 2-Piece ball is geared for players with swing speeds in the 60-90 mph range. With an extremely soft core, it is designed to promote low spin and a high launch angle.

Its important for golfers to know that higher compression balls require higher swing speeds in order to compress the ball and transfer the energy efficiently, explained Pai. If you dont have a high swing speed, you wont be able to get any spin or velocity. But you can with a slower swing speed and a softer (lower compression) ball.

Suggested retail price for the Soft Feel ball is $29.99 per dozen.

Editor's note: Chuck Stogel writes about golf equipment. Look for his columns each week on GolfWeb and PGATOUR.COM.