Hippo continues to expand under a positive kind of hex

One of the equipment makers that generally flies under the big-name radar, but a company that is technologically advanced with value-priced products, is Hippo Golf.

The Hippo name dates back to 1989 and equipment manufacturer Howson Sports in the U.K. It has since grown to become one of the largest European lines in golf. In the U.S., Hippo is based in Carlsbad, Calif.

Hippo Hex TX driver

In late 2006 and early last year, as major golf companies began to experiment with new geometric shapes for clubheads -– especially new square drivers -- Hippo was among the pioneers in incorporating technological developments in shapes, multimaterial components and weight distribution. The company very noticeably adopted a hex pattern, as in hexagonal, for its clubs.

As we move through the heart of the 2008 season, Hippo continues to blaze a hex trail, with a new driver and a new progressive set of hybrids/irons. Augmenting its XXL460 driver and Hex2 -- as in squared -- drivers, Hippo's newest big thumper is called Hex TX, built for enhanced distance and forgiveness. Meanwhile, the company's new Hex2 3-2-3 Progressive Iron set is composed three utility clubs, two midirons and three scoring irons.

"Our Hex2 driver has been extremely successful since its introduction last year and we wanted to take it to the next level with the design of our new driver," David Dixon, Hippo CEO, said in a press release. "(The Hex TX) driver has incredibly explosive power and the highest MOI we have ever produced."

MOI stands for Moment of Inertia, a mathematical formula that relates to the stability of the club on off-center hits.

And, like all of Hippo, it's value-priced, even though the Hex lineup is the company's premium performance model. Where other high-tech square drivers may be listed for $300 to $500, the Hex TX driver, for instance, carries a $249 suggested list price with an actual retail price often under $200.

Here's a closer look at the latest from Hippo Golf.

Hex TX driver

At a glance, the Hex TX driver looks a little more square than hexagonal. Its multisided shaping has been subdued compared to the Hex2. Like its predecessor, it has a 460cc head and comes in lofts of 9.5, 10.5 and 12 degrees.

The new TX driver features a V-slot sole and aerodynamic side slots to help generate greater clubhead speed. A lightweight crown allowed for moving weight deep and to the rear corners, which increases the MOI and enhances stability. According to company execs, the Hex TX provides a tighter shot dispersion.

In test sessions with a variety of golfers assembled by CBSSports.com, the Hex TX driver was labeled "boxy looking," but the club was praised for being easy to swing, very solid and possessing a "good, reactive shaft."

Two 45.5-inch graphite shafts, slightly longer than the norm to help generate greater swing speed, are available in a choice of flexes for the driver. The standard shaft is by Mitsubishi; a Grafalloy ProLaunch Platinum shaft is available as an option.

Suggested list price is $249 with the Mitsubishi shaft, $299 with the Grafalloy.

Hex 3-2-3 Progressive Iron Set

Our CBSSports.com testers were particularly surprised and pleased with Hippo's new Progressive Iron set. Testers praised both the Hex2 utility clubs, which debuted last year, and the new cavityback irons with their black-colored polymer cavity cap. The irons were cited for a having good setup, the ease of swinging and being very solid at impact and workable.

Hippo Hex Progressive iron set

It should be noted that Hippo's predominant color in shafts and grips is a noticeable orange.

The Nos. 3, 4 and 5 utility clubs, with lofts of 20, 23 and 26 degrees, have a hex shape with weight distributed to the rear corners to help get the ball airborne and enhance for forgiveness.

The utilities have an "angled" setup at address, the result of a one-degree "draw" bias with the bottom leading edge slightly ahead of the hosel.

"A setup like this encourages a hands-forward position and, for most players, will create a descending blow resulting in less sidespin," Dave Gast, Hippo's vice president of sales, said when the clubs were introduced. "Thus, the ball goes higher and straighter."

In the Progressive Iron set, the Nos. 6 and 7 middle irons have a hollow core and deep cavityback design, along with the vibration dampening polymer to enhance feel. The clubs have a large sweet spot.

The Nos. 8 and 9 scoring irons, plus pitching wedge, have a deep cavity and a low-weighted sole to help achieve high-lofted shots.

The Progressive set is outfitted with Mitsubishi graphite shafts for the utility clubs, and a choice of graphite or steel for the irons. Suggested retail prices are $349 per set with a graphite/steel shaft combination and $399 per set with all graphite.

Pitch shots

Free driver offer: Nickent Golf this summer is offering a free 4DX driver ($259 value) with the purchase of any two 4DX hybrids or a 4DX iron combo set; or, a free Pipe II putter ($149 value) with the purchase of a 3DX RC iron set. The offers end Sept. 30.

Golf learning set: Square Two, stating it recognizes the challenges some women face in learning the game of golf, has introduced the Selene 3-Piece Learning Kit, which includes a 3-wood, 7-iron and pitching wedge. "The Selene kit was designed to provide the three fundamental club types for a woman," stated a press release. List price for the set is $99.

Click Here to view specs for new Hippo Golf products