Hippo Hex2 Driver
The latest square-headed driver is the Hippo Hex2, which will be unveiled at the coming PGA Merchandise Show. The Hex2 ("hex" standing for "hexagonal") has a clubhead that is roughly squarish - imagine a square with one curved indentation in each side - with extra weight added to each of the rear corners.Hippo says the shape is intended to "reduce drag on the backswing and generate higher head speed at impact." It's also intended to increase the MOI, as with the repositioned weight mentioned above.
The head is constructed with ultralight, woven carbon fiber radius side rails, a 6-4 titanium crown and sole, and a super-hard forged Beta Ti face. The Hippo Hex2 driver will be available only in right-handed models, and only with regular and stiff flexes. Lofts are 9, 10 and 12 degrees. The MSRP will be $199.
Cleveland HiBore Irons, Plus Wedge
Cleveland Golf is extending its HiBore lineup of clubs to include the HiBore Irons, and also is introducing the 588 RS Wedge.
- HiBore Irons: Calling them "the most forgiving and longest irons" the company has yet produced, Cleveland's HiBore line now includes irons. The HiBore irons feature the same "Distance Driven Geometry" used in the HiBore woods. In this case, that means an inverted "crown" fitted on the rear of the clubhead, and full hollow construction throughout the set. The HiBore Irons carry an MSRP of $949 per set with graphite shafts and $799 with steel shafts. HiBore Web site
- 588 RS Wedge: Designed for golfers who struggle getting out of bunkers, the 588 RS wedge is the company's latest. The Cleveland 588 RS features an extra-large sole that Cleveland calls the "recovery sole" (hence the club's "RS" designation). A deep cavity back helps dampen vibration as well as keep the center of gravity very low. The 588 RS wedge is available only with a loft of 60 degrees. MSRP is $128 with graphite shaft or $119 with steel shaft. Cleveland Web site
