Equipment Review:
Adams Golf Insight XTD Pro Driver
Adams Golf Insight XTD a3 Driver
Adams Golf Idea Pro Gold Irons
by Jeffrey Reed, Editor, LondonOntarioGolf.com

It seems a week doesn’t go by when Adams Golf announces its status as the #1 Hybrid on the PGA Tour. This month, we have three reviews which prove, Adams Golf is much more than just a hybrid leader: it’s a golf-industry giant with a myriad of high-tech, high-performance clubs.

Adams Golf Insight XTD Pro Driver

What more can I say about the Insight XTD Pro Driver, other than the fact it is crazy long, deadly accurate and has flags buckling at the knees? Official Driver of the Long Drivers of America, the XTD Pro Driver is engineered for highly-skilled players with high swing speeds. Don’t be fooled by that description, though: with the right shaft combination, a mid-handicap golfer would definitely benefit from having this big stick in the bag.

Producing a penetrating ball flight, the Insight XTD Pro uses Adams’ patented Boxer Technology. I’m really sold on the Boxer design, in particular with this driver. Believe it or not, despite its mammoth size, it does resemble a traditional driver head. The face, open 2°, is very deep. Tee the ball high with this monster. Low spin and high launch are a lethal combination, and the XTD Pro delivers in spades. I don’t remember ever hitting a driver so long and so straight with so little effort. In fact, I’ve over driven par-4s with this baby. A sweeping stroke works best with this big boy.

Boxer Technology, if you’re not familiar with it by now, pushes mass away from the face and into the corners for high MOI. And the new Graphite Design Tour AD YSQ 65 g graphite shaft is a winner –absolutely love it. Perfect match for this driver.

I tested the 9.5° Insight XTD Pro model. It’s also available in 8.5° and 10.5° models (lefty 9.5°). If you’re a player, do yourself a favour: give the Adams Golf Insight XTD Pro Driver a try. I bet you’ll keep it in your bag, and your game will thank you for it.

Adams Golf Insight XTD a3

Another behemoth big stick utilizing Boxer Technology, the Insight XTD a3 Driver is designed for mid to high swing speed players looking for an edge off the tee. With a sole more square than the XTD Pro, the Insight XTD a3 features a neutral bias and low spin. An expanded impact zone increases ball speed for any level of player. And the Aldila DVS 55 g graphite shaft is a perfect match for those seeking a little help off the tee.

The Insight XTD a3 Driver is available in 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5° and 11.5° right-handed, 9.5° and 10.5° left-handed. Any way you swing, you won’t be disappointed with this oversized driver. Unlike some of its contemporaries, the XTD a3 does not produce a tinny sound. Rather, the pill pops off the face with authority. It’s a great addition to the Adams Golf family.

Adams Golf Idea Pro Gold Irons 

If anyone knows how to combine high-tech forgiveness with the aesthetics of a skilled player’s irons, it’s Adams Golf. The new Idea Pro Gold irons are just such an animal. Designed for better players, the Idea Pro Gold Hybrid Iron set features two Pro Gold hybrids which produce a penetrating ball flight, yet also feature forgiveness by design. Six forged, tour-quality irons accompany this set, and offer exceptional feel and workability. You can also purchase the hybrids separately.

Testing these clubs was a real treat. Fading, drawing and pin hunting was a breeze, thanks to innovative design from Adams. The Idea Pro Golf hybrid uses Boxer Technology, an improved maraging steel face and enhanced weighting system.

Adams says these hybrids combine 5% more forgiveness on off-centre hits, with a 10% improvement in launch conditions while retaining a classic look, professional feel and Tour-like workability. We agree. As for the 5-PW irons, a thin top line and sole, plus 8620 carbon steel head finished with a mirror-chrome plating add a touch of class to these forged cavity back irons. A constant offset through the set provides better control for workability. And, the 14% volume increase in the face grooves result in better accuracy and feel. 

Capped with a Golf Pride DD2 grip – a new favourite – the Idea Pro Gold Hybrids feature a Mitsubishi Rayon JAVLN FX graphite shaft, while the irons are fitted with Precision Rifle Project X Flighted steel shafts. The set includes 3 and 4 Hybrids at 20° and 23°. Custom options include 1, 2 and 5 Hybrids, and 3, 4, GW, SW and LW forged irons. The complete set is also available in graphite.

Two thumbs up for this player’s iron set boasting innovative design yet traditional looks. It’s one of the best iron sets ever produced by Adams Golf.

For more on all of Adams Golf offerings, visit the company web site, www.adamsgolf.com.