callaway x 14 ps vs x 18 ps

[Redsoxfan]

is there much of a difference

my son is looking into buying either the x 14 or x 18 both in the pro series in the tfl rifle.is there a difference in the newer x 18 series that warrants the difference in money? thanks

[Ben D]

Not much difference that I can see, other than the notch weighting that started with the X-16 I believe. And that there are more shaft options available with a new club. I actually prefer the look of the X-14 to the X-18. Placing the two side-by-side (#6 iron) they appear to be of very similar dimension and shape. Standard lofts and lengths are the same also. All of the specs that I have found to be availabile, and this is limited with Callaway, are the same. The value of other factors, such as the notch weighting of the X-18 or different alloys of steel used (unknown) are subjective for me.

 

I currently am using a set of X-14's but the offset causes me to hold back or go left. Not a bad thing as it forces me to keep mind of my tempo. But, having learned to play with 1965 Wilson Staff blades (that I still have) as a junior, I've always seemed to have difficulty aiming with my standard X-14's or other offset clubs.

 

It is interesting that the Ben Hogan BH-5 cast irons (that are currently being closed out) seem to have been based on the X-14 Pro Series; dimensions, size, etc., and the face appears identical. It has a standard relatively short hosel, however, without the bore-through of the X-14. I had the pleasure of trying a demo set with the stock steel Apex shaft, and I was considerably more accurate and my shots were more consistant than with my X-14's. Distance was the same and the trajectory was a bit lower which is good for me. They seemed to have more feel, equal forgiveness, and I was able to work them more than the standard X-14. Comparing the 6 irons the BH-5 Offset version seemed to have the basically the same dimensions as my X-14 or the standard X-18 at the store. The BH-5 was a real surprise for me. I had always admired the looks of the BH blades, but only looked closer at these on the advice of a friend in the retail golf industry. In lieu of finding a good used set of X-14 Pro Series irons, I may purchase the BH-5 irons and trade-in my Nike Pro Combo irons.

 

The question is what will happen to the legendary Ben Hogan brand. I fear that it does not look good under the ownership of Callaway. Resale value of the BH-5 is way below that of the older Callaway models.