Yonex reveal EZONE XP range

You’ve seen counterbalanced putters helping you square the clubface and feel more like a belly putter. Now, the theory has spread to drivers. But Yonex’s new counterbalanced EZONE XP range is all about getting more weight behind the ball via the clubhead, while maintaining a lighter balance and swing weight.

The XP stands for ‘extra power’ and Yonex’s reasoning is simple. Newton’s second law of motion – force = mass x acceleration – is where a lot “light” drivers fall down. They claim a lighter clubhead may enable you to swing the club faster, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into more yards.

In theory, a heavy clubhead will generate faster initial ball speeds than a “normal” clubhead. But most golfers struggle to maintain speed with a heavy head, which in turn will reduce ball speed. To counteract this, Yonex has come up with a counterbalanced design that makes the swing weight feel light, but with a clubhead 10g heavier than it predecessor. 

For a starter, the shaft is 8g lighter and the balance point within it has been moved 40mm towards the butt compared to a conventional shaft. At the butt end, 20g of tungsten powder is integrated within the rubber. It weighs the same as a conventional grip, but makes the overall swing weight of the club lighter by being “heavier” at both ends. Essentially, the swing balance and club weight is the same, yet the clubhead is 10g heavier. Yonex says this will equate to better energy transfer at impact.

It can be adjusted 1.5° either way in 0.75° increments. The head comes in 9°, 10.5° and 12° lofts. As with the i-EZONE driver, which stays in the 2014 range, a light carbon crown allows an 8g tungsten weight to be positioned in the rear of the sole to aid a high launch. Another 10g weight has been placed inside the head slightly towards the heel to create a draw bias.

The new-for-2014 EZONE XP fairway wood and hybrid feature the same technology as the driver; sound ribs in the head strengthen the sole, dampen vibration and create a high-pitched, metallic sound. The head in the fairway wood is 8g heavier than its predecessor and is also adjustable  by 1.5° either way.

The head of the EZONE XP irons is 4g heavier and also features a double undercut cavity designed to enhance launch and forgiveness. The lofts are slightly stronger and, combined with  a lower centre of gravity, offer a penetrating ball flight for all levels. The shape of the sole has been redefined with added camber to reduce turf interaction.

Details: Available from mid-October. Driver £249, fairway £179, hybrids £149, irons £799 (graphite), £649 (steel). www.yonex.co.uk