As equipment editor of the WorldGolf.com network and former editor of GolfInstruction.com, I get to play a lot of new golf equipment. Every time I hit the links, there’s something new in my bag that I’m testing for a review. People who play with me know this, and are always asking what I’ve got up my sleeve now.

The thing that constantly amazes me is that when I tell them, unless I’m toting the new square-headed driver by Nike or some other big-name club, they’re completely clueless.

It seems even avid golfers are generally unaware of smaller club manufacturers, despite whole-page ad campaigns in big magazines or high ratings by independent club testing companies.

Such is the case with Tour Edge, an Illinois-based company that is one of a new breed of club manufacturers who produce sticks with a sci-fi look and cutting-edge technology. And no Tour staff members.

The new Tour Edge Exotics EX-3 irons ($800-$900). I just received a few of these very cool, multi-material clubs in the mail and am already wishing for a full set to properly test and review.

In the meantime, however, the design features of these irons are worth noting. First, the iron head is composed of a titanium face encased in a stainless steel body, and the cavity back is filled with a vibration-dampening, clubhead-strengthening Thermal Plastic Elastomer insert. The face is furthermore built with a cup-faced design, increasing the spring-like effect on the ball upon impact.

The company claims all this technology will get you 10 more yards on every club. My as-of-yet limited testing of these irons isn’t quite that impressive, but they are crisp and workable…and yes, 5 extra yards per club seems pretty reasonable.

Do I need to hit a 165-yard 8-iron, though? I dunno. I saw Adam Scott hit a 198-yard 8-iron this weekend, so I do have some work to do.

And maybe I’ll get there with a club you’ve never heard of…unless you read about it here.

Tour Edge Exotics EX-3 irons

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