Game improvement irons are one thing, but there now seems to be a sub-category within that market, so join me as we dive into the murky world of ‘super’ game improvement irons. Along with its flagship model the Elyte iron, Callaway has released a couple of siblings, the HL model, and the subject of this review, the Elyte X. Let’s see if it can deliver the goods and force its way into the conversation to be considered one of the best golf irons of 2025.
What we have is very much a hollow-bodied iron which Callaway has super-charged with its ‘Speed Frame’ construction. This new feature facilitates more of the familiar urethane microspheres housed internally to fine-tune sound and feel. Callaway is still leaning heavily on its A.I. computers with the introduction of the new Ai10x face which it says offers 10 times more control points than its predecessor. A new ‘tri-sole’ has also been implemented with learnings from its wedge range to finally bring some attention to turf interaction for the higher-handicap player.
As I mentioned in my Elyte irons review, the visual package on offer is nothing short of fantastic. From a shelf appeal or ‘in the bag’ standpoint, I honestly think that this entire Elyte iron range may sit amongst the best game improvement iron families I have ever tested. Whilst a fair amount larger than the standard Elyte iron, the subtle curved lines and perfectly proportioned shaping, wholeheartedly compliment the very sophisticated brushed steel/high gloss chrome combination. The branding has been delivered in a classy and subtle way elevating these irons to the top of the tree in regard to looks in the game-improvement genre.
In the playing position, you can definitely tell the difference between the standard Elyte and this ‘super-charged’ model. The X features a slightly longer blade length, a much thicker top line, and notably more offset, but once again it is delivered in a completely unoffensive way by the Callaway designers.
Performance-wise, there are some tangible differences, but nothing major. I found a couple more yards from the X than the standard model, but that is likely down to the slightly stronger lofts (28° 7-iron in the Elyte X vs 29° in the standard Elyte), but in terms of the data, that was pretty much it.
The real difference between the models here to me is more psychological than anything. Some players will simply want to see as much size as possible in their club head, as much offset as possible, and a very healthy thick top line to provide that reassurance that so many seek, and the Elyte X delivers on all of those requirements. I suppose that with all that in mind, the X would, in theory, be a little more forgiving over the course of a season, but in truth, I couldn’t corroborate that from my testing so far.
The real highlight of these irons - as with the Elyte - is more about the unquantifiable areas such as turf interaction. I really enjoyed the introduction of the new ‘tri-sole’ and the turf interaction it facilitates. The ‘C-Grind’ on the leading edge softens the impact with the ground and the trailing edge relief offers more of the same with the exit. Having tested this out on some very opposing turf conditions, I can testify to its effectiveness.
The feel is good, firmer than a couple of others in the game improvement category but genuinely enjoyable, with the microspheres gobbling up any unpleasant vibrations with ease.
Overall I really enjoyed what the Elyte X has to offer. In truth, my testing didn’t show a vast difference between the two models in raw data terms, just more the confidence that some of the visual features of the X bring to the table, which for some inconsistent ball strikers will be important.
The Callaway Elyte X irons have an RRP of $900 for a six-piece set and are available in both right and left-handed options throughout their 4-SW head offering.
