XXIO is the Japanese brand renowned for crafting lightweight golf clubs specifically for moderate swing speeds, designed to boost distance. Their newly launched XXIO 14 range of woods and irons are engineered under the theme ‘Crafted for Effortless Play’ and use revolutionary materials that, the company says, make it easier than ever for women to swing faster, hit straighter, and enjoy the game more.
In the US, XXIO has collaborated with luxury brand Vessel and you can purchase a XXIO 14 package set that comes with a beautiful white golf bag. There’s also a putter option to accompany the set, so women have every club they need to hit the golf course straight away.
As I was impressed with the previous generation, XXIO 13 driver, I was keen to see how XXIO 14 performs against its predecessor and if this new model still contends as one of the best golf drivers for women.
First off, let’s talk about aesthetics. I’m biased as my favorite color is blue, so I’m pleased that XXIO has stuck with this colorway. However, compared with the XXIO 13 driver, which has a deep blue crown, I would describe XXIO 14 as an attractive light blue, in fact a little purplish, and complemented with a silvery color shaft that has a flowery pattern at the top half.
In fairness, the differences between XXIO 13 and XXIO 14 are very subtle, but they are there if you look closely. The clubhead is more rounded, slightly less bulbous, and the shape does instil confidence when you address the ball. It has a small alignment aid on top of the crown, and if I’m being really picky, it isn't always easy to see, especially in bright sunlight.
There’s a couple of ridges on top of the crown, which are more obvious on this model than XXIO 13, and reminds me of the Ping’s G Le3 driver, designed in this way to improve the way air flows around the clubhead to help deliver faster ball speeds.
One of XXIO’s biggest advancements in technology for this new range is ULTIFLEX, which is powered by a VR-Titanium. This is a world first, a titanium alloy that is stronger and thinner for maximising ball speed with minimal effort.
I must admit, I often try to hit the ball harder when I want to gain more distance, and it usually goes wrong! I found that I didn’t have to think too much about how hard I was swinging the club, I kept my natural rhythm.
I wouldn’t say that I noticed massive distance gains, but compared with XXIO 13, my overall carry and distance was more consistent with minimal effort. It’s worth mentioning that the XXIO 14 driver I tested has a 12.5 degree loft, although 10.5, 11.5 and 13.5 is available. I’m used to a lower loft (11.5), so I was genuinely surprised how well I hit this drive with a pleasing ball flight.
This latest model is weighted perfectly. It’s light, but compared with XXIO 13, somehow it feels more substantial, not quite as whippy. This is probably due to XXIO’s signature ActivWing technology, which helps to guide the clubface in the optimal strike position at impact.
It has been refined for XXIO 14 and works in harmony with Ultiflex, so all-in-all, from being able to maintain a smooth takeaway, through to impact, I felt completely in control of my drives.
It’s also one of the most forgiving drivers, as even mishits weren’t disastrous, thanks to the draw-bias design that helps to keep the ball flying on its intended line.
On the bottom of the sole, it says, “Experience the Difference”, and XXIO’s theme for ‘Crafted for Effortless Play’ stands true. This is a luxurious driver, but for moderate-speed female golfers, to enjoy an easy swing with pleasing results is priceless.
