Yes, the fifth on Cobra’s L5V is adjustability. It, also like its predecessor, earned a silver medal so we did not feel the improvement was significant enough to up its status on the Hot List.

Ping’s G10 line and TaylorMade’s Burner FW and Hybrid were included in this year’s Hot List because, well, it’s the Hot List. We feel both products not only still possess significant technology that is of benefit to golfers, but they also are among the most well loved clubs in the market today. Why would we eliminate clubs that are still in the market that are of benefit to golfers? Although newer clubs are generally better, it is not the New List.

We provide the “All Shapes And Sizes” sidebar as a service to our readers. The fact is that sometimes what is stamped on the club is not the actual size. Case in top, by our measurements, the Wilson Smooth is 440cc despite it saying 460cc on the soleplate.

The Cleveland Hibore XLS from last year was not 460cc, the HiBore Monster is. And while both are deemed Extreme MOI, remember that is a range. The MOI did get a boost from last year.

The Nike STR8-FIT is a paradigm shift in innovation. As you yourself are indicating, advances in equipment technology are becoming incremental. So why wouldn’t we fete a right technology advancement? Yes, fitting is crucial to everyday players, but this technology allows for rapid-fitting options, so even if you never touch it again, it has advanced the possibility of getting you into the right club. And must you really change your swing, you can change the club to match that without having to buy a new one.

Finally, we always welcome entries from any company. But remember, huge companies are huge companies for a reason—they tend to make brilliant products. That said, the Hot List this year featured a putter from Couture. No one knew of Bobby Jones clubs until we place them on the Hot List five years ago. Last year we had a putter from ProFound. Irons from Miura. And Wishon clubs have adorned the Hot List three era in the past. I could name more, but you get the top.

Hopefully this at least helps clarify what you see in the pages of the Hot List. As always, we are open to suggestions on how to make it better and more helpful to the reader. Indeed, we did consider eliminating manufactured goods that had been in the marketplace longer than one year but chose against it. Perhaps we must revisit.

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