Benross HTX Compressor Club Range Launched - This affordable new range comes with new technologies in two versions to help a wide range of budget-concious golfers improve their games

Benross HTX Compressor Club Range Launched

British-based Benross prides itself on making high performance golf clubs made of quality components affordable for the everyday golfer and this trend continues with the launch of the HTX Compressor range of woods and irons for 2017, which replaces the HTX line.

Our review of the Benross HTX drivers from 2016

All the clubs come in either a larger, more forgiving standard version or a more compact and workable Type-R version designed for lower handicap players.

The HTX Compressor driver incorporates a new Compressor Technology Response Channel, which helps to increase ball speed across the entire face. Heel and toe weight cells are used to maximise Moment of Inertia (MOI), enhancing forgiveness. The Centre of Gravity (CG) is positioned toward the back of the head to help increase launch angle.

In the HTX Compressor Type R driver, an innovative Vacuum Casting process has allowed Benross engineers to create an extremely thin crown, moving CG to a low and forward position, creating less spin and a more penetrating ball flight. As well as featuring the Compressor Technology Response Channel, this better player driver boasts an R-Flight Rail, which allows the user to adjust launch, spin and shot shape to achieve the desired ball flight.

It is fitted with a premium Mitsubishi Rayon Kuro Kage Black TiNi shaft and also has an adjustable hosel +/- 1.5 deg loft and face angle.

Both the HTX Compressor Fairway and Hybrid is manufactured using heat treated Stainless Steel to increase ball speed at impact. The design incorporates the new innovative Compressor Technology Response Channel, which will maximise the ball speed from the entire face.

The HTX Compressor Type R fairway is Benross' first adjustable fairway wood, with an eight-way adjustable hosel allowing the user to vary the loft by +/-1.5° in 0.75° increments. The HTX Compressor Type-R hybrid is also adjustable by +/- 1.5˚ and boasts a Fluid Dynamic Design Heel to reduce drag for increased clubhead speed.

Related: 2016 Benross HTX irons review

Finally, the Benross HTX Compressor Iron features a Cavity Dampener to improve the feel at impact. A deep cavity and optimal heel/toe weighting results in a high launching, ultra-forgiving head. The irons are available with KBS Tour 90 or  Mitsubishi Rayon Kuro Kage graphite shafts as standard.

The HTX Compressor Type R Iron incorporates an innovative heat treated Cup Face that produces the best ever Characteristic Time (spring-like effect) performance of any Benross iron.

Specs and Prices

HTX Compressor driver - RRP £149.99 in lofts 10˚, 12.5˚ and 14˚. HTX Compressor Type-R driver - RRP £199.99 in lofts 10.5˚ adjustable. HTX Compressor fairway wood - RRP £99.99 in lofts 15˚ and 19˚. HTX Compressor Type-R fairway wood - RRP £119.99 in 15˚ adjustable. HTX Compressor Hybrid - RRP £89.99 in lofts 20˚, 23.5˚, 27˚ and 32˚. HTX Compressor Type-R Hybrid - RRP £99.99 in lofts 20˚and 24˚ adjustable. HTX Compressor irons - RRP £349.99 steel, £419.99 graphite (5-GW) HTX Compressor Type-R irons- RRP £419.99 steel, £489.99 graphite (4-PW).

Golf Monthly's Benross HTX drivers review, two lower price-point models with different performance characteristics aimed at different types of golfer

Key technology The non-adjustable, HTX 460cc driver features a three-piece titanium construction and a low, rearward CG for high MOI and increased launch to improve carry distance while maintaining control. A CT Response Channel behind the face increases flexion at impact for more distance. Utilising an advanced vacuum casting process, the adjustable HTX Type R features a thinner crown that moves the CG lower for lower spin and a more penetrating ball flight.

Shaft Mitsubishi Rayon Kuro Kage Black (TiNi in the Type R version)

Golf Monthly Review In a year where driver prices have increased, Benross’ prices have come down, yet this doesn’t seem to have affected the quality of finish or performance. The alignment mark was a little too large for our test team, but all enjoyed the crown’s shape and unique finish.

The HTX certainly delivers more spin and forgiveness than its Type R sister, which will suit the slower-swinging golfer who needs more help on off-centre hits and in keeping the ball in the air for longer.

The HTX Type R spins considerably less than the standard HTX model – around 400rpm on average – meaning our faster swingers got extra distance. For faster swingers an X-flex shaft, currently not available, may improve performance further but adjusting the loft and face angle will help optimise ball flight.

The Benross HTX range of woods and irons is designed to offer performance through use of high quality materials and components at an affordable price to the golfer

British brand Benross launched in 1997 in a bid to offer golfers an affordable alternative that didn’t cut costs on components, and almost a decade later it is still launching clubs that fulfil that ethos.

For 2016 this includes two new drivers that feature powerful sole slots and premium Mitsubishi Rayon Kuro Kage shafts to boost distance and control.

The HTX driver (£129.99) is also weighted to favour a low and rearward centre of gravity (CG) that boosts forgiveness and increases the launch angle to make dispatching drivers on a higher and longer trajectory easier.

It is joined by the HTX type R (above, £179.99), a better player driver that has the CG positioned more forwards to reduce spin and the same Mitsubishi Rayon Kuro Kage Silver TiNi shaft you’ll find as an option in many of 2016’s drivers that will retail at double its price. It also has adjustable loft by +/- up to 1.5° on the hosel to personalise the flight to suit your shot shape.

Both models also feature a new CT Response Channel that springs to maximise ball speed, plus a Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip as standard. Read the latest issue of Golf Monthly to see how the Benross drivers fared in its big Driver Test.

Like its new drivers, Benross has also unveiled a fairway wood, hybrid, and two iron sets that are designed to uphold the same principles of value and performance.

Like the drivers, the HTX fairway (£89.99) and hybrid (£79.99) feature a CT Response Channel – a slot that springs at impact – and heat-treated faces that Benross say make them the longest it has ever produced.

There are also HTX irons (5-SW £299.99 KBS Tour 90 steel or £349.99 Kuro Kage Black graphite) that feature heat-treated faces for faster ball speeds and Torsion Control Bars across the cavity that increase stability to boost heel and toe forgiveness.

For players after a little more workability, the HTX type R irons (5-SW £379.99 KBS Tour 90 steel or £429.99 Kuro Kage Black graphite) still feature heat-treated faces to increase ball speed, but utilise progressive top lines through the set to blend short game control with long game forgiveness.

The Benross HTX range is on sale now.

A review of the Benross Hot Speed 10 driver, which offers adjustability for the first time and sits in the middle of the impressive Benross driver family

Three new Benross drivers have been launched for the 2015 season, all offering adjustability but with each one designed to suit different golfers. Above we review the Benross Hot Speed 10 driver that sits in the middle of the range.

The new Benross RIP, HOT and MAX Speed 10 drivers will replace the Benross Speed 2 models from 2014, and offer better players, mid-handicappers and game improvers something tailored to their game.

The main upgrade is a new Plasma Welded design that, when compared to the previous TIG Welded Speed 2 drivers, delivers ball speeds around 2-3mph faster, which equates to around 8-9 yards of extra carry.

The new trio will all feature a new adjustable hosel that offers six face angle settings, including standard, 1°, 2°, and 3° closed to reduce slices, and 1° and 2° open to tackle hooks.

The 450cc RIP SPEED 10 will suit lower handicappers, with the 10° head and more forward centre of gravity (CG) position designed to encourage a lower launch and low spin flight for controlled distance.

The Benross Hot Speed 10 driver will suit players who need a little more forgiveness, and so it has 12° of loft, a more mid-CG position and a larger 460cc head.

Finally, the MAX SPEED 10 has a forgiving 460cc, 14° head and an equally forgiving low and back CG position that helps it launch higher for longer carries.

All three drivers will have a choice of the low spinning Aldila ATX Tour Blue 65 shaft, the mid-launch and mid-spin Aldila ATX Tour Red 65, and the lightweight, high launching Aldila Magnum NV.

Benross Speed 10 drivers review:

Members of the Golf Monthly test team review Benross Golf's speed 2 range - comprised of SPEED, RIP and HOT woods and irons

Below, members of the Golf Monthly test team review the Benross Speed 2 range - comprised of Hot, Rip and Max drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons.

Benross RIP Speed 2 woods are aimed at serious club golfers, and come fitted with Aldila's low spinning ATX Tour Blue shafts and Golf Pride's Multi-Compound grips.

The Benross HOT Speed 2 line is designed to suit mid-handicap golfers. The driver features a Split Dual Crown that lowers the CG, while mid-launch and spin Aldila Trinity shafts and Multi-Compound grips are fitted on the driver, fairway and hybrid.

The brand has also released the Benross MAX Speed 2 range, ideally suited to high-handicappers looking to improve their games.

The set includes a 14-degree forgiving driver that promotes a higher flight for those with lower swing speeds, a MAX fairway with a lightweight Aldila Speed Core shaft to encourage a rainbow shaped ball flight and a MAX hybrid featuring an iron-style face and wide-body hybrid design.

Benross HOT Speed 2 driver review, by Golf Monthly Technical editor Paul O'Hagan:

Benross Speed 2 fairway woods review, by Golf Monthly Digital Editor Neil Tappin:

Benross Speed 2 irons review, by Neil Tappin:

Click here for a gallery of the Speed 2 range

The Golf Monthly test team reviews the Benross HOT Speed 2 fairway wood

Key Technology: Benross HOT Speed 2 fairway wood review

The HOT Speed 2 range slots into the middle of the three core Benross families. A split dual crown design offers a combination of distance and forgiveness, while a new Tuning Cartridge weight in the sole helps to improve the sound at impact. High-quality Golf Pride MultiCompound grips are fitted as standard in all three of the Benross ranges.

Will suit...Anyone looking for a fairway wood that’s effective from both the tee and turf.

The Golf Monthly test team reviews the Benross RIP Speed 2 driver, part of a Speed 2 Range featuring RIP, Max and Hot product lines

Components

1) Shaft options - Quality components are at the heart of Benross’ new Speed 2 range. This includes the shaft offering, which helps to keep spin to a minimum for faster-than-average swing speeds, without making ball flight too low. The Aldila ATX Tour Blue 65 is available in regular, stiff or X flexes as a custom build.

2) Grip - The classy components continue in the form of the Golf Pride New Decade MultiCompound grip, which comes as standard. The blend of feedback and grip is outstanding, and it’s a design that works in all conditions. The grip and shaft combination make this driver fantastic value.

Technology

3) Head design - The 450cc head is designed to be workable without sacrificing too much forgiveness. Weight is positioned so as to prevent the ball from ballooning when hit by those with quicker-than-average swing speeds.

4) Adjustability - Rather than offering a head that can be altered, Benross has three different Speed 2 models – RIP, MAX and HOT.

Aesthetics

5) Shelf appeal - Sole graphics catch the eye without being over the top, while the grip and shaft combination will appeal to many.

6) Address - Undoubtedly the best-looking driver head the Benross designers have produced. The head sits square, and the shape manages to look compact behind the ball without being intimidating.

Performance

7) Flight - Compared to the brand’s MAX and HOT drivers, spin is considerably reduced. The 10 degrees of loft still produces a pleasing, powerful ball flight, that will suit the eye of anyone with a quicker-than-average swing speed.

8) Distance - The distance on offer is very impressive, thanks to the powerful ball flight, reduced spin and a decent amount of roll. Those with slower swing speeds will benefit from trying the other models in the Speed 2 range.

9) Forgiveness - Although not as forgiving as the MAX and HOT models, because of the more compact head, the shaft and head combination produce consistent results. It’s definitely worth trying all three models to find the perfect blend of head, loft and shaft for your game.

10) Impact sound - Very solid and powerful, a note that many players will appreciate. The sound is noticeably different from the centre of the face, offering plenty of feedback.

Benross Speed 2 range video reviews

The Benross Speed 2 range of golf clubs - comprised of the RIP, MAX and HOT Speed 2 lines - has been introduced for 2014, hitting shops from February 17.

Below, Golf Monthly Digital Editor Neil Tappin and Senior Staff Writer Paul O'Hagan review the RIP Speed 2, Hot Speed 2 and Max Speed 2 drivers, irons and fairway woods.

Benross HOT Speed 2 driver review:

Benross Speed 2 irons review:

Benross Speed 2 fairway woods review:

Key technology:

The Hot Speed set is designed to appeal to a wide range of golfers, thanks to a combination of sleek looks at address and a number of features normally seen on game-improvement irons. These include perimeter weighting, a deep cavity and a slight offset. A Black Pearl finish offers a high-quality look behind the ball, as well as in the bag.

Will suit: players after a forgiving, midsize set of clubs.

Components:

1) Shaft options - As with the rest of the Benross range, the RIP SPEED driver is tailored to a specific type of golfer. This includes the Aldila RIP Phenom shaft, which has been selected to work with the 10-degree head to produce a low to mid trajectory with less spin.

2) Grip - The Concept 10 Tour Traction grip has appeared on a number of Benross clubs already, and provides plenty of grip in wet weather.

Technology

3) Adjustability - Rather than adjustability, you select a model from the three new drivers that suits your game best. It also means that there's no added cost.

4) Head design - The large, traditional, pear-shaped head features a raised centre of gravity to deliver a powerful, piercing ball flight that should suit fast swingers. Weighting is designed to offer a combination of shot shaping and playability.

Aesthetics

5) Shelf appeal - The best-looking head in the range, and one that will appeal to many. Graphics on the sole are simple and stripped back to match the appearance at address.

6) Address - One of the great things about the RIP, HOT and MAX ranges is that the look remains consistent through driver to fairway woods and hybrids. In the RIP range, that look is compact.

Performance

7) Flight - Very fast swingers might be worried that 10 degrees is too much loft, but the head and shaft combination work well to keep spin down and produce a penetrating flight.

8) Distance - I found that the HOT SPEED 12-degree driver produced the best launch and overall distance of the three Benross drivers, while faster-swinging digital editor Neil Tappin got more out of this version. This emphasises the point of the range, and it was impressive to see the difference between each model.

9) Forgiveness - Shots low and high on the face still flew impressively. The head design isn't as forgiving as the other two options, but helps to keep spin down, which is the point of this model.

10) Impact sound - Very solid and powerful, without being overbearing. An excellent club that performs superbly.

Key technology

A deep cavity back is combined with perimeter weighting and a slight offset hosel, which is all designed to help forgiveness. The head is weighted in a way that increases moment of inertia to help square the face of the club at impact and improve forgiveness. The heads feature a smoked chrome finish to help reduce glare on sunny days.

Will suit: anyone after a game-improvement set with an impressive look.

Key technology

Three versions of this driver have been released with different head and shaft combinations. This 12° model has a split dual crown to help lower the centre of gravity for a high launch. A specially developed mid-trajectory Aldila Voodoo shaft is also designed to suit mid-to-high swing speeds.

A traditional headshape with corner weighting and an offset hosel. The Benross Quad Speed Offset driver is designed to offer added forgiveness, particularly for those who suffer from a slice.

The Benross Quad Speed Offset driver will suit golfers with a severe slice.

See more:

More driver reviews

The Pure Red putters are made from soft stainless steel and feature ‘V' grooves designed to impart topspin. The Benross Pure Red Pinehurst is a compact mallet with a Black Nano finish.

The three alignment lines stand out at address however other Pure Red models are more forgiving.

W: benrossgolf.com

The Benross Quad fairway woods have mid-sized clubheads and shallow clubfaces, with a low and deep centre of gravity for a high trajectory. Weighting is concentrated in the four corners for stability.

Like the driver the Voodoo Hi-Launch shaft will help slower swingers but the slightly toed in head won't suit hookers of the ball.

W: benrossgolf.com

Benross promises the Quad is the most forgiving driver it has ever produced, featuring exaggerated corner weighting to enhance clubhead stability at impact. The broad clubface should also boost forgiveness.

The exclusive Aldila Voodoo Hi-Launch shaft will be extremely forgiving for most. However, the graphics on the sole of the Benross Quad driver don't do its performance levels justice.

W: benrossgolf.com

Discretionary weight has been placed low and deep in the head to help improve forgiveness. The Benross Quad Escape hybrid is designed to produce a 'rainbow-like' flight for improved distance, also helping balls to stop quicker when hit into greens.  

The Benross Quad Escape hybrid will suit players who can't produce a high flight with their long irons.

W: benrossgolf.com

The Benross Quad irons are game-improvement irons featuring oversize heads with corner and deep-sole weighting that moves the centre of gravity low and deep. This improves forgiveness on shots that miss the centre of the club. Aldila's new shaft helps to produce a higher flight.

The Benross Quad irons should suit anyone looking for more consistency in their whole set and/or those who struggle to hit a high flight with their long irons.

RRP: £299 (S), £349 (G)

A deep undercut cavity positions weight around the perimeter of the club for added forgiveness. Each iron has a wide sole that deepens the centre of gravity. The set comes with a 23-degree escape hybrid.

The milled-aluminium insert uses ‘V' shaped conforming grooves, which help grab the ball and produce a smooth roll.

A V-shaped groove pattern in the Benross Riviera Pure Red putter face grabs the ball and imparts topspin for smoother, truer-running putts.

W: benrossgolf.com

The C-Grind sole, maximum width grooves and classic teardrop-shaped head of the Benross Zip It wedge offer control from a variety of lies.

W: benrossgolf.com

The driver's PVD finish is created using a mixture of reactive gases and special vacuum technology. This gives an impressive dark finish without the need for plating, which eliminates peeling. The driver is fitted with an Aldila Voodoo shaft, which increases stability and improves the energy transfer for greater distance.

The Benross Proto PVD driver should suit golfers who like a black head and face combination, want a high-quality shaft at a good price, and/or want a solid impact noise.

W: benrossgolf.com

The generous head size has a wide body and large sole for forgiveness. The weight distribution within the head has been tweaked to help make the club more versatile and perform from the tee, fairway and rough.

The Benross VX Proto fairway wood should suit golfers who don't like large fairway woods, want all-round playability, and/or have a slow swing speed and want a higher flight.

W: benrossgolf.com

A traditional hybrid head shape is designed to replace the long irons and produce soft-landing approach shots into greens. The shallow face and lower centre of gravity work together to improve performance from difficult lies.

The Benross VX Proto Escape hybrid should suit golfers who are looking to hit the ball high, struggle to fill the gaps between long clubs, and/or want to use their hybrid from ‘thickish' rough.

W: benrossgolf.com

The Benross XTEX is made from a two-way stretch fabric golf jacket designed to provide minimum restriction when swinging as well as being lightweight, breathable and quiet. Fully waterproof and also provides protection from the wind.

w: benrossgolf.com

The Benross VT Xtreme Escape hybrid has a shallow-faced, stainless steel head with thin crown technology and a contoured sole to cut through the turf. This hybrid would suit golfers who rarely, if ever hit a 3 or 4-iron, and who want an easier long game for little outlay.

- Benross Innovator X Fairbrid review

- Benross Innovator X driver

- Benross VX Combo OS irons

- Benross V3 Trimass fairway wood

The Benross VX-51 Forged wedge has a carbon steel forged head with U-shaped grooves and precise bounce angles for maximum spin. This wedge would suit golfers who like a traditional profile, and who want a wedge to match their forged irons.

- Benross Innovator X Fairbrid review

- Benross Innovator X driver

- Benross VX Combo OS irons

- Benross V3 Trimass fairway wood

The Benross VX6 irons have a wide sole, a large thin face and some extreme perimeter weighting, which all combine to improve forgiveness. These irons would suit golfers who are not confident hitting a 4 or 3-iron, and who like the anti-slice help of an offset.

- Benross Innovator X Fairbrid review

- Benross Innovator X driver

- Benross VX Combo OS irons

- Benross V3 Trimass fairway wood

The Fairbrid range is designed to replace fairway woods and hybrids with one type of club. Four different lofts are available with 3° increments upwards from 15°.

More Benross: Benross VX-Di hybrid

Gallery: Benross Innovator X driver, Benross VX51 Forged irons and new Benross pure red putters

If you want to keep a good score in tact in the wet, a decent waterproof suit is as important a piece of equipment as anything. Your looking for one that keeps you dry, cool and doesn't look too bad either. This offering from Benross comes in stylish Royal Blue or Charcoal with a three year 100% waterproof guarantee.What's more at just £99 which - if you know waterproof suits - is an absolute bargain.

Generously contoured sole with Trimass weighting in the form of twin weight ports. The sole should allow the club to pass smoothly through the grass, while the weights are not only configured to promote a high launch angle, but are also available in either draw or neutral biases.

Waterproof, breathable mid-lining for maximum weather protection, with highly water-repellent outer fabric too. Concealed pocket for scorecard or glove. Converts to gilet with full-sleeve zip-off option. Three-year waterproof guarantee.

Colours and sizes: Jacket: French blue/black or black/silver S-XXXL Trousers: black S-XXL in different lengths.

Driving irons tend to have an uneasy relationship with the eye and this one isn't really any different. Having said that, its chunky head should give higher handicappers confidence of delivering a healthy blow that flies high. The VX-Di has an expanded sweetspot for greater forgiveness and more accuracy off the tee. The head is also far thicker than an average long iron, giving a powerful and confidence boosting punch to the back of the ball for important extra yards.

The Innovator wedge combines the forgiveness of a cavity back with the feel of a blade. It achieves this through a 'flow-weighting' system that delivers a soft, cushioning feel at impact no matter where you make contact. A soft satin finish helps reduce glare in sunny conditions.

Oversize, high-polished head with wide sole and deep undercut cavity. Wide, playable soles and deep undercut cavities combine to generate easy, high-launching iron shots. The Anti-Shock Cartridge System in the lower cavity provides improved feel on mis-hits. Standard set has 3 and 4-utilities, but more conventional long irons are available as an option.

Bronze coloured shaft, black and silver clubhead. Two models - neutral or draw - available. Trimass weighting, which positions heel and toe weights in suitable locations for each flight shape. Deep, forgiving face.

Metallic black 460cc titanium head with fixed weight screw in rear sole. The single fixed weight screw in the rear should generate an optimal high launch, low spin rate and good ball flight. Fitted as standard with Aldila's NVS shaft and Golf Pride's Multi-Compound grip in an exclusive orange/black colour scheme. The 460cc head and maximum 2008-conforming face mean high levels of forgiveness and performance.