XXIO 12 Ladies Irons Review

The lightweight XXIO 12 ladies irons are designed to enhance distance and carry, so did they live up to Alison Root's expectations?

XXIO 12 Ladies Irons
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
Golf Monthly Verdict

These are a superb set of irons for mid-to-high handicap female players with a slow to moderate swing speed. The power and accuracy that you can generate consistently with limited effort is really impressive. They are lovely looking irons and the luxurious price tag is worth every penny.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Effortless to swing

  • +

    Can generate fast clubhead speeds

  • +

    Impressive accuracy and distance

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Better players with a fast swing speed won't reap the benefits

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XXIO 12 Ladies Irons Review

The XXIO 12 ladies irons from the premium Japanese brand’s line-up of products are aimed at mid to high handicappers with a slow to moderate swing speed to enhance distance and accuracy. I fit this category, so was very interested to find out what impact these irons would have on my game and how they compare with the best irons for women on the market.

The first impression is always important and this is a standout and classy looking iron, largely due to the abstract pattern at the top of the turquoise/blue shaft. The overall weight of this iron is really comfortable, thanks to XXIO’s dual technology, which combines an extremely lightweight shaft with a heavier clubhead. Yet, it feels well balanced and you're aware of where the clubhead is at all times during the swing.

Like all the clubs in the XXIO 12 range that includes the excellent XXIO 12 driver, hybrids and fairway woods, the main aim of these irons is to be able to increase swing speed and ball speed at the same time, but without the need to increase swing tempo or effort. I can confirm that this is exactly what they allow you to do. I don’t classify myself as a great iron player, I generally prefer using woods and hybrids, but over 18 holes, the XXIO 12 provided me with so much confidence that I began to look forward to pulling an iron out of the bag.

XXIO 12 Ladies Irons

(Image credit: Golf Monthly)

There are so many different components and technologies that contribute to this easy-to-swing and ultra-forgiving iron. Progressive variable face thickness and a tungsten-nickel weight in the toe optimises speed, stability and launch for each loft, while a thin titanium face allows the entire face to flex for maximum ball speed. The hosel is shortened to lower the centre of gravity for improved forgiveness as well as a higher trajectory and straighter ball flight.

XXIO Ladies Irons

(Image credit: Golf Monthly)

Without forcing my swing, I found that I was able to attack the ball positively, and I consistently felt great contact and stability at impact. Perhaps due to feeling in complete control and having the ability to strike clean shots, I found that accuracy and distance was notably good too. From grip to toe, I cannot fault these irons. They have a luxury price tag, but in this case, you definitely get what you pay for. 

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Alison Root

Alison Root has over 25 years experience working in media and events, predominantly dedicated to golf, in particular the women’s game. Until 2020, for over a decade Alison edited Women & Golf magazine and website, and is now the full-time Women's Editor for Golf Monthly. Alison is a respected and leading voice in the women's game, overseeing content that communicates to active golfers from grassroots through to the professional scene, and developing collaborative relationships to widen Golf Monthly's female audience across all platforms to elevate women's golf to a new level. She is a 16-handicap golfer (should be better) and despite having had the fantastic opportunity to play some of the best golf courses around the world, Kingsbarns in Scotland is her favourite.