A Thorough Test and Review of The 12th Generation XXIO 12

In the world of golf, where precision meets passion, there exists a brand that has consistently redefined the game for two decades - XXIO. Known to every avid golfer in Japan, XXIO has recently unveiled its twelfth generation, marking a significant milestone in the brand's history. Let's embark on a fascinating journey through time, tracing the evolution of XXIO drivers from its humble beginnings to the revolutionary XXIO 12.

Revolutionizing Golf

In its twelfth generation, XXIO is revolutionizing golf with their new XXIO 12 series. Featuring state-of-the-art technology, these clubs signify a leap into the future of the sport. When we tested the XXIO 12, its sizable head and impressive speed immediately caught our attention. With a head scale of 49, it delivers a powerful draw that's both striking and visually appealing. A gentle swing in the 30s propels the ball an astounding 200 yards, all while offering a comfortable grip that makes it feel like the club is ready to take flight. It's the perfect blend of power, precision, and ease, making every swing a thrilling experience.

 

It's more than just a club; it evokes a natural urge to swing. There's a liveliness to it that's palpable, prompting delight when it connects with the ball. The entire experience, from the setup to the impact, feels incredibly satisfying. There's a distinct lack of clutter and discomfort. It's as if the club itself embodies the essence of flight, a symbolic representation of what golf is truly about. Through this, I've come to understand the true meaning of distance in golf. It's evident that XXIO has adhered to this principle consistently, crafting clubs that not only perform but also inspire a genuine passion for the game.

Delving Into The History of XXIO Drivers

Now let's delve into the history of XXIO drivers, seizing this opportunity to reflect on their evolution. Beginning in 2000, the first generation stood out for its modest size, designed intentionally gentle. With a petite face measuring only 46 inches in length, some were initially hesitant about its compact nature. Weighing 208 grams, it exuded stability, even though we couldn't test-hit it since it was a display model. Despite this, a mere observation revealed its solid construction and promising potential.

 

Examining the second and third-generation models simultaneously, distinguishing between the two becomes a challenge. The second iteration boasts a 350cc size, while the third expands to 405cc. The significance of the second generation becomes apparent in retrospect, shaping subsequent developments. During this period, the regulations regarding high repulsion had yet to be enforced, alleviating concerns. Despite the initial resemblance to the first model, the second version stands apart from contemporary clubs, displaying a noticeable draw bias that rendered it challenging for users. Moving on to the fourth generation, marked by a 430cc size rather than 460cc, clear signs of regulatory adjustments emerge. Noteworthy is the specialized grip design, a testament to XXIO's incredible dedication. This commitment shines through in their unique grip design, crafted meticulously over two decades. According to their experts, the value truly amplifies with a custom shaft, affirming that the genuine option remains unparalleled, even amidst newer alternatives.

When I recommend XXIO, there's this particular image that stands out – the assurance that customization isn't necessary. Moving on to the fifth generation, it made a substantial impact and left an indelible mark. Personally, I find this version remarkable, especially its facial design. Amidst the delicate refinements, there's a striking sense of cleanliness, distinct from the intricate patterns seen elsewhere. Unlike the fourth generation, which bore similarities to the current models, the fifth iteration maintained its unique identity. It was a time when I, accustomed to tour models, realized the importance of adapting to this evolving golf landscape, sensing the changing tides of the sport.

Continuing the journey, XXIO embarked on a path of crafting gentle clubs, emphasizing that this refined style is far from uncool. Transitioning to the sixth generation, the transformation was nothing short of beautiful. Not only did the design undergo significant changes, but it was also lengthened to 46 inches, making it one of the lengthiest among its predecessors. Moving forward to the seventh generation, there was a subtle shift, shortening it to 45.5 inches, imparting a feeling of lightness, especially when compared to the earlier versions. Noteworthy was the focus on the shaft – a crucial element in the equation. As anticipated, the seventh generation proved to be more enjoyable, seemingly gentle but remarkably responsive, generating a powerful trajectory. With the eighth generation, sporting a 460cc size and a length of 45.5 inches, the club projected an impression of lifting the ball upon impact. Despite its gentle appearance, it possessed a robust trajectory, demonstrating XXIO's mastery in combining aesthetics with performance.

 

Putting the 9TH Gen To The Test

Moving on to the ninth generation, XXIO effortlessly refined the head's trajectory, a natural accumulation of their expertise, leading to enhanced performance. With the tenth generation, a significant breakthrough occurred – the head seamlessly caught the ball, courtesy of the shaft's bend and return mechanism. Eager to put both to the test, we dived in.

The ninth-gen model displayed a remarkable trajectory, producing an incredible sound, especially in indoor settings. Transitioning to the tenth generation, the face practically beckoned to hit the golf ball. Upon impact, the sound resonated higher and clearer, surpassing the previous generation. It was a testament to XXIO's continuous innovation and commitment to delivering an exceptional golfing experience.

Groundbreaking Technology Introduced

Now, let's delve into the well-known 11th generation, unveiled in 2020. Notably, the grip end was enhanced with Weight+ technology, a groundbreaking addition. This innovative feature served a specific purpose – to support the power position, ensuring a consistently stable grip at all times. The intention behind this lovely feature was clear: to optimize performance and provide golfers with unparalleled control.

Eager to experience its prowess, we proceeded with a test hit.

The impact was nothing short of astounding, resonating with an impressive sound that echoed the technological advancements within. The 11th generation exemplified XXIO's dedication to pushing boundaries and redefining the golfing experience.'

With XXIO's 11th generation, slices became a thing of the past, a testament to the model's popularity over its two-decade lifespan. Yet, there's something even more remarkable on the horizon. After thoroughly exploring all 11 previous models, we now introduce the highly anticipated XXIO 12.

The All New XXIO 12

This latest iteration is boldly transformative, departing significantly from the traditional look. One glance at its core reveals the Rebound Frame technology, an innovation borrowed from Srixon and championed by the likes of Hideki Matsuyama in clubs such as the Srixon ZX5. Rebound Frame involves a strategic arrangement of stiff and flexible regions around the face, maximizing energy transfer to the ball, whether on center or off-center hits.

But the true standout feature of the XXIO 12 is the Active Wing. This element generates rapid initial speed and, crucially, stabilizes the driver head during the first half of the downswing, ensuring a squared face at impact. By strategically controlling the air movement opposite to centrifugal force, it minimizes negative effects and suppresses variations in impact. While not immediately apparent, upon closer inspection, the Active Wing protrudes, a subtle yet pivotal design choice reflecting the contemporary emphasis on aerodynamics in club heads.

With bated breath, we took our shot.

 

The result? Exceptional. The Active Wing, by reducing variation in hitting points by a staggering 17%, proved its worth. Through a series of shots, the averages painted a compelling picture of consistent excellence. The numbers spoke volumes – a testament to the meticulous design. Swinging at this speed felt not the least bit shaky or unreliable; instead, it exuded a confidence that could only be attributed to the mastery of XXIO's engineering.

As we travel back in time with the XXIO series, the technological advancements are apparent and have proven themselves with each release. If you are looking for a great option to elevate your game, look no further than XXIO 12!