That’s why the average golf fan watching on TV or from behind the ropes may not be familiar with the Exotics name. But Exotics is broadening its audience.

Exotics has unveiled new irons aimed at those same highly skilled players, as well as the mid- to higher-handicapper alike. Three distinct models, CB, CU and XCG5, offer three levels of playability, making the new Exotics lineup more wide-ranging than ever before.Starting with the CB model, golfers looking for the ultimate in feel and workability will find both in these forgings shaped from 1025 carbon steel. A thin top line, near-zero offset and beveled sole give the CB iron the look and playability of a pure blade. Yet behind this compact head is a muscular cavity back with heel and toe weighting that creates a larger sweet spot than a pure blade design. Retailing for $799 a set, the CBs are offered with Dynamic Gold, KBS Tour or Rifle Project X steel shafts standard, with a variety of custom shafts available.

The CU is cast to give a blade-like appearance at setup but provide more forgiveness, thanks to a deeper undercut cavity. The undercut generates a higher MOI and slightly higher launch angle than the muscle cavity of the CB. With the CU, offset is slightly increased and the top line, though still far from heavy, is slightly thicker, giving the medium-sized face a confidence-inspiring look at address. The sole features the same beveling preferred by better players, and while the KBS Tour and Project X shafts are still among the standard offerings, the CU line makes the True Temper’s Dynalite 90 steel and Fujikura’s Blur graphite shafts stock options, as well. A set sells for $499, regardless of shaft.

The third step in Exotic’s progression of 2012 iron models can best be described as a game-improvement club with feel. Impossible, you say? Game improvement clubs, by definition, have always been big and clunky. Yes, they make it easier to hit the ball higher and longer, but most provide the feel and feedback of a sledgehammer, you’re thinking.

But the XCG5 irons are different. True, they feature the wider sole and deep, undercut cavity that give the club maximum forgiveness on off-center strikes. Further, Exotics engineers have placed four tungsten weights in the sole to lower the center of gravity, something that enhances both launch angle and spin rate while adding to the club’s stability or MOI by making it more resistant to twisting on impact.

But the key to the XCG5’s design is a club face that is just 2.2 mm, thick … or should we say, thin. The thinnest face in Exotics history gives the XCG5 irons the feel that belies their game-improvement design. Pricing and shaft options for the XCG5 irons are the same as those for the CU model.

Exotics is a brand name of the Tour Edge Golf Company. All Exotics clubs are designed, manufactured and assembled by hand for the discerning golfer who demands the highest quality in equipment. Like all Tour Edge products, every Exotics club come with a 30-day play guarantee and a lifetime warranty.