Power Play Caiman irons by Hireko Golf: Precious metal at bargain prices

Hireko Golf's Power Play Caiman irons are a solid alternative to higher-priced, higher-profile game improvement irons. (Courtesy of Hireko Golf)


Hireko Golf has been offering components and assembled golf clubs since 1980. Hireko's quality and affordable prices have built a strong following in Asia and North America. Over the past several years, Hireko has added well-known brands like Acer and Pal Joey, and recently added the highly-respected Dynacraft line to their stable.

Another one of Hireko Golf's brand names is Power Play, and the new Power Play Caiman irons offer a passel of game-improvement features for a mere pittance.
How Hireko Golf's Power Play Caiman irons play

I recently tested the Caimans against my current favorite big-name, mid-handicap irons, the Cleveland CG Gold, on the excellent practice range at Stone Creek Golf Club in Urbana, Illinois.

The game-improvement features of the Caimans are a bit more pronounced than in the Cleveland sticks, with a thicker top-line and slightly larger offset. However, after the first couple of swings - which produced lovely shots the likes of which I can rarely hit on an actual course - these features completely faded from view.

During the several hours of testing, in which I was trying to eradicate the chronic hook that bedevils my game, I began to hit too strong of a fade with the Cleveland irons. The Caimans, with their anti-slice design features, produced shots with a straight to soft-fade ball-flight without changing my swing at all.

Importantly, the height and distance of shots didn't change a bit when switching back and forth between iron sets. And if anything, the Caimans were a tad more forgiving on off-center contact.
The verdict on Power Play Caiman irons by Hireko Golf

New irons might be a tough sell in this economy, but the Caimans are worth a serious look as alternatives to higher-priced, higher-profile sets. The clubs can be ordered directly from Hireko's website already assembled with Apollo shaft and Golf Pride grip for $30 each - that's 3-PW for under $250.