Callaway has brought back the X Forged irons. This time, however, in addition to the single-piece forged irons designed for better players who demand feel and control over working the ball, it introduces the X Forged Max to reach a wider audience including mid-handicappers.
Callaway introduced the original X Forged single-piece cavity-back irons in 2007, but the line yielded the stage to Apex for a while until being revived with a Japan-only model in 2024. When tour reps noticed better players gravitating to the new X Forged with a high-toe look at address and tri-sole construction for better turf interaction, Callaway brought it back to the U.S. market.
Both the X Forged and X Forged Max models are crafted from a single piece of 1020 carbon steel, delivering crisp sound and feel. Each model has a triangular extra mass placed behind the impact location.
“It’s really focused to put mass behind the impact location, and that’s what really helps provide a really good feeling iron impact,” said Ryan Ritchie, Callaway iron R&D manager.
The X Forged ($220 per club, $1,540 for standard 7-piece set) features a streamlined cavity back, compact profile, minimal offset and a thin top line that appeals to the eye of better players.
X Forged Max ($220 per club, $1,320 for standard 6-piece set) features a larger and more player-friendly cavity back and offset with a mid-compact profile and wider top line and sole to inspire more confidence. Improved perimeter weighting has two large pockets of mass carved into the back bar.
The mid-compact profile of the Max blends workability with just the right amount of forgiveness to make it playable for mid-handicappers and allows golfers the chance to build a blended set to provide more forgiveness at the top of the bag if needed.
Both models offer the tri-level sole with beveled leading and trailing edges that promote smooth turf interaction and precise ball control through impact.
PHOTOs COURTESY callaway golf