The best forged irons will make a great addition to your golf club set! From teeing ground on a short hole to extracting a ball from bunkers and other hazards, the right irons will have a huge impact on your game!
Forging is a manufacturing procedure wherein the head is heated and molded using a single metal piece. It is a method practiced for centuries. A lot of players prefer forged irons over others because they tend to be more consistent. They also feel better and can produce more accurate shots. The sweet spot, however, can be smaller, which will make it quite challenging to use if you are a novice.
If you are unsure about what to buy, keep on reading and we’ll briefly talk about some of the top options that should be on your radar!
Table of Contents
Best Forged Irons Review
Callaway Golf 2019 Apex Irons Set
This is the only iron from the 2019 Golf Digest to be given 20 out of 20 stars! This is indicative that the quality and performance will be second to none. It is quite expensive, but every dollar will be worth it!
Looking at its features, one thing that caught our attention is its premium craftsmanship. At first look, you can tell that it has superior quality. It has a platinum chrome finish, which will make it turn heads.
More than its appearance, these irons pack the most innovative technologies and superb materials. It has a multi-material and tungsten-infused construction. It optimizes launch and ball flight, adding exceptional power to every shot.
The forged 1025 body is also notable. Made of carbon steel, it has impressive sound and feel. Not to mention, it is filled with urethane microspheres. These materials will be effective in absorbing unwanted vibrations, which will make you more comfortable when you are playing. It has over a million tiny pockets.
Lastly, it has a 360 Face Cup, one feature that Callaway is known for. It comes with a shallow and flexible rim surrounding the face. It will flex and release upon impact. As a result, you can expect better consistency, even in the case of off-center shots. It allows long and consistent distances, which are things that you can expect from a performance iron.
Pros:
- Excellent distance
- Premium construction and solid feel
- Elegant platinum chrome finish
Cons:
- Expensive
TaylorMade Golf P760 Men’s Iron Set
Pretty and fast – these are two of the things that you can expect in this choice for the best golf irons ever. It has a design that can quickly captivate attention. More so, there’s more than what meets the eyes.
Among others, one of the best things about this forged iron set is its progressive shaping. What this means is that there is something for everyone and every situation. Each club is individually optimized to deliver unriva led performance.
SpeedFoam technology is an innovative feature that you will find in these irons. This is a feature in 3 to 7 irons that you will find in this set. It makes it more compact without compromising sound and feel.
More so, it comes with a redesigned sole geometry, which is a notable improvement from the previous version of the golf club. It improves the turf interaction of the iron.
The irons have Inverted Cone Technology. The latter is the one responsible for adding speed and accuracy. It significantly improves performance to deliver more powerful shots.
Despite the notable features that you will find in this product, there are still some problems. For instance, the spin of the ball that the irons can generate will be underwhelming for some users.
Pros:
- Impressive speed and distance
- Progressive iron shaping
- Good forgiveness
Cons:
- Generates minimal spin
Mizuno 2018 MP-18 MMC Fli Hi Iron
From material to performance, this is another product worth considering in your search for the best forged irons of all time. This is only a single iron, so that explains why it is affordable.
While this iron has a lot of commendable features, one thing that we would like to highlight is its multi-material construction. It uses exotic materials in strategic positions. The result is not only that it is more durable, but it can also demonstrate better launch and forgiveness.
More so, we also love how it comes with tungsten toe weighting. The concentration of the high-density tungsten on the toe will increase the sweet spot, which will be useful in improving forgiveness. With a larger contact area between the iron and the ball, there is a lesser chance for a mishit.
Another notable feature that you will find in this product is harmonic impact technology. It fine-tunes the geometry of the clubhead. This delivers exceptional feedback.
The appearance of this iron has also been commended by many. It has an elegant non-glare finish. Satin nickel-chrome adds a hint of personality and practicality in this exceptional golf club.
Some people might not like how the shaft is too lightweight. Especially if you are a pro, the weight of the shaft can negatively impact the overall feel.
Pros:
- Sleek and elegant
- Multiple loft selections
- Fine-tuned head for better impact
Cons:
- Some might find the shaft to be too lightweight
Callaway Golf 2020 Rogue X Iron Sets and Combo Sets
If you are looking for an ideal replacement for hard to hit and long irons, then this is one option worth considering. As the manufacturer claims, this is designed to deliver total distance overhaul, which speaks a lot about the improvement in performance that it can deliver.
Feature-wise, one of the most notable in this option for top forged irons is its 360 Face Cup. This is an innovation that you will find in many other golf clubs from Callaway. More so, it also has a Variable Face Thickness. There are thicker and thinner sections to minimize the impacts of off-center hits. These two technologies are responsible for creating a shallow and flexible rim. In turn, it improves power upon impact, making it easier to drive the ball farther.
It is also worth noting that these irons have urethane microspheres. It helps in minimizing the impact that your hands can feel. In many instances, as a result of fast swing speed and hitting the ball aggressively, vibrations are created. The elastic urethane microspheres are known for improving sound and feel for the best experience.
To add, it also comes with tungsten weighting. This is a material that is almost two times heavier compared to steel. This improves the placement of the center of gravity, which will also optimize the launch of the ball.
Pros:
- Lightweight but sturdy
- Generates maximum distance
- Tungsten weighting
Cons:
- Takes quite a while to get used to
Callaway Golf 2019 Big Bertha Iron Set
In your search for the best iron golf clubs, this is another product that should be on your radar. Among others, one thing that makes this impressive is the premium design, which is reflective of its price. It has an elegant smoked finish. Although, some users noted that the finish tends to peel easily.
To deliver exceptional iron, the company develops a wealth of exclusive technologies that will set their products apart from the competition. Among others, one of the most notable is the 360 Face Cup, which is a feature you will find in other Callaway clubs. It promotes longer distances and faster speeds.
More so, this iron also has a suspended energy core. This is made possible by the three-piece construction of the core, each utilizing a revolutionary material. It promotes easy launch and incredible response. To add, it also uses a urethane microsphere. As mentioned in the earlier irons from Callaway, this technology is the one responsible for minimizing vibration, which will significantly impact your comfort.
The playability is also notable. Take note that these are game improvement irons, so these are geared towards those who are still working on their skills. If you are a pro, this may be quite underwhelming in terms of its features and performance.
Lastly, this is also a great option if you are after forgiveness. Meaning, there is a higher chance that you will hit the ball!
Pros:
- Incredible sound and feel
- Gets rid of unwanted vibrations
- Easy to hit
Cons:
- Finish wears quickly
Wilson Men’s and Teen Complete Golf Set
Value for money – this is one of the best reasons to choose this product over many of its competitors. It is an economical option because it comes with almost all of the clubs that you will need. Aside from irons, it is inclusive of other must-have clubs. These are great for game improvement. If you are a beginner or a high handicapper, you will love this set.
We also love how it is already inclusive of a bag. The latter will help to keep all the clubs organized. It also has external pockets. Plus, there is a built-in stand, which will provide the support that the bag needs.
The irons that are included in this set have deep and perimeter weighting. This will lower the center of gravity. As a result, it will be more accurate and demonstrate better distance. It uses stainless steel as the main material. This may not be the best in terms of performance, but that is one of the reasons why it is affordable.
While there’s a lot to like in this product, there are also several problems. For instance, some people complain about the durability of the irons and other clubs included in this set. This is one thing that we pretty much expected since it is not marketed as a premium golf club set.
Pros:
- Engineered for game improvement
- Perimeter-weighted construction
- Comes as a complete set, including a bag
Cons:
- Durability can be better
Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Max Iron Set
As you search for the best irons sets, Callaway is one name that you will frequently encounter, and this is one of their best products currently available on the market. This is built for exceptional distance, making you confident that the ball will travel far once it is hit.
Looking at its features, one thing that impresses us is the flash-face cup technology, which allows it to deliver industry-leading performance. Its speed will be second to none. This is a design element that results from the use of artificial intelligence.
Another exceptional technology you will find in this iron is the tungsten energy core. The custom weight in each iron allows the center of gravity to be strategically positioned. This improves precision and speed. More so, it also helps improve the launch and flight of the ball.
The urethane microspheres are also notable. This is one feature that you can find in many of the other Callaway clubs on our list. This is a patented technology that effectively absorbs unwanted vibration to provide better feedback and follow-through. This is also great in terms of comfort.
Lastly, you will have premium options for stock shafts and grips. You can choose the material that best suits your needs and preferences.
Pros:
- Easy to hit
- Produces long and straight shots
- Custom weights
Cons:
- Some users find it to be too large
TaylorMade SIM MAX Irons
It can be quite expensive, but that should not hinder you from choosing this option for the best golf club irons. From distance to accuracy, you can expect a wide array of good things from these irons, which will make it worth every dollar.
Speed Bridge Technology is one of the most innovative features you will find in this product. It adds stiffness to the club. The main purpose of this technology is to improve the speed of the ball while reducing the energy that it loses as it travels. In turn, this will let you hit the ball farther without being too aggressive when swinging.
Another innovative feature is the Echo Damping System. The special geometry of the clubhead allows it to manage the impact, so you do not have to worry about harsh vibrations. This will also improve the flexibility of the clubface.
More so, it has Speed Pocket, a signature feature developed by TaylorMade. It improves the flexibility of the face and increases forgiveness. With a larger sweet spot, you can prevent mishits!
Meanwhile, with progressive inverted cone technology, its accuracy is optimized. The cone is uniquely positioned in each club. This is one thing that can make the ball flights straighter.
Lastly, we love how you will have multiple options. In terms of flex, you can choose from regular, senior, or stiff. On the other hand, for the shaft, both steel and graphite and available.
Pros:
- Good distance and forgiveness
- Crisp sound and feel
- Excellent vibration dampening
Cons:
- Loft can be better
Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Individual Iron
Callaway is one of the most notable options for the most accurate golf irons. This Mavrik individual iron is among their best offerings to date. While some might find it a bit chunky, it packs some of the most innovative features you will be looking for in forged golf irons.
One of the reasons why it stands out is the use of artificial intelligence in its design. The result is a sophisticated architecture that delivers reliable performance, especially for those who need a game improvement golf club.
Among its many innovative features, one thing that we love the most is the custom tungsten-infused weights. This will improve the position of the center of gravity, resulting in improved impact upon contact with the ball. In turn, it optimizes launch and flight. This feature will instantly add power to every shot, which is one thing that newbies will appreciate.
More so, it also has urethane microspheres, similar to the other irons from Callaway that we talked about in this buying guide. As you most probably know by now, this absorbs unwanted vibration, which will significantly improve feel and comfort.
The shaft of this 4-iron is made of steel. This is a material cheaper than graphite. Some might find it to be quite heavy, which can be an issue if you have a hard time swinging heavier clubs.
Pros:
- Designed by artificial intelligence
- Excellent for game improvement
- Sturdy construction
Cons:
- Chunky
TaylorMade Golf M5 Iron Set
While you will have plenty of options for forgiving forged irons, the M5 set is one that you should not miss. It is from one of the most trusted brands in the market, so that is already a compelling reason to choose this over others.
More than the reputation of the manufacturer, this is a notable product because it packs a plethora of superb features. For instance, it has Speed Bridge technology. As the name implies, this allows the irons to unlock the fastest speed possible, adding exceptional power to every shot.
To add, it also has inverted cone technology, a feature exclusively developed by the manufacturer. This improves the design of the face, which is also what allows it to improve the speed of the ball.
Another notable feature that you will find in this forged iron is the advanced HYBRAR compression damper. This will eliminate excessive vibrations to improve sound and feel. This will also directly impact your comfort.
The fluted hosel and 360-degree undercut are also notable features that you will find in this option for the best iron set. They lower the center of gravity to improve the launch angle. This will generate a stronger force, which will send the ball far.
Lastly, it has a multi-material construction. It uses a combination of high-density tungsten and other equally impressive materials that will make this a great choice for game improvement irons.
Pros:
- Enhanced speed
- Excellent playability
- Good sound and feel
Cons:
- Can be difficult to control
Taylormade GAPR MID Golf Club
The brand name alone is already enough to consider this product for the best forged game improvement irons. If you are a newbie or a high handicapper, you will love how easy it is to use this golf club. This is unlike others that can be intimidating for a beginner to use.
It has countless exceptional features, but one of our favorites is the optimized center of gravity. This promotes a mid-high trajectory and significantly improves distance. This way, you can hit the ball with more power, and it will travel far.
Speed foam technology is another innovation that you will find in this iron. With the foam injection, it delivers a thinner but faster face. Because it is thin, however, the vibration can be quite noticeable, which can be an issue for some users.
It is also notable because of its speed pocket. It improves launch conditions for enhanced distance. This is one more thing that can help to send the ball far even without being aggressive when swinging. This also improves the playability of the golf club.
More so, it has Flight Control Technology, which is made possible because of the adjustable sleeve. Aside from the loft, you can also adjust the lie and trajectory. This will provide more options for customization.
Pros:
- Hits the ball straight and far
- Optimized center of gravity
- Comes with a loft sleeve
Cons:
- Produces highly noticeable vibration
Callaway Golf 2019 Apex Individual Iron
Searching for the best golf irons of all time? The Callaway Apex is one option that should be on your list. This forged iron is designed for distance, so you can be confident that the ball will be traveling far off the tee.
It boasts of a wide array of key performance technologies, such as its tungsten-infused head. It also has a multi-material construction. The center of gravity is lowered, which will improve its accuracy and precision. From launch to ball flight, this forged iron can deliver a lot of benefits!
In terms of construction, the body is made of 1025 mild carbon steel. Its forged construction ensures its durability. Like the other Callaway clubs that are included on our list, it has urethane microspheres. This innovative feature uses millions of tiny air pockets, which will minimize the vibration that you can feel. Even when swinging aggressively, you will be happy to know that your hands won’t feel much of the impact.
More so, it has a 360 Face Cup, another revolutionary feature that you will find in other products. The flexible rim around the head of the club will ensure consistent distance and speed.
Lastly, this club is reflective of premium craftsmanship. It has a platinum chrome finish, which gives it an elegant look that will captivate your attention. It also has velvet and textured grips, which will make it easy to hold.
Pros:
- Accurate and forgiving
- Great distance
- Premium construction
Cons:
- Difficult to use for light swingers
Srixon Z U85 Utility Club
Many of the top golf irons can be expensive for a reason – they use premium materials and deliver superb performance. That is exactly what you can expect when you choose this utility iron. Do not be discouraged by the cost since it is easy to justify once you use this golf club.
One of the best things about this product is its compact and hollow construction. Compared to traditional irons, it is more forgiving. This is also a major reason why this is a favorite even amongst beginners. The hollow construction also improves control and trajectory. This way, it is easier to make sure that you will be sending the ball exactly in the direction where you want it to be.
It is also impressive because it comes with a graphite shaft. This is a high-end material, which also explains why it is more expensive compared to ones made of steel. Graphite is known for being lightweight, which will make it easier to swing the golf club. Not to mention, this material is known for its ability to withstand the test of time.
Another good reason to choose this utility iron despite being expensive is that it makes your shots straighter. Especially if you are a beginner, it can be frustrating to hit the ball and it changes direction, resulting in missing the hole. When you use this iron, it will be easier to straighten every shot.
Pros:
- Hollow design for excellent control
- High-strength construction
- Inspires confidence
Cons:
- Expensive
Callaway Golf 2018 Men’s X Forged Utility Individual Iron
The last on our list of top-rated golf irons is one more product that can discourage many because of its price. Nonetheless, it is from a reputable brand, so that alone should already be a compelling reason to pick this over many of its competitors.
Made by one of the best golf iron brands, you can expect that it packs impressive features, making it worth every dollar you will be spending. One of our favorite things is the strategic position of the center of gravity. This is located in the same line as the center of the clubface. This positively impacts the speed and flight of the ball.
To add, it comes with a tungsten-infused insert, which is a common feature in the forged iron sets from Callaway. This feature increases the moment of inertia. The result is that your shots will be easier to control, which is one thing that many beginners will appreciate.
It also has 360 Face Cup Technology, an industry-leading feature that is found in other Callaway irons mentioned in this buying guide. This will increase the speed of the ball while also improving efficiency in every shot. It also minimizes distance loss, even if you did not hit the ball at the center.
Lastly, it offers several loft options. You can pick the right loft depending on what you are most comfortable with. You can choose from 18, 21, 24 27, and 30 degrees.
Pros:
- Long average distance
- Easy to control
- Exceptional forgiveness
Cons:
- Expensive
How to Choose Good Forged Irons
The list of the options for the best golf forged irons will be endless. Nonetheless, this is not an excuse to decide in haste. Here are some of the most important considerations to help you narrow down the possibilities.
Shaft
Like in the case of other golf clubs, the shaft is one of the most important parts of a golf iron. This is the part that you will be gripping. Hence, it will have a direct impact on your comfort and performance. If it is awkward to hold, then this will negatively affect the swinging and hitting.
The most important consideration is the material used in the shaft. Below are some of the most common choices you will have.
Steel
Strong and heavy, steel is known for being the most affordable. Because of its price, it makes a great choice for beginners. More so, it produces minimal flex, which makes it accurate and consistent.
Graphite
The most popular material for a shaft in forged irons is graphite. It is stiff and durable. Even for aggressive swingers, the performance will be second to none. While it is lighter than steel, it is strong and easy to control.
Multi-material
While it isn’t as common as graphite and steel, you can also see shafts that combine multiple materials. Steel is the main material used while the tip is often made of graphite, which can help in eliminating unwanted vibration.
Flex
Aside from the material, the flex of the shaft is another important consideration when choosing forged golf irons. The profile of the user, such as gender and age, are some things that will determine the best option. However, it is best to consider more critical factors like swing speed and distance to decide on the right flex.
Regular
If you are a high handicap male golfer, then this is the best choice of shaft for you. This is an ideal choice for people who are often driving the ball at around 230 to 250 yards off the tee. For the swing speed, meanwhile, it is most appropriate for 80 to 95 miles per hour.
Stiff
If your swing speed ranges from 90 to 105 miles per hour, then you should choose a forged iron with a stiff flex. This is also recommended for those who are driving the ball at a distance of more than 250 yards.
Extra Stiff
For long hitters, which means that you are hitting the ball more than 300 yards off the tee, you will do best when using an extra stiff shaft. The problem is that it is easy to lose control with this forged iron, so choose this only if you are an experienced player.
Ladies
This is designed for women or for anyone who is consistently driving the ball at less than 200 yards. If you are a woman but you hit farther, then you might want to consider regular or senior flex instead. Take note that this is the softest flex out of the five.
Senior
As you age, your swing speed will become slower. This is your body’s response to an apparent decline in your physical capabilities. You need to match your swing speed with your iron, so choose a senior flex. This is also for those who are driving the ball 200 to 230 yards.
Conclusion
For longer and more accurate shots, you will never go wrong with the best forged irons, including those we have briefly reviewed above.
Whether it is in terms of distance, feel, and forgiveness, forged irons are exceptional! Their one-piece construction makes them superb. Nonetheless, not all irons can deliver the same great performance. So, take the time to evaluate the alternatives to make a decision you will never regret!