FORGING ON
Jimmy Emanuel looks at the best forged irons currently on the market.
Forged. It’s a commonly used term in golf equipment that has been around since Old Tom Morris and will likely never disappear.
But while the metalworking process used to create beautiful and classic blade irons in years gone past has an extended history in the game, the process which, simply explained, utilises the heating of metal that is then hammered into shape, continues to evolve to feature in technologically-advanced iron models.
From forged blades, favoured by some of the world’s best players, to forged faces powered by hollow body designs, to forged steel partnered with multiple materials like tungsten for ideal weighting and optimal ball flights, the following pages feature some of the best forged irons money can buy. They could also be the key to improving, and enjoying, your ball-striking in a whole new way.
CALLAWAY APEX
Callaway’s Apex range has garnered a strong following in recent years. The company describes the most recent iteration as “the ultimate forged players’ distance iron”.
Forged from 1025 mild carbon steel, the Apex irons feature a classically forged feel off the face, despite a significant cavity for forgiveness that is enhanced by Callaway’s urethane ‘Microspheres’.
Marking the first time the technology has been employed in a forged iron, Apex’s microspheres incorporate over one million tiny air pockets that absorb vibrations to improve feel without slowing the rebound properties of the face that help deliver distance.
Built for loft-specific performance, the Apex long- and mid-irons utilise Callaway’s ‘360 Face Cup’ for higher ball speeds across the face, while the short irons’ ‘Spin Control VFT’ faces improve control and ‘Metal Injection Moulded’ Tungsten weights precisely place the centre of gravity (CG) in each iron. RRP: $259.99 per iron (steel); $279.99 per iron (graphite). www.callawaygolf.com.au
CALL AWAY APEX PRO
Utilising the same technology suite as the standard Apex model, the latest Apex Pro is Callaway’s first iron built for elite Tour players demanding exceptional feel and control, incorporating “advanced distance technologies”. Designed with feedback from some of the world’s best players, the Apex Pro features a classic look, with a thin topline, straight leading edge and higher toe. A forged 1025 mild carbon steel body with urethane microspheres delivers the sound and feel better players crave, while the 360 Face Cup of the longer irons produces consistent distance across a greater amount of the hitting area. Engineered with a shallow, flexible rim, the face cup has long been a part of Callaway’s game improvement models, with the new Apex Pro the first iron built for Tour performance to include the technology.
Like the Apex, the Pro model’s short irons use a spin control VFT face to deliver spin and control. And an average of 50 grams of Tungsten in each iron places the CG in the ideal position. RRP: $259.99 per iron (steel); $279.99 per iron (graphite). www.callawaygolf.com.au
COBRA KING FORGED CB/ MB
Designed with Rickie Fowler to mimic the irons he uses on Tour, the Cobra KING Forged CB/MB set features cavity backs in the 4-iron to 6-iron and muscle back blades from 7-iron to pitching wedge. The combination offers improved forgiveness in the longer irons and shot-shaping control with the short irons.
A five-step forging process is used to create the black satin irons, delivering the looks preferred by Fowler and a more refined grain structure in the metal for softer feel off the face, while CNC milled faces and grooves improve spin and control. Cobra’s engineers have used tungsten inserts in Fowler’s irons for years, and the CB/MB set does likewise. Located in the toe and centre of each iron head, the tungsten enhances feel, forgiveness and workability.
Also offered in full cavity back and muscle back sets, the KING Forged CB/MB feature electronically-enabled Cobra Connect grips to allow statistical tracking. RRP: $229 per iron. www.cobragolf.com.au