Expert Review: Callaway X Forged CB Iron Set

Published on 03/14/2023 · 5 min readThis review is my honest opinion of the irons, which I bought with my own money in October 2021.
Billy Estes, Golf Expert
By Golf Expert Billy Estes

All photos courtesy of Billy Estes

About this review This review is my honest opinion of the irons, which I bought with my own money in October 2021.

My Take

In summary, the Callaway X Forged CB is one of the best irons on the market. I think this iron is great for the mid-level player looking to get better while still wanting help in the forgiveness category. I would also say this would be ideal for the low-handicap player, and even touring pros because it has that blade-like feel with just a little forgiveness for the occasional mishit.

About the club I own

  • Model: Callaway X Forged CB Iron set
  • Loft setting: 1 degree weaker
  • Shaft type: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue x100
  • Shaft flex: X-stiff

About me

  • Average score: +3 (Professional)
  • Handicap: +3
  • Experience: I’ve been playing golf since I was 10-years old
  • Right/Left-Handed: Left-handed
  • Typical ball flight: Draw
  • Golf ball used: Titleist Pro V1
  • Club swing speed: Driver - 122 mph

Test conditions

  • When I bought the club: October 2021
  • Days tested: 150+ days
  • Where I’ve used it: Florida is where my home course is, but have used them in tournaments throughout the Southeast.
  • Weather and wind conditions: Various conditions, from rain to wind to dry bermuda and bentgrass

How it performs

Launch
5/5
Sound
5/5
Distance
4/5
Feel
4/5
Forgiveness
3/5
Workability
3/5

What I was looking for

I was looking for a club that had a little more launch in the lower irons that I could hit higher and stop on greens, but still flight-down my higher irons to control trajectory. I also wanted a little more forgiveness than a pure blade iron.

Why I chose this club

I chose to buy this club because of their use on the PGA Tour by so many players, but also because it fit the many shots I wanted to hit. In addition, when I mishit a few, my misses were not bad at all.

I looked at the new Titleist T100 irons and Titleist MB irons, but the look and feel of the X Forged just gave me way more confidence and more distance .

What I love about it

  • Distance: I love the extra distance I see from these irons due to the weighting in the back, without sacrificing feel in the face. No issues with distance despite having the lofts set weaker, so I expect most golfers will definitely see an increase in distance.
  • Forgiveness: These irons are more forgiving than blade shaped irons, so they can give a mid-handicap more confidence.
  • Feel:The feel of these irons is one of their top qualities– they have that buttery feel we all search for.
  • Sound: I love the sound of these irons because I don't like a loud sound. I just like to feel that compression, and these irons feel and sound amazing.
  • Adjustability: Forged-casted irons are easier to adjust for lie angles than casted irons; and also are good with loft adjustments.
  • Shaft Feel: I have played Dynamic Gold shafts for over 15 years and continue to enjoy the ball flight they give me.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: I think the look of these irons gives confidence. They have a little thicker top line than a blade iron, with some offset – which, when I'm over the ball, gives me some confidence that my mishits will not be too penal.
  • Grip Feel: I play Lamkin full cord 58 round grips.
  • Launch Angle: The launch is a 10/10. I can hit every window I need to hit with these irons, and they do not balloon at all. The launch of these irons is their best quality by far. Tour trajectory for a mid-handicapper will drop scores almost instantly.
  • Spin: Consistent spin numbers through the bag. I did not see an increase, especially with lower irons, but I did not lose spin either.

Issues I’ve encountered

  • Workability: I do think these irons may not be as workable as blade irons. I would strongly recommend a combo set if that's a top priority for you.

Best shot with this club

I competed in a tournament recently and faced a par 5 into the wind, 221 yards out. I hit a low draw 4 iron to 8 feet to make eagle on a hole that I'm sure played at or over par for the day!

Value for the money vs. other options

This is the only problem I see for these great irons – I do think the price is a tad expensive. If you are truly looking for a great iron, I do think it is a good investment, but I also think there are other irons that are very good as well at a little lower price point.

For example, the Ping i525 irons to the Titleist T200 irons are very similar options that are a little more inexpensive – but I do believe that these irons are great and if you do buy them you will not be disappointed.

Final verdict

My final opinion of the Callaway X Forged CB Irons is that they are one of the best iron sets on the market and it's no wonder why they are a popular choice among the Callaway staff players on the PGA Tour. From the beautiful flight to the confidence you get at address, these irons will help good players get better by improving ball striking, putting players on their way to start shooting lower scores!

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