About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the iron set, which I purchased with my own money in October of 2021.

My Take

The Callaway X Forged CB Iron Set is one of the best set of irons on the market. This iron set is great for the mid level player looking to get better and needing particular help in the forgiveness category. They’re also great for the low handicap to touring pro because it gives that blade like feel, but with a little forgiveness on the occasional mishit.

About the club I own

• Model: Callaway X Forged CB Iron Set
• Loft setting: 1 degree weaker
• Shaft type: Dynamic Gold Tour Issue x100
• Shaft flex: Extra stiff

About me

• Average score: +3 (professional)
• Handicap: +3
• Experience: playing golf since 10 years old so over 20 years
• 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. I practice at Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Club and play tournaments all over the country
• Weather and wind conditions: From rain to wind to dry Bermuda and bentgrass

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was looking for a club set 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 pure blade irons.

Why I chose this club

I chose to buy these clubs because of their use on the PGA Tour by so many players but also when I got a club fitting I was able to hit the trajectories I needed. 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 from these irons due to the weighting in the back, and I did not sacrifice feel in the face. I had no issues with distance and I even have the lofts weaker so many players will definitely see an increase in distance.
• Feel:The feel of these irons is top quality; 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 like to just feel that compression and for that, these irons feel and sound amazing.
• Adjustability: Forged casting can help to get lies adjusted and help with loft adjustments more than a cast iron.
• Shaft Feel: I have played Dynamic Gold shafts for over 15 years and continue to enjoy the 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 with some offset. When I'm over the ball I gain some confidence knowing my mishits will not be too penalized.
• Launch Angle: The launch was a 10/10. Every window I need to hit I can 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: These offer 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

• Forgiveness: These irons are more forgiving than blade-shaped irons so it can give a mid-handicap confidence.
• Workability: I do think these irons may not be as workable as blade irons. I would strongly recommend a combo set if that's what is a top priority for a player.

Best shot with this club

I just finished a tournament two days ago and had a par 5 into the wind with 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. The price is a tad expensive, but if you are truly looking for a great iron set, I do think these are a good investment. There are other irons that are very good as well with a little lower price point. The Ping i525 and the Titleist T200 iron sets are very similar with slightly lower pricing, but I do believe that these irons are great and anyone purchasing them will not be disappointed.

Final verdict

The Callaway X Forged CB Irons are some of the best irons on the market and it's no wonder why it is such a popular iron on the PGA Tour by Callaway players. From the beautiful flight to the confidence you get at address, these irons will improve players’ ball striking and easily help them start shooting lower scores!