Made with a one-piece soft iron forging process, this club offers exceptional forgiveness and a thick, soft feel.
The X FORGED iron series, which debuted last year, was a huge hit, but as a so-called one-piece forged soft iron cavity iron, it was undeniably somewhat difficult to use. Could we create a model that is easier to hit while maintaining the same sharp look and superb feel? The "X FORGED MAX irons" are one of Callaway's new answers to this challenge. The most important point is the introduction of a sophisticated technique: small pockets are created using CNC machining on the stepped toe and heel of the back face. This makes it easier to get the ball airborne and more forgiving on mishits, while the center section remains thick, so the comfortable soft feel is not compromised. The set includes seven clubs in total: I#4-9 and PW. The cut-glass-like X lettering, which is incorporated as a design accent, is also worth noting.
■CNC machining creates pocket cavities in the toe and heel.
The "X FORGED MAX irons," like the X FORGED and X FORGED STAR irons, are so-called one-piece forged soft iron (S20C) irons, and also share the same cavity back structure. However, the "X FORGED MAX irons" aim to be a more forgiving model than the X FORGED and X FORGED STAR irons, incorporating some previously unseen features. CNC machining is performed on the stepped section at the bottom of the back face, creating small pockets on the toe and heel sides. This results in a lower and deeper center of gravity, making the iron more forgiving on mishits and easier to get the ball airborne. Furthermore, since no pocket is created in the center of the stepped section, and it remains thick, the soft and comfortable feel characteristic of forged soft iron when hitting the ball in the center is not compromised.
■A sharp yet appropriately reassuring appearance
The "X FORGED MAX irons" have the same head size and offset as the X FORGED irons, offering improved forgiveness while maintaining the control performance required by players who use forged soft iron irons. On the other hand, the top blade has been modified by removing the chamfering on the face side that was present on the X FORGED irons, giving it a more substantial thickness and a more reassuring appearance.
■Semi-wide tri-level sole design
The sole incorporates the Tri-Level Sole design familiar from the X FORGED and X FORGED STAR irons. The excess weight created by pockets in the toe and heel is reflected in the width of the sole, resulting in a semi-wide sole. This creates a semi-deep center of gravity while maintaining a low center of gravity, making it easier to hit with a higher trajectory than the X FORGED. The leading edge has a comb-like chamfer, and the trailing edge has a consistent chamfer from toe to heel, allowing for a smooth swing even with the semi-wide sole, greatly contributing to easier ball control.
■A Japanese-style accent reminiscent of cut glass.
It is a testament to the company's dedication, and in response, the "X FORGED MAX irons" incorporate a distinctly Japanese design. The letter "X" is inscribed on the toe side of the lower back face, using a treatment that resembles the cut patterns seen in kiriko (cut glass). This serves as an eye-catching accent within the overall sharp design.
■The loft is set to be 1 degree lower than that of the X FORGED irons.
The "X FORGED MAX irons" lineup consists of seven clubs: I#4-9 and PW. I#4 and I#5 are sold individually, while I#6-9 and PW are sold as a five-club set. The loft is 1 degree steeper than the standard X FORGED irons, with I#7 at 32 degrees. Two types of steel shafts are available. (Black Friday)
