When it comes to golf irons nothing beats the feel, workability, and performance of forged irons. While most of the great benefits have been reserved only for the best players, many big brand names have been creating lower-priced options targeted at everyday golfers. This makes it the perfect time to think about upgrading to a set of fully forged irons.
To help you narrow down the search, we’ve put together a review guide that features the twelve best forged irons on today’s market. Each iron featured on the list will have its own mini-review that focuses on its key features and performance.
Lots of big names like TaylorMade, Callaway, Cobra, and Wilson Staff have made our list. But don’t worry! We made sure to include a wide variety of iron styles and price points, that way there is a set for every golfer.
Best Forged Irons
1. TaylorMade P790
Features
- Forged Hollow Body Construction
- SpeedFoam
- Low Profile Tungsten Weighting
- Thru Slot Speed Pocket
- Progressive I C T
Made to be the absolute best irons in the game of golf, the TaylorMade P790 irons have some really impressive features.
Key Features
- Forged Hollow Body Construction
- Speed Foam
- Tungsten Weighting
- Speed Pocket
TaylorMade over the last decade has really been creating some of the best clubs in all of golf. And the culmination of all the research and engineering during this time can be found on the P790 irons. It all starts with a unique Forged Hollow Body Construction that gives the P790 irons their iconic look.
But TaylorMade doesn’t just leave these irons hollow. Instead, they fill the cavity using a proprietary Speed Foam that helps create more face bounce for better ball speeds. To focus on even more speed, TaylorMade includes a variable Speed Pocket on the sole of each club.
To create a better level of workability, custom Tungsten Weighting has been added behind the face and sole of each P790 iron. Golfers also have several customization options when ordering a set of P790 irons including a choice in steel or graphite shafts as well as three flexes that include regular, senior, and stiff. Five different set configurations are available with the most popular being the seven club 4-PW set.
Pros
- Incredible Feel
- Great Workability
- Solid Distance
- Lots of Different Configurations
Cons
- Expensive
- Only For Low Handicap Golfers
Thanks to incredible features and unbeatable performance, the TaylorMade P790 irons are some of the best forged irons ever made.
2. Cobra King Forged Tech
Features
- Hollow Construction-A Classic, muscle back shape conceals an unassuming hollow core that delivers low CG and controlled distance for maximum playability.
- Foam Infused Core-A Hollow cavity is infused with foam microspheres that fine-tune acoustics and create softer feel.
- PowerShell Face-A forged face insert creates a larger sweet zone for higher launch and faster ball speed in a compact shape.
- Tungsten Weighting-Tungsten toe weighting centers the CG behind the hitting zone to maximize distance and precision, even on off-center hits.
- Cobra Connect-Track your accuracy and distance using the Arccos Caddie app on your smart phone.
Upgrade to a set of cutting edge forged irons with the Cobra King Forged Tech.
Key Features
- Forged Hollow Construction
- Foam Infused Core
- PwrShell Face
- Tungsten Weighting
Cobra’s high-end irons have only been getting better and better over the past couple of years. For this year’s King Forged Tech irons, Cobra keeps the same classic muscle back design just with a few upgraded features. Staying true to the last generation King Forged Tech, the construction of this year’s set uses a Forged Hollow Construction.
One improved feature is the Foam Infused Core. This foam fills the hollow cavity to create a softer feel and overall better acoustics. Cobra also keeps its special PwrShell Face that is milled to create more ball speed and a larger sweet spot.
Like many other forged irons, the King Forged Tech has extra Tungsten Weighting just above the sole near the back of the clubhead. Compared to some other sets of forged irons, like Titleist forged irons, there are very few customization options. The most popular set includes steel shafts in either regular or stiff flex, and seven clubs that cover from 4-PW.
Pros
- Great Feel
- High Ball Speed
- Good Forgiveness
- Track Your Progress With Cobra Connect
Cons
- Expensive
- Only For Low Handicap Golfers
The Cobra King Forged Tech irons are perhaps the best all forged muscle-back irons on the market and worthy of a spot in your bag.
3. Callaway Apex Pro
Features
- Apex Pro 19 is a forged Tour Performance Iron with advanced distance technologies.
- Extremely soft feel comes from a forged 1025 mild carbon steel body, and for the first time Callaway has put Urethane Microspheres into a forged iron.
- For the first time ever, we’ve engineered our renowned 360 Face Cup into a Tour performance iron for consistent distance, and the spin control VFT Face in short irons is designed for pinpoint shot-making.
- The tungsten-infused, multi-material construction (50 grams of tungsten on average into each iron) promotes optimal shot-making, ball flight, and control.
- The Tour-influenced shaping and design create a classic look that the best players want to see with a straighter leading edge, higher toe, thin top line, and a smooth hostel transition.
Reach for the Apex of your game when you play the Callaway Apex Pro iron set.
Key Features
- Forged Hollow Construction
- 360 Face Cup
- VFT Face
- Tungsten Weighting
Callaway forged irons are legendary among golfers. The feel and performance have always been second to none. And with the redefined Apex Pro forged irons, Callaway has brought its top of the line irons to a whole new level of performance.
Made with a Forged Hollow Construction that utilizes soft 1025 Mild Steel, the Apex Pro irons not only look good but feel great. Callaway has also introduced its 360 Cup Face onto the Apex Pro irons for the first time. This combined with the VFT Face should result in shots with more ball speed and better forgiveness compared to older Callaway forged irons.
Unlike other forged irons, the Apex Pro have their Tungsten Weighting varied depending on which iron it is. This makes for optimal launch angles and spin rates on each shot. Since Callaway is the best in offering club customization, it’s no wonder you can choose between three different shaft flexes and six club configurations.
Pros
- Excellent Feel
- Great Distance
- Confidence Inspiring Sound
- Premium Shaft Included
Cons
- Expensive
- Only For Low Handicap Golfers
Callaway’s best has gotten better and gives golfers an advantage over their competitors with the Apex Pro irons.
4. Cobra King Forged CB/MB Set
Features
- 5 Step Forging Process-Forged 5 times to deliver more precise iron shaping and a more refined grain structure for superior feel as demanded by the best golfers.
- Tungsten Tour Weighting-Reconfigured to match Rickie Fowler's iron on tour, an additional tungsten insert is strategically positioned on the sole for tour preferred accuracy and precision.
- CNC Milled Face & Grooves-CNC Milling delivers more precise face and grooves structures for improved spin and trajectory.
- Flow Set-Progressive set composition flows gradually from forgiving, cavity back long irons (3-6 iron) to muscle back short irons (7-PW) designed for precision and scoring.
- DBM Black Finish-Cobra's most durable black satin finish, DBM (Diamonized Black Metal) provides extreme resistance to wear for longer lasting, better looking irons.
Get the best of both worlds with the mixed cavity and muscle back iron set from Cobra.
Key Features
- Forged Construction
- Tungsten Tour Weighting
- CNC Milling
- Progressive Set
With golf irons there are two very common design styles; cavity back and muscle back. Cavity back irons have a tendency to have more forgiveness while muscle-back irons have better feel and workability. In the King Forged CB/MB Set, Cobra includes both cavity and muscle back irons.
Both the cavity back and muscle back irons are made with a fully Forged Construction. Each iron is then individually weighted using a Tungsten Tour Weighting profile similar to that of Ricky Fowler. CNC Milling is used to create both the face and grooves for a better overall shot trajectory.
Because this iron set is considered a progressive set, there is only one configuration available for purchase. This includes eight clubs with the 3-6 irons being cavity back while the 7-PW are muscle back. All clubheads come in a black PVD finish that also matches the black KBS shafts.
Pros
- Solid Distance
- Enhanced Feel
- Clean Looks
- Great For Middle handicaps
Cons
- Expensive
If you’re ready to take the next step to forged irons, there no better way to start than with the Cobra King Forged CB/MB Set.
5. Wilson Staff Blade
Wilson Staff Right Handed Blades
1 used from $1,199.99
Features
- Precision milled for precise, consistent weighting and feel from club to club, and set to set.
- Diamond Scoreline Pattern: In addition to providing exceptional control and feel, this detail is straight from the Wilson Staff design archives and represents the best of our storied heritage.
- Fluid Feel Hosel: Adapted from our classic Wilson Dyna-Powered irons, this design eliminates unnecessary weight in the hosel, allowing for a larger head and wider sole for increased playability.
- Optimized Sole Camber: A slightly more rounded front-to-back sole radius keeps the clubs out of the grass and on the ball for more consistent hits.
- TT DYNAMIC GOLD shaft
Wilson brings the sleek and timeless look of the blade irons with the Wilson Staff Blade set.
Key Features
- Forged Construction
- Precision Milled
- Diamond Scoreline Patterned
- Fluid Feel Hosel
Blade style irons have always been considered tour irons meant for only the best golfers. With the Wilson Staff Blade irons, Wilson is looking to give this top tier feel and performance to a wider variety of golfers. So if you are a great golfer who wants to get the best forged irons possible, then the Staff Blades might be for you!
Wilson Staff creates each Blade iron by using a fully forged construction that stays true to a classic look and design. Each iron is Precision Milled for consistent weighting across the entire set. Wilson also throws in a classic Diamond Scoreline Pattern that helps promote a cleaner feel and better workability.
Golfers will notice a slightly slimmed down hosel, also known as a Fluid Feel Hosel, which should help create better sightlines at address. Currently, the Wilson Staff Blade irons are only available in an eight club set (3-PW) and include steel stiff flex shafts. Again, these clubs are only for advanced players that consider their game within scratch on most golf courses.
Pros
- Outstanding Feel
- Great Workability
- Clean Looks
- Perfect Control
Cons
- Expensive
- Very Hard To Hit
- Only For Top Tier Golfers
If you got the game worthy of blade irons, then you just can’t go wrong with the classic look of the Wilson Staff.
6. Srixon Z 785
Features
- UPDATED TOUR V.T. SOLE A newly redesigned Tour V.T. Sole provides even more consistent ball striking while maintaining enough versatility to execute any shot.
- TOUR CAVITY Extra mass behind your impact location allows for powerful shot-shaping with increased versatility.
- FORGED CONSTRUCTION Forged from a single billet of soft 1020 carbon steel for exceptional feel.
Srixon brings together tried and true technology into a classic design with the Z 785.
Key Features
- 1020 Steel Forged Construction
- Tour Cavity
- Tour VT Sole
Srixon isn’t a name that many golfers would associate with high-end golf irons. But the truth is that Srixon has been creating some great forged golf irons for many years now. One of those great sets includes the Z 785 irons.
Made of a soft 1020 Steel Forged Construction, the Z 785 irons provide exceptional feel and durability. Srixon chooses a hybrid muscle back design that leans closer to a blade style of forged iron. Tour Cavity technology also allows for a bit more ball speed and workability thanks to some extra weighting just behind the impact zone.
Srixon has also taken a new approach to turf interactions with the updated Tour VT Sole. By using this new sole geometry, the Z 785 irons prove to have better versatility than earlier generations. Currently, the Srixon Z 785 irons are only available in a seven club set (4-PW) with either stiff or extra stiff flex steel shafts.
Pros
- Great Distance
- Easy Workability
- Clean Looks
Cons
- Expensive
Srixon gives golfers a great reason to upgrade their irons with the all-around great performance with the Z 785 irons.
7. Wilson Staff FG Tour V6
Features
- Tungsten weighting: the 20 gram insert lowers the center of gravity, boosting the launch angle without increasing spin
- Impact area mass: maintains a solid, muscle back-like feel and workability, but with a back cavity designed to provide feedback and forgiveness on off-center hits
- Forged feel: the 8620 carbon steel is forged for the ultimate in feel, feedback and response
- Played on the PGA Tour. Set makeup 4-PW, GW
- Winner of MyGolfSpy 2017 Most Wanted Player Iron Award
Get all the benefits of a cavity back iron with the feel of a forged iron with the Wilson Staff FG Tour V6.
Key Features
- 8620 Steel Forged Construction
- Impact Area Mass
- Tungsten Weighting
Maybe you saw the earlier Wilson Staff Blade irons and thought “Wow those are some nice irons, but are there any other forged irons from Wilson Staff for less experienced golfers?”. And the answer to that question is yes, the FG Tour V6 irons are Wilson Staff’s forged irons for all golfers.
Instead of using the traditional muscle back design, Wilson Staff chooses a cavity back design with an 8620 Steel Forged Construction. This gives the FG Tour V6 irons a softer forged feel while still maintaining the inherent forgiveness of cavity back irons. Wilson Staff also did a great job in giving these irons a thinner topline for a cleaner look at address.
To maintain proper weighting for better workability, each club comes with 20 grams of Tungsten Weighting. Most of this weighting can be found near the impact area in an attempt to improve launch angle. Only one configuration is available and includes eight clubs (4-PW, GW) with steel stiff flex shafts.
Pros
- Great Forgiveness
- Good Distance
- Ok Workability
Cons
- Very Expensive
If you’re not sure if traditional forged irons are for your game, give the Wilson Staff FG Tour V6 irons a try!
8. TaylorMade M6
Features
- Package quantity: 1
- Country of Origin: China
- No batteries required
- Product Type: GOLF CLUB
TaylorMade has upgraded its M series irons into the best they have ever been with the M6 irons.
Key Features
- Forged Face
- Speed Bridge
- Fluted Hosel
In recent years, TaylorMade’s M series irons have taken game improvement irons to the next level. With the M6 irons, TaylorMade has created a forged cavity back iron that any skill level of golfer can play. Both the back and inserted face are forged of stainless steel and constructed in a way that gives a soft yet tactile feel.
The big addition to M6 irons compared to the last generation is a special Speed Bridge that connects the sole and top of the clubface. Having a Speed Bridge also allows for a larger Speed Pocket to achieve greater ball speeds. Plus, the Speed Bridge also acts as a vibration dampener to improve feel and overall sound.
Golfers will also notice a 360-degree Fluted Hosel which TaylorMade uses to move weight deeper into the clubhead for a higher MOI. TaylorMade does allow for some customization of the M6 including a choice between steel or graphite shafts, three different flexes (senior, regular, and stiff), four club configurations.
Pros
- Excellent Forgiveness
- Great Distance
- Nice Sounding
Cons
- Lacks Some Workability
There is no better set to get if you want a forged feel with a classic design than the TaylorMade M6 irons.
9. Bridgestone Tour B JGR
Features
- Bridgestone Tour B JGR HF2
- The TOUR B JGR HF2 Irons feature 2 key technologies designed to help you increase distance while maintaining forgiveness. The Power Slit Face Design provides an improved COR at the bottom of the face which enhances playability. The Polymer Insert found inside of the HF2 Irons promotes a crisp sound and feel at impact while reducing vibration.
Bridgestone captures the true forged feel at a price that makes sense with the Tour B JGR iron set.
Key Features
- Forged Construction
- Power Slit Face
- Polymer Insert
Sometimes there are sets of irons that are just all-around great. One of those sets is the Bridgestone Tour B JGR. With a fully forged construction, the Tour B JGR irons are made for a better feel and workability compared to cavity back irons.
To do this, Bridgestone employs a unique Power Slit Face that allows for a thinner face and higher ball speeds. But to keep a soft feel, a polymer insert was also included. This insert also does a great job at dampening unwanted vibrations on mishit shots.
Since the Tour B JGR irons are Bridgestone’s entry-level muscle back irons, the options available are limited. Most golfers choose the seven club configuration that includes 5-PW, AW. At just $575, these clubs are a great value for those looking to give forged irons a try.
Pros
- Great Feel
- Nice Workability
- Clean Looks
- Good Value For Muscle Back Irons
Cons
- None
Because of the great value and performance, we recommend the Bridgestone Tour B JGR irons for golfers looking to upgrade to a muscle back forged iron.
10. Wilson Staff D7
Features
- Power Hole placement has been optimized for the forged heads, increasing face deflection and contact time between the ball and the face of the iron for more efficient energy return, enhanced ball speed and greater distance.
- This proprietary innovation fills the Power Holes as well as the entire chamber behind the face, resulting in reduced vibration for incredible sound and feel.
- The forged carbon steel and cavity construction beautifully combines the look and feel of a traditional forged iron with game-improving distance.
Impressive distance combined with a great feel are two of the biggest benefits of the Wilson Staff D7 irons.
Key Features
- Forged Construction
- Power Holes
- Power Chamber Technology
In case you weren’t keeping count, this is the third time that a set of Wilson Staff irons have made the list. And (spoilers!) this set won’t be the last Wilson Staff irons that make the list! But in regards to the D7 irons, it seems that these are Wilson’s “middle of the road” set.
Made with a Forged Construction, these irons take a more traditional cavity back shape. This leaves the D7 irons with more distance and forgiveness compared to muscle back irons. To create a better feel Wilson Staff uses Power Holes and Power Chamber Technology to absorb unwanted vibrations.
While the Wilson Staff D7 irons are meant for a broader golf audience, the pricing and options are somewhat restricted. Only two set configurations are available and include either six or five clubs. No matter the configuration though, you still have the choice between steel and graphite shafts in either regular, stiff, or extra stiff flexes.
Pros
- Great Distance
- Solid Forgiveness
- Good Feel
Cons
- Slightly Expensive
Wilson Staff does one of the best jobs in creating the perfect forged cavity back iron with the D7 set.
11. Cobra King CHR
Features
- MULTI MATERIAL CONSTRUCTION-Strategically placed tungsten inserts are co-forged in the heel and toe help to increase MOI and also help position the CG directly behind the impact zone
- CENTERED CG-To enjoy pure strikes and consistency in every shot, you need the optimum Center of Gravity (CG) placement. The CG in the KING Tec irons is positioned directly behind the center of the face for more precision shot control
- J15 FACE INSERT-A new forged high strength steel face insert is thinner, lighter and hotter delivering more distance across the face. The saved weight from this J15 structure is moved lower and deeper in the head for longer, higher flying straighter shots
- FORGED FEEL-1025 Carbon Steel head is forged 5X to deliver a more refined grain structure and precision shaping that provides soft yet solid feel on every shot
- PROGRESSIVE SPIN TECH-CNC Milled faces and wedge style grooves also deliver maximum spin and more consistent launch trajectories in every iron
Despite being from 2016 the Cobra King CHR irons are still a set of irons worthy of your golf bag.
Key Features
- 1025 Steel Forged Construction
- J15 Face Insert
- Centered CG
The Cobra King CHR irons were made at the start of an industry-wide change to a hybrid style of forged cavity back irons. This means that the King CHR irons are made with a 1025 Steel Forged Construction for the shell and a J15 Face Insert. Both of these technologies work together to provide exceptional feel and distance.
Similar to muscle back irons, Cobra has included tungsten weighting near the heel of the club to help promote a slight draw. Cobra has also Centered the Center of Gravity directly behind the impact zone for a better launch angle. Precision milling, which is common on Cobra irons, makes for a more reliable spin on all shots.
Since Cobra no longer makes the King CHR irons, options for customization are somewhat limited. Most new sets available come with eight clubs that cover from 4 iron through ground wedge. Most sets only have steel shafts with a regular flex.
Pros
- Great Distance
- Ok Workability
- Excellent Feel
Cons
- Older Iron Series (2016)
- Can Be Hard To Find
No matter the age, the Cobra King CHR irons still have lots of features that can be found on many of today’s forged cavity back irons.
12. Wilson Staff C300
Features
- WITH ABSOLUTE POWER, COMES ABSOLUTE PLAYABILITY - Introducing C300 irons with double the power, double the irons and double the distance technology
- WHAT IS POWER HOLE TECHNOLOGY - - Urethane-filled through holes strategically positioned around the face of C300 series clubs, which minimize contact between the body and face while providing maximum flex and an expanded sweet spot
- HOW DOES IT POWER YOUR PLAY - Greater ball speeds, longer distances and am ore consistent performance, round after round
- DISTANCE + FEEL - C300 Forged Iron s are the first Forged Cabon Steel Iron to feature Power Hold Tecnology. Found on 3-8 Irons, C300 Forged Irons are designed with 5 Power Holes, in a double-row configuration, across the sole and 2 Power Holes on the Toe. The thin topline of the club is solid and clean at address, creating a masterpiece of accuracy, responsiveness and feel.
- Power Holes Increase Face Deflection by 27.3% for Greater Distance
Wilson Staff makes forged clubs available for every golfer with the C300 series of irons.
Key Features
- Forged Construction
- Power Holes
- Power Chamber Technology
While you might think all forged irons are expensive, the Wilson Staff C300 irons will make you reconsider. At just $430 for a full set, they are some of the cheapest forged irons available on the market. And just because they are cheap doesn’t me they skimp on the hot features.
Using a Forged Construction, the C300 irons have a great look and soft feel. Remarkable distance comes from many different Power Holes near the sole and perimeter of the clubhead. All the power holes come with Power Chamber Technology to reduce vibrations and give each iron a similar feel to the higher-priced Wilson Staff D7.
Wilson Staff keeps the set quite simple by only offering six clubs that cover from 5 iron through pitching wedge. Only regular flex steel shafts are currently available on online marketplaces like Amazon. There might be more options available in the future as Wilson expands the C300 lineup.
Pros
- Great Distance
- Good Impact Sound
- Excellent Feel
- Outstanding Value
Cons
- None
There is no denying that the Wilson Staff C300 irons are by far the best option of forged irons for golfers on a budget.
Bottom Line
You’ve made it to the end of our review guide of the 12 best forged irons! We hope that this guide has helped you find a set of irons that will be perfect for your next upgrade. Of course, before you decide to pull the trigger on a new set of irons it’s important to take a self-assessment of your golf game to make sure you get the best set.
First, if your game is really good (we’re talking 5 or under handicap) then most muscle back and blade style forged irons will be the best choice. Since they allow for more precision and workability these can really help save those last couple of strokes to get you to scratch golf. On the other hand, if your handicap is higher than a 5, it’s probably better to use hybrid muscle back irons or forged cavity back irons. These irons will still have the forged feel but with great forgiveness and distance.
By following these guidelines we’re sure that you will find a forged iron set from the above list that fits your individual game. But if you just want a recommendation of all-around great set we recommend the TaylorMade M6 irons or the Cobra King CB/MB Set.
That’s all for this review guide! We want to thank you for reading and if you have any questions or comments feel free to drop us a comment below!
The Review
Forged Irons
Choosing the best forged irons is easy with our detailed reviews and ratings.
Review Breakdown
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TaylorMade P790
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Cobra Golf 2020 King Forged Tec
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Callaway Apex Pro
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Cobra King Forged CB/MB Set
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Wilson Staff Right Handed Blades
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Srixon Z 785 Set
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Wilson Staff FG Tour V6
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TaylorMade M6
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Bridgestone Tour B JGR HF2
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Wilson Staff D7
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Cobra 2016 King Forged Tec
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Wilson Staff C300
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