Specification comparison

Highlighted cells differ between the two sets. Lofts and lies are factory standard.

Lofts compared

What the differences mean

At the 7-iron, the X Forged (2013) is 34° and the X Forged (2018) is 33°, a 1° gap. Each degree of loft is worth roughly 3 to 4 yards of carry at the same swing speed, so the X Forged (2018) should carry roughly 3 to 4 yards further with that club, on a slightly lower, shallower flight than the X Forged (2013). Across the 7 clubs both sets share, the X Forged (2018) averages 0.9° stronger, with the largest gap at the 4-iron (24° vs 23°).

The sets are built differently: the X Forged (2013) runs 3-iron to PW (8 clubs), the X Forged (2018) 4-iron to PW (7 clubs).

Both are players irons, built for roughly scratch to 10 handicaps. Small-to-mid cavity backs with traditional lofts, modest offset and workable shaping for low-handicap players. Because they target the same golfer, the decision comes down to the specific loft, feel and shaping differences rather than who the sets are made for.

Both heads are listed as triple-net forged. With the build method this similar, differences in feel come down to head size, sole width, topline and offset rather than how the heads are made.

There are 5 years between these sets (2013 and 2018), more than one design generation. Over that time irons moved toward stronger lofts, thinner and faster faces, hollow and multi-material heads and wider use of tungsten, so the newer set is not simply a better version of the older one: it may launch and spin quite differently. Here the 7-iron loft moved from 34° to 33°.

Which should you choose?

The X Forged (2018) is the stronger-lofted set — up to 1° stronger than the X Forged (2013) on matching clubs. Expect longer carry per numbered iron but a flatter descent angle; gapping at the wedge end is where that shows up.

Both charts are reproduced in full on their own pages: Callaway X Forged (2013) specs and Callaway X Forged (2018) specs.

Frequently asked questions