New Callaway X-Forged in Japan

[Ed Settle]

9 hours ago, OrangeGravy said:

What year x-forged star are these?

These are the from 2021. There was a version out a couple years before that as well.

 

Edit: 2019 was the previous version. The second picture gives you a graph on lofts of the Star irons

they are stronger and have stayed fairly consistent over the 3 versions. 

 

Edited March 10 by Ed Settle
Additional info/pictures

[bardezart]

Preorder is live on tourspec's website for anyone interested in ordering: https://www.tourspecgolf.com/callaway-x-forged-iron-2024-5-pw-6pcs.html

 

I sent an email to customer service asking if they can shed any light on a US version hitting the market in later months. From their IG post it sounds like that could be the case and hopefully with heavier head weights. These are beautiful. Would sell off my new CBs in an instant for these if they come to the states. 

Edited March 11 by bardezart

[TheMoneyShot]

7 minutes ago, bardezart said:

Preorder is live on tourspec's website for anyone interested in ordering: https://www.tourspecgolf.com/callaway-x-forged-iron-2024-5-pw-6pcs.html

 

I sent an email to customer service asking if they can shed any light on a US version hitting the market in later months. From their IG post it sounds like that could be the case and hopefully with heavier head weights. These are beautiful. Would sell off my new CBs in an instant for these if they come to the states. 

Decisions decisions…. I need to fight the urge😜

[QuigleyDU]

On 3/7/2024 at 7:31 AM, radiman said:

So, I signed up for updates on Callaway's Japan site back when I was looking for info on the Triple Diamond S heads a couple years ago.  I woke up this morning to see an email from them.  It's in Japanese, so no idea what it says.  I open it just because and see what looks like the most striking Callaway irons I have seen in a long time. This could be a set that I need to try to track down. Not saying it would be any better than the Cobra King CB I have now. But, it seems to check the same boxes on aesthetics and construction.  Just a sleek, no frills CB.  

 

 

I click the link and translate the page.  I see that they are a simple one piece forging.  No frills.  No Tungsten weights.  No cup faces.  Just sweet sweet CB goodness.  I feel like that entire segment has been shrinking more and more each year.  As companies put more and more materials in the heads.  I feel like the feel and ball flight have changed.  The irons have gotten longer.  The feel has gotten a little less pure.  Even with the current Apex CB.  I wouldn't describe them as a really great forged feeling club.  Definitely on the firm side (as was the Apex TCB from a couple years ago).  Spin was low, ball speed was too high.  Just not even really on the radar.  

 

They have the transcription of an interview on their site.  It would appear that they designed these with feel being the main focus.  Opting to leave the multiple material construction to the Apex lineup.  

 

I guess, I am surprised that classic iron design has been mostly tossed aside here in the US.  That they need AI, Tungsten, weight plates, and screws to give the perception of high end.  Would love to see these make an appearance here in the US. 

 

 

 

Translated from Callaway Japan's site:

 

- So you created a soft forged iron for professional use. The "X FORGED iron" has undergone model changes in 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2019, 2021, and now in 2024, and during that time, the "APEX" brand was launched as a new flagship. “X FORGED” and “APEX PRO” are competing internally in the same tour iron category.

Shigenuki: In contrast to the global brand ``APEX,'' in Asia, especially Japan, there is an affinity for the ``X FORGED'' brand and simple soft forged irons. While "APEX" is becoming more complex with an emphasis on performance, there is a need for one-piece soft iron forged irons on the Japan tour.

 

 

-What's the difference between a one-piece soft iron iron and a soft iron body composite iron? I hit both the "X FORGED CB iron" and the "APEX PRO iron" and the feel was very good.

Shigenuki: People who don't notice say, oh, this is great. It may be better to think of the globally planned "X FORGED CB iron" as a different product from the Japanese project "X FORGED iron." Tungsten is attached to the soft iron forged body, and the face is stainless steel. It's called a tour-tuned face, and the face itself is shaped like a muscle back, so it's similar to the feel of a single piece of soft iron forged iron, but sensitive people may feel that something is a little different, and some people may It is said that it is very different. People who know about it understand it, so it didn't really catch on among professionals, and it became a point that we shouldn't do away with single-piece soft iron forgings.

―So this time's "X FORGED Iron" is back to one piece.

Shigenuki: The "X FORGED Iron" and "X FORGED STAR Iron" were not planned by the American headquarters, but were designed in Japan based mainly on feedback from Japanese professionals. This is the first mainstream iron in a long time that has been created with great attention to detail, such as shape and feel, while valuing the fine-grained sensibilities of Japanese and Asian people.

 

These are better than the Apex. 

[NailedIt]

Oh man, please 🙏 Callaway release a US version but with heavier heads and custom options!

[Golfingfanatic]

 

[TheMoneyShot]

4 hours ago, Golfingfanatic said:

 

I wish I could understand Japanese.

[bardezart]

17 hours ago, NailedIt said:

Oh man, please 🙏 Callaway release a US version but with heavier heads and custom options!

 

The response I got back from Chris at tourspec was a little odd. He stated that Japanese heads are typically heavier by 1-2g so I don't know if the shafts that come stock just have an odd balance point and SW weird or if he's just speaking in general terms. Since the website/release notes say that Japanese tour players requested lighter weight heads. 

[yourhonoryourhonor]

18 hours ago, QuigleyDU said:

These are better than the Apex. 

Based on what? Which Apex head? 

 

Edited March 12 by yourhonoryourhonor

[NailedIt]

1 hour ago, bardezart said:

 

The response I got back from Chris at tourspec was a little odd. He stated that Japanese heads are typically heavier by 1-2g so I don't know if the shafts that come stock just have an odd balance point and SW weird or if he's just speaking in general terms. Since the website/release notes say that Japanese tour players requested lighter weight heads. 

That is interesting.  TSG lists swingweight with Modus 105 at C9 and with DG115 at D0 so I assumed lighter heads to achieve those SW. I'm hoping they bring these to the US with full custom options. 

[QuigleyDU]

2 hours ago, yourhonoryourhonor said:

Based on what? Which Apex head? 

 

well the current models. This is of course my opinion.

[4rheel]

These look sweet. Very reminiscent of the Tourstage line I miss very much. 

[AbSWFPGA]

Got a email from tourspec these things look sick. Never seen the star version in person but they look like old 745s. Anyone that’s played the older models can you talk about head size 

[pjc]

15 minutes ago, AbSWFPGA said:

Got a email from tourspec these things look sick. Never seen the star version in person but they look like old 745s. Anyone that’s played the older models can you talk about head size 

I think a little more like the Bridgestone J40 CB, or an earlier Tourstage CB model take your pick.  The V in the back of the cavity is right down the middle, the 745 is not, plus the sole is wider on the Srixon.  These X-Forge have a narrow sole.

[AbSWFPGA]

2 hours ago, pjc said:

I think a little more like the Bridgestone J40 CB, or an earlier Tourstage CB model take your pick.  The V in the back of the cavity is right down the middle, the 745 is not, plus the sole is wider on the Srixon.  These X-Forge have a narrow sole.

Are you speaking of the x forged or x forged star? I’m curious on the x forged star version 

[Avidswampthing66]

On 3/11/2024 at 4:05 PM, QuigleyDU said:

These are better than the Apex. 

Totally subjective.  Have you hit them?

Edited March 13 by Avidswampthing66

[QuigleyDU]

6 minutes ago, Avidswampthing66 said:

Totally subjective.  Have you hit them?

Nope. I am talking about looks and shape. I am sure they will feel great and a single piece forged club. But I am talking about looks here alone.

[Treats]

On 3/7/2024 at 8:15 AM, Aggielefty said:

I wonder if this is the model that some of the LPGA players are using.  Is Rose Zhang playing this model?  I see articles stating she is using an x forged model.  

I believe (new to Callaway) Minjee is playing these irons. I think we saw them in Singapore and China.

 

I think Rose continues to play her Apex irons, as per what we saw at The Match. I would imagine Rose is too busy studying at Stanford to start experimenting with new clubs right now. Zhang is returning to play in Vegas in early April.

[pjc]

6 hours ago, AbSWFPGA said:

Are you speaking of the x forged or x forged star? I’m curious on the x forged star version 

Both are essentially the same on the back with the V muscle being right down the middle.  The Star version is just a little bit larger blade overall, stronger lofts.

 

https://www.callawaygolf.jp/

Edited March 13 by pjc

[AbSWFPGA]

5 hours ago, pjc said:

Both are essentially the same on the back with the V muscle being right down the middle.  The Star version is just a little bit larger blade overall, stronger lofts.

 

https://www.callawaygolf.jp/

The older models the star version looks much bigger. In photos of this new version they look almost identical in size to the x forged 

[Jim53]

I asked my Callaway rep about them today and he says nothing has been told to them about a U.S. release. If they drop in the next 30 days he is getting the ones I just ordered back for these.

[bardezart]

Well. Caved and pre-ordered from tourspec along with a set of Nippon 120X's to build them out with. Used the promo code JAPAN20 to knock the price down considerably. End of April can't get here soon enough. 

[iamthebeard]

On 3/12/2024 at 3:49 PM, AbSWFPGA said:

Got a email from tourspec these things look sick. Never seen the star version in person but they look like old 745s. Anyone that’s played the older models can you talk about head size 

Star verson has a substantially thicker topline. Top NCAA D1 girl at my club had a set recently. 

[Avidswampthing66]

Just getting cozy with the CB's and these roll out.  I'm going to inquire and see if there is a possible release.

[bardezart]

13 hours ago, Avidswampthing66 said:

Just getting cozy with the CB's and these roll out.  I'm going to inquire and see if there is a possible release.

Same! When I chatted with tourspec they didn’t seem convinced they were coming to the US. You have a contact inside Callaway? 

[Avidswampthing66]

4 hours ago, bardezart said:

Same! When I chatted with tourspec they didn’t seem convinced they were coming to the US. You have a contact inside Callaway? 

I have a few.   One said, he didn't even know they were released??!!  

[bardezart]

32 minutes ago, Avidswampthing66 said:

I have a few.   One said, he didn't even know they were released??!!  

Ha, well that’s not a great sign 😂 I’ll be curious to see what the head weights are when my set arrives. Luckily I play +1/4” so that’ll help make up for some of the weight loss. 

Edited March 16 by bardezart

[Zach.buckler23]

Man, what a gorgeous looking iron!

[Avidswampthing66]

4 hours ago, bardezart said:

Ha, well that’s not a great sign 😂 I’ll be curious to see what the head weights are when my set arrives. Luckily I play +1/4” so that’ll help make up for some of the weight loss. 

I know!  

Let us know for sure!  Easy to add a little tip weight or stick some lead tape if they are light.  Sometimes, you just want a pure no bullxxxx CB like this.

[AbSWFPGA]

On 3/15/2024 at 1:22 PM, iamthebeard said:

Star verson has a substantially thicker topline. Top NCAA D1 girl at my club had a set recently. 

Interesting, these that aren’t out yet look to be pretty sleek. They may have slimmed them down from the previous models of the star forged