6 Best Forged Golf Irons of 2025

The 2025 TaylorMade P790 redefines what’s possible in a forged iron, blending explosive performance with surgical precision. Engineered with a 4340M ultra-high-strength face, this model delivers a thinner face construction that increases ball speed while expanding the sweet spot by up to 24%. Paired with SpeedFoam Air and modal-tuned head optimization, the result is a best-in-class forged feel—soft yet responsive, with a powerful surge at impact that inspires confidence through every iron. It’s a game-changer for players who demand tour-level aesthetics without sacrificing modern distance tech.

On the course, these irons shine in real-world dispersion control and consistent launch windows, thanks to FLTD CG design that precisely positions the center of gravity across the set. The long irons launch effortlessly with optimized low CG, while scoring clubs feature a progressively raised CG for enhanced spin and control—critical for holding greens under pressure. In testing, the P790s produced tighter shot groupings than competitors like the Mizuno JPX925, even on off-center strikes, though the compact design still asks for solid ball-striking in the shorter irons. They’re not forgiving in the traditional sense, but their individual head optimization ensures predictable ball flight across all lofts.

Positioned as the premium all-rounder, the P790 outperforms the Srixon ZXi5 in raw ball speed and the Wilson Dynapower in feel refinement, striking a rare balance between players’ iron looks and engineered distance. It’s ideal for low-to-mid handicappers who want tour-inspired shaping with modern forgiveness baked in. Compared to the Mizuno JPX925, the P790 offers more explosive performance and better gapping, trading a touch of pure feel for measurable gains in consistency and speed.

The Srixon ZXi5 is a revelation for golfers who want tour-caliber workability without surrendering distance or forgiveness. Built with i-FORGED Condensed Forging, the clubhead delivers a dense, responsive feel while the softened forged face enhances feedback—especially on delicate approach shots. The MainFrame technology, featuring milled channels on the back of the face, boosts MOI and amplifies ball speed across a larger area, making it one of the most forgiving players-distance irons on the market. It solves the classic dilemma: how to look clean at address while still surviving mis-hits.

Out on the fairway, the ZXi5 proves its mettle with consistent spin and speed, even when striking from light rough or tight lies. The Tour V.T. Sole design glides smoothly through varied turf conditions, reducing drag without sacrificing control—something the TaylorMade P790 can’t match in heavy grass. Progressive grooves ensure higher spin in scoring clubs (8-PW) and stability in long irons, while the moderate offset and sole width provide just enough visual aid for mid-handicappers seeking improvement. However, the forged construction is less plush than the Mizuno JPX925, and the speed gains taper slightly in the 4-iron compared to hollow-body rivals like the Orlimar Intercept.

When stacked against the Cobra King Forged Tec X, the ZXi5 offers a cleaner address view and better spin tuning, though it lacks the same level of off-center forgiveness. It’s best suited for skilled players who value shot-shaping and feedback but still want a boost in playability. Compared to the Wilson Dynapower, the ZXi5 provides a more refined feel and better turf interaction, justifying its higher-tier positioning despite a narrower margin for error.

The Orlimar Intercept MB is a budget powerhouse that delivers hollow-body forgiveness and distance-boosting technology at a fraction of the cost of premium models. With an ultra-thin high-rebound face and hollow construction, these irons maximize ball speed and stability, making them ideal for golfers who struggle with consistency. The deep, low CG promotes high launch and reduced dispersion—critical for players seeking longer, straighter shots without upgrading their swing. It’s a rare find: a club that offers game-improvement benefits in a sleek, forged-inspired package.

In real-world testing, the Intercept MB outshines expectations on off-center hits, particularly in the mid to long irons, where the perimeter-weighted design keeps ball speed stable. The hollow body redistributes weight effectively, delivering a higher MOI than many irons twice its price. However, the shorter irons lack the spin control of true players’ models, and the thin topline and reduced offset may intimidate higher handicappers despite the forgiving internals. It performs best when used as a distance weapon off the tee or fairway, but around the greens, it doesn’t offer the precision of the Mizuno or TaylorMade offerings.

Compared to the Wilson Dynapower, the Intercept MB provides better raw distance and MOI, though it trades some feel and craftsmanship. It’s the best choice for budget-conscious golfers who prioritize forgiveness and launch over nuanced feedback. While it doesn’t match the refined construction of the Srixon ZXi5 or the tour-level response of the P790, it delivers performance that punches far above its price point—making it a standout for value seekers.

The Wilson Dynapower Forged irons are a masterclass in budget-friendly engineering, combining AI-optimized design with classic forged appeal. The Variable Face Thickness technology, developed using machine learning, expands the effective hitting area, resulting in more consistent ball speeds across the face—especially on heel and toe strikes. The Power Hole Construction (in 4-7 irons) enhances face flex, delivering a surprising elastic rebound effect that boosts distance without inflating the clubhead size. It’s a smart solution for mid-handicappers who want players-distance performance without the premium tax.

On the course, these irons launch higher and straighter than expected for their price, thanks to a low CG and perimeter weighting that also pushes mass toward the toe for added stability. In testing, they outperformed the Orlimar Intercept in short-iron control and offered better spin consistency than the Cobra Forged Tec X in the 8-PW range. However, the lack of face foam or advanced materials means the sound and feel are a step behind the TaylorMade and Mizuno models—solid, but not transcendent. They also don’t quite match the tour-level feedback of the Srixon ZXi5, especially on partial shots.

For golfers stepping up from game-improvement irons, the Dynapower offers a clean transition into forged players-distance territory. It’s more refined than the Orlimar and more accessible than the P790, striking a sweet spot for value-minded ball-strikers. Compared to the Cobra King Forged Tec X, it delivers better spin tuning and a more balanced feel, though it sacrifices some raw forgiveness due to less tungsten weighting.

The Cobra King Forged Tec X is a forgiveness-first players iron that dares to blend tour-inspired looks with game-improvement DNA. Built with a hollow body and foam insert, it delivers a springy, energetic response at impact—thanks to the PwrShell face design that maintains ball speed across a wide area. With 65g of tungsten precisely positioned behind the hitting zone, the CG is locked low and central, resulting in pure strikes and exceptional stability on mis-hits. It’s engineered for golfers who want to play a clean-looking iron but still need help with consistency.

During testing, the Tec X stood out in distance retention on off-center hits, outperforming the Wilson Dynapower and even challenging the Srixon ZXi5 in MOI. The CNC milled face and grooves deliver pinpoint spin control, especially in the scoring clubs, allowing the ball to bite quickly on firm greens. However, the stiff steel shafts can feel harsh on mishits, and the hollow construction produces a slightly artificial sound compared to the natural resonance of the Mizuno JPX925. It also doesn’t offer the ultra-refined feel of forged one-piece designs, trading some authenticity for performance.

Positioned as a high-value hybrid, the Tec X competes with the Wilson Dynapower but offers more forgiveness and better weight positioning. It’s perfect for mid-to-low handicappers who want tour aesthetics with a safety net. Compared to the TaylorMade P790, it lacks the same explosive speed and refined feel, but it delivers 90% of the performance at a significantly lower cost—making it a top pick for value-driven performance seekers.

The Mizuno JPX925 is the gold standard for forged iron craftsmanship, handcrafted in Hiroshima from 1025E Pure Select mild carbon steel using Grain Flow Forged HD technology. This one-piece forging process ensures unmatched grain consistency and density, translating into a buttery, harmonically tuned feel that purists crave. Enhanced by Harmonic Impact Technology and a V-Chassis design, the club delivers crisp feedback and a satisfying, controlled sound—making every strike feel intentional. It’s the iron that solves the emotional need: the desire for connection between golfer and club.

On the course, the JPX925 excels in shot-making precision and greenside control, with CNC milled grooves and back-milled face ensuring consistent ball speed and spin across the set. The Chromoly 4120 face allows for a stronger yet flexible construction, enabling better ball speed without sacrificing feel. However, its compact size and minimal offset demand solid contact—mishits in the long irons lack the forgiveness of the TaylorMade P790 or Cobra Tec X. It’s not designed for maximum distance, but for predictable trajectory and workability, especially in the 7-PW range.

Compared to the Srixon ZXi5, the JPX925 offers superior feel and feedback, though it’s less forgiving on off-center strikes. It’s the go-to for low-handicap players and feel connoisseurs who prioritize craftsmanship and feedback over explosive ball speed. Against the P790, it trades some modern performance for timeless responsiveness, making it the ultimate choice for those who value artistry over amplification.