50 Words or Less
The Callaway X Forged UT iron is the most beautiful driving iron on the market. Not a ton of added forgiveness, but enough for the better player.
Introduction
I’ve been covering golf equipment for long enough to see a lot of trends come and go. While I thought that driving irons/utility irons would be another one-season craze, it seems that they’re here to stay. For 2018, Callaway has released their latest version, the X Forged UT, aimed at players who want to keep that “players” look in their driving iron.
Looks
The X Forged UT is gorgeous. Most driving irons have a healthy amount of offset, thick top lines and soles, and unusual cavities or hollow-bodied designs. This club has none of that. The offset is minimal and the top line and sole are moderate in size. If you want a utility iron that won’t stand out in your bag or jar you at address, this is it.
Sound & Feel
On centered strikes, the X Forged UT gives you a crisp sound and feel that’s tremendously satisfying.
When you miss the center, however, this club is not afraid to let you know. Both the sound and feel get very dull on mishits, which is better than a stinging rebuke, but not by much. This is a club for better players, and it has the precise feedback to prove it.
Performance
The X Forged UT is a utility iron for better players. Compared to a regular players iron, the X Forged UT launches a touch higher and is definitely more forgiving on thin strikes. It also produces slightly higher ball speed and, thus, longer shots.
However, in the grand scheme of things, this is not a very forgiving club. If you put a shot on the heel or toe, you’ll see ball speed dip dramatically. Thin shots are helped somewhat, but not as much as they would be with a hybrid.
In short, if you’re currently gaming a long iron and want something a little easier to hit, grab an X Forged UT. If curiosity or ego is driving you to dump your hybrids, dip your toe into the utility iron game with something more forgiving.
Conclusion
The Callaway X Forged UT is a club that’s well-designed for its target player. If you have the ball striking ability and club head speed to play a long iron, but want a little more forgiveness, this is a beautiful choice. For players who need help getting the ball airborne and downrange, stick with hybrids or larger utility irons.
Buy the Callaway X Forged UT Iron HERE
Callaway X Forged UT Irons Price & Specs
Matt Saternus
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Matt,
I know this was from a while ago but I have started thinking about a utility iron and respect your take on clubs (have a CBX hybrid partly cause of you ;) ) I’m currently gaming Callaway Apex irons 4i-pw bent 1* weaker (fit this winter at CC). I love the irons and was curious if you felt this in an 18* would be easier/comparable/harder to hit vs picking up the Apex 3i for my set. I’m predominantly looking at this as an off the tee for shorter/tighter par 4s.
Seth,
Thank you.
Yes, there are very few “regular” irons that are going to be as easy to hit, especially at low loft, as almost any utility iron. I would recommend trying the UT.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
Thanks. I’ll get in touch with my guy at CC to get his take and if we should go with the project x that’s in my set or a graphite shaft…….if only we were tour players and could just test these things whenever wanted for free, right?
Seth
Matt,
I picked up an 18* used UT from Callaway. Hoping to get it on the course next week…..looking forward to testing it out. Thanks for your input.
Seth
How would you compare the distance of a Xforged UT 24 degree versus a Xforged 4 iron ?
I’m trying to decide which one of those I should get,thanks
John,
The UT is going to be easier to launch and more forgiving, so for most people it’s going to be longer on average.
-Matt
Comparison to sim udi forgiveness wise? I know it’s probably been to long since this review.
Ryan,
The UDI is a bit more forgiving.
Best,
Matt
I know it’s been a long time since reviewing both these clubs but how would you compare the 2018 tour preferred UDI vs this Callaway X forged UT? Is there a pretty stand out winner in forgiveness, feel and performance?
Sean,
I don’t think one is objectively better or easier to hit than the other. Both are fairly demanding.
-Matt