50 Words or Less
The Maxfli XC2 irons offer premium, precise players distance performance but at a fraction of the cost of the major OEMs. The unusual use of ceramic helps to offer a unique feel.
Introduction
For the first time in decades, Maxfli is releasing new irons. Two sets, to be exact. The first is a new entry in the players distance category called the XC2. The other set, called the XC3, are in the game improvement style. Both are forged and available at just under $1000 per set.
After seeing the success of direct-to-consumer value-focused iron sets from the likes of Sub 70, Takomo, and New Level, Maxfli is entering the game for the iron-seeking, value-conscious clientele. But from my first round playing with the Maxfli XC2 irons, and a number of rounds since, I can report that it’s not just producing a cheaper iron, it is a stellar performing iron, too.
Check out Maxfli’s new line of Tour-caliber golf balls HERE
Looks
Looking down at the Maxfli XC2 irons, the topline looks comparable to other players distance irons like the Cobra King Tec irons. They have a brushed steel kind of look, or what Maxfli would call their “Diamond X” finish. It’s a cavity-back iron that features a thicker metal bar just above the sole.
From the back, the iron resembles the Titleist T150 or the PING i230 [review HERE]. It also houses a tungsten insert on the toe. The whole look of the iron is simple and clean, with no real frills. There is a simple Maxfli logo towards the toe and the words “Forged” and “XC2” written on the back of the club and hosel, respectively.
Feel & Sound
I would describe the feel of the Maxfli XC2 irons as soft, with a distinct punchy sound when well-struck. That feeling is undoubtedly due to the mix of materials used, namely, five-time-forged 1025 carbon steel and the co-forged mixture of tungsten and ceramic inside the iron’s head.
Performance
As a journalist, I always write from an unbiased and objective viewpoint. That’s why it’s such a delight to write that the Maxfli XC2 irons performed exactly how I wanted them to from the first moment I touched them. To tell you what I mean, I’ll share the story of my first experience with them.
At PGA National’s Palmer course, I was playing an event with the folks from Maxfli, never having seen the irons before. I told them my preference on specs, so they built the irons with the KBS Tour V shaft and midsize CP2 Wrap grips. Because the Cognizant Classic was going on, the driving range was unavailable, so I couldn’t practice hitting the irons at the range. That meant I walked onto the course completely cold.
Despite that, on the 5th hole from 149 yards out, I pulled out the 9-iron for the first time, hit a towering draw, landed the ball behind the hole, and spun it back into the bottom of the cup for a hole-in-one. Now, I’m not saying that getting these irons will automatically mean you’ll score a hole-in-one, but I will say that I was trying to get the ball in the hole on that strike, and the club performed better than I could have hoped for.
The Maxfli XC2 irons are not hollow, and as a result, I expected to see a substantial distance drop-off when compared to the TaylorMade P770 irons I currently use. I can happily report that wasn’t the case. There was a bit of distance loss but not more than a couple of yards. They launched high, landed softly, and offered consistent speeds even from low-toe shots which tends to be my prominent miss with irons.
The turf interaction of these irons is made to feel better through the shaping of the sole. They feature radiused progressive sole widths and leading edge relief that allows for extremely smooth turf interaction. The mix of materials offers a smooth stability that feels distinct from other comparable irons.
Maxfli irons are only available at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy, but that doesn’t mean they are limited to a stock setup. While they can come stock with either UST Mamiya Dart HDC graphite shafts or True Temper Dynamic Gold steel, they can be further fitted to your needs with several other different shafts through those outlets. The XC2 can also be purchased in a combo set with the XC3, Maxfli’s game improvement iron.
Conclusion
To say the Maxfli XC2 irons have worked for me would be a dramatic understatement. It’s been a long time since I’ve been so happy on a golf course, simply thanks to an iron performance. To know that, on top of the consistency and great feel, they’re available for $999 is special. If you’re looking for controllable, consistent, players distance irons on a budget, these might be the clubs you’re looking for.
Buy the Maxfli XC2 Irons HERE
Maxfli XC2 Irons Specs & Price
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8 Comments
Nice article. Once I ‘customized’ these irons to match my Titleist T200 specs, the cost was the same if not a bit more.
I love hearing these new Maxfli’s are doing so well. If you liked these, you should give the Maltby TS3 a go. These Maxfli’s are based to some degree off the TS3 as they were co-designed with Maltby.
If I remember, you also hit a hole in one with the Maxfli golf ball. Maybe this is your brand.
Hey Fake!
Good memory. You’re absolutely right. That hole in one was with both the Maxfli Tour S golf ball and these irons. It was during the first time I ever touched either the golf ball or the iron… so, you may very well be right! I hadn’t had a hole-in-one in years! Have you ever had one?
Drew
Are these your new gamer irons and if yes what did they replace?
Maltby makes quality products, and I hope this collaboration gives them a boost. A review of the TS4 and/or the TE+ would be awesome.
I agree, Golfworks has an impressive catalog of custom clubs now.
Maxfli used to be big in the business! Would love to see back on tour in their bags