Forged distance irons have certainly become a thing in 2017. Industry-wide, OEMs are broaching this category which seeks a best of both worlds platform by using soft forged metals (S20C, S25C) and a cocktail of patented technologies and unique geometries to boost ball speed and ultimately distance.
To extend its presence in North America, Fourteen Golf has released the TC-788 Forged irons, which it describes as “exceptional distance in a forged tour iron with forgiveness.”
In a bit of a departure from other irons in the forged distance category, the TC-788 is forged from a single piece of S20C steel. The undercut cavity is externally visible, and increased distance comes from a progressive construction and low/rear CG location, which is specific to each club. That is, no two irons have the same dimensions (6 iron has a blade height 3mm taller than the 7 iron) or CG locations, although each loft would independently be considered as having a relatively low/rear CG.
Minimal offset, a soft satin finish and relatively thinish topline round out the requisite player irons features. The thicker sole helps drag the CG lower (where Fourteen wants it) but to give players more consistent contact, the trailing edge is heavily beveled allowing it to play much thinner.
Stock shaft is the Nippon N.S. PRO 950GH HT and MAP is $1349.99 (4-PW).
When we get a chance to scope these out in person, we’ll update accordingly.
Michael Constantine
6 years ago
Looks just like my 704 CB that are both great looking, Forged, and forgiving. Oh and I got them for $300 completely refinished and spined. I’d be willing to put them up against the Fourteen 788 any day. Not a knock on Fourteen as I do play and love their TF wedges. Just a knock on all this silly talk about more forgiving and further flying. Nonsense. I’m a high ball hitter (save me your early release theories) so I can just bend a 7 iron to 30 degrees and voila! I have a far flying Forged iron that doesn’t spin too much but gets great stopping power.