The direct-to-consumer model has been gathering some serious momentum over the past couple of years, with brands like Takomo Golf making real inroads into the equipment space. Ben Hogan is another brand that has gone down that route and is producing some very impressive equipment, such as the Hogan PTX Tour irons I tested last year. In this review, I am getting to grips with the Forth Worth MB irons to see if they have what it takes to compete with some of the best irons in golf.
In terms of the technology, there is more than you might think packed into this pure muscle back. They are forged from 1025C carbon steel and incorporate what Ben Hogan calls CMC (Ceramic Matrix Composite) technology. Essentially, within each club lies a core of this CMC, which is precisely positioned to produce optimal CG locations for specific flights.
A V-sole familiar to Hogan fans is present, which features a very high leading edge bounce and a much softer lower bounce trailing edge.
The looks are nothing short of outstanding, with a beautiful brushed chrome finish and some exceptionally intricate shaping across the back of each club. However, it is in the playing position that they really excel for me, with some of the neatest address profiles I have ever seen in an iron. Often within a set, there are one or two profiles that don’t quite fit your eye at address, but for me personally, every single one of these from 4-iron to pitching wedge is absolutely spot on in terms of shaping, offset, and proportions.
From a shelf appeal point of view, I love the blend of old and new on show with knurling on the hosel, the long ringed ferrules, and the traditional font of the logo bleding brilliantly with the premium modern finish, and the slightly more contemporary text used for the ‘FT WORTH MB’ etched subtly onto the back.
Based on the looks, I had some very high hopes for these irons in terms of performance, and they didn’t disappoint. When I heard the word ‘ceramic’ mentioned in terms of the core material, I had a slight concern that they might feel a little firm, but I couldn’t have been further from the truth. Impact is buttery soft, and the V Sole produces some exceptional turf interaction. Shallower swingers may catch the odd one a little lower on the blade as the leading edge is fairly well raised, but for a steeper player like myself, the additional bounce is a blessing and would be particularly welcome in soft conditions.
Players looking for an artificial distance boost should look elsewhere, as that is not what these irons are about. Just like many of the best golf blade irons they are lofted fairly traditionally (7 iron at 34°), and the focus is more on precision and craftsmanship here than loft jacking or power. The relatively short blade length made working the ball as easy as it gets, which is something that better players will really enjoy.
Testing these irons was an absolute pleasure, and for people shopping in the blade market, I don’t know what else you could ask for. Soft, beautiful, workable, and with a price tag starting at £719.99/$899.99 for a 5-PW set, these are a fabulous option.
