50 Words or Less
The Ram Axial Forged irons offer skilled ball strikers a great set at a very affordable price. Lofts are strong-traditional. Added help for thin strikes. Plenty of shot control.
Introduction
Two years ago, I had the opportunity to test the Ram FX77 irons [review HERE]. They performed impressively, but the real headline was unbelievable ratio of performance to price. The new Ram Axial Forged irons seek to carry that formula forward for the aspiring and better players, and I tested a set to see if they succeeded.
Looks
In the bag, the clean, premium look of the Ram Axial Forged irons belies their affordable price tag. The cavity is full of discreet mill marks. Ram branding is minimal, allowing the eye to focus on the interesting geometry of the cavity and the two finishes.
At address, this set has a players look with medium-thin top lines and below average offset. The blade length is average for a players iron – just big enough to provide a little confidence at address.
Finally, you can see above that the shape of the face becomes more rounded as the loft increases. The 4I (above, left) has a more angular look, but the pitching wedge (above, right) is substantially rounded from the hosel to the toe. Throughout the set, the leading edge remains straight.
Sound & Feel
The Ram Axial Forged irons reward premium strikes with a clear, crisp “click” that leaves no doubt about the quality of your swing. With a forged 1020C steel head, these irons transmit a feel that is more solid than soft, but it’s clearly the feel of a pure shot.
This set is equally forthright about mishits. Strikes away from center, particularly those low on the face, get louder. The sound is also a bit uglier, more “clack” than “click.” Interestingly, the feel does not change as dramatically. Mishits don’t feel as good as pure strikes, but they don’t sting or firm up. Locating the impact spot is easy with moderate attention.
Performance
I had the opportunity to test the Ram Axial Forged irons side-by-side with the MacGregor MT-Pro irons [review HERE], and it showed what an amazing time it is to be a golfer, at least from the perspective of equipment choice. For the skilled ball striker, both of these are great sets at affordable prices, but the small differences make them each compelling in their own way.
Starting with the basics, the Ram Axial Forged is a fairly traditional players irons. It will turn small misses into good shots, but you need to stay near the sweet spot for the best results. On center, it gives you tremendous shot control. It’s easy to flight the ball up or down, and there’s plenty of spin for shaping shots and holding greens. The three to five degree gaps between clubs produce consistent, sensible distance gaps, though you do need above average speed to maximize the 4I.
If you think this sounds a lot like my review of the MT-Pro irons, you’re right on, but there are three key differences. First, the Ram Axial Forged has noticeably more offset. The offset is still below average, but for players that want to see a little offset, this set will be more comfortable. Additionally, the lofts are one degree stronger throughout the set. While this is not a night-and-day difference by any means, I did see a measurable difference in my launch monitor testing, especially in the longer irons. The Axial Forged produced a bit less spin which led to slightly longer shots. If you tend to hit a higher ball, this set could offer more distance and more control.
Finally, the Ram Axial Forged irons offset that slightly stronger loft with a wider sole and lower CG. Again, this is not a day-and-night difference, but it’s noticeable when they’re side by side. This wider sole helps the Axial Forged to perform a bit better on thin strikes. It also gives a little more protection against digging into the turf.
Conclusion
The FX77 irons created many new Ram fans that weren’t even alive during the brand’s heyday. As those players improve, I can see many opting into the Ram Axial Forged irons. This set delivers the same tremendous value as the FX77 for the player who is a consistent ball striker seeking shot control and classic looks.
Visit Ram HERE
Ram Axial Forged Irons Price & Specs
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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One Comment
So fun to see Ram and Mac back with some great playing value options. Love to see that preworn leading edge grind making its way into so many irons these days. Thanks for the review and the comparison between the two similar sets that people may be choosing between!