As an equipment reviewer, I have really enjoyed seeing the resurgence of a brand that was so prevalent during my youth and formative years. Having previously reviewed the excellent XC2 irons, I have been thrilled to see how well this kind of retro resurgence has been executed by Maxfli.
There are no unnecessary frills here, and nothing trying too hard to be overly nostalgic - just some beautifully clean, minimalist designs that let the craftsmanship do the talking.
Let’s find out if these can give the current best blades a run for their money...
In terms of the technology story, the XC1 irons are packed with hidden innovations. They are forged from 1025C Carbon Steel using an advanced five-step forging process. Inside the head, co-forged internal tungsten weighting and CMC (Ceramic Matrix Composite) provide precise vertical and horizontal CG locations.
Notably, Maxfli is the first manufacturer in the industry to use this CMC technology specifically for weight saving and precision CG location, aiming to produce tour-preferred feel, trajectory, and distance control. Additionally, CNC milled Multi-Groove technology places more square grooves on the face for improved consistency, trajectory, and spin.
So if you are a fan of the groove pattern of the TaylorMade P7TW or even the old Nike VR Pro blades, these may well be worth a look.
In the bag, the XC1 irons are sensational looking. The premium satin finish is absolutely stunning and almost glimmers in the sunlight. Anyone who has read any of my reviews will know how much I value a clean, unfussy look, and Maxfli has absolutely nailed it here.
Down behind the ball, you will find a longer blade length than in many of the blade irons on the market, which is the first visual clue that they might be a little more forgiving than many of their direct competitors in this category.
In the playing position, along with being a touch long, I wouldn't say they are my absolute favorites from this angle. Far from bad, I just personally prefer a slightly straighter top edge moving into a curved toe, rather than the gentle curve found on this top edge. While I enjoy roundness in my iron heads, I always feel that there needs to be some straight lines to offer visual balance.
On the XC1, the leading edge, top edge, toe section, and the leading edge-to-hosel transition are all somewhat curved. Obviously, this is totally subjective, however, and this profile may well be very much in other people's wheelhouse.
Generally, in terms of launch monitor performance in the blade category, there is very little to differentiate models in terms of carry, ball speed, and even spin, and that is very much the case here.
Gathered on my Foresight Sports GC3, with conservative, traditional lofts (the 7-iron sits at 34˚), all of the launch monitor numbers are exactly as I would expect, and very comparable to any of the leading contenders in this space such as the Mizuno Pro S1 or the Titleist 620 MB.
What I didn't expect, however, was the added forgiveness, presumably unlocked by the tungsten weighting and that innovative CMC technology.
Much like with the incredibly impressive Cobra 3DP MB irons - which implement a similar internal weighting- the ball speed retention on heel and toe strikes is outstanding. I tend to think of this technology as internal perimeter weighting, and it is incredibly effective.
Despite many people's concerns that cramming technology and ‘pockets’ into a forged blade would affect the feel, the only effect I find is overwhelmingly positive. No drop-off on centred hits, but a massive uptick in feel on heel and toe efforts.
At $999.00 for a 7-piece set, they are priced extremely competitively for what they offer in today's market. Sadly for the UK audience, they are currently only available in the US at Golf Galaxy and Dick's Sporting Goods, but I am sincerely hoping that changes soon (don’t worry, I will be stamping my feet with the powers that be!), as they are not only extremely good, they are exceptional value.
