Hit more greens without it also hitting your wallet! RAM Axial Forged irons Review

Creating a quality product is a difficult task on its own, let alone finding a way to stand out in an already crowded market. But the RAM Axial Forged irons may have a not-so-secret card up its sleeve…

The name RAM has strong connections to the golf clubs past, having made some of the biggest and best iron sets in the world at one point. Having recently reestablished itself to an equipment world in a very different state to the one it left, the company is wasting no time in presenting a far more budget-friendly collection of clubs than the market has been used to. But does that cost come with a reduction in quality? The RAM Axial Forged irons are ready to put forward the brand’s case.

Coming in at £399.99 in the UK and $449.99 in the US, there’s no doubt that the price is a big temptation for anyone when you compare it to the big-name models that can cost three or four times the cost, regardless of what budget you might have. RAM say, though, that this lower cost hasn’t impacted the feedback and performance so we just had to see if it lived up to the hype.

Looks, Sound, and Feedback – 4/5

Let me start by saying that these irons suit what I want from a set down to a tee. From the back it’s a very simple shape that plants your focus on the obvious yet still relatively subtle logos in the center and branding on the toe side. I really like the milling across the back, with it creating a rippling effect with the sunlight as it bounces off the surface.

It’s a unique look that should get the attention of many playing partners for the right reasons. If that doesn’t though, the RAM logo surely will. It’s evocative of the vehicle branding that it shares its name with and as such it gives a feeling of having a bit more power behind it than the size of the iron would suggest.

There’s a small to moderate amount of offset to these irons as well that reminds me of some of the models released in the 90s and 2000s. An old school look but one that feels like it offer a little protection from one side of the course as well.

From a sound and feel perspective, these irons are still soft but they’re on the firmer side of soft. If you’ve ever had a set of Nike player irons you’ll know the feeling. It’s not bad, but it’s not getting mistaken for a Mizuno either.

The one complaint I do have is with some of the fine details. As an ex-club builder, it has pained me to see the ferrules (the black plastic section between the shaft and the head) isn’t flush with the hosel on several of the irons. It isn’t a massive deal, and it doesn’t affect performance, but I don’t like seeing it at any price point. You can see the overhang in the picture below.

Distance and Spin

You could convince yourself that, due to the slightly firmer feel for the category, that these irons are coming off something similar to a flyer shot but once you get used to the feedback, you’ll forget anything beyond the flight itself.

The RAM Axial Forged irons aren’t faster than any similar irons but that’s nice to see. Buying player-style irons has never been about chasing distance, just making sure it’s consistent. There’s solid spin on offer too, promoting quite a neutral flight. It doesn’t balloon up but nor is this a bullet trajectory, sitting somewhere in the middle of everything.

Certainly, this makes it a great option for golfers who are looking to adapt their height to different conditions, as it takes little effort to shift the ball higher or lower. There isn’t much I can fault here, although I’d maybe be aware for the player who spins it too much already – you’ll not find any help for that here.

Forgiveness and Control

Again, I’ve been surprised at this end of the spectrum. Okay, it’s still not got the forgiveness of a Game Improver iron, but there’s a strong defense against the not-so-clean strikes too. The extra mass at the bottom of the heads seems to be helping protect on thin shots in particular, which should suit shallow swings or firmer condition courses a little more.

The control perspective is also something I’m keen to talk about, as you’ll find the Axial Forged are easy to shape, and simple to take a percentage off of when you’re caught between clubs.

Combining the help on the lower grooves with the consistency of performance when you do get it right means that the RAM irons can keep up with virtually anything you want to put them up against, and I struggle, again, to say a bad word against them.

The one minor dislike I have is that I think the blade length could have been extended a few millimeters more, to really define the stability for this head in it’s category, but this is a really minor thought from what I feel more comfortable with when I pick out irons. That extra amount could just increase your confidence that tiny bit more, after all.

Technology and Components

From the technology standpoint, there’s not a lot you haven’t seen before but that doesn’t make it bad design. Constructed from a forged steel (RAM haven’t said which material has been used but based on the feel I’d expect it to be 8620 or 1025 steel) before being CNC Milled into a more defined shape, the RAM Axial Forged irons have been developed to give tight feedback across the whole face.

You’ve also got a multi-surface sole to help the iron head cut through the turf cleaner which, when you hold it up to the eye line, seems to have a slightly raised front section. This pre-worn leading edge is another nod to classic iron design, where golfers would wear down a set over time, making them fit the player’s particular delivery.

I quite like this pre-made adaption though, as it feels like it’s easier to use in firmer conditions than the Srixon sole. Your mileage may vary compared to what I like of course, but overall it’s a reasonable collection of tech for an iron whose category is not technology-centric.

Components-wise, RAM are offering a pretty reasonable selection of shafts from Dynamic Gold models to KBS and even to some graphite options like UST’s Recoil 760 and 780 shafts. Again, they’re less than $500 so they aren’t going to be as extensive as the likes of Titleist or Mizuno and we can forgive them that.

Final Verdict

If I had to sum the RAM Axial Forged irons up, they feel like a bit like the players iron equivalent of a diesel engine. That’s a diesel from a pickup, by the way, don’t make any mistake – it’s got some oomph.

Some will complain about it not being as smooth as other market offerings, but there’s still a workhorse in here and one that you’ll quickly learn to trust.

To complete this review, I will say that the RAM irons have found their way into my father’s bag after he helped me to test them. Since he switched to them (in the middle of the season, no less) he’s recorded five wins, including two strokeplay events and a county matchplay championship.

If you need a more ringing endorsement than that I don’t know what to tell you!

These are fantastic irons for looks and feel, the performance is genuinely solid offering great control, and the price is even more outstanding after testing than it was before I’d tested. If you are looking past them because you think it’s too good to be true, maybe it’s time to rethink that idea…

RRP: £399.99/$449.99 (6-piece set), £79.99/$69.99 per individual iron

Availability: 4 – GW (RH Only)

Stock shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold / KBS Tour-V / UST Mamiya Recoil 760/780

Stock grips: Lamkin Crossline Black

7-iron loft: 31°

Category: Players Iron

Construction: Forged Steel with CNC Milling