Of all the irons in Ben Hogan’s current lineup, the Fort Worth MB stands as my personal favourite. For players who appreciate the clean lines, precise feedback, and uncompromising performance of a traditional muscle back blade, these irons represent everything a true blade should be – and perhaps a bit more.
Design and Construction
The Fort Worth MB follows the purest path in iron design: a one-piece forged construction from 1025 carbon steel. There are no inserts, no cavities, no compromises – just beautifully forged steel shaped into what might be the finest representation of Ben Hogan’s original vision for what an iron should look and feel like.
However, modern technology hasn’t been entirely abandoned. Ben Hogan has incorporated their ceramic matrix core (CMC) technology into these blades, allowing engineers to manipulate the center of gravity for optimal launch characteristics in each iron throughout the set. It’s a subtle but significant enhancement that brings blade technology into the modern era without sacrificing the essence of what makes a muscle back special.
The profile is everything a blade player dreams about. An exceptionally thin topline sits atop an equally refined sole, creating that compact, clean appearance at address that inspires confidence in better ball strikers. When you look down at these irons, there’s nothing between you and the shot you’re visualising – just pure, purposeful design.
The V-Sole Advantage
The V-sole technology deserves particular attention, as it transforms these irons from fair-weather friends into all-season performers. This design prevents digging while maintaining versatility across varying turf conditions. Whether you’re navigating baked-out fairways during an English summer or dealing with soggy conditions through winter months, the sole geometry adapts beautifully. This versatility is something I’ve genuinely appreciated during testing at Churston and on course in Portugal.
Performance Characteristics
In the studio, these irons revealed their true character through the numbers. When struck from the center of the face, launch angles and spin rates proved remarkably consistent – exactly what you need for precise distance control. Notably, the Fort Worth MB produces the highest spin rates in Ben Hogan’s lineup, which makes perfect sense given their more traditional lofting. For my game, this elevated spin is ideal, particularly for holding firmer greens during summer conditions.
The workability is exceptional. These irons respond immediately to subtle manipulations, allowing you to shape shots with confidence. Whether you need to flight one low into the wind or turn a fade around trouble, the Fort Worth MB complies without hesitation. This level of shot-making capability is what better players seek when they choose blades over more forgiving alternatives.
The Forgiveness Reality
Let’s address the elephant in the room: forgiveness. The Fort Worth MB offers noticeably less assistance on off-center strikes compared to the Legend or even the CB models. When you miss the sweet spot – particularly toward the heel or toe – you’ll feel it through increased twisting at impact. More importantly, you’ll see it in reduced ball speed and distance loss.
However, this shouldn’t be viewed purely as a negative. The immediate feedback these irons provide is invaluable for consistent ball strikers. You’ll never wonder where contact occurred on the face. This honest communication between club and golfer allows for mid-round adjustments and long-term swing improvements that more forgiving irons can mask.
Consistency and Control
One of the most valuable characteristics of the Fort Worth MB is predictability. These irons eliminate variables that plague better players with game-improvement designs. You won’t experience flyers from light rough or dewy first cut. You won’t airmail greens because of unexpected hot spots on the face. When you strike it pure, you get exactly the distance and trajectory you expect. When you don’t, you know immediately and can adjust accordingly.
This consistency is what separates adequate equipment from truly great equipment for accomplished players. The Fort Worth MB rewards good swings with buttery soft feel and precise results while providing honest feedback on anything less than centre contact.
Aesthetics
These irons are stunning. The thin topline and compact profile create that clean, purposeful appearance at address, while the one-piece forged construction gives them substantial presence in the bag. They genuinely look like fine pieces of jewellery – functional art that performs as beautifully as it appears.
Who Should Play These?
The Fort Worth MB is designed for consistent ball strikers who value feedback, workability, and traditional aesthetics above forgiveness. If you’re a low-handicap player who regularly finds the centre of the face and wants complete control over your iron play, these deserve serious consideration. They’re ideal for players who understand that the trade-off between forgiveness and performance is worth making.
Final Verdict
The Ben Hogan Fort Worth MB irons represent blade design at its finest. They combine traditional one-piece forged construction with subtle modern enhancements that optimise performance without compromising feel or workability. The V-sole versatility, consistent spin rates, and honest feedback make them reliable tools for better players who demand precision.
These aren’t irons for everyone – they’re irons for players who appreciate what a true blade can do when struck properly. If you’re among that group, the Fort Worth MB offers everything you’re looking for: stunning aesthetics, exceptional feel, complete workability, and the kind of consistency that builds confidence over time. They’re my favourite in Ben Hogan’s lineup for good reason.
Dan Hendriksen, PGA Professional