Does a forgiving iron need to sacrifice sensory pleasures such as compact looks or a forged feel in order to perform better? With its new JGR CB Forged irons, Bridgestone looks to answer that question with a “no.”

“Our expert engineers created game-improvement irons specifically for those who need a little extra forgiveness, but refuse to compromise on look and feel,” says Angel Ilagan, President and CEO of Bridgestone Golf. “It’s our obligation to easily enable better performance and more enjoyment, and JGR technology answers that call.”

Bridgestone’s JGR family began with its JGR Hybrid Forged irons, which were launched at the 2016 PGA Show. They were designed as thick-soled, distance-first irons that had low and rearward CG (center of gravity) for higher launch and greater forgiveness. By all means, they were game-improvement irons.

The company’s new addition to the family — the JGR CB Forged irons — use similar technologies to improve performance, but are put into a more compact clubhead that’s made from 1020 carbon steel.

Compared to Bridgestone’s J15 CB irons, the JGR CB Forged irons have a wider sole for improved turf interaction, a longer iron head for greater MOI (moment of inertia, a measure of forgiveness), a lower CG and more offset for higher launch, and a 4 percent larger sweet spot, according to the company.

That means they are made to perform better for mid-to-high handicaps, but are sleeker than the JGR Hybrid forged irons, with the added benefit of one-piece 1020 carbon steel forgings.

Bridgestone’s JGR CB Forged irons (5-PW, GW) will be available on November 1 and come stock with True Temper’s XP 95 shaft for $899; graphite will sell for $949.