Saving $1,100 on Maltby TS3 custom iron heads by shipping them from the US to Italy

Why the golf world is obsessed with Maltby TS3 in 2026

It is no secret among gear heads that Japanese forging is often considered the gold standard in golf. However, the price tags associated with brands like Miura or EPON have become eye-watering in 2026. This is where the Maltby TS3 comes in. Engineered by GolfWorks in the US, these iron heads have gained a massive cult following in the Japanese modification community because they offer comparable precision and feel at a fraction of the cost.

For golfers in Italy, finding high-performance gear that does not break the bank is a constant challenge. The TS3 heads are built with a True Forged process that rivals the softest carbon steels used by boutique brands. Because they are sold as components, you have the freedom to build a custom set tailored to your exact swing speed and height, which is an insider trick many pros use to get tour-level performance without the tour-level sponsorship costs.

The math behind saving $1,115 on your next set

Let's look at the numbers. In 2026, a high-end set of 7 forged irons from a premium Japanese brand in a Milan pro shop can easily retail for $1,500 or more. Meanwhile, a set of 7 Maltby TS3 custom iron heads from a US retailer typically costs around $385.

Even after accounting for shafts, grips, and international delivery, the savings remain substantial. By using a tax-free US address provided by comGateway, you can avoid US sales tax entirely, keeping even more of that $1,115 in your pocket.

Why buying from US stores can be tricky for Italians

The biggest hurdle for golfers in Italy is not the shipping distance, but the checkout process. Many specialized US golf retailers and big-name brands like Nike or Sephora have strict security protocols. They often block transactions from international credit cards or automatically decline any order that lists a known logistics hub as the shipping address.

It can be incredibly frustrating to find the perfect set of TS3 heads only to have your order cancelled three hours later. This happens because these stores prefer domestic buyers and use automated filters to flag non-US billing addresses. If you have faced this issue before, you know that standard workarounds rarely hold up in 2026.

The BuyForMe solution for blocked credit cards

To get around these stubborn checkout blocks, the smartest move is using the comGateway "BuyForMe" service. This is an assisted purchase program where the team buys the item on your behalf using a US domestic credit card and a local billing address. Since the transaction looks like a standard US domestic purchase to the retailer, the risk of cancellation disappears.

This is the safest way to guarantee your Maltby heads are secured. Instead of worrying about whether your Italian card will be accepted, you simply tell the service what you want, and they handle the logistics. If you are curious about the specifics of this process, you can check the how it works page for a step-by-step guide on assisted purchases.

Shipping your irons to Italy with a freight forwarder

Once your iron heads arrive at your US suite, you need a reliable way to get them to Italy. Using a package forwarding service is significantly more cost-effective than direct international shipping from a retailer, provided they even offer it. A dedicated freight forwarder allows you to consolidate multiple packages, which is perfect if you are also ordering shafts or grips from different US vendors.

To plan your budget effectively, you should use a shipping calculator. This tool helps you estimate shipping cost based on the weight of the 7 iron heads, so there are no surprises when the bill arrives. Most golfers find that the speed and tracking capabilities of a professional forwarder are well worth the small fee, especially for high-value sports equipment.

Important rules for importing golf equipment

Before you finalize your order, it is vital to ensure that everything you are buying complies with international transit regulations. While golf club heads are generally safe to ship, some accessories like specialized cleaning aerosols or certain battery-powered training aids might be restricted. You should always review the prohibited items list to make sure your package won't be held up at the border.

Italy has specific VAT and duty requirements for imports from outside the EU. Generally, for sports equipment, you will be looking at the standard VAT rate plus any applicable customs duties. For more answers on how these fees are handled during the forwarding process, the FAQ section on the website covers most of the common questions Italian shoppers have. By following these steps, you can get your Maltby TS3 set delivered to your door in Rome or Milan, saving over a thousand dollars while playing some of the best-engineered irons available in 2026.