Updated March 29, 2023. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
The best blade irons all share one central characteristic.
Control.
Golf blade irons, otherwise known as forged irons, are tailored for advanced golfers and low handicappers.
While they are not for everyone, these irons can dramatically improve the accuracy of your entry shots into the green.
Our list of the best blade irons all reach the top levels of performance and deliver outstanding gameplay for your next round.
Check out our recommendations so you can get your hands on the best blade irons for you.
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Last updated on 2023-03-30. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
When Do You Use an Iron?
You can use an iron in a variety of ways on the golf course.
On par 3s, golfers routinely use irons due to the hole’s shorter distance and the need for accuracy with the shot.
On par 4s, golfers use irons on the tee box when the hole presents a difficult challenge, such a tight fairway, or extreme dogleg that cuts the length of the fairway.
On holes where the golfer uses a driver or wood to tee off, an iron is used to reach the green. Whether the ball is in the rough or on the fairway, an iron provides shot height and backspin to stop the shot on the green.
Irons can also be used in the short game through chips and pitch shots. On chip shots, irons offer a low shot height that promotes the forward roll that golfers need to obtain more control over the shot.
Questions & Answers
How long do golf irons last?
Golf irons, when properly maintained, can last for many years. The primary maintenance needed by golf clubs are cleaning during and after rounds and periodic replacement of grips once they become worn and slick.
The main problem with holding onto irons for several years is that you won’t take advantage of the latest technology and innovations from golf equipment manufacturers. The latest irons will produce maximum distance and offer outstanding accuracy. For high-and mid-handicappers, a new iron set can provide a huge boost to their game.
Where is the sweet spot on irons?
The sweet spot on irons lies in the center area of the face. If the ball comes into contact with this rounded surface area on the face, the golfer can expect maximum height, distance, and accuracy from their shot.
The larger the sweet spot on an iron, the more forgiving the club is for the golfer. For beginning golfers that use super game-improvement irons, the sweet spot is massive to help the golfer get the ball into the air with more consistency.
With blade irons, advanced golfers want a tighter, more compact sweet spot because they need the iron’s workability more than the launch and distance.
What are game improvement irons?
These irons offer certain features that help struggling players hit the ball higher and longer with more consistency over time. These irons are typically cavity-backed, and not forged, to provide the golfer with a wider sole that improves turf interaction for crisper contact.
These irons have oversized heads with perimeter weighting that balances the club. They also feature weighting in the sole that deepens and lowers the center of gravity for higher launch that improves carry and distance.
These are not made to work the ball, like blade irons. They lack the sophistication of those advanced clubs, but for golfers struggling to find consistent results, these irons can revolutionize their game.
How do you clean golf irons?
Golf irons do not need many materials to clean. All you need is dishwashing liquid, a bowl, warm water, a towel, and a soft wire brush.
First, remove all loose dirt and grime from the grooves on the face of your irons. If the dirt is impacted and hard to shake loose, then wait to use the water and towel.
Next, fill the bowl with lukewarm water, adding the dishwashing liquid after the bowl is roughly half-filled. After you stir the liquid soap in the water, you can take a corner of the towel and soak the fabric.
Then, you take the wet portion of the towel and clean the face of the club. Feel free to re-use the brush to remove hard to reach mud from the club. After you finish cleaning, take the dry side of the towel and remove all moisture to prevent the club head from rusting.
The most important rule to observe when cleaning irons is to never allow them to soak in a pool of water. By leaving them submerged, you can weaken the glue that bonds the shaft and hosel of the iron.
Top Blade Irons
Here are the best blade irons:
- TaylorMade P790 Golf Blade Irons
- Callaway Apex Irons
- TaylorMade SIM MAX Irons
- Callaway X Forged Irons
- Mizuno JPX921 Irons
TaylorMade P790 Blade Irons
Best overall: Most Versatile Golf Blade Irons for Low Handicappers
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PROS
- Offered in steel or graphite shafts and with or without gap wedge
- SpeedFoam insert promotes soft feel and outstanding feedback after impact
- Tungsten weighting in the club provides balance and increases forgiveness
CONS
- Play better for casual low handicappers who want a forged iron
The TaylorMade P790 certainly qualifies as a players’ blade iron for advanced golfers looking for a forged look and feel in their iron set. Featuring the patented SpeedFoam insert with a tungsten weight to anchor the club, the P790 set also provides impressive speed and ideal performance.
The secret weapon in the P790 set is the SpeedFoam insert that rests behind the clubface. The injected foam rests inside the head and increases face speed for more distance and improves the feel.
Another feature worth its weight is the tungsten weight that rests inside the head to anchor a low center of gravity for tall shots that land softly on the green.
While this undoubtedly can be classified as a forged iron, its accessibility makes it ideal for low handicappers who want a long-lasting golf blade irons set.
Callaway Apex
Best Premium Option: Longest Golf Blade Irons Set for Mid Handicappers
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PROS
- Players blade iron that creates staggering distance with maximum accuracy
- 360 Face Cup Technology promotes flexibility around the perimeter of the face for increased ball speed
- Dazzling spin control with razor-sharp groove system that doesn’t disappoint around greens
CONS
- Multi-piece construction gives it more credence with mid handicappers, than low handicappers
Callaway Apex Irons Set is the company’s longest forged iron. This delivers breathtaking distance, and the multi-piece club also provides optimum trajectory, ball speed, and flight on each shot.
The Apex irons’ multi-piece design allows Callaway to craft a smooth feel and a pleasant sound during each strike of the golf ball.
If you prefer an aggressive style of playing golf, these irons are ready to be your soldiers. Their performance is unmatched from the fairway with successful spin control and astonishing ball speed.
The center of gravity with each Apex iron has been shifted lower and deeper in the body for more lift-at-impact impact. The resulting shot stays reliable and allows golfers to build their game with a first-rate collection of clubs.
TaylorMade SIM MAX Blade Irons
Exceptional, Accessible Golf Blade Irons for Mid Handicappers
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PROS
- Damped vibration provides better response and feel throughout the impact zone
- Outstanding distance created by innovative design in the club head for more power to the golf ball and increasing ball speed
- Inverted Cone Technology moves center of gravity progressively lower with each descending iron for better carry and more pleasing flight path
CONS
- Although forged look and feel, the iron does have a wider sole than most players’ iron sets
A wildly innovative set of golf blade irons that provide the feel of forged irons is the TaylorMade SIM MAX Golf Blade Irons. Designed with getting the most distance possible from each swing, the SIM MAX Irons raises the game for what you should expect from an advanced iron.
Several wonderful features on the SIM MAX blade irons will boost your distance, improve your feel, and provide a satisfactory response with minimal vibration.
It features a Progressive Inverted Cone Technology. With each iron in the set, the club designers lowered the center of gravity in the club head. So, you’ll see uniformity in the shots you hit with this set.
Exceptionally long and very well-crafted, the TaylorMade SIM MAX Irons will have you rethinking your expectation of golf blade irons.
Callaway X Forged
Best Golf Forged Iron Set for Mid Handicappers
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PROS
- Outstanding feel and control from forged set that is accessible by mid handicappers
- Larger sole for better turf interaction and more consistent contact
- Precision grooves create high rate of spin for better control when landing on green
CONS
- Not shaped like traditional golf blade iron, elite golfers may want slimmer club head
The Callaway X boasts a terrific feel, dazzling control on entry shots into the green, and exceptional distance even off the tee box. Boasting a classic blade look, the Callaway X Forged sets the standard for mid handicappers looking for a reliable entry into the advanced golf blade irons market.
If you are looking for a highlight, may we direct you to the face of the club head. The X Forged have sharp, precision grooves that impart incredibly high spin on the golf ball. Blade irons need to provide control to stand out, and these Callaway irons do just that with exceptional proficiency.
The X Forged relies on a single piece of crafted steel to deliver the performance that will stun golfers hoping to make a dramatic improvement to their iron game.
Mizuno JPX921 Irons
Best Distance Blade Irons
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PROS
- Power Hole Technology provides maximum flex to the face for added response
- Irons feature an expanded sweet spot with outstanding distance and control
- Consistency is king with this set as it rewards golfers looking for reliable ball flight
CONS
- Ideal for golfers with a medium range of attack, not for long swingers
The Mizuno JPX921 Irons provides outstanding distance and control. Featuring a clean appearance, the JPX921 stands out from its competitors by offering a compact profile with big results.
When holding the JPX921 irons in your hands you’ll immediately notice the solid construction of the clubs. Mizuno has long made fantastic irons and the JPX921 are no exception. These golf clubs are well designed and made to last.
While you may be wondering why holes in an iron is a good thing, Wilson Staff For golfers that like to work shots from right to left, and vice versa, the JPX921 irons offer balance throughout the swing for controlled shotmaking with length and moderate spin.
Another feature worth mentioning is the CNC Milled Face. With the moderate shot height, the milled face produces nice spin that stops shots on the green with authority.
A great set of forged irons that are ideal for golfers wanting more distance with workability, the Mizuno JPX921 are a terrific option.
Wilson D7 Forged Iron Set
Best Blade Irons Set for Budget-Conscious Golfer
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PROS
- Very affordable forged iron set with fantastic performance
- Power Hole Technology maximizes distance and control throughout the forged club head
- Power Chamber Technology fills the slots in the D7 irons to reduce vibration and increase stability
CONS
- Ideally suited for golfers who need more distance and less control from their forged iron
Wilson hits another home run with their D7 Forged Iron Set. The steel irons utilize many of Wilson’s innovative technologies to create a golfing experience that low and mid handicappers will thoroughly enjoy.
All of the company’s greatest hits are here in the D7, including Power Hole Technology, Power Chamber Technology, and the forged carbon steel frame.
All three advancements help the golfer boost their distance and enhance the forgiveness of their entry shots into the green.
The standard set of the D7 golf blade irons only comes with seven clubs. So, have that in mind when building your collection. You may need to purchase additional wedges and another long iron if you prefer that setup in your bag.
Great for mid handicappers, the Wilson D7 offers plenty of durability and reliability to amateurs looking to make the jump into players’ irons.
Titleist 620 CB Irons
Best Tour-Level Blade Irons for Advanced Golfers
PROS
- Progressive blade design increases distance and power
- Refined sole improves turf interaction for crisp contact
- Forged carbon steel construction offers lightweight feel and incredible response
CONS
- Tour-level that may have too many bells and whistles for mid handicappers
If you are in the market for a tour-level golf blade irons set with outstanding performance and affordability, the Titleist 620 CB Irons are worthy of your consideration. With a refined sole that easily cuts through the turf, the 620 CB set delivers exceptional playability for golfers that want total control over the golf ball.
Titleist designed the 620 CB Irons with a reduced offset that gives golfers a clean look at address. Each iron also provides progressive blade length to optimize performance and create the shot shape advanced golfers crave for shots inside 150 yards.
Regardless of whether you find your golf ball in the fairway or rough, these Titleist irons work overtime to make sure that you get consistent ball flight with dependability.
An excellent set for advanced golfers looking to upgrade, the Titleist 620 CB stands tall among its competitors for its simplicity and complete shotmaking control.
Srixon Z
Best Forged Irons for Low Handicappers
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PROS
- Muscular blade irons that provide outstanding workability and off the charts feel
- Redesigned sole gives golfer greater consistency and versatility for crafting any shot shape they desire
- Carbon steel reinforced body equips golfer with one of the strongest golf blade irons we’ve ever seen
CONS
- True golf blade irons that will play toward just highly-skilled golfers
Not only does Srixon make terrific golf balls, but the company knows its way around an iron. The company’s Z-Forged Irons offers a classic twist on the blade design. If you want an iron that allows you to work the ball from side to side, this is the best blade irons set to take your game to the next level.
These irons provide a muscle-back blade with a clean look at the golf ball when getting into your stance. Once you take your swing and connect with the golf ball, you’ll be blown away at how these irons feel at impact.
If you are an average golfer or mid handicapper looking to take that next step, these irons are probably too advanced for your game. The craftsmanship and response of the Srixon Z-Forged Iron Set will absolutely get you excited about hitting the course for elite players.
Mizuno MP-20 Iron Set
Best Accuracy Blade Irons for Mid Handicappers
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PROS
- Forged construction with cavity-back benefits
- Tungsten toe weight delivers balance and high MOI
- Exceptional accuracy and distance
CONS
- Tour-level that may have too many bells and whistles for mid handicappers
Mizuno’s MP-20 Iron Set offers a unique take on the blade iron with the look and benefits of a cavity-back iron housed in the design and construction of a forged club.
Feeding the length associated with these clubs is the wide sole and tungsten toe weight. Offering high MOI and premium turf interaction, the weight stabilizes the club head as it passes through the golf ball.
You won’t find the MP-20 twisting as it hits the turf as the elevated MOI keeps the club square through impact.
With regards to workability, the MP-20 provides golfers with a proper tool to work the golf ball in any direction they desire. Whether it be high or low, or left to right, and vice versa, the MP-20 gives golfers the freedom to be creative with each swing of the iron.
With explosive distance and the ability to shape shots to your liking, the Mizuno set is a game-changer when it comes to making the upgrade to blade irons.
Callaway Apex Iron Set
Best High-Launch Blade Irons For Mid Handicappers
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PROS
- Carbon steel body adds serious muscle to golfer’s game
- Tungsten sole inserts help lower CG and increase launch
- Ultra-thin face increases ball speed with long carry
CONS
- Tour-level that may have too many bells and whistles for mid handicappers
Callaway’s Apex Irons offer low CG, high launch, exceptionally long carry, and outrageously great accuracy from the fairway. Behind its carbon steel body, the Apex irons work very well for mid handicappers looking to make the upgrade into the blade iron market.
No review about the Apex can be complete without mentioning the ultra-thin face equipped on each club head. With outstanding forgiveness, the sweet spot on the Apex Irons delivers explosive ball speed after impact to help golfers reach their distance potential on swing after swing.
Also on the face worth noting is the wide groove system. Spin rates with the Apex are moderate to high with plenty of control inside 150 yards. Golfers that like to work their shots from side to side will also find that the playability of these clubs is magnificent.
A wonderfully capable set for mid handicappers, the Callaway Apex Irons deliver top-tier shotmaking quality in a very handsome package.