Best Blade Irons in 2023

Your golf experts: Jordan Fuller & John Marshall.
Updated July 12, 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.

Sources researched
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Sources researched
Customer reviews
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Customer reviews
Hours spent testing
14
Hours spent testing
Products tested
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Products tested
Product Name
Best Premium Option
Best for Mid Handicappers
Thumbnail
TaylorMade P790 4-P/Rh S (Set of 7 total clubs: 4-PW, Right Hand, Stiff Flex)
Callaway Golf 2019 Apex Irons Set, Right Hand, Steel, Regular, 4-9 Iron, PW, AW
TaylorMade SIM MAX Irons, Graphite Shaft, Fujikura Ventus Blue, 5-PW, AW, Right Hand, Regular Flex, Titanium, Black, Blue
Feature 1
Tungsten weighting in the club provides balance and increases forgiveness
Dazzling spin control with razor-sharp groove system that doesn't disappoint around greens
Damped vibration provides better response and feel throughout the impact zone
Feature 2
SpeedFoam insert promotes soft feel and outstanding feedback after impact
360 Face Cup Technology promotes flexibility around the perimeter of the face for increased speed
Outstanding distance created by innovative design in the club head for more power to the golf ball and increasing ball speed
Loft
Loft: 21°-45°
Loft: 21°-43°
Loft: 19°-43.5°
Lie Angle
Lie Angle: 60.5°-64°
Lie Angle: 60.5°-63.5°
Lie Angle: 61.5°-64.5°
Shaft Length
Shaft Length: 35.75”-39”
Shaft Length: 35.75”-38.5”
Shaft Length: 35.75”-39.125”
Weight
Weight: D2
Weight: D2
Weight: D1
Best Overall
Thumbnail
TaylorMade P790 4-P/Rh S (Set of 7 total clubs: 4-PW, Right Hand, Stiff Flex)
Feature 1
Tungsten weighting in the club provides balance and increases forgiveness
Feature 2
SpeedFoam insert promotes soft feel and outstanding feedback after impact
Loft
Loft: 21°-45°
Lie Angle
Lie Angle: 60.5°-64°
Shaft Length
Shaft Length: 35.75”-39”
Weight
Weight: D2
Custom Button
Best Premium Option
Thumbnail
Callaway Golf 2019 Apex Irons Set, Right Hand, Steel, Regular, 4-9 Iron, PW, AW
Feature 1
Dazzling spin control with razor-sharp groove system that doesn't disappoint around greens
Feature 2
360 Face Cup Technology promotes flexibility around the perimeter of the face for increased speed
Loft
Loft: 21°-43°
Lie Angle
Lie Angle: 60.5°-63.5°
Shaft Length
Shaft Length: 35.75”-38.5”
Weight
Weight: D2
Custom Button
Best for Mid Handicappers
Thumbnail
TaylorMade SIM MAX Irons, Graphite Shaft, Fujikura Ventus Blue, 5-PW, AW, Right Hand, Regular Flex, Titanium, Black, Blue
Feature 1
Damped vibration provides better response and feel throughout the impact zone
Feature 2
Outstanding distance created by innovative design in the club head for more power to the golf ball and increasing ball speed
Loft
Loft: 19°-43.5°
Lie Angle
Lie Angle: 61.5°-64.5°
Shaft Length
Shaft Length: 35.75”-39.125”
Weight
Weight: D1
Custom Button

Last updated on 2023-09-28. 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.


Best Blade Irons

TaylorMade P790 Blade Irons

Best overall: Most Versatile Golf Blade Irons for Low Handicappers

TaylorMade P790 4-P/Rh S (Set of 7 total clubs: 4-PW, Right Hand, Stiff Flex)
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SPECS (4-PW)

  • Loft: 21°-45°
  • Lie Angle: 60.5°-64°
  • Shaft Length: 35.75”-39”
  • Weight: D2

PROS

  • Outstanding appearance with minimal offset
  • Hollow-body construction elevates swing speeds
  • Hot face generates high ball speeds

CONS

  • Better for distance than workability

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.

Read the Full TaylorMade P790 Blade Irons Review


Callaway Apex

Best Premium Option: Longest Golf Blade Irons Set for Mid Handicappers

Callaway Golf 2019 Apex Irons Set, Right Hand, Steel, Regular, 4-9 Iron, PW, AW
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SPECS (4-PW)

  • Loft: 21°-43°
  • Lie Angle: 60.5°-63.5°
  • Shaft Length: 35.75”-38.5”
  • Weight: D2

PROS

  • A.I.-designed shape increases spin and distance
  • Consistent launch and flight
  • Forged feel with exceptional feedback

CONS

  • Less workability than normal blade irons

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

TaylorMade SIM MAX Irons, Graphite Shaft, Fujikura Ventus Blue, 5-PW, AW, Right Hand, Regular Flex, Titanium, Black, Blue
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SPECS (4-PW)

  • Loft: 19°-43.5°
  • Lie Angle: 61.5°-64.5°
  • Shaft Length: 35.75”-39.125”
  • Weight: D1

PROS

  • Thin face produces hot, fast ball speeds
  • Low CG increases ball flight with steep landing angle
  • Increase face flexibility improves forgiveness

CONS

  • Limited workability but long distance

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.

Read the Full TaylorMade SIM MAX Blade Irons Review


Mizuno JPX921 Irons

Best Distance Blade Irons

Mizuno Golf JPX921 Forged Iron Set
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SPECS (4-PW)

  • Loft: 1°-46°
  • Lie Angle: 60°-63°
  • Shaft Length: 35.5”-38.5”
  • Weight: D1

PROS

  • Modern tour-inspired lofts produces long distance
  • Narrower soles on short irons generate spin
  • Minimal vibration with outstanding feel

CONS

  • Less workability than other blade iron sets

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

Wilson Staff D7 Forged Golf Iron Set - Men's Right Hand, Regular Graphite, 4-PW, Steel
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SPECS (4-PW)

  • Loft: 22.5°-45°
  • Lie Angle: 59°-64°
  • Shaft Length: 35.75”-38.75”
  • Weight: D2

PROS

  • Power Holes offer flexibility for increased ball speed
  • Damped vibration improves sound and feel
  • Long distance with a steep landing angle

CONS

  • Better for mid handicappers that want distance

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

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SPECS (4-PW)

  • Loft: 24°-47°
  • Lie Angle: 61°-64°
  • Shaft Length: 35.75”-38.5”
  • Weight: D2

PROS

  • Cavity-back shaping offers better forgiveness
  • Reduced offset provides clean look at address
  • Progressive lofts throughout set for better spin and control

CONS

  • Better for launch than workability

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

zforged


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SPECS (4-PW)

  • Loft: 23°-46°
  • Lie Angle: 60.5°-63.5°
  • Shaft Length: 35.5”-38.5”
  • Weight: D3

PROS

  • Solidly built with powerful feel at impact
  • Precision shaping produces consistency
  • Optimized CG produces ideal launch for each shot

CONS

  • Better for feel, rather than distance

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

Mizuno MP-20 MMC Golf Iron Set 4-PW, Steel Right Hand
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SPECS (4-PW)

  • Loft: 24°-46°
  • Lie Angle: 60°-63°
  • Shaft Length: 35.5”-38.5”
  • Weight: D2

PROS

  • High spin with steep landing angle
  • Tapered blade shape delivers smooth launch
  • Incredibly soft feel offers pure workability

CONS

  • Slimmer sole makes consistency an issue for double-digit 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.


Titleist 620 MB Irons

Best Luxury Blade Irons for Low Handicappers

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SPECS

  • Loft: 24°-47°
  • Lie Angle: 60°-64°
  • Shaft Length: 35.75”-38.5”
  • Weight: D1

PROS

  • Minimal offset delivers pure shotmaking
  • Compact blade length optimizes launch
  • Refined sole produces smooth turf interaction

CONS

  • Only for skilled golfers that want workability

The Titleist 620 MB (short for muscle back) irons offer an array of desired features, such as clean power and crisp workability. These 1-piece forged irons carry minimal offset and a compact blade length to help skilled golfers work the ball from side-to-side with proficiency.

What I really like about these irons is how powerful they feel at impact. While some blades can feel thin when hitting the golf ball, the muscle-back design of the 620 MB set produces a higher launch with improved spin.

The irons also feature a refined sole to produce crisp turf interaction that creates that high-power, penetrating flight with a steep landing angle that holds on the green.

If you are looking for a luxury set of blades that will last for many years and generate jaw-dropping results, the Titleist 620 MB collection should be at the top of your shopping list.


Ping Blueprint Irons

Best Distance Forged Irons for Low Handicappers

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SPECS (4-PW)

  • Loft: 22.5°-45°
  • Lie Angle: 59.8°-64.1°
  • Shaft Length: 35.5”-38.25”
  • Weight: D2

PROS

  • Narrow sole provides premium workability
  • Machined-milled grooves boost spin
  • Impressive feel and responsiveness

CONS

  • Compact blade length makes consistency difficult

Ping’s exciting Blueprint irons offer a top-tier set of blades for advanced golfers. These compact irons carry a muscle-back design to maintain long distances with high-yield workability.

The Blueprints also deliver smooth feel and responsiveness with crisp turf interaction. Also the irons provide forgiveness on off-center strikes, something you rarely see with blade iron sets.

I really loved how capable these Ping irons are to play on the course. From workability to distance, the Blueprint delivers premium performance across the board. Also with regard to spin and launch, the Ping set produces first-rate readings on the Trackman.

Again, blade sets, such as the Blueprint irons are harder to hit for golfers with double-digit handicaps, but for low handicappers, these Ping clubs offer premium workability and staggering distance.


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.