Updated October 9, 2024. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
Callaway has produced some of the best golf equipment the industry has seen over the past few decades. Their long history of creating finely crafted clubs extends to their Callaway golf irons.
Whether you are looking for a player’s iron or a game-improvement iron, Callaway offers an affordable set that provides outstanding performance.
Here’s our list of the best Callaway irons that can instantly improve your game and help lower your scores.
Featured Recommendations
Last updated on 2025-05-11. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
Best Callaway Irons 2025
Callaway Apex CB 2024 Iron
Best All-Around Callaway Irons
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Specifications (4-PW)
- Loft: 23°-46°
- Lie: 60.5°-63.25°
- Length: 35.75″-38.5″
- Weight: D2
Pros
- Premium performance with total workability
- Dynamic sole provides exceptional turf interaction
- Crisp, clean ball striking with tight dispersion
Cons
- Ideal for only low handicappers and top-tier ball strikers
As a skilled player demanding the utmost in shot-shaping versatility, we were highly impressed testing the Callaway Apex CB 2024 irons.
The compact shape and minimal offset frame shots identically to a blade promote tremendous workability. The forged feel at impact is simply exquisite as it’s soft and smooth without being muted.
When we found the sweet spot, we were instantly rewarded with sensational audible feedback.
The forged face design and internal tungsten weighting enhance ball speeds and distance. The stabilizing bar and injected polyurethane provide impressive forgiveness, keeping misses online.
For me, these irons present the ideal blend of blade-like feel and forgiveness in a compact, cavity back profile. The shot-making potential is extraordinary. we can easily curve draws and fades, hit high soft shots or low piercing bullets.
These Apex irons (CB 2023) deliver total control and consistently powerful performance.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Iron
Best Game-Improvement Callaway Irons
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf
Specifications (4-PW)
- Loft: 19°-42°
- Lie: 60.375°-63.75°
- Length: 35.75″-39.125″
- Weight: D2
Pros
- Very forgiving sweet spot
- Fast ball speed with high launch
- Crisp turf interaction
Cons
- Lacks workability for low handicappers
Callaway’s outstanding Paradym Ai Smoke iron set delivers a forgiving design with a high launch and plenty of spin.
Shaped with a tighter frame than most game-improvement sets, the Paradym Ai Smoke irons produce crisp, clean, ball-first contact for maximum distance and tight dispersion.
We really enjoyed how much power these irons delivered to the golf ball. While they might seem a little slight at address, Callaway has outdone themselves by building one of the sturdiest irons you’ll find on the market this year.
For golfers struggling with inconsistency, the highly forgiving face redirects shots toward the target line with high ball speed.
Another aspect we loved about these irons is that, for mid and high handicappers, these clubs will undoubtedly complement the growth of their game.
With their spectacular feel and responsiveness, the Paradym Ai Smoke Irons are an easy choice for Callaway’s best game-improvement irons.
Read our full Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Iron Review
Callaway Apex Pro 2024 Irons
Best Callaway Iron for Low Handicappers
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Specifications (4-PW)
- Loft: 22°-45°
- Lie: 60.5°-63.25°
- Length: 35.75″-38.5″
- Weight: D2
Pros
- Buttery soft feel with a smooth sound
- Precise with excellent distance
- Clean turf interaction for crisp ball striking
Cons
- Not playable for high handicappers and beginners
As a low-handicap golfer looking to upgrade our irons, we decided to give the 2024 Callaway Apex Pro irons a try.
From the moment we first hit them on the range, we could feel the improvement in performance.
The forged carbon steel heads offer a soft yet responsive feel at impact. While they still provide the distance we expect from a player’s distance iron, the slightly stronger lofts help get the ball airborne easier than our previous irons.
The tungsten weighting low in the head increased forgiveness without sacrificing workability. We can shape shots how we want but have more margin for error on miss-hits.
After a few rounds, our dispersion is tighter, and I’m gaining confidence in our iron play. The clean, forged look inspires confidence in the golf ball.
For low handicappers seeking a blend of distance and playability, we highly recommend testing the Apex Pro irons.
Read our full Callaway Apex Pro 24 Irons Review
Callaway Apex MB 2024 Irons
Best Luxury Callaway Irons
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Specifications (4-PW)
- Loft: 23°-46°
- Lie: 60.5°-63.25°
- Length: 35.75″-38.5″
- Weight: D2
Pros
- One-piece design offers total forged performance
- Outstanding control for masterful workability
- Minimal offset builds confidence at address
Cons
- Tougher to play for less-skilled golfers
As a low-handicap player, we love workability, and the 2024 Callaway Apex MB irons certainly portray themselves as one workable iron set.
We love a true muscle-back design that offers maximum shot-shaping control and feedback, and we quickly found that the 2024 MB Apex irons were up to the task.
Right away, we noticed the soft, forged feel at impact, helping me gain confidence with every swing. The minimal offset at address helped me craft the shot shape we wanted, regardless of our lie.
While distance is not the priority, the lofts are strong enough to hold greens on longer par 3s without sacrificing gapping. The compact player’s profile head size and thin top line promote a penetrating ball flight.
Unlike many distance irons today, the Apex MBs don’t have jacked lofts or oversized heads.
For better players seeking a traditional forged muscle-back iron set, these combine pure forged feel with modern ball speeds. The clean styling and forged feedback let me shape shots and control trajectories with ease.
We highly recommend the Apex MB for low handicappers wanting a pure forged blade with outstanding performance.
Callaway Paradym Star Irons
Best Callaway Irons for Beginners
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf
Specifications (5-PW)
- Loft: 24°-45°
- Lie: 61°-63.5°
- Length: 35.75″-38.25″
- Weight: D1
Pros
- Easy-to-hit design with quick, high launch
- Fast ball speeds improve overall distance
- Lightweight build, great for senior golfers
Cons
- Not ideal for mid and low handicappers
As an avid golfer who loves to test golf equipment, we were eager to take the exciting and fun Callaway Paradym Star irons out for a spin.
From first look, the carbon steel forged heads and premium chrome finish oozed playability. The engineers really went all in on these irons, packing them with AI-designed Flash Face Cups and tungsten microspheres for maximum ball speed and forgiveness.
After extensive testing, we were blown away by the performance when viewed through the lens of a beginning golfer. Thanks to the Flash Face, the forged feel is pure yet lively, while stability comes from the tungsten weighting.
Our miss-hits flew nearly as far as center strikes and we were able to keep shots high and straight with greater regularity.
With incredible distance and consistency across the face, these irons are ideal for high handicap golfers wanting more distance with high launch in a players-style profile.
The Paradym Star irons exceeded our expectations and are sure to be a popular choice for beginning golfers in 2024.
Callaway Big Bertha 2023 Irons
Best Callaway Irons for High Handicappers
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf
Specifications (4-PW)
- Loft: 18°-42°
- Lie: 60.5°-64°
- Length: 35.75″-38.5″
- Weight: D0
Pros
- High launch with extended carry
- Impressive feel with smooth, effortless power
- Exceptional appearance, looks great in the golf bag
Cons
- Limited workability for skilled golfers
Callaway’s 2023 version of their Big Bertha irons is a powerhouse, delivering more distance and ball speed for the golfers who need it the most.
After playing a few rounds with the Big Berthas, we were blown away by how fun they were to play. Right out of the gate, we noticed increased ball speeds and height on our shots. The 360 Face Cup works magic to boost distance even on off-center strikes.
The easy launch helps get our drives airborne faster with lower spin. The tungsten weighting positions the CG perfectly for higher, longer carry.
From inside 150 yards, the irons provide a soft feel with plenty of spin to hold the greens. The clean finish provides a first-rate appearance that works well for golfers looking to build their game.
For mid and high handicap golfers wanting maximum forgiveness and explosive distance without sacrificing playability, the Big Bertha irons deliver on all fronts.
Callaway Paradym Irons
Best Callaway Clubs for Mid Handicappers
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf
Specifications (4-PW)
- Loft: 20°-42°
- Lie Angle: 61°-64°
- Shaft Length: 35.5”-38.875”
- Weight: D1
Pros
- Streamlined body helps minimize drag
- Superb feel and outstanding responsiveness
- Lower CG helps improve launch with long irons
Cons
- Tougher for high handicappers to hit consistently
The Callaway Paradym Irons offer a players’ distance club for mid handicappers who want more length and accuracy from their irons.
Featuring a tour-inspired shape, the Callaway Paradym Irons offer total control over the golf balls. They have high launch from the long irons, low spin, and increased spin rates, and they offer impressive hold on entry shots into the green.
There’s so much we love about these irons, but our favorite feature of these Callaway golf clubs has to be their workability.
It remains incredibly difficult to find players’ distance irons that allow you to work the golf ball from side to side with confidence, but I’ll be the first to admit that Callaway pulled it off with this set.
Ideal for low to mid handicappers, the Callaway Paradym Irons are a real treat to play and sure to help improve your overall game from the fairway.
Read our full Callaway Paradym Irons Review
Callaway Paradym X Iron
Most Forgiving Callaway Iron for High Handicappers
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf
Specifications (4-PW)
- Loft: 18.5°-41°
- Lie Angle: 61°-64°
- Shaft Length: 35.75”-38.875”
- Weight: D2
Pros
- Very forgiving face helps redirect off-center strikes
- Exceptionally long with higher launch angle
- Heavier weight lowers CG for crisp, clean contact
Cons
- Better for inexperienced golfers, not for low handicappers
The Callaway Paradym X irons offer a more inviting club set for the average golfer. While the regular Paradym set works as a players’ distance iron, the alternative X set delivers more forgiveness to high handicappers and beginners.
On the golf course, we could see quite quickly that the X set delivered more forgiveness with additional offset at address and a wider sole to anchor the club through the impact zone.
The X golf clubs don’t offer the workability that the regular Paradym set does, so that’s tough for advanced players to enjoy on the links.
If you are struggling to find consistency with your iron play, the Paradym X offers an inviting array of features that create stability while boosting distance, launch, and carry.
Read our full Callaway Paradym X Irons Review
Callaway Rogue ST Pro Iron
Most Accurate Callaway Iron for Low Handicappers
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf
Specifications (4-PW)
- Loft: 21°-43°
- Lie Angle: 60.5°-63.5°
- Shaft Length: 35.75”-38.5”
- Weight: D3
Pros
- Tight blade shape offers premium workability
- Lighter weight helps maximize swing speed
- Cleaner feel at impact with pure sound
Cons
- Very little forgiveness on off-center strikes
The Callaway Rogue ST Pro irons have elevated the forged iron game by giving low-to-mid handicappers a set that can bring distance and spin to the course with first-rate workability.
During our time with this set, we tried to see how far we could push the workability of these irons. And we’re happy to report that they were game for whatever we threw their way.
Regardless of direction or height, the Callaway Rogue ST Pro irons worked extremely well in producing our intentions on the hole.
The irons also are incredibly light, making them easy to maneuver as you see fit to obtain your intended swing path.
Better for advanced players, the Callaway Rogue ST Pros also deliver outstanding sound and feel to help boost confidence and playability.
Read our full Callaway Rogue ST Pro Iron Review
Callaway Apex DCB Irons
Best Distance Callaway Iron for Mid Handicappers
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf
Specifications (4-PW)
- Loft: 20°-43°
- Lie Angle: 60.5°-64°
- Shaft Length: 35.75”-38.5”
- Weight: D2
Pros
- Forged feel with very forgiving face
- Consistent results with high launch
- Superb distance with power to burn
Cons
- Doesn’t offer much workability for advanced players
The Callaway Apex DCB irons are for golfers that want high-end clubs with the benefits of game-improvement irons.
These irons offer first-rate performance with an impressive assortment of features including a very forgiving face, consistent launch, and top-tier distance with eye-popping ball speed.
Once we got these irons on the Trackman, we were amazed at our increases in ball speed, spin rates, and shot height. If you are struggling to find reliable shot shape, the DCB’s can fill the void and improve your overall consistency.
Callaway placed an emphasis on giving the DCBs premium feel and sound, two characteristics we feel they’ve succeeded in achieving.
Best for high handicappers, the Apex DCB irons offer tall, high arcing shot shape for the golfers that need consistency and reliability the most.
Read our full Callaway Apex DCB Irons Review
Callaway Rogue ST Max Iron
Most Forgiving Callaway Iron for Beginners
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on PGA Tour Superstore
Check Price on Global Golf
Specifications (4-PW)
- Loft: 18.5°-41°
- Lie Angle: 60.5°-64°
- Shaft Length: 35.75”-38.875”
- Weight: D2
Pros
- Low, deep CG boosts launch
- Outstanding distance with muscle
- High MOI keeps face square through impact
Cons
- Club feels heavier in hand but packs a punch
Callaway’s Rogue ST Max irons offer high handicap golfers a ton of distance with all the features necessary to produce high, long shots that reach the target with a steep landing angle to hold the greens.
These irons also produce a healthy amount of spin, helping you shoot for the pin from shorter distances.
During our evaluation of the Rogue ST Max, one thing became increasingly clear during our testing. If you hit the ball in the center of the face, expect the golf ball to go a very long way.
Since these are game-improvement irons, the distance averages can be unreliable at times, but if you are looking for more muscle on the course, we suspect you’ll have a tough time finding a better set.
Read our full Callaway Rogue ST Max Irons Review
How We Tested the Callaway Irons
For our Callaway iron testing, we first break down the specs and design of each iron set the company makes for weekend warriors.
During this evaluation period, we are looking at what handicap level each iron set is intended for, plus any benefits the clubs promise for amateurs.
Next, we take them to the indoor facility to see if each club set lives up to the hype. We gather base data such as ball speed, launch angle, total distance, and dispersion.
The base data helps us get a baseline for the next step in our testing, the outdoor range session.
During our outdoor session, we compared the indoor base data to see how each iron set performs in the elements. We also examine turf interaction and how the irons play when dealing with course-like conditions.
After our baseline testing, we head to the course for real-world performance. While we aren’t explicitly testing such data points as distance and launch angle, we are looking at feel and responsiveness.
Once we’re done on the links, we head back to the lab to finalize our evaluations and hand out the awards you’ll find in our qualifiers under each iron set name.
How to Choose the Best Callaway Iron
Here are the essential factors that you must consider when buying the best Callaway iron:
Back (Blade vs Cavity)
The back of the Callaway iron typically equates to the level of a golfer using the irons.
For example, cavity-backed golf irons are used by mid and high handicappers who need more forgiveness and consistency from their shots.
Advanced players use blade irons because they provide workability with outstanding performance.
Center of Gravity (Deep vs. Shallow)
The center of gravity can be shallow toward the face or deeper in the sole. A deeper CG can help golfers lift the golf balls with greater ease. Instead of a low ball flight, the deep CG creates a tall arcing shot.
On the other hand, a shallow CG positioned more toward the hitting area creates a more dependable, moderate ball flight preferred by advanced golfers.
Shaft (Steel or Graphite)
A steel shaft, typically found on irons and wedges, offers a heavier weight when compared to graphite.
These shafts provide a more solid feel throughout the swing, making them more ideal for the performance needed from an iron.
Graphite shafts are great for golfers struggling with swing speed and woods and hybrids where maximum swing speed translates into more yards off the tee box. Graphite does work well in irons for seniors, juniors, and ladies.
Recommended: Graphite vs Steel Shaft: Which is Better?
Type (Forged vs Cast)
Forged irons are commonly associated with blade irons used by low handicappers. These advanced irons help these gifted golfers shape shots with stunning accuracy.
Cast irons, typically found in the shape of a cavity-backed iron, offer a deep, low center of gravity to help lift the golf ball along with exceptional distance and carry.
Must read: Forged vs Cast Irons (What’s the Difference?)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Callaway irons for low handicappers?
The Paradym set offers advanced players a players’ distance iron set that offers premium workability with staggering length from the tee box or fairway.
For sophisticated shotmaking, the Paradym delivers impressive overall performance, making it a must-play for golfers looking to get their handicaps down to single digits.
What are the best Callaway irons for an average player?
The Paradym X irons offer a game-improvement collection that provides all of the features that the average player needs to make the leap to the next level.
The X set offers more forgiveness, a wider sole with high MOI, and a heavier build to boost launch for higher, straighter shotmaking.
Which Callaway irons are most forgiving?
The Rogue ST Max irons offer the most forgiveness out of Callaway’s current iron offerings.
The Rogue ST Max provides players with perimeter weighting along the base of the club to keep it stable and square through the impact zone.
The wider sole of the ST Max golf clubs also helps boost launch for high, straight shots that find the target with regularity.
Recommended: Most Forgiving Irons