Updated March 11, 2022. 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 Rundown:
Best Overall: Callaway Mavrik Max Irons
“Callaway used artificial intelligence to design the Mavrik Max with features (Flash Face Cup Technology, oversized head, and Tungsten energy core) that increase launch angle, carry, and distance – perfect for high handicappers.”
Runner-Up Choice: Callaway Big Bertha Irons
“Incredibly long irons with a forged look-and-feel featuring a Tungsten floating weight for easy launch and distance, the Big Bertha Irons offer outstanding performance in a stylish package – excellent for mid and high handicappers.”
Best Value For Money: Callaway Rogue X Irons
“Featuring the 360-degree Face Cup Technology and Tungsten weighting that provide great distance with exceptional response and lightweight feel, the Rogue X irons set can help moderate golfers jumpstart their game.”
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 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 seven best Callaway irons sets that can instantly improve your game and help lower your scores.
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Last updated on 2022-11-16. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
Best Callaway Irons Ever
- Best Overall: Callaway Mavrik Max Irons
- Runner-Up Choice: Callaway Big Bertha Irons
- Best Value for Money: Callaway Rogue X Irons
- Best for Low Handicappers: Callaway Apex Irons
- Well-Crafted Players Irons: Callaway Epic Irons
- Best for Mid Handicappers: Callaway Steelhead XR Irons
- Best for High Handicappers: Callaway X Hot Irons
Callaway Mavrik Max Irons
Best Overall: Best Callaway Iron for Beginners
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PROS
- Oversized head provides a large sweet spot to help lift the golf ball into the air with ease
- Tungsten energy core offers a low center of gravity for more consistency and higher launch
- Irons made to help beginners improve their game with a straightforward approach
CONS
- Oversized iron shape reduces workability for experienced golfers
- Ideal for high handicappers needing help getting the ball into the air with more consistency
Built for high-handicappers looking for distance and forgiveness, the Callaway Mavrik Max Irons delivers outstanding results for the inexperienced golfer. Designed with the beginning golfer in mind, the Mavrik Max Irons help golfers increase their launch angle, carry, and distance.
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Fueled by an artificial intelligence-aided design, the Callaway Mavrik Max set features the company’s popular Flash Face Cup Technology. The Flash Face helps reduce the shot-killing sidespin that ruins so many shots for beginning golfers. Instead, the technology increases forgiveness, straightening out shots that go off-center at impact.
Although the golf irons arrive at a higher price point than game improvement irons, they are worth it if you want equipment that will quickly reduce the learning curve and get you to the next level.
An exceptional set worth the accolades for the distinguished high-handicapper, the Callaway Mavrik Max Iron set offers excellent craftsmanship in an easy-to-hit package – making it the best Callaway irons today.
Callaway Big Bertha Irons
Runner-Up Choice: Best Callaway Irons for Mid and High Handicappers
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PROS
- Incredibly long irons with increased ball speed coupled with a higher launch
- Tungsten floating weight moves center of gravity deeper in the clubhead for increased shot height
- Forged look and feel offer solid performance without nagging vibration for a complete experience
CONS
- Very easy to hit but offer limited workability
- Longer head shape than traditional irons
The Callaway Big Bertha Irons takes a classic approach to provide easy launch and distance. These sleek, black coated irons dazzle. Whether they are in the bag or your hand, the Big Bertha set is one to consider if you want to make the game of golf easier.
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The secret for the Big Bertha Golf Irons comes via the floating weight that rests in the bottom half of the head. Made from tungsten, the weight provides the muscle to the golf ball and encourages the high lift that most mid and high handicappers need from their game.
Another fantastic feature worth noting is the large sweet spot resting in the center of the irons’ face. Very forgiving, the Big Bertha Irons won’t punish your off-center strikes like other iron sets.
Make no mistake; these golf irons deliver excellent performance in a stylish package. Great for mid and high handicappers, few iron sets are built for distance and launch like the Big Bertha Irons.
Callaway Rogue X Irons
Best Value For Money: Best Callaway Iron for Mid Handicappers
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PROS
- 360-degree Face Cup Technology expands the sweet spot of the face with maximum forgiveness
- Tungsten weighting in the sole of iron moves the center of gravity lower for improved launch and more carry
- Exceptional response and feel with each shot with reduced vibration
CONS
- Emphasizes distance over accuracy
- Despite the thick topline, the ball comes off more like blade iron at times
The Callaway Rogue X Irons are the company’s latest addition to the mid-handicap iron market. Providing remarkable distance with a lightweight feel, the Rogue X can take a golfer to their game’s next level.
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The best feature of the Rogue X set is the 360-degree Face Cup Technology. This innovation offers more forgiveness with an expanded sweet spot. On off-center strikes, the face flexes to the lower sidespin while promoting more forward propulsion of the golf ball. Regardless of whether you understand the science behind the feature, you’ll undoubtedly be floored by the results.
Another area where the Rogue X shines is with the reduced vibration and enhanced feel. Instead of feeling rigid, these golf irons flow smoothly with your swing, providing an inviting feeling at impact.
Great for moderate golfers looking to add a highly competent set of irons to their bag, the Callaway Rogue X Irons is more than capable of handling the challenge.
Callaway Apex Irons
Best Callaway Irons for Low Handicappers
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PROS
- Lower center of gravity makes it one of the longest players irons on the market
- 360-degree Face Cup redistributes weight around the perimeter for better forgiveness and consistent distance
- Forged steel body produces low vibration for enhanced feel and outstanding response
CONS
- Lower shot height demands higher swing speed
- Advanced irons will create inconsistency in mid to high handicappers
The Callaway Apex Irons provide an outstanding forged iron experience that rivals most other equipment companies. Rather than the Apex consisting of one piece of metal, Callaway deconstructed what you think a forged iron should be and redesigned the iron from scratch. As a result, the Apex is one of the longest forged irons on the market today.
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Like the other golf irons in the Callaway family, the Apex utilizes a strong forged steel body, low tungsten weight to boost launch, and the 360-degree Face Cup gives the golfer astonishing forgiveness.
The strong forged steel body is the best feature for advanced players from that trio. Although this is a multi-piece iron, the steel provides excellent stability and a solid feel at impact. Another area where the Apex Irons shine is with workability, as you’ll find that they make it easy to shape shots from anywhere on the course.
The Callaway Apex Golf Irons provide the benefits of a cavity-backed iron with the form and shape of forged iron, ideal for low handicappers.
Callaway Epic Irons
Well-Crafted Players Callaway Irons for Low Handicappers
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PROS
- Premium iron set for advanced golfers with high swing speed, fantastic forgiveness, and high performance
- Reinforced clubhead produces low levels of vibration for top-notch feel and excellent response
- Precision milling helps produce a textured face that increases spin and softness from the fairway
CONS
- Higher-priced set made for only a small group of experienced golfers
- Blade-style irons are very difficult to hit for casual golfers
The Callaway Epic Irons offer a lightweight experience that’s terrific for fast swingers. These irons offer mid handicappers the opportunity to put a distance iron in their bag at an affordable price.
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The Epic Irons feature the 360 degrees Face Cup Technology to help with forgiveness alongside the low tungsten weight that stabilizes and boosts the launch of your shots. We were floored at how smooth and effortless the distance is with these golf irons during our testing. You’ll love the response as the golf ball jumps off the clubface with a reliable smoothness.
The low tungsten weight resting against the sole keeps the club grounded through the impact zone for better consistency, especially when you hit the sweet spot.
If you are looking to improve your distance and work the ball higher for softer landing on your shots, then the Epic Irons provide magnificent results.
Callaway Steelhead XR Irons
Best Callaway Irons for Mid Handicappers
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PROS
- High launch, long distance irons with a sophisticated look and enhanced feel at impact
- Moderate club head size helps produce a mid-sized sweet spot for better workability
- Outstanding forgiveness on off-center strikes helps keep your shot along your target line
CONS
- Minimal distance improvement when compared to other sets at this price level
- Bulkier cavity-backed design not as streamlined as newer Callaway models
Featuring their signature shape and superb performance, Callaway Steelhead XR Irons offers dramatic improvement for mid-range golfers. The irons feature several longtime innovations from the company that increases ball speed and reduce off-center strikes.
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What makes the Steelhead XR Irons a favorite of moderate golfers is how well the club gets the ball into the air. The thin steel face is one of Callaway’s hottest, providing muscle behind every swing with jaw-dropping distance.
The Hollow Bore-Thru hosel reduces weight in the clubhead, repositioning it around the perimeter for better balance.
As with all of their irons, Callaway wants a deep, low, and focused center of gravity.
During our time on the course with the Steelhead XR set, we were blown away by these irons’ performance. Great for mid handicappers and experienced golfers, the Callaway iron set is a home run.
Callaway X Hot Irons
Best Callaway Irons for High Handicappers
PROS
- Cavity-backed design packs a punch with easy distance and high launch angle shots
- Wide sole improves turf interaction for clean and consistent contact through the impact zone
- Clear line of sight with a pleasant look at address for better alignment with the golf ball
CONS
- Fairly plain design with limited appeal for low and mid handicappers
- Less spin generated from inside 150 yards than we hoped for
Callaway's top-rated X Hot series of clubs, built for high handicappers and beginning golfers, adds another fabulous addition with their latest iron set. The cavity-backed X Hot Irons offers exciting distance with explosive launch powered by a large and inviting sweet spot.
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For golfers needing more sophistication, these irons won’t meet your demands, but if you are growing into your game, the X Hot Irons check many boxes. Not only are the irons very forgiving, but If you love to hit long and ask questions later, these irons bring the distance with fast, powerful swings.
The balance of the X Hot Irons, provided by the deep and wide sole, helps stabilize the swing through the impact zone. You’ll love how these irons power the ball toward the green with accuracy and spin.
If you are a golfer that likes to impress with your distance, the X Hot Irons is ideal for your game.
Things to Consider When Buying Callaway Irons
Back (Blade vs Cavity)
The back of the iron typically equates to the level of a golfer using the irons.
For example, cavity-backed irons are used by mid and high handicappers that 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 ball 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.
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 ball along with exceptional distance and carry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Callaway irons for low handicappers?
Callaway’s latest line of advanced players irons falls under their Mavrik line of clubs. The Mavrik Pro irons are the best irons for low handicappers. The forged irons utilize a compact clubhead to provide workability and precise control for the advanced golfer’s game.
While most Callaway’s irons play to the game-improvement crowd, the Mavrik Pro iron set provides tour-level performance for single-digit handicappers. Even though these are classified as players irons, the club offers outstanding response and feel at impact.
Each iron in the Mavrik family uses the tungsten weighting in the iron’s sole to lift the golf ball with an easy, high launch. Throughout the Mavrik line, you’ll find irons that work the ball with confidence; this is especially true for the Mavrik Pro Irons.
What are the best Callaway irons for an average player?
An average player will benefit significantly from what the Callaway Big Bertha Irons can provide for their game. Built for speed and distance, these sleek black irons are assassins from the fairway, delivering length and accuracy into the pin.
Available in either steel or graphite shafts, the Big Bertha irons are lightweight in your hands but pack quite the punch on the range or course.
We absolutely adored how effortlessly the golf ball left the face after pure strikes but was also very impressed with how these irons handled shots that leaked out toward the toe. Keeping the ball along the target line with a very similar speed makes the Big Bertha set one of the most forgiving in the Callaway product line.
Which Callaway irons are most forgiving?
The Callaway Mavrik Max takes the crown of the most forgiving irons the company offers to consumers. Featuring an oversized sweet spot, the Mavrik Max provides pure, crisp contact with a high, straight, and very long ball shot shape.
What we loved about the Mavrik Max during testing is how well-designed these irons are for the high handicapper and beginning golfer. Each iron utilizes a weight along the sole to lower CG and increase launch, providing the best looking iron results we’ve seen in this category of iron.
If you are looking for a super game-improvement iron that will help you reach mid handicap level, the Mavrik Max offers a dynamic combination of affordability and performance.