Updated July 5, 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.
Irons are one of the most important golf clubs next to the putter. On almost every hole on the course, golfers will be required to pull an iron out of the bag.
This means the iron set selection is incredibly important to lower a golfer’s score. Material, ease of use, and club face design are critical to golfers’ growth and use of golf irons over the long term.
After reading this guide, you will be able to select the perfect set of irons that fit your needs and make your game better.
This best golf irons guide walks through different iron sets and answers questions about the different designs and how each set can help you improve your game!
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Last updated on 2023-09-28. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
- Featured Recommendations
- How to Choose the Best Golf Irons
- Best Golf Irons in 2023
- Ping G430 Irons
- Srixon ZX4 MK II
- Callaway Paradym
- Mizuno Pro 225
- TaylorMade P790
- LAZRUS Premium Forged Golf Wedge Set for Men
- TaylorMade SIM MAX Irons
- Callaway Mavrik Irons
- Mazel Single Length Golf Club Irons Set
- TaylorMade SIM 2 MAX OS Irons
- Callaway Big Bertha B21 Irons
- Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Irons
- Cobra Radspeed Iron Set
- TaylorMade SIM2 MAX Iron Set
- Wilson D9 Irons
- Ping G430 Irons
How to Choose the Best Golf Irons
Cavity Back vs Blade
Cavity Back is often known as the Max Game-Improvement Irons and is characterized by a large hollow cavity in the back of the clubhead. The sole and toplines are significantly larger, to allow easier and more forgiving hits. Designated for beginners and those with higher (25+) handicaps.
On the other hand, blades are called Player’s Irons, Cavity Muscle Back (CMB) or simply Muscle Back (MB). Blades are designated, and used, by professionals and single-digit handicap players (below 5). Blades have a flat back with no cavity, making them less forgiving, yet producing better feeling and control when hit properly.
The nickname of blades comes from the thickness of the iron near the bottom of the club. Several years ago, club designers figured out they could more weight near the bottom center of the club. This gives golfers more control and better feedback of shots when they hit them well. On the converse, inexperienced or lower-skill golfers will have trouble hitting blades. The focused center of gravity means mishits are more likely to go further of the current path. Less experienced golfers should avoid buying blades because their game will suffer.
Cavity-backed designed clubs work almost the opposite. They are more forgiving for lower-skilled players. The cavity spreads out the weight more evenly throughout the head of the golf irons. This translates into less sporadically fired shots but reduces the feedback and ability to shape shots like the pros. For golfers that don’t have the luxury of hitting a thousand golf balls every day or professional trainers perfecting their swing, opt for a cavity-backed designed club.
Price
Most of us don’t have thousands of dollars to spend on custom fitting sessions and custom built clubs. For most casual to semi-serious golfers off the shelf or out of the box clubs are perfect and will fit most needs. Golfers can get a high quality series of golf irons without breaking the bank or spending hours in simulators getting fitted for clubs.
An important consideration and factor into the price of iron sets is the number of golf irons in the set. Some iron sets go from 4 – PW or 4 – SW. Material is another consideration. Any iron set with titanium will normally carry a higher price tag because of the value of the metal. Many other premium brands such as Ping irons have invested millions in the technology and the more they add the higher the price tag
Technologies
The newest iron sets offer the best and latest technologies in iron sets. The reason that golfers need to update their iron sets every few years is to take advantage of the technology. Manufacturers create new golf irons that offer more distance, better accuracy, and higher levels of forgiveness.
By adjusting the center of gravity, stiffening the back of the iron, and increasing the launch from the face, golfers can utilize the newest technologies to their advantage. Since most amateurs need to lengthen the distance of their shots, a new iron featuring the latest innovations can certainly help achieve this goal.
Adjustability
Unlike the latest drivers, golf irons can’t really be adjusted straight from the manufacturer. While that might seem like a deterrent of buying off the shelf, that should not stop you from buying a set that catches your eye.
The reason you should still consider buying a set is that customization and adjustability can come after purchase. With the help of a club fitter, you can adjust loft and face angle to meet your optimal specifications.
It is important to remember that your golf irons can be adjusted after a few rounds, so you can first get a sense of what you want more of from your iron set.
Skill
Skill is incredibly important when determining the type of iron set you purchase. If you are an advanced golfer, a forged set, otherwise known as blades, might be ideal for your game. These professional golf irons offer incredible shot shaping and impact quality.
For amateurs, a game-improvement iron, usually in the shape of a cavity-backed iron, is important to consider. These cavity-backed irons offer higher launch, more forgiveness, and better distance.
Between the two iron sets, advanced golfers can certainly play with cavity-backed irons, but inexperienced golfers cannot play with bladed-irons. So, when considering what golf irons work best for your game, first consider your skill set.
Forged vs Cast Irons
When looking at forged versus cast irons, skill set is an important factor to consider. Forged irons are thinner and offer more shot-shaping ability, but that control comes at a cost because these irons are incredibly difficult to find consistency without an elite skill set.
Cast irons are made for golfers that need help with a specific aspect of their game. Whether it be distance or forgiveness, these irons are made to increase launch, extend distance, and dampen vibration.
For experienced golfers looking to take their game to the next level, forged irons could be the ticket to success. The same is true for beginning and inexperienced players, as cast irons could offer the help needed to dramatically improve their game.
Best Golf Irons in 2023
Ping G430 Irons
Best All-Around Golf Irons
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Specs
- Loft: 19°-41°
- Lie Angle: 60.5°-64°
- Shaft Length: 35.5”-38.875”
- Weight: D0-D2
Pros
- Thinner face delivers fast ball speed
- Low CG creates easy launch
- Unique Ping shape provides confidence
Cons
- Doesn’t provide workability of blade irons
When it comes to craftsmanship, Ping, and their latest iron set, the G430, certainly deliver the goods. Ideal for mid handicappers, the G430 set provides distance, accuracy, and precise shotmaking.
I loved the groove system along the face as it produces a healthy amount of spin from the fairway and light rough. Even from the deeper rough, I enjoyed the club’s ability to rescue the shot from trouble.
Ping has coated the sweet spot with their patented Hydropearl 2.0 finish, helping golfers maintain high performance in wet conditions. If you are playing in a relatively wet climate, these golf irons offer better traction on the golf ball at impact than most sets.
An easy choice for our best all-around iron set, these golf irons offer a vast improvement for mid and high handicappers looking to increase their shot quality through more distance, better accuracy, and greater forgiveness.
Check our full Ping G430 Irons Review
Srixon ZX4 MK II
Best Distance Irons for High Handicappers
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Specs
- Loft: 21°-43°
- Lie Angle: 60.5°-63.5°
- Shaft Length: 35.5”-38.5”
- Weight: D2
Pros
- Forged feel works great with experienced golfers
- Progressive grooves help create perfect shot for yardage
- Wide sole improves turf interaction for clean contact
Cons
- Lacks workability for low handicappers
The premium ZX4 MK II golf irons from Srixon deliver outstanding results for mid-to-high handicappers looking for a game improvement set with an emphasis on distance.
What I really liked about these golf irons is how solid they are through the impact zone. There’s no vibration or shakiness with these clubs. Throughout the swing, you get sturdy feedback that translates into confidence when you need a little more yardage from your shot.
The tour-shaped sole on these golf irons provide dynamic turf interaction, helping you make contact first with the ball and then following through the impact without snagging into the soil.
Another perk of playing with these Srixons is the progressive groove shaping. As the clubs go up in number, the grooves are wider and deeper allowing you to craft the height and shot shape you want for any specific attempt on the course.
For high handicappers looking for a premium set with distance at the forefront, the ZX4 MK II are the best golf irons on the market.
Check our full Srixon ZX4 MKII Irons Review
Callaway Paradym
Best Distance Irons for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Loft: 20°-42°
- Lie Angle: 61°-64°
- Shaft Length: 35.5”-38.875”
- Weight: D1
Pros
- Powerful distance irons with wide sweet spot
- Exceptional launch with extended carry
- Refined shaping offers superb turf interaction
Cons
- A more compact blade could cause consistency issues
If you love hitting the ball long, then the Callaway Paradym golf irons will provide hours of entertainment. These powerful clubs are shaped for distance with high launch and extended carry.
On the range, I loved how solidly built these clubs felt in my hand. The feel and responsiveness with the long irons is unmatched. You can swing away with confidence with the Paradyms and they’ll reward your efforts. There’s not too many clubs you can say that about, even with modern innovations.
These golf irons are shaped like forged irons, so if you struggle to find consistency with your play from the fairway, a larger game-improvement iron might be best irons for you. That said, if you are an ambitious mid handicapper looking to make the leap to the next level, the Paradyms absolutely could be the missing piece for your game.
A great distance-first collection of golf irons, the Paradym set produces jaw-dropping length with the sophistication you need to get the ball close to the pin.
Check our full Callaway Paradym Irons Review
Mizuno Pro 225
Best Blade Irons for Low Handicappers
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Specs
- Loft: 21.5°-44°
- Lie Angle: 59°-63°
- Shaft Length: 35.5”-39.5”
- Weight: D2
Pros
- Heavier long irons offer better launch and accuracy
- Tight blade shape provides exceptional workability
- Gorgeous satin finish makes these irons sparkle in bag
Cons
- Only for low handicappers with skill
The Mizuno Pro 225 golf irons are a work of art. With their satin finish, these blades provide a dynamic appearance in the golf bag for the highly skilled golfer.
On the course, the 225s are lethal weapons, offering premium workability with precise, exacting distance. The irons are also incredibly accurate, even when trying to reach the green from long distances on par 5s.
Easily my favorite feature of the Mizuno set is the heavier weighting for the long irons. The weight lowers CG in these specific irons helping you create a higher launch with a steep landing angle to hold more greens. The low penetrating flight also gives your shots that professional tour look that will have your playing partners shaking their head in amazement.
Our choice for the best blade irons for low handicappers provide an exceptional all-around experience from the tee box to the fairway and even from the deep rough.
Check our full Mizuno Pro 225 Irons Review
TaylorMade P790
Best Players Distance Irons for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Loft: 21°-45°
- Lie Angle: 60.5°-64°
- Shaft Length: 35.75”-39”
- Weight: D2
Pros
- Superb distance with high launch
- Wider sole helps with forgiveness
- Offers length with workability
Cons
- Doesn’t have the full workability of blade irons
TaylorMade’s wonderfully made iron set, the P790, offers a dual combination of sharp appearance and high performance. Classified as a players distance iron, the P790 delivers high launch with extended carry, helping you reach your target with authority and precision.
Where I feel the P790 shines is with its forgiveness. Blade irons don’t possess the forgiving nature that the P790 set provides for mid handicappers. So the set works extremely well as a bridge set to help you reach that next level in your game.
The P790s do need consistency and higher swing speed to work at full capacity, so if you are struggling to find the center of the face, you might want to work more on finding a solid game-improvement set.
However, if you are in the market for a players iron set with more forgiveness and distance than blades, then the P790 offers an outstanding combination of distance and accuracy for mid handicappers.
Read the Full TaylorMade P790 Irons Review
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Specs
- Loft: 52°-60°
- Lie Angle: 64°
- Shaft Length: 35.25”
- Weight: D4
Pros
- Outstanding spin around the greens
- Stops shots cold outside 100 yards
- Wide sole moves through sand and rough with ease
Cons
- Heavier weight limits distance
For golfers not interested in the premium label or a second set to store a vacation house, these will fit the mold. Lazarus claims of manufacturing their clubs using the same manufacturers as the Callaway’s and Titlelist’s without the price tag. The LAZARUS Premium Forged Set don’t have all the over engineering and design dollars that larger brands spend and make their money on.
If game maintenance is your ultimate goal this set will work nicely. The shafts are made of stepped stainless steel and currently only offered in regular stiffness. A club head that is designed to maximize spin and control works for most golfers looking to maintain their game.
Read the Full Lazrus Golf Irons Review
TaylorMade SIM MAX Irons
Best High Launch Golf Irons for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Loft: 19°-43.5°
- Lie Angle: 61.5°-64.5°
- Shaft Length: 35.75”-39.125”
- Weight: D1/D0
Pros
- Optimized launch with extended carry
- Long distance with power to burn
- Stiff club head offers improved feel
Cons
- Doesn’t have the workability of forged irons
The TaylorMade SIM MAX Golf Irons hit the market recently with a significant bit of fanfare. These new cavity-backed irons from TaylorMade attempt to reinvent the game-improvement iron with innovations that increase distance, improve accuracy, and provide muscular confidence to your second shots. After testing these golf irons out for several rounds, we must admit that the company was wholly successful.
If you are looking for upper-tier game improvement irons, then TaylorMade has made the SIM MAX golf irons for you.
Read the Full TaylorMade Sim Max Irons Review
Callaway Mavrik Irons
Best Game Improvement for Mid Handicap
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Specs
- Loft: 18°-41°
- Lie Angle: 60.5°-64°
- Shaft Length: 35.75”-38.875”
- Weight: D1/D3
Pros
- Powerful face produces high-grade distance
- Slender shape offers workability
- Broad sweet spot delivers forgiveness on off-center strikes
Cons
- Stronger lofts may keep low handicappers away
The Callaway Mavrik Golf Irons is the company’s latest addition to its very popular line of equipment. These mid handicap golf irons, slotted for the game-improvement crowd, offer various exciting features that boost swing speed and distance.
What makes the Mavrik golf irons exceptional is the company’s attention to detail. Not only are the irons well-crafted, but each iron features unique characteristics to help you create shots that produce maximum distance and your preferred shot shape.
An exceptionally well-made set that is perfect for the improving mid handicapper, the Callaway Mavrik Golf Irons provide high-quality craftsmanship with outstanding performance.
Read the Full Callaway Mavrik Irons Review
Mazel Single Length Golf Club Irons Set
Best Value Single Length Iron Set for High Handicappers
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Specs (4-PW)
- Loft: 24°-48°
- Lie Angle: 60.5°-64°
- Shaft Length: 37.5”
- Weight: D2
Pros
- Single length shafts help with one plane swings
- Low CG offers effortless launch
- Perimeter weighting keeps MOI high
Cons
- Not ideal for golfers that prefer progressive lengths
Best irons for new golfers looking to manage control and have a single swing to work on. Single length clubs popularized recently by Bryson DeChambeau make it easy for golfers to learn one swing with one length of club. Mazel emphasizes making golf fun for beginners.
A low center of gravity and evenly distributed club face weight help inexperienced golfers stay on or near the fairway from the first round to the last. The single length clubs help new golfers repeat a swing over and over without having to adjust stance or compensate for club length. Mazel makes it easy to play these golf irons right out of the box or bag.
Read the Full Mazel Single Length Irons Review
TaylorMade SIM 2 MAX OS Irons
Best Oversized Irons for Mid Handicappers
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Specs (4-PW)
- Loft: 18°-42°
- Lie Angle: 61.5°-64.5°
- Shaft Length: 35.75”-39.125”
- Weight: D1
Pros
- Minimal vibration helps improve feel
- Sturdy and strong design provides power
- High-grade forgiveness keeps ball along target line
Cons
- Oversized head won’t help low handicappers
For a premium oversized golf iron set, that is great for high handicappers, the latest iron set from TaylorMade, the SIM MAX 2 OS Golf Irons, is a delightful option. Available in several different set combinations, the SIM MAX 2 OS offers wonderful distance, incredible forgiveness, and an improved damping system for better feel.
The oversized head shape offers a progressive face height with a wide sole that boosts distance. The face also is bolstered by the new Cap Back design to increase distance and stiffen the head.
For golfers that need smoother distance with increased feel, the SIM MAX 2 OS Irons are unmatched among its competitors. It’s also the perfect alternative to Callaway X Hot Irons.
Read the Full TaylorMade SIM 2 MAX OS Irons Review
Callaway Big Bertha B21 Irons
Best Distance Irons for Beginners
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Specs (4-PW)
- Loft: 18°-41°
- Lie Angle: 60.5°-64°
- Shaft Length: 35.75”-38.875”
- Weight: D1/D3
Pros
- Staggering distance with top-tier forgiveness
- Wider sole offers improved turf interaction
- Inviting sweet spot offers pure feel and responsiveness
Cons
- Blunt distance iron isn’t for experienced golfers
If you are looking to increase distance with your equipment, Callaway has made the perfect golf iron set with their last, the Big Bertha B21 Irons. These golf irons were designed with distance in mind and the set is very successful in adding yards to each shot.
The clubs have been engineered to provide more confidence throughout the swing. From the moment you stand over the ball, the B21’s profile offers a clean look to the ball for perfect alignment.
The clubs also feature wide soles that provide exceptional turf interaction with incredibly easy launch, low spin, increased speed, and straighter shots into the green. A delightfully fun set that is worth consideration, the Big Bertha B21 is an absolute winner.
Read the Full Callaway Big Bertha B21 Irons Review
Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Irons
Best Hybrid Set for High Handicappers
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Specs (4-PW)
- Loft: 20°-44°
- Lie Angle: 61.5°-64.5°
- Shaft Length: 35.75”-38.875”
- Weight: D2
Pros
- Helps maintain distance in slow swing speeds
- Easy to hit with wide, hybrid-like sole
- Low profile gets under ball for effortless launch
Cons
- Only for straight, high shotmaking
For senior golfers looking to boost their distance, shot height, and overall improvement of their game, should consider the Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Irons. The set features hollow construction with the shape of hybrids that run throughout the collection.
While the lower golf irons aren’t true hybrids, they do feature a wide sole, large sweet spot, and crisp contact. The low center of gravity deep inside the club head boosts launch for greater carry.
Each Turbo HB golf iron takes advantage of the progressive hollow shaping for seamless transition from club to club, so the hybrids feel the same as the low irons.
The Cleveland Launcher set is a well-crafted collection that will increase the game’s enjoyment for any senior golfer.
Read the Full Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Irons Review
Cobra Radspeed Iron Set
Best Value Distance Irons for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Loft: 18.5°-42°
- Lie Angle: 62°-65°
- Shaft Length: 36.25”-39.25”
- Weight: D1/D2
Pros
- Slender shape offers mid-range workability
- High-grade forgiveness with fast ball speed
- Low penetrating flight keeps ball on target line
Cons
- Short irons don’t have much complexity
Cobra’s latest iron release, the Radspeed Iron Set, offers a host of exciting features, all created to help the golfer generate more ball speed.
The new iron offers Radial Weighting Technology that increases forgiveness and boosts ball height after impact, a Forged PowerShell Face that boosts swing speed, and a 3D printed medallion that decreases the weight of the club head.
On the course, the Radspeed iron provides solid feel throughout the swing with length. On off-center strikes, the iron provides plenty of forgiveness to help the ball move toward the target.
Great for mid handicappers, the Cobra Radspeed Iron is a dynamic upgrade for the serious golfer.
Read the Full Cobra Radspeed Irons Review
TaylorMade SIM2 MAX Iron Set
Best All-Around Irons for High Handicappers
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Specs
- Loft: 19°-43.5°
- Lie Angle: 61.5°-64.5°
- Shaft Length: 35.75”-39.125”
- Weight: D1
Pros
- Powerful design boosts distance
- Outstanding forgiveness on off-center strikes
- Impressive turf interaction improves contact quality
Cons
- Doesn’t offer much workability
Another outstanding addition to the TaylorMade family of clubs, the SIM2 MAX Iron Set provides golfers with more distance, better accuracy, and boosted carry.
The iron set offers several worthwhile features including the new Cap-Back Design that stiffens the head for better stability, a high-grade forgiving nature that redirects wayward shots to the target, and the popular Thru-Slot Speed Pocket that generates staggering ball speed.
Whether you are on the range or standing in the fairway, these golf irons offer a smooth stroke through the golf ball with pleasing ball flight and a softness that helps stick shots close to the pin.
An easy choice for the best golf irons, the SIM2 MAX Iron Set is a cut above its competitors.
Read the Full TaylorMade Sim2 Max Irons Review
Wilson D9 Irons
Most Forgiving Irons for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Loft: 18°-42°
- Lie Angle: 60°-64°
- Shaft Length: 36”-39”
- Weight: D1
Pros
- Low CG helps produce high launch
- Power Holes create flexibility across face
- Outstanding spin with first-rate forgiveness
Cons
- Lacks in power and distance
Wilson has long made impressive mid handicap irons looking to improve their game for an affordable price, and their latest set, the D9 Golf Irons, certainly continues that tradition. Fueled by the company’s patented Power Holes, located behind the clubface, this forgiving iron provides amateurs seeking more power, the ability to extend the course and shorten their entry shots into the green.
With low CG, the D9 set generates a high arc with moderate spin, an ideal combination for sticking shots close to the pin.
For golfers looking to stay on a budget, the Wilson D9 Golf Irons provides reliable consistency that cannot be duplicated from inferior sets.
Read the Full Wilson D9 Irons Review
Bonus content: Taylormade Stealth Irons Review