The Rundown
Best Overall: TaylorMade Stealth Irons (click to see)
“The Stealth features a low CG that offers a high lift for all skill levels. It is very forgiving while maintaining ball speed. It also has an incredibly solid feel and responsiveness.”
Best Distance for High Handicappers: Cobra LTDx Irons (click to see)
“Along the sweet spot, the LTDx uses their patented CNC Milled Face technique to deepen the grooves and provide more spin than just about any mid-tier iron set.“
Best Best Distance for Low Handicappers: Callaway Rogue ST Pro Irons (click to see)
“The Rogues ST Pro features a low CG for elevated ball flight, rarely seen in blade irons. It also provides ultimate control for golfers that like to shape their shots with precision and accuracy.“
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 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 around the different designs and how each set can help you improve your game!
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Last updated on 2022-09-27. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
What to Look for When Buying 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). They have a flat back with no cavity, making them less forgiving yet producing better feeling and control when hit correctly.
The nickname of blades comes from the iron’s thickness near the club’s bottom. Several years ago, club designers figured out they could put more weight near the bottom center of the club. This gives golfers more control and better feedback on 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 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.
Technologies
The newest iron sets offer the best and latest technologies in iron sets. Golfers need to update their iron sets every few years to take advantage of the technology. Manufacturers create new 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, irons can’t be adjusted straight from the manufacturer. While that might seem like a deterrent to buying off the shelf, that should not stop you from buying a set that catches your eye.
You should still consider buying a set because 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 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 crucial 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 irons offer great shot shaping and impact quality.
For amateurs, a game improvement iron, usually in the shape of a cavity-backed iron, is essential to consider. These cavity-backed irons offer higher launch, more forgiveness, and better distance.
Between the two iron sets, advanced golfers can undoubtedly play with cavity-backed irons, but inexperienced golfers cannot play with bladed irons. So, when considering what irons work best for your game, first consider your skill set.
Forged vs. Cast Irons
When looking at forged versus cast irons, the skill set is an essential factor to consider. Forged irons are thinner and offer more shot-shaping ability, but that control comes at a cost because these irons are tough 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 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 improve their game dramatically.
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 irons without breaking the bank or spending hours in simulators getting fitted for clubs.
An important consideration and factor in the price of iron sets is the number of irons in the set. Some iron sets go from 4 – PW or 4 – SW. Material is another consideration.
Any iron set with titanium will typically 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.
TaylorMade Stealth Irons
Best Golf Irons Overall
Pros
- Very forgiving nature while maintaining ball speed
- Incredibly solid feel and responsiveness
- Low CG offers a high lift for all skill levels
Cons
- Low handicappers wanting moderate launch height will be disappointed
TaylorMade’s Stealth irons, our choice for the best overall irons set, deliver exciting performance from the fairway and tee box. Not only are these irons powerful, but you’ll find they have some workability as well, especially for low handicappers looking for a high-functioning game-improvement set.
Several longtime TaylorMade features are here with the Stealth set, including the Thru-Slot Speed Pocket, ECHO Damping System, and Cap Back Design. All three features help increase distance, improve feel, and deepen CG for high launch.
Every bit as dynamic as advertised, the Stealth irons provide that razzle and dazzle that weekend warriors are looking for in their game.
Check our in-depth Taylormade Stealth Irons Review.
Cobra LTDx Irons
Best Distance Iron for High Handicappers
Pros
- Affordable price point for top-tier game-improvement iron
- Wide sole for clean turf interaction
- Deep, low CG blasts the ball high into the air with a spin
Cons
- Busy appearance screams cheaper off-brand club
Cobra’s LTDx irons provide mid handicappers and beginners with an excellent option for reaching that next level. Fine-tuned for distance and forgiveness, the LTDx irons may have a strange, busy appearance, but that shouldn’t stop you from considering these great irons.
Along the sweet spot, Cobra uses their patented CNC Milled Face technique to deepen the grooves and provide more spin than just about any mid-tier iron set on the market today. The iron also boosts MOI to reduce twisting to keep the face square through impact.
An outstanding iron set at a very affordable price, the Cobra LTDx set offers plenty of bang for your buck.
Callaway Rogue ST Pro Irons
Best Distance Iron for Low Handicappers
Pros
- Low CG for elevated ball flight, rarely seen in blade irons
- Excellent feel and responsiveness
- High spin rates coupled with high ball flight, great for blades
Cons
- Harder to hit with a compact head shape
Callaway’s Rogue ST Irons offer smooth, clean contact with a sleek blade-iron head shape. Also made with the help of Artificial Intelligence, the Rogue ST irons deliver optimized spin with the shot height that golfers crave.
These advanced irons provide ultimate control for golfers that like to shape their shots with precision and accuracy. During our testing, the irons produced a stunning feel and kept ball speeds at the top of their range.
The Rogue ST comes at the price point you’d expect for high-quality forged irons, but not so much that these irons should be cast aside in your search. It offers plenty of accuracy and length, a remarkably proficient and capable iron set for low handicappers.
We also rounded up the Best Callaway Irons of 2022.
Mizuno Pro 225 Irons
Best Accuracy Blade Iron for Low Handicappers
Pros
- Softer feel for blade irons
- Exceptional accuracy with total shot-stopping power
- Satin finish gives the irons a classic, timeless appearance
Cons
- Only for low handicappers looking for total workability
Mizuno’s Pro 225 are classically beautiful, performing with such flair and style that you’d swear these were the same blades Jack Nicklaus used. But appearances aside, these aren’t your grandfather’s golf clubs.
The Pro 225 are bold weapons for low handicappers, providing great control over your shotmaking. If you like working the ball from side to side or hitting those low stingers to defeat the wind, the Pro 225’s have you covered.
Although these irons aren’t accessible for high handicappers and beginners, mid handicappers on the verge of joining the single-digit handicap club should give them a chance. Regardless, the Pro 225 delivers superior performance for low handicappers.
You might also want to check our article, The Best Mizuno Irons of 2022.
Callaway Apex 21 Irons
Best Golf Irons for Increasing Distance and Accuracy
Pros
- Outstanding launch for extended carry and additional length
- Savvy design for players’ iron
- Smaller, compact head for precise contact
Cons
- Made for low handicappers only
Callaway’s Apex 21 irons, made specifically for low handicappers, shine as the first-ever Artificial Intelligence-aided design iron from the storied company. It utilizes the Tungsten Energy Core placed directly behind the face for power, forgiveness, and stability.
During our testing, we were blown away by the consistency of these irons. The Apex 21 delivers crisp contact with expansive responsiveness, even on off-center strikes. Each iron in this set also provides a dynamic feel.
With a forged, blade-like feel, the Apex 21 stands toe-to-toe with its competitors, delivering some of the benefits of cavity-back irons for experienced, high-caliber players.
TaylorMade P790 Irons
Most Forgiving Iron for Low Handicappers
Pros
- SpeedFoam inside the head dampens vibration
- Provides total control with premium workability
- Exceptional feel for blade iron
Cons
-
High price point for low handicappers-only iron set
TaylorMade’s P790 set, a favorite of professional golfers worldwide, produces exceptional results for the veteran golfer sporting a low handicap.
With the sleek finish and distance-producing features that players expect from TaylorMade premium irons, the P790 set attacks the golf course with pure unadulterated muscle.
These blade irons provide several useful TaylorMade features, including Hollow Body Construction filled with SpeedFoam, low profile tungsten weighting to increase launch, and the Thru Slot Speed Pocket that heightens flexibility and boosts forgiveness.
While the P790 does hold a high price point, the performance delivered by the set remains one of the best for low handicappers searching for an upgrade.
We also have our Top 10 TaylorMade Irons of 2022 List.
Ping G425 Irons
Best Golf Irons for High Handicappers
Pros
- Low CG for tall shot shape with extended carry
- Incredibly forgiving with outstanding control
- Comes equipped with Arccos Caddie Smart Grip System
Cons
- Expensive for game-improvement irons
Ping’s G425 irons are a blast to play if you are looking for a game-improvement iron with sophistication. With a streamlined chrome finish, it delivers that classic Ping look in your bag.
In addition to its sharp appearance, the G425 set plays even better on the course. Producing a high shape with effortless power, the Ping iron increases spin, distance, and forgiveness to your game.
Especially with the short irons, this set offers incredible shot-stopping power, helping you putt for more birdies. A gimme choice for best irons for high handicappers, the Ping G425 won’t let you down.
Titleist T100 Irons
Best Golf Irons for Low Handicappers
Pros
- Outstanding workability from side to side
- Impressive design tailored to low handicappers
- Pure, crisp contact with an exceptionally solid feel
Cons
-
Hard to find consistency for inexperienced golfers
Any writer doesn’t need to highlight Titleist’s laundry list of accomplishments, but we need to include the Titleist T100 iron set in the company’s outstanding recent achievements.
With an innovative design that lends its talents toward experienced players, the T100 set produces the customized shot shape that low handicappers crave.
The T100 iron offers minimal offset at address, a thin topline, and a smaller blade size for complete control, which is great for the skill set of top-tier players.
If you are a low handicapper looking for an elite set with premium workability and high-grade construction, the Titleist T100 set delivers the goods.
Mizuno JPX921 Hot Metal Irons
Best Distance Iron for Mid Handicappers
Pros
- Effortless power with high shot height
- Fast across the entire face with outstanding forgiveness
- Very stable throughout the swing, including through the impact zone
Cons
- More offset than other Mizuno sets, may turn away low handicappers
Mizuno’s been making some of the best irons for the better part of a decade, and their latest set, the JPX921 Hot Metal irons, delivers outstanding performance for mid handicappers.
Alongside its solid build, the JPX921 produces some of the prettiest shots we witnessed during our testing.
These irons do a great job of damping vibration with the inclusion of sound ribs, producing that smooth immediate response that golfers look for in their irons.
You know exactly what kind of shot you’ve hit the moment the ball impacts the sweet spot, a feature that places the Mizuno set high up on our list of best iron sets.
We also tested and reviewed other Top Mizuno Irons.
LAZRUS Premium Golf Irons
Best Budget Golf Iron
Pros
- Unbeatable price tag especially for a second set or vacation set
- Basic set of golf clubs meaning any skill level of player can easily use
- Easy to play out of the bag without a lot of training
Cons
- Heavier feel, sluggish for slow swingers
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 are 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.
Callaway Mavrik Irons
Best Game Improvement for Mid Handicap
Pros
- Optimum launch and shot height with an incredibly solid feel and response
- Tungsten-infused weighting in the sole of the irons promotes balance and consistent contact
- Face architecture of each iron is uniquely designed to lower the center of gravity and adjust the shot height
Cons
-
Doesn’t provide the high launch expected for game-improvement irons
The Callaway Mavrik Irons is the company’s latest addition to its very popular line of equipment. These mid handicap irons, slotted for the game-improvement crowd, offer various exciting features that boost swing speed and distance.
What makes the Mavrik 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 Irons provide high-quality craftsmanship with outstanding performance.
TaylorMade SIM2 Max Iron Set
Best Game Improvement Iron for Mid Handicappers
Pros
- Cap Back Design offers powerful distance with minimal vibration
- Marvelous forgiveness on off-center strikes
- Thru-Slot Speed Pocket delivers high swing speed to golf ball
Cons
- Feels a bit hollow on shots striking the toe
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 irons offer a smooth stroke through the golf ball with pleasing ball flight and softness that helps stick shots close to the pin.
An easy choice for the best game improvement iron for mid handicappers, the SIM2 MAX Iron Set is a cut above its competitors.
Wilson D9 Irons
Best Players Irons for Mid Handicappers
Pros
- Impressive consistency with low CG for high arcing ball flight
- Fantastic spin with shot-stopping power on the greens
- Urethane-filled Power Holes increase swing speed for longer distance
Cons
- Doesn’t provide the workability needed for low handicappers
Wilson has long made impressive mid handicap irons looking to improve their game for an affordable price, and their latest set, the D9 Irons, certainly continues that tradition.
Fueled by the company’s patented Power Holes, located behind the clubface, the D9 Irons provide amateurs seeking more power, the ability to extend the course and shorten their entry shots into the green.
With low CG, the 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 Irons provides reliable consistency that cannot be duplicated from inferior sets.
