Looking for a golf iron with the highest quality you can get your hands on? The thing is, there’s not one right answer. There are several factors that should be considered since different golfers have different needs during each game. So, instead of introducing a single high-quality product, we’re here to show you a list of the best golf irons ever.
Before going over our list of the most impressive golf irons in stores, it’s crucial to understand first what makes an iron different from other clubs so you’ll have an idea of the standard design. Fortunately, the answer is pretty straightforward: golf irons are mainly built for accuracy, not power. That’s why their clubheads and shafts are smaller and shorter than the dimensions of woods or drivers.
Now that we have a better understanding of the ideal iron, we can finally discuss the best golf irons money can buy.
Table of Contents
Best Golf Irons Ever Review
TaylorMade Golf P790 Iron Set
Inside each clubhead in the TaylorMade Golf P790 Iron Set, foam made of urethane is injected. The foam ensures improvement on the feel for comfort and accuracy despite the extra-sturdy shaft and smaller clubhead. Meanwhile, urethane is extremely lightweight to significantly boost face speed.
The main reason why the shaft is sturdier than expected is its steel material. The added sturdiness enhances durability. It will also provide you with more feedback so you can easily analyze the quality of your shots. As a plus, the steel shaft makes this golf iron more affordable than most graphite options.
To lessen the discomfort caused by feedback, a wrapped grip is used. It’s quite soft with a texture that’s nice enough for your hands.
Other features include the forged face construction and hollow carbon body for forgiveness and distance, tungsten weighting for higher launches and a lower center of gravity (CG), speed pocket for better low-face hits, and Inverted Cone Technology (ICT) for accuracy and speed despite off-center shots.
Of course, not all beginners can enjoy the features designed for accuracy. The smaller clubhead is still a challenge since you can lose several yards just by missing the sweet spot.
The heavier shaft can also hurt your arms so bad after a series of harsh vibrations from feedback. The grip might not even ease the discomfort no matter how soft it is because of its slightly weird texture.
Pros:
- Improved feel
- Extremely lightweight
- Boost on the face speed
- Enhanced durability
- More feedback
Cons:
- Smaller sweet spot
- Heavier shaft
- Strange feel on the grip
Cleveland Golf Men’s Launcher HB Iron Set
Stability is guaranteed with each clubhead of the Cleveland Golf Men’s Launcher HB Iron Set. The hollow construction makes it possible for the weight to settle near the perimeter to keep things stable and the moment of inertia (MOI) much higher.
Additionally, the face is extremely strong with its steel composition. Despite its enhanced strength, it’s actually very thin to ensure more flex upon impact and more distance.
Aside from high forgiveness, the clubhead will also make sure that each ball you hit can move super-fast. That’s completely possible even with off-center shots.
While the first option features a steel shaft, this one is the complete opposite. It uses a graphite shaft, specifically from the world-class Miyazaki C. Kua product line. It’s extremely precise so you can perform better every single time.
Obviously, this golf iron is much more lightweight as well, which can lead to effortless swings, flawless control, faster movement, and higher launches. It’s also beneficial for senior golfers, handicapped players, and beginners since the vibrations will be reduced.
Some advanced golfers don’t find this golf iron helpful for their performance, though. They just can’t work with something that’s so incredibly light.
Not only is the clubhead lightweight, but the shaft also doesn’t contribute much to the overall weight. Besides, lighter shafts are less durable and the minimal feedback they provide won’t help a lot during serious training.
Despite the durability of the grips, some users still find the need to replace them. They feel that the original grip doesn’t match the swing weight of this golf iron.
Pros:
- Higher stability
- Higher MOI
- Extremely strong face
- Enough flex for distance
- High forgiveness
Cons:
- Too lightweight
- Less feedback
- Mismatched grip
Callaway Golf 2019 Apex Irons Set
To make sure that you’ll always achieve more distance, the Callaway Golf 2019 Apex Irons Set prioritizes higher ball speed by using the 360 Face Cup feature. Its short irons also aim for better shots since they include the Variable Face Thickness (VFT) feature for more controlled spins.
How is the 360 Face Cup different? It can ensure a great performance even with off-center shots because of its rim that’s shallow enough for flexibility around the face’s perimeter, which improves impact.
Another option with a steel shaft, the sturdy metal gives an attractive shape fit for a professional golfer. Aside from the eye-catching form, the shiny metallic finish also looks very pleasant with its platinum chrome design.
Despite the sturdiness of steel, this golf iron still has a comfortable feel because of the mild carbon material in its body. The urethane microspheres also help in improving sound by absorbing vibration through their microscopic air pockets that are at least a million in total.
For better control and launch, precision is guaranteed by having a CG that’s easier to locate. This is all possible thanks to the construction of various materials infused with tungsten.
Unfortunately, no matter how comfortable the urethane microspheres are, the steel shaft still can’t beat graphite when it comes to weight. It still feels heavy for some golfers. Its feedback can be unbearable, too.
Pros:
- Consistent distance
- More speed
- Better control
- Higher accuracy
- Precise performance
Cons:
- Too heavy for some golfers
- Painful feedback
TaylorMade SIM MAX Irons
If the impact of your hits is always in the lower area of the clubhead’s face, the TaylorMade SIM MAX Irons will provide you with maximum forgiveness. They can also make the ball move faster since their face is very flexible with Speed Pocket technology, a special feature that separates the face’s lower half from the iron’s sole to achieve a floating design.
More about the face’s design, it’s thinner than the standard. It’s only 1.5 millimeters thick, which is 17% thinner than other variations from the brand.
Adding to the sturdier options, this golf iron has a steel shaft. It also includes the Speed Bridge support feature for the topline to improve feel, sound, forgiveness, and distance, the ICT for accuracy through the enhanced sweet spot, and the ECHO Damping System which can smoothly transmit energy and reduce vibrations because of its wider coverage.
The ECHO feature isn’t effective enough for some golfers, though. The heavier shaft and stronger feedback of steel irons will always be a big deal for certain players.
When it comes to appearance, some areas wear out easily. A brand-new unit might look overused in just a short amount of time.
Pros:
- Maximum forgiveness
- Faster ball movements
- Sufficient flex
- Sturdy structure
- Better sound
Cons:
- Heavier shaft than graphite irons
- May still provide more feedback than expected
- Worn-out areas
Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Iron Set
The featured head shape of the Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Iron Set totally depends on the specific model you choose. With Mavrik Standard, the shape is moderate to match the preferences of an average golfer. Meanwhile, Max has an extra-large clubhead for power. Lastly, the one specifically designed for professional golfers is obviously Mavrik Pro since it has a compact head for accuracy.
As for the shaft, it’s either steel or graphite, depending on your choice. Additionally, if you choose Mavrik Max, expect a much higher level of forgiveness and launch because of the added depth on its CG and bigger body aside from the larger clubhead.
Whether you’re going for a steel or graphite shaft, the fact remains that this golf iron has urethane microspheres to reduce vibration for comfort as well as to maximize the Coefficient of Restitution (COR) for ball speed.
To help you hold the shaft properly, the grip is made of composite rubber. It’s not ideal for everyone, but it can definitely be replaced without any hassle.
Now, let’s learn more about the iron’s face designed with artificial intelligence. Because of the advanced technology used, the 360 Face Cup is successfully developed to focus on ball speed. It has the right amount of flex to improve spin.
Working perfectly with the Face Cup are the weights infused with tungsten. This ensures precision since the CG is easier to spot, a huge advantage for launch and flight.
Pros:
- Offers multiple options in terms of clubhead shape and shaft material
- Minimal vibrations
- Increased COR
- Enough flex
- High precision
Cons:
- Grip design not good enough for some golfers
TaylorMade Golf P760 Men’s Iron Set
The 3-7 irons of the TaylorMade Golf P760 Men’s Iron Set use a more lightweight SUS630 face, one of the newest designs from the brand. This leads to a much softer feel for comfort, convenience, and performance, especially when it comes to accuracy and speed.
Contributing to the soft feel of the overall structure of this golf iron is the forged body made of carbon steel. Even better, you can choose a sturdier option because of the stiff and extra-stiff variations of this product. As a plus, the entire shaft has a bright silver look that’s simple yet very attractive.
Other features you should know about this golf iron are the precision-engineered construction and SpeedFoam technology for better control and feel.
The disadvantage? This golf iron isn’t perfect since it’s very similar to the previous model. The brand also makes a lot of innovations, which results in a better model in just a few years time, probably even before you can maximize your use of this variation.
Also, these golf irons are smaller than other models, which can be a downside for some golfers. They’re also heavier than graphite irons, hence the possibility of strained arms even with the softer feel.
Pros:
- Lighter face
- Softer feel
- Comes in two steel shaft options in terms of sturdiness
- Attractive minimalist look
- Made for precision
Cons:
- Not recommended for long-term use
- Smaller size
- Heavier than graphite irons
Callaway Golf Men’s Big Bertha Irons Set
Another option featuring the 360 Face Cup system, the Callaway Golf Men’s Big Bertha Irons Set is all about controlled distance. It can help you achieve consistent ball speed so you can be a more precise golfer.
Meanwhile, the body of this golf iron isn’t your ordinary steel shaft. The brand built it with the Big Bertha design to maximize forgiveness for a straighter flight, which is important for accuracy. To be more specific, the body is hollow for a better weighting system.
Regarding the sole, it has a progressive design. In longer shafts, it’s wider to help golfers control their movements. On the other hand, it’s narrower in shorter shafts for accuracy.
The versatility of this product doesn’t end there. Big Bertha also offers a hybrid option so you can adjust it with eight available settings.
Just a heads-up, the face of this golf iron is considered to be smaller than necessary when compared to other irons in stores. This can increase the chances of you making off-center shots every single time.
Consistency might be affected as well by the weight of this golf iron. It’s slightly heavier than expected. The added weight also increases feedback, which is supposedly beneficial but can be painful for beginners, seniors, and handicapped golfers.
Pros:
- Better control
- More distance
- Consistent speed
- Straighter flight
- Progressive design
Cons:
- Smaller clubhead
- Slightly heavy
- Presence of feedback
Square Strike Irons – 7, 8, 9 Irons
With their ability to stop twisting so much, the Square Strike 7, 8, 9 Irons can prevent excessive rotation so you can always find the sweet spot. By concentrating the weight in the toe instead of the heel, this option has more forgiveness even with imperfect shots. It won’t pressure you to exert more power in your arms since control and distance are guaranteed no matter how slow your swing is.
Even as a buyer, you won’t feel pressured while making a decision about this product. It comes with two shaft options, letting you choose between steel and graphite. Also, it’s less likely that you’d replace the grip. The putter-type grip isn’t too thick or thin, making it ideal for most golfers.
More about the higher level of control this golf iron can provide, your swings will be more accurate since the path is going to be straighter. This also contributes to higher launches because of the foolproof impact once the clubhead touches the ball. As a plus, the well-designed edges of the head can prevent digging.
There might be a learning curve with this golf iron, though. Its low-profile design is too shallow even for some experienced golfers. Additionally, there’s not much difference between these 7, 8, and 9 irons. And, the worst part? Some plastic inserts eventually detach from the irons even with minimal use.
Pros:
- Less twisting
- Limited rotation
- Forgiveness even with mishits
- Good performance even with slow swings
- Shaft can be steel or graphite
Cons:
- Learning curve
- No significant difference when comparing the three irons
- Detached inserts
2018 Cobra Golf Men’s King Forged Tec Iron Set
The gorgeous satin black color of the 2018 Cobra Golf Men’s King Forged Tec Iron Set is more than just about aesthetics and uniqueness. It’s specifically called Diamonized Black Metal (DBM) technology, a special kind of finish that can prevent signs of wear and tear for so many years. It can also reduce glare, which is important if you’re out playing during sunny days. DBM aims for overall durability, long-term use, and a more professional appearance.
It goes without saying that the steel shaft of this golf iron isn’t unique at all. However, the grip’s design is quite rare. It contains sensors that can monitor your performance and present extensive data for your analysis and improvement.
Focusing on the face, it’s made of forged stainless steel. It’s very thin but extremely strong, increasing flex for ball speed and distance. Don’t worry about too much vibration; a medallion composed of carbon fiber is added to reduce feedback.
The tungsten weights will also contribute to your performance by placing the CG in a more strategic location for precision and forgiveness.
Despite the dampener for vibrations, the fact remains that this steel golf iron can still provide uncomfortable feedback because of the metal used. There are also lighter options out there if that’s your preference. Some users also noticed a learning curve just to fully benefit from the iron’s forgiveness.
Pros:
- Stunning black finish
- Unique appearance
- Maximum resistance to wear and tear
- Less glare
- Hi-tech sensors
Cons:
- Noticeable feedback
- Not light enough
- Learning curve
Callaway Golf 2020 Rogue X
With the combined 360 Face Cup and VFT of the Callaway Golf 2020 Rogue X, a faster ball is expected no matter which part of the face is hit because of the bigger coverage. As a plus, the combination improves comfort and design.
About the shaft, it can either be steel or graphite. It all depends on your choice. If you want a sturdier iron, pick steel. For a more flexible one, choose the latter.
Meanwhile, the Internal Standing Wave has undergone Metal Injection Molding (MIM) for better control. And, with great control, you can launch the ball higher to achieve distance.
Without affecting ball speed, the urethane microspheres are designed for comfort. They won’t compromise COR as well. You can perform at your best without feeling discomfort afterward.
To sum it all up, this golf iron can ensure distance because of its powerful loft, longer shaft, and lighter structure. It’s a good option if you want to be more competitive.
Unfortunately, some golfers still resort to their older golf clubs. They think it’s kind of difficult to get the hang of using this product.
Pros:
- Faster ball even with off-center shot
- Perfect combination of comfort and style
- Selection of shafts
- Improved control
- Good enough for competitions
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
Wilson Staff Model Utility Men’s
For higher launches, the Wilson Staff Model Utility Men’s golf iron has more weight in the lower half of its clubhead. The added weight is specifically seven grams, enough to increase forgiveness.
With its graphite shaft and hollow body combined, this golf iron can improve distance, flight, and accuracy. It can consistently make your launch angles effective.
We should also highlight the face. The C300 face of this golf iron helps in achieving distance because of higher ball speeds. This is possible since direct contact and powerful impact is guaranteed with the material’s strength.
However, some golfers just can’t play properly with this golf iron. For some reason, they can’t reach 150 yards most of the time. That’s probably due to the minimal feedback of graphite irons. If you prefer stronger vibrations to stay consistent, you need an option with a steel shaft.
Also, the component covering the graphite isn’t durable. It’s breakable, and it might need repair from time to time.
Pros:
- High launches
- More forgiveness
- Better angles
- Faster balls
- Strong face
Cons:
- Inconsistent performance
- Not enough feedback for some golfers
- Flimsy cover for the graphite
TaylorMade Golf M2 Iron Set
Expect a satisfying sound from the TaylorMade Golf M2 Iron Set because of its well-designed face. It specifically uses Face Slot Technology for distance and forgiveness. It’s perfect for first-timers as well as experienced golfers who are training to become pros.
There’s another reason why this golf iron is great for beginners. Working with the Max-Core feature, the CG is extremely low for a much easier experience while playing.
Looking at the steel shaft, one can clearly see that it has excellent quality. What makes it even better appearance-wise is its black grip with a pop of color for a more stylish look. To be more specific, the color is similar to neon green, which gives an edgy appeal.
Steel shafts have their downsides, though. They’re heavier than graphite ones. Their sturdiness also enhances feedback, which can be very uncomfortable.
The strong metal also lacks flex compared to graphite. This can affect distance, although it’s quite effective for accuracy.
Pros:
- Satisfying sound
- Well-designed face
- Great for beginners
- Lower CG placement
- Attractive grip
Cons:
- Heavier steel shaft
- Possibility of uncomfortable feedback
- Not enough flex
LAZRUS Premium Golf Irons
While most options emphasize using stainless steel for their shafts, the LAZRUS Premium Golf Irons specifically feature alloy steel. Despite the extremely durable nature of alloy steel, these irons still have enough flex. They work perfectly with the deep grooves, maintaining precision, control, and winning ball spins. As a plus, alloy steel doesn’t need maintenance and extra-careful handling.
Knowing that this golf iron has superior quality, it’s such a relief that it’s much more affordable than most bestsellers. It’s ideal for a wide range of golfers, especially those who play for recreation or exercise. It’s also perfect for first-time players.
Regarding its disadvantages, this golf iron set has too much flex for some golfers, isn’t fully forged, and doesn’t work well for really tall people.
Pros:
- Stronger type of steel
- Can still flex a lot despite the metal used
- Deep grooves
- Low-maintenance
- Extremely affordable compared to other high-quality options
Cons:
- Too much flex in some situations
- Not completely forged
- Not ideal for much taller people
RAM Golf EZ3 Men’s Iron Set 5-6-7-8-9-PW – Free Hybrid Included
With six items included, the RAM Golf EZ3 Men’s Iron Set is useful for any trajectory or shot. It comes with 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 irons plus a pitching wedge (PW). It’s a full set for people who are always playing golf.
Additionally, a hybrid is included in the set for free. It’s helpful for beginners who are ready to train harder but in a more gradual way.
As for the main components, a cavity back is added to increase convenience and forgiveness. It’s definitely beginner-friendly with its bigger sweet spot and higher MOI.
Meanwhile, steel or graphite is used for the shaft. What’s consistent is that it follows a standard length. Unfortunately, this particular option is currently available for left-handed players only.
Pros:
- Complete set
- Versatile in terms of trajectory or shot
- Comes with a free hybrid
- Easy to use
- Larger sweet spot
Cons:
- Not for right-handed players
How to Choose the Best Golf Irons Ever
Type
Wedge
First of all, let’s discuss why most golf iron sets include wedges. Wedges are technically irons but reserved for certain purposes. Their clubheads should be the heaviest ones in iron sets while their shafts and lofts should be the shortest and highest respectively to stay accurate in short distances, powerful for the green, and helpful on hazards.
Additionally, a wedge has a modified sole to handle thick grass, mud, sand, and other soft surfaces for buried or hard-to-reach balls. It can also be classified as a lob, gap, sand, or pitching wedge to deal with a wide range of situations.
Lob wedges have the highest loft to achieve the highest angle possible for launching, approximately 60 to 70 degrees. They aim for accuracy for short-distance shots and eliminating rolling distance once impact occurs.
Meanwhile, a gap wedge usually has a loft of 52 degrees. It also has a bounce that’s sufficient for normal shots. These benefits are effective for increasing range without getting excessive. The extra-specific purpose of gap wedges makes them rarer. They’re actually one of the newest types of golf irons.
More about the average bounce of gap wedges, it’s helpful for both hard and soft surfaces. Too much bounce and it will be harder to control on hard areas. Not enough bounce and it will be a hassle on thick grass and soft sections.
Another type is the sand wedge. As the name suggests, it’s meant for golf balls landing on sand bunkers and other softer surfaces like mud. It has a slightly higher loft of 56 degrees and a higher 10-degree bounce.
Of course, there has to be a wedge with the lowest loft. It’s none other than the pitching wedge. It aims for distances within the 100- to 125-yard range with its mere 48-degree loft and extreme lack of bounce, which is pretty effective for accuracy.
Short
In a golf iron set, 8 or 9 is what you need if you need something shorter. To be more specific, their shafts are the shortest and their clubheads are the heaviest. This can lead up to 150 yards for every full swing because of the short to medium distance and high angle.
The advantages of short golf irons are also effective for skipping obstacles like trees. They can also add rolling distance.
A lot of golfers think that a short iron is easier to hit than other variations. That sounds reasonable since short irons can be extremely accurate.
Since precision is as important as accuracy, a standard short iron usually has a steel shaft to reduce torque in the clubhead.
Mid
The 5, 6, and 7 golf irons are usually called the medium or mid ones. They aim for longer shots up to 210 yards, making them ideal for hills. They’re the perfect alternative for long irons since they’re easier to use with their higher angle.
Long
The long irons are labeled 2, 3, and 4. Their shafts are the longest ones compared to the short and mid irons, but their lofts are considered the lowest. They aim for much longer distances from 180 to 260 yards because of their lower angle yet straighter path.
Unfortunately, long irons are the hardest ones to master, too. Their face is much smaller than what other golf clubs have, hence a smaller sweet spot as well. However, pros who are pretty accurate with their swings can definitely benefit from the extreme distance guaranteed by this type of iron.
Driving Iron
You can simply say number 1 when referring to this variation, but it’s also referred to as the driving iron. It’s considered to be longer than long irons, proving that it has the greatest length among all the variations.
Of course, the driving iron also has the lowest loft. In fact, it looks sharper, which makes the sweet spot much smaller and harder to locate. That’s why it’s also more difficult to use than long irons. Additionally, it’s the rarest numbered iron.
Construction
Forged
The process behind the construction of each clubhead is such a big deal for experienced golfers. It should, though, since that factor can make or break your game.
A forged golf iron has undergone constant hammering until the target shape is achieved. Usually made of steel, the softened metal is pressed and manipulated more than a hundred times to acquire a solid structure.
Once the clubhead takes shape, the final look is very simple. The sweet spot is always at the center of the face.
That isn’t ideal for beginners, however, since advanced players are the only ones who can hit the middle part most of the time. Pros can absolutely enjoy the superior feel and control of forged irons.
Cast
More common than forged golf irons, the cast type is made by melting a certain metal and molding it to a specific shape. The process is easier than forging, making it possible for manufacturers to create uniquely shaped clubheads efficiently.
Since most cast irons have bigger clubheads, they usually have larger sweet spots, better perimeter weighting, and higher forgiveness for beginners and intermediate golfers.
Hybrid
If you can’t choose between forged and cast golf irons, you can actually find options combining the two variations. The forged part is generally the face for control, distance, and feel while the cast component is the body for forgiveness.
MIM
One of the newest manufacturing processes for clubheads is called MIM or Metal Injection Molding. Tiny parts like titanium weights are contained inside the head, a hi-tech version of perimeter weighting. They’re usually added in cast irons since they need a bigger head for space.
Style
Cavity Back
Highly recommended for beginners and intermediate golfers, cavity back golf irons have a bigger face and thicker sole than blades. That’s why their sweet spot has larger coverage and better weighting, perfect for higher launches and straighter shots.
Muscle Back
Simply called blades, muscle backs feature the original style of golf irons. They have smaller clubheads and thinner soles, which significantly affects weighting and forgiveness. However, some pros actually prefer them more than cavity back irons for feedback and comfort.
Conclusion
If you want to impress everybody on the golf course, we highly recommend the 2018 Cobra Golf Men’s King Forged Tec Iron Set. We can’t get enough of its unique style because of its sleek black surfaces that will also never enhance glare. And, the best part, it’s extremely durable and even hi-tech with its built-in performance tracking sensors.
Aside from choosing between steel and graphite shafts, which is already a given when buying a golf iron, you should pay more attention to the clubhead since it’s more complex than you think and it can greatly affect your performance. After considering the type of iron you need, think harder about the right construction and style for your skill level.