Looking for an affordable iron that can amp up your game as a golfer? You’ve come to the right place for we’re going to introduce some of the best golf irons for the money.
Before we talk about the first product, keep in mind that we’re not just going to focus on very cheap golf irons. The price range we’ve considered also includes slightly more expensive options that some people can afford to guarantee a wide variety of choices. Additionally, considering the fact that a lot of golfers prefer buying iron sets, we won’t focus too much on individual irons.
Regardless of the type of golf iron, here are the best options you can buy in stores without breaking the bank.
Table of Contents
Best Golf Irons for the Money Review
Cleveland Golf 2018 Men’s Launcher CBX Iron Set
With its ability to enhance your control in terms of distance and the overall feel, the Cleveland Golf 2018 Men’s Launcher CBX Iron Set is all about balance for general convenience and comfort. This is entirely possible because of the transfer of weight into the section where impact often occurs.
The weight shouldn’t be within the area of the hosel if you need significant improvement on the feel for maximum control. The point of the aforementioned technology is to avoid the hosel when it comes to weighting.
Let’s proceed to the external features you can clearly see right away. The Launcher Cup Face focuses on ball flight. It aims to increase the speed of each golf ball you hit no matter where the impact is on the surface. This results in greater distances most of the time, which is very helpful for golfers who still need more forgiving clubs.
The clubhead also includes these features: the Tour Zip grooves and double laser-milled face for consistent ball spins and the V sole with a progressive design for higher forgiveness.
As expected, there are some disadvantages since this golf iron set is designed for a specific group of golfers. First off, the offset is too low for most slicers. The spin is also too slow for some shots. Lastly, some players aren’t impressed with the grooves since they haven’t noticed a significant improvement in their performance.
Pros:
- Enhanced control
- Greater distances
- Better feel
- Higher ball speed
- High forgiveness
Cons:
- Not recommended for slicers
- Ineffective for shots that require faster ball spins
- Unsatisfying design of the grooves
Callaway X HOT Iron Set
Designed to stay long and high-speed with maximum forgiveness, the Callaway X HOT Iron Set is a must-have for most golfers. It can increase the distance and speed of every golf ball you use. This leads to fewer strokes each round since the ball remains much closer to the hole with every shot you make.
With the slight heaviness of the clubhead regardless of the shaft’s material, you don’t need to exert too much force in your swings just to enhance the impact between the golf ball and the face. Whether your swing is slower or faster, expect a satisfying feel and sound upon direct contact with the ball.
Speaking of the material used for the shaft, you have two choices with this product. You can choose between steel or graphite.
Because of the overall design of these golf irons, which is geared toward average golfers, there’s nothing too special about them for enthusiasts and pros. They’re somewhere in the middle since they’re neither too good nor too bad. On the bright side, consistency is more likely to happen.
Compared to golf irons using more advanced cup face and speed slot technologies, this product isn’t long enough. However, it can still ensure precision since it has a nice loft.
If you choose this golf iron set, make sure to count the clubs as soon as you receive it. Some buyers have complained about their incomplete set because of one missing iron.
Pros:
- Longer distance
- Faster ball speed
- Maximum forgiveness
- Satisfying sound
- Simple color yet trendy details
Cons:
- Lacks hi-tech features
- Not long enough
- Possibility of a missing iron
Cleveland Golf Men’s Launcher HB Iron Set
Focusing on more effortless swings by enhancing forgiveness, the Cleveland Golf Men’s Launcher HB Iron Set can help you stay accurate with your shots and keep on achieving longer distances. It’s ideal for high handicappers.
The main reason why these golf irons are very forgiving is the hollowness of their clubhead’s construction. A hollow head has better weighting for certain golfers. To be more specific, the weight is deeper and closer to the edges, which is effective for stability and moment of inertia (MOI). This increases consistency in terms of distance and speed even with off-center hits.
While the entire clubhead is hollow, the face is extremely strong with its heavy-duty steel material. Surprisingly, it’s actually thinner than expected, which is great for increased flex upon direct contact to achieve a longer distance. The thin structure of the face also contributes to perimeter weighting.
Unfortunately, since the grips aren’t ideal for heavier swing weights, you might have no choice but to buy a replacement. Also, some users can’t notice significant differences from the older versions of this model despite the higher price. And, if there’s indeed a difference in some situations, the change might not be for the better due to the shorter distance caused by the lighter structure.
Pros:
- Effortless swings
- High accuracy
- Hollow construction
- Perimeter weighting
- Stable structure
Cons:
- Uncomfortable grip
- More expensive but not too different than previous versions
- Too lightweight for some golfers
STRATA Women’s Golf Packaged Set
If you’re looking for something more feminine in terms of appearance, we recommend the STRATA Women’s Golf Packaged Set. It comes in four color options: pink, gold, purple, and teal. Other selections include the right- or left-hand orientation and the number of pieces: 11, 14, 16, or 16 Tour.
Unlike the first three options on this list of products, this set offers a variety of golf clubs and extra items, not just irons. For example, the 11-piece set includes 7 to 9 irons as well as a sand wedge, 5 hybrid, putter, 1 and 5 woods, three clubhead covers, and a stand bag.
Now, let’s focus on the quality of the golf clubs in this set. We’re going to start with the irons, of course. Including the sand wedge, the irons are made of stainless steel for control without compromising forgiveness.
Meanwhile, the woods prioritize distance, the mallet putter has an alignment guide for accuracy, and the stand bag includes a backpack strap, rain hood, cooler compartment, and five pockets.
Some buyers don’t like the fact that the bonus items are added to the total count, though. They expect 11, 14, or 16 pieces of golf clubs, which results in regretful purchases.
These golf clubs aren’t ideal for some players, too. Their design isn’t versatile enough for most handicaps.
The durability of the golf irons is a concern as well. Their clubhead and shaft can separate from each other after a swing despite proper use.
Pros:
- Feminine look
- Lots of options for different preferences
- Complete golf club set
- Combination of better control and higher forgiveness
- Helpful additional items
Cons:
- Misleading quantity
- Not versatile enough
- Broken hosel between the clubhead and shaft
Callaway Golf Men’s Big Bertha Iron Set
To ensure high forgiveness, the Callaway Golf Men’s Big Bertha Iron Set gives absolute importance to strategic weighting by having a hollow clubhead. That’s why it can keep ball trajectories straighter and higher.
Meanwhile, the combination of the Internal Standing Wave and the 360 Face Cup makes these golf irons effective for faster ball speeds regardless of the impact’s position on the face. This can significantly improve distance.
Another progressive option, this product offers different sole widths. The narrower sole is for accuracy while the wider one is for forgiveness.
As for the shaft, it comes in various choices. The available options have a specific set of advantages, but they’re all containing the advanced Big Berta system.
Other things you need to know about these golf irons are their Regular flex, left-hand orientation, graphite shaft, shiny black finish, red and silver color accents, sophisticated outlines, and cool logo on the clubhead.
If you’re uncomfortable with long irons, this set can have hybrids instead. Each hybrid is adjustable because of the eight settings provided by the hosel.
Even though these golf irons are designed to have higher forgiveness, their face is too small compared to the standard size. This increases the chances of total mishits.
And, if you’re used to lightweight golf irons, this particular option is a bit heavier. It can affect consistency. It can also stop you from reaching maximum distances since the difference is usually five yards only or less.
Pros:
- Strategic weighting
- Straighter path
- Shaft options
- Hybrid version
- Sophisticated look
Cons:
- Very small face
- Slightly heavy
- Inconsistent play
RAM Golf EZ3 Men’s Iron Set 5-6-7-8-9-PW – Free Hybrid Included
Allowing you to experiment with different techniques on the golf course, the RAM Golf EZ3 Men’s Iron Set is great for advanced players. It includes six items: 5 to 9 irons and the pitching wedge.
Each iron has a cavity back to increase forgiveness, especially for golfers who are still trying to master their shots. Cavity backs are known for their special structure that can enhance MOI and sweet spot.
If you’re going to choose a steel shaft over the graphite one, you can be more accurate as a golfer consistently. On the other hand, with a graphite shaft, you’re more likely to feel comfortable while swinging because of the lighter weight.
These are the additional details you should know regarding this golf iron set: Regular flex, right-hand orientation, stainless steel clubhead, standard-length shaft, rubber grip, silver, black, and blue color combination, and a bonus 4 hybrid just in case you don’t want to use long irons.
While these golf irons are excellent for beginners, the highly experienced players aren’t very satisfied with this set. They tend to prefer irons that will just boost their already-enhanced skills.
The worse issue, however, has something to do with durability. The clubhead can be deformed by constant impact, which significantly lowers the entire set’s chances of becoming a good long-term product. It can ultimately detach from the shaft as well, forcing you to spend more money on a brand-new one before you can even maximize the set.
Pros:
- Versatile for different shots
- Recommended for beginners
- Enhanced sweet spot
- Good performance regardless of the shaft’s material
- Free hybrid
Cons:
- Not ideal for low handicappers
- Deformed clubhead
- Detached clubhead
TaylorMade SIM MAX OS Irons, Graphite Shaft
Forgiveness is increased with any TaylorMade SIM MAX OS Iron because of the user-friendly form of its clubhead. Its sole is wider while the face is bigger to enhance stability.
Since the sole is designed to be wider than the standard, these golf irons generally have low CG or center of gravity. The hosel is lightweight and the face is much thinner as well to achieve lower CG than other options for higher launches.
Now, to the two speed-centered features: the Speed Bridge and the Speed Pocket systems. The first one is mainly for better feel and sound to increase forgiveness and distance through topline support while the latter is for lower strikes on the face through increased flex.
The rest of the features include the ECHO Damping System to minimize vibrations, the color combination of titanium, blue, and black, the variety of patterns and textures on the clubhead, right-hand orientation, graphite shaft, and Regular flex.
Unfortunately, with this product, there are limited options for different preferences. It might not exceed some of your expectations if you won’t check its features and specs first.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly shape of the clubhead
- High stability from the face
- Low CG
- Higher launches
- Better sound
Cons:
- Limited choices for specific preferences
Callaway Golf 2020 Rogue X Iron Sets and Combo Sets
Specifically designed to reach maximum distance for every golf ball you hit, the Callaway Golf 2020 Rogue X Iron Set promotes longer shafts, lighter structures, and more powerful lofts. It combines Variable Face Thickness (VFT) and 360 Face Cup systems to help you achieve faster golf balls no matter where the impact is on the surface.
Looking deeper into the structure of each alloy steel clubhead, it contains urethane microspheres to improve the feel. The whole thing works while maintaining ball speed and coefficient of restitution (COR).
More about the interior of the clubheads, its Internal Standing Wave is designed through Metal Injection Molding (MIM). This is important for control and ball trajectory.
Additional information about these golf irons includes the right-hand orientation, the choice between steel and graphite shafts, the flex selections namely Regular, Light and Stiff, the availability of the combo set option with 4 and 5 hybrids, the 20-degree loft, and the black and silver color combination with gray and teal accents.
Still, this advanced golf iron set can’t beat the quality and design of some older models from different brands. But, that’s mostly because of the personal preferences of various types of golfers. This product can also introduce a steep learning curve.
Because of the combo option being highlighted, a lot of buyers get confused during purchase. They tend to buy the mixed one with hybrids instead of the pure iron set.
Pros:
- Longer shaft
- Lighter structure
- More powerful loft
- Improved feel
- Hybrid option
Cons:
- Some users prefer older versions
- Steep learning curve
- Confusing buying process
Callaway Men’s X2 Hot Pro Individual Iron
Highlighting the fact that it has an extremely thin face, the Callaway Men’s X2 Hot Pro Individual Iron is all about having an enlarged sweet spot through its minimal surface thickness to become much more forgiving, especially for beginners and high handicappers. Since feel and MOI can significantly affect forgiveness as well, this golf iron also includes a low mass bar at the center of its clubhead.
If you prefer short irons, you should know that this product promotes less offset. This ensures better control of your shots so you can be more consistent on the golf course.
When it comes to style, this golf iron looks simple yet eye-catching. Its clubhead is mostly black, but it actually has a small pop of color to creatively emphasize the logo.
Despite being beginner-friendly, it’s possible that this golf iron comes with a slight learning curve. Don’t worry; most users get the hang of it after a single round.
While this product is a practical choice for some golfers, those who need multiple golf irons might be better off with a slightly more expensive yet still-affordable set. And, for people who are particular about style, this option looks too similar to standard irons. If you want something bolder in appearance, you can find more unique designs in stores.
Pros:
- Significantly thinner face
- Enlarged sweet spot
- Excellent short irons
- Simple design
- Practical option
Cons:
- Slight learning curve
- Not an iron set
- Common look
TaylorMade Golf M2 Iron Set
Using advanced technologies to maximize the standard features of traditional golf irons, the TaylorMade Golf M2 Iron Set is ideal for most golfers regardless of their handicap, age, and gender.
The most highlighted feature of each golf iron is the Geocoustic engineering added into its clubhead. Geocoustic (geometry + acoustic) obviously has something to do with the shape and sound of the iron. To be more specific, these irons are carefully shaped and constructed to sound better upon impact, which is crucial when you’re analyzing the quality of your shots.
Other features we should mention are the thin topline, shallow blade, compact shape, Face Slot for speedier toe and heel shots, Speed Pocket for lower hits yet higher launches, and fluted hosel for lower CG. As for the specifications, the shaft is either graphite M2 REAX or steel FST REAX HL 88, which is then connected to the 47-gram ribbed TM dual-feel grip.
This golf set is a seven-piece product, which includes 4 to 9 irons and a pitching wedge. It doesn’t include other types of clubs at all since it’s meant for people specifically looking for irons. Fortunately, users have no significant complaints at all about its quality.
However, we should let you know that the quantity of items is wrong sometimes. It can definitely be a hassle, but it’s not a common thing.
Pros:
- Hi-tech features
- Great for most golfers
- Excellent sound
- Helps you evaluate your shots easier
- No unnecessary items
Cons:
- Wrong number of irons
Wilson Golf- Staff D200 Combo Irons (7 Club Set)
With a hybrid and a pitching wedge, the Wilson Golf- Staff D200 Combo 7-Club Set is a versatile product. Despite the variety of items included in this set, all of them have a unique metallic finish and a nice 3D effect for their sophisticated logo.
To help you maintain high-speed swings without forcing you to exert more effort, these golf irons are made with Right Light Technology. They can easily increase distance.
The other two specific technologies integrated into this product are the speed sole and the weight pods. The Speed Sole system features a very thin face to make the sweet spot bigger. Meanwhile, the weight pods are for the toe and heel to achieve perimeter weighting and enhance forgiveness.
Regarding the shaft, it has an interesting flex. It has a “Uniflex” design, which is unique yet created for most golfers. It’s technically a combination of Regular and Stiff flexes for a more balanced result.
If you’re a high handicapper, however, you might encounter a little challenge with the heavier weight of the clubhead. The face is quite thin, but it still doesn’t change the fact that it can be heavier than what other golf irons have.
Pros:
- Versatile option
- Unique finish
- Sophisticated look
- Consistently fast swings
- Balanced shaft
Cons:
- Slightly heavier clubhead
LAZRUS Premium Golf Irons
Despite their similarity to other high-quality options from different brands, the LAZRUS Premium Golf Irons are much cheaper yet still have well-designed features. Their average price is only a quarter of the usual cost of world-class irons. That’s why more and more golfers are choosing this product.
Helping budget-conscious golfers find the perfect iron for their skill level, this option can be purchased individually or in a set. The set comes with either two or seven items while the individual options are irons 1 to 9 and a pitching wedge.
Looking totally expensive, these golf irons have a cool modern look because of their light metallic surfaces and bright blue color accent. Their details are also eye-catching, especially the trendy design of the circular brand logo. As a plus, their grooves have a deeper carve to improve ball spin.
Some users don’t like the flex, though. They think it’s too soft, resulting in a wobbly clubhead upon impact. This must be the reason why golfers who have fast swings can’t perform well with this product, too.
There’s also an issue with the claim that these golf irons are forged. Some users have noticed that they’re not completely forged after all.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Lots of options
- Modern style
- Deeper grooves for better ball spin
- Recommended for younger golfers
Cons:
- Too soft for some golfers
- Not recommended for naturally fast swings
- Not totally forged
How to Choose Good Golf Irons for the Money
Individual
1 Iron
The best way to save money is by purchasing the only golf iron you need unless you need a full set or you’re lacking multiple irons. However, choosing only one iron can be very challenging since you have to make sure it fits your preferences. To help you pick the right iron for yourself or someone you know, we’re going to make you understand the purpose of each type as well as its disadvantages.
First, let’s talk about the 1 iron. We don’t recommend it at all since it’s the most difficult one with its blade shaped like a dull knife, which is almost impossible to hit. Besides, it’s widely considered to be obsolete nowadays because of its rarity and the preference of most golfers to use something easier.
2 Iron
Without considering 1 irons, 2 irons are the most difficult ones that are still popular for low handicappers or even pros like Tiger Woods. The main reason why they’re still in demand is their sufficient flex and similarity to 1 irons performance-wise despite their bigger size. They’re perfect for drives on short holes and excellent shots during windy weather. And, compared to hybrids, their weighting is so effective for advanced players to maintain winning ball speeds.
3 Iron
Usually compared to 2 irons since they’re extremely difficult for most golfers, 3 irons are known to be much more forgiving. A lot of low handicappers and even mid handicappers find 3 irons easier to handle for a variety of shots.
When it comes to performance, though, 2 irons will always be superior in terms of distance and versatility. No wonder they’re more preferred by several world-class golfers than 3 irons.
4 Iron
There are two types generally compared to 4 irons: the 3 and 5. Both 3 and 4 irons are categorized as long irons while 5 is technically mid. As a long iron, 4 has less loft but with a longer shaft than 5. Meanwhile, its loft and shaft are higher and shorter than 3.
5 Iron
Commonly known as the most difficult one to use among mid irons, the 5 iron has a very thin clubhead usually made of high-strength metal. It’s great for rough, semi-rough, and fairway shots. It can maintain stable trajectories by keeping the flight low even when the shot is from an elevated surface.
Perfect use of the 5 iron is great for a longer approach. It can increase control since its face is thicker than 1 to 4 irons. It can still be challenging to master, though, especially if you have to be on much thicker rough. That’s why a 5 hybrid is generally used as an alternative.
6 Iron
Ideal for mid handicappers, 6 irons are very easy to use as long as you’re experienced enough as a golfer. They perform a lot better than irons designed for high handicappers while providing enough forgiveness for an intermediate player.
7 Iron
Even though 7 irons are under mid classification, they can be great for beginners with a natural talent for golf. Their loft is within 29 to 33 degrees, making them more versatile for different types of shots. They’re effective for shots under or over the trees as well as those that need to bounce more to finally reach the green.
Short Irons
The short irons are composed of 8 and 9. Their clubheads and shafts are known to be the biggest and shortest consecutively. They also have the highest loft, which is crucial for obstacles like trees. Collectively, they’re the easiest to use, which is a must for beginners and high handicappers.
Wedge
Why do individual golf iron products include options like pitching and approach wedges? A wedge is actually a type of iron. It has the highest loft, which is why it’s commonly used near hazards. It’s all about extreme shots, making it essential for special situations on any golf course. No wonder it’s always included in iron sets.
Set
Quantity
The maximum number per golf iron set is usually nine, which makes total sense since irons can be numbered 1 to 9 or 2 to 9 plus a wedge. Meanwhile, if you’re going to choose a golf club set, the number of items can go up to 16 since clubs come in many types like woods and hybrids.
Variety
Sets come in either full irons or a combination of different golf clubs. Unfortunately, a lot of iron sets don’t come with free clubhead covers, not even a stand bag.
On the other hand, golf club sets are always packed, even with unexpected items like rain hoods and insulation pockets. The downside? They generally have a couple of irons only.
Conclusion
If you’re really looking for something more affordable, we highly recommend the LAZRUS Premium Golf Irons. You can choose to either buy a set or a single option, which is perfect since you can be more flexible with your budget. Despite the low price of this entire product, it can still reach the level of world-class irons because each club is constructed through an excellent manufacturing process.
Since budget is the most important factor whenever a person searches for the best golf irons for the money, we suggest thinking about whether to buy an individual iron or set first before anything else. You should focus on what you really need in the meantime to avoid spending a lot of money on just one purchase.