There are many ways for golfers to improve their performance and lower their scores, and getting the best golf irons to suit their game is certainly an important one. Having the right set of irons could make all the difference to your on-course performance as consistent iron play will give you scoring opportunities which could knock strokes off your handicap. Choosing the correct irons is usually quite dependent on handicaps. So if you’re mid or high handicapper, you should probably look towards the best game improvement irons, or some of the most forgiving irons on the market to help your iron play.
Alternatively, if you have a slightly lower handicap then the best compact mid-handicap irons and the best irons for low handicappers might give you a variety of models to consider because they are tailored to the more accomplished ball strikers and give a blend of consistency and feel. Whatever style you’re looking for, you want to feel confident and comfortable with the irons you choose.
Another reason this decision is so important is that a set of irons is one of the most expensive purchases in golf. It can be a minefield trying to make the right decision and knowing how to choose irons and picking incorrectly will cost you a lot of money. However, we are here to help as we've tested lots of different irons from many brands, across a range of abilities to gauge performance. We have then collated our findings into this guide to list the best models in various categories. (For more information on how we test irons, our process is explained towards the bottom of this page).
Best Golf Irons - Best Golf Iron Sets
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The G430 iron adds extra distance without compromising forgiveness or consistency. The feel is solid, lively and approach shots seem easier to execute
The ZX4 is the largest, and most forgiving iron in the ZX Mk II iron range. The slimmer look is more appealing at address and yet it does not sacrifice its distance.
The Hot Metal is a very playable, forgiving distance iron that offers a softer feel and greater stopping power than most among its competitive set.
This is a really classy option in the players' distance category. Phenomenal looks combined with strong performance make the Mizuno Pro 245 a really impressive iron suitable for the masses.
TaylorMade has refined the powerful P790 iron without taking away the performance golfers came to admire. This iron packs a punch for its size and is both predictable and consistent.
The sophisticated look is refreshing and the performance matches. Distance is excellent but the outstanding forgiveness is the real story in the Paradym Ai Smoke iron.
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A really nice, classic set of cavity back irons. No frills, no bold claims, just a well put together, great feeling set of forged irons that combine solid distance with good feel and a hint of forgiveness.
The i230 is an iron that can hit all the shots with a high margin for error given its compact size. Not only that, but it produces a stable feel with good distance and stopping power for competent players.
For good players that want more help on approach shots without sacrificing feel or consistency, the Titleist T150 is a very compelling option.
The 2024 P770 produces a consistent flight through the set and is more visually appealing than the previous model, especially at address in the longer irons.
For the low handicapper, this is one of the best all-round packages we’ve tested in the past few years. Be wary that some may hit the ball too far versus their traditionally lofted set.
An excellent offering in the low handicap, players' cavity space from Ping. The compact head and minimal offset will appeal to the purist and the solidity of strike is unquestionable.
A super powerful and forgiving iron in the game improvement category. On the firmer and clickier end of the spectrum in terms of feel and acoustics, but extremely strong in terms of distance.
This is a long, forgiving iron that makes the task of trying to hit greens an enjoyable one. The Dynapower definitely delivers a satisfying hitting experience.
Cobra has produced a high-performing iron, packed with distance and a surprisingly good feel. The dark finish is also aesthetically pleasing and easy on the eye.
Most Forgiving Irons
Ping G430 Iron
The Ping G430 irons are very playable
When it comes to the most user-friendly irons in the game, many will immediately think of the best Ping irons and the G430 certainly lives up to the brand's reputation.
Ping marketed the G430 as being ‘distance competitive, scoring uncompromised’ and we certainly won't dispute that as the G430 knocked our socks off in testing. The G425 was a terrific iron but for the G430 Ping has made multiple design changes that include a three percent thinner face and a new PUR Flex badge made up of 15 pieces that form seven flexible zones so as to not restrict the bending of the face.
The G430 iron has slightly stronger lofts so as you would expect it goes further than the G425, but there has been no sacrificing of height or stopping power. We think that Ping has done a great job of improving the feel of this iron too - it’s much closer to that of a forged iron that we were expecting - shorter and lower in pitch than most of its competitive set.
Ping has also introduced an extra one degree of bounce on the sole which not only helps to lower the centre of gravity, but also provides a little more insurance on those extreme misses where the club makes contact with the ground too early. This makes it one of the most forgiving irons anywhere on the market.
The forgiveness of this iron and the off-center stability it provides make it ideal for the mid-high handicap golfer or even the better player that just has some issues finding the sweet spot consistently, as it will make you look like a better striker than you actually are.
- Read our full Ping G430 Iron Review
Srixon ZX4 Mk II Iron
The ZX4 Mk II is one of the best game improvement irons out there
Another iron that falls into the forgiveness category is the Srixon ZX4 Mk II, which we also believe is one of the best game improvement irons that money can buy. The reason is because of the way this iron feels, with an energetic, solid, stable yet soft feel being created all at the same time.
The latest ZX4 MkII underwent a significant makeover from the previous version, being slimmed down to make it look less like a hybrid iron while still maintaining the hollow construction that makes it so powerful.
In our testing we felt it was up there with any iron we have tested in the last few years. Srixon will say this is down to the new PureFrame design forged into the body of the iron that the company claims reduces unwanted vibrations. It’s very hard to disagree.
At address, the dimensions are neat and tidy while still inspiring confidence, and we especially liked the lighter finish as it made the head look bigger than it is against the grass. What's more, the consistency of this iron, along with the sensational feel and ample carry distance, was the main reason why we crowned this our overall favorite game improvement iron back in 2023.
Overall, the forgiveness on off-center strikes was excellent and, through the turf, the Tour V.T. sole will help you get out of trouble. Importantly, when not in use, they will sit pretty in your golf bag as the visuals are exceptional.
- Read our full Srixon ZX4 Mk II Iron Review
Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Iron
Mizuno's JPX 923 Hot Metal iron is one of the brand's top irons right now
The Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Iron is perfect for any mid-handicapper looking to add more yards to their game. It's a playable and forgiving iron that delivers excellent distance on long shots and a pleasant feel on shorter ones.
Mizuno's engineers have worked hard to utilise the Swing DNA data collected from its impressive Shaft Optimiser 3D technology to shape the new range of JPX923 irons. They noticed a trend towards more shaft lean being presented to the ball across the handicap spectrum and, as a result, they chose to add some bounce and camber to the sole to improve the turf interaction on offer and ensure better strikes.
Our testing confirmed this and it is one of the better distance irons we've tried this year and it is certainly one of the best Mizuno irons. We were impressed by the high launch and ball flight overall despite the stronger lofts and we found it refreshing to see distance irons spinning close to the 6000rpm mark - it’s no good hitting the ball far with your irons but not be able to stop the ball on the green.
The other thing we loved about this iron was the feel. It doesn’t have that explosive, metalwood like feel you often get from game improvement irons. In fact, it is as close to a forged-like feel as you’re likely to experience in this category, producing a dense sensation at impact and a relatively quiet sound to match.
- Read our full Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Iron Review
Best Players' Distance Irons
Mizuno Pro 245 Iron
The Pro 245 is comfortably the best looking iron of its type
This is a really classy option in the players' distance category. Phenomenal looks combined with strong performance make the Mizuno Pro 245 a really impressive iron suitable for the masses.
While the performance in our testing was excellent, where the Mizuno Pro 245 really sets itself apart from the competition is in looks, feel and sound. There's more to these irons than just the numbers puts up on the launch monitor, for us it was all about the hitting experience. It's a very pleasing club to hit and visually it does not look like a distance iron, in fact it is not too dissimilar in looks to a blade, which is a nice bonus.
Along with the sound, feel and all around pleasantness of the strike, these irons are visually stunning. From the back, it is genuinely difficult to tell them apart from the bladed Pro 241 irons in the family. Along with the aesthetics, when you put the irons down behind the ball, we noticed that it's only a marginally longer blade length and thicker top line. They frame the ball beautifully and offer a very classic profile which is ideal for the more skilled golfer who would like to use a player's iron but just needs that bit of extra help.
- Read our full Mizuno Pro 245 Iron Review
TaylorMade 2023 P790 Iron
The P790 from TaylorMade will suit a wide range of players
This is the fourth generation of the P790, with the main improvement being that all the heads are completely unique with a bespoke amount and position of the tungsten weighting to create something TaylorMade call FLTD CG, or Flighted Center of Gravity. In simple terms, the center of gravity in each head has been optimised to produce the best launch conditions and ball flight. So the CG progresses from being lowest in the long irons to highest in the short irons. This is far from being a new concept, but our testing showed that it produced more predictable ball flights and consistent land angles.
Performance-wise, it feels better than the previous P790 iron and, while it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why or how, a generally more stable and powerful feel is likely the conclusion most testers will come to. This lively feel also translated into above-average distance. It looks stunning in the bag too, with its eye catching classy satin finish.
We feel that this irons will appeal to a broad range of players due to the great blend of distance and forgiveness packed into in a compact clubhead.
- Read our full TaylorMade 2023 P790 Iron Review
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Iron
The distance of the Paradym Ai Smoke is excellent, but the outstanding forgiveness is the real story here
The Ai Smoke irons carry some refinement and sophistication, with the chrome finish providing a premium look and the small carbon effect banner strip on the back that houses the Ai Smoke logo enhancing, rather than detracting, from the looks.
Out of the box, we were immediately impressed with the looks of this iron set and they certainly compare favorably with any of the best callaway irons. Not just in looks either, the performance in testing was extremely impressive too. As with other premium clubs in the Callaway/Odyssey range, these irons were designed using A.I. technology and Callaway took data from many thousands of shots by thousands of golfers to create their most forgiving face yet.
The sound and feel were excellent, and we experienced impressive distance on strikes all across the face, making this an extremely forgiving iron. This took us by surprise somewhat, and whilst obviously the centre of the face yielded the fastest speeds, drop offs were minimal when we didn't flush it and we have to say the overall forgiveness of this iron is outstanding.
- Read our full Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Iron Review
Wilson 2024 Staff Model CB Iron
The CB includes solid distance with good feel and a hint of forgiveness
Wilson have always made great irons and the brand has won more major championships than any other, mostly on the back of their irons. The Model CB boasts a generous cavity, a gleaming chrome finish and some really nicely shaped heads. The profile at address is a perhaps little more rounded than some others on this list, but the look is in keeping with the soft, simple, inoffensive demeanour that these irons embody.
When it comes to performance in our testing, we would say that the Staff Model CB competes alongisde anything we have tested during 2024. Spin rates and launch windows were consistent and the feel is solid and transparent at the same time. Feedback is good as there is no hiding from a mis-hit and you will know exactly where ball met face, but the extra perimeter weighting does offer some corrective qualities so forgiveness is decent.
- Read our full Wilson 2024 Staff Model CB Iron Review
Better Player Irons
Ping i230 Iron
The i230 is one of the best looking irons on the market
When it comes to irons for low-handicap players, perhaps the most complete iron is the Ping i230. It's a versatile, reliable iron that will allow you to hit all manner of shots while delivering an extremely low margin for error given its compact shape. This iron is for flushers only, which is why you will find them in the bag of Tour pros like Stewart Cink and Tyrrell Hatton. If you are a scratch golfer or close to it and you like to shape your irons and value feel and control above forgiveness, then you should certainly take a look at these high-performance clubs.
As you'd expect from this kind of iron, they boast a very slim profile at address that will appeal to the eye of the better player and improve your club delivery. The 431 stainless steel body, shaft tip weight, tungsten toe screw and concealed elastomer help the club to deliver a muscle- style look that helps players zip the ball off the clubface.
While it looks incredible, the i230 also feels fantastic too, combining a lively, stable feel with a muted sound which we absolute could not get get enough of in testing. Even when we made a poor swings the i230 felt responsive through the turf. The distance was good and we loved the trajectory this iron offered. All in all we struggled to find flaws any flaws with this iron and we would unreservedly recommend it as one of the best irons for low handicappers.
- Read our full Ping i230 Iron Review
Titleist T150 Iron
The T150 from Titleist fits nicely in between the Tour used T100 and the more forgiving T200. In our testing it struck the balance perfectly, with the sole and topline noticeably wider and the blade length more generous. In terms of design, there’s a muscle channel behind the face which is filled with a polymer to give it a more lively feel, along with a softer sound.
It's important to point out that the T150 has slightly stronger lofts than you might expect from an iron in this category. This resulted in longer distances but there was no issue stopping the ball quickly so this is an ideal choice for the skilled golfer who maybe needs a little more distance in their iron play. Interestingly, despite being stronger lofted than the T100 we were surprised to note that the T150 actually flew higher so we could be more aggressive in our approach shots.
Our testing also showed that the strike remained consistent in a lot of areas off the face, with the two D18 tungsten weights that sit in the dual cavity behind the bottom portion of the face working their magic in terms of forgiveness. So the T150 offered good stability on off-center strikes and the flight is very strong. Overall, while the T150 is aimed at lower handicap golfers, we feel that most decent players will appreciate the extra size of the T150 as well as the forgiveness on offer.
- Read our full Titleist T150 Iron Review
TaylorMade P770 Iron
An iron with ample forgiveness for the better player
TaylorMade have given the P770 irons a mini makeover in 2024, and we love the new looks. The manufacturers have clearly made an attempt to push the P770 irons a little further down the handicap spectrum, closer towards the new 'player cavity' iron - the P7CB.
Advancements through the accentuated heel and toe tungsten weighting enhance the MOI, and CG locations have been refined to optimize ball flight. They are lower in the longer irons and higher in the shorter ones in order to aid launch and maxmize but control spin levels.
The newly-designed sole is a huge asset, particularly for someone like me whose golf is predominantly played on firm, tight, links turf. The irons also look fabulous, sitting both nicely at address and in the golf bag. During our thorough testing of the P770 irons we were impressed with the consistency across a large testing period - an essential component of the success of this iron.
- Read our full TaylorMade P770 2024 Iron Review
Cobra King Tour Iron
If you are a low handicapper then this is an iron we recommend trying
The Cobra King Tour is one of the best all-round packages we’ve tested this year and we would describe it as one of our absolute favorite irons. It's packed with technology, including a 1025c forged body and a CNC Milled undercut, which improves forgiveness by removing weight from the center and repositioning it to the heel and toe. This really helps to reduce the damage done by off center hits.
Our testing revealed that the feel off the face was livelier than most compact cavity back irons we've tested, while it still delivered a dense, soft feel at impact.
Irons for low handicap golfers tend to not be the most forgiving as the priority for players of a high skill level tends to be workability, but with the Cobra King Tour we noticed surprisingly high forgiveness levels to go with the workability you would expect. It was certainly playable out on the course, producing ample carry when shots were a little thin and we had no problem shaping the ball whichever way we wanted. The margin for error on offer is a bonus while the extra distance will certainly appeal to good players that may have lost a little club speed and distance either due to age or not being able to dedicate enough time to playing and practicing.
- Read our full Cobra King Tour Iron Review
Ping Blueprint S Iron
Ping irons always look spectacular the Blueprint certainly does not disappoint in that area. Behind the ball they look great while the premium aesthetics make them a welcome addition to any golf bag. The dimensions and shape are bang on the money and this iron will really appeal to players who have gamed blades over the years. As you'd expect, the top line is nice and thin while the blade length is compact without being intimidating. In our view they frame the ball beautifully and, crucially, the offset is very minimal, although it does increase gradually as you head up into the longer irons.
In terms of the performance, we have no complaints. The feel is on the firmer end of the spectrum but is by no means offensive and some golfers may prefer that anyway rather than the soft feel of some other blades. When it comes to feedback of strike we would say that it was easy to tell when we missed the center, but this is not a negative as better players tend to crave this feedback as long as it isn’t punished too harshly in performance - which it isn't.
- Read our full Ping Blueprint S Iron Review
Best Distance Irons
TaylorMade Qi Iron
This is one of the best looking distance irons on the market
TaylorMade must have been happy with what they produced with the Stealth irons as aesthetically very little has changed in this new model. The only slight alterations are that the Qi irons feature an ever so slightly bigger badge on the back plus a little more chrome, but other than that there is very little change perceptible to the naked eye. That isn't intended as a criticism though as we loved how elegant and aspirational the previous model was.
Performance-wise, the main standout for us in testing was the speed. The ball positively zips off the face at an almost alarming velocity, and this unsurprisingly shows in the distance achieved. It should also be noted that the spin numbers were on the lower end of the scale and this was especially noticeable in the longer irons. What this means is that you will achieve extra distance, but despite the launch being fairly generous stopping power is limited when hitting into greens. For golfers who need distance and like to run the ball up onto the green rather than fly it all the way, these irons will be just the ticket.
- Read our full TaylorMade Qi Iron Review
Wilson Dynapower Iron
One of the longest models we have tested
Wilson make some of the most forgiving drivers and irons on the market, with their latest offering coming in the form of the Dynapower, which packs a real punch and is one of the longest irons we have tried. This is partly because of the strong lofts but there are stronger lofted irons in this category, so the technology certainly plays a part in the increased distance.
They are extremely forgiving too, and this forgiveness has been achieved by the use of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to optimise the face architecture and reconfigure the Power Holes 3.0 on the sole. Dynapower has been specifically designed to make the center and toe sections of the club faster as Wilson's research informed them this is where 85 per cent of 10+ handicap players strike most of their shots.
Our testing confirmed all of the above. Dynapower certainly felt faster than most irons on the market, with an almost metallic, metalwood-like feel translating into superb power that leaves you itching to hit another shot. When you connect well from the center it feels like the ball has been fired from a cannon, while if you do miss the sweet spot you will still achieve similar distances, making this one of the more forgiving irons on the list.
- Read our full Wilson Dynapower Iron Review
Cobra Darkspeed Iron
The Darkspeed has well proportioned and shaped club heads with plenty of power
While looks are subjective and not everyone will agree, we feel that the charcoal finish of the Darkspeed looks really sleek and sophisticated and the aesthetic really stands out compared to other irons in this category. We love the look of these irons both in the bag and behind the ball. The way this club sits at address will appeal to a wide range of golfers, with the lovely soft curves and minimal offset really setting this iron apart from the competition. The top line is fairly thick but doesn't appear that way as the dark colorway does a good job of minimizing that thickness, giving this the look of an iron that could be used by more skilled players. It is very much a distance iron though, with the exceptionally strong lofts giving a powerful flight and exceptional distance.
In terms of the tech, the Darkspeed iron is filled with a lighter foam material than the Aerojet iron it is replacing in the Cobra range, and we think these changes internally within the clubhead have created an exceptionally good feel. In testing, the flight was strong and while the strong lofts meant the spin levels were relatively low, there was still plenty of stopping power. Forgiveness was excellent too, as any off center shots retained a really good level of ball speed which we found to be a real positive too. In short, this is one of the best irons we've tested in 2024.
- Read our full Cobra Darkspeed Iron Review
How we test golf irons
Our testing and rating procedure for golf irons is built upon a comprehensive process combined with the knowledge and expertise of the Golf Monthly test team. Before testing, the team will usually attend product launches whenever possible so we can meet with the manufacturer's R&D experts to understand the new technology and how it differs from the previous model.
As for testing, we will generally head indoors first to try the irons in a controlled environment. This usually takes place on an indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, with premium balls and the GCQuad launch monitor. Our outside testing normally takes place at West Hill Golf Club, a course with top-notch practice facilities.
We believe that it is essential to do both indoor and outdoor testing to ensure that the irons have been comprehensively put to the test in different conditions. We should also stress that manufacturers cannot pay for a good review and our conclusions come from the testing and our experiences of using the product. We strive to give the best reviews possible so you can get a greater understanding of the irons themselves and make a more informed choice when it comes to buying.
How to choose the best golf irons
As you can tell from the extensive lists above, the market for golf irons is crowded and confusing and we understand that choosing the most suitable iron for your game can be a minefield. Hopefully, this piece has given you an idea of what the best options are out there for you right now, but if you are still unsure then here is a little more advice to assist you in your quest to find the best golf iron for your game.
Your Handicap And Ability
The most important first step is understanding which type of iron best suits your game. Once you know that, you can start to narrow down your choices. This is not a hard and fast rule and there will be exceptions to it, but generally speaking higher handicappers tend to use cavity back irons that offer maximum forgiveness in a larger iron head, while mid-low handicappers tend to use more bladed irons that are forged, offer more feel and control but with less focus on forgiveness.
You will know better than anybody how good, bad or indifferent your ball striking tends to be, so be honest with yourself and make sure you invest in a set of irons that matches where your game is at now, rather than where you hope it will end up. If you improve and outgrow your high handicap irons you can always upgrade to something for a more skilled player, but wait until your game is at that level. We have great guides that go into more detail on this, so check out our guide on the most forgiving irons if you're a higher handicapper and our guide on the best irons for mid-handicappers.
Price
Ts always, price will be a major factor in any decision of what irons to go for. As you'll have seen in this list, the price can vary quite dramatically between brands and models. Typically, for a set of cavity back irons - those that provide most distance and forgiveness - you'll be looking between $600-$800 for a set of seven irons.
This will fluctuate between brands, and we've highlighted in this list the ones we think give the best value for money in this category. The price jumps quite significantly when looking at the forged and bladed options - up to and above $1000 - but this is par for the course and you'll be getting a high quality, premium product in return.
Custom Fit
This is probably the most essential part of the iron buying process, no matter the irons you're after or how good you are at the game. A custom fit session will make sure you get the right flex and length of shaft, correct lie angle and correct iron head for your game, meaning you'll finish with the best golf clubs that are as suitable as possible for you out on course.
Custom fits can be a daunting process if you're a true beginner or you aren't that confident hitting golf balls in front of people, but they're a vital part of the club buying process. We recommend having a shortlist of three or four iron heads you like the look of before entering a custom fit and then whittling them down to the best for your game during the custom fit process. Custom fits are provided by a number of golf retailers or club professionals at your local golf club.
FAQs
What are the top rated irons in golf?
When it comes to deciding the top rated irons in golf, this depends on what kind of iron you are looking for and what level of golfer you are. The top rated iron for a single figure player is not the same as one for a higher handicap player. This is why in our best golf irons guide we have included sections for a variety of players, and from a variety of brands.
Which irons does Tiger Woods use?
Tiger Woods uses a set of TaylorMade P7TW Prototype irons. These go from four-iron down to the pitching wedge. In a Golf.com article about the irons it said; "Woods has the tungsten positioned in each club to produce a specific combination of flight, feel and control he’s come to rely on over the years. One interesting nugget is that the CG in Woods’ set actually progresses toe-ward in the short irons." The main difference between the P7TW's and the popular P730's is the milled grind sole and it was the first iron time the company has used the same CNC milling process on something other than a wedge. All of his irons are fitted with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts.
What is the easiest golf iron to use?
The easiest model of golf iron is hard to be specific about given every golfer is different, but we can say that there are specific irons on the market which are designed to be as easy to hit as possible. For example some of the most forgiving irons on the market are the Ping G430, Srixon ZX4 Mk II, Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal, Titleist T400, Callaway Paradym X and TaylorMade Stealth irons.
Does Ping make good irons?
The simple answer here is yes. We have tested many Ping irons over the years and the performance is always right up there with the best in the market. Importantly Ping makes irons for every level of player as well, ranging from the super forgiving G430, all the way to the Blueprint iron which is aimed at the most prolific of ball strikers. We are confident there is a Ping iron for every golfer out there as a result.
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