OUR JOB IS YOUR GAME
Game-improvement irons appeal to a lot of golfers with their blend of distance and forgiveness. Some of you might lean towards the distance side of performance. Others, the forgiveness side.
At MyGolfSpy, our mission is to get the best equipment for you. Here are our recommendations for the 2022 best Game-Improvement Irons.
For our 2022 Game-Improvement Iron test, we’ve focused on models added to the market since our last test. As will become standard practice, we’ve also included the winner of last year’s test.
MOST WANTED SCORING
We have reformulated our 2022 Most Wanted results to a 100-point scoring system. This new system better identifies golf clubs to potentially help you shoot lower scores.
For game-improvement irons, we’ve split our key metrics into three categories: accuracy, forgiveness, and distance. Each category is weighted through proprietary methodologies.
Accuracy
The accuracy category plays a vital role in every iron category. Our accuracy score is determined strictly by Strokes Gained.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a measure of consistency. We believe it holds equal value with distance in the game-improvement iron category. As such, our forgiveness metric seeks to identify the clubs that provide the most consistent result. Note: “Consistent” doesn’t always mean “consistently good.” Our forgiveness metrics include:
- Ball speed consistency
- Spin consistency
- Carry consistency
- Dispersion area
Distance
In this category, we know distance is a big motivating factor so we’ve increased our emphasis on distance in this category. Our distance metrics are simple:
- Carry distance
- Total distance
BEST GAME-IMPROVEMENT IRONS OVERALL
Top of the Board
- Backed by an impressive accuracy score, TaylorMade Stealth tis our 2022 Most Wanted Game-Improvement Iron.
- Proto Concept’s C07 is runner-up.
- Titleist T300 gains third place with a solid performance across all three metrics.
BEST GAME-IMPROVEMENT IRONS FOR DISTANCE
TOP PICKS: COBRA KING LTDX, CALLAWAY ROGUE ST MAX, COBRA KING FORGED TEC X
- COBRA KING LTDx is the best for distance.
- Coming in second, Callaway Rogue ST Max.
- Finishing third, COBRA KING Forged Tec X stakes its claim.
- TaylorMade Stealth combines its best for accuracy with a fourth-place ranking for distance.
- Titleist T300 rounds out the top five.
BEST GAME-IMPROVEMENT IRONS FOR FORGIVENESS
TOP PICKS: PROTO CONCEPT C07, MIZUNO JPX 921 HOT METAL, FOURTEEN PC-3
- Proto Concept C07 the best for forgiveness.
- In second, Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal, our 2021 Most Wanted Game Improvement Iron.
- Rounding out the top three is Fourteen PC-3.
- XXIO X breaks into the top five with a fourth-place ranking.
- Titleist T300 again completes the top five.
BEST GAME-IMPROVEMENT IRONS FOR ACCURACY
TOP PICKS: TAYLORMADE STEALTH, PROTO CONCEPT C07, FOURTEEN PC-3
- TaylorMade Stealth is the clear-cut best for accuracy.
- Proto Concept C07 combines an impressive forgiveness ranking with a great accuracy ranking.
- Fourteen PC-3 also has a great blend of forgiveness and accuracy.
- Tilteist T300 ranks fourth for accuracy.
- XXIO X rounds out the top five and adds to its solid forgiveness ranking.
BUYING CONSIDERATIONS
Performance should be your primary concern when buying new irons but there are additional things you may want to think about before you make your decision.
SET MAKE-UP
In the game-improvement iron category, there is a much wider set make-up composition. You can see 4-PW or 5-PW, GW, SW. It all depends on the OEM. For most, that’s not a bad place to start but it’s worth mentioning that some golfers will be better served by replacing the 4-iron with a hybrid or high-lofted fairway wood. Likewise, golfers looking for greater versatility around the green should consider passing on the set-matched pitching wedge in favor of a specialty wedge (e.g., Vokey, MG3, PING Glide Forge Pro, etc.).
SHAFT SELECTION
Being properly fitted can greatly increase the likelihood of proper shaft selection. Nowadays, most manufacturers offer a solid shaft selection at no up-charge. Take full advantage of this piece of the puzzle. Some off-the-rack shaft options are great. However, getting dialed in with the proper shaft can enhance launch conditions, consistency and dispersion.
DISTANCE AND FORGIVENESS
No surprise. Distance will most always take precedence over forgiveness. Should it? What if the distance you are gaining isn’t efficient distance? Sure, the distance is there but is the spin sufficient to hold the green? Is the descent angle steep enough? These are questions you need to ask yourself when chasing distance.
Forgiveness and consistency go hand in hand. Here at MyGolfSpy, our job is your game. Finding a game-improvement iron that offers distance isn’t an issue. Finding one that offers consistent, playable distance is the Holy Grail.
2022 BEST DISTANCE
COBRA KING LTDx's distance is undeniable. It was the longest iron across the board. If distance is your goal, this is worth consideration.
COST
Traditionally, game-improvement iron pricing is more consumer-friendly. But we live in an ever-changing world. The 2022 Most Wanted Winner, TaylorMade Stealth, comes in at $999.99 for a seven-piece set. Our runner-up and best for forgiveness, Proto Concept C07, can run you $320-$370 per head. Yes, per head. Tour Edge Exotics E722 prices out at $100 per club. For the Game Improvement Category, you have a wide range of price points.
2021 MOST WANTED GAME IMPROVEMENT IRON
In 2021, Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal captured the title of 2021 Most Wanted Game Improvement Iron. This year, it did not succeed in reclaiming the title. However, it held its own against newcomers. It was 2nd for forgiveness, which helped propel it to 5th place overall in this year's test.
FIELD NOTES
During each test, we look for trends that provide us with insight into where the market as a whole is moving as well as what noteworthy changes manufacturers have made to improve year-to-year performance. Additionally, we solicit feedback from our testers. We want to understand what they liked, what they didn’t like and why. Although we obtain their feedback, their subjective opinions do not influence, dictate or determine our testing rankings.
Trends and Tweaks
- Tungsten weighting continues to be an intricate technology piece. Titleist T300, Callaway Rogue ST Max, and COBRA KING Forged Tec X all utilize tungsten. Cleveland Launcher XL, COBRA KING LTDx, and Tour Edge Exotics E722 feature weighting as well. These weighting features are there to enhance MOI.
- Distance sells. With ball speed in mind, face technology continues to be an emphasis. Whether it is TaylorMade’s Cap Back Design, COBRA’s PWRSHELL Face or Callaway’s 450 A.I. Flash Face Cup, they have a singular goal in mind: distance.
2022 BEST ACCURACY
If accuracy is your main objective, TaylorMade Stealth is worth your consideration. TaylorMade Stealth displayed tremendous accuracy, especially in the 7 and 5 iron categories.
Notes From The Testing Pool
The following section details subjective feedback from our pool of 20 testers. Gathering feedback is an important aspect of any test. We use their feedback as a representation of what golfers like and dislike about the product we test. That being said, the feedback is strictly subjective. It does not play a factor in the rankings.
- As a golfer, you want a club that is attractive at address. Here are the clubs that our testers rate highly for looks: Proto Concept C07, Titleist T300, Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal, COBRA KING Forged Tec X, XXIO X, COBRA KING LTDx, and Fourteen PC-3.
- With game-improvement irons, feel can be hit or miss. Improvements in feel often come by way of different pieces of technology. Weighting, badges and ribbings all impact feel. According to our testers, these irons provide great feel: TaylorMade Stealth, Proto Concept C07, Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal, Tour Edge Exotics E722, Titleist T300, and COBRA KING Forged Tec X.
2022 BEST FORGIVENESS
For us, forgiveness is a combination of metrics with dispersion being of utmost importance. Tighter dispersion is the goal and Proto Concept C07 achieves just that.
2022 MOST WANTED GAME-IMPROVEMENT IRON RESULTS
2022 Game Improvement Iron Rankings
| PRODUCT | OVERALL SCORE | DISTANCE RANK | ACCURACY SCORE | FORGIVENESS SCORE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | TaylorMade Stealth Check Price | 97.54 | 4th | 1st | 7th |
 | Proto Concept C07 Check Price | 91.06 | 11th | 2nd | 1st |
 | Titleist T300 Check Price | 88.56 | 5th | 4th | 5th |
 | Cobra KING Forged Tec X Check Price | 86.88 | 3rd | 7th | 9th |
 | Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal Check Price | 86.50 | 9th | 8th | 2nd |
 | XXIO X Check Price | 84.67 | 7th | 5th | 4th |
 | Fourteen PC-3 Check Price | 84.04 | 10th | 3rd | 3rd |
 | Callaway Rogue ST Max Check Price | 83.71 | 2nd | 6th | 11th |
 | Cobra KING LTDx Check Price | 83.44 | 1st | 10th | 10th |
 | Tour Edge Exotics E722 Check Price | 76.31 | 6th | 9th | 8th |
 | Cleveland Launcher XL Check Price | 72.30 | 8th | 11th | 6th |
2022 MOST WANTED GAME-IMPROVEMENT IRON – FAQ
BUYING NEW IRONS
Q: How often should I buy new irons?
A: While on rare occasions there are quantifiable year-over-year breakthroughs, typically it takes three to five years for manufacturers to make significant performance gains. With the governing bodies further tightening restrictions on manufacturers, it’s possible, even likely, that it will take longer still moving forward. Our recommendation is to buy new irons only when they appreciably outperform what is already in your bag. Of course, if you want new irons because you want new irons, that’s fine, too.
Q: How do I determine the right category of irons for me?
A: The four categories of irons we test are player’s (cavity backs), player’s distance, game-improvement and super game-improvement. While there is some overlap between categories, your search should begin with an honest assessment of your skill level (handicap) as well as what you need in your game. While there are always exceptions, if your handicap is above 10 and ball striking is not a legitimate strength, we’d recommend avoiding the player’s iron category. For more skilled players who hit the ball more consistently, a set of player’s or player’s distance irons may benefit your game the most. For those on the bubble, especially for those seeking a few more yards, the player’s distance category is typically the most versatile.
Q: Does the shaft matter?
A: Absolutely. While changes to spin and launch differences are rarely substantial, shaft changes frequently lead to improved accuracy, tighter dispersion and greater overall consistency. Finding the right shaft and dialing in your lie angles is reason enough to get fitted.
Q: What should I look for when testing irons?
A: While golfers have been conditioned to consider distance to the exclusion of nearly everything else, we recommend looking at the little numbers and looking for small circles. When comparing metrics like distance and ball speed, be sure to look at your standard deviations (the small numbers usually found under the big ones on the launch monitor data screen). Smaller numbers mean better consistency which will usually mean more than an extra yard or two on the golf course. Similarly, look for tighter dispersion ellipses (small circles). We can’t overstate the importance of consistency with irons.
MOST WANTED
Q: How are the irons in the test fitted to each golfer?
A: We use a fitting process that we call fit from stock. Irons are fitted to each tester using the stock, no up-charge options from each manufacturer. We test one short iron, one mid iron and one long iron from each set. While there are no irons in our testing that feature adjustability, we fit to flex for each tester in the pool. Occasionally, manufacturers will send multiple sets with different stock shafts that we can utilize to improve launch conditions.
Q: How do you determine in which category to test a given set of irons?
A: To ensure that we’re testing irons as alike as designers allow for, in addition to the design of the head itself (profile, sole width, etc.), we sort by length and loft. Our goal is to keep differences as minimal as possible within any test cohort. When an iron reasonably fits in more than one category, we defer to the manufacturer’s category choice.
Q: How is the 2022 Most Wanted Game Improvement Iron Determined?
A: To determine our rankings, we collect key performance metrics with Foresight GCQuad Launch Monitors. After eliminating outliers, we utilize a proprietary methodology to calculate overall scores for three key metrics: accuracy, forgiveness and distance. The Most Wanted winner is determined by the overall score after weighting these three metrics.
Q: How is the “Best for Distance” iron determined?
A: The process to determine the longest game-improvement iron is similar to how we arrive at our overall rankings. For distance, our critical metrics are carry and total yards. We identify distance scores for each iron: 5, 7 and PW. From there, an overall score is calculated.
Q: How is the “Best for Forgiveness” iron determined?
A: Forgiveness scores are calculated based on four key metrics: spin delta, speed delta, carry delta and dispersion. A forgiveness score is generated, like distance, for each iron: 5, 7 and PW. From there, an overall score is calculated.
Q: You discuss subjective feedback for things like looks, sound and feel. How much do those ratings factor into your rankings?
A: ZERO. Our rankings are based purely on launch monitor data and quantifiable performance metrics.
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Uncle Justin
3 months agoPROTO CONCEPT C07 for the win. Obviously a 26.5 degree LTDx 7 iron is going to go farther than a 31 degree 7 iron.
Shawn
3 months agoThe JPX 921 Hot Metal placed 2nd in forgiveness with this year’s new models but 9th with last years models? Any possible answer to that interesting stat?
Peter Jackson
4 months agoFollowing the review I bought a set of TaylorMade Stealth iron 5 to PW with regular graphite shafts.. These irons are excellent, forgiving and probably more accurate than my previous irons, Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal, They are probably the best looking game improvement irons from TaylorMade. The impressive feature of these irons is the feel and sound, similar to forged irons
Noah Dice
5 months agoThis is another faulty test, last year Ping g425 was your 2nd best iron, this year missing. PXG missing, the GEN5 0311 line is some of the best out there, wish there were more un biased pages out there. Seems like a click and get paid test here boys!
Steve
4 months agoYour wrong! This is a independent test, and TaylorMade has the best irons on the market right now, period. Go try them out and you will see the difference.
Dave
3 months agoAgreed 100%. Where are the Pings, PXG etc. Also new Pings on the way and new Mizuno already out.
Matt L
6 months agoI was fit for irons by Brett at club Champion in Fairfax, VA back in March and after trying several set ups ended up with Stealth irons 6-AW. The pros and cons were exactly as described in this test, although I hit some other irons such as the Callaway ST Rougue longer, the dispersion, and feel were the best with the Stealth irons. FTW, I highly recommend getting fit at Club Champion, ended up with Aerotech Steelfiber i95 shafts in reg flex, +1 degree lofts, +1/4 lengths, and D4 swing weight, and pured shafts. From the first time out in April my iron game improved dramatically, much better accuracy, although not quite as long as my old irons, Callaway Rogue X’s (Not fitted for BTW) or as forgiving, the sweet spots are a little smaller but the feel is far better. Just really happy with these irons!
Zachary Pang
7 months agoAwesome review, as usual! What shaft did you guys test the Taylormade Stealth irons in? Thank you!
Gerry T
8 months agoAfter struggling with steel shafts, I upgraded to the Cobra Speedzone 5-GW in UST regular graphite shafts. Now I feel like my game will be back to where it was in my 30s and early 40s. Not sure where the Cobra Speedzones fit in for the 2020 game improvement irons, but the Speedzone irons have proven to me that they deserve to be in my golf bag!
mark
8 months agoCurious. You were testing for, game improvement irons, but you used distance as part of your criteria. The Mizuno 921 Hot Metals, were 2nd in forgiveness, but 9th in distance. I figure Mizuno lost a couple ranking placements because they didn’t fly as far as the other “Game Improvement” irons.
Momo
8 months ago$ 320/club or ($1920 for 5-PW for the Proto Concept CO7?
I play a lot of golf and have never seen a Proto iron (or anything else) on the course. I see fourteens for time to time and many XXIO sets, even sub 70
you’d be doing a better service if you include the DTC clubs instead. youre wasting your time reviewing these. even the fourteens and XXIO are significantly cheaper
James D
9 months agoNo Pings in the test? It seems incomplete without them.
Tony
8 months agoRight pull up your socks Ping and PXG both are missing so they did not qualify means poor performance compared to the irons selected.
Ping design and steel shaft is ok but shaft quality has become pathetic in Ping graphite irons stock shaft inspite of great improvement in technology…so wake up Ping guys.
Mike
7 months agoFunny how the “poor ” design of Ping G 425 that was a runner up last year does not make the cut.
J Thorpe
9 months agoI play Callaway X22 irons and retain an 8 GHIN, my point is that I note the distance is about 10 yards longer on the reviewed clubs in the article vs my avg distance, based on launch monitor stats. Also, the new models have “about” 10 degrees lesser loft and the shafts by about 2 inches are longer on each new iron described. I believe the loft and shaft length are the difference and raises the questions – so what’s really new for the proposed expense??
Mike
9 months agoI’m not sure if I understand what “most wanted” means. If I’m buying a game improvement iron, how can the most wanted #1 be poor in forgiveness? Isn’t that what I’m buying it for?
Also, why would you waste space with Pronto irons? I doubt anyone outside of the 0.00001% of people who would even consider this iron would care. You say price isn’t a consideration, but yes it is when a single iron costs $320. When Consumer Reports chooses their “best family car”, I’ve never seen a Bentley in that list. This iron is most wanted by….who?
Cody
9 months agoUhhhh you know golf is played by people that have some money laying around right? Like that’s actually one of the main stereotypes, that it’s a “rich man’s game”? Just because you can’t afford a club doesn’t mean the testing isn’t warranted.
“STOP SHOWING ME THINGS I CAN’T AFFORD!”
Mike
9 months agoI don’t think that clubs that .0000001% of the golfing population would play (or are playing) warrant inclusion in the study. I would bet large $ that, especially post-pandemic, there are more people playing top-flite starter sets than these. You don’t believe me? I know the managers of several large golf stores in my area, they say that they have not been able to keep enough starter sets on the shelves over the past two years
Richard
9 months agoAppreciate the analysis, but it only tells me how irons released in 2022 compare against each other, as opposed to an analysis of each brand’s current GI offering, some of which were released in 2022 and some in 2021. That would be a much more useful test and a true indication of 2022’s Most Wanted GI iron.
For example, it leaves out the Ping G425, which is one of the most popular GI irons out there. Sure I can look at last year’s results, but that won’t show me how it compares to this year’s clubs (which is what most people would want to know). Plus, you changed your scoring methodology year-over-year so it’s not really possible to do a comparison. The G425 IS Ping’s 2022 GI club, regardless of when it was released.
In the end, this is not 2022’s Most Wanted GI Iron Test, it’s 2022’s Most Wanted GI Iron Test For Clubs Released In 2022. Hopefully you can understand the difference and perhaps adjust your testing approach accordingly. Appreciate your willingness to consider this.
Dan
7 months agoThis This This!!! I would love to know how Ping G425 compares here.
Eric
9 months agoNice job, MGS. I’m not sure which I enjoy more…. the test results or the comments from readers absolutely beside themselves that a test for the masses, of different playing abilities, doesn’t possess their own specific metrics or criteria..
MGS provides this service FREE and yet, after every test, multiple someone’s tell them what they could’ve done better or how the info is garbage.. You people (and you know who you are) must be a blast at back yard BBQ’s.. (“Thanks for the invite. This chicken is mostly OK…it would’ve been a lot better if you would’ve used both hickory and mesquite. The free beer was creeping up to 36* and your dog is not pretty. When are we doing this again?”.)
FREE UNSOLICITED PSA FOR THOSE WHO DIDN’T GET THE RESULT YOU WANTED: These tests are nothing more than a baseline of where YOU should start. Understand what you are solving for. Choose from those that best address your specific issue. GO GET FITTED to see what product best solves your issues. Feel great about your new purchase. Go play. Have fun. Bitch less.
Cody
9 months agoFor free? MGS is a business based on ad revenue that makes money off every one who clicks.
I love MGS testing, but it’s always been a collaborative thing with readers giving indications about what they want to see in tests (listen to the pod). MGS even solicits surveys from its readers like half a dozen times a year. Remember “fit it, cut it”?
Richard
9 months agoAgreed, but keep in mind that MGS has customers (people who visit the website and contribute to it), and it’s always a good idea to get feedback from your customers and adjust your product accordingly. Otherwise you run the risk of your product becoming obsolete or or one of your competitors producing a better product and stealing your customers. As such, it is always wise to listen to product enhancement requests from your customers.
Springboks
9 months agoSo why would you include New Level in players iron test, but no in GI iron test? I was REALLY looking forward to seeing how the OS performed in this category. I guess we will never know. It seems really odd you would exclude the NL OS iron, since NL won the player’s iron category.
Phillip Bishop
9 months agoEric and his team at New Level are phenomenal. Unfortunately, they did not submit the 902 OS for testing.
Peter
9 months agoSince the JPX 921 was tested last year as well as this year, it is interesting to see the difference in numbers from year to year. In 21, long iron total distance was 192 yards. Same metric in 22 had it at 180 yards. Mid iron in 21 was 165 compared to 159 in 22. Short iron in 21 was 120 compared to 114 in 22.
This shows that the group of testers this year don’t hit as long as the group in 21. Keep that in mind if you are comparing clubs from one year to the next as far as distances and certain other metrics.
Dave Silkroski
9 months agoNo Srixon clubs in this category?
Robert Meadows
9 months agoSo this year we tested 11 GI irons and left the top finishers from last year out of the testing? Looks like you’re testing the second string. Doesn’t seem fair
Phillip Bishop
9 months agoWe understand the disappointment. Some products are reaching an end of life cycle. Some new products weren’t available. But, we are striving to test the newest products on the market. You can reference last year’s test for some more information – https://mygolfspy.com/2021-most-wanted-game-improvement-iron/
Allen
9 months agoInteresting. The Cleveland XL was a clear winner for me. Goes to show you need to get fit.
ole gray
9 months agoI agree the Cleveland XL irons are solid irons if they are fit for your swing. I had to remove the counterbalance weight at the butt end of the grip to make them play exceptionally well for me. Now I’m having a hard time pulling them out of the bag to allow my other set of irons some playing time!
don
9 months agoMore than love Mygolf spy, but testing irons and wedges off matts will never tell us which is the best club.
Jeff
9 months agoLet’s talk about lofts and distance.
The :”longest” 7 iron is the Cobra LTDX. It’s 7 iron is at 26.5*. 159.6 yards
TaylorMade Stealth 7 iron is 28*. 158.0 yards
Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal 7 iron is 29*. 154.4 yards.
Of course the Cobra will be the longest all else being equal…it has the strongest loft. It’s the same game being played for years by irons OEMs going “longer and better”. Easy to do when you strengthen lofts.
Since iron lofts are no longer consistent, what would be great to see in the charts are the actual loft so we know WHY a club is long/short relative to the others.
Jim
9 months agoIt is reasonable to assume that distance is mainly a function of loft. The chart you would want to see would include height and descent angle.
Interestingly I recently went through a fitting wherein the 26.5 Cobra produced the same peak height and descent angle as my 33 degree Taylormade with 12-15 yards greater carry. No brainer right? Unfortunately for me at least the accuracy was awful!
Brian
9 months agoAgree Jim. I’m really surprise MGS hasn’t come up with a “distance under/over expected” stat based on the loft. That way comparisons would be apple-to-apple. Height and descent angle are nice to see trajectory too. Total distance minus carry distance would also show which clubs are getting distance without any stopping power.
Bob
9 months agoToo bad Wilson’s D9 forged didn’t make it into this testing round. Would have been interested in its performance..
Phillip Bishop
9 months agoHi Bob! Good news! They will be in Player’s Distance. Be on the look out.
Bob
9 months agoWoohoo!
Kevin S.
9 months agoThanks as always! The well-rounded makeup of the Cleveland Launcher XL iron set sounds so appealing. Was disappointed at how they finished in testing. Curious to see the data when possible (link wasn’t working).
Phillip Bishop
9 months agoHi Kevin! Thank you for the response. Data link should be working now. Apologies for the tech issues. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Scotty
9 months agoFTx make GI Irons, but Wilson D9 Forged don’t?
Is there a MoI standard to set GI and PD?
Tom S
9 months agoYou said that for distance, you test 5-iron., 7-irion, wedge. A 5 is a mid-iron. Why don’t you test long irons for distance?
Alex
9 months agoHow come New Level 902 PD or OS weren’t tested? Takomo 101? (I get that Haywood was tested last year)
Phillip Bishop
9 months agoFrom a Game Improvement Iron loft standpoint, 5 irons are far from mid iron lofts, especially nowadays. For all of our iron testing, we utilize 5, 7, and PW.
New Level 902 PD will be in our player’s distance category.
Tom S
9 months agoFor “Distance”, you wrote: “We identify distance scores for each iron: 5, 7 and PW. From there, an overall score is calculated.”
A 5 is a mid iron. I am confused as to why you only test mid-irons, and don’t test long irons.
Tom54
9 months agoFor players who would use these sets, how much demand would there be for a 4 or 3 iron? Some GI sets start at 5 iron. Personally, the 5 iron is the last iron in my bag.
TomS
9 months agoI carry a 3 and a 4. I hit my 3 more accurately than I hit an 18 degree hybrid. I am a 10 handicap who just turned 65 and I am looking to get back *some* of the distance I have lost over the last five years. I am sure there are a lot of players like me in that particular demographic.
Bwin80
9 months agoIf you’re looking at “game improvement” type players, my assumption is that the typical player using these has a hybrid, 5-wood or some other utility club once you hit the 4-iron range.
Harry P
9 months agoI think with the Steath 5i at 21* and the Cobra at 20.5* most players looking at game improvement irons would consider these long irons. Also think, if properly fitted, it would be replaced with a hybrid or fairway wood.
Richard
9 months agoNo Ping G425 or PXG 0311 XP or PXG 0211 DC? I think each of those three would have scored well, and all of the other sites have included them in their testing of GI irons. And the Ping G425 is definitely one of the most popular GI irons on the market. I appreciate your ranking the other irons, but leaving out some of the other popular ones reduces the overall significance of the rankings.
Phillip Bishop
9 months agoPING G425 and PXG 0211 DC were both tested last year. You can check out their performances here – https://mygolfspy.com/2021-most-wanted-game-improvement-iron/
Unfortunately, we couldn’t get PXG 0311 XP Gen5 soon enough for this test.
Robert Meadows
9 months agoSo what you’re saying is if it was tested last year it’s not going to be. among the most wanted this year?
Cody
9 months agoThis move to “proprietary methodologies” has been less than ideal for understanding what metrics you’re using.
The “CLICK HERE FOR DATA” link is broken (it routinely is), and your explanations for things like Distance and Forgiveness metrics are completely non-existent.
Why the change from the old system? It seems like you’re trying to dumb things down and it’s obfuscating the results. Even the data on lofts is missing- how in the world do you have a “Distance” ranking but not give the info on each club loft, or even if club loft has been standardized throughout your testing?
I’ve loved MGS for years, but the new system seems like it’s a step backwards. Just my 2 cents.
Phillip Bishop
9 months agoHi Cody! Thank you for the feedback. Data link is now working. Please give it a look.
The metrics that make up Accuracy, Distance, and Forgiveness are listed in the Most Wanted Scoring portion of the article.
Brian
9 months agoThanks for the reply Phil. I disagree that the new system is worse, but Cody does bring up several good points. I think it would be very helpful to have an explainer article detailing the formulas used for each section of the score, and maybe an example so people understand how you’re coming up with your numbers.
The numbers that your team didn’t provide but could have are listed under forgiveness:
Ball speed consistency
Spin consistency
Carry consistency
It would also be nice to know how far left or right the average shot finished for each club – it would help people which clubs are most likely to worsen their typical miss.
Lastly giving the actual numbers for each section of the score would help people use their own weighting for the different parts – it seems like distance plays a big part in these rankings, and some might prefer shot area to have a bigger impact.
Brian Wilson
9 months agoWith all due respect, your review of theses GI irons leaves me uninterested in any of them. First place notes “below average for forgiveness”. Runner up shows “poor distance”. Best distance cites “poor accuracy and forgiveness”. And so on. Think I’ll keep what I have for another year.
Phillip Bishop
9 months agoTotally understand where you are coming from, Brian! From our testing, we get to see the strengths and weaknesses of each club tested. We owe it to you, the consumer to relay that information.
Gil Ginsburg
9 months agoI didn’t see any PXG models in the list. Wouldn’t the 0311 XP ( gen 4 or gen 5) or the 0211 DC qualify as game improvement irons? The 0211 DC certainly is one of the most reasonably priced irons out today.
Phillip Bishop
9 months agoHi Gil! We tested both the 0211 and 0311 XP Gen4 last year. You can check out their performances here – https://mygolfspy.com/2021-most-wanted-game-improvement-iron/
We weren’t able to receive the 0311 XP Gen5 in time for this year’s test. Definitely disappointed about not having them included.
charlie
9 months agono sub70?
Jeff
9 months agoThey don’t have a current game improvement iron. The 799s are super game improvements and the next one up, the 699s, are players distance.
They used to have a game improvement, the 739, but those have been gone for a while. I’m hopeful they fill in this gap in their irons offering soon.
t dub
9 months agoIronic that golf is trying to be inclusive however club makers are trying to price 99% of the population out of buying their clubs due to price, plus any resale on those clubs are non existent. look at PXG…. $250 original cost per 0211 iron and now $79.99 per iron. I dumped mine as I was sick of the hype and PR joining PXG. I would suggest ridiculous prices be a disqualification in you test. The fact that PING clubs are not included is a mystery to me as I have hit some of the other contestants and would rank them first. I realize the g425 is not a new club. just my opinion. thanks for the review however will not be buying any of the winners. I have used many of your reviews to buy merchandise but will keep the powder dry on this one. THANKS!!!!!
Cody
9 months agoIronic that you’re complaining about PXG prices and getting them kicked off these lists for…you not being able to afford them? But are also going on about Ping NOT being on the list, when Ping is currently charging ~$220 per wedge.
tdub
9 months agoactually a PING g425 pitching wedge, U wedge, lob wedge and sand wedge all retail for $145.00 each. BTW I can more than afford any PXG or other club in the review so your assumption is incorrect.
Brian Wilson
9 months agoWhile I agree that the price drop for PXG did hurt the resale price, it does make it easier for new purchases. I suspect that if you do the math, the loss of resale is adequately offset by the new lower price throughout the PXG line. In addition, it has been my experience that golf club resale is a joke anyway, regardless of the brand. If you like PXG, resale is not a reason not to buy them. If you don’t like PXG, don’t buy them. Problem solved:
Phillip Bishop
9 months agoHi T, cost is simply a factor we include for buying considerations. Cost of a set does not play a role in our rankings.
Alex
9 months agoI believe Mizuno JPX 921 Hot metal is $125 per club. I got a certified pre-owned from Global Golf (MGS has a lot of love for them) at $102 a club when there was a special bonus sale. Takomo 101 (kind of like the P790 clone/knockoff) has a 4-PW set for $459 plus shipping– they got good reviews on TXG and James Robinson Youtube videos. If you don’t like the shaft offers, the heads are $300 plus shipping.
tdub
9 months agoI just choose not to spend $2240 on a set of irons and use the extra $1100 for something else. BTW I could afford them, but why? I realize the point is to review clubs so will let anyone who thinks a $320 iron will enhance their game go for it.
Russell
9 months agoWhere’s the Ping G425 irons? I know it’s a 2021 model but I think it needs to be included in the testing.. Still their current model.
Phillip Bishop
9 months agoTested last year and performed well. You can check out the results here – https://mygolfspy.com/2021-most-wanted-game-improvement-iron/
Steve S
9 months agoThe link for the data is broken.
Phillip Bishop
9 months agoPlease recheck the link, Steve! Should be working now.