We get it. It’s hard to give up on distance when shopping for new clubs.
It’s a done deal when you can hit your new 7-iron 10 yards further than your old one. Right?
Maybe not.
For years, we’ve been told accuracy and forgiveness are more important than distance. Our 2024 test of the best game-improvement irons may finally convince you that accuracy wins. Here’s a more in-depth look at our longest (Wilson Dynapower) game-improvement iron versus the shortest (MacGregor MACSPD).
Distance
The Wilson Dynapower had a distance score of 9.7/10. We saw an average total distance of 10 yards more with the Wilson than the shortest iron in the test, the MacGregor MACSPD. The MACSPD had a total distance score of 4.6/10.
If you need distance from a game-improvement iron, the MACSPD isn’t for you.
Accuracy
If you thought the Wilson Dynapower looked like the better iron of the two after those distance rankings, you might change your mind now. Regarding accuracy, Wilson ranks 15th (out of the 17 irons we tried).
The MacGregor MACSPD, on the other hand, earns the top spot for the most accurate iron.
It’s common to see this happen. As we add distance, some accuracy is lost. It’s the same as what happens when you go from hitting your pitching wedge to your driver.
However, for golfers who are looking to hit it closer to the pin and really trying for “game-improvement” than the MACSPD is the better iron choice. Accuracy saves strokes.
Forgiveness
When we measure forgiveness in game-improvement irons, we look at consistency. The Wilson Dynapower ranks last for forgiveness, in 17th place. The MacGregor MACSPD just missed the top spot.
As the second most-forgiving iron in the test, the MACSPD had better results in carry distance deltas, ball speed deltas, backspin deltas and dispersion.
If your iron game has you looking like a 10 handicap one day and a 30 handicap the next, you need forgiveness like you’ll find in the MacGregor MACSPD.
Value
The MacGregor MACSPD retails for $499 and the Wilson Dynapower for $699. As far as golf iron pricing is concerned, they are both considered low. From a value perspective, you’ll get more accurate shots and better forgiveness from the MacGregor but it will cost you distance. Both iron sets are fair from a pricing and value perspective for what they have to offer.
The bottom line
You’ll want to get fitted for any set of irons. However, the most important decision you must make here is distance versus accuracy.
The story of the longest game-improvement iron versus the shortest really could have been “distance versus accuracy.”
Look at your golf game and see which area to focus on. If you want the distance but can’t give up accuracy, consider something like the best game-improvement iron of 2024, the Tour Edge Exotics E723. It’s stronger in distance than the MacGregor and more accurate and forgiving than the Wilson.
Wilson versus MacGregor: Which is right for you?
Who’s it For?
✅ Players who need distance: The best game-improvement iron for distance, more than 10 yards longer with the 7-iron than the shortest game-improvement iron.
✅ Golfers who like a hot clubface: Multiple testers described the Dynapower as hot off the face or having a feel as though it jumped at impact.
Who’s it not for?
❌ Anyone who needs consistency: Forgiveness is typically lost when distance is added, as seen with the Wilson Dynapower.
❌ Players looking to get shots closer to the pin: One of the weakest irons in the test from an accuracy standpoint.
Who’s it For?
✅ Golfers who want to hit more greens: The best game-improvement iron for accuracy.
✅ Anyone who needs more consistency: The MacGregor MACSPD offers consistent ball speed, carry distance, backspin, and dispersion.
Who’s it not for?
❌Players looking for distance: The trade-off for accuracy and consistency is distance. The MACSPD is the shortest iron in the test.
❌ Golfers who want a mix of performance: The MacGregor MACSPD is great for accuracy and forgiveness but it falls very far behind in distance.
Gerry Teigrob
2 years ago
I will stick with my Speedzone irons and Cobra F9 irons. Neither the MacGregor nor the Wilson irons fit my eye. I would pay top dollar for my Cobra irons with the quality game improvement irons. I would add the Radspeed in UST Mamiya recoil graphite shafts if I could.