Table of Contents
Driving Irons

Best Driving Irons of 2024

Phillip Bishop
Phillip Bishop
Director of Testing

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Best Driving Irons of 2024

Driving irons are the most niche golf clubs on the market. If you are a golfer with speed, this article is for you. If you are an outstanding ball striker, this article is for you. It’s backed by more than a decade of experience from MyGolfSpy, the industry leader in independent golf club testing.

Our 2024 Driving Iron Test is an in-depth analysis of some of the hottest names in golf. This year’s test features 16 driving iron models from the biggest names in golf along with smaller brands vying for your attention and dollars.

In total, our testing team spent more than 100 hours collecting and analyzing data from a test pool of 20 avid golfers just like you. To identify the best driving irons, we evaluate accuracy, distance and forgiveness metrics.

The results of this test serve as an indispensable guide for the off-the-rack buyer or for anyone looking for a bit of extra insight before your next fitting. Whatever you’re looking for from your next driving iron, you’ll find it here.

These are the best driving irons of 2024.

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Best Driving Irons of 2024

PING iCrossOver Utility Irons Review

Best Overall – PING iCrossover

PING iCrossover

Titleist T-200 driving iron review

Runner-Up Overall – Titleist T-200

Titleist T-200

Callaway Apex UT driving iron review

3rd Place Overall – Callaway Apex UT

Callaway Apex UT

Titleist U505 driving iron review

Best For Distance – Titleist U505

Titleist U505

PING iCrossOver Utility Irons Review

Best For Accuracy – PING iCrossover

PING iCrossover

Callaway Apex UT driving iron review

Best For Forgiveness – Callaway Apex UT

Callaway Apex UT

Sub 70 699 Pro V2 Utility Irons Review

Best Value – Sub 70 699 Pro V2

Sub 70 699 Pro V2

Show All

Best Overall DRiving Irons

Driving irons are made with a specific golfer in mind, those with higher swing speeds and/or efficient ball strikers.

Perhaps you’ve never tried a driving iron and it happens to be a game-changer for you. However, most golfers may want to avoid using them due to their specific design, which can lead to penalizing shot outcomes.

We’ve included subjective feedback from our testers. However, it does not factor in the rankings. Performance should always trump opinion when it comes to purchasing a new golf club. Backed by more than a decade of golf club testing experience, we can confidently state that popular opinion doesn’t always match reality.

These are the best driving irons overall.


Best Overall PING iCrossover

PING iCrossover

score icon Review Score
9
accuracy icon Accuracy
9
distance icon Distance Score
9
forgiveness icon Forgiveness
8.9
dollar icon Price
$249.99

Buy This If

  • You want off-the-rack performance:

    PING iCrossover is the best driving iron for accuracy, second-best for distance and third-best for forgiveness. Here is the kicker – it is one of few that is adjustable, which can enhance the performance even more

  • You emphasize subjective appeal:

    PING iCrossover performs. However, PING can be hitor miss with subjective appeal. This is not the case with the iCrossover. Our testing pool rates it the best for feel. and it ranks highly for sound and looks. Our testers also rate it the highest for likelihood of purchase.

Don't Buy This If

  • You don't need a driving iron:

    Frankly, driving irons aren't for most golfers. They are a niche golf club. From a performance and subjective appeal perspective, PING iCrossover doesn't have a negative. It's the best for a reason.

Bottom Line

PING iCrossover is the best driving iron of 2024. In 2023, we saw this driving iron dominate the testing pool for accuracy, distance, and forgiveness. This time around, the story is still strikingly similar – it is freaking GOOD. With new competition, the opportunity always exists for a falloff in performance. However, PING iCrossover is still the best or one of the best for each of our three scoring categories. If you are serious about playing a driving iron, PING iCrossover needs to be on the top of your shortlist.

Testers' Feedback

“I would buy it and put a different shaft in it. Acoustics are a bit too high pitch for me.”

“Sexy, feel is tremendous, and it’s long.”

“Relatively straight, fits my swing well, and I feel comfortable with it. It checks a bunch of boxes and it is in a league of its own.”

 

Expert Take

PING iCrossover is the best of the best. It is in a league of its own. Furthermore, it is one of few driving irons that offers adjustability. Having an option to adjust a driving iron is a game changer. Much like drivers, fairway woods, or hybrids, adjustability allows for instance launch condition changes. This allows for more dialed in performance or at least, the potential for enhanced performance.


Runner-Up (Overall) Titleist T-200

Titleist T-200

score icon Review Score
8.8
accuracy icon Accuracy
8.9
distance icon Distance Score
8.7
forgiveness icon Forgiveness
8.2
dollar icon Price
$269.99

Buy This If

  • You want accuracy off the tee:

    Most golfers are putting a driving iron in their golf bag to use off the tee. This means accuracy should be your utmost priority. Titleist T-200 is second overall for accuracy in our driving iron test. We don't calculate for straight shot or playable shots in our driving iron test. However, its accuracy score indicates that Titleist T-200 offers plenty of playability for golfers.

  • You want distance:

    With a driving iron, distance is an important performance characteristic. We stress accuracy over performance in all of our tests. Yet, driving irons that produce distance over others are ones to consider. Titleist T-200 ranks as the third-best driving iron for distance.

Don't Buy This If

  • You prioritize consistency:

    Shot to shot, Titleist T-200 doesn't meet the consistency levels of other driving irons. Obviously, it offers accuracy and distance according to our test. However, when we analyze ball speed deltas, carry distance deltas, backspin deltas and dispersion, it falters. Be wary of this when you try one out. The best way to optimize performance is go through a professional fitting.

Bottom Line

Titleist T-200 is the best driving iron not named PING. It possesses both accuracy and distance off the tee box. Both of these performance traits are desirable for most golfers. Under the hood, there isn’t much difference between this and its player’s distance counterpart expect that this is built specifically as a driving iron. A below average forgiveness score is the one weakness of T-200. Otherwise, it is one of the best driving irons on the market. Go check it out.

Testers' Feedback

Checks all the boxes and the distance is there given my swing speed and needs. It’s definitely on my short list.”

“I don’t like the chrome finish, but it’s one of the few driving irons I’d consider over my current one.”

“Solid driving iron. But, I’d get the 3-iron versus the 2-iron.”

Expert Take

Most golfers who are considering a driving iron want to play it because it potentially offers more consistency over a hybrid, long-iron, or fairway wood. Titleist T-200 is one of the best driving irons on the market. It provides a high performing balance of accuracy and distance, which you can’t beat in a driving iron.


3rd Place (Overall) Callaway Apex UT

Callaway Apex UT

score icon Review Score
8.7
accuracy icon Accuracy
8.7
distance icon Distance Score
8.4
forgiveness icon Forgiveness
9.2
dollar icon Price
$275.00

Buy This If

  • You need forgiveness:

    How do you define forgiveness? Moreover, how are you able to distinguish whether a driving iron is forgiving? In our testing, we consider forgiveness as how consistent a driving iron produces similar shot outcomes. In essence, we are analyzing how consistent a driving iron is with specific golf ball metrics. These metrics are: ball speed, carry distance, backspin and dispersion. Callaway Apex UT ranks first for forgiveness.

  • You want more then forgiveness:

    Callaway Apex UT is forgiving and consistent relative to other driving irons. It ranks fifth overall for accuracy. Dispersion and accuracy intertwine to a degree. However, dispersion can be a tight circle AND inaccurate at the same time. Since Callaway Apex UT is forgiving (by our evaluation) and ranks well for accuracy, the data suggests this driving iron offers balanced performance.

Don't Buy This If

  • You prioritize distance:

    Distance is part of our evaluation and we highly encourage you to consider accuracy over total distance. Callaway Apex UT possesses accuracy and forgiveness according to our testing. Unfortunately, relative to the testing pool, it is below average for distance. This isn't to say it is excessively short, but it is shorter than others. This shouldn't stop you from considering it though.

Bottom Line

Callaway Apex UT is the best driving iron for forgiveness. When we analyze forgiveness, we are addressing how consistent a golf club shot to shot. For this, we are looking at ball speed deltas, carry distance deltas, backspin deltas, and dispersion. Another description is evaluating the standard deviations for said metrics throughout the entire test. Across the entire testing pool, Callaway Apex UT delivers the best forgiveness (consistency).

Testers' Feedback

“Like the profile and shaping, very traditional look.”

“Love it. I’d play it in a heartbeat.”

“A few left misses, but really solid performance overall. I’d put it in the bag tomorrow with a different shaft in it.”

Expert Take

Callaway Apex UT doesn’t disappoint. It is the best driving iron for forgiveness, which tells us it is consistent shot to shot. Furthermore, our testing pool thinks highly of it. Several testers testified that they would play this driving iron. The one knock on it is distance and we know a lack of distance may deter some from playing it.


BEST driving irons FOR ACCURACY

Accuracy should be your No. 1 priority for a driving iron. Hitting fairways off the tee are critical to lowering your scores and giving you more playable shot scenarios. After all, if you are putting a driving iron in your golf bag, it will be used of the tee box (primarily).

These are the best driving irons for accuracy.

Best for Accuracy PING iCrossover

PING iCrossover

score icon Review Score
9
accuracy icon Accuracy
9
distance icon Distance Score
9
forgiveness icon Forgiveness
8.9
dollar icon Price
$249.99

Buy This If

  • You want off-the-rack performance:

    PING iCrossover is the best driving iron for accuracy, second-best for distance and third-best for forgiveness. Here is the kicker – it is one of few that is adjustable, which can enhance the performance even more

  • You emphasize subjective appeal:

    PING iCrossover performs. However, PING can be hit or miss with subjective appeal. This is not the case with the iCrossover. Our testing pool rates it the best for feel. Additionally, it ranks highly for sound and looks. Our testers also rate it the highest for likelihood of purchase.

Don't Buy This If

  • You don't need a driving iron:

    Frankly, driving irons aren't for most golfers. They are a niche golf club. From a performance and subjective appeal perspective, PING iCrossover doesn't have a negative. It's the best for a reason.

Bottom Line

PING iCrossover is the best driving iron of 2024. In 2023, we saw this driving iron dominate the testing pool for accuracy, distance, and forgiveness. This time around, the story is still strikingly similar – it is freaking GOOD. With new competition, the opportunity always exists for a falloff in performance. However, PING iCrossover is still the best or one of the best for each of our three scoring categories. If you are serious about playing a driving iron, PING iCrossover needs to be on the top of your shortlist.

Testers' Feedback

“I would buy it and put a different shaft in it. Acoustics are a bit too high pitch for me.”

“Sexy, feel is tremendous, and it’s long.”

“Relatively straight, fits my swing well, and I feel comfortable with it. It checks a bunch of boxes and it is in a league of its own.”

 

Expert Take

PING iCrossover is the best of the best. It is in a league of its own. Furthermore, it is one of few driving irons that offers adjustability. Having an option to adjust a driving iron is a game changer. Much like drivers, fairway woods, or hybrids, adjustability allows for instance launch condition changes. This allows for more dialed in performance or at least, the potential for enhanced performance.

Runner-Up (Accuracy) Titleist T-200

Titleist T-200

score icon Review Score
8.8
accuracy icon Accuracy
8.9
distance icon Distance Score
8.7
forgiveness icon Forgiveness
8.2
dollar icon Price
$269.99

Buy This If

  • You want accuracy off the tee:

    Most golfers are putting a driving iron in their golf bag to use off the tee. This means accuracy should be your utmost priority. Titleist T-200 is second overall for accuracy in our driving iron test. We don't calculate for straight shot or playable shots in our driving iron test. However, its accuracy score indicates that Titleist T-200 offers plenty of playability for golfers.

  • You want distance:

    With a driving iron, distance is an important performance characteristic. We stress accuracy over performance in all of our tests. Yet driving irons that produce distance over others are ones to consider. Titleist T-200 ranks as the third-best driving iron for distance.

Don't Buy This If

  • You prioritize consistency:

    Shot to shot, Titleist T-200 doesn't meet the consistency levels of other driving irons. Obviously, it offers accuracy and distance according to our test. However, when we analyze ball speed deltas, carry distance deltas, backspin deltas and dispersion, it falters. Be wary of this when you try one out. The best way to optimize performance is go through a professional fitting.

Bottom Line

Titleist T-200 is the best driving iron not named PING. It possesses both accuracy and distance off the tee box. Both of these performance traits are desirable for most golfers. Under the hood, there isn’t much difference between this and its player’s distance counterpart expect that this is built specifically as a driving iron. A below average forgiveness score is the one weakness of T-200. Otherwise, it is one of the best driving irons on the market. Go check it out.

Testers' Feedback

“Checks all the boxes and the distance is there given my swing speed and needs. It’s definitely on my short list.”

“I don’t like the chrome finish, but it’s one of the few driving irons I’d consider over my current one.”

Solid driving iron. But, I’d get the 3-iron versus the 2-iron.”

Expert Take

Most golfers who are considering a driving iron want to play it because it potentially offers more consistency over a hybrid, long-iron, or fairway wood. Titleist T-200 is one of the best driving irons on the market. It provides a high performing balance of accuracy and distance, which you can’t beat in a driving iron.


BEST DRIVING Irons FOR DISTANCE

Which golf shot do you remember the most? Most likely the one you hit the farthest.

Driving irons are made for distance as they’re specifically made for the top of your golf bag. Most driving irons are going to be used off the tee or longer approach shots.

These are the best driving irons for distance.


Best For Distance Titleist U505

Titleist U505

score icon Review Score
8.4
distance icon Distance Score
9
accuracy icon Accuracy
8.5
forgiveness icon Forgiveness
7.6
dollar icon Price
$269.99

Buy This If

  • You want distance:

    Distance will always be a determining factor for golfers when they buy a new golf club. No one wants to hit a golf club significantly shorter. Titleist U505 narrowly wins the title of best for distance in our 2024 Most Wanted Driving Iron. U505 is sneaky long and we say this because the design is more for playability as it has the largest iron profile of all the driving irons. The data reiterates its length. Check it out if you're looking for distance.

Don't Buy This If

  • You need forgiveness:

    Visually, Titleist U505 gives the appearance of having forgiveness. It possesses a large profile and more mass via a reengineered chassis. With this visual, it can give a golfer confidence at address. However, it lacks the shot-to-shot performance that we analyze for our forgiveness scoring category. We are evaluating deltas for ball speed, carry distance, backspin and dispersion. This is where Titleist U505 misses the mark.

Bottom Line

Titleist U505 is a mixed bag of performance. It claims the distance title in our 2024 driving iron test. However, it simultaneously ranks towards the bottom for forgiveness, which is shocking due to its design. If distance is your number one priority, this driving iron is worth considering. Go through a professional fitting to ensure optimum performance across the board.

Testers' Feedback

“Too bulky for my liking, but it offers solid performance.”

“Seems consistent and the design inspires confidence.”

“Harsher feel off the face, but it definitely produces fast ball speeds.”

Expert Take

One of the contributing factors to Titleist U505 being the best for distance is its ball speed numbers. It produces the highest ball speeds in the test (narrowly beating out PING iCrossover). This is a testament to U505’s design as it has a substantial amount of mass. Visually, it is a confidence inspiring driving iron.


Runner-Up (Distance) PING iCrossover

PING iCrossover

score icon Review Score
9
distance icon Distance Score
9
accuracy icon Accuracy
9
forgiveness icon Forgiveness
8.9
dollar icon Price
$249.99

Buy This If

  • You want off-the-rack performance:

    PING iCrossover is the best driving iron for accuracy, second-best for distance, and third-best for forgiveness. It is the best, all around driving iron on the market. Here is the kicker – it is one of few that is adjustable, which can enhance the performance even more

  • You emphasize subjective appeal:

    PING iCrossover performs. However, PING can be hit or miss with subjective appeal. This is not the case with the iCrossover. Our testing pool rates it the best for feel. Additionally, it ranks highly for sound and looks. Our testers also rate it the highest for likelihood of purchase.

Don't Buy This If

  • You don't need a driving iron:

    Driving irons aren't for most golfers. They are a niche golf club. From a performance and subjective appeal perspective, PING iCrossover doesn't have a negative. It's the best for a reason.

Bottom Line

PING iCrossover is the best driving iron of 2024. In 2023, we saw this driving iron dominate the testing pool for accuracy, distance, and forgiveness. This time around, the story is still strikingly similar – it is freaking GOOD. With new competition, the opportunity always exists for a falloff in performance. However, PING iCrossover is still the best or one of the best for each of our three scoring categories. If you are serious about playing a driving iron, PING iCrossover needs to be on the top of your shortlist.

Testers' Feedback

“I would buy it and put a different shaft in it. Acoustics are a bit too high pitch for me.”

“Sexy, feel is tremendous, and it’s long.”

“Relatively straight, fits my swing well, and I feel comfortable with it. It checks a bunch of boxes and it is in a league of its own.”

 

Expert Take

PING iCrossover is the best of the best. It is in a league of its own. Furthermore, it is one of few driving irons that offers adjustability. Having an option to adjust a driving iron is a game changer. Much like drivers, fairway woods, or hybrids, adjustability allows for instance launch condition changes. This allows for more dialed in performance or at least, the potential for enhanced performance.


BEST DRIVING Irons FOR FORGIVENESS

“Forgiveness” is a nebulous term in the golf industry. It’s used often but rarely defined. As a golfer, do you want a driving iron that performs consistently? Your answer should be a definitive “yes.” You should desire an club that produces similar results, shot to shot. Are the ball speed deviations tight? Are the carry distance deviations minimal? Are the dispersion ellipses compact? Does it produce consistent backspin? These are metrics we analyze when it comes to forgiveness within our driving iron test.

Below are the best driving irons for forgiveness.


Best for Forgiveness Callaway Apex UT

Callaway Apex UT

score icon Review Score
8.7
forgiveness icon Forgiveness
9.2
accuracy icon Accuracy
8.7
distance icon Distance Score
8.4
dollar icon Price
$275.00

Buy This If

  • You need forgiveness:

    How do you define forgiveness? Moreover, how are you able to distinguish whether a driving iron is forgiving? In our testing, we consider forgiveness as how consistent a driving iron produces similar shot outcomes. In essence, we are analyzing how consistent a driving iron is with specific golf ball metrics. These metrics are: ball speed, carry distance, backspin and dispersion. Callaway Apex UT ranks 1st for forgiveness.

  • You want more then forgiveness:

    Callaway Apex UT is forgiving and consistent relative to other driving irons. It ranks fifth overall for accuracy. Dispersion and accuracy intertwine to a degree. However, dispersion can be a tight circle AND inaccurate at the same time. Since Callaway Apex UT is forgiving (by our evaluation) and ranks well for accuracy, the data suggests this driving iron offers balanced performance.

Don't Buy This If

  • You prioritize distance:

    Distance is part of our evaluation and we highly encourage you to consider accuracy over total distance. Callaway Apex UT possesses accuracy and forgiveness according to our testing. Unfortunately, relative to the testing pool, it is below average for distance. This isn't to say it is excessively short, but it is shorter than others. This shouldn't stop you from considering it.

Bottom Line

Callaway Apex UT is the best driving iron for forgiveness. When we analyze forgiveness, we are addressing how consistent a golf club shot to shot. For this, we are looking at ball speed deltas, carry distance deltas, backspin deltas, and dispersion. Another description is evaluating the standard deviations for said metrics throughout the entire test. Across the entire testing pool, Callaway Apex UT delivers the best forgiveness (consistency).

Testers' Feedback

“Like the profile and shaping, very traditional look.”

“Love it. I’d play it in a heartbeat.”

“A few left misses, but really solid performance overall. I’d put it in the bag tomorrow with a different shaft in it.”

Expert Take

Callaway Apex UT doesn’t disappoint. It is the best driving iron for forgiveness, which tells us it is consistent shot to shot. Furthermore, our testing pool thinks highly of it. Several testers testified that they would play this driving iron. The one knock on it is distance and we know a lack of distance may deter some from playing it.

Runner-Up (Forgiveness) Caley Golf 01X

Caley Golf 01X

score icon Review Score
8.7
forgiveness icon Forgiveness
9.1
distance icon Distance Score
8.2
accuracy icon Accuracy
8.8
dollar icon Price
$173.00

Buy This If

  • You want forgiveness:

    What makes a driving iron forgiving? In our testing, we consider forgiveness as how consistent a driving produces similar shot outcomes. In essence, we are analyzing how consistent a driving iron is with specific golf ball metrics. These metrics are: ball speed, carry distance, backspin and dispersion. Caley Golf 01X is the second-best driving iron for forgiveness.

  • You prioritize accuracy:

    In addition to being forgiving, Caley Golf 01X also offers accuracy. Having a golf club that produces consistent shot outcomes is a game-changer. Couple this performance with accuracy and you have yourself a driving iron that has the potential to be reliable. Being able to tighten your dispersion on the golf course is critical, especially off the tee.

Don't Buy This If

  • You want distance:

    Caley Golf 01X is one of the shortest driving irons on the market. If distance is a priority to you, you might want to demo or try out other options. Do you bite the bullet and disregard distance for accuracy, forgiveness and overall playability?

Purchase at

Bottom Line

Caley Golf 01X is the second best driving iron for forgiveness. We saw it perform exceptionally well in last year’s testing for this specific category and it remains as one of the best driving irons for forgiveness. Caley is a newer brand, so there will always be skepticism about trying an unknown product. However, this driving iron offers forgiveness and consistency. To top it off, you can purchase it at a reasonable price point.

Testers' Feedback

“I didn’t even know about this brand, but I am pleasantly surprised with its performance.”

“Aesthetically, it isn’t the most pleasing.”

“Very impressed by the performance. However, it does not appeal to me subjectively.”

Expert Take

Seeing underdogs or under the radar golf clubs perform well in our testing is what we live for. Caley Golf 01X showcases a great blend of forgiveness and accuracy, which should appeal to golfers utilizing a driving or utility iron. Furthermore, it is available at a price friendly cost.


How to choose a driving iron

Our mission is to cut through the subjective BS and encourage golfers to buy based on performance. Performance should be your top priority. However, there are other things you need to consider when purchasing a new driving iron.

Titleist T-200 driving iron review

Key components

If you’re new to golf, it can be useful to understand the parts of a driving iron. Driving irons consist of several parts: the clubhead, the shaft and the grip.

The clubhead is the portion that actually strikes the ball. The hosel connects the head to the shaft, which can vary in length and is commonly constructed from graphite. The grip can be chosen separately and you can always regrip your clubs. And if you really want to go the custom route, you can add a unique ferrule, too.

Sometimes a driving iron will be referred to as a utility iron or crossover. Driving irons are used as an alternative to a fairway wood, hybrid or even long irons. They are known for having a slightly wider sole than a traditional long iron and a lower more penetrating ball flight and trajectory. 

Many driving irons feature hollow body construction to ensure lighter weight and increased distance potential.

Driving iron lofts 

The lofts of driving irons tend to range from 16 to 24 degrees. Higher lofted driving irons offer easier launch and some golfers find them to be more forgiving. However, from a distance perspective for those trying to maximize distance on the tee shot the lower lofts  of 16 or 18 degrees tend to be a better fit.

Club ModelLofts (Degrees)
PING iCrossover18, 20, 22.5
Mizuno Pro Fli-Hi16.5, 19, 21.5
Srixon ZX Mk II18, 20, 23
Callaway Apex UT18, 20, 23
COBRA KING Tec17, 19, 22, 25

Cost

Pricing will always impact a purchasing decision. Driving irons are slightly cheaper than hybrids. Most float between $230 and $280. On the flip side, there are multiple driving irons available at more affordable price points. Some are well below $200.

Sub 70 699 Pro V2 Utility Iron ReviewSub 70 699 Pro V2 Utility Iron Review

Sub 70 continues to impress in our Most Wanted tests. If you are looking for a well balanced performer in the driving iron category, look no further. Sub 70 699 Pro V2 is the recipient of our best value award due to its performance across all three of our scoring categories. Go check it out.

Shaft selection

Selecting the right shaft is critical for optimal performance. The proper shaft can positively impact launch conditions and overall accuracy. Even though driving irons are niche, there is enhanced performance to be had with an appropriately fitted driving iron.

Driving iron shafts are typically made from graphite although steel shafts are still an option. Callaway Apex UT was the only driving iron featuring a steel shaft in this year’s test.

The graphite shaft helps to improve speed, versatility and launch angle. Golfers looking for a long iron replacement should test shaft options to ensure the proper match for their swing speed.

Driving iron vs. hybrid

If the driving iron isn’t a great fit for your game, consider the hybrid. Driving irons tend to be great for golfers with higher swing speeds who are strong iron players. If a hybrid may be a better fit for you, take a look at the results of our best hybrid testing of 2024.

How we test driving irons

Our 2024 Most Wanted test took 100 testing hours. For 2024, the testing pool included 16 different driving iron models.

MyGolfSpy’s test program is powered by four crucial components :

For driving iron testing, we had 20 testers. Driving irons are a niche golf club. They aren’t for everyone. Golfers who possess higher swing speeds, lower handicaps and better ball striking are usually the target market for a driving iron. Therefore, our testing pool consists of golfers in this demographic.

Best driving irons of 2024 – Scoring

Providing you, the golfer and consumer, with insights into the best driving irons on the market is our No. 1 goal with this test. We can’t do that without taking a diligent, in-depth approach to analyzing the data we collect throughout this process.

Best utility irons of 2024

Our scoring categories remain the same and we will review those below. However, we are taking a more extensive approach to our scoring categories.

Overall scores are now labeled as an MGS Score.

Testing is comprised of three scoring categories:

  • Accuracy
  • Distance
  • Forgiveness

These three categories are weighted with accuracy taking priority.

Accuracy

Accuracy is a game-changer. Hitting the golf ball on or around your intended target leads to better scores. For our accuracy category, we analyze one specific metric:

  • Strokes Gained

Distance

Driving irons offer distance potential and are specifically for use at the top of your golf bag. Our distance category analyzes two specific metrics:

  • Carry Distance
  • Total Yards

Forgiveness

We label forgiveness as how consistent a driving iron is at producing consistent shot outcomes. For our forgiveness category, we asses four specific metrics:

  • Carry Distance Deltas – The difference between the longest and shortest carry distance for a given driving iron.
  • Ball Speed Deltas – The difference between the fastest and slowest ball speed for a given driving iron.
  • Backspin Deltas – The difference between the highest and lowest backspin for a given driving iron.
  • Dispersion – Previously called Shot Area, dispersion is a measurement (yards/squared) of the elliptical distribution of a series of golf shots.
PING iCrossover driving iron review

How the MGS Score is calculated

Scores are derived from the key metrics above with specific weighting going into each scoring category. For us, accuracy is always of utmost importance which is why it will receive priority over distance or forgiveness.

For driving irons, there is a noteworthy statistic golfers keep during a round of golf: fairways hit.

Hitting fewer fairways can raise your score, especially for amateur golfers. Rough is penalizing for a reason. Hitting more fairways can help lower your score. This is why accuracy is critical to how we assess driving iron performance. You want to either be hitting fairways or having playable shot outcomes that land relatively near the fairway.

The overall score is derived from the three scoring categories: accuracy, distance and forgiveness.

Best driving irons of 2024 – Overall results

ProductOverall RankAccuracy RankDistance RankForgiveness Rank
PING iCrossover1st1st2nd3rd
Titleist T-2002nd2nd3rd11th
Callaway Apex UT3rd5th12th1st
Caley Golf 01X Utility4th4th15h2nd
Srixon ZX Mk II Utility5th3rd7th10th
Sub 70 699 Pro V2 Utility6th6th6th8th
Titleist U5057th7th1st16th
TaylorMade P-UDI8th8th4th9th
Takomo 101U9th9th13th4th
Sub 70 699 V2 Utility10th10th8th7th
COBRA KING Tec Utility11th11th9th13th
Wilson Staff Model RB12th12th5th12th
Mizuno Pro Fli-Hi13th13th14th6th
TaylorMade P-DHY14th15th10th5th
PXG 0317X15th14th11th15th
COBRA KING Tec Utility One Length16th16th16th14th

FAQ: Best driving irons of 2024

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Phillip Bishop

Phillip Bishop

Phillip Bishop

Cancer Survivor. Amputee Golfer. Essentially, a OneLeggedBoss. When he isn't facilitating testing or analyzing data, Phillip enjoys his family time, practicing and playing golf, unwinding with video games, capturing photos of nature, or devouring pretzels.

Phillip Bishop

Phillip Bishop

Phillip Bishop

Driver Titleist GT3 3 Wood Titleist GT3
7 Wood Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond Irons (5-PW) Srixon ZXi5
Wedges (46, 50, 54, 58) Titleist Vokey SM10 Putter L.A.B. MEZZ.1 MAX
Ball Titleist Pro V1x  
Phillip Bishop

Phillip Bishop

Phillip Bishop





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      Lefthack

      1 year ago

      The Haywood Signature DI.2 is only $160, did you even consider it? I have the original and it’s awesome. The new one has some improvements and I’m looking forward to trying it this year.

      As a lefty, I don’t get many opportunities to try any of these without buying them first.

      Reply

      Scott Huie, MD

      2 years ago

      Have hit several of these and found the PXG easiest to hit. Felt heavier and most consistent. Bought it and love it.

      Reply

      Jonathan

      2 years ago

      I game both the Ping iCrossover and the Callaway Apex UT. The shaft will also make a BIG impact on performance. I have an Axiom 105X in the iCrossover and an MMT 105 TX in the Apex (because I got a deal on it). Both shafts are good for me. I really enjoy both of these clubs. I have both in the same loft, (2-iron, 18*) but the Apex is about an inch shorter shaft, which makes it play more like a normal 3-iron (a little higher launch and more controlled). I feel that I am able to control these clubs much better than a fairway wood or hybrid, and I don’t lose any distance except to a 3-wood. Sure, a hybrid is easier to launch, but if I put a good swing on it, launch is not an issue, and my misses are not as drastic. It’s been a difference maker to me.
      If I HAD to choose, I’d probably go with the Ping. And, if I HAD to narrow down my # of clubs, I’d probably not even carry a fairway wood and just have the Ping at the top of the bag, and then go 4I-LW. But, ideally, it would depend on the course you’re playing and the shots/distances you would need out of the clubs at the top. At my home course, I don’t really need a 3W.

      Reply

      Dan

      2 years ago

      Was the Mizuno Fli Hi not tested or Taylormade DHY/UDI?

      Reply

      Mitch

      2 years ago

      It is, just that it’s on pg2, meaning it didn’t do well which is surprising.

      Reply

      FakeRichGuy

      2 years ago

      So is this a modern 2 iron, or am I was off base?

      Forgive me for not knowing, I’m just not as familiar with what this is.

      Reply

      donn rutkoff

      2 years ago

      I think, maybe, duffer’s opinion, driving irons are easier to hit but harder to curve. If you can curve a 2, god bless you. Drive straight with these. These are mostly wider sole, and wider body, either hollow or foam. Compared to a blade or so called players club, these are “game improvement” or “super game improvement.”

      Reply

      Mark Blake

      2 years ago

      Unless all the shaft lengths and lofts are the same, the distance factor doesnt tell us anything. No surprise that the shortest iron came last.

      Reply

      Axel

      2 years ago

      I am missing the Mizuno Fli-Hi 2024 and the PXG 0317X in the test. In my view 2 of the strongest competitors in 2024.

      Reply

      RC

      2 years ago

      Nice article. I didn’t realize they made adjustable driving irons, so I learned something. The runner up looks a lot like the old 975D, which were great irons. When I used to struggle with long irons, for some reason I could hit that 975D #2 iron flush and far.

      Reply

      Josh

      2 years ago

      I recently added a Callaway Apex UT with a KBS prototype hybrid shaft in it. It hits darts that consistently travel 250-260 in Reno. Consistent ball flight and it is easy hit. I’m loving this club.

      Reply

      MarkM

      2 years ago

      I used to play the previous versions of the Callaway UT 4, but was intrigued by the iCrossover’s adjustability and buzz over performance. I tested it and it beat our the UT pretty handily. I’ve been playing it since and it’s every bit as good as those results show. I have it set and -1.5° flat … Perfect!

      p.s. my setup includes a 5-wood (no 3), 19° hybrid and the 22.5° iCrossover

      Reply

      Matt M

      2 years ago

      I’ve hit A TON of driving irons this year and for me the Srixon ZX MKII was both easiest to hit consistently by far and most forgiving. May be giving up a few yards but I’ll take the other two over a few yards! Very surprised it came in 10th in forgiveness.

      Reply

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