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You’re about to explore the most comprehensive game-improvement iron test of 2024. It’s backed by more than a decade of experience from MyGolfSpy, the industry leaders in independent golf club testing.
Our 2024 Game Improvement Iron Test is among the largest we’ve ever conducted. Since we have opted to test current in-line offerings, this year’s test features 17 game-improvement iron models from the largest brands of golf along smaller brands vying for your attention and dollars.
In total, our team spent more than 280 hours collecting and analyzing data from a test pool of 20 avid golfers just like you. To identify the best game-improvement irons, we considered distance, accuracy 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 game-improvement iron, you’ll find it here.
These are the best game-improvement irons of 2024.
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”PJ90exnB” upload-date=”2024-07-30T19:30:26.000Z” name=”Best Game-Improvement Irons 0f 2024.mp4″ description=”” player-type=”default” override-embed=”default”]Game-improvement irons are a different breed. On paper, they appeal to the broadest range of golfers. However, we continue to see performance differences between irons in this category. Most game-improvement irons prioritize distance. We prioritize a blend of accuracy, distance and forgiveness. The first being the most critical performance characteristic of all.
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.
Review Score
Accuracy
Distance Score
Forgiveness
Price
The Tour Edge Exotics are underdogs. For most, they aren't going to be the first choice. However, their golf products continue to be an example of consistency. Tour Edge Exotics E723 is the best game-improvement iron for forgiveness. For forgiveness, we analyze how consistent a golf club performs for each shot. Specifically, its ball speed, carry distance, backspin and dispersion. E723 excels for these metrics in a pitching wedge, 7-iron and 5-iron.
Accuracy is a metric that we prioritize and you should as well. Tour Edge Exotics E723 offers playable accuracy and can only get better with a professional fitting. Our scoring favors pitching wedge and 7-iron performance. E723 is one of the most accurate game-improvement irons in our 7-iron evaluation.
Although Tour Edge Exotics E723 offers solid distance potential, it does not compete with the two longest irons in the game-improvement category.
Tour Edge Exotics E723 is the epitome of consistency. Tour Edge is usually among the leaders for forgiveness. Whether it is iron testing, driver testing or other golf club categories, they offer reliable outcomes. Reliable shot outcomes are the heartbeat of our forgiveness evaluation and E723 is the best game-improvement iron for forgiveness. Thus it is the best game-improvement iron of 2024.
“Thicker top line and better than average from a performance standpoint.”
“Relatively easy to hit, but the looks are the biggest knock against it.”
“Favorite of the grouping – easy to swing with great results and the most consistent of the group.”
One of our mantras: Performance over subjective appeal. Tour Edge E723 is another example of a golf club performing well despite poor subjective feedback scores. It isn’t the most aesthetically appealing game-improvement iron, it doesn’t offer amazing, tantalizing feel off the face but, damn, does it perform well.
Review Score
Accuracy
Distance Score
Forgiveness
Price
In golf, there are several accuracy stats you track, one of which is greens in regulation. Regardless of iron category, you should prioritize an iron that is accurate. Titleist T-350 is the second-best game-improvement iron for accuracy for 2024. T-350 truly shines for accuracy in a 7-iron and 5-iron.
Reliability and consistency go hand-in-hand. They are at the root of how we analyze forgiveness. How consistent is an iron at producing similar ball speeds, carry distances, backspin numbers and dispersion? That is what you should be asking yourself when you consider forgiveness. Titleist T-350 does a reasonable job at producing such numbers and shot outcomes.
Titleist T-350 is average for distance relative to the testing field. This isn't necessarily to say it doesn't offer distance potential. Almost every game-improvement iron offers considerable distance potential. However, relative to the competition, Titleist T-350 is just average.
Titleist T-350 is one of the best game-improvement irons of 2024. It placed second overall because it excels in accuracy, produces reliable forgiveness and offers considerable distance. Prioritizing accuracy should always be your goal when you are considering a new iron and Titleist T-350 fits this criterion.
“Great feeling and one of the easier game improvement irons to hit.”
“Appealing setup at address and slightly thinner profile than others in this category.”
“The acoustics are unappealing. However, it is forgiving and consistent. They’ve improved the looks immensely versus prior generations.”
We continually stress the importance of accuracy over forgiveness or distance. This is even truer in the game-improvement iron category. These are irons that are designed and produced with ease of use in mind. However, not all of them are created equal. Titleist T-350 stands out as a reliable, easy-to-use game-improvement iron. Most importantly, it is accurate.
Review Score
Accuracy
Distance Score
Forgiveness
Price
When we say "balance," we are referring to an all-around performer. Srixon ZX4 Mk II isn't the best for one specific scoring metric but it is an above-average performer across the board. It is among the leaders for accuracy and forgiveness, specifically. In regards to accuracy, Srixon ZX4 Mk II is the best-performing 7-iron for accuracy.
Golfers buy based on subjective appeal. This we cannot deny. We strive to encourage you to weigh performance over subjectivity. Srixon ZX4 Mk II is one of the best performers in this year's test and one of the highest-rated game-improvement irons for subjective appeal, especially for looks and likelihood of purchase.
Over the past several years, we continue to see our testing pool enamored by Srixon irons. They continue to perform well in testing and produce some of the highest subjective feedback scores. If you haven't tried them, you need to.
Srixon ZX4 Mk II is the third-best game-improvement iron for a reason. It is accurate, specifically in our 7-iron groupings. It offers predictable and reliable shot outcomes based on our forgiveness metric. It produces controllable distance. It isn’t extremely hot off the face and unpredictable like other game-improvement irons.
“Favorite of the grouping – easy to hit, properly balanced, and consistent performance.”
“It checks all the boxes. I feel extremely comfortable and confident over the golf ball. I know it is consistent.”
“Thicker top line than I’d like. But, overall, it is a very solid iron.”
Srixon irons need to be taken seriously. Our testing continues to prove their consistency in different performance metrics. They may not be the best in one specific metric but they are a well-balanced iron in general. Srixon ZX4 MK II demonstrates this by being among the leaders for accuracy. In the end, you should prioritize consistency and ZX4 Mk IIs can offer this.
With over a decade of testing experience, we continue to emphasize the importance of accuracy. Without accuracy, playing golf becomes extremely difficult. Although game-improvement irons are supposed to improve your game (the very name suggests it), not all game-improvement irons are created equal. There are some that possess certain performance characteristics but are not accurate. Accuracy should be your top priority.
These are the best game-improvement irons for accuracy.
Review Score
Accuracy
Distance Score
Forgiveness
Price
MacGregor MACSPD is the best game-improvement iron for accuracy. If your objective is to hit more greens and have more playable shot outcomes, MACSPD might be the iron for you. It is especially effective with a pitching wedge for accuracy.
Playable shot outcomes are a testament to consistency. Consistency is how we define forgiveness. MacGregor MACSPD is one of the most consistent (forgiving) game-improvement irons. It offers consistent ball speed, carry distance, backspin and dispersion.
There is a noticeable trade-off with the MacGregor MACSPD relative to other game-improvement irons – it lacks distance. This iron is the shortest game-improvement iron in our 2024 test. Ultimately, you need to determine whether you prioritize accuracy over distance.
In our testing, accuracy is an imperative scoring metric. For 2024, MacGregor MACSPD outshines the rest of the game-improvement iron category for accuracy. Unfortunately, relative to other game-improvement irons, it is noticeably shorter. If distance is your goal, you may want to look elsewhere.
“Shorter, but super accurate.”
“Love the darker finish, shorter than others, but it is very consistent.”
“A good game improvement irons and perhaps a touch more penalizing than others.”
Hitting greens or having closer proximity to the green are two shot outcomes you should prioritize with an iron. Too many golfers prioritize distance over accuracy. MacGregor MACSPD is a game-improvement iron that excels with accuracy and reliable shot outcomes, which can lead to better scores. Distance is its lone weakness as it is the shortest iron in testing. Don’t let that deter you from potentially trying this iron.
Review Score
Accuracy
Distance Score
Forgiveness
Price
There are several accuracy stats you track in a round. One is greens in regulation. Regardless of iron category, you should prioritize an iron that is accurate. Titleist T-350 is the second-best game-improvement iron for accuracy for 2024. T-350 shines for accuracy in a 7-iron and 5-iron.
Reliability and consistency go hand-in-hand. They are at the core of how we analyze forgiveness. How consistent is an iron at producing similar ball speeds, carry distances, backspin numbers and dispersion? That is what you should be asking yourself when you consider forgiveness. Titleist T-350 does a reasonable job at producing such numbers and shot outcomes.
Much like Tour Edge E723, Titleist T-350 is average for distance relative to the testing field. This isn't to necessarily say that it doesn't offer distance potential.
Titleist T-350 is one of the best game-improvement irons of 2024. It placed second overall because it excels in accuracy, produces reliable forgiveness and offers considerable distance.
“Great feeling and one of the easier game improvement irons to hit.”
“Appealing setup at address and slightly thinner profile than others in this category.”
“The acoustics are unappealing. However, it is forgiving and consistent. They’ve improved the looks immensely versus prior generations.”
We continually stress the importance of accuracy over forgiveness or distance. This is even truer in the game-improvement iron category. These are designed and produced with ease of use in mind. However, not all of them are created equal. Titleist T-350 stands out as a reliable, easy-to-use game-improvement iron and, most importantly, it is accurate.
Which golf shot do you remember the most? Most likely the one you hit the farthest.
When it comes to distance, game-improvement irons offer a tremendous amount of upside. In our testing, we see irons that dominate in terms of distance. Unfortunately, we often see a lack of accuracy with these irons. If distance is your top priority, go through a professional fitting for game-improvement irons below. A proper fitting can potentially increase accuracy and provide better yardage gapping.
These are the best game-improvement irons for distance.
Review Score
Distance Score
Forgiveness
Accuracy
Price
Wilson Dynapower is the best game-improvement iron for distance. For a large portion of the testing pool, Dynapower proved to be the longest game-improvement iron. One of the mind-boggling stats is that it is over 10 yards longer with a 7-iron than the shortest game-improvement iron.
Wilson Dynapower is the longest iron in the game-improvement category. However, it comes with a price. Accuracy and consistency are not its strongest traits. We highly recommend going through a fitting for this iron. This will ensure better yardage gapping and hopefully more accuracy.
Wilson Dynapower is the king of distance. We know this is how many consumers purchase golf clubs. We prioritize accuracy over distance which is why Wilson Dynapower finishes where it does. We encourage you to consider accuracy over pure distance. If Dynapower is an iron you want to try, we strongly recommend a fitting to ensure better accuracy and distance gapping.
“Stupid long and hot. I am not keen on the looks.”
“Solid on impact and jumps off the face. It is in my top 3 of irons I’ve tested to date.”
“Long, but inconsistent. I don’t like the overall look.”
The longest shots you hit are the ones that you never forget. Wilson Dynapower is the longest game-improvement iron. Yet, just because it is long doesn’t necessarily make it a good option. Accuracy, distance control and reliability should take precedence with any iron set. Be wary if you are considering the Wilson Dynapower iron.
Review Score
Distance Score
Accuracy
Forgiveness
Price
Much like Wilson Dynapower, PXG 0311 XP GEN6 is long. It stands out as the second-longest game-improvement iron in testing. If there is one thing true about PXG's game-improvement irons – they are always hot.
PXG offers a significant discount to those with a military or first responder background. This is a great way to give back to those who serve. If this is you, check it out through their website.
PXG 0311 XP GEN6 is long but it does not perform well for accuracy or forgiveness. It ranks towards the bottom for these metrics. Much like Dynapower, we strongly recommend going through a professional fitting to improve accuracy, consistency and distance control.
PXG 0311 XP GEN6 is one of the hottest irons on the market. It is an iron that might be categorized as a player’s distance by some. In our opinion, it is a game-improvement iron. If you crave distance, this is worth considering. They offer tremendous value to those with a military or first responder background.
“The mishits are inconsistent. But, the feel is soft and the face is hot.”
“Great look, sound and feel.”
“Very hot, which made it difficult to have controllable distances.”
PXG 0311 XP GEN6 is another example of an iron that is long and hot. This alone will pique a golfer’s interest. However, we stress accuracy and consistency over distance. If you are considering the PXG 0311 XP GEN6 irons, go through a professional fitting to ensure an enhancement in accuracy and yardage gapping.
“Forgiveness” is a nebulous term in the golf industry. It’s used often but rarely defined. As a golfer, do you want a game-improvement iron that performs consistently? Your answer should be a definitive “yes.” You should desire an iron that produces similar results off the club face, 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 each of our iron tests.
Below are the best game-improvement irons for forgiveness.
Review Score
Forgiveness
Accuracy
Distance Score
Price
Tour Edge Exotics is an underdog. However, their products continue to be an example of consistency. Tour Edge Exotics E723 is the best game-improvement iron for forgiveness. For forgiveness, we analyze how consistent a golf club performs for each shot. Specifically, its ball speed, carry distance, backspin, and dispersion. E723 excels across the board for these metrics in a pitching wedge, 7-iron and 5-iron.
Accuracy is a metric that we prioritize and you should as well. Tour Edge Exotics E723 offers playable accuracy and can only get better with a professional fitting. Our scoring favors pitching wedge and 7-iron performance. E723 is one of the most accurate game improvement irons in our 7-iron evaluation.
Although Tour Edge Exotics E723 offers solid distance potential, it is does not compete with the two longest irons in the game-improvement category.
Tour Edge Exotics E723 is the epitome of consistency and this is true for most of our Most Wanted tests. Tour Edge is usually among the leaders for forgiveness. Whether it is iron testing, driver testing or other golf club categories, they offer reliable shot outcomes. Reliable shot outcomes are the heartbeat of our forgiveness evaluation and E723 is the best game-improvement iron for forgiveness.
“Thicker topline and better than average from a performance standpoint.”
“Relatively easy to hit, but the looks are the biggest knock against it.”
“Favorite of the grouping – easy to swing with great results and the most consistent of the group.”
Performance should take precedence over subjective appeal. Tour Edge E723 is another example of a golf club performing well despite poor subjective feedback scores. It isn’t the most aesthetically appealing game-improvement iron, it doesn’t offer amazing, tantalizing feel off the face but it performs well.
Review Score
Forgiveness
Distance Score
Accuracy
Price
Playable shot outcomes are a testament to consistency. Consistency is how we define forgiveness. MacGregor MACSPD is one of the most consistent (forgiving) game-improvement irons. It offers consistent ball speed, carry distance, backspin and dispersion.
MacGregor MACSPD is the best game-improvement iron for accuracy. If your objective is to hit more greens and have more playable shot outcomes, MACSPD might be the iron for you. It is especially effective with a pitching wedge for accuracy.
There is a noticeable trade-off with the MacGregor MACSPD relative to other game-improvement irons – it lacks distance. This iron is the shortest game-improvement iron in our 2024 test. Ultimately, you need to determine whether you prioritize accuracy over distance.
Accuracy is an imperative scoring metric. For 2024, MacGregor MACSPD outshines the rest of the game-improvement iron category to claim the best for accuracy. Additionally, it is the 2nd best game-improvement iron for forgiveness.
Throughout the testing process, it was evident MACSPD would finish towards the top of the test for both of these scoring metrics. Unfortunately, there is a lack of distance with the MACSPD. Relative to other game-improvement irons, it is noticeably shorter. If distance is your goal, you may want to look elsewhere. But, if accuracy and forgiveness (consistency) are your top priorities, MACSPD is worth your consideration.
“Shorter, but super accurate.”
“Love the darker finish, shorter than others, but it is very consistent.”
“A good game improvement iron and perhaps a touch more penalizing than others.”
Hitting greens or having closer proximity to the green are two shot outcomes you should prioritize with an iron. For the game improvement category, too many golfers prioritize distance over accuracy. MacGregor MACSPD represents a game improvement iron that excels with accuracy and reliable shot outcomes, which can lead to better scores. Distance is its lone weakness as it is the shortest iron in testing. But, don’t let that deter you from potentially trying this 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 game-improvement iron.
If you’re new to golf, it can be useful to understand the parts of an iron. Irons consist of several parts: the clubhead, the shaft and the grip. The clubhead is the portion that actually strikes the ball and is often made from materials such forged steel. This is common in a player’s iron.
The hosel connects the head to the shaft, which can vary in length and is commonly constructed from steel or 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.
Some game-improvement irons especially those that are considered more forgiving irons have larger heads, wider soles or a thicker top line. You’ll notice that most game-improvement irons are a bit bulkier in look and shape than players distance irons.
Pricing will always impact a purchasing decision. The game-improvement iron category offers a wide range of price points. Due to golf club construction, most game-improvement irons feature a cast design versus a forged design. This alone allows for more consumer-friendly prices. On the flip side, there are a plethora of game-improvement irons that exceed $1,000 for a seven-piece set.
When shopping for game improvement irons try to consider what makes you want new clubs. Are you trying to hit straighter shots, become a better player, get more distance, stop hitting fat shots etc.
As you look through our best game improvement iron testing, look at the distance, forgiveness and accuracy rankings for each iron. Sometimes a longer distance iron will keep you from getting the accuracy you need.
By breaking golf irons into these categories we can get a much better look at which golf irons will have a positive impact on your game.
Choosing to play a game-improvement iron based on handicap alone is a mistake. We continue to emphasize the fact that going for a professional fitting is very important in the process of purchasing new golf irons. You may find a super game improvement iron or even a player’s distance iron is a better fit for your game.
Remember to analyze the specifics of your game to choose an iron as opposed to the exact scores you shoot.
Selecting the right shaft is critical for optimal performance. The proper shaft can positively impact launch conditions and overall accuracy.
Shafts typically are made from graphite or steel with the former being lighter and potentially aiding in faster swing speeds. The shaft flex corresponds to swing speed and affects the trajectory.
Beginners often benefit from lighter graphite shafts that offer more flex while seasoned players may prefer the precision of stiffer steel shafts suited for more powerful swings.
While our test focuses on forgiveness, accuracy, and distance. Here are other winners we can pull from this data.
Testing game-improvement irons is not an easy task. Our 2024 Most Wanted test took 280 testing hours. For 2024, the testing pool includes 17 different iron models.
MyGolfSpy’s test program is powered by three crucial components :
For game-improvement irons, we have 20 testers. Since game-improvement irons are marketed to a broader range of golfers who vary in skill level, our testing pool includes golfers who fall under this demographic. Due to the scale of this test, each tester committed to 14 appointments to complete the game-improvement iron test. All 20 testers hit the pitching wedge, 7-iron and 5-iron of each participating iron model.
Providing you, the golfer and consumer, with insights into the best game-improvement 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.
Our scoring categories remain the same and we will review those below. However, we are taking a new, more extensive approach to our scoring categories.
Overall scores are now labeled as an MGS Score.
Testing is comprised of three scoring categories:
These three categories are weighted with accuracy taking priority.
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:
Game-improvement irons are notorious for offering distance potential. Some irons in this category are quite longer than other competitors. Our distance category analyzes two specific metrics:
We label forgiveness as how consistent a game-improvement iron is at producing consistent shot outcomes. For our forgiveness category, we asses three specific metrics:
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 irons specifically, there is a noteworthy statistic golfers keep during a round of golf – greens in regulation. Hitting fewer greens can raise your score. Hitting more greens can help lower your score. This is why accuracy is critical to how we assess iron performance. You want to either be hitting greens or having playable shot outcomes that land relatively near the green.
The overall score is derived from the three scoring categories: accuracy, distance, and forgiveness. Additionally, since there are three golf club categories (5-iron, 7-iron, pitching wedge), each of these are weighted and are part of the overall score calculation. Based on years of testing and other data analyses, 7-iron and pitching wedge are weighted greater than 5-iron performance.
| Product | Overall Ranking | Accuracy Ranking | Distance Ranking | Forgiveness Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Edge Exotics E723 | 1st | 4th | 5th | 1st |
| Titleist T-350 | 2nd | 2nd | 8th | 8th |
| Srixon ZX4 Mk II | 3rd | 3rd | 9th | 10th |
| COBRA Darkspeed One Length | 4th | 14th | 7th | 12th |
| MacGregor MACSPD | 5th | 1st | 17th | 2nd |
| Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal | 6th | 13th | 6th | 6th |
| TaylorMade QI10 | 7th | 5th | 3rd | 13th |
| PING G430 | 8th | 6th | 16th | 5th |
| Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke HL | 9th | 11th | 14th | 3rd |
| Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke | 10th | 7th | 10th | 11th |
| COBRA Darkspeed | 11th | 10th | 13th | 9th |
| XXIO 13 | 12th | 9th | 11th | 14th |
| Orlimar Intercept | 13th | 8th | 12th | 4th |
| XXIO Prime | 14th | 17th | 4th | 15th |
| Cleveland Zipcore XL | 15th | 12th | 15th | 7th |
| PXG 0311 XP GEN6 | 16th | 16th | 2nd | 16th |
| Wilson Dynapower | 17th | 15th | 1st | 17th |
World-class testing requires world-class equipment. This is the gear we trust to help us fulfill our Most Wanted testing.
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.
| 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 |
Tony is the Editor of MyGolfSpy where his job is to bring fresh and innovative content to the site. In addition to his editorial responsibilities, he was instrumental in developing MyGolfSpy's data-driven testing methodologies and continues to sift through our data to find the insights that can help improve your game. Tony believes that golfers deserve to know what's real and what's not, and that means MyGolfSpy's equipment coverage must extend beyond the so-called facts as dictated by the same companies that created them. Most of all Tony believes in performance over hype and #PowerToThePlayer.
| Driver Titleist GT3 9° | Mini Driver TaylorMade R7 Quad 13° |
| 4-Wood Titleist GT2 16.5° | 4-Hybrid Titleist GT3 |
| Irons (5-PW) Titleist T350 | Wedges Vokey SM10 (48° F, 54° F, 58° T) |
| L.A.B. Golf DF3 | Ball Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash |
2 years ago
Astonishing that ‘distance’ is even a consideration. Distance relative to loft might be, but the true ‘distance’ measurement should be what ‘distance’ each club travels. Then you transfer that knowledge out on to the golf course. It’s entirely irrelevant what ‘distance’ one iron (from a different set of clubs) travels compared to another iron. If you want a lower loft with a higher number (loft jacking) then you are simply insecure. You only need to know which iron in your set, travels a given distance. Forget about everything else and forget about what number iron your mates are hitting.
2 years ago
Where is all of the actual data from the test – i.e. distances for each club, dispersion, etc? You used to provide all of that, and it looks like you know just publish where they finished in order – much like Golf Digest. When looking at irons, it’s important to know if the difference in distance from 1st to 10th is 1 yard or 10 yards. It’s hard to have any credibility if you don’t back up the results with data.
2 years ago
Hi, I was wondering if you guys could help me decide on a set of irons to check out. I didn’t know if I should be looking more at the super game improvement irons or the regular game improvement irons or really what the differences are between those two categories. I have played on and off for a few years but haven’t for the past 3-4 years as I’ve been really busy with school. I was looking at this list of game improvement irons but didn’t know how heavily I should factor in distance as I’m relatively young at 27 and moderately athletic so don’t have too much trouble creating my own power. Thanks.
2 years ago
Distance shouldn’t really be that important of a consideration for irons. Loft jacking means that, say, a current 8 iron might go as far a 7 iron from 20 years ago, not just because technology has improved, but because today’s 8 iron has about the same loft as an older 7 iron. Consistency in distance and forgiveness and landing characteristics (including spin and angle of descent) are much more important. You want to be able to hit you hybrid(s) and/or your longest fairway wood a long way, and you want to have good gapping between clubs, but you can do that with most decent iron sets regardless of how far you hit the set’s five iron. Iron distance matters more for advertising than for scores.
How the clubs look at address to you can be a huge deal from a confidence perspective, and it can be hard to evaluate that without checking out clubs in person. I personally feel more confident hitting a slightly smaller game improvement iron head with a thinner topline than a bigger, bulkier super game improvement iron, but for many folks the opposite will be true.
Almost all of the clubs on the list are good clubs. Note that they don’t necessarily post all submitted comments here. For example, several of these club sets were tested in both 2024 and 2023, and the relative rankings of those sets were wildly different in the two years, but they didn’t post my comment to that effect. Take the rankings with a big grain of salt.
2 years ago
Where is the raw data?
2 years ago
I would like to see it too.
2 years ago
Especially given that three of the four sets of clubs that were tested in both 2023 and 2024 moved all over the place in the rankings, even relative to each other. Doesn’t make much sense, really.
2 years ago
Excluding the Dynapower because it was so much longer than 2nd place, how much shorter are these being in 17th overall?
2 years ago
Forgot to specify how much “shorter” are the MacGregors?
2 years ago
Your timing is perfect. I’ve been hitting all kinds of game improvement irons the past 6 weeks. I currently have stiff shafts and need to go to regular. I had the E723’s on my list to try but had written them off because someone at the golf center where I test clubs said they weren’t up to the standard of the others. I just hit them today and found that your results are pretty much what I found. I’m scheduled for a fitting on 8/12/24. Now I need to wear out my old back a little more before that date. Thanks
2 years ago
Try Callaway APEX DCB irons before you decide & buy.
I did and have never regretted it.
Good luck with your journey!
2 years ago
Hopefully, the article covering the Player’s Distance Irons is also right around the corner. But with Mizuno, Taylormade, and PXG launching new clubs in the next 30 days (or so), and Srixon before year’s end, that article will be stale before it’s even published!
2 years ago
So many wonderful pictures and not 1 top line was shown. I don’t understand why we don’t get a look at the club as it looks when you play golf. Every other angle but nothing at address, always seems odd because it’s literally what you see when you play golf and every other angle could be ignored if you like how they “look”.
Putters are often the same, so many angles but nothing from top or address position.
First thing you do with a new club is put it down and see how it looks.
Why not show most important view????
2 years ago
Agreed. I think only the macspd showed a topline
2 years ago
I have both the Cobra Speedzone irons and the F9 irons and will be playing Cobra for years to come! I can’t afford PXG and I’m not into McGregor, Titleist, or TaylorMade. It’s nice to play a brand name that I trust. I used to play Adams Golf and will follow them as well. Otherwise it seems that as good as these other irons might be for other amateurs, I will stick with Cobra. Playing the Speedzones last summer I shot my best score for 6 holes ever at Greenbryre. I will be playing my F9 irons to start, and UST mamiya recoil shafts will be ruling the roost!
2 years ago
My choice would be the MacGregors. They are the most accurate, high on the list for forgiveness. The are anywhere from 1.5 to 3 degrees weaker loft which is why they are so low on the distance scale. For me, with a lower swing speed it means I can hit the 4, 5 and 6 with a higher trajectory and get nice stopping power.
2 years ago
They also look amazing. Just ordered a set!
2 years ago
If a club is 10 yards shorter that could easily lessen the dispersion just based on the distance. Is there a way mathematically to account for distance relative to accuracy?
2 years ago
I was just going to ask a question about where are all the big five OEM clubs and then I ended up reading the whole article. Incredibly refreshing to see that you don’t have to spend $1,000 on irons to get top quality products.
I won’t speak for other MGS readers but articles like this are not only phenomenal, they provide MUCH more value to me than another $85 Polo shirt article.
2 years ago
Shots fired, Lindeman!
2 years ago
Thank you for the feedback, Mike! One of the underlining highlights of the game improvement category is that there is a playable option for a plethora of golfers.
2 years ago
Very well said. That and $500 putters. Only MGS does testing that is not all golf company Marketing Department rehash. I’ve donated to MGS… encourage others to remember this.
2 years ago
Interesting that the Mizuno 923s dropped from 1st in accuracy last year to 15th this year. Is that just a matter of ranking (i.e. newer models really performed better) or was their actual score somehow lower this time?
2 years ago
They’re still top ten in every other category, though, even relative to newer releases. Just the accuracy score fell off a cliff, so I’m curious how that happened.
2 years ago
Same, I just purchased the Hot Metals for $800 coming from the factory. Can’t tell me they fell that much relative to competitors or the new stuff is drastically better.
2 years ago
Sorry to see you left out the hybrid irons such as the Cobra T-Rails. These are probably a better game improvement option for so many players who struggle to hit irons.”
2 years ago
Hi Warren! Our Super Game Improvement Iron article is just around the corner. That will feature COBRA T-Rail and many others that fit the “hybrid-iron” labeling. Be on the look out! For irons specific to the game improvement category, Tour Edge Exotics E723 features a slightly thicker design than some others. Traditionally, Mizuno’s JPX Hot Metal is a solid option as well.
Despite it’s performance, Cleveland ZipCore XL is an underrated iron, especially from an “easy to hit” standpoint.
2 years ago
I’m guessing a lot of golf equipment snobs will fall out of their chair looking at these results. I am glad to see that you don’t need to take a second mortgage to get a good set of irons. I went with Sub 70 699 v2 last year and couldn’t be happier.
2 years ago
Great observation, David! Sub 70 is also a worthwhile option in this category despite not being included this year. There is a game-improvement iron option for everyone in this category – accuracy, forgiveness, distance, attractive price points, etc.
2 years ago
I came here to ask about Sub70!
Looks like those MacGregors might be a hidden gem for someone like myself (on a budget with old clubs).
Matt
1 year ago
Why was the 2023 winner excluded from this test? In all other tests, the prior year winner was included.