Best Super Game Improvement Irons 2022
Irons

Best Super Game Improvement Irons 2022

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Best Super Game Improvement Irons 2022
CALLAWAY ROGUE ST MAX OS
CLEVELAND LAUNCHER XL HALO
TOUR EDGE HOT LAUNCH E522
CALLAWAY ROGUE ST MAX OS
TOMMY ARMOUR 845 MAX
2022 MOST WANTED
CALLAWAY ROGUE ST MAX OS
  • 2022 Most Wanted
  • Best for distance and accuracy
  • Highly rated for feel and looks
  • The chrome finish is not appealing
  • 97.54
RUNNER UP
CLEVELAND LAUNCHER XL HALO
  • Among the leaders in distance and accuracy
  • Great consistency across all three metrics
  • Look and design were displeasing to testers
  • 87.81
BEST FORGIVENESS
TOUR EDGE HOT LAUNCH E522
  • Best for forgiveness
  • Good feel
  • Poor design and shaping
  • Poor distance
  • 85.0
BEST DISTANCE
CALLAWAY ROGUE ST MAX OS
  • Best for distance
  • One of the best-looking irons
  • Shiny chrome is poor
  • 97.54
BEST VALUE
TOMMY ARMOUR 845 MAX
  • Best value
  • Third place overall
  • Appealing feel and design
  • Testers felt like it launched lower than others
  • 86.15

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OUR JOB IS YOUR GAME

Today, we highlight the results for our 2022 Most Wanted Super Game-Improvement Irons test!

Super game-improvement irons generally target slower-swinging, higher-handicap and/or beginner golfers. With a focus on forgiveness and increased Moment of Inertia (limiting how much the club-head can twist at impact) these irons help produce higher ball flight and straighter shots.

Let’s take a look at the best super game-improvement irons of 2022.

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 super game-improvement irons, we’ve split our key metrics into three categories: accuracy, forgiveness and distance. Each category is weighted through proprietary methodologies.

Data was collected using Foresight GCQuad Launch monitors. To minimize variables, all testers hit Titleist Pro V1 golf balls. Outliers were removed and data was aggregated before scores were calculated.

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. 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

Without question, distance is always a priority for most consumers. Our distance metrics are simple:

  • Carry distance
  • Total distance

BEST SUPER GAME-IMPROVEMENT IRONS OVERALL

Top of the Board

  • Callaway Rogue ST Max OS takes the crown of 2022 Most Wanted Super Game-Improvement Iron. Its performance overall is impressive.
  • In second place is Cleveland Launcher XL Halo. Although the Rogue ST Max OS ran away from the competition, Launcher XL Halo displays solid consistency.
  • Rounding out the top three is Tommy Armour 845 Max. Distance and forgiveness are its strong points.

BEST SUPER GAME-IMPROVEMENT IRONS FOR DISTANCE

TOP PICKS: CALLAWAY ROGUE ST MAX OS, XXIO 12, CLEVELAND LAUNCHER XL HALO

BEST SUPER GAME-IMPROVEMENT IRONS FOR FORGIVENESS

TOP PICKS: TOUR EDGE HOT LAUNCH E522, SUB 70 799, CALLAWAY ROGUE ST MAX OS

BEST SUPER GAME-IMPROVEMENT IRONS FOR ACCURACY

TOP PICKS: CALLAWAY ROGUE ST MAX OS, XXIO 12, CLEVELAND LAUNCHER XL HALO

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

For super game-improvement irons, set make-up can range from traditional make-ups (4-PW) to 6- or 7-iron through SW. Thus, it provides a wide range of options. It also varies manufacturer to manufacturer. Some only offer 5-PW, GW, which is a solid option given the target market. Be sure to take advantage of set make-up options when you’re debating purchasing a new iron set.

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

Throughout Most Wanted Testing, distance and forgiveness are main talking points. For most, distance is a priority. However, forgiveness can steal the spotlight on occasion. Super game-improvement irons generally drift towards the forgiveness side of the spectrum. With hybrid-like designs, an increase in MOI often takes precedence over other technology features. In this year’s test, there are some quality choices that offer a great blend of both benefits.

COST

In general, the super game-improvement iron category has fair pricing. Most of the iron sets within this test are less than $1,000. Callaway Rogue ST Max OS and XXIO 12 run between $1,000 and $1,600 depending on set make-up. There are some great value deals such as Tommy Armour 845 Max irons.

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

  • With super game-improvement irons, technology isn’t lacking. There are several technical features that go into these types of irons:
    • Hollow-body designs
    • Counter-balanced components
    • Loft-specific grooves
    • Lighter weighting for increased speed
    • High MOI construction
BEST FOR ACCURACY

BEST FOR ACCURACY

Across all three of our metrics, Callaway Rogue ST Max OS performs exceptionally. Accuracy is where it shines. If you put an emphasis on accuracy, check it out!

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.

  • Throughout testing, Callaway Rogue ST Max OS, Cobra Air-X, Tommy Armour 845 Max and XXIO 12 were highly touted for their looks and feel. These four received a plethora of positive comments by a majority of our testing pool.
  • With the hybrid style designs, our testing pool is 50-50 on looks. Some believe they inspire confidence. Others are turned off by them or find them too distracting. From a performance standpoint, most thought the hybrid design products were easy to hit. Definitely an option for a player who struggles to get ball airborne.

2022 MOST WANTED SUPER GAME-IMPROVEMENT IRON RESULTS

2022 Most Wanted Super Game Improvement Scores

PRODUCTOVERALL SCOREDISTANCE SCOREACCURACY SCOREFORGIVENESS SCORE
Callaway Rogue ST Max OS

Check Price
97.5497.599.0993.23
Cleveland Launcher XL Halo

Check Price
87.8189.6386.5687.54
Tommy Armour 845 Max

Check Price
86.1587.483.488.02
Tour Edge Hot Launch E522

Check Price
85.0074.377.7997.55
XXIO 12

Check Price
83.0391.987.474.67
Sub 70 799

Check Price
82.5570.9578.1493.31
Wilson Staff Launch Pad 2

Check Price
79.2584.2384.8172.45
Cobra Air-X

Check Price
78.6684.182.7773.22

2022 MOST WANTED SUPER GAME-IMPROVEMENT IRON DATA

Here at MyGolfSpy, we are “data-cratic.” If you’re looking for 2022 Most Wanted Super Game-Improvement Iron data, CLICK HERE.

2022 MOST WANTED SUPER 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. For the super game-improvement category, we recommend players consider them if they’re new to the game, do not generate much swing speed or have a higher handicap (upper teens or greater).

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 are 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 Super 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 super 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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      don

      2 years ago

      As an aging better player, I could care less about their 8iron vs their 8iron. I care how ea club that goes 150yds compares. In Tour edge that was the 7i carry, and the launchers it was the 8i. Now as the 8i more accurate than the 7i?

      Reply

      Jack Miller

      2 years ago

      I’m a 9.8 handicap index — am I too advanced for super game improvement clubs? I don’t feel like I am because I don’t really work the ball. I typically hit a baby draw. Only work the ball if I absolutely have to because of a dogleg or something. Just wondering because I love, love the price of the Tommy Armour 845 Max clubs.

      Reply

      Peter Jackson

      2 years ago

      Regarding super game improvement irons, I believe most recreational golfer should use these to improve their scoring.. I’m a 14HC and I’ve used a selection of irons, Mizuno, Srixon and Ping over many years.. I was generally drawn to the aesthetics, so using irons for mid handicappers.. Last year I bought a set of Cleveland Launcher HB Turbos., 5 to SW. not pretty! but very consistent and accurate and I have shot some of my best rounds.
      MYGOLFSPY review of the irons helped make my decision

      Reply

      Tazz

      2 years ago

      i wish you’d do a hybrid iron showdown. PXG 211 Z vs Sub70 799 vs Cleveland launcher XL

      Reply

      Rick Papreck

      2 years ago

      Was just fit for and purchased a set of the Rogue OS irons. I wanted offest and forgiving. The results were incredible.
      I was an executive with Tommy Armour Golf for 25 years including the 845 years, Went of the spend 20 + years with the Titleist club division in Carlsbad.
      When we developed the 845 iron, the 8 iron was 40 degrees. The pitching wedge in my set of Rogue OS iron is 40 degrees.
      I have played the new irons for 2 weeks.
      I have shot my age once
      Have bettered my age once
      My handicap has dropped from 7 to 4.
      Am hittig the same iron that I hit 3-4 years ago.
      Ball flight is every bit as high as it once was.
      With 45 years experience in the industry, I felt I was immune for “hard to believe claims”……..but it happened to me

      Rick Papreck

      Iron shots

      Reply

      Mark Stroppiana

      2 years ago

      Is there any reason why you did not include the Callaway Rouge ST Max OS lite irons, it would have been interesting to compare their performance against the standard ST Max OS irons.

      Reply

      Jeff

      2 years ago

      When is MGS going to look at actual lofts, and not the number stamped on the club, to judge distance?

      The “longest” club has a 7-iron that is 28.5 degrees of loft.

      The “shortest” club has a 7-iron that is 31.5 degrees of loft.

      I could’ve predicted these results without testing. It’s simple physics!

      When will the reporting acknowledge this fact?

      Reply

      Troy Gorrell

      2 years ago

      When are people going to realize static loft doesn’t matter AT ALL, only dynamic loft/launch angle matters. With the lower CG in modern irons, manufacturers have to lower the static loft in order to achieve the same actual launch angle. There is literally no downside here – you’re still hitting a 7 iron, just hitting it further.

      Reply

      Steve (the real one, pithy and insufferable)

      2 years ago

      Amen. Clubs have evolved. The latest have a thin forged or maraging steel face. The face is suspended from steel frame. Think trampoline. Many/most have a tungsten weight or extra mass at the very bottom. All those factors increase the dynamic launch angle.

      Try swinging a sheet of plywood and hitting a ball in the air. Then take a lightweight frame with a springy trampoline fabric weighing the same (you would have to add weight low on the frame to get the matching total weights). Hit at the same angle (loft). Whatever you hit will go higher with greater ball speed. To prevent ballooning and too much spin, manufacturers lower the static loft to match up launch angle with the players expectations. At numerous demos, my old irons (I’m cheap but need new ones) look fine but the latest and greatest give me the same flight I’m expecting and more yards, substantially. Like I’m ten (twenty) years younger!!!

      Kansas King

      2 years ago

      Fun fact, modern irons have higher CGs than irons 20 years ago. Companies like Ping continue to pull the CG even higher. This has cause problems and is why the i500 didn’t do very well. The whole mantra that the lofts have been lowered to offset the lower CG is unequivocally false and could have only started from a marketing campaign or inaccurate golf journalism.

      Lots of things impact launch angles, spin, distance, etc. However, none of those factors have a greater impact than loft. I’m not arguing against lower lofted irons, I’m just wanting to ensure people are aware of the facts. Many GI and distance irons produce a lot less spin when the loft is significantly lower for the same iron. However, that doesn’t necessarily matter because instead of hitting a 7, you may now be hitting an 8-iron. Lofts matter and lower lofts will almost always go farther regardless of clubhead design and CG. You can’t overcome physics.

      The way I look at modern GI/distance irons is that they are basically shortened clubs. Instead of having a 34* and 37.5″ 7-iron, you now have a 30* (or less) 37.5″ 7-iron. It’s basically making your 6-iron at a 7-iron length. This has positives and negatives.

      There is no magic voodoo in golf clubs. Pretty much everything is measurable and the results are predictable.

      Jeff

      2 years ago

      All else being equal…..swing speed, angle of attack, etc. etc…..a 28 degree 7 iron will go further than a 31 degree 7 iron.

      Simple physics.

      That is the point.

      Brandon

      2 years ago

      The down side is having to carry 2 gap wedges.

      Scott Dean

      2 years ago

      The real downside is having long irons that have as little as two degrees of difference between clubs thereby having them really only be a half a club difference and 9 irons through wedges with five and sometimes six degrees of difference thereby having one and a half club differences. But everyone brags about how long they are hitting their longer irons and mid irons further but they have smaller distance gaps between the longer irons and then too big of distance gaps between their shorter irons. That doesnt help scoring but it helps bragging about ones ability to hit their five iron further. Congratulations suckers.

      James Shepard

      2 years ago

      Only 8 irons tested, wouldn’t take .uch to be first. Realize these may be only new irons this year, so add on other brands from last year to get real comparison. Disappointed that Titleist, Ping and Taylormade aren’t here.

      Reply

      Dan

      2 years ago

      I agree, this is the most frustrating thing about MGS. They should include all current models instead of just one year. The way it’s done now it doesn’t give an accurate representation of how all the CURRENT models compare. It’s basically worthless. Let’s say I’m purchasing irons tomorrow. I’m interested in the Rogue, Stealth, and g425. I still have no idea how the Rogue compares to the others. That’s a failure for a review site. Compare ALL CURRENT models please!

      Reply

      JN

      2 years ago

      Did you do anything to control for loft jacking? It’s no surprise Callaway wins for distance with a 27.5 deg 7i…

      Reply

      Robert Ham

      2 years ago

      While I appreciate MGS’ testing, I do not think this particular test is fair or accurate. You have the Cobra Air-X finishing last in the test for distance, but you do not call out the loft. The Callaway winner is a 7-iron at 27.5 degrees loft. The Cobra is 31.5 degrees loft. This is a huge difference that means a lot in terms of distance, yet your narrative does not note this. Instead, the narrative states, “Our goal is to keep differences as minimal as possible within any test cohort. ” If that’s true, the Callaway 8-iron should have been tested (32 degrees). In addition, last time around the Cobra F-Max Airspeed finished #1 in your Super Game Improvement test. The new iron, the Air-X, is the exact same Cobra iron minus a lighter stock grip and shaft, saving a whopping (!) total of 6 grams. Can an iron go from first to last by shaving 6 grams? I doubt it.

      Reply

      Cody

      2 years ago

      Yeah you hit on something that’s been bothering me about the newer test results. No one should ever accuse MGS of not collecting enough data, but I think there has to be something said about club performance and ranking varying wildly year over year. It happened with the Ping G425 MAX this year dominating a lot of the tests, but not scoring nearly as well in previous years. I understand that variance will always occur when you’re using human testers, but it’s tough putting too much stock in results that can have so much deviation from past years.

      Reply

      Tim

      2 years ago

      As always, I love your work and appreciate all the efforts that go into getting us the data. Well done.

      While I do not have an elegant solution, there is still a bit of a problem when it comes to measuring distance for comparison. The #1 SGI Iron on the list is about a club stronger in loft than the #2 SGI Iron which did not place in the top 3 in distance because they did not strengthen their lofts as much as the other competitors.. The classic big box hitting bay “our 7 iron goes longer than yours” bit pays off again. If this trend continues we will eventually wind up with 18 deg 7 irons and set make ups of 7-PW and four gap wedges to get to the SW..

      Reply

      Keith Roberts

      2 years ago

      Curious, what shafts and flexes were used in the testing of each manufacturer offering? Were the shafts designed for Hi/mid/low launch? Were all clubs the same swing weight?

      Reply

      Phillip Bishop

      2 years ago

      Hi Keith! We test everything from an “off the rack” standpoint. Thus, each club tested in this test and every other test are stock options off the rack. Flexes are generally Regular and/or Stiff for this category. And we fit testers into the appropriate shaft flex. Hence why we also encourage you go get fit for products too.

      Reply

      Jeff

      2 years ago

      I find this “off the rack” thinking fascinating.

      The MGS credo is “Get Fit” “Get Fit” “Get Fit”

      Yet for testing, you go off the shelf (which I understand the reasoning).

      Would be interesting to see how things shake out if every player if correctly fit for said club. I know when I recently got professionally fit that there was a significant difference in distance and dispersion depending on what shaft I was swinging (club head was constant).

      Not all that hard to do with a proper fitting cart set up.

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