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It is time for you to dive in and digest the most comprehensive super game-improvement iron test of 2024. It’s backed by more than a decade of experience from MyGolfSpy, the industry leader in independent golf club testing.
Our 2024 Super Game-Improvement Iron Test is an in-depth analysis of some of the hottest names in golf. This year’s test features 10 super game-improvement iron models from the largest brands of golf along with smaller brands vying for your attention and dollars.
In total, our testing team spent more than 200 hours collecting and analyzing data from a test pool of 20 avid golfers just like you. To identify the best super game-improvement 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 super game-improvement iron, you’ll find it here.
These are the best super game-improvement irons of 2024.
Super game-improvement irons serve a specific goal: to make golf easier for higher handicap golfers, slower swing speed golfers and beginner golfers. As a result, they appeal more to the forgiveness side of the spectrum due to their design features. This doesn’t mean they lack accuracy or, in some cases, distance.
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
How do you define forgiveness? Moreover, how are you able to distinguish whether an iron is forgiving? In our testing, we consider forgiveness as how consistent a golf club produces similar shot outcomes. In essence, we are analyzing how consistent an iron is with specific golf ball metrics. These metrics are: ball speed, carry distance, backspin and dispersion. Tommy Armour 845+ is the best super game-improvement iron for forgiveness because it produces the most consistent performance shot-to-shot for these specific metrics.
We preach accuracy over everything else. Being on or near the green consistently will help your golf game. Tommy Armour 845+ is the runner-up in our accuracy category. In iron testing, accuracy comes down to Strokes Gained performance. Strokes Gained allows us to register how well an iron is performing relative to the field. Tommy Armour 845+ performs exceptionally well for accuracy relative to the field.
When it comes to distance, Tommy Armour 845+ isn't going to enthrall you. It does offer better distance potential than last year's winner. It is in the bottom half of the field for distance. You won't be reaching the distances that PING G730 or Callaway Big Bertha 23' offer and if that superior distance is your priority, Tommy Armour 845+ isn't for you.
Tommy Armour 845+ claims the top spot in our 2024 Most Wanted Super Game-Improvement Iron test. It beats out our previous winner by being the best super game-improvement iron for forgiveness and second-best for accuracy, and offering a better distance performance. Because of its outstanding performance, it is our choice for best value in this year’s test. For $399.99, this is a steal.
“Nostalgic, value price point, really like it overall. Seems forgiving.”
“Good looking iron and seems to be consistent.”
“It is a good looking iron given the category. However, distance does seem to be lacking a tick.”
Whenever a golf club performs well and comes in at a consumer-friendly price point, it validates why MyGolfSpy exists. Our goal is to provide golfers with an unbiased, data-driver insight as to which golf clubs perform and don’t perform from an off-the-rack evaluation perspective. Tommy Armour 845+ is another prime example of a golf club performing well for testers despite most of them or the general consumer not even considering it in the first place. It excels for forgiveness and accuracy, which can both lead to lower scores over time.
Review Score
Accuracy
Distance Score
Forgiveness
Price
Hitting your irons accurately can lead to lower scores, especially if you are hitting more greens in regulation. When we evaluate accuracy, our main metric is Strokes Gained. Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL is one of the best super game-improvement irons for accuracy. It places second overall.
Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL is a model of consistency and reliability. One of the most intriguing evaluations in our testing is how consistently a golf club performs. How tight are standard deviations, specifically for ball speed, carry distances, backspin rates and dispersion? Well, this is exactly what we evaluate in our forgiveness scoring category. JPX 923 Hot Metal HL's forgiveness performance places it second overall. This speaks to its level of reliability.
The singular knock against JPX 923 Hot Metal HL is distance. Relative to competitors, it places 10th overall for distance performance for the 5-iron, 7-iron and pitching wedge of each participating iron model. Mizuno was 9.72 yards shorter than the longest iron (7-iron carry distance). You have to determine if accuracy and forgiveness take precedence over distance.
Since its creation, Mizuno’s Hot Metal iron lineup has been a top-seller. In our testing, it is usually among the best performers. Once again, the JPX 923 Hot Metal HL showcases why it is a top-tier super game-improvement iron. It isn’t the longest iron on the market but it boasts excellent accuracy and forgiveness.
“Traditional look, balanced and properly weighted, and it produces controllable outcomes.”
“Doesn’t have the traditional SGI appearance. Also, the added loft helps, especially for those of us who need height and spin on our iron shots.”
“Really like it. More traditional look to it and it is forgiving.”
Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL has been one of the best super game-improvement irons over recent years. It narrowly misses out on a second title in 2024. Accuracy and forgiveness are its strengths. In the long run, these two performance metrics should be prioritized over distance. In addition, JPX 923 Hot Metal HL is among the leaders for subjective appeal according to our testing pool.
Review Score
Accuracy
Distance Score
Forgiveness
Price
Everyone loves distance. But what if you can try an iron that offers distance and accuracy? Well, you're in luck. Cleveland Halo XL Full-Face iron is among the leaders for distance and accuracy in 2024. It ranks third for distance and fourth for accuracy. So, if you like the potential of both distance and accuracy, Cleveland Halo XL Full-Face irons are worth considering.
We preach performance over subjective appeal. However, we acknowledge that some of you prioritize looks over performance. Sorry, folks, the Cleveland Halo XL Full-Face does not rate highly for looks, mainly because it resembles a hybrid. The idea or shape of a hybrid as an iron is still off-putting for some golfers. Do they perform and make it easier to play golf? Yes. Do many golfers love the look? No.
Cleveland Halo XL Full-Face iron is the third best super game-improvement iron overall for 2024. For accuracy and distance, it finishes above average. Although the Halo XL Full-Face iron isn’t the best for any specific metric, it excels in what arguably are the two most important ones. The one knock is that it’s below average for forgiveness.
“Feel and sound are appealing, however the hybrid design are not my cup of tea.”
“Good iron, really impressive overall and it is consistent.”
“Very consistent and has distance. Super easy to hit and has a great feel.”
If you can get over the looks and profile of the Cleveland Halo XL Full-Face iron, you have an exceptional performer. It is accurate and produces satisfying distance. Although it may lack some consistency shot to shot, it is one of the best super game-improvement irons on the market.
Due to their design, super game-improvement irons theoretically should be the most accurate iron group on the market. However, this isn’t always the case. There are irons that display accuracy performance and there are those that do not. Even irons that appear accurate in design (hybrid-like designs) don’t live up to expectations. Accuracy should be your No. 1 priority with an iron.
These are the best super game-improvements irons for accuracy.
Review Score
Accuracy
Distance Score
Forgiveness
Price
Hitting your irons accurately can lead to lower scores, especially if you are hitting more greens in regulation. When we evaluate accuracy, our main metric is Strokes Gained. Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL is one of the best super game-improvement irons for accuracy. It places second overall.
Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL is a model of consistency and reliability. One of the most intriguing evaluations in our testing is how consistently a golf club performs. How tight are standard deviations, specifically for ball speed, carry distances, backspin rates and dispersion? Well, this is exactly what we evaluate in our forgiveness scoring category. JPX 923 Hot Metal HL's forgiveness performance places it second overall. This speaks to its level of reliability.
The singular knock against JPX 923 Hot Metal HL is distance. Relative to competitors, it places 10th overall for distance performance for the 5-iron, 7-iron and pitching wedge of each participating iron model. Mizuno was 9.72 yards shorter than the longest iron (7-iron carry distance). You have to determine if accuracy and forgiveness take precedence over distance.
Accuracy is its greatest attribute. With an iron, you want to be on or near the green consistently. In turn, this gives you a better chance at success – short term and long term. As golfers, we should always strive for accuracy and Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL is one of the best irons for this.
“Traditional look, balanced and properly weighted, and it produces controllable outcomes.”
“Doesn’t have the traditional SGI appearance. Also, the added loft helps, especially for those of us who need height and spin on our iron shots.”
“Really like it. More traditional look to it and it is forgiving.”
Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL is arguably one of the best super game-improvement irons over the recent years. It narrowly misses out on a second title in 2024. Accuracy and forgiveness are its strengths. In the long run, these two performance metrics should be prioritized over distance. JPX 923 Hot Metal HL is also amongst the leaders for subjective appeal according to our testing pool.
Review Score
Accuracy
Distance Score
Forgiveness
Price
We preach accuracy over everything else. Being on or near the green consistently will help your golf game over time for the better. Tommy Armour 845+ is the runner-up in our accuracy scoring category. In iron testing, accuracy comes down to Strokes Gained performance. Strokes Gained allows us to witness how well an iron is performing relative to the field. Tommy Armour 845+ performs exceptionally well for accuracy relative to the field.
How do you define forgiveness? How are you able to distinguish whether an iron is forgiving? In our testing, we consider forgiveness as how consistent a golf club produces similar shot outcomes. In essence, we are analyzing how consistent an iron is with specific golf ball metrics. These metrics are: ball speed, carry distance, backspin and dispersion. Tommy Armour 845+ is the best super game-improvement iron for forgiveness because it produces the most consistent performance shot-to-shot for these specific metrics.
When it comes to distance, Tommy Armour 845+ isn't going to enthrall you. It does offer better distance potential than last year's winner. But still, it is in the bottom half of the field for distance. You won't be reaching the distances that PING G730 or Callaway Big Bertha 23' offer so if superior distance is your priority, Tommy Armour 845+ isn't for you.
Tommy Armour 845+ claims the top spot in our 2024 Most Wanted Super Game-Improvement Iron test. It beats out our previous winner by way of being the best super game-improvement iron for forgiveness, second-best iron for accuracy and offering better distance performance. Because of its outstanding performance, it is our choice for best value in this year’s test. For $399.99, this is a steal.
Finishing second overall for accuracy, Tommy Armour 845+ showcases a strong Strokes Gained performance relative to the testing field. We test the 5-iron, 7-iron, and pitching wedge for each iron model and these results tell us that the 845+ offers a respectable Strokes Gained performance across these three testing categories.
“Nostalgic, value price point, really like it overall. Seems forgiving.”
“Good looking iron and seems to be consistent.”
“It is a good looking iron given the category. However, distance does seem to be lacking a tick.”
Whenever a golf club performs well and comes in at a consumer-friendly price point, it validates why MyGolfSpy exists. Our goal is to provide golfers with an unbiased, data-driver insight as to which golf clubs perform and don’t perform from an off-the-rack evaluation perspective. Tommy Armour 845+ is another prime example of a golf club performing well for testers despite most of them or the general consumer not even considering it in the first place. It excels for forgiveness and accuracy, which can both lead to lower scores over time.
Which golf shot do you remember the most? Most likely the one you hit the farthest.
This is especially true for the super game-improvement iron category. There are stark differences between the irons that are long versus the ones that are short. The target demographic for super game-improvement irons is one that may struggle with distance. Thus, the irons that stand out for distance truly capture a golfer’s attention.
These are the best super game-improvement irons for distance.
Review Score
Distance Score
Accuracy
Forgiveness
Price
Distance sells. We all know this. Golfers tend to hyper-focus on the one shot they crush. PING G730 certainly offers this rush of adrenaline as the longest iron in our super game-improvement iron test. In a 7-iron analysis, it is 7.84 yards longer than the shortest super game-improvement iron. If PING G730 is on your radar, we strongly recommend you go through a professional fitting. This will better your chances of optimizing performance.
Despite being considerably longer than other irons, PING G730 is below average for accuracy and forgiveness. We advise that accuracy should be your top priority when purchasing a new clubs You want to be on or around the green with every iron in your golf bag. Forgiveness is where we evaluate how well an iron performs on a shot-to-shot basis. There are four specific metrics we analyze: ball speed, carry distance, backspin and dispersion. PING G730 struggles with these performance characteristics relative to the field.
PING G730 pushes distance to the next level in the super game-improvement iron category. By doing so, it claims the top spot for distance. Many golfers purchase a golf club purely based on distance performance and don’t consider accuracy and forgiveness. Yes, PING G730 is great for distance. However, its overall performance is hindered by its accuracy and forgiveness scoring in this year’s test. If you are considering it, go through a professional fitting to optimize performance.
“Hot face and great distance. I would need to get used to the sound. It is quite different.”
“Click-like noise, but the ball explodes off the face and offers a great feel. Definitely at the top of my short list.”
“Hit is great. It is ridiculously hot. I don’t like the noise. It is high-pitched, like a whistle.”
You can’t question the distance PING G730 offers relative to other super game-improvement irons. This fact alone will seduce golfers. However, distance gains come with accuracy concerns. This is why it is paramount to go through a professional fitting with these irons. You’ll need to obtain appropriate launch conditions with these irons, especially if you already struggle with speed or hitting the ball with some height.
Review Score
Distance Score
Accuracy
Forgiveness
Price
The super game-improvement iron category should make golfing easier, especially for slower swingers. Most golfers prioritize distance over accuracy and if that is you, Big Bertha 23' is an iron that will live up to that expectation. It is the second-longest iron in this year's super game-improvement iron test. If you do check these out, be aware of your launch conditions. These irons are hot and if you do have a slower swing speed, you might not be able to achieve optimum launch conditions. We encourage you to go through a professional fitting for these irons to dial them in to your game.
Subjectively, our testing pool rates the Callaway Big Bertha 23' irons highly. For subjective feedback, we collect input from our testers for sound, feel, looks and likelihood of purchase. Big Bertha 23' is near the top of the list for each of these criterions. However, these subjective observations do not impact our overall test results.
Yes, Big Bertha 23' is one of the longest irons in the super game-improvement iron category. However, it is among the worst for accuracy and forgiveness. Traditionally, this is what we see in irons that are excessively longer than their competitors. Accuracy and consistency are sacrificed for ultimate distance. You have to decide which category is most important to you and your game.
In the super game-improvement iron category, there are stark differences in performance. The largest difference is most apparent when it comes to distance. Callaway Big Bertha 23′ is one of the longest irons in this iron category. It ranks second overall for distance. In a 7-iron specifically, it was 9.72 yards longer than the shortest competitor. If distance is your No. 1 goal, Callaway Big Bertha 23′ is worth checking out.
“Long, beautiful iron, and my swing speed was up with it.”
“Love the looks and setup at address. Solid, appealing feel off the face.”
“Love it. Goes further than others and has a great feel.”
Callaway Big Bertha 23′ is a top-tier iron for distance. This was proven in our 2023 test as well. But, much like the PING G730, it sacrifices accuracy performance. It is crucial to go through a professional fitting if you are considering the Big Bertha 23′ iron. A fitting can increase the likelihood of better distance control which, in turn, can lead to better accuracy and, hopefully, better scores.
“Forgiveness” is a nebulous term in the golf industry. It’s used often but rarely defined. As a golfer, do you want an 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 super game-improvement irons for forgiveness.
Review Score
Forgiveness
Accuracy
Distance Score
Price
How do you define forgiveness? Moreover, how are you able to distinguish whether an iron is forgiving? In our testing, we consider forgiveness as how consistent a golf club produces similar shot outcomes. In essence, we are analyzing how consistent an iron is with specific golf ball metrics. These metrics are ball speed, carry distance, backspin and dispersion. Tommy Armour 845+ is the best super game-improvement iron for forgiveness because it produces the most consistent performance shot-to-shot for these specific metrics.
We preach accuracy over everything else. Being on or near the green consistently will help your golf game over time. Tommy Armour 845+ is the runner-up in our accuracy scoring category. In iron testing, accuracy comes down to Strokes Gained performance. Strokes Gained allows us to determine how well an iron is performing relative to the field. Tommy Armour 845+ performs exceptionally well for accuracy relative to the field.
When it comes to distance, Tommy Armour 845+ isn't going to enthrall you. It does offer better distance potential than last year's winner but it is in the bottom half of the field for distance. You won't be reaching the distances that PING G730 or Callaway Big Bertha 23' offer. If superior distance is your priority, Tommy Armour 845+ isn't for you.
Tommy Armour 845+ claims the top spot in our 2024 Most Wanted Super Game-Improvement Iron test. It beats out our previous winner by being the best super game-improvement iron for forgiveness, second-best for accuracy and offering better distance. Because of its outstanding performance, it is our choice for best value in this year’s test. For $399.99, this is a steal.
As the best super game-improvement iron for forgiveness, Tommy Armour 845+ produces consistent ball speeds, carry distances, backspin numbers and dispersion throughout the set.
“Nostalgic, value price point, really like it overall. Seems forgiving.”
“Good looking iron and seems to be consistent.”
“It is a good looking iron given the category. However, distance does seem to be lacking a tick.”
Whenever a golf club performs well that comes in at a consumer friendly price point, it validates why MyGolfSpy exists. Our goal is to provide golfers with an unbiased, data-driven insight as to which golf clubs perform and don’t perform from an off-the-rack evaluation perspective. Tommy Armour 845+ is another prime example of a golf club performing well for testers despite most of them or the general consumer not even considering it in the first place. It excels for forgiveness and accuracy, which can both lead to lower scores over time.
Review Score
Forgiveness
Distance Score
Accuracy
Price
Being accurate with your irons is a game-changer. Hitting your irons accurately can lead to lower scores, especially if you are hitting more greens in regulation. When we evaluate accuracy, our main metric is Strokes Gained. Once again, Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL is one of the best super game-improvement irons for accuracy., placing second overall.
Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL is a model of consistency and reliability. One of the most intriguing evaluations in our testing is how consistent a golf club performs, or in this case, an iron. How tight are standard deviations for a golf club, specifically for ball speeds, carry distances, backspin rates, and dispersion? Well, this is exactly what we evaluate in our forgiveness scoring category. JPX 923 Hot Metal HL's forgiveness performance places it second overall. This speaks to the level of reliability it offers.
The singular knock against JPX 923 Hot Metal HL is distance. Relative to competitors, it places 10th overall for distance. Again, this analyzes performance for the 5-iron, 7-iron,and pitching wedge of each participating iron model. For example, Mizuno was 9.72 yards shorter than the longest iron (7-iron carry distance). Ultimately, you have to determine if accuracy and forgiveness take precedence over distance.
Since its creation, Mizuno’s Hot Metal iron lineup has been a top seller. In our testing, it is usually among the best performers. Once again, the JPX 923 Hot Metal HL showcases why it is a top tier super game-improvement iron. It isn’t the longest iron on the market. However, it boasts phenomenal accuracy and forgiveness.
Forgiveness is Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL’s second-best performance characteristic. Our testing reveals that Hot Metal HL produces similar shot outcomes consistently throughout the iron set. This means it has tight standard deviations for ball speed, carry distance, backspin and dispersion.
“Traditional look, balanced and properly weighted, and it produces controllable outcomes.”
“Doesn’t have the traditional SGI appearance. Also, the added loft helps, especially for those of us who need height and spin on our iron shots.”
“Really like it. More traditional look to it and it is forgiving.”
Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL has been one of the best super game-improvement irons over the recent years. It narrowly misses out on a second title in 2024. Accuracy and forgiveness are its strengths. In the long run, these two performance metrics should be prioritized over distance. JPX 923 Hot Metal HL is also among the leaders for subjective appeal according to our testing pool.
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 set of irons.
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. 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.
Pricing will always impact a purchasing decision. Super game-improvement irons offer some of the broadest and most attractive price points. Our winner of 2024, Tommy Armour 845+, is currently $399.99. Our previous winner, Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL, is under $800. PING G730 eclipses the $1,000 threshold. As you can see, you have various price points to meet any budget.
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.
For high-handicap golfers the long irons can be some of the most disliked clubs in the bag. High handicappers and even mid handicappers have trouble getting high launch, distance and consistency from the long irons.
Look for a forgiving iron, that also provides accuracy. Sometimes a wider sole in the longer irons can make all the difference.
If you decide to take the long irons out of the bag completely replace them with hybrids. Then choose short irons with accuracy, stopping power, and forgiveness. Stronger lofts in many of the super game improvement category irons will ensure that distance in the shorter irons is never an issue.
Our 2024 Most Wanted test took 200 testing hours. For 2024, the testing pool includes 10 different iron models.
MyGolfSpy’s test program is powered by three crucial components :
For super game-improvement irons, we have 20 testers. Since super-game improvement irons are marketed to higher handicappers, slower swingers and beginners, our testing pool includes golfers in the first two categories. We do not include beginners in our testing. However, this is an iron category most beginners should research first. Due to the scale of this test, each tester committed to 10 appointments to complete the super 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 super 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:
Super game-improvement irons offer distance potential. Some irons in this category are much longer than other competitors. Our distance category analyzes two specific metrics:
We label forgiveness as how consistent a super game-improvement iron is at producing consistent shot outcomes. Those looking for super game improvement will have a hard time finding it without consistency and protection from those off center strikes. 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 Rank | Accuracy Rank | Distance Rank | Forgiveness Rank | 7-Iron Carry Distance** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tommy Armour 845+ | 1st | 2nd | 8th | 1st | 129.81 Yards |
| Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL | 2nd | 1st | 10th | 2nd | 128.49 Yards |
| Cleveland Halo XL Full-Face | 3rd | 4th | 3rd | 6th | 135.01 Yards |
| Tour Edge Hot Launch E524 | 4th | 3rd | 9th | 4th | 128.63 Yards |
| TaylorMade Qi10 HL | 5th | 5th | 6th | 3rd | 132.82 Yards |
| COBRA Air-X | 6th | 7th | 5th | 5th | 132.78 Yards |
| PING G730 | 7th | 8th | 1st | 8th | 136.33 Yards |
| Ram FXT | 8th | 6th | 7th | 7th | 130.94 Yards |
| Callaway Big Bertha | 9th | 9th | 2nd | 10th | 138.21 Yards |
| COBRA T-RAIL | 10th | 10th | 4th | 9th | 134.13 Yards |
**Distance rankings are derived from 5-iron, 7-iron, and pitching wedge carry and total distance.**
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 TSR3 | 3 Wood Titleist TSR3 |
| Driving Iron Titleist U505 | Irons (5-6) Titleist T200 |
| Irons (7-PW) Titleist T150 | Wedges (50, 56, 60) Titleist Vokey SM10 |
| Putter L.A.B. Mezz.1 Max | Ball Titleist Pro V1x |
3 months ago
Is there any difference in the accuracy and forgiveness rankings if 5 irons are excluded? I use hybrids in place of long irons and am only concerned with 7 and W. Thanks!
4 months ago
Love seeing Tommy Armor beat out Ping overall, especially at 60% less!
4 months ago
You forgot to show us the top line of the 845+ !!!
Dick’s is making serious strides. Lets hope it stays that way. But at most of their locations, they need to make some serious improvements in the golf department as far as fitting and customer service.
At both my local spots, there is hardly any salesperson there to be seen in the golf department, and their bays are embarrassing as is the repair shop
4 months ago
I would put anything from Cobra, like the Air-X and the T- Rail would be at the top of my SGI list. The T-Rails are an upgrade for the Baffler XL irons. Those were and will always be the best SGI irons with the option of 4-GW in either the 4-6 irons or 4-6 hybrids.
4 months ago
I play the cobra t rail. I like the look and feel of a hybrid better than an iron so the bulky look brings me confidence. However, the fact that they are ranked dead last makes me feel like I picked the wrong clubs. I have been playing them for a year now. And have shot my lowest score ever with them. How do you measure accuracy and forgiveness for all clubs and what made these clubs rank last in those areas?
4 months ago
Curious to know your thoughts on the performance of the new 2024 Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max Fast Irons as compared to the performance of the Game Improvement and Super Game Improvement irons that you have tested. Thanks for your response.
4 months ago
No Wilson launch Pad? They define the category. So easy to hit they should be illegal.
4 months ago
I have a split set of BB23 (6, 7) and Paradym (8-pw) irons. I was totally blown away with the first shots taken with the BB23 irons in both length and forgiveness (my SS <90). I tried a lot of irons before getting the paradyms but the bb23's are by far the most forgiving irons I've ever hit. The reviews I've seen all pretty much confirm that. I'm very surprised to see these ranked here dead last in forgiveness and almost last overall (behind RAM FXT's, really?). Sorry but not my experience at all.
4 months ago
Happy to hear they work great for you! They’re definitely a subjectively appealing iron in this category (our testers share in your positivity). An iron worth checking out for sure, but we recommend going through a fitting for them.
4 months ago
I can’t understand why Wilson Dynapower isn’t included? It was by far the best when I compared.
4 months ago
I grew up with the original 845s. They were passed down from my Dad when he finally upgraded in the late 90’s. I still carry the 2 iron in my bag, partially because it’s my fairway finder and rescue club, and partially because it was my Dad’s.
When I picked the game back up more seriously in 2020, the first set of clubs I bought were the new 845s, and they really helped get me going at great price. I gave them to my son when I upgraded a couple years ago, and he still carries them in his bag. It’s cool to see DSG bring back such a legendary name, and it seems like they’ve hit the right target by marketing to beginners and high-handicappers.
4 months ago
It is great to see another highly rated budget friendly “off brand” set of irons. If golf is going to continue to grow and thrive, beginners need an affordable starter option that is still a quality product. Bravo DSG.
4 months ago
On the distance measurement, how was the loft accounted for? For example, the Ping G730 let the group but is 3 degrees stronger than the JPX 923 HL. And what was the descent angle for each iron? Would be good to know if the distance was usable.
4 months ago
Great question, Tom. The loft on each iron certainly plays a role in the overall distance performance. We leave it up to the manufacturers to submit irons for each corresponding category. This is why we emphasize accuracy over distance in our testing because distance is generally where the most variation occurs iron to iron. Certain golfers will struggle to hit optimum launch conditions in this specific iron category with the PING G730 specifically. Hence why we encourage getting fit for PING G730s if you’re interested in them.
In a 7-iron, PING’s descent angle was 40.4 degrees. Mizuno’s was 43.5.
Titleist ProV1 Golf Balls
Crashing Alan
2 months ago
Thanks for the great article, however, could you give us the average club head speed to go with the ‘Distance Rank’ and ‘7-Iron Carry Distance’ rankings so that we can get a sense of how your results were collected and how they compare to your reader’s own speeds.