We tested 10 super game-improvement irons for 2024, analyzing their performance in distance, accuracy and forgiveness. The Tommy Armour 845+ claimed the top spot as the best super game-improvement iron while the COBRA T-Rail finished last. If you’re curious about the differences we discovered and which iron might be the better fit for your game, you’ve come to the right place.
Distance
The COBRA T-Rail ranked fourth overall in distance performance. The average 7-iron carry distance was 134.13 yards.
As great as the Tommy Armour 845+ irons performed in our 2024 test, their distance performance was not their strong point.
Tommy Armour’s 845+ irons ranked eighth overall in distance and had an average 7-iron distance of 129.81. It’s about five yards shorter than the T-RAIL.
This lack of distance in a golf iron that is more accurate is quite common.
Accuracy
Accuracy is the most important feature in a super game-improvement iron. To measure accuracy, we look at Strokes Gained performance. The Tommy Armour 845+ is the second most accurate iron in the test. The Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL was the only iron to beat it.
Unfortunately, the COBRA T-Rail ranked last for accuracy. Golfers were not producing shot outcomes that would result in lower scores. If you’re gaming a super game-improvement iron, it will be challenging to become a better player if you can’t hit the iron shot closer to the target.
Forgiveness
The COBRA T-Rail ranked second to last in forgiveness while the Tommy Armour 845+ ranked first. This is what helped push Tommy Armour to the top of the list and become the best super-game improvement iron in the 2024 test.
When determining forgiveness in a super game-improvement iron, we look at carry distance deltas, ball speed deltas, backspin deltas and dispersion. The most forgiving iron can produce the most consistent shot outcomes.
Despite the T-Rail being advertised as a more forgiving hybrid iron, it could not compete with the Tommy Armour 845+ in consistency.
This is where you’ll need to decide what’s more important to your game. Do you want to consistently hit a 130-yard shot? Or are you more likely to want to gain an extra five yards here and there but sacrifice accuracy and forgiveness with shots landing at 125 or 135 yards?
This trade-off can be tricky. Your decision should ultimately be based on your golfing goals. Are you aiming for consistent precision or is a bit more distance worth the potential risk?
Value
The Tommy Armour irons cost $399, a very low price for an iron that took top honors. The COBRA T-Rail is a bit more expensive, typically around $999, depending on the set makeup.
Tommy Armour 845+ irons are the better value.
Bottom line
The super-game improvement category of irons is one of the smallest in our 2024 iron testing. However, there are some big differences between the first and worst.
If you are looking for a true super game-improvement iron designed to make golf easier and more enjoyable and potentially put you on a path to lower your scores, go get fitted for the Tommy Armour 845+.
Tommy Armour 845+ versus COBRA T-RAIL: Which is right for you?
Who’s it For?
✅ Someone looking for more forgiveness. The most forgiving super game-improvement iron of 2024.
✅ The golfer who values accuracy. Tommy Armour 845+ was the runner-up for most accurate super game-improvement iron.
Who’s it not for?
❌ If you need maximum distance from an iron, the Tommy Armour 845+ isn’t your best bet.
❌ Golfers who want a more well-known brand.
Who’s it For?
✅ Someone looking for distance. Of the three rating categories, the distance of T-RAIL was the highest – about five yards longer than the Tommy Armour 845+.
✅ The golfer who cares about feel. Subjective rankings for feel were quite high for the T-RAIL.
Who’s it not for?
❌ Golfers who need forgiveness and consistency.
❌ Anyone who does not like the look or playability of a hybrid-type golf iron.
FakeRichGuy
2 years ago
Those 845’s are such a steal. I’m half-tempted to go on my lunch break.