Most Expensive Versus Least Expensive Player’s Distance Irons 2025 (What’s The Difference?)

What separates the most expensive player’s distance iron from the least expensive? Sometimes, less than you’d expect. In our 2025 Most Wanted Player’s Distance Iron test, we evaluated distance, accuracy and forgiveness to see how every model performed.

The Stix Compete Hollow Body stood out as the most affordable option while the Bettinardi CB24 carried the highest price tag. But as our test results show, spending more doesn’t always translate to better scores.

What do these irons have in common?

At opposite ends of the price spectrum, the Stix Golf Hollow Body Complete and the Bettinardi CB-24 emphasize forgiveness and consistency. Each uses perimeter weighting and modern construction to help off-center strikes stay playable.

They also share a higher-launch profile, making it easier for golfers to get the ball airborne and hold greens.

In testing, those similarities showed up with both irons earning solid forgiveness scores (Stix 8.7, Bettinardi 8.5). Neither finished among the longest irons but both produced reliable trajectories and steady results.

Why is the Bettinardi CB-24 so much more expensive?

The CB24 is forged from 1025 carbon steel with tungsten and composite inserts, a construction process that requires more precision and labor than standard cast irons.

Bettinardi also produces clubs in smaller batches, focusing on craftsmanship and premium materials rather than mass production. That boutique approach limits scale and raises the per-club cost.

Bettinardi is a high-end, niche brand. Known primarily for putters, their irons carry the same luxury positioning.

Which is the better value?

Value isn’t just about price—it’s about performance for the money. In this case, the edge goes to Stix.

At $649, the Stix Compete Hollow Body was the most affordable option in our 2025 test. It earned one of the highest accuracy scores (9.3) and delivered steady forgiveness. It’s short but that’s often a tradeoff we see with better accuracy.

The Bettinardi CB24, at $1,599, brings premium feel and boutique craftsmanship but posted only average numbers in distance and accuracy. For most players, Stix delivers comparable on-course results at a fraction of the price.

Don’t see what you are looking for?

If neither of these irons fits your golf game or your budget, look at our complete Best Player’s Distance Iron’s of 2025.