Table of Contents
Players Irons

Best Player’s Irons 2024

Phillip Bishop
Phillip Bishop
Hard Goods/Golf Club Testing Manager
Tony Covey
Tony Covey
Employee #2, Editor, Jack of All Trades

Support our Mission. We independently test each product we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Best Player’s Irons 2024

The most comprehensive player’s iron test of 2024 is backed by more than a decade of experience from MyGolfSpy, the industry leaders in independent golf club testing.

Our 2024 Player’s 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 19 player’s iron models from the largest brands of golf alongside smaller brands vying for your attention and dollars.

In total, our team spent more than 320 hours collecting and analyzing data from a test pool of 20 avid golfers just like you. To identify the best player’s irons, we considered a variety of distance, accuracy and forgiveness metrics. We looked at averages while also seeking to identify which player’s irons were among the very best for each of our testers.

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 player’s iron, you’ll find it here.

These are the best player’s irons of 2024.

Best Player's irons 2024
Most Wanted Player's irons 2024

Best Player's Irons of 2024

TaylorMade P7MC

Best Overall – TaylorMade P-7MC

PING i230 players irons

Runner-Up Overall – PING i230

Ram Axial Forged player's iron review

3rd Place Overall – Ram Axial Forged

Callaway Apex Pro player's iron Best for distance

Best For Distance – Callaway Apex Pro

TaylorMade P7MC

Best For Accuracy – TaylorMade P-7MC

Titleist T-100 player's iron Best for forgiveness

Best For Forgiveness – Titleist T-100

Ram Axial Forged player's iron review

Best Value – Ram Axial Forged

Show All

Best Overall PLAYER’s IRONS

If you are confident in your ball-striking ability, you want the best player’s irons possible. It is that simple.

Every year, our player’s iron testing proves to be the category where there is little separation between the best and the worst. Therefore, it is critical that we take additional necessary steps to analyzing the data we collect. In this review, you’ll discover the best player’s irons as determined by our three key scoring metrics: accuracy, distance and forgiveness.

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 set of irons. Backed by more than a decade of golf club testing experience, we can confidently state that popular opinion doesn’t always match reality. Plenty of golf irons with a great feel, look or sound have fell short in workability, consistency and turf interaction.


Best Overall TaylorMade P-7MC

score icon Review Score
9.2
accuracy icon Accuracy
9.5
distance icon Distance Score
6.1
forgiveness icon Forgiveness
9.5
dollar icon Price
$1,299.99

Buy This If

  • You want to maximize accuracy with scoring irons:

    One of the reasons TaylorMade P-7MC is the best player's iron for 2024 is due to its accuracy. In testing, both the pitching wedge and 7-iron are the highest scorers for this particular scoring metric. For our Top-3 percentage, the 7-iron and pitching wedge were the most accurate irons by being present for 40% of the testing pool.

  • You want consistency:

    Not only was TaylorMade P-7MC the best for accuracy in testing, it is one of the best player's irons for forgiveness. When we speak of forgiveness, we are referring to consistency. From top to bottom, P-7MC produces consistent shot outcomes for ball speed, carry distance, backspin and dispersion.

Don't Buy This If

  • You need distance in a player's iron:

    Distance sells and if you are a highly skilled golfer wanting more distance out of your player's iron, you'll want to look elsewhere. TaylorMade P-7MC ranks towards the bottom for carry and total distance.

Bottom Line

TaylorMade P7MC is the best player’s iron for our 2024 test. In a player’s iron, your number one priority should be accuracy and accuracy is TaylorMade P7MC’s strongest attribute. It excels across the entire set makeup, especially in the pitching wedge and 7-iron. It isn’t the longest iron in this category, which may steer some golfers away. But, be confident knowing that it makes up for it with precision and accuracy.

Testers' Feedback

“Thinner top-line, super appealing profile.”

One of the best feeling and sounding player’s irons.”

“Solid iron. It checks off all of the subjective boxes. I felt like it produced one of the tightest dispersions.”

Expert Take

We can’t stress this enough, but player’s irons is where there is very little separation between irons. This is why we take a deeper dive into the data we collect. Our Top-3 analysis showcases just how accurate TaylorMade P-7MC is and can be for golfers. P-7MC was present in the Top-3 for 40% of the testing pool for both the 7-iron and pitching wedge. This is an exceptional performance.

Furthermore, if you make your purchases based on the subjective, TaylorMade P-7MC is one of the highest rated irons overall, especially in terms of feel. It is a true player’s iron.


Runner-Up (Overall) PING i230

score icon Review Score
8.2
accuracy icon Accuracy
8.1
distance icon Distance Score
8.2
forgiveness icon Forgiveness
8.8
dollar icon Price
$1,312.50

Buy This If

  • You want accuracy:

    With a player's iron, you should expect accuracy throughout the iron set. PING i230 is the 2nd best iron for accuracy. In our Top-3 analysis, PING i230 was the best 5-iron for 35% of our testers. This was 10% better than the next closest 5-iron model.

  • You want distance potential:

    PING i230 is one of the player's irons that offers distance potential. It places 6th overall for distance. Frankly, it is one of the player's irons that flirts as a player's distance iron and the data backs that up.

Don't Buy This If

  • You want forgiveness:

    PING i230 offers exceptional accuracy and distance. However, in testing, it ranks towards the bottom for forgiveness. Our forgiveness metric evaluates how consistent an iron produces similar shot outcomes shot-to-shot. Relative to the field, PING i230 is lacks in this department, especially from a pitching wedge perspective.

Bottom Line

PING i230 is the second best player’s iron for 2024 testing. Accuracy is our strongest weighted scoring category for player’s iron testing and this helps propel PING i230 to its overall finish. PING i230 ranks 2nd overall for accuracy, which is highlighted by its accuracy score with a 5-iron. It is safe to say that PING excels at making long irons as this is just another prime example of their stellar performance.

Testers' Feedback

“Most consistent club-head with dispersion and forgiveness.”

“Very solid iron and very forgiving given it’s in this player’s iron category.”

Most accurate iron I’ve tested in this category.”

Expert Take

In our testing history, PING tends to be one of the most consistent long iron producers. We’ve seen them excel in testing with drivers, hybrids, and utility irons. This year in the player’s iron test, PING i230 shines overall, especially in 5-iron testing. If we didn’t include 7-iron and pitching wedge in our results, PING i230 arguably may have won this test in a landslide. It is that consistent of a performer at the 5-iron level. Unfortunately, pitching wedge performance is what hurts PING i230 overall.

 


3rd Place (Overall) Ram Axial Forged

score icon Review Score
8
accuracy icon Accuracy
7.2
distance icon Distance Score
8.9
forgiveness icon Forgiveness
8.5
dollar icon Price
$499.99

Buy This If

  • You want distance with a player's iron:

    Every year, there are player's irons that produce surprising distance numbers. Ram Axial Forged is one of the surprises of 2024. It ranks 2nd overall for distance in our player's iron test. For our Top-3 evaluation, Ram Axial Forged was the longest 7-iron for 50% of our testers.

  • You are budget conscious:

    Most player's irons will cost you $1,100 to $1,400. If that steers you away, Ram Axial Forged is $499.99 and a great alternative. It offers tremendous distance for a player's iron with reasonable accuracy and forgiveness.

Don't Buy This If

  • You buy based on subjective appeal:

    At $499.99, there is going to be a draw back with an iron set. For Ram Axial Forged, it is subjective appeal. Our testing pool rates Ram Axial Forged towards the bottom for sound, feel, looks and likelihood of purchase.

Purchase at

Bottom Line

Ram Axial Forged is a surprise standout in this year’s player’s iron test. No one anticipated it being well received among our testing pool or performing in the manner it did. From the beginning, it showcased distance potential in a category where distance isn’t the top priority. Ram Axial Forged places 2nd for distance and offers useable accuracy and forgiveness.

Testers' Feedback

“Surprisingly good for a player’s iron. I never thought RAM would make this good of an iron.”

“For me, the golf ball was traveling 1 to 1.5 times further. I like it a lot.”

“I like it a lot and I wasn’t expecting to. It has an appealing design and is consistent.”

“Good performance, but way too much offset for my liking.”

Expert Take

A majority of our testers weren’t expecting much from the Ram Axial Forged. Most picked it up for the first time and asked, “Ram makes golf clubs?” Needless to say, most left with a change of heart. Ram Axial Forged performs and is HOT. If there was one consistent positive, it was almost every tester acknowledging the surprising distance and performance the iron offers. It won’t wow you for looks, feel, or sound, but for the price, it is an iron worth considering.


BEST PLAYER’s IRONS FOR ACCURACY

Player’s irons are made with precision for the best players in mind. This is true in the performance off the club-head and in the craftsmanship applied to the creating of the iron.

For player’s iron testing, we emphasize the importance of accuracy. Therefore, it is the highest weighted scoring category in this test. Whether you associate with the low handicappers or not your goal with a player’s iron is to hit greens consistently or have tighter dispersion.

These are the best player’s irons for accuracy.

Best For Accuracy TaylorMade P-7MC

score icon Review Score
9.2
accuracy icon Accuracy
9.5
distance icon Distance Score
6.1
forgiveness icon Forgiveness
9.5
dollar icon Price
$1,299.99

Buy This If

  • You want to maximize accuracy with scoring irons:

    One of the reasons TaylorMade P-7MC is the best player's iron for 2024 is due to its accuracy. In testing, both the pitching wedge and 7-iron are the highest scorers for this particular scoring metric. For our Top-3 percentage, the 7-iron and pitching wedge were the most accurate irons by being present for 40% of the testing pool.

  • You want consistency:

    Not only was TaylorMade P-7MC the best for accuracy in testing, it is one of the best player's irons for forgiveness. When we speak of forgiveness, we are referring to consistency. From top to bottom, P-7MC produces consistent shot outcomes for ball speed, carry distance, backspin and dispersion.

Don't Buy This If

  • You need distance in a player's iron:

    Distance sells and if you are a highly skilled golfer wanting more distance out of your player's iron, you'll want to look elsewhere. TaylorMade P-7MC ranks towards the bottom for carry and total distance.

Bottom Line

TaylorMade P7MC is the best player’s iron for our 2024 test. In a player’s iron, your number one priority should be accuracy and accuracy is TaylorMade P7MC’s strongest attribute. It excels across the entire set makeup, especially in the pitching wedge and 7-iron. It isn’t the longest iron in this category, which may steer some golfers away. But, be confident knowing that it sacrifices distance for precision.

Testers' Feedback

Thinner top-line, super appealing profile.”

“One of the best feeling and sounding player’s irons.”

“Solid iron. It checks off all of the subjective boxes. I felt like it produced one of the tightest dispersions.”

Expert Take

We can’t stress this enough, but player’s irons is where there is very little separation between irons. This is why we take a deeper dive into the data we collect. Our Top-3 analysis showcases just how accurate TaylorMade P-7MC is and can be for golfers. P-7MC was present in the Top-3 for 40% of the testing pool for both the 7-iron and pitching wedge. This is an exceptional performance.

Furthermore, if you make your purchases based on the subjective, TaylorMade P-7MC is one of the highest rated irons overall, especially in terms of feel. It is a true player’s iron.

Runner-Up (Accuracy) PING i230

score icon Review Score
8.2
accuracy icon Accuracy
8.1
distance icon Distance Score
8.2
forgiveness icon Forgiveness
8.8
dollar icon Price
$1,312.50

Buy This If

  • You want accuracy:

    With a player's iron, you should expect accuracy throughout the iron set. PING i230 is the 2nd best iron for accuracy. In our Top-3 analysis, PING i230 was the best 5-iron for 35% of our testers. This was 10% better than the next closest 5-iron model.

  • You want distance potential:

    PING i230 is one of the player's irons that offers distance potential. It places 6th overall for distance. Frankly, it is one of the player's irons that flirts as a player's distance iron and the data backs that up.

Don't Buy This If

  • You want forgiveness:

    PING i230 offers exceptional accuracy and distance. However, in testing, it ranks towards the bottom for forgiveness. Our forgiveness metric evaluates how consistent an iron produces similar shot outcomes shot-to-shot. Relative to the field, PING i230 is lacks in this department, especially from a pitching wedge perspective.

Bottom Line

PING i230 is the second best player’s iron for 2024 testing. Accuracy is our strongest weighted scoring category for player’s iron testing and this helps propel PING i230 to its overall finish. PING i230 ranks 2nd overall for accuracy, which is highlighted by its accuracy score with a 5-iron. It is safe to say that PING excels at making long irons as this is just another prime example of their stellar performance.

Testers' Feedback

“Most consistent club-head with dispersion and forgiveness.”

“Very solid iron and very forgiving given it’s in this player’s iron category.”

“Most accurate iron I’ve tested in this category.”

Expert Take

In our testing history, PING tends to be one of the most consistent long iron producers. We’ve seen them excel in testing with drivers, hybrids, and utility irons. This year in the player’s iron test, PING i230 shines overall, especially in 5-iron testing. If we didn’t include 7-iron and pitching wedge in our results, PING i230 arguably may have won this test in a landslide. It is that consistent of a performer at the 5-iron level. Unfortunately, pitching wedge performance is what hurts PING i230 overall.

 


BEST PLAYER’S IRONS FOR DISTANCE

Every golfer craves distance. Even with the most accurate approach shots you’ll be disappointed if your shot comes up short. Which golf shot do you remember the most? Most likely, the one you hit the furthest.

However, player’s irons are not notorious as being distance golf clubs. Skilled players look for precision and accuracy and sometimes have to leave distance behind. 

This being said, we know even better players are always going to consider a golf club that offers distance potential. It is simply a part of the buying process and it’s hard to give up on yards. These are the best player’s irons for distance.


Best For Distance Callaway Apex Pro

score icon Review Score
7.2
distance icon Distance Score
9.3
forgiveness icon Forgiveness
9
accuracy icon Accuracy
7
dollar icon Price
$1,504.99

Buy This If

  • You want pure distance:

    Callaway Apex Pro is long. For our Top-3 analysis, the 5-iron was the longest iron for 60% of our testing pool. This was 15% better than the next closest competitor. Again, player's irons aren't notorious for being distance clubs. Some may argue Callaway Apex Pro flirts with being a player's distance iron.

Don't Buy This If

  • You prioritize accuracy:

    Distance is an obvious perk of Callaway Apex Pro. However, accuracy is lacking, which is what we typically see when an iron is excessively long. For us, accuracy is extremely important in the player's iron category. Hitting greens or having playable shots should be your goal and Callaway Apex Pro might hinder you from achieving either.

Bottom Line

Traditionally, Callaway Apex Pro is one of the best irons in Callaway’s iron family. This year is no different as it excels for distance in our player’s iron category. Callaway Apex Pro claims the title as best for distance. Unfortunately, with distance, there is generally a loss of accuracy. This is the case for the Callaway Apex Pro.

Testers' Feedback

“Sounds dead off the face, but it produces a consistent ball flight and numbers. Solid iron.”

“Hit it the best in this grouping. Misses are rewarding versus some other irons I’ve tested so far. Definitely pleased with it.”

“Off-putting offset given the category. However, the performance is there and better than the Apex CB.”

Expert Take

There is no doubt that Callaway Apex Pro offers superior distance as a player’s iron. Within each iron test, there are irons that cause our eyebrows to rise. This is because there are irons that overlap to others iron categories. Callaway Apex Pro is arguably an iron that is serviceable to less skilled golfers. Those of you who fall in the 3-8 handicap range should certainly take a look at Callaway Apex Pro and go through a fitting for it.


Runner-Up (Distance) Ram Axial Forged

score icon Review Score
8
distance icon Distance Score
8.9
accuracy icon Accuracy
7.2
forgiveness icon Forgiveness
8.5
dollar icon Price
$499.99

Buy This If

  • You want distance with a player's iron:

    Every year, there are player's irons that produce surprising distance numbers. Ram Axial Forged is one of the surprises of 2024. It ranks 2nd overall for distance in our player's iron test. For our Top-3 evaluation, Ram Axial Forged was the longest 7-iron for 50% of our testers.

  • You are budget conscious:

    Most player's irons will cost you $1,100 to $1,400. If that steers you away, Ram Axial Forged is $499.99 and a great alternative. It offers tremendous distance for a player's iron with reasonable accuracy and forgiveness.

Don't Buy This If

  • You buy based on subjective appeal:

    At $499.99, there is going to be a draw back with an iron set. For Ram Axial Forged, it is subjective appeal. Our testing pool rates Ram Axial Forged towards the bottom for sound, feel, looks and likelihood of purchase.

Purchase at

Bottom Line

Ram Axial Forged is a surprise standout in this year’s player’s iron test. No one anticipated it being well received among our testing pool or performing in the manner it did. From the beginning, it showcased distance potential in a category where distance isn’t the top priority. Ram Axial Forged places 2nd for distance and offers useable accuracy and forgiveness.

Testers' Feedback

“Surprisingly good for a player’s iron. I never thought RAM would make this good of an iron.”

“For me, the golf ball was traveling 1 to 1.5 times further. I like it a lot.”

I like it a lot and I wasn’t expecting to. It has an appealing design and is consistent.”

“Good performance, but way too much offset for my liking.”

Expert Take

A majority of our testers weren’t expecting much from the Ram Axial Forged. Most picked it up for the first time and asked, “Ram makes golf clubs?” Needless to say, most left with a change of heart. Ram Axial Forged performs and is HOT. If there was one consistent positive, it was almost every tester acknowledging the surprising distance and performance the iron offers. It won’t wow you for looks, feel, or sound, but for the price, it is an iron worth considering.


BEST PLAYER’s Irons FOR FORGIVENESS

“Forgiveness” is a nebulous term in the golf industry. It’s used often but rarely defined. As a golfer, do you want a player’s 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 (be it game improvement irons, players irons, etc).

Below are the best player’s irons for forgiveness.


Best For Forgiveness Titleist T-100

score icon Review Score
7.7
forgiveness icon Forgiveness
9.6
accuracy icon Accuracy
7.7
distance icon Distance Score
6
dollar icon Price
$1,399.99

Buy This If

  • You prioritize consistency:

    TItleist T-100 proves to be best player's iron for forgiveness. Forgiveness is a tricky subject. The true definition can be broad and most player's irons aren't considered "forgiving" by most golfers. For us, forgiveness is a representation of consistency. How a golf club performs shot after shot is important. Titleist T-100 excels at producing similar outcomes repeatedly across the entire test.

Don't Buy This If

  • You are looking purely for distance:

    The biggest knock against Titleist T-100 is it's lack of distance. Overall, it rates as the shortest player's iron for 2024.

Bottom Line

For our Best Player’s Iron 2024 test, Titleist T-100 ranks as the best iron for forgiveness. Forgiveness and player’s iron are two terms you usually don’t hear in the same sentence. For us, forgiveness is a demonstration of how consistent an iron is for four different metrics: dispersion, carry distance delta, ball speed delta, and backspin delta. Simply put, we are analyzing performance on every single shot gathered with each participating iron. Titleist T-100 displays tremendous consistency for these four specific metrics.

Testers' Feedback

“I regret doing this test because now I am going to purchase these irons.”

“Love the looks. The iron became more appealing as the session went on. Felt like the forgiveness was more noticeable vs the other two clubs in my grouping.”

“Most consistent of the irons I’ve hit. Goes the number I expect it to.”

 

Expert Take

In a category where margins are razor thin, Titleist T-100 stands out as one of the more consistent and reliable player’s irons. Despite being middle of the pack for accuracy, there is promising potential with dialing in accuracy since the T-100 offers predictable shot outcomes. Usually, we see some of the shorter irons end up being the most consistent and this is the case with Titleist T-100.

Runner-Up (Forgiveness) TaylorMade P-7MC

score icon Review Score
9.2
forgiveness icon Forgiveness
9.5
accuracy icon Accuracy
9.5
distance icon Distance Score
6.1
dollar icon Price
$1,299.99

Buy This If

  • You want to maximize accuracy with scoring irons:

    One of the reasons TaylorMade P-7MC is the best player's iron for 2024 is due to its accuracy. In testing, both the pitching wedge and 7-iron are the highest scorers for this particular scoring metric. For our Top-3 percentage, the 7-iron and pitching wedge were the most accurate irons by being present for 40% of the testing pool.

  • You want consistency:

    Not only was TaylorMade P-7MC the best for accuracy in testing, it is one of the best player's irons for forgiveness. When we speak of forgiveness, we are referring to consistency. From top to bottom, P-7MC produces consistent shot outcomes for ball speed, carry distance, backspin and dispersion.

Don't Buy This If

  • You need distance in a player's iron:

    Distance sells and if you are a highly skilled golfer wanting more distance out of your player's iron, you'll want to look elsewhere. TaylorMade P-7MC ranks towards the bottom for carry and total distance.

Bottom Line

TaylorMade P7MC is the best player’s iron for our 2024 test. In a player’s iron, your number one priority should be accuracy and accuracy is TaylorMade P7MC’s strongest attribute. It excels across the entire set makeup, especially in the pitching wedge and 7-iron. It isn’t the longest iron in this category, which may steer some golfers away. But, be confident knowing that it sacrifices distance for precision.

Testers' Feedback

“Thinner top-line, super appealing profile.”

“One of the best feeling and sounding player’s irons.”

“Solid iron. It checks off all of the subjective boxes. I felt like it produced one of the tightest dispersions.”

Expert Take

We can’t stress this enough, but player’s irons is where there is very little separation between irons. This is why we take a deeper dive into the data we collect. Our Top-3 analysis showcases just how accurate TaylorMade P-7MC is and can be for golfers. P-7MC was present in the Top-3 for 40% of the testing pool for both the 7-iron and pitching wedge. This is an exceptional performance.

Furthermore, if you make your purchases based on the subjective, TaylorMade P-7MC is one of the highest rated irons overall, especially in terms of feel. It is a true player’s iron.


How to Choose a Golf 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 player’s iron.

Custom Fit Session 

As a better player you’ll find that sometimes there is very little difference in the performance of two irons. Going for a custom fitting will help you determine things like which iron has minimal offset, which fixes those miss hits off the toe, and which allows you to hit your natural shot shape. 

Most importantly you’ll be able to fine tune things like spin rate, launch angle and more to get your golf game to the next level. Some of the best golfers do a mixed set with some of the best players’ distance irons for long irons and players irons in the short irons. 

A custom fitting will get you the best club for your needs.

best player's irons

Cost

Pricing will always impact a purchasing decision. This is even more evident in the player’s iron category. Since most of the irons are forged or offer multi-material construction, it isn’t uncommon for an iron set to run around $1,400. Some are more and some are less. Forged irons especially will often times see a higher price point due to the cost of making the iron.

Best Value Player's Iron

What if we told you, you can have a high performing player’s iron for nearly half the cost? Well, it is true and it comes in the form of Ram Axial Forged.

Ram Axial Forged receives our title of “Best Value“. It offers upside across all three of our scoring metrics, especially distance. Axial Forged ranks 2nd overall for distance in this year’s test.

Ram Axial Forged iron

Phillip Bishop
Phillip Bishop
Hard Goods/Golf Club Testing Manager

Shaft Selection

Selecting the right shaft for your golf game 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 and ball flight.

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.

Players vs. Players Distance Irons 

One of the most important parts of choosing the best golf irons for your game is making sure you are picking from the right category. The majority of irons on the market are targeted towards those looking for the best game improvement irons. The players that use players-style clubs are those with lower handicaps and even PGA Tour players. 

If you are a high handicapper, there are probably better options on the market than irons for these tests. You’ll find cavity back irons with stronger lofts, a lower center of gravity, and easier playability. 

For lower handicap players the key to switching to player’s irons (over the best players’ distance irons or game improvement irons) is the desire to control your ball flight and your shots. If you want to hit a little cut, or draw the ball and shape your shots you’ll need the players irons. 

While not the most forgiving iron, your goal should be more about control, stability, and accuracy. Take a good look at your game before making the switch, and ensure these are the best clubs for you.

How We Test Player’s Irons

Testing player’s irons is not an easy task. Our 2024 Most Wanted test took 320 testing hours. For 2024, the testing pool includes 19 different iron models.

MyGolfSpy’s test program is powered by three crucial components :

  • Foresight GC Quad – Foresight is the gold standard in camera-based launch monitor technology. Why? Because it produces data we can rely on with every shot hit. And since we can’t say it enough, for this test, our GC Quad’s captured more than 17,000 shots.
  • Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls – The Titleist Pro V1 is MyGolfSpy’s ball of choice for Most Wanted testing. Three generations of MyGolfSpy testing (both robot and Ball Lab) have shown the performance and quality to be outstanding.
  • The Indoor Golf Shop’s SIGPRO Premium – Indoor golf is taking the world by storm. All of our testing is done indoors at our HQ in Yorktown, Va. With each test, our screens take an absolute beating. Thus, we need high-quality, durable impact screens to handle the workload. SIGPRO Premium exceeds our expectations.

For player’s irons, we have 20 testers. Since player’s irons are marketed to highly skilled or low-handicap golfers, our testing pool includes golfers who fall under this demographic. Due to the scale of this test, each low handicap tester committed to 16 appointments to complete the player’s iron test. All 20 testers hit the pitching wedge, 7-iron and 5-iron of each participating iron model. There were 19 iron models in total.

Best Player’s Irons of 2024 – Scoring

Providing you, the golfer and consumer, with insights into the best player’s 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. The MGS Score is on a 10-point scale.

Player’s iron testing is comprised of three scoring categories:

  • Accuracy
  • Distance
  • Forgiveness

These three categories are weighted with accuracy taking a strong priority.

Accuracy

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:

  • Strokes Gained

Distance

Player’s irons are not overly long relative to other iron categories. However, there irons within the category that separate themselves as a distance iron. Our distance category analyzes two specific metrics:

  • Carry Distance
  • Total Yards

Forgiveness

We label forgiveness as how consistent a player’s iron is at producing consistent shot outcomes. For our forgiveness category, we asses three specific metrics:

  • Carry Distance Deltas – The difference between the longest and shortest carry distance for a given player’s iron.
  • Ball Speed Deltas – The difference between the fastest and slowest ball speed for a given player’s iron.
  • Backspin Deltas – The difference between the highest and lowest backspin for a given player’s iron.
  • Dispersion – Previously called Shot Area, dispersion is a measurement (yards/squared) of the elliptical distribution of a series of golf shots.

How the MGS Score is Calculated

Scores are derived from two sets of metrics. The specific metrics we use have been detailed above.

The highest percentage of the score is derived from the data displayed in the launch monitor data sheet (see data below). These are based on the data collected during the testing process and the related calculations for metrics such as dispersion, carry distance, backspin, etc.

Any metric that falls within the average range is given a score of 8. As scores fall above or below the average range, scores increase to a maximum of 10 and a minimum value of 6.

Said another way, for each metric we score, every club will receive a score of 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, depending on how far from the test average the value is. 10s and 6s are rare.

New for 2024, a small percentage of the score comes from the top-five percentage. For this secondary view into the data, we look at the rate at which each club was among the top five best for every golfer in our test pool for each of our metrics.

However, due to the scaling of iron testing as a whole, this approach is shifting from a top-five percentage to a top-three percentage. The same principle still applies.

These additional insights help us identify clubs that not only produce outstanding results on average but also are consistently among the top performers for the golfers in our test pool.

PING i230 Iron review

The launch monitor averages account for approximately 90 percent of the overall score while most of the remaining amount comes from the top-three percentage.

In both cases, scores are weighted with 60 percent of the score coming from accuracy metrics, 20 percent from our distance metrics and the remaining 20 percent from our forgiveness metrics.

Since iron testing involves three testing conditions (5-iron, 7-iron, and pitching wedges) vs an individual condition, we also weight each condition based on shot tracking data throughout the years. This breakdown has pitching wedge and 7-iron both being weighted at 40 percent. 5-iron is then weighted at the remining 20 percent. Based on said shot tracking data, golfers are hitting short and mid-irons more frequently than long irons.

Finally, we reserve a very small percentage of the score to account for things like fitting considerations, excessive numbers of outliers and other details that fall outside the scope of the data.

How Category Scores Are Calculated

Product ModelOverall ScoreAccuracy ScoreDistance ScoreForgiveness Score
Ben Hogan PTx Tour6.66.87.89.1
Callaway Apex CB7.37.96.29.2
Callaway Apex Pro7.27.09.39.0
COBRA King CB6.97.56.28.4
COBRA King Tour7.86.88.68.9
MacGregor MT-Milled Pro7.06.87.39.1
Mizuno JPX 923 Tour7.37.86.39.5
Mizuno Pro 2437.57.28.88.8
New Level 480-MC7.27.46.49.1
New Level 480-TC7.27.36.88.8
PING Blueprint S7.47.26.89.1
PING i2308.28.18.28.8
PXG 0317 CB7.07.26.29.0
Ram Axial Forged8.07.28.98.5
Srixon ZX7 Mk II7.77.18.49.2
TaylorMade P-7MC9.29.56.19.5
Titleist T-1007.77.769.6
Tour Edge Exotics Pro 7236.87.07.18.9
Wilson Staff Model CB7.37.87.19.2

Please note that while we leverage the same two-factor approach to our category scores, the calculations are slightly different because there is no weighting within the individual categories.

With that, overall scores will be higher than the average of the individual category scores.

Fundamentally, the purpose of the score is to keep it simple for those who want it that way. For the rest of you, we’ve provided data, including our key metrics from ball launch monitor data.

Best Player’s Iron 2024 – The Data

The table below contains the relevant data from the 2024 Most Wanted Player’s Iron Test. We’ve done our best to provide the data that serves as the foundation for our scores, while giving you the opportunity to focus on the metrics that matter most to you.

Using the dropdown menu, you can toggle between the Launch Monitor Metrics for 5-iron, 7-iron, and pitching wedge.

ATTENTION MOBILE USERS:

While we’ve done everything we can to make the data viewable on mobile, table data isn’t particularly well-suited for the platform. If you really want to dig in, we’d suggest hopping in front of a desktop.

FAQ: Best Player’s Irons 2024

img

MyGolfSpy Testing Toolkit

World-class testing requires world-class equipment. This is the gear we trust to help us fulfill our Most Wanted testing.

Support Unbiased Testing.

DID YOU KNOW: If only 1% of MyGolfSpy readers donated $25, we would be able to become completely independent in 12-months. With every donation, you create change.

Would you be willing to help by giving a donation? Every dollar will help. Make a donation to support our independent and expert golf equipment research. A PayPal account is not required in order to donate.

Donate to MGS


Amount

Frequency

For You

For You

Phil Mickelson Grant Horvat Phil Mickelson Grant Horvat
News
Dec 5, 2024
Phil Mickelson Is Getting Into The YouTube Golf Space
Buyer's Guides
Dec 5, 2024
Best Stocking Stuffers For Golfers
Stewart Q Follow electric carts Stewart Q Follow electric carts
Buyer's Guides
Dec 5, 2024
Best Golf Bags for Walkers
Phillip Bishop

Phillip Bishop

Phillip Bishop

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.

Phillip Bishop

Phillip Bishop

Phillip Bishop

Phillip Bishop

Phillip Bishop

Phillip Bishop

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
Phillip Bishop

Phillip Bishop

Phillip Bishop





    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
    Tony Covey

    Tony Covey

    Tony Covey

    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.

    Tony Covey

    Tony Covey

    Tony Covey





      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

        glen o

        4 months ago

        After reading this again. The accuracy just using strokes gained is a bit befuddling. Are these testers just playing the same hole to a green and hitting the same over and over?
        If so that kind of block set is not that relatable to the accuracy of an iron. This one metric having such a heavy weight into the overall score seems a bit puzzling.

        Reply

        Scotty

        5 months ago

        I have found myself intrigued about the New Level irons, so naturally MyGolfSpy is the first port of call to see if they feature in testing to see how they’ve performed. First thing I notice straight away…the MC scored better on forgiveness than the TC!? How is this possible with the design, shaping, weighting etc!?

        Reply

        JL

        5 months ago

        The Taylormade P7MC and the Titleist T100 have very similar Distance and Forgiveness scores and all their data for each clubs is also similar (ball speed, launch, spin, dispersion) but their Accuracy scores are quite different. Can you explain what factors influence the difference in Strokes Gained/Accuracy between the two? The only thing I can think of is that The T100’s dispersion ellipse wasn’t on the target line but the P7MC was.

        Reply

        Eric

        5 months ago

        Would have loved to see have seen one of the several Sub70 irons that fit into this category tested since they are one of the top (if not the top) DTC brand and have done so well in your putter testing.

        Reply

        Phillip Bishop

        5 months ago

        Sub 70 opted to not submit products for testing this year in our iron categories. However, we certainly agree they’re a DTC brand golfers should consider.

        Reply

        Sebastian

        5 months ago

        How does mizuno and srixon go from number 1 and 2 last year to the bottom half the next year? There are that many new better irons? I’m so confused.

        Reply

        Phillip Bishop

        5 months ago

        Player’s irons in general have a tighter, more consistent performance margin vs game improvement irons or player’s distance irons. Srixon ZX7 Mk II and Mizuno JPX 923 Tour are both still excellent player’s iron options and both finished above bottom half of the testing pool. Since the performance in this category is so tight, analyzing it at a deeper level using our Top-3 evaluation process (described in the article and new for 2024, and going forward) is necessary to see performance differences in this iron category. This additional step in analyzing results certainly impacts how formerly tested products end up. In some cases, it will be positive and others, negative.

        Reply

        Michael K

        5 months ago

        Does the Apex Pro make sense in this category? I guess I would think its more of a players distance iron. The Apex CB seems the better fit, and looking at the chart it seems to make more sense data wise. I’d probably put the Apex Pro up against the P770, though I admit these iron category are very tricky.

        Reply

        HikingMike

        5 months ago

        Great test! Interesting results. There is certainly a big group that ended up around 7.0-7.3 in the overall scores, getting there in various ways. I don’t see any top 3% column in the data table like I saw in the driver testing. I will be coming back to reference this page a bunch in the future I’m sure. Well done.

        Reply

        David

        5 months ago

        Why no Honma? Why no Miura? Why no Sub 70? Why no Haywoodgolf? PRGR, Daiwa, Maruman, Fujimototo, etc. You get my drift…

        Reply

        John S

        6 months ago

        Surprising to see the i230s having a low forgiveness score. I feel like I rarely am punished with those clubs.

        Reply

        Springbogs

        6 months ago

        Out of curiosity. What category would the Titleist MB and CB fall under? Would it not be this one?

        Reply

        glen o

        6 months ago

        I get the logistics of it would be difficult to conduct but having the forgiveness of irons based shots take off mats is a glaring caveat.
        The accuracy can be even lumped in there also. I would take these numbers with a grain of salt tbh

        Reply

        Mr Stuart Poonawala

        6 months ago

        That Ram iron looks like a Miura MC502!

        Reply

        TomR

        6 months ago

        Tested many on this list, ended up in the Srixon ZX7. I loved the feel of the Titleist but it did not go anywhere, this test confirms what I also experienced.

        Reply

      Leave A Reply

      required
      required
      required (your email address will not be published)

      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

      Phil Mickelson Grant Horvat Phil Mickelson Grant Horvat
      News
      Dec 5, 2024
      Phil Mickelson Is Getting Into The YouTube Golf Space
      Buyer's Guides
      Dec 5, 2024
      Best Stocking Stuffers For Golfers
      Stewart Q Follow electric carts Stewart Q Follow electric carts
      Buyer's Guides
      Dec 5, 2024
      Best Golf Bags for Walkers
      ENTER to WIN 3 DOZEN

      Titleist ProV1 Golf Balls

      Titleist ProV1 Golf Balls
      By signing up you agree to receive communications from MyGolfSpy and select partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy You may opt out of email messages/withdraw consent at any time.