In our testing, accuracy is an imperative scoring metric. For 2024, MacGregor MACSPD outshines the rest of the game-improvement iron category for accuracy. Unfortunately, relative to other game-improvement irons, it is noticeably shorter. If distance is your goal, you may want to look elsewhere.
► You want to hit more greens: MacGregor MACSPD is the best game-improvement iron for accuracy. If your objective is to hit more greens and have more playable shot outcomes, MACSPD might be the iron for you. It is especially effective with a pitching wedge for accuracy.
► You want playable shot outcomes: Playable shot outcomes are a testament to consistency. Consistency is how we define forgiveness. MacGregor MACSPD is one of the most consistent (forgiving) game-improvement irons. It offers consistent ball speed, carry distance, backspin and dispersion.
✖︎ You require distance in your irons: There is a noticeable trade-off with the MacGregor MACSPD relative to other game-improvement irons – it lacks distance. This iron is the shortest game-improvement iron in our 2024 test. Ultimately, you need to determine whether you prioritize accuracy over distance.
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 |
2 months ago
When I think distance, only, I’m pulling hybrid or wood. To me irons are all about accuracy – that’s why they are shorter and why we carry so many irons! As long is spacing, club to club is accurate, whats wrong with hitting 8i instead of 9i for a shot to the green or to lay up? Every average golfer I know who gave up accuracy to get distance, had a net result where their score stayed about the same. The only guys I know, (and not many of them did this!) who went for more repeatable accuracy, shot lower scores with those irons! Isn’t that the objective in golf?. Ben Hogan hit a 5i 158 yds. every single full swing. He was accurate and won because of it!
2 months ago
What would you say is the average-ish trade-off in distance? Just curious your findings.
2 months ago
1) Tighter dispersion is a likely results and we usually see this in iron testing.
2) More spin helps with this as well. You’ll see a handful of game improvement irons be “too low-spinning” for most golfers. If you don’t have a ton of club-head speed or lack angle of attack, metrics such as launch angle, spin, and descent angle can be too low or ineffective. So, adjusting loft, using the correct golf ball, or gaming golf shafts that help with said metrics are a good starting point.
Jim Morrow
1 month ago
Are you testing using a golf swing machine or with a human?