Are combo iron sets right for everyone? | Fully Equipped Mailbag

Welcome to another edition of the Fully Equipped Mailbag, sponsored by Cleveland/Srixon Golf, an interactive GOLF.com series in which we field your hard-hitting gear questions.

I’m new to the game. Should I be looking at a combo iron set or stick to one that is the same throughout the whole set? – Andi K., Arizona

This question digs into a pretty nuanced topic, offering more complexity than meets the eye. Here at the Fully Equipped mailbag, we don’t like to waste your time, so let’s get to the answer, stat:  

Combo sets have gained popularity among better players who desire the best of both worlds when it comes to long iron forgiveness and short iron workability. This typically involves utilizing streamlined short irons available in small cavity or blade forms with minimal offset, thin soles, and reduced toplines. In the long irons, some better players often favor larger more forgiving cavity backs or even opt for hollow-body designs including driving iron utilities to increase distance and achieve higher launch angles.

While better players have been tinkering with different iron models in their club sets for a long time, the difference now is equipment manufacturers are actively creating multiple sets that seamlessly integrate to meet the demands of more types of player preferences.

Previously, a combo set fell into two categories. The first category encompassed a standalone “combo set,” typically featuring cavity-back irons for half the set and blade configurations for the other half (usually, the split happened between the 6- and 7-iron. The second category entailed combining irons from entirely different sets altogether. Doing this usually required assistance from a club fitter to ensure a harmonious and consistent set. Otherwise, significant gaps in loft, differing lie angles, and other inconsistencies were super common. I.e., it was a mess.

Nowadays, equipment manufacturers often market and sell irons not as individual sets, but as a cohesive family. A prime example of this mix-and-match approach is Srixon’s ZX Mk II family of irons, which empowers players to blend up to five different models: the hollow-body ZX Mk II Utility, ZX 4 Mk II game improvement irons, ZX5 Mk II player’s distance irons, ZX7 Mk II player’s irons, and the Z-Forged blade irons for maximum workability.

Bear in mind, a typical higher handicap golfer usually benefits the most from a set of irons that exude consistency throughout their bag, ensuring a similar look and feel. But things are changing, as more brands are adopting combo options that combine not just cavity-back and blades (or near blade scoring clubs), but also the integration of utility clubs and sometimes, hybrids too.

For those who are all in on the concept and who relish the art of combo-ing, the ZX line provides complete flexibility for personalized customization. And, you can conveniently make your selections using Srixon’s new Iron Combo Set Builder on its website.

The process is straightforward:

Once again, combo irons are undeniably gaining popularity, and even mid-to-higher handicappers are beginning to recognize the benefits. While it is not a mandatory choice, for those who revel in the world of combo sets, never has it been easier to mix and match to dial in your perfect set.

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Srixon ZX5 Mk II Irons

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Ryan Noll

Golf.com Contributor