For the latest edition of GOLF magazine’s 2022 ClubTest, we relied on a two-pronged approach to deliver valuable insights into the new crop of irons so that you can make better informed purchasing decisions. A bevy of qualified testers were on hand to provide feedback and performance thoughts on gear from manufacturers big and small. In addition, we completed thorough robot testing of each club with the help of Golf Laboratories founder Gene Parente. You can read all about this year’s ClubTest testing process here.
Below you will find our full reviews and test results of 63 new iron models from the top manufacturers in the game. See something you like? Click through and buy your new irons today.
Iron reviews by brand: Callaway | Cleveland | Cobra | Haywood | Miura | Mizuno | Ping | PXG | Srixon | TaylorMade | Titleist | Tour Edge | Wilson | XXIO
More ClubTest 2022 reviews: Drivers | Fairway Woods | Hybrids | Wedges | Putters
Want to overhaul your bag for 2022? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf.
CLUBTEST IRON REVIEWS
Callaway Rogue ST
We tested: Rogue ST Max: 4-PW, AW, GW, SW; Rogue ST Max OS: 4-9, PW, AW, GW, SW; Rogue ST Pro: 3-PW, AW; Rogue ST Max OS Lite: 4-PW, AW, GW, SW
Our take: Players fawned over the combination of length and forgiveness from the Rogue ST irons, but the Pro version in particular was a show stopper: “For how low spin it is, it has a nice controlled launch and it’s extremely fast,” said a GOLF tester. “I’m shocked how much the ball is jumping off the face, and it has a blade look! Amazing”
All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy a linked product, GOLF.COM may earn a fee. Pricing may vary.
Callaway Rogue ST Max irons
$142.85/club
The new Rogue ST irons break new ground through a high strength 450 A.I. Face Cup that’s never been seen before in the golf industry. They’ve also continued to push innovation through the patented Urethane Microspheres.
The details: Even in the modern market, the Rogue ST irons are as high-tech as they come. The faces in each head have been optimized by Artificial Intelligence, and they’re made with new 450 A.I. Face Cups to enhance speed and forgiveness. The hollow-bodied constructions are filled with urethane microspheres to improve sound and feel, and they use heavy Tungsten weighting to enhance stability and dial in trajectory.
Callaway Apex 21
We tested: 3-PW, AW
Our take: There’s a reason that Callaway’s Apex irons are among the industry’s top selling and performing irons, year-after-year. Our testers found the Apex irons to offer a strong combination of distance, forgiveness, sound, feel and workability. If you’re unsure where to start your iron search, these are a good place to start.
Callaway Apex 21 irons
$185/club
The Apex 21 features an extraordinary level of forged performance and craftsmanship never seen before. It’s the first forged iron designed with Artificial Intelligence for faster ball speeds, and that’s just the beginning.
The details: Although the Apex 21 irons have forged bodies and compact head shapes with minimal offset, they’re packed with game-improving tech. Each head is made with A.I.-designed face cups, Tungsten energy cores, and the hollow-bodied constructions have urethane microspheres in the middle for better sound and feel.
Callaway Apex Pro 21
We tested: 3-PW, AW
Our take: Don’t let the “Pro” name fool you. Yes, these irons are suited for low handicappers and even pros, but their forgiveness properties make them a contender for mid-handicappers, too.
Callaway Apex Pro 21 irons
$185/club
Apex Pro is synonymous with Tour distance and performance, from a premium construction that’s demonstrably superior and pleasingly different. And now Callaway has made a significant leap forward with their new Apex Pro.
The details: The Apex Pro irons have forged 1025 hollow-body constructions that are filled with urethane microspheres, creating a unique combination of speed, forgiveness, feel and sound. They also have A.I. designed Face Cups and up to 90 grams of Tungsten per head to dial in performance. Compared to the standard Apex iron, they have slightly smaller shapes and narrower sole widths.
Callaway Apex DCB 21
We tested: 4-PW, AW
Our take: If you’re a mid-to-high handicapper who wants the look, feel and performance of an Apex iron, but don’t quite have the skill to use the smaller Apex or Apex Pro versions, the Apex DCB may be your ticket into the Apex family. They’re ultra-forgiving and have a slightly larger package to help with mishits.
Callaway Apex DCB 21 irons
$185/iron
The DCB allows more golfers to experience Apex than ever before. They provide the look and feel of a players club with the forgiveness of a deep cavity back design. Callaway has never created anything like this, and they know golfers are going to love it.
The details: Tagged as the most forgiving Apex iron in the company’s history, Callaway’s Apex DCB irons have a deep cavity back and new aged tech to boot. They have A.I. designed Face Cups, Tungsten Energy Cores, and forged hollow-body constructions to boost speed and forgiveness across the face. They also have wider soles and more offset than their Apex family members to help with turf interaction, height, and draw-bias.
Callaway Apex TCB
We tested: 3-PW, AW
Our take: The Apex TCB (Tour Cavity Blade) irons offer everything that a better player wants from a blade iron in terms of looks, feel and performance, with just a touch of added forgiveness. They’re also world No. 1-approved, being that Jon Rahm used these irons to win the 2021 U.S. Open Championship.
Callaway Apex TCB irons
$200/club
Apex TCB Irons are precision-engineered for forged performance, shot-making, and control in a Tour-inspired forged 1025 players cavity back. It’s a classic compact look and spec package that’s suited for the best players.
The details: Callaway’s TCB irons are similar in look and tech to the company’s X Forged CB offerings, except they’re slightly more compact with thinner toplines and soles, and slightly less offset. The TCBs are forged from 1025 carbon, they have tour-tuned face plates for distance control, and adjustable plate weights in the back cavity to dial in performance.
Callaway Apex MB
We tested: 3-PW, AW
Our take: Blade irons are for the golfer who wants the ultimate in precision performance, and the Apex MBs deliver both in shaping and in technology. If you hit the ball long and don’t miss the center of the face often, these could be the answer for your blade buying needs.
Callaway Apex MB irons
$185/club
Callaway Apex MB Irons are built for the best players in the game. It’s a beautiful classic blade shape with high-performance grooves, remarkable feel, and a new weight design.
The details: The Apex MB irons have all the makings of a pure blade. They’re forged from 1025 carbon steel, have thin toplines, minimal offset and a compact shape. To separate them from other blades on the market, however, Callaway designed the Apex MBs with adjustable weighting in the back cavities to dial in swing weight and performance. They also have new grooves that are made to reduce fliers out of the rough. Blade users will enjoy those added levels of precision.
Callaway X Forged CB
We tested: 3-PW, AW
Our take: The X Forged CB irons have a combination of control and forgiveness that suit both tour players and low-handicap amateurs alike. They’re not the smallest irons in Callaway’s stable, but they have compact shapes that produce precise workability with just enough forgiveness to help with misfires.
Callaway X Forged CB irons
$200/club
The new X Forged CB irons provide consistency, control, amazing feel and a beautiful design for the most discerning of golfers. These irons are engineered with custom internal and external MIM’d tungsten weighting.
The details: Compared to Callaway’s Apex TCB irons that have a similar look, the X Forged CB irons are a touch larger with slightly wider soles and more offset. As their names imply, the X Forged CB irons are forged from 1025 carbon steel for a soft feel. They also have Tungsten weighting to dial in CG (center of gravity), and Tour Tuned faces for the distance control that better players want.
Cleveland Launcher XL
We tested: 4-PW, DW
Our take: We appreciate Cleveland’s efforts to make the game more fun for everyone, and we really like seeing a set of irons that lives up to that promise. So is the case in this literal mixed bag—the Launcher long irons are meant to be extra forgiving and the short irons are designed for added precision. Which by the way, each iron in this set delivers as intended (easy to hit with straight ballflights), and V-Sole design cuts through the turf with relative ease (a nice bonus to what’s already a very forgiving set.)
Cleveland Launcher XL irons
$128.57/club
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to playing better golf. That’s why Cleveland made the Launcher XL Irons hollow and strong in the long Irons, then gave them precise cavity backs in the shorts. It’s forgiveness where you need it, and control where you want it, all from the same set of Irons.
The details: The long irons feature a hollow-body design for added distance and forgiveness, via what Cleveland called MainFrame variable face technology and wider grooves. The mid and shorter irons have a more traditional shaping and smaller grooves for greater spin. Each iron comes with an elevated leading edge for less digging, Action Mass CB (counterbalancing) for a greater feel and better balance. The set also can be configured with “Accuracy Build”, which means the shafts are .5 inches shorter without counterbalancing for greater control.
Cleveland Launcher XL Halo
We tested: 4-PW, DW, SW
Our take: The Halo irons from Cleveland scream game-improvement but in all fairness and honestly, we’ve had better players say they could easily put them in the bag considering how easy they are to hit. They’re long but not too long that shots get away from you, and the feel is surprisingly solid considering these have hollow bodies. Color us impressed.
Cleveland Launcher XL Halo Irons
$115/club
They’re huge. They’re hollow. They’re the all-new Launcher XL Halo Irons. This is bona fide Hybrid performance in every Iron. And? Cleveland’s unique Action Mass CB makes them swing easier, too.
The details: A hollow-body design with MainFrame face technology for more resilience and less distance and accuracy loss on off-center hits. Longer irons have Gliderail sole designs for more forgiveness and progressively transition to having V-Sole shapes in the shorter irons, and a 3-tiered sole in the wedges—again for forgiveness and more solid strikes. Additional tech includes a HiBore Crown Step design for a lower CG, Action Mass counterbalancing and Loft Specific grooves. Can also be configured in an “Accuracy Build” with no counterbalancing and .5-inch shorter shafts.
Cobra LTDx
We tested: 4-PW, GW, SW
Our take: Nothing like a cool design to provoke creative thinking. “These look mean, and I could easily see building a combo set around these and the Forged Tec,” one Golf tester said of Cobra’s LTDx irons, which, like other clubs in the LTDx family, feature a lower center of gravity and strategic engineering that removes weight from the face to expand the sweet spot. Our initial takeaway indicates these sticks are built for maximum distance and forgiveness, but they manage to still look and feel like a more sophisticated player’s iron.
Cobra LTDx irons
$128/club
The revolutionary design of the LTDx™ Irons starts at the core. The construction features a multi-layer PWR-COR™ weighting system that lowers CG, and promotes maximum flexion of the body, sole and face for peak ball speed and distance.
The details: The star feature in the LTDx irons is once again PWR-COR tech, which in this case is a flexible steel bar that’s fully suspended in a soft polymer behind the clubface, placing the CG closer to the ball and improving energy transfer. The PWRSHELL face cup design boost ballspeed even further and wraps around the sole to help promote a higher ballflight. There’s a weight port in the toe that’s tunable to dial in certain swingweights for custom builds. Finally, the grooves on the clubface are CNC-milled for optimal spin rates through the bag. Comes in Standard or ONE Length versions.
Cobra Air-X
We tested: Combo set: 2 hybrids and 5 irons
Our take: With the release of these lightweight, cavity-backed irons, Cobra promised to help golfers “take their game to new heights.” Literally. Our testers found that to be the case. “Easy to swing and the ball goes high,” one Golf tester said. “Ball jumps off the face without much effort,” said another.
Cobra Air-X irons
$799/set
The Air-X irons will take your iron game to new heights. A lightweight design with offset and slightly weaker lofts promote easy launch, maximum carry distance, and more greens in regulation.
The details: Designed with slower swingers in mind, these cavity-backed irons marry lightweight construction with offset setups and slightly weaker lofts. The intent, Cobra says, is to make the game easier and more enjoyable by maximizing carry distance and promoting easy launch.
Cobra King Forged
We tested: 4-PW
Our take: Hailed by one Golf tester as a Goldilocks of clubs — “not too chunky but doesn’t feel super thin”— the King Forged were deemed to be “just right.” Other testers praised the “aesthetically pleasing” design as well as the “soft feel” of the muscle-back irons, which were built with better players in mind.
Cobra King Forged irons
$157/club
The KING Forged Tec irons were forged for speed. For the first time in Cobra’s player’s iron, a forged PWRSHELL face expands the sweet zone for higher launch and faster ball speed in a compact shape. Tungsten toe weighting centers the CG behind the hitting zone to maximize distance and precision, even on off-center hits.
The details: Combining cutting-edge technology with a classic look, Cobra’s King Forged irons have a hollow cavity filled with foam microfibers that the company says promotes a soft feel and sweet acoustics. Tungsten toe weighting is meant to fine-tune performance by positioning the center of gravity behind the hitting area, adding power and forgiveness across the face. Cobra also offers the King RF Forged MB Copper irons, designed by a Rickie Fowler; and the King Forged Tec line, which comes with Arrcos sensors embedded in the grips. Available in variable or single length.
Cobra King Tour MIM
We tested: 4-PW
Our take: The eye-catching irons drew attention from Golf testers for their convention-busting look. No surprise, as the King Tour MIM’s are neither cast nor forged. They arise instead from Metal Injection Molding, a manufacturing innovation that allows for intricate shapes and precision design, yielding clubs that combine a distinctive appearance with uncommonly soft feel.
Cobra King Tour MIM irons
$186/club
When forging or casting couldn’t deliver the soft feel Cobra sought after, they introduced a new process. The new KING Tour irons are the first irons created using Metal Injection Molding (MIM) Technology, the most precise way to make a precision iron.
The details: In pursuit of a softer feel that the company says it couldn’t get from forging or casting, Cobra turned to Metal Injection Molding, a process that allows for more finely detailed and nuanced shaping. The goal is a balance of appearance and performance: a sleek-looking cavity-back with a stainless-steel construction that is meant to provide a softer feel than traditional forged steel.
Haywood Signature
We tested: 4-PW
Our take: The Signature iron is designed around a hollow-body construction, but you wouldn’t know it from some of the positive comments it received around sound and feel. For some GOLF testers, the iron delivered a solid construction feel. “The sound and feel are unmatched,” raved one GOLF tester. “I’ve never heard of them before, but they perform like the big boys.” While the forgiveness and ball speed packed inside the head is geared for the game-improvement golfer, testers weren’t turned off by the blade length or topline. “Looks match the performance,” said another tester. We’d agree with that assessment.
Haywood Signature irons
$93/club
Distance meets game improvement with these Haywood signature irons. Designed to lower scores by helping players hit it farther while controlling spin.
The details: The two-piece hollow body design is comprised of a 431 stainless steel body welded to a heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel face that delivers a solid sound at impact with noticeable ball speed. Progressive offset throughout the set ensures the head will square up at impact. The hollow cavity construction produces a high launch with ample forgiveness in the heel and toe sections.
Haywood CB
We tested: 4-PW
Our take: There’s nothing better than getting repaid for a well-struck iron shot with a pleasing feel at impact. This was a major takeaway as testers put Haywood’s CB iron through the paces. “Excellent feel when you hit it pure,” said a tester. “Mishits aren’t penalized nearly as much as my gamer set.” The trajectory was categorized “as strong,” which could make it a great option for windy conditions. Other testers praised the clean look, lack of offset and ability to work the ball both directions on command. Haywood may be a small fish in a big pond, but their CB iron was an unquestioned rising star during player testing.
Haywood CB irons
$799
The Haywood CB irons were built with the intention for average to above-average golfers to hit the shots they want while providing increased forgiveness, exceptional feel, and performance.
The details: Tight production tolerances ensure Haywood CB irons as consistent throughout the set. Each head is forged from 1020 carbon steel and then 100 percent milled for tight weight and club measurement tolerances. Extra mass around the perimeter helps protect mishits and gives the head a striking look. Reduced offset and topline thickness are traits a better player will appreciate.
Haywood MB
We tested: 4-PW
Our take: As one tester put it, Haywood’s MB is “modern meets traditional.” The muscleback profile is traditional, but the milling marks on the back of the head give it a modern look that allows it to stand out from the crowd. While then iron isn’t geared for the mid-handicapper, another tester highlighted a few confidence-inducing traits. “I see a lot of face when I look at it, and that makes me feel comfortable,” said the tester. “Little more feedback than I thought I’d get from a traditional blade, and the face scorelines are longer than I’m used to seeing, which gives you confidence.”
Haywood MB irons
$799
The second iteration of the Haywood MB irons have been re-designed and re-engineered utilizing feedback from customers over the past year to create one of the most beautiful and best performing MB’s on the market.
The details: Redesigned with customer feedback, Haywood’s MB is forged from 1020 carbon steel and then 100 percent milled. The head features many of the traits you’d expect to find on an iron designed for elite ball-strikers: minimal offset, thin sole width, maximum shot shaping ability and consistent spin/distance control. The MB can also be paired with the CB if a mixed setup is your preference.
Miura MB-101
We tested: 3-PW
Our take: If you’re looking for that buttery soft forged iron feel, these are the cream of the crop. The MB-101 irons are true blades, so there’s not much by way of forgiveness, but for those who hit the center of the face often, the looks and feel are second-to-none in the category. Plus, the black versions have a serious wow factor.
Miura MB-101 irons
$310/club
The Miura MB-101 incorporates the best characteristics of early Miura designs and models. The subtle refinements to the sole allow the club to travel effortlessly through the turf.
The details: Miura’s MB-101 blades are forged from premium S20C soft carbon, and they come with either a Satin Chrome or black QPQ (quench-polish-quench) finish that reduces wear or erosion. They have thin toplines, minimal offset, compact shapes, narrow soles, and they have serious bag appeal, too.
Miura TC-201
We tested: 3-PW
Our take: For better players who want the look and performance of a blade, but with a touch of added forgiveness for mishits, the TC-201 irons deliver. They also have that buttery soft forged feel that Miura users love.
Miura TC-201 irons
$330/club
The TC-201 offers the performance of a muscle back with the increased forgiveness of a cavity back. The progressive weighting in the sole provides a lower center of gravity in the long irons for added height and higher trajectory on longer shots.
The details: These tour cavity-back designs have progressive center of gravity throughout the set to help with trajectory control and forgiveness where it’s needed. The short irons have a higher center of gravity (CG) for a lower trajectory and spin control, while the longer irons have lower CG to help players hit the ball higher and with more accuracy. Like the MB-101 irons, the TC-201 are also forged from S20C soft carbon.
Miura CB-301
We tested: 4-PW, GW
Our take: Most golfers want a soft forged feel from their irons, but not all golfers are skilled enough to play with a blade or small cavity back. The CB-301 irons are designed so that a wider array of players can experience the high-end feel and playability of a Miura iron, without giving up forgiveness and distance.
Miura CB-301 irons
$310/club
The CB-301 is the the longest forged cavity-back iron Miura Golf has ever produced. Each club is engineered with a variable sole and cavity thickness designed to optimize performance and center of gravity.
The details: Forged from S20C carbon, the CB-301 irons are Miura’s longest forged cavity-back offering. The back cavity thickness is designed to optimize performance on off-center hits and help golfers achieve higher speeds and launch angles.
Miura PI-401
We tested: 4-PW, GW
Our take: A true game-improvement iron never felt so soft. In this new offering from Miura, the PI-401 irons achieve performance levels for high-handicappers that haven’t been seen from the company before. They produce speed and forgiveness, without giving up much by way of sound and feel.
Miura PI-401 irons
$360/club
The PI-401 cavity back iron was designed for players of every skill level. Shinei Miura sought to design an iron which delivered exceptional forgiveness, while maximizing distance.
The details: The trick to Miura’s PI-401 irons is the multi-material construction. The faces are made from premium S35C carbon steel for more speed, while the bodies are made from 8620 soft steel for greater strength. The soles have four angles and a wide construction for less turf resistance at impact, making them easier to hit for high-handicappers. Expect a high launch and more distance from these PI-401 irons, no matter your skill level.
Miura MC-501
We tested: 3-PW
Our take: They may look like blade irons, but there’s a bit more than meets the eye. Miura brings its renowned buttery soft feel and premium forging process into a blade-like iron that offers a bit more forgiveness than a true blade.
Miura MC-501 irons
$310/club
The MC-501 (Muscle Cavity) combines the playability of a blade with the forgiveness of a cavity back. Incorporating the iconic “Y” Grind created by Yoshitaka Miura, the MC-501 delivers solid ball contact and will appeal to players beyond the low-handicapped golfer.
The details: Miura’s mixed cavity irons are made from premium S20C soft carbon steel, designed to have the playability of a blade with the forgiveness of a cavity back. They have a slightly longer blade length and wider soles than Miura’s true blade offerings, and have intricate shaping in the back cavities for more forgiveness.
Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal
We tested: 4-PW, GW, SW, LW
Our take: If you want to hit the ball long, high and straight but still want an iron that feels buttery smooth, this may very well be the iron made just for you. Our club testers feel strongly about these claiming “mishits aren’t punishing at all,” and “shot dispersion was incredibly tight.” Furthermore, considering these are so forgiving, they don’t look like it. Mizuno masterfully tucked a monster truck worth of technology in a beautifully compact design.
Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal irons
$125/club
The Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal irons feature Chromology construction with a razor-thin CORTECH cupface for more ballspeed, a Stability Frame with toe bias for added forgiveness and a variable thickness sole for improved distance.
The details: Chromology construction with a razor-thin CORTECH cupface for more ballspeed, a Stability Frame with toe bias for added forgiveness, and a variable thickness sole for improved face flex speed and longer distance. Additional features include Harmonic Impact technology for a better sound and feel and a muted Pearl Brush finish. Also comes in a Pro model with an even more compact shape and less hosel offset.
Mizuno JPX 921 Forged
We tested: 4-PW, GW, SW, LW
Our take: Mizuno’s legendary Grain Flow Forging in a radical headshape? Yes, please. These irons were a hit with our testers, with claims that they “felt pure form the start to finish” and “made me rethink whether or not I’m going to be a Mizuno guy now.” They feel as good as they look, and according to Mizuno have the “fastest ballspeeds ever produced from a full forged iron.” I.e., these are the purest game-improvement irons for better players we’ve ever seen.
Mizuno JPX 921 Forged irons
$175/club
Grain Flow Forged Chromoly 4120 enables the face to be ultra-thin for a faster ballspeed and a CNC-milled slot behind the face pushes weight farther toward the perimeter for more forgiveness.
The details: Grain Flow Forged Chromoly 4120 enables the face to be ultra-thin for a faster ballspeed and a CNC-milled slot behind the face pushes weight farther toward the perimeter for more forgiveness. A Stability Frame with toe bias offers less twisting of the face at impact. The compact shape comes in an anti-glare Pearl Brush finish for fewer distractions over the ball.
Mizuno JPX 921 Tour
We tested: 4-PW, GW
Our take: Known as the go-to iron among touring professionals not on the Mizuno tour staff, the 921 Tour irons are a beautiful marriage of traditional shaping and new technologies. The reason being is simple — the modern player wants consistency first as they tend to hit high, straight shots more often than they do big draws and fades. Mizuno knows this, and these irons are stable and forgiving, but also can be used for shotmaking when needed. Oh, and they feel like hot butter in the hands.
Mizuno JPX 921 Tour irons
$162.50
The Mizuno JPX 921 Tour irons are Grain Flow Forged with a Stability Frame with toe bias weighting for more stability at impact for straighter shots and a more consistent/predictable ballflight.
The details: Grain Flow Forged with a Stability Frame with toe bias weighting for more stability at impact for straighter shots and a more consistent/predictable ballflight. Also comes with Mizuno’s Harmonic Impact technology with a thicker cavity pad, helping to avoid vibration and lend a truly unique feel.
Mizuno Pro 221
We tested: 3-PW
Our take: If there’s a player’s iron that evokes pure nostalgia while still being refined enough for the modern game, it’s hands down the new Pro 221 irons from Mizuno. These irons exude what it means to be a gamer’s blade, but with some subtle touches to make what’s otherwise a traditional blade more playable. You can shape shots with ease using these and can expect them to not only feel like a forged Mizuno blade but actually better than any Mizuno forged iron you’ve ever tried, thanks to some innovative copper inlays beneath all that gorgeous chrome.
Mizuno Pro 221 irons
$187.50
The Mizuno Pro 221 irons also come with a microlayer of copper underneath the chrome for a remarkable soft feel. Mass has been repositioned from the heel toward a muscle-back behind the center for a slightly muted sound.
The details: Grain Flow Forged from pure 1025E mild carbon steel, these irons also come with a microlayer of copper underneath the chrome for a remarkable soft feel. Mass has been repositioned from the heel toward a muscle-back behind the center for a slightly muted sound, and the shorter/more compact feel is designed to enable greater shotmaking versatility. The 8-PW are also noticeably smaller for a controlled ballflight.
Mizuno Pro 223
We tested: 4-PW, GW
Our take: An elite player’s cavity-back iron from Mizuno, the Pro 223 mixes a dash of forgiveness with plenty of shotmaking control for what we think is one of the best irons ever made by Mizuno (and that’s saying a lot). Speaking of the Pro 223 our testers said, “it hides some technology inside there that feels unbelievable,” and “this iron has serious player vibes, but the added bit of forgiveness makes me feel like I can get away missing the sweetspot from time to time.” Lastly, “the trajectory with these is amazing” and “the workability is superb. I can hit it straight or with a fade or draw — all on command.” Need we say more?
Mizuno Pro 223 irons
$187.50/club
The Mizuno Pro 223 has a Flow Microslot behind the face resulting in a thin clubface for faster ballspeeds and a beveled back edge for more versatility.
The details: Made via a Grain Flow Forged construction with a soft copper underlay for added feel, the Pro 223 has a Flow Microslot behind the face resulting in a thin clubface for faster ballspeeds and a beveled back edge for more versatility. The headshape is compact — especially in the shorter scoring irons — a feature commonly requested by tour players.
Mizuno Pro 225
We tested: 2-PW, GW
Our take: It’s easy to be fooled by how the 225s look. At a glance they look like straight blades, but what you can’t see is these are actually the most forgiving and playable of the new Pro irons this year. Inside the long and middle irons is a hollow-cavity design that packs more ballspeed and forgiveness. According to some testers, “it’s like hitting a blade with more forgiveness and more juice,” and “the ball goes and goes” and “I can easily put these in my bag right now.”
Mizuno Pro 225 irons
$187.50/club
The Mizuno Pro 225 irons feature a Grain Flow Forged hollow-body construction for added forgiveness and has a copper underlay for better feel. The 9-PW models are pure select mild carbon steel for a penetrating trajectory.
The details: The Pro 225 irons feature a Grain Flow Forged hollow-body construction for added forgiveness, and like the other new Pro irons has a copper underlay for better feel. Additional tech includes a 4135 Chromoly face and neck and an internal tungsten weight (2-7) for higher and more stable ballflights. The 9-PW models are pure select mild carbon steel for a penetrating trajectory and more shotmaking maneuverability.
Ping G710
We tested: 4-SW
Our take: As Jack Palence famously said in a different context, “Confidence is very sexy, don’t you think?” He might well have liked the mid- to high-handicapper and distance-centric G710 irons as much as our testers. Said one, who described his iron play as the weakness in his game, “When I see more clubface that I can use, it gives me lots of confidence—and this club is so wide, it looks unshakeable.” This tester also self-diagnosed as “a sucker for gunmetal,” and indeed the G710’s stealth black finish drew props for glare reduction and “a mean look.”
Ping G710 irons
$1365
By combining a stainless steel body, maraging steel face, and tungsten toe and shaft weights, Ping G710 irons become their longest, most forgiving irons with metalwood-like flexibility, explosive speed, and incredibly stability.
The details: To make the longest and most forgiving irons among its wide-ranging lineup—a fact duly noted by our testers—Ping merged maraging steel faces with 17-4 stainless-steel bodies that act as least as much like metalwoods as irons. For added forgiveness for those who most need it, the G710s also sport tungsten weights in both the heel and toe, too.
Ping G425
We tested: 4-LW
Our take: For players looking first and foremost for higher launches and more distance from their irons, Ping’s G425s stand front and center. Testers gave these tech-packed clubs a happy thumbs-up on both fronts. While game-improvement irons can sometimes fall short on the sensory side of the equation, GOLF testers praised the G425’s feel and sound. “I’m finding the face with regularity,” said one, “and they’re more forgiving than what I’m used to getting.”
Ping G425 irons
$142.75/club
To improve speed and height on its G425 irons, Ping took notes from the face design of its successful drivers and fairways. As such, they now use variable face thickness (VFT), which means the face is thinner in certain areas to increase speed.
The details: Rather than stay stuck in their silos, Ping engineers borrowed from the face design of the company’s drivers and fairway woods to get the performance attributes they wanted in these irons. G425s employ variable face thickness (VFT)—the face is thinner in certain areas, and the weight saved has been added to the hosel and toe, enhancing forgiveness, ball speed and shot trajectory. Which is to say, they’re irons that offer many of the benefits of the metalwoods from which they in part arose.
Ping i59
We tested: 3-PW
Our take: Did our testers like the look of the i59s more, or the performance? Yes. “This is a Ping?” one exclaimed. “It has a stellar look at address—clean, not too small, but small enough that I can work it, with just the right amount of offset.” Others echoed the best-of-both-worlds theme, praising form and function in equal measure. The compact head appealed to the players-club set, as did the warm feel—“You can feel the ball compress,” gushed that tester. Yet with this still came high praise for the i59’s forgiveness and high launch from such a small package.
Ping i59 irons
$1750
Crisp, consistent impact, a solid feel and a flighted trajectory with added forgiveness are the result of an aerospace-grade aluminum insert joined to a forged 1025 carbon steel body and forged 17-4 SS laser-cut face.
The details: Much of the i59’s mettle owes to its metals—a forged 1025 carbon steel body houses an aerospace-grade aluminum insert called AlumiCore and a 17-4 stainless steel laser-cut face. The oxymoronic-sounding (or maybe merely ironic) MicroMax grooves are designed to produce consistently precise yardages across each club in the set.
Ping i525
We tested: 3-UW
Our take: The players-distance i525 took the i500’s place in Ping’s iron lineup, and testers deemed it a notable upgrade. “It’s a strong look, and the feel is unmatched,” one tester said. “I can’t believe I’m getting the same performance with less offset.” Sound is a major component to feel, and that same tester cooed, “The sound has been improved for sure. It’s just a terrific replacement.”
Ping i525 irons
$1313
Brand new face technology increases speed, distance and control in these new irons. Combined with polymer inserts, these clubs should provide better sound and feel throughout the bag.
The details: The i525’s maraging steel face is strong enough to allow for a thinner face structure whose variable face thickness (VFT) increases ball speed for more distance—and more consistent distances. It also features an internal sole undercut that Ping says increases flexing and in turn launches shots faster and higher. Both the blade length and offset evoke more of a players-style model than the tech-loaded club might otherwise suggest.
Ping Blueprint
We tested: 2-PW
Our take: If you were asked to draw the blueprint of a serious player’s irons, you’d come up with something very much like Ping’s Blueprint. The blade styling, forged heads, wafer-thin toplines, narrow soles, compact sizing (the smallest in the company’s lineup): Everything screams “Better ball strikers only, please!” If that’s you, oh, the shot shapes and trajectories you can create…
Ping Blueprint irons
$1645
Fully forged from 8620 carbon steel, the blade-style, tour-inspired design is engineered for the highly skilled player who puts a premium on workability and trajectory control.
The details: For all the above characteristics, Blueprints are the choice of some of Ping’s elite, pin-hunting staffers, like Tony Finau and Louis Oosthuizen. Machine-milled faces and grooves also help provide the spin and flight control required at the game’s higher levels. That said, even the best players can use a touch of forgiveness now and then, and the Blueprints sport a tungsten weight in the toe section for whenever the need arises.
PXG 0211 ST
We tested: 4-PW
Our take: There’s a lot to love about the 0211 ST irons, but we’ll start with the traditional look at address. “These irons have a traditional looks with a thuddy sound,” one tester said. “They’ve got more weight on the heel than I expected, but it helps me turn over with ease.” We’ll take that assessment any day — especially for those who lose it out to the right often.
PXG 0211 ST irons
$89/club
A super-thin face, angled top rail that removes weight from the topline so it can be repositioned toward the toe, and DualCOR system that uses soft and firm polymers for better energy transfer and stability, make these irons fun to play.
The details: The 0211 STs feature a triple forged, solid-body for feel and workability in a sleek design. But even though they are blades, the repositioning of the mass throughout the clubhead provides increased overall MOI, for optimal forgiveness within the traditional look.
PXG 0211 Z
We tested: 6-SW
Our take: PXG is no longer just a brand for the avid golfer, thanks to their 0211 Z series, which caters to novices and beginners. “The club glides through the turf like a hybrid,” one tester said. “I could see how someone who was starting out would look this look. It’s easy to hit and does what it intends to do.” These clubs are high-flying and easy to hit, perfect for someone just getting into the game.
PXG 0211 Z hybrid-iron set
$795
Designed for players new to the game or the occasional golfer, PXG 0211 Z Hybrid-Irons offer a unique, hollow-bodied construction that incorporates the distance producing technology of a hybrid and the trajectory of an iron.
The details: These hybrid-irons offer a unique design that’s engineered to make them high-launching and as forgiving as possible. They have a large, hollow-body profile to promote distance, and severe back weighting to improve height on shots hit across the face. They also feature a groove between the front and back to help define the topline and the sole, and the weighting of the heads are placed strategically for ultimate height and forgiveness.
PXG 0211 DC
We tested: 0211: 4-LW; 0211 ST: 4-PW
Our take: The 0211 DC irons aren’t quite as blade-y as their ST counterparts, but they still offer a beautiful top-line look for confidence at address. “These irons feel so good. I wouldn’t change a damn thing about them,” one tester said. “No doubt as soon as these are in my bag, I’ll be taking money from my buddies.” We like that confidence.
PXG 0211 DC irons
$77/club
A super-thin face, angled top rail that removes weight from the topline so it can be repositioned toward the toe, and DualCOR system that uses soft and firm polymers for better energy transfer and stability, make these irons fun to play.
The details: There’s plenty of tech in these irons, starting with a maraging steel face that PXG calls the “thinnest face in golf,” and an angled top rail that removes weight from the topline so it can be repositioned toward the toe. They also feature the Dual COR system for better energy transfer and stability throughout the bag.
PXG 0311 P
We tested: 3-GW
Our take: We couldn’t be more impressed by these irons, but don’t just take our word for it. “It has to be the best club in the world.” one tester said. “I can’t believe how good it is. Whenever you hit a bad shot, you still get something out of it. Looks good, does good.” Now that’s high praise.
PXG 0311 P irons
$249/club
PXG 0311 P GEN4 Irons are the best irons we’ve ever made. Designed to appeal to a wide range golfers who are looking for the holy grail of golf clubs, 0311 P Irons offer the ideal blend of distance, workability, and forgiveness for killer performance and more fun on the course.
The details: The 0311 P irons are fit with proprietary XCOR technology made specifically for PXG irons. The polymer material is highly compressible and makes for a massive sweet spot. Additionally, Gen4 irons has Precision Weighting Technology, featuring a large weight near the back of the clubhead that can be adjusted in two-gram increments during the fitting process.
PXG 0311 XP
We tested: 3-GW
Our take: These 0311 XP (Xtreme Performance) are made for mid-to-high handicappers and, like others in the 0311 Gen4 line, got the stamp of approval from out testers. “These clubs raise my launch, but not overly aggressive,” one tester said. “The spin was nicely controlled, it and never felt like a miss was going to hurt me.”
PXG 0311 XP irons
$249/club
PXG 0311 XP GEN4 Irons will blow your mind with just one swing. Designed to deliver Xtreme Performance by every measure, these incredible irons are made for golfers seeking exceptional forgiveness and maximum distance to help lower their scores.
The details: The 0311 XP are geared for extreme forgiveness, which they achieve through more offset and a wider sole. The clubs also come with an ultra-thin face, XCOR Technology, and Precision Weighting Technology.
PXG 0311 T
We tested: 3-GW
Our take: The tour version of PXG’s Gen4 iron lineup are visual stunners. “These have the best looks by far,” one tester said. “Confidence inspiring is the thing that comes to mind. Like that you can’t see the tech, but it’s definitely there. Launching in the perfect window.” Combine that with the proven tech PXG is known for and you’ve got a winner.
PXG 0311 T irons
$249/club
PXG 0311 T GEN4 Irons incorporate our most advanced technology and innovations to date, wrapped in a tour-inspired design that delivers unmatched distance and accuracy. Our five-times forged 0311 T Irons are ideal for players looking for maximum workability and more forgiveness in a blade-style head.
The details: The 0311 T irons feature all the great tech found in the other Gen4 irons — new XCOR material, Precision Weighting Technology, ultra-thin face — but is packaged with a look that high-level players prefer. A thin sole and less offset also allows for maximum workability.
PXG 0311 ST
We tested: 3-GW
Our take: Want to hit what the pros hit? Then the 0311 STs are for your. The “ST” stands for “super tour,” and if you don’t have that type of game … well, maybe you should try a different set of sticks. These are for full-time hitters.
PXG 0311 ST irons
$299/club
hey talked. We listened. PXG 0311 ST GEN4 Blades were inspired by our tour professionals. These sleek, triple-forged blades are crafted for skilled golfers who crave greater workability, enhanced control, and a mind-blowing feel.
The details: As with all of PXG’s Gen4 irons, a large interchangeable weight in the back cavity of the 0311 Gen4 ST heads allows fitters to adjust weight in the head, helping to manipulate performance and feel. The irons also have varied head designs throughout the set. Short irons (8-GW) have thin top lines and narrow soles for ultimate control and workability. The mid irons (6 & 7) also have thin top lines, but the sole is a bit wider for more forgiveness. And when you get to the long irons, they have a larger top line and cavity backs to get even more mis-hit forgiveness.
Srixon ZX4
We tested: 3-PW, AW
Our take: First of all, all the ZX irons can be mixed, meaning you can put the forgiving, hollow-body ZX4 irons in a set combined with the more controllable ZX5 or ZX7 irons. But even if you if you don’t mix it up, you’ll still have a remarkable iron set that delivers the goods in terms of extra distance and an exceptional feel. They’re easy to hit but they look like player’s clubs, which for us is exactly the kind of iron most of us should put in play.
Srixon ZX4 irons
$162.50/club
ZX4 Irons deliver an exceptionally good address profile while also boasting the brand’s best combination of power and forgiveness to date.
The details: Featuring a multi-piece, hollow-body construction in the 4-7 irons, these irons have a low center of gravity for a higher launch. A milled pattern on the backside of the ZX4 face maximizes the COR and the Toru V.T. Sole (V-shaped) sole design makes turf interaction easier and more forgiving.
Srixon ZX5
We tested: 3-PW, AW
Our take: The goldilocks of the ZX iron series, the forged ZX5 is the middle child with equal parts forgiveness and shotmaking versatility, making it the iron that can do it all from Srixon. Its compact look inspires creativity, and the cavity-back construction offers added distance. It’s the perfect Srixon iron for the undecided or for those who want to hit straight shots most of the time, but still need to shape shots when the moment calls for it.
Srixon ZX5 irons
$162.50/club
Srixon’s ZX5 Irons combine pioneering ball speed technology with premium forged feel, and deliver all of it in a forgiving yet workable chassis that’s razor sharp at address.
The details: Comes with a multi-piece construction with tungsten in the toe in the long and irons (3-7) for added stability and forgiveness. The forged SUP10 face lends a faster ballspeed while the forged carbon steel body absorbs vibration for a soft, butter feel. Also, this iron comes with a V.T. sole for improved turf interaction and progressive grooves that are sharper, narrower and deeper in the short irons.
Srixon ZX7
We tested: 3-PW, AW
Our take: The ZX7 is an iron for the modern good to competitive player. It has the forged feel and sound better players want and can be used to hit a variety of shots into the green. But, it’s also an iron for players who want to hit it straight too, with added forgiveness in the longer irons. According to our testers, “We can see right away with Koepka chose these,” and “they’re forgiving as heck yet still have a premium look and feel.” Whether you want to gouge your approach or shape it, you can do either or with the ZX7.
Srixon ZX7 irons
$162.50/club
A compact blade shape, narrow topline, single-piece forging, and narrow sole give ZX7 the workability, feel, and aesthetics of a world-class players iron.
The details: Featuring a multi-piece construction in the 3-7 irons for added stability and forgiveness, the forged mid to short irons have a Tour Cavity design for enhancing the sweetspot and provide a remarkable soft feel with increased workability. Comes in a compact blade shape with a narrow topline and with sharper, narrower and deeper grooves in the short irons and a Tour V.T sole, the ZX7 can be mixed with any other ZX iron to make the ideal set for any type of player.
TaylorMade Stealth
We tested: 4-LW
Our take: TaylorMade’s Stealth iron is categorized as a “game-improvement” model — a term that’s been used for years to describe clubs geared for the mid-to-high handicap golfer who craves, most importantly, forgiveness and ball speed.
Irons in this category of the industry have traditionally been bulky and slightly oversized to achieve their stated goals, but with a big assist from new technologies and computer-aided design, it’s no longer a requirement to go up in size to gain the forgiveness and speed you seek.
To hammer this point home, TaylorMade reduced the number of models in its Stealth lineup to just a single game-improvement model that’s designed to do it all, without the additional heft.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever hit an iron this long,” said a tester. “For years, I probably would’ve passed on this much distance, but as I gotten older, I’ve warmed to the idea of more speed. If this iron can give me one or two less clubs into the hole, I’m there. I love the fact that you get that much speed from an iron that has a reasonable blade length.”
TaylorMade Stealth irons
$142.71/club
The new-look Cap Back™ Design with toe wrap construction is engineered to improve face flexibility and deliver faster ball speeds. The multi-material design allows Stealth to eclipse the performance of traditional irons.
The details: While the iron is designed around a sleeker overall look — think P700 Series — TaylorMade didn’t make sacrifices to the technologies housed inside the hollow-body construction. A multi-material Cap Back design, which was initially introduced with SIM, continues to allow the face to flex without affecting the overall center of gravity location. The design is focused around a low-density polymer that supports the entire topline (heel-to-toe) and cavity, adding rigidity to the structure at impact.
Along with adding rigidity to the head, an active Thru-Slot Speed Pocket enlarges the unsupported area of the face, creating a larger sweet spot for golfers who struggle with consistent contact. To improve the overall sound and feel of the iron, a dampening system was positioned behind the 450 stainless steel face, in addition to internal ribs, to absorb unwanted vibrations and elicit a solid sound at impact.
TaylorMade also added a new wrinkle to the Cap Back design, removing 10 grams of mass from the toe and placing it deep in the head for a CG that’s 0.8 millimeters lower. The end result is a higher launch that should make it easier to stop the ball on the green, particularly for those who’ve consistently struggled to get the ball airborne.
TaylorMade P7TW
We tested: 3-PW
Our take: Mention the P7TW is Tiger’s iron of choice and golfers tend to perk up. “I don’t even want to him them,” said one tester. “They just look too good. The blade length doesn’t look all that scary, which is something I didn’t expect.” You may not be able to pure it like the 15-time major winner, but it’s still cool to know you have his irons in your bag.
TaylorMade P7TW
$1,999.99 for 3-PW
With the help of Tiger himself, these precision-engineered blade irons were designed for maximum performance featuring a longer blade length, thinner topline and progressive face height.
The details: For the last several years, Woods has been using TaylorMade’s P7TWs, which were developed based on his exact preferences: longer blade lengths, thinner toplines and traditional lofts. The soles are also CNC milled to eliminate variance in head manufacturing, and tungsten slugs are positioned in the head to help with flight, feel and control. That’s what Woods wants, and the P7TW retail models are built to match his specs.
TaylorMade P7MC
We tested: 3-PW
Our take: The gold-standard for better-player cavity-back irons continued to lead the pack during player testing, earning high marks for looks, sound and feel. “I can’t tell the difference between the P7MC and P7MB in the address position,” said one tester. “I’ve been playing blades forever, but I could see myself going the P7MC route. The felt like better and were just as workable as my blades. Maybe I get a little bit of forgiveness. It seems crazy not to consider them.”
TaylorMade P7MC irons
$175/club
Features include a Tour-inspired shape with thin topline, progressive offset and narrow sole, muscle cavity performance with added forgiveness, and 1025 carbon steel made with compact grain forging for a solid, consistent feel.
The details: Collin Morikawa’s iron or choice, the P7MC is forged from 1025 carbon steel in a 2,000-ton press to add strength and feel to each head. The thinned-out cavities (rather than muscle-backs) push weight out toward the edges. With more weight around the perimeter, there’s increased protection on off-center hits. It’s something you wouldn’t expect to get from a better-player iron, but it’s a possibility with P7MC.
TaylorMade P7MB
We tested: 3-PW
Our take: For whatever reason, traditional muscleback irons always earn high marks. Maybe it’s the classic look or the lack of badging. Whatever the reason may be, the P7MB didn’t disappoint. “I probably shouldn’t be playing an iron like this, but it calls your name when you see it on the table,” said a tester. “You have to hit it. And when you pure one, there’s really no better feeling in the world. I wish all irons felt this good.”
TaylorMade P7MB irons
$175/club
Features include Tour-inspired shape with thin topline, progressive offset and narrow sole 1025 carbon steel made with compact grain forging for a solid, consistent feel, and machined face and grooves for precision and quality.
The details: TaylorMade’s P7MB irons were developed based on input from the world’s top golfers, including Dustin Johnson, so naturally they’re going to have the familiar blade shapes that better players prefer, including thin toplines, reduced offset and narrow soles. In addition to the expected looks, the modernized blades use geometrics in the back cavity to control mass placement throughout the set. Also, the P7MB irons are forged from 1025 carbon steel using a 2,000-ton forging press to strengthen the grain structures, helping provide that soft and solid feel our testers reported.
TaylorMade P790
We tested: 3-AW
Our take: The best just keeps getting better. TaylorMade’s P790 is truly an iron for every golfer. Better players commented that the reduced offset and clean profile matched their eye, while mid-handicappers marveled at the forgiveness they received from a smaller shape. “It’s rare that an iron crosses so many handicaps,” said a tester. “But I honestly don’t know if I could pick a guy that fits this iron.” Sometimes that’s a good thing.
TaylorMade P790 irons
$185/club
Features include SpeedFoam Air, which provides up to 3.5g of weight savings that has been redistributed to further optimize mass properties for better launch conditions, and a sweet sound and solid feel while delivering a fast, flexible face.
The details: Rather than using the original SpeedFoam material between the face and body of the irons, TaylorMade has developed a new “SpeedFoam Air” urethane material that’s 69 percent less dense. The lighter weight design equates to an average of 3.5 grams saved in each iron head, according to the company.
Thanks to the weight savings from SpeedFoam Air, TaylorMade was able to lower CG (center of gravity) to improve launch, and the company is reporting that the new 2021 P790 iron heads have the thinnest faces in the franchise’s history.
The multi-material heads have 8620 carbon steel bodies and forged 4140 steel faces that measure 1.5mm in thickness. Also, the face structure itself was redesigned for this year after TaylorMade’s team charted the most common impact points from “thousands and thousands” of golfers. According to the company, the sweet spot now better aligns with the center of the face and improves shots hit on the high-toe and low-heel.
TaylorMade P770
We tested: 3-AW
Our take: The P790 has an even cleaner look, but that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. This is where the P770 comes in — a slightly more compact version of TaylorMade’s uber-popular P790. “You get some speed out of this one,” said a tester. “I’m not sure what I was expecting to get, but I could definitely put these in at the top of my iron set, or maybe play a full set if I’m feeling frisky. I like that versatility.”
TaylorMade P770 irons
$175/club
An advanced forging process produces pure shaping and soft yet solid feel at impact, with precision-milled grooves optimizing spin control, while Tour-validated contours provide that clean look that appeals to the better player.
The details: Think of the P770 as a slimmed down P790. The thin topline, reduced offset and shorter blade length is paired with a distance-inducing, hollow-bodied construction that bumps up the speed. Housed inside the cavity is TaylorMade’s familiar urethane SpeedFoam that enhances feel, something our GOLF testers appreciated.
Titleist 620 MB
We tested: 3-PW
Our take: Muscleback irons are to Titleist what eight-cylinder engines are to Mercedes: historic, ultra-high performance, and only for the serious user. We stress that last part, because this year’s offering — the 620 MB — is a blade in the purest sense of the word. This is not the club to get you from a 20-handicap down to a 10. But if you’re a serious player, there may be no better offering to elevate your game. For those in search of precision, luxury, and control, the 620 MB is difficult to top. Just make sure you know how to drive this racecar before taking the keys.
Titleist 620 MB irons
$175/club
Designed for low handicaps, the MB is the modern choice for those desiring a traditional forged blade look and feel.
The details: Forged from a single piece of 1025 carbon steel, the process of building the 620 MB is painstaking. The goal, however, is clear: the ultimate players iron, featuring reduced offset, progressive heel-to-toe weighting and an updated sole for improved turf interaction. For those seeking the very best in feel and shotmaking ability, look no further.
Titleist 620 CB
We tested: 3 – PW
Our take: A tour-proven look with decidedly utilitarian playability, the 620 CBs were one of the surprises of ClubTest. Holding one of these in your hand, it’d be easy to forget the 620 CBs aren’t their sister-club, the decidedly sterner 620 MBs. But once our Testers made their swings, the difference became clear: the 620 CBs grade out decidedly friendlier in terms of forgiveness, while still earning high marks for shotmaking and distance control. For the better player sitting on the precipice of the next step, look no further.
Titleist 620 CB irons
$175/club
Aimed at low-mid handicaps, this sleek classic style cavity-back provides consistency and a smooth turf interaction to ensure clean contact.
The details: The 620 CBs are loaded with performance attributes — like limited offset and a thinner topline — but they also feature a surprising amount of forgiveness, thanks largely to high-density tungsten weighting, which provides added balance. The end result is a club that imparts Tour-level execution and a little friendliness, too. Who says you can’t have the best of both?
Titleist T100
We tested: 3 – GW
Our take: The most-played model on the PGA Tour since 2019, the T100 irons have earned a bit of a reputation for being the preferred club selection of major winners Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. In this regard, GOLF’s testers couldn’t help but agree. The T100 marries the finest aspects of both blade and cavity-back offerings, providing a sleek look and unrivaled feel with surprising forgiveness. The compact headshape and limited offset make it a preferred choice of lower handicap-types (for higher handicaps, we’d recommend the higher-launching T200 or T300). Our testers love it, the pros love it, and Titleist loves it. What are you waiting for, again?
Titleist T100 irons
$186/club
The refinements found in the new T100 irons are the product of thousands of hours in the hands of Titleist Tour Pros. The No. 1 irons model on Tour for a reason — now with even more reasons to stay on top.
The details: After listening to feedback from Jordan Spieth, among others, Titleist’s first order of business in updating the T100 came in the sole, where engineers added bounce to the toe to improve turf interaction. Titleist also added a denser Tungsten — some 80 grams of it, on average — to the lower portion of 3- through 7-iron in order to improve stability. Finally came the decision to mill the back cavity, which preserves the leading edge during club construction and helps to provide a face that is much more consistent in terms of spin and consistency.
Titleist T100S
We tested: 3 – PW
Our Take: The T100S might have come after the T100, but make no mistake, the “S” is the “big brother” of the T-series. The goal, according to Titleist, was to create a bigger, badder, faster version of the T100. And to that end, GOLF’s Testers found big brother successful. “Simply phenomenal,” One Tester said. “It powers through the wind without much effort and feels like it’s one of the longest irons on the block, just in a smaller package.” For those looking to add a jolt to their approach game — both in terms of speed and precision — there are few better options available.
Titleist T100S irons
$186/club
The T100S now boasts an even closer connection to the true player’s performance and feel of T100. It’s the modern Tour iron with the dialed-up distance you need to perform at your highest level.
The details: The S is designed to share many of the features of the T100, but with lofts that are 2 degrees stronger across the board. In order to execute this vision, Titleist engineered the sole of the T100S with a “muscle channel” across the back to achieve similar turf interaction. With an average of 90 grams of tungsten per head, the S is a ballstriker’s dream, with better ballspeeds, more distance and improved launch conditions throughout the set.
Titleist T200
We tested: 3 – GW
Our take: The T200 has taken major strides forward in its newest advancement. How major? Titleist began additionally marketing it as a utility club after Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Garrick Higgo ALL added a T200 2-iron to their bag last summer. The T200 might be a player distance model, but with a smaller head shape, diminished offset and super-low CG, GOLF’s Testers found it to be something else entirely. “It’s an iron cheat code,” One Tester raved. “It’s the easiest iron to swing by far. It’s confidence-inspiring.” “It doesn’t look like a player distance iron,” Said another. “It looks and feels like a players iron.”
Titleist T200 irons
$186/club
The new T200 is an R&D standout, taking all the best of the previous generation and shrinking it into a compact, Tour-ready shape.
The details: Titleist went back to the drawing board with the newest iteration of the T200, and returned to market with a design that’s turning heads. A smaller shape, thinner topline and shorter blade-length all provide the T200 with a players feel, while D18 Tungsten (100 grams of it, on average) lowers the center of gravity to optimize launch conditions. The multi-material instruction is headlined by a polymer core, which improves ballspeeds on off-center hits and efficiency at impact.
Titleist T300
We tested: 4 – 53-degree
Our take: The T300 is nothing shy of a game improvement rocket ship, and that’s by design. Titleist’s engineers worked hard to build a product that would deliver optimal launch conditions for high handicappers in need of an added boost. In addition to an ultra-low center of gravity helped by tungsten in the sole, the T300 has a thick topline and wide face for extra forgiveness. For those hoping to hone in their game improvement in 2021, snag the T300 and get your golf game ready for takeoff.
Titleist T300 irons
$143/club
With 40 percent more tungsten and advanced Max Impact Technology, the new T300 can improve your launch, distance and shot making while providing maximum forgiveness.
The details: With 40 percent more Tungsten than in previous models, the T300 strikes a perfect balance between playability and forgiveness. “Max Impact technology” (also used in the T200) utilizes an enhanced polymer core to help promote better ballspeeds on mishits and efficiency on center contact. While variable face thickness boosts forgiveness on heel strikes, a classic thorn in the side of high-handicappers.
Tour Edge Hot Launch E522
We tested: 3-PW, AW
Our take: For the golfer who wants total game improvement and who wants above else, as much help as he/she can get to hit more solid shots, the E522 Ironwoods are just the ticket. These iron/hybrid hybrids are so easy to hit that it feels a little like cheating. Shots hit on or off the center stick to the intended line very well and thin/fat shots are a thing of the past thanks to the magical Houdini sole design. For total game-improvement, look no further.
Tour Edge Hot Launch E522 ironwoods
$699.99
The E522s offer the Houdini Sole in conjunction with a super-shallow face, slice-fighting offset designs and heel weighting for added draw bias.
The details: Sporting a shallow hollow-body design for added perimeter weighting and maximum distance, these iron-woods come with a Houdini Sole with lessens turf drag and lowers the CG deep and low for extreme playability. The offset hosel is designed to counteract/lessen slicing and the set can be combined or seamlessly integrated with E522 hybrids.
Tour Edge C522
We tested: 4-PW, AW, SW, LW
Our take: Game improvement irons don’t always need to look big or clunky, and Tour Edge further proves that with its C522s. They aren’t blades by any means, but they still have a traditional iron shape that masks multiple technologies designed to help boost distance and forgiveness across more points on the clubface. This means they may very well appeal to competitive players who seek more distance, especially in mid and longer irons.
Tour Edge C522 irons
$559.99
Tour Edge’s VibRCor creates a distinct feel of the clubhead at impact that dampens sound and shock, while also creating perimeter weighting around the entire clubhead for maximum forgiveness and power and ball speed enhancement off the face.
The details: An internal VibRCor TPU insert creates a soft, muted feel while also aiding in perimeter weighting around the entire clubhead for maximum forgiveness. Additional technologies include a 360° undercut cavity for an increased launch, a wide sole design for easier turf interaction and a toe-weight that elongates the sweetspot for more consistent distance and feel. These irons are also “Power Lofted”, meaning they have strong lofts and low CGs for extreme ballspeed and distance gains.
Tour Edge Exotics C722
We tested: 3-PW, AW
Our take: Made to be a premium player’s blade packed with technology, the C722 is our favorite Exotics iron to date. It looks slick, feel smooth and produces the kinds of shots better players want on command. Trajectories are long and consistent and despite the added length, are still predictable and easy to control. Furthermore, the hollow-body design feels nothing like one. They still have a pillow-soft feel that better players crave.
Tour Edge Exotics C722 irons
$1,029.99
This ultra-premium player’s distance iron is being led by the new Diamond Face 2.0 and the VibRCor Technology that provides the ultimate in power and feel.
The details: The highlight is the dual VibRCor technology — a TPU insert in the hollow body design behind the face that creates more ballspeed and a tour-desired feel. The full-face Diamond Face VFT (variable face thickness) technology delivers more consistent ballspeeds across more points on the forged Maraging Steel clubface that is plasma-welded to a 17-4 stainless steel body. The tour-inspired compact shape comes with a thinner topline and a shorter blade length at the request of touring professionals.
Wilson Launch Pad
We tested: 4-PW
Our take: These hybrid-like irons are far from traditional-looking, but when it comes to hitting the ball high, there’s few options on the market that can compete. The Launch Pad irons may look a bit different than you’re used to, but they helped our slower speed testers achieve higher ball flights and increase distance.
Wilson Launch Pad irons
$699.99
The Launch Pad sole design provides exactly what the name suggests, a sole design that effectively floats above the turf, resulting in higher-launching ball flight.
The details: The secret to Wilson’s LP irons is a hollow construction with a thin face and extremely rearward weighting to lift the ball off the ground. The body is couples with a Launch Pad Sole that’s rounded and moves easily through the turf to get the ball airborne faster. Since the soles are so wide, chunking the ball is nearly a non-issue.
Wilson D9
We tested: Wilson D9 irons (5-PW, GW)
Our take: Although the D9 irons are tagged as game-improvement irons that help increase speed across the face, they come in a package that looks more like a player’s iron. Our testers took notice of the sneaky speed and high-launching capabilities.
Wilson D9 irons
$100/club
Wilson’s generative process compared hundreds of D9 head shapes and Power Hole layouts in the ultimate pursuit of game-improving performance. D9 irons launch higher and spin lower while delivering stopping power for accuracy.
The details: Wilson’s smartly designed D9 irons have Power Holes in the sole near the face to help boost face flex and increase speed, effectively expanding the sweet spots. Wilson also says these irons have its lowest-ever center of gravity, helping reduce spin and increase height. If you want high, fast and forgiving, put these irons in your testing lineup.
Wilson Staff Model CB
We tested: 4-PW
Our take: The Staff Model CB irons may look like blade irons from address, and deliver the solid feel and workability of blades, too, they have hidden game-improving designs to help with forgiveness and speed. One GOLF tester commented on the especially solid sound and feel, calling the irons “a symphony to my ears.”
Wilson Staff Model CB irons
$142.99/club
Designed to meet the performance requirements of Wilson Tour Staff players, the Wilson Staff Model CB Irons feature modern control, workability and forgiveness with a classic look and feel.
The details: In what looks to be a standard tour cavity design, Wilson packed 20 grams of Tungsten into the toe sections of the mid-and-long irons to lower weight in the heads for more forgiveness and a higher launch. Also, the forged 8620 irons have a tri-brace stabilizer in the cavity behind the faces to help transfer more energy into the ball at impact, and enhance sound and feel.
Wilson Staff Model Blade
We tested: 3-PW
Our take: These blades are as slick and shiny as they come in the category. Low-handicappers and pros alike love these irons for their clean looks, classic blade feel, and surprising forgiveness from an iron head this small and compact. To boot, they helped Gary Woodland win the 2019 U.S. Open.
Wilson Staff Model Blade irons
$1,399.99
Precision-milled for precise, consistent weighting and specs from club to club, and set to set.
The details: It’s no surprise that better players gravitate toward these irons, since they were designed with the help of Brendan Steele. Compared to traditional blades, they have a slightly more rounded front-to-back sole radius to assist with turf interaction, helping make them more forgiving. They also have milled faces for precision, and Fluid Feel Hosel designs to eliminate weight from the heel section.
XXIO X
We tested: 4-PW, AW, SW
Our take: Most irons designed for better players aren’t considered lightweight irons, but the XXIO X irons stand alone as a solid lightweight option that better players might consider should they also want to effortlessly tack on extra clubhead speed without any added effort. Better yet, these are lightweight irons that don’t really feel that lightweight. They’re perfectly balanced to ensure you add clubhead speed without even realizing it.
XXIO X irons
$200/club
Featuring a milled Speed Groove and V-Shaped Sole, X Irons are forged for soft yet responsive feel and deliver serious distance on every approach shot.
The details: Featuring a multi-material construction, the X irons come with a milled speed groove on the backside of the titanium clubface which creates a channel around the perimeter for added flex at impact for more distance. Also, because these irons are lightweight, they come with counterbalancing under the grip for a more balanced feel. Progressively shaped tungsten-nickel sole weights are positioned low on the clubhead for a higher launch angle.
XXIO 12
We tested: 5-PW, AW, SW
Our take: XXIO is a premium brand for consummate golfers who want quality clubs that are lightweight and user-friendly. The 12 irons in this line are the latest in titanium-faced irons from the company that promises more distance and easy playability through lighter clubs. In this case, XXIO delivers soundly on that promise.
XXIO 12 irons
$1,539.99
XXIO 12 irons are lightweight and easy-to-use clubs offering a specialized suite of technologies that amplify performance for the moderate swing speed golfer.
The details: The irons are equipped with a Rebound Frame that combines rigid and flexible zones on the clubhead for a faster ballspeed resulting in greater distance through the whole set.
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