Driving irons can affect how you play the game. In most cases, driving irons are used for tee shots. However, some players make use of their driving iron for fairways as well. These days, fewer players use driving irons since some go after higher-lofted woods and even adjustable hybrids. But if you’re in the market for the best driving irons in the market, then we’ll give you some of the best options out there.
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Bet Driving Irons Review
Taylormade GAPR MID Golf Club
The Taylormade GAPR MID Golf Club is a favorite among experienced and novice players. This golf club comes with a 22-degree loft and is made of a graphite shaft. One thing about this club is that it comes with an ultra-low center of gravity that produces a mid-high trajectory. Using this for the first time, you’d be surprised by its weight.
What makes it a favorite club by different users is that it comes with an iron face profile that can boost the confidence of users. It brings easy alignment making it the right choice for those who are still looking to learn to play.
Taylormade made the GAPR MID stand out from the rest of the other utility iron golf club picks by integrating their proprietary technology in its design. Unlike other brands that only made use of technology as a means to market their product, Taylormade makes it easier for golfers to perform. Taylormade used a speed foam injected in this club that made the face thinner generating faster swing speed. You will feel the difference as it gives you that excellent feedback when you hit the ball.
However, don’t expect to feel comfortable using the Taylormade GAPR MID right from the get-go. It takes a bit of time to master. The good news is that it has the potential to hit 190 yards. We suggest that you take the time to use around a bucket of balls before you get comfortable with the GAPR MID golf club.
This Taylormade 3 iron also gives a relatively straight shot. And though it is worth investing in based on performance, it is a bit pricey which might turn off beginners.
Pros:
- Incorporated with a speed foam
- Gives relatively straight shots
- With ultra-low center of gravity
- Ideal for both beginners and advanced golfers
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Expensive
Cobra Golf- King Utility Black Iron Graphite
The Cobra Golf- King Utility Black Iron Graphite Club is known for having one of the largest sweet zones from this brand. It has that PowerShell Face Technology that allowed a thinner and stronger L-CUP face. Because of this, you’d be surprised by the distance that it can cover regardless of where it hits on the club’s face. The CNC milled faces and grooves give a consistent spin to your ball.
The sound and feel are also unique compared with the other golf driving irons for sale. The one responsible for this is the hollow body construction that gives it a different feedback when you hit the ball. This golf club is known for having a lower center of gravity that can improve the ball’s launch as well as its distance. It made use of tungsten weights positioned by the toe that gives you better precision in your shots
Considering all things that we’ve mentioned with the Cobra Golf King Utility Black Iron Graphite, we’d say that it is a good balance between distance and playability. What’s not to like? This near-perfect golf club comes in as an easy-to-hit golf club that also offers great turf interaction. However, the only thing you might not like about this golf club is that it doesn’t roll out that much.
Pros:
- Great distance
- Easy to hit
- Highly forgiving
Cons:
- Doesn’t roll out that much
Callaway Golf 2018 Men’s X Forged Ultility Individual Iron
The Callaway Golf 2018 Men’s FX Forged Utility Iron is another popular option among golfers. It comes in as a 3, 4, 5, or 6 iron club. This means that it is available in different lofts ranging from 18 to 30 degrees.
One thing about the FX Forged Utility Iron by Callaway is that it gives users great distance. The reason for this is the forged design on this Callaway driving iron. It means that the center of gravity is smacked right at the center of the face enough to give you maximum ball speed but even a straighter flight.
Though a lot of people buy this driving iron to advance their distance, it is also easy to control which gives you decent accuracy as well. It is infused with a tungsten insert increasing the moment of inertia in the process making it easier to control the shots.
This club has been designed with forgiveness in mind. Its hollow body construction adds forgiveness to this club, especially when compared to traditional long irons. And on top of that, the 360 face cup technology utilized by Callaway minimizes the off-center hits. However, you can still commit a mishit with this. If you do, you will notice it right away since it won’t feel good.
Pros:
- Facecup technology helps minimize off-center hits
- Highly forgiving
- Great distance
- Provides straighter shots
Cons:
- Tends to feel a bit harsh when you made a mishit
Srixon Z Utility U65 Iron
A lot of people don’t know a lot about the Srixon Z Utility U65 Iron. You could be missing out on something that can be considered as a game-changer.
For starters, it is a 4 iron. This is known for giving users the distance that they need. You will be surprised that you are hitting the yards that you weren’t able to hit before. It has a unique design compared to other clubs out there as it comes with a hollow construction that makes it possible to reposition the weight low in the head. What it does is offer a higher initial launch.
But unlike other clubs, this utility iron is known for its superb control. It is a good pick whether on tee or fairway. If you are also going to use other 4-irons in the market, perhaps by more popular brands, don’t be surprised if the Srixon Z Utility U65 Iron does a better job.
The Srixon Z Utility U65 Iron is also highly responsive making it easier to know if you did a good job hitting the ball or if it’s a mishit. This club isn’t exactly afraid to tell you if you missed your shot.
So what are the things that you might not like about this club? The biggest drawback of this club is that it is not exactly a beginner-friendly option. The Srixon Z Utility U65 Iron was designed more for advanced users than beginners which can alienate those who are still trying to learn the sport.
Pros:
- Hollow construction to keep the weight low
- Allows high initial launch
- Provides great distance
- Superb control
Cons:
- Not designed for high-handicappers or even for mid-handicappers
LAZRUS Premium Golf Irons
The Lazrus Premium Golf Irons are available in both 2 and 3 driving irons. It is considered by many beginners as their best pick because of the price. Imagine having a high-quality driving iron for as low as $60. As a driving iron, you can expect this to improve your distance and offer a bit of forgiveness. However, don’t expect this to be the best utility iron on our list.
This product has a large market since it is designed not for advanced golfers but rather for those who are starting to play golf. If you are still not yet decided to spend a good amount of money on gear, then perhaps, this can be a good first driving iron.
Lazrus claims that they manufacture their golf iron in the same spot as other big brands manufacture theirs.
Performance-wise, it does offer some forgiveness and give you a decent distance. Unfortunately, it doesn’t provide the best feedback. But overall, beginners are going to love this. There are just a few details that the brand never really focused on considering the price of these driving irons. The grips for instance are not exactly aligned according to most users. The good news is that you don’t get a sloppy driving iron because you aren’t willing to spend a lot of money on an expensive club.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to use for beginners
- Consistently provides great distance
- Forgiving
Cons:
- Details such as the grips are off
- Doesn’t have a good feedback
#3 Hollow Head Driving Iron
If you are looking for 3 iron clubs that you can rely on, then perhaps, you should give the #3 Hollow Head Driving Iron a try. This club can be a good deal for lots of individuals given its ability to give you consistent distance. As a driving club, you’d expect something forgiving and easier to use. The #3 Hollow Head Driving Iron has an over-sized hollow head that comes in handy in giving you straighter shots even if you missed the sweet spot. The hollow head design made it possible to reduce the weight on the edges of the clubhead making the entire face more forgiving.
If you will check the overall construction of the #3 Hollow Head Driving Iron, it is made of high-grade stainless steel allowing great feel and durability. On top of that, it also offers great control. This is a unique characteristic of the Thomas Head #3 Hollow Head Driving Iron. The company didn’t use any so-called proprietary technology, unlike other top brands.
It is a good pick if you’re a serious golfer. And since it is also not as expensive as other brands, even beginners can take advantage of this club. Though on paper, the lack of proprietary technologies may be considered as a downside, but it could be the reason why the company kept the price competitive.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Forgiving
- Can add distance to your shots consistently
Cons:
- No proprietary technology used
Rukket 4pc Golf Practice Bundle
The Rukket 4pc Golf Practice Bundle can give you everything that you will need to improve your shots. It is a great setup for your home making you the envy of your golf buddies. It comes in with a sturdy design that includes the SPDR golf net, a side barrier protective wing, a tri-turf golf hitting mat, and a carrying bag.
If you are dealing with a small space in your home, you will still love this option. Once you are done, you can easily collapse everything and store it in your garage. This is the perfect pair that can maximize the use of your utility iron golf club. It’s that gear that can allow you to get used to your new driving iron. And on top of that, you don’t even have to leave your home. You can stay at home and quietly practice your swing.
There are a few things that you might not like about this. For one, you can’t see if you are getting a good or a bad shot from your driving iron golf club since you don’t get to see if the ball will hit the distance you want or if the ball will continue rolling even after hitting the ground. It only limits your practice to how you swing. Unfortunately, if you’re a beginner and you don’t know better, this can solidify your bad habits rather than embed a good swing. Also, this is a $300 investment for a golfer. Not a lot of people are willing to spend this amount of money on a training tool.
Pros:
- Great way to correct your swing
- Easy to set up
- Easy to store
- Durable
Cons:
- Expensive training tool
Tour AD Utility/Driving Iron
The Tour AD Utility Iron shaft is available in either 85-gram or 95-gram version. These shafts are manufactured and designed in Japan which is a selling point of this product. The Tour AD Utility Iron shaft is preferred to be used on a 2-iron.
When used in an actual game, the shaft feels great. Though it doesn’t give you that responsiveness compared to the other high-end driving irons, it is a good choice for people who play golf during the weekends.
There were some cases wherein players complained about hairline fractures when using the Tour AD Utility Iron Shaft. Some also noticed how the prepped butt was made. Some don’t like it but for us, it was decent.
Pros:
- Can be partnered with high-end 2 driving irons
- Gives a good distance
- Made in Japan
- Available in 85-gram and 95-gram version
Cons:
- Questionable durability
Men’s #1 iDrive 13° Driving Iron
Men’s #1 iDrive 13-degree Driving Iron comes in as a tough contender for those who are seriously looking for a 1 iron golf club. It comes in with an aerodynamic design that helps reduce the drag and generate improved head speed. It also comes with a lower center of gravity thanks to its wide to thin crown design.
When used in an actual game, don’t be surprised if you notice a higher launch angle that allows more distance. The head of this driving iron is just half the story. The shaft is also something that can help contribute to improving your distance. The shaft feels light allowing you to maximize your swing speed.
But the best part about the Men’s #1 iDrive 13-degree Driving Iron is its forgiveness and accuracy. The one responsible for this is the deeper cavity and more weight being positioned by the sweet spot. So if you are a beginner who is looking to use a 1 driving iron that’s easy to use, then this can be a good candidate. It can help correct your mishits and give you straighter shots even if you hit the ball off-center.
However, for a senior user, this can be a bit disappointing. It doesn’t have a senior grip. Otherwise, it’s a decent driving iron golf.
Pros:
- Helps improve distance
- Allows straight shots even if you hit the ball off-center
- Lightweight shaft
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a senior grip
MACGREGOR Golf Unisex MACDIRON001 MACTEC X Driving Iron
The MACTEC X Driving Iron can be a good choice for budget-strapped players. However, is this something that can be considered a good investment for serious golfers?
For one, it comes with a very thin face. A lot of advanced users prefer this design given the control that it provides. It has an expanded perimeter weighting that increases the MOI and lowers the center of gravity. What it does is give the users more distance for every shot that they make. But aside from distance, it also excels in the forgiveness department. It is a highly forgiving driving iron thanks to the hollow body design implemented by MacGregor.
It does feel more like a hybrid which can be a good thing for some golfers. Expect this to be a handy tool if you are dealing with the rough. And between a low handicapper and a high handicapper, the latter will be happier to use the MACTEC X Driving Iron. That’s because low lofts tend to be hard to use for high handicappers and mid handicappers. The biggest downside is that it doesn’t give you good feedback if you are going to use the club. Overall, it is a good pick for both tee and fairway.
Pros:
- Lowered center of gravity
- Great forgiveness thanks to its hollow body design
- Increases MOI
- Thin face
- Designed for high handicappers
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer the best feedback
Ram Golf FX Hybrid Driving Iron Men’s Right Hand
The Ram Golf FX Hybrid Driving Iron Men’s golf club comes in both 18 and 21-degree loft versions. This club is often used as a replacement for hybrids.
With its available lofts, both mid-handicappers and high-handicappers can enjoy this club. It is known for its giving users straight shots even if you missed the center thanks to its high moment of inertia. The Ram Golf FX Hybrid Driving Iron is also designed with a low center of gravity that can get the ball to launch higher allowing decent distance as well.
Construction-wise, it is made of pure stainless steel. It only means that it can last for years even if you are the type who regularly plays twice or even thrice a week. It has a stunning black finish that gives it a great aesthetic in your bag.
The only downside is that you will need to practice a lot using the Ram Golf FX Hybrid Driving Iron to be able to understand how it works. It is also not the perfect golf club given that there are no proprietary technologies implemented to improve your results.
Pros:
- Durable
- Highly forgiving
- Perfect for mid to high handicappers
Cons:
- No proprietary technology used
- Takes time to learn
How to Buy Good Driving Irons
In case you are decided to go for driving iron, you have to know exactly what you are getting. For starters, it was extremely popular among golfers in the past. However, if you are going to judge the design of driving irons, it is still relevant even today. By design, driving irons are more forgiving than long irons.
It can be considered a good replacement for your hybrid as well. If you will compare hybrids and driver irons side by side, the latter can perform better in most cases. Golfers say that driving irons are just like hybrids but with additional control. On top of that, you get the distance of long irons.
Utility irons are known for their penetrating ball flight and better performance in windy situations. If you are the type of golfer who wants to be prepared in all conditions, then you might as well invest in a driving iron in your bag. You will never know when it is going to get windy all of a sudden and all the rest of your clubs don’t work the way it should.
So what are the things that you should assess before you even buy utility irons?
Forgiveness
A lot of novice players are also using driving irons compared to long irons. The reason behind this trend is that driving irons are harder to hit compared to driving irons. The sweet spot for most driving irons is relatively large, making it easier to still get the right results even if it is a mishit. But of course, forgiveness isn’t the same across all brands.
You need to be honest about yourself. You need to know if you are a high handicapper, a mid handicapper, or a low handicapper. This will give you an idea of just how forgiving the driving iron should be.
Plus, you need to try a lot of driving irons to be able to pick the most forgiving choice for you. Some users find the Titleist MB driving iron to be forgiving while others don’t. If you are looking for the most forgiving iron, might as well broaden your experience and be open to try different clubs. Try a Callaway driving iron to a Mizuno. From here, you’ll be able to determine which pick is the most forgiving to you.
The Yards
One of the trickiest things that you will have to deal with whenever you are buying top driving irons is the distance that it can cover. But before go crazy on the so-called best driving irons in golf, you will need to understand that there are a variety of factors that you will have to consider.
The distance can be a byproduct of different factors. But a basic premise on distance is that a high-speed swing can get the ball farther. On the other hand, there are also designs that can help you get the right distance on your shots.
Some designs can get the driving iron to become the game-changer. For the driver iron golf club to provide a good distance, it needs to have a hot face. This makes it possible to give a higher ball speed.
Loft options
The loft is another important area that you should never overlook. Manufacturers played with the idea of using loft to deliver better distance to their driving irons. Usually, driving irons have the same loft as their long iron equivalent. Driver irons golf clubs usually have loft options from 18-23 degrees.
In reality, even if you read a good number of driving irons reviews, the loft will always be a matter of preference. The best way to determine the right loft is to try different brands. Just try as many irons as you can to be able to narrow down the right choice for you. And also, low-lofted driving irons are meant for advanced users.
Aesthetics
Though not the most important, having a gorgeous driving iron can keep you stay motivated to do your best in every game. It also looks cool when brought with the other golf clubs in your bag. But like we said, it isn’t exactly important but it is also nice to consider this especially if you want the best bang for your buck.
Stinger potential
One of the selling points of a driving iron is its ability to cover longer distances. Part of its appeal is that it allows users to have a shot that runs out after landing. There is a science to this. If you will look at the construction of a driving iron, the center of gravity will give you an idea of its stinger potential.
If the center of gravity is too low, it is less likely that it is going to have a stinger since this can get the ball high. What you want is to have a driving iron that can let you smash low and long.
Budget
The budget is yet another great consideration if you ever wanted to play golf. Some clubs are more expensive than others and sometimes it is for good reasons. However, there are also instances when marketing plays a role in pricing. A Tiger Woods driving iron can generate sales just by having the name Tiger Woods. This is why you always want to also check your budget. How much are you willing to spend on a golf club?
You also don’t want to just go for the cheapest or the most expensive driving iron in the market without checking everything.
Technology
Brands are scrambling to get the attention of their market. And though a lot of driving irons look the same on the outside, a closer inspection will tell you something different. You need to check technologies implemented by different brands before you decide on a golf driving iron. Some technologies could significantly improve your performance. For instance, there are slight variations in the clubhead making it easier to hit or perhaps maximizing the distance of your shot.
Though naturally, the more technologies present on these golf clubs, the more expensive these items could get.
Does it mean that you should go for any driver iron that has all the fancy technologies in its description? You also need to discern the actual useful technology from those things that have been hyped just to market a certain product.
Conclusion
If it is your goal to improve your overall game, then might as well find a good driving iron. The driving irons golf clubs are way more popular in the past but it doesn’t mean that these are no longer relevant today. Now is the best time to invest given the number of options that you can choose from. The top rated driving irons can change how you play. You can enjoy a good mix of distance and forgiveness wrapped in one. All you need to do is just compare the products we’ve mentioned to get the best bang for your buck.