In any sport including golf, having the right tools for the trade can give you a better performance. That’s primarily the reason why some golfers are obsessed asking for the best golf irons in history. However, there are a lot of factors that you have to consider if your goal is to look for the so-called best golf irons ever. You’d want to take a closer look at its performance plus if it is something that can be enjoyed by pros and average golfers alike.
To make things easier for you, we’ve come up with some of the best options that you might like to consider. We tested these irons to see how each one performed on the golf course.
Table of Contents
Best Golf Irons Ever Review
Cleveland Golf Men’s Launcher HB Iron Set
The Cleveland Golf Men’s Launcher HB Iron Set is a strong candidate for the best irons ever for a lot of people. Given its ability to assist users that have a slower swing speed, no wonder it gets mentioned in conversations and reviews often. It provides users with straighter shots with little effort. And if you use it regularly, you’ll realize that it is consistent.
You can also choose between steel and graphite for the shaft. Plus, you can choose from different flex options matching the iron set to a variety of users in the market.
Let’s take a closer look at its specs and features. It made use of a fully hollow construction that is one of the biggest selling points of Cleveland Golf irons. What it does is provide redistributed weight getting the center of gravity low and deep optimizing forgiveness on these clubs. It also offers great stability once it comes in contact with the ball.
Next, you also have the high-strength steel inserts that have been integrated on the irons to ensure that you get fast ball speeds. And lastly, it has a large sweet spot which is meant to minimize mistakes when you are still learning golf.
Though you may argue that it is one of the best golf clubs ever made, it is an expensive option. And also, some golfers still can’t get a straight enough shot when they use this.
Pros:
- Fast ball speed
- Low center of gravity
- Superb stability once it connects with the ball
- Impressive forgiveness
Cons:
- Expensive option for most golfers
TaylorMade Golf P790 Iron Set
The P790 Iron Set is considered by many as the best Taylormade irons ever. It’s easy to mistaken the P790 as a blade. Though it looks like a blade, it functions as a game-improvement iron thanks to the technologies applied on the Taylormade Golf P790 Iron Set. This is one of the most popular iron sets in the market. Despite the thin appearance, it can offer users great distance. But since it is a blade iron, it still offers a superb feel for its users.
Its ultra-thin face combined with a hollow body and SpeedFoam technology made it a playable and highly forgiving for many players. It has a forged face using the 4140 Carbon Steel. Next, it has been welded on an 8620 carbon steel cast.
The technologies used on the P790 will also be seen in the newer iterations of the P790. The SpeedFoam can also help dampen the vibration. However, the newer version has less offset.
The P790 has a low profile tungsten weighting that is responsible for a low and deep center of gravity that allows users to find a higher launch. If you have plans of buying the updated P790 iron set, might as well go for the oldest version because there are only a few changes.
Pros:
- Great feel
- Can generate great distance despite having a thin appearance
- SuperFoam technology minimizes vibration
- Great forgiveness
Cons:
- Expensive
Callaway Golf 2019 Apex Irons Set
The Callaway Golf 2019 Apex Irons Set is among the longest distance irons that you can invest in. If you’ve seen your father’s irons, you may have seen the Apex before. But in 2013, it was given a new look. It was revived and given new technologies.
The Apex 19 has been considered as the ultimate forged distance iron according to Callaway. It’s one of the best options if you are a low to a mid handicap player. However, if you are a high handicapper, you can still take advantage of this iron set since it allows you to improve quicker.
There are many things that you might like with the Callaway Golf 2019 Apex Irons Set. You get the 360 Face Cup that allows you to hit great distance consistently. And thanks to the flexible shallow rim found by the perimeter of the face, it helps promote a straight shot even if you hit the ball a bit off-center.
Forged 1025 mild carbon steel body has been used on this iron giving the Apex 19 a great sound and feel. This was the first time Callaway used urethane microspores integrated into its forged iron. What it does is help minimize the vibration once it comes in contact with the ball.
The only obstacle for most golfers when they think of buying the Apex 19 is the price. Given its ability to please all golfers, its hefty price is somewhat justified.
Pros:
- Can be used by all golfers
- Offers great distance
- Highly forgiving
- Great feel
Cons:
- Expensive
Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Iron Set
Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Iron Set is one of the best selling irons in the market for several good reasons. Despite being pricey, some golfers have considered extending their budget to get their hands on these irons. Callaway invested in AI to be able to design the Mavrik irons. The flash face cup has been integrated with the Mavrik Iron. This gives it a sophisticated look and has the ability to increase ball speed thanks to the thinner edge and the thicker circular cup by the center.
Then, you also have the Tungsten Energy core that is found in its back cavity. This allowed the Mavrik to have an optimum position of its center of gravity. What it does is help launch the ball at a higher trajectory.
But it is not just the sweet spot and the center of gravity that improved because of the integration of AI. It improved the overall feel of the irons. Plus, Callaway came up with urethane microspheres that helped minimize the vibration creating a pleasing sound that mimics a player’s iron.
The Mavrik is known for having a bigger head than the other Mavrik iterations such as the Max and the Pro. The reason for this is to be able to be used by most golfers.
Hands down, it can be considered as one of the top Callaway irons out there. In addition to this, not a lot of bad things can be said about this iron set. Perhaps, some are turned off by the large heads on the Mavrik. If you prefer smaller ones, might as well go for either the Pro or the Max.
Pros:
- Large sweet spot
- With the optimum placement of its center of gravity
- Minimized vibration
- Great ball speed
Cons:
- Large head
- Expensive
TaylorMade SIM MAX Irons
The TaylorMade SIM Max Irons has changed the way people think of irons. With this, you no longer need to choose between distance and feel. You can enjoy both which makes it an instant favorite among advanced and average golfers.
Many believed that the M-Series clubs are some of the best TaylorMade products introduced to the market in recent years. However, the SIM Max is another top contender for the best golf clubs ever made.
SIM Stands for Shape In Motion and it has adapted some of the major technologies seen in the M5 and M6. For instance, you have the Speed Bridge Technology that is responsible for giving users the great distance despite giving a forge-like feel once the iron made contact with the ball. It has a thru-slot speed pocket that removes unnecessary vibration from the unit.
But despite giving you the feel of forged iron, you will still consider this to be suited for mid-handicappers given its ability to provide faster balls speed, a higher trajectory, plus a sizable amount of forgiveness that you don’t typically see in low handicappers. If you are looking for the easiest irons to hit ever, then you might want the MAX OS. It offers better forgiveness than the SIM Max.
Pros:
- Designed for most players
- Provides a forge-like feel
- Can lessen vibration
- Provides great distance
Cons:
- Doesn’t give you enough forgiveness as the Max OS
Callaway Golf Men’s Big Bertha Irons Set
The Callaway Golf Men’s Big Bertha Irons Set is known for hitting great distance and precision. It has the ability to make a mediocre player feel good about his game. It is loaded with new technologies that you might like about modern irons. And also, it gives you a good feel as it minimizes vibration.
It is worth mentioning that the 360 face cup technology is something that makes it a stand out option for many golfers. It ultimately provides better ball speed thanks to the flexible shallow rim found in its edges. Next, the shaft is available in graphite which helps users that can’t swing at a great speed.
It also has tungsten weighting that lowers the center of gravity. Though it is designed for high-handicappers, even mid-handicappers will find it a good option.
For a mediocre player not hitting the target accurately, this model offers a decent amount of forgiveness that still allows users to enjoy straighter shots. You also get an adjustable hosel that allows you to choose how you want your iron to be.
The biggest drawback for the Big Bertha is its price. And also, you might find it to be a bit heavier than other irons. That is because it is initially designed for novice players.
Pros:
- Highly forgiving
- Helps high handicappers and even mid handicappers
- Allows you to hit great ball speed
Cons:
- A bit heavier than other clubs
TaylorMade Golf P760 Men’s Iron Set
The TaylorMade P760 Men’s Iron Set is a strong candidate for the best forged irons ever. It has provided advanced players with a tool that they can use to enhance their game and get the results that they’ve always wanted. The P760 included forging technology along with its patented SpeedFoam technology reducing vibration and giving low handicap players the feel that they’ve always wanted.
The number in its name stands for the blade length (in mm). TaylorMade used 1025 carbon steel body along with a new and much lighter material that will deliver speed as well as accuracy to the club.
Though it looks like an advanced club, it does offer great distance. However, the flight was a bit lower than what we were expecting. The shaft used on the P760 feels a bit stiff but offers consistency. The only downside is that it is slightly shorter than your average club. It may all boil down to preference, but some wanted it a bit longer.
Pros:
- Offers great distance
- Great feel
- Minimized vibration
Cons:
- A bit shorter than other clubs
2018 Cobra Golf Men’s King Forged Tec Iron Set
The Cobra Golf King Forged Tec Iron Set is a classy and solid option that carries great features and aesthetics. If you are a mid-handicapper looking to reach a decent distance on your shot, then this might be a good option for you.
Some key technologies have been installed in this iron set that’s worth mentioning. You have a thinner and stronger face forged using 4140 stainless steel that has allowed users to experience faster ball speed. Once you hit the ball, you’d notice that there’s little to no vibration and a great feel. It made use of a carbon fiber vibration that takes out the unnecessary vibration from the club.
As for its forgiveness, we’ve noticed that it does offer users the ability to get a straighter shot even during a mishit. But is it one of the most forgiving irons ever? It has a lowered center of gravity thanks to the addition of the high-density tungsten materials. It also helps promote a higher launch.
If you are new to using the Cobra King Forged Tec Iron Set, you might find yourself adjusting to the large head.
Pros:
- Generates great ball speed
- Highly forgiving
- Dampens the vibration
Cons:
- The head is a bit big and heavy that tool a while to adjust to
Wilson Staff Golf C300 Forged Iron Set KBS Tour
The Wilson Staff Golf C300 Forged Iron Set KBS Tour is designed for mid to low handicappers. It is a forged iron that gives the iron a compact and a traditional look. The Wilson Staff Golf C300 made use of Power Holes plus FLX Face technology along with an 8620 carbon steel construction. With this, it has offered a significantly higher ball speed and distance.
Hitting the ball with this unit feels a bit soft and also a bit springy. You might find it a bit off if you are used to having other forged irons. The sound is also a bit quiet. And the best part about it is that it comes at a reasonable price.
Pros:
- Traditional look
- Generates high ball speed
- Reasonable price
- Highly forgiving
Cons:
- Doesn’t have the same feel as the other forged irons
LAZRUS Premium Golf Irons
The Lazrus Premium Golf Irons is said to be designed for older golfers who are suffering from joint problems and other things that may hamper your game. However, it has been designed for people of all skill levels.
The forged golf wedge comes with a 60-degree loft that offers a decent degree of forgiveness. And because it is a forged wedge instead of cast, you get better consistency than other irons. The shaft material is made of alloy steel with regular flex. Using the Lazrus Premium Golf Iron, we noticed that it does offer great spin thanks to its deep grooves.
One of the things that we’ve noticed is that some testers feel that the shaft tends to flex too much. But at the end of the day, it all boils down to your preference.
Pros:
- Great spin
- Consistent
- Designed for different players
- Perfect for aging players
Cons:
- Some testers find the shaft to flex too much
RAM Golf EZ3 Men’s Iron Set 5-6-7-8-9-PW – Free Hybrid Included
The EZ4 Men’s Iron Set from Ram Golf has been considered by novice players as one of their best options. Easy to use and highly forgiving, these are the things that a lot of newbies love about these irons.
The full set includes a five-iron, six-iron, 7-iron, 8-iron, 9-iron, a pitching wedge, plus they even included a “free” hybrid club.
It has a cavity back which is known to help provide a straighter shot for those who are still learning to hit the sweet spot. If you’ve been using a traditional set, this iron set by Ram Golf makes a huge difference. But given all the options from this set, might as well pick the seven or nine irons if you want to get the most forgiveness. Both of these irons are easy to hit with given that it is high-lofted.
The clubs are also easy to hold based on the design of their grip. Plus, the clubhead has a nice weight on them that gives you the benefit of better playability.
If you are an advanced golfer, then might as well choose another iron. However, if you are still learning to play the game, this is a highly suggested option especially when you don’t want to spend a lot of money. So what is the downside? It’s something that you don’t stick to for a very long time. Expect that you might easily outgrow these as you develop skills.
Pros:
- Designed for beginners
- Great forgiveness
- Decent price
- Great control
Cons:
- Not a set that you stick with for years
TaylorMade Golf M2 Iron Set
The TaylorMade Golf M2 is one of the best options out there especially if you are in the market looking for the best TaylorMade irons. The M-series is a stand out given the technologies adapted on these irons.
The M2 looks similar to its predecessors but with improvement here and there. The M2 by TaylorMade is known for technologies that can assist players trying to improve their game. Perfect for mid-handicappers, the M2 has been integrated with a Speed Pocket that allows users to enjoy better ball speed on low face strikes. If you committed a minor mishit, the M2 allows you to still have a straight shot. It also offers users with consistent high trajectory making it a favorite by many golfers out there.
It has been marketed as a distance iron. The size of the head isn’t exactly that big. It means that it is still comfortable to play with. And though it isn’t exactly a bladed iron, the M2 offers a good amount of control and playability.
Some technologies that you will see in this iron are seen in other models. For one, the updated face slot appeared in the Taylormade RSi. This is the one responsible for increasing the center of gravity perfect for hitting a high trajectory. Next, we have mentioned the speed pocket. It has been positioned by the sole allowing the face to flex once it hits the ball.
The biggest downside to the M2 is that it doesn’t transition well. You’d see a difference when you are using the slotted to the non-slotted irons.
Pros:
- Provides a good amount of playability and control
- Allows good ball speed
- Hits high trajectory
- Good for mid-handicappers
Cons:
- Doesn’t transition well
Callaway Golf 2020 Rogue X
Callaway Rogue X is a good contender for the best Callaway irons ever. And not only that, you can say that it can even be considered as one of the most forgiving options. It comes with modern technology that you’d see on top Callaway irons. It has a 360 Face Cup and a VFT (variable face thickness) that ultimately allows a fast ball speed. How does it work? The clubface has a shallow and flexible rim that tends to flex when it comes in contact with the ball.
This is also the technology responsible for providing maximum forgiveness allowing you to still find straight shots even when you committed had a mishit.
Next, you also have urethane microspheres that allow the iron to minimize vibration and remove the unwanted sound. And lastly, it has tungsten weighting that lowers the center of gravity allowing optimum flight and also control.
Though it is probably one of the most forgiving irons ever, not to mention it can help optimize ball speed, what are things that you might not like? The grip is not exactly the best. On top of that, it’s not lightweight if you are a high handicapper.
Pros:
- Generates great speed
- Longer and light
- Promotes high trajectory
- Great forgiveness
Cons:
- The grip is not perfectly designed
Square Strike Irons – 7, 8, 9 Irons
The lack of irons for the ladies in the market may seem a bit alarming frustrating female golfers. But who could blame brands if they don’t pay close attention to this niche considering that the majority of golfers are men? But with the Square Strike Irons, you get irons that give women the chance to use something that fits them. You can choose between regular flex and ladies on this golf club.
These are well-made and underrated irons. It features an extra-wide sole, not to mention a beveled leading edge maximizing forgiveness in your shot. And also, the weight allows you to swing consistently.
The only thing that you might not like about this option is the fact that it is a bit pricey for a lesser-known brand.
Pros:
- Decent forgiveness
- Designed for the ladies and beginners
- Allows users to swing consistently
Cons:
- Pricey
How to Choose the Best Golf Irons Ever
If you’re in the market for the best golf clubs ever, might as well know the basic things that golfers look for in their irons. This will help you assess when it comes to selecting the right golf irons whether you are in the market for a player’s iron or a game-improving iron. Also, you’d be able to know the popular designs that are becoming today’s norm in irons.
Consider Your Skill
The very first thing that you’d want to consider if you are in the market for a new golf iron is to make sure that you are honest with your skills. Finding the best golf blades of all time if you are still learning to play the game will be useless. Instead, you’d rather go after the most forgiving irons of all time.
If you are a novice player who tends to commit a lot of mishits in the majority of your shots, then having a blade iron is useless simply because you need to improve on your accuracy. You want something that offers a larger sweet spot and something that can still provide you with a straighter shot even if you missed a bit.
Forged vs. Cast Irons
Another important consideration if you are going to pick up a golf iron is to decide whether or not you are going for a forged iron or a cast iron. So what’s the difference between the two? Forged iron is somewhat similar to how the blacksmiths tend to work. Imagine having a material that is sunk into the shape of the iron and then adjusted by more hammering to be able to meet the desired shape and specs. This material will then undergo further milling and grinding to meet the desired specs.
On the other hand, cast irons use a mold when it comes to producing the irons. The cast irons are simpler when to do and could provide more complex head designs because they only have to pour the metal into their mold. Because of this process, it is also easier to integrate different materials into the iron. What makes it a revolutionary feature is the fact that you get technologies such as perimeter weighted designs that adjust the center of gravity of clubs.
However, if you are an advanced player who wants to have a good feel on your club, then might as well go after the forged versions.
Blade vs. Cavity back
Another consideration when choosing an iron is whether or not you should go for the blade iron designs or the cavity back irons. Blade irons are known for having a thin face and topline. It is also harder to hit given the compact appearance. The sweet spot is found right at the center of its head while the weight has been distributed throughout the head.
If you are after feel than forgiveness, then might as well go after the blade iron than the cavity back iron. The weight is found right at the back of its sweet spot. On the other hand, cavity back irons have a recess or a cavity right at the back. It has more weight on its edges that can generate more MOI. This is a larger clubhead that comes with a thin clubface.
Choosing the Right Shaft
The most common choice for the majority of golfers tends to lean towards steel shafts. steel is heavier than other materials such as graphite. It doesn’t flex which means that it can be more consistent and allows more accurate shots. Steel is also cheaper than other materials making it a practical choice for most.
However, let’s not forget that some materials can make a huge difference in your game. If you can’t generate enough speed on your shaft, then it is highly suggested that you go after the irons that have graphite shafts. Though you don’t get to have the best feel, it assists you in hitting the right amount of speed in your swing. This is the reason why junior golfers and lady golfers prefer this over steel.
Then, you also have the shafts that combine different materials. They have graphite and steel in a shaft. This can give you the extra speed that you want but with added feel.
Technologies
Whether you are looking for the best forged irons of all time or you are looking for a cavity back version, it is always a good idea to also take a closer look at the technologies that have been implemented in the iron. Some brands even made use of AI to make sure that the iron’s head has been optimized. Some even have an echo dampening technology that lessens vibration on your shot.
Thanks to modern technologies, even advanced players get to enjoy the benefits of better playability with their irons. For instance, it is common for modern player irons to have improved forgiveness especially if you are going to compare the old and the new ones. And when it comes to the feel of the player irons, you’d be surprised that some of them even have improved feel thanks to modern technology.
Adjustability
Some players tend to outgrow their irons. When this happens, the last thing that you want is to sell your iron to be able to buy new ones. Enter the popularity of adjustable irons nowadays. Since 2008, manufacturers have started making this practice a norm. You’d commonly see adjustable hosels that could give you the chance to change the loft and lie depending on how you want it.
Just how important is the loft when you buy your irons? It is the angle of the face when it gets to the ball. This can affect your ball’s trajectory and spin.
Next, you also have movable weights. This feature allows users to shift the weight to either left or right, and up and down. This will affect the center of gravity on your club that can allow you to have an impact on the ball’s flight.
Price
You also want to compare the price if you are going to look for the best golf irons of all time. Some brands spent a good amount of money on research to justify the expensive price tag on their irons. Does it mean that you will also have to pay more for the best irons of all time? This isn’t always the case. There are great irons that are reasonably priced. Some of these irons are pricey because of marketing.
Conclusion
Irons can change your game. But if you are in the market for the best irons ever made, might as well compare these irons that we’ve covered. You’ll understand that the definition of the best golf irons ever is based on preference, current skills, and other factors that such as your height and your ability to swing the club.