Looking for a golf iron is not a walk in the park. Especially if you are a beginner, you will be overwhelmed. That said, in this short guide, we’ll help you make the right choice for the best golf irons for the money!
From the materials used to its overall performance, there are a lot of things to consider. It must offer a combination of both form and function. It isn’t enough that the golf iron is affordable. Instead, it must also match your needs. Regardless if you are a newbie or experienced player, take the time to carefully evaluate the alternatives to make the right choice.
Table of Contents
Best Golf Irons For The Money Review
Callaway X HOT Iron Set
Good cheap golf clubs are hard to find. Many of the economical options may compromise performance. Luckily, that is not the case with this set of Callaway irons. It is from one of the most trusted brands in the market, so that is already a compelling reason to pick it over others.
When using this golf club, you can expect exceptional speed and distance, making it an ideal option for beginners. Among others, one feature that enhances its performance is the undercut cavity. This is responsible for significantly increasing ball speed compared to what you can experience in other irons within its price range.
It should also be noted that it comes with a heavy clubhead. This additional weight is a good thing as it lowers the center of gravity. To add, it improves trajectory, which will add distance to your shots even without being aggressive.
Another notable feature you will find in this product is Speed Frame Face Technology. It improves the efficiency of energy transfer. This also elevates the launch angle of the ball while improving distance in your shots.
Lastly, it has Feel Management Technology, a common feature that you will find in Callaway golf clubs. It fine-tunes the sound created when you hit the ball, which can immediately provide relief. It improves feel and playability. Despite this technology, however, we feel that the feedback can be further improved for better follow-throughs and comfort.
Pros:
- Good option for high handicappers
- Comfortable grip
- Designed for speed and distance
Cons:
- Lack of noticeable feedback
Cleveland Golf 2018 Men’s Launcher CBX Iron Set
This option for affordable golf irons impresses in terms of its appeal. It is one of the most stylish of all the products on this list. Nonetheless, there’s more to its looks. The iron packs a plethora of impressive features, which is exactly what we expect from products from Cleveland.
Looking at the features, one that we love the most is the progressive V sole. This is also one of the reasons why it is forgiving. It increases the contact area between the ball and the clubhead, increasing the chances that you will hit the target. The progressive design of the sole also means that you will find one appropriate for any given situation. The progressive shaping allows versatility. The iron with a thicker top line is ideal if your goal is to improve distance. Meanwhile, the iron with a thinner top line is the best option if you want to maximize control.
More so, it is also commendable because of the tour zip grooves and laser milling. This will increase friction and improve control, making the iron reminiscent of the performance of a wedge. The design of the grooves is also notable because it improves spin and control regardless of the turf conditions.
Lastly, it has high-strength steel that surrounds the perimeter of the head. This is a reinforcement that also improves the club’s hitting power. In turn, your shot will demonstrate higher energy as it launches.
Pros:
- Good consistency and feel
- Stylish
- High-quality shaft
Cons:
- Offset is too low for some
STRATA Women’s Golf Packaged Sets
In your search for the best priced golf clubs, this is an option you should not miss. It is different than most of the options on this list because it is not just a set of irons, but it is a set of golf clubs. It includes a driver, fairway wood, hybrid, irons, wedges, and putter. As a bonus, you also get a bag with a stand. It has multiple pockets and compartments, making it easy to organize everything you will need in a round of golf.
For the irons, it comes with 7 and 9 irons, which are enough for beginners. It includes a sand wedge as well. Admittedly, if you are an experienced player, you will need more than that. For most people, however, that would be more than enough, especially considering how affordable this golf club set is.
The irons included in this set are made of stainless steel. This is a low-end material that is also quite heavy. Most newbies will appreciate the added weight as it is easier to control compared to those made of lightweight materials, such as graphite. The weight of steel can also be a good thing since it inevitably adds power to every shot.
Pros:
- Comes as a complete club set
- Has a lightweight standing bag
- Easy to hit
Cons:
- Not a good choice for tall women
Cleveland Golf Men’s Launcher HB Iron Set
Good iron sets don’t have to cost a fortune. This product is proof of such. Even if it is from one of the most reliable brands in the market, it comes at a reasonable price. The best thing is that despite being economical, it is built to perform.
Among others, one of our favorite things about this product is the graphite shaft. This is a premium material that delivers unmatched durability. The shaft, however, comes with a stiff flex, which might not work for everyone.
Aside from the shaft, another incredible part of the iron is the crown. With its hi-bore design, it is more forgiving compared to traditional cavity back irons. This means that there is a lesser chance that you will end up with a mishit.
The high-strength and ultra-thin face is also worth mentioning. More than just being forgiving, it is designed in such a way that it optimizes impact. As a result, the ball will demonstrate longer distances even if your swing is not that powerful.
More so, its hollow construction is also commendable. This is one of the reasons why it is regarded by many as a user-friendly pick for the best irons. With the distinct position of the center of gravity, it makes your shots higher and straighter, making it easier to land on where you want the ball to be.
Pros:
- Progressive design delivers versatility
- Dynamic shaft
- Low and deep weighting to optimize speed and distance
Cons:
- No significant improvement from the older model
RAM Golf EZ3 Men’s Iron Set 5-6-7-8-9-PW – Free Hybrid Included
This might not be from a brand that is as popular as the other products on our list, but it deserves a spot for the best irons for the money. The best thing is that it comes as a complete set. It has 5 to 9 irons, as well as a pitching wedge. As a bonus, it also includes a free hybrid. You can be confident that you will have easy access to the clubs you need for every shot.
A top-notch option for the best cheap iron sets, it is good if you are looking for the most forgiving clubs. With the design of the clubhead, it is optimized to hit the ball every time. Even if you still have a lot to work on your technique, the forgiving design of the iron minimizes the possibility of mishits.
One of the reasons why it is forgiving is the cavity back design. More so, this also contributes to ease of use, which makes it an unmatched choice for newbies. The cavity back construction of the iron is also the main reason why it increases the moment of inertia, adding power to every shot.
Lastly, we love the regular flex of the shafts. This is the safest choice in terms of flexibility, so you can be confident that it will work for almost anyone.
Pros:
- Cavity back design makes the irons forgiving
- Good feel and feedback
- Comes with a bonus hybrid
Cons:
- Shaft inserts can easily loosen
Callaway Golf Men’s Big Bertha Irons Set
As you search for the best iron sets for the money, this is another product that you should not miss. Aside from being made by one of the most reliable brands, it is also stylish. With its distinct and elegant aesthetic, it is almost impossible that it won’t turn heads.
Beyond its design, there are countless reasons why you should choose this for the cheap golf iron sets. Among others, one of the most notable features of the irons in this set is 360 Face Cup Technology. This provides the distance that you need. Along with Internal Standing Wave, you can expect exceptional distance when you hit the ball.
More so, the hollow body construction of the club is one more thing that many of its users praise. This puts the weight in a strategic position to increase forgiveness. Even as a beginner, you don’t have to worry that much about missing your hits. Your shots will end up higher and straighter.
The advanced progressive shaping of the sole is also a good thing. Whether you need a thick or thin sole, there is one appropriate for a specific situation. This way, you can expect optimized outcomes out of every shot. This is a great way to boost your confidence.
Pros:
- Stylish and elegant
- Very forgiving
- Creates smooth shots
Cons:
- Some might find it a bit heavy
Callaway Men’s X2 Hot Pro Individual Iron
Unlike most of the options for the best value golf irons in this guide, this one comes as a single club. Some might not like such as they prefer one that comes as a set. Nonetheless, from its construction to performance, this individual iron can be exceptional in more ways than one.
Among other things, the large sweet spot is one of its most notable features This is also the reason why it makes a great choice for beginners and high handicappers. You will love how the design optimizes every shot, preventing mishits.
The design of the mass bar is also exceptional. It is a good thing that the position is low to the clubhead. It affects the club’s moment of inertia to improve your performance. Plus, it improves feel and feedback.
To add, it has a deep central undercut, which is another design feature that makes it worth considering as you look for the best golf irons to buy. This is responsible for increasing the flex and rebound of the clubface. As a result, it also increases ball speed.
The stabilizing arch is another technology that makes this a remarkable iron. This was developed by the research and development team to improve feel and feedback. It also makes your shots straighter.
Lastly, it comes with perimeter weighting to increase power as the ball launches. This will also help to add distance to your shots.
Pros:
- Good replacement for long irons
- Large sweet spot
- Easy to control
Cons:
- Comes as an individual iron and not a set
Wilson Golf- Staff D200 Combo Irons (7 Club Set)
This is another notable option for the best budget irons golf that offers most of the clubs you will need. When you purchase this set, you will receive seven clubs, making sure that there is something that you can use for every situation.
It is filled with some of the most innovative features you will find in the best cheap golf irons, and one of the most notable is the Speed Sole Technology. This provides a thin transition from the face to the sole. As a result, it improves flex, impact, and distance, among others that will be reflective of better performance in your game.
The use of weight pods is also notable. More so, this is a reason why it is praised by many players when it comes to forgiveness. It has weight pods for the toe and heel. This will improve the sweet spot so that you can prevent mishits.
This is also a notable golf iron because of the Right Light Technology, another feature that has been exclusively developed by the manufacturer. It uses a limited available mass to improve balance and swing speed, which will be handy for any beginner.
Lastly, we also like how it allows mid to high ball flights. Newbies will appreciate such as it sends the ball far even if you are not too aggressive in your swings.
Pros:
- Attractive satin finish
- Forgiving because of the weight pods
- Excellent for different wing speeds
Cons:
- Some might find the face to be too heavy
LAZRUS Premium Golf Irons
It may not be from a brand that many of you will recognize, but this is another promising option for the best golf iron sets for the money. It is economical despite having all the irons you will need. It has 3 to 9 irons, as well as a pitching wedge. With the differences in their length and loft, you will find the right iron for every situation.
The Lazrus golf clubs are built for everyday users. It is designed to handle wear! The manufacturer takes pride in offering high-quality products while being economical. The company claims that their golf clubs are up to 80% cheaper compared to their leading competitors.
Another reason why this is among our favorites is the satisfaction guarantee that the manufacturer offers. This means that you can be confident that you will be happy! Otherwise, return the golf clubs to the manufacturer and they will issue a refund.
If there’s one issue that we would like to highlight, however, it would be the shaft construction. It is made of alloy steel, which might not be as impressive as the others that are mentioned in this buying guide. Nonetheless, the manufacturer claims that its shaft is reflective of premium construction.
Pros:
- Deep grooves promote good spin
- Has all the irons you will need
- Comes with a risk-free guarantee
Cons:
- Shaft construction can be better
Callaway Golf 2020 Rogue X Iron Sets and Combo Sets
Looking for the most effective way to add yardage to your shots? Using the best irons can help, and that is where this product enters the picture. It is also forgiving, even if you do not hit the ball at the center. All of these things can be enjoyed without spending a fortune.
As one of our top picks for the best cheap irons, it has several technologies you will love. One of the most notable is the 360 Face Cup, which is one thing common in many Callaway golf clubs. Plus, it also has a Variable Face Thickness. These two features are the ones responsible for increasing ball speed even without an aggressive swing.
The tungsten infused weighting is also impressive. This is up to two times heavier compared to steel. The weight concentrates in a strategic position, which also optimizes the center of gravity. Because of this, it enhances the flight of the ball while giving you better control of the golf club.
Another reason why this is an exceptional product is the urethane microspheres. It dampens vibration, which is crucial for your comfort. Especially if you are playing a long time, this will also minimize feedback. More so, as it effectively lessens vibration, it can improve your follow-through while also making your shots straighter.
Pros:
- Sleek and stylish
- Forgiving even in case of off-center hits
- Adds yardage to your shots
Cons:
- Head is a little fat
TaylorMade Golf M2 Iron Set
For beginners who are looking for the best golf clubs for the money, this iron set is an exceptional choice. It is designed with the needs of novices in mind. You will love how easy the irons are to hit. Plus, they deliver exceptional forgiveness. With the large sweet spot, you can be more confident in hitting the ball!
Like the other clubs from TaylorMade, this iron set packs a wide array of revolutionary features. One of our favorites is the speed pocket, which has been redesigned to address flaws in the previous version of this iron. With a thinner wall, the head strikes the ball low to add distance.
It also has geocoustic technology, an engineering marvel developed to improve sound and feel. Nonetheless, despite the claims of how it can improve the overall experience, there are still complaints about how the vibration is easily noticeable. This can negatively impact your comfort.
When you buy this product, you can choose from two stock shafts – steel and graphite. If you are on a budget, then steel is a better option since it is cheaper. It is a bit heavier, but especially if you are a beginner, the added weight can be beneficial in terms of control and power.
Lastly, the cavity back iron has ribs in strategic positions. They make the face stiffer, which can also improve power in every shot.
Pros:
- Comfortable and non-slip grip
- Performs consistently
- Easy to hit
Cons:
- Noticeable vibration
TaylorMade SIM MAX OS Irons, Graphite Shaft
Concluding our list of the best budget irons is another option from a top brand. It features a wide array of exclusive technologies that set it apart from the competition. One of the most notable is Speed Bridge Technology. It provides strategic support to the top line of the iron, which will provide more explosive power and distance.
The ECHO Damping System is another notable technology you will find in this product. This provides the irons an energy channeling geometry, allowing it to manage harsh vibrations. The result is that the clubs absorb shock to make you as comfortable as possible.
It is also worth highlighting that it comes with an oversized head, which is the main reason why it is forgiving. The latter means that there is a large contact area between the clubhead and the ball, minimizing the chances of a mishit.
The low center of gravity is also a plus. Along with the wide sole, it will ensure better ball flights. Even if you are still working on the power of your swing, you will love how it can help you launch your ball higher and farther.
Lastly, it has progressive inverted cone technology. This is an engineering design that allows better accuracy. This will minimize frustration and will also make it a good game improvement iron.
Pros:
- Promotes high ball flights
- Oversized head creates a large sweet spot
- Excellent vibration dampening technology
Cons:
- Some might find it to be quite long
How to Choose Good Golf Irons for the Money
While the price is an important consideration, this isn’t the only thing that matters. Here, we’ll talk about some of the factors that will help you narrow down the possibilities.
Inclusions
When purchasing irons, you need to consider the inclusions. In most cases, it won’t be sold as a piece. Rather, it will be offered as a kit. You don’t need everything. The more irons are in a set, the higher the price will be. If you are just starting to master the fundamentals of golf, you need to start with the basic irons.
9 Iron
One of the most important is a 9 iron or a short iron. This will provide the highest level of accuracy at the minimum distance. It has a large face and steel shaft. The design of the face also improves the angle of the loft for better performance.
5 or 7 Iron
You also need mid-irons in your golf club set. It is great for moderate distances, specifically at 13o to 180 yards. This is an ideal addition for the bag of most beginners. Newbies can skip the six iron as it is reserved for the pros. From the putting green to the fairway, 5 and 7 irons are useful in many situations.
3 Iron
This is the longest iron you can have in your set. It is ideal for hitting distances from 180 to 210 yards. With their loft and distance, however, this can be quite intimidating for most beginners. It might take quite a while before you get used to this iron. Nonetheless, once you mastered the basics, it does a lot to improve your game.
Material
Like in any other sports equipment, the material in golf irons, or golf clubs in general, is crucial for its performance. Not to mention, it also impacts durability and overall value.
Shaft
If you are looking for best value irons, then steel is a good material of choice. It is affordable but can be quite heavy. It is easier to control for beginners. For more experienced users, on the other hand, graphite is preferred. It is a higher-end and lighter material. The shaft is the part that your hand grips when playing golf, so it has a huge impact on your game, especially in terms of swing speed and control.
Head
The head of the golf club is the portion that touches the ball, sending it off the distance. Traditionally, wood is used for the clubhead. In recent years, however, the most popular materials for the clubhead are titanium, steel, tungsten, stainless steel, and beryllium copper, among others. In most instances, the heads are plated with chrome for better wear resistance.
Forgiveness
Especially if you are a golf novice, you should also consider how forgiving the iron is. The best budget golf irons must have a large sweet spot. This means that there should be an increased contact area between the ball and the clubhead. This way, you are increasing the possibility that you will be hitting the ball, sending it directly where you want it to be. Otherwise, you will end up with a lot of mishits.
Comfort
Pay attention to the features of the golf iron that will be indicative of your comfort. One of the most important is to have a good grip. This way, you can easily wrap your hand around the shaft, which can also positively impact your performance. Additionally, it is good if there is minimal vibration. The iron should be constructed in a way that delivers exceptional shock absorption. It also effectively minimizes fatigue. When you are more comfortable with the golf club that you are using, it is easier to optimize your performance. Not to mention, this is also a great way to boost your confidence.
Technologies
To make golf irons that stand out over their competitors, manufacturers have introduced a plethora of technologies. Some are fancy while others are basic and included even in cheap irons.
Among others, one of the most common technologies you will find is progressive shaping. This is a great way to optimize the performance of the iron while minimizing mishits. It can improve distance, accuracy, and speed, among other important things that will affect your shot.
CNC milling is also a common technology in the clubface. It improves the construction of the iron, which will help in the improvement of trajectory and flight. This will also give you better control of the iron and the direction of the ball as it is hit.
From the center of gravity to the moment of inertia, golf club makers incorporate different technologies and designs to improve the overall performance of their irons. With these innovations, you are increasing the chances of hitting the ball with more than enough power and speed.
Conclusion
Now that you reached the end of this guide, we hope that it is now easier to choose the best golf irons for the money. The biggest mistake that you can commit is to pick one with the lowest price. Value for the money is not just all about being cheap. Instead, it is having a reasonable price while delivering good quality and performance!