The good news for the golfer is that there is an incredibly wide range of options from which to choose when it comes to buying a set of irons.

The technology built into today’s irons make the game thoroughly more enjoyable. For those who consider themselves good players looking for a bit of extra help with their ball-striking, there are plenty of choices in the “Player’s Iron” category that provide ample forgiveness and are still able to meet your shot-shaping desires. The look of a player’s iron has changed in recent years, going from the traditional muscle-back design to a form of cavity-back design.  Cavity backs tend to have a lower center of gravity to accommodate today’s lower spinning balls. While a Player’s Iron still has a shorter blade and little offset, the introduction of the cavity-back makes this type of iron appealing to a greater number of players.

When it comes to “Game Improvement” irons, lower and deeper centers of gravity have become the norm.  These irons feature wider soles and plenty of offset so that even the least-accomplished player can find a club or clubs to help them advance the ball towards the target more consistently.  This category is made up of sets designed for forgiveness.  High handicappers should find that game improvement irons do just that: improve their games.

The growing trend in irons, however, is to combine the three styles (blade short irons, cavity back mid-irons and game improvement long irons) together to form one unique set.  While this mixing and matching has been in vogue among Tour players and accomplished amateurs for years, the concept is being offered to the masses by more and more manufacturers. These combo sets offer the best of all worlds, which golfers of all abilities will appreciate.

Hybrid irons (or iron/woods) are growing in popularity. Iron sets that incorporate hybrids in place of long irons are now commonplace. Designed to replace the hard-to-hit long irons, hybrids are a bona fide new club category that deserves attention.
Hybrids have been accepted and utilized by PGA pros, amateurs, men, and women.  As with any club, some models offer tremendous playability benefits, while others fall short of performance targets. Testing a number of designs before making a final selection is always the wise choice.

When considering sets labeled as hybrid sets, make sure you understand what it is you are getting. Some manufacturers are calling sets that incorporate hybrid clubs and cavity backs “hybrid sets.” A better term would be combination, or combo, sets. A complete set of hybrids is made up entirely of iron/wood combination (hybrid) clubs.

Indeed, the equipment industry is moving away from the concept of “sets of clubs.” Golfers are now able to have a club in their bag that fits every shot they might encounter. This “bag of clubs” approach has replaced the old way of thinking.  The result?  Golfers with more options who are more satisfied with their games.

So mix, match, and find the combination of clubs that is right for your game.



Taylormade R7 XD
www.taylormadegolf.com | (800) 456-8633 | $1,032 / $1,200 graphite

Unique Features: The r7 XD incorporates an inverted cone milled directly into the rear side of the clubface and effectively increases the size of the r7 XD’s COR zone (Sweet Spot). Pull-Face technology construction allows the clubface to be made from thin milled titanium that is welded to a steel body to enhance perimeter weighting and also moves the CG lower and deeper, which makes it easy to launch the ball. A Tuned Performance Cartridge in the back cavity saves 26 grams, which is relocated into the perimeter of the clubhead to improve MOI, equaling greater forgiveness.

Player Profile: All Skill Levels

Tester Comment:“Great Ball flight, easy to hit and not big and bulky – they almost hit themselves.” Rich Parks, 8 handicap

Nike Slingshot OSS
www.nikegolf.com | (800) 922-6453 | $799 / $899 Graphite

Unique Features: Nike has moved the Center of Gravity (CG) further beyond the face (compared to the original Slingshot) resulting in Air CG+ by deepening the Slingback design, widening the Dual Glide sole and incorporating a lighter, hotter Cryo Steel face. The Cryo Steel face allows for the repositioning of 29 grams of weight and the Slingback design allowed designers to incrementally shift weight higher and towards the toe as the club numbers increase throughout the set resulting in precisely calibrated trajectory and spin rate preventing shots from ballooning.

Player Profile: Game Improvement - Mid to High Handicap

Tester Comment:“Ball went really straight with this club even on mis-hits. Bad shots were good shots.” Ron Beggerow, 12 handicap

Nickent 3DX
www.nickentgolf.com | 888-NICKENT | $549 / $649 graphite

Unique Features: Twenty grams of weight were saved from the face and redistributed in two perfectly balanced tungsten-polymer fused inserts (XW Inserts) on the back of the clubhead.__ Weight is spread to the extreme heel and toe by the XW Inserts for forgiveness and stability. The tungsten-polymer inserts absorb vibration from impact, reducing a majority of the shock and harsh feel associated with irons that use hard tungsten plugs or screws used to lower the center of gravity or achieve perimeter weighting.

Player Profile: All Skill Levels

Tester Comment:“Good ball flight and hot. Seem to come off the face quickly and easily. Great distance.” Ken Leary, 11 handicap

Tour Edge JMAX QL
www.TourEdge.com | (800) 515-3343 | $299 / $349 graphite


Unique Features: The JMAX QL (Quick Launch) irons utilize the latest super wide, low center of gravity sole. The oversized iron is manufactured using a new casting method to produce a patented undercut cavity from one piece of 431 stainless steel allowing the center of gravity to be moved lower and further back from the face. The club’s super-thin face (2.3mm) and the heavy perimeter weighting move more than 40% of the head’s total weight to the outer edges of the club. The extreme perimeter weighting and low profile make the club more stable and forgiving, even on off-center hits.

Player Profile: All Skill Levels

Tester Comment:“These were easy to hit from everywhere. Big sweet spot – a little big for my eye but performed well.” Ben Mangrum, 14 handicap

Adams IDEA a2
www.adamsgolf.com | (800) 709-6142 | $599 / $699 graphite

Unique Features: The 3 & 4 Hybrid iWood® have a low center of gravity, higher MOI and less spin than conventional hybrids delivering ideal launch conditions and playability for mid to high swing speeds.  The 5 - 7 irons have a hollow back design, which transitions the launch conditions between the hybrids and the short irons for consistent & even gapping. The 8 – PW are a cavity-back design for maximum forgiveness yet still appeal to the better player.

Player Profile: Game Improvement - Mid to High Handicap

Tester Comment:“Once I got used to these I liked the clubs. Ball got up in the air and the hybrids were easy to hit.” Darren Howard, 16 handicap

Alpha Golf C1 Irons
www.alphagolfclubs.com | 800.222.1186

Unique Features: These cavity-back irons are precision forged from 1020 carbon steel and feature a larger, more forgiving head size and slightly wider sole for real perimeter-weighting enhancements.  The clubface is CNC-milled custom-ground and the hosel design has a modest offset which enhances workability and gives these forged irons a broader appeal. 
These clubs allow average players to enjoy true playability and the feel of forged carbon steel.

Player Profile: Game Improvement - Mid to High Handicap

Tester Comment:“Good Feel and Distance. A nice iron but I was not overly impressed.” Tony Belmont, 10 handicap


AMF Irons
www.amfgolf.com | 800-955-2269 | $550

Unique Features: These irons and iron-woods have a hollow hyper-steel head, oversized face and extreme perimeter weighting create a large sweet spot. A dual performance cambered sole allows the club to set up like an iron at address and also reduces drag when hitting from the rough. A Progressive offset makes it easier to square the clubface while weight positioned low and deep make it allow for a high launch. The Ultra lightweight Progression graphite shafts allow for the kick point to be raised and flex to become firmer as the set progresses to the shorter irons.

Player Profile: Game Improvement – Mid to High Handicap

Tester Comment:“Easy to hit, although did not always feel solid even on good hits but overall a nice club at a fair price.” Nate Carter, 16 handicap

Callaway 2006 Big Bertha
www.callawaygolf.com | (800) 228-2767 | $760 / $999 graphite

Unique Features: Extreme “Notch Weighting” positions the weight in the toe and heel and provides increased forgiveness and preserves distance on off-center hits while a deeper 360-degree Undercut Channel creates maximum perimeter weighting and enhanced forgiveness. A constant-width sole helps each iron in the set move smoothly and easily through the turf. In addition, all of the core Callaway technologies – S2H2®, Tru-Bore®, and Variable Face Thickness (VFT®) –are present in these new irons.

Player Profile: Game Improvement - Mid to High Handicap

Tester Comment:“All I can say about this is Straight, Straight, Straight.” Jim Lloyd, 12 handicap

Cleveland CG4
www.clevelandgolf.com | (800) 999-6263 | $863 / $996 graphite

Unique Features: CG4 irons have a wide tri-grind sole and increased weighting around the clubhead’s perimeter. The CMM material, a low-density carbon metal allows designers to move the weight to perimeter. These features work together to move the center of gravity lower and further away from the club face and create a higher moment of inertia (MOI). The higher MOI also acts as a stabilizer on your clubhead to keep more shots flying high and straight, even when they’re hit off center.

Player Profile: All Skill Levels

Tester Comment:“Really nice, solid sound on all hits. Felt softer than most I’ve tried and great distance.” Don Baker, 10 handicap

Dunlop LoCo Dart Irons
www.dunlopgolf.com | 800-235-5516 | $349

Unique Features: The set is comprised of 2 stainless composite hybrid clubs with adjustable weights, 3  Stainless steel cavity-back mid irons with metal medallions and 3  Stainless muscle-back short irons . The hybrid irons are intended to replace the harder to hit long irons found in traditional sets, and feature deep faces that make it easier for average golfers to get the ball up in the air. The cavity back irons feature stainless steel heads for increased feel and forgiveness on mid-to-short iron shots.  The LoCo utility irons also come standard with a Harrison Pro 3.5 D Dart graphite shafts.

Player Profile: All Skill Levels

Tester Comment:“All clubs were easy to hit, especially the 4-6 iron, clubs I usually struggle with, Nice clubs.” Jeremy Downes, 12 handicap


Element 21 Golf E21 Eagle Irons
www.e21golf.com | 888-365-2121 | $995.00

Unique Features: The set is comprised of 2 stainless composite hybrid clubs with adjustable weights, 3  Stainless steel cavity-back mid irons with metal medallions and 3  Stainless muscle-back short irons . The hybrid irons are intended to replace the harder to hit long irons found in traditional sets, and feature deep faces that make it easier for average golfers to get the ball up in the air. The cavity back irons feature stainless steel heads for increased feel and forgiveness on mid-to-short iron shots.  The LoCo utility irons also come standard with a Harrison Pro 3.5 D Dart graphite shafts.
 
Player Profile: All Skill Levels

Tester Comment:“All clubs were easy to hit, especially the 4-6 iron, clubs I usually struggle with, Nice clubs.” Jeremy Downes, 12 handicap

Mizuno MX-900 Forged
www.mizunousa.com | (800) 925-4292 | $1,264 / $1,408 graphite

Unique Features: The 3-7 Hybrid set of irons are forged with Hollow Technology while the 8-PW are one-piece forged cavity backs. Two piece hollow technology head construction in the 3-7 irons utilize a CNC milled forged face with plasma welding for precise COG placement while an extra-wide sole increases ease of launch and delivers consistent striking ability from all types of lies. The CORTECH™ face design utilizes three distinct face thickness to deliver consistent distance control and feel.

Player Profile: Game Improvement - Mid to High Handicap

Tester Comment:“Felt softer than my clubs – easy to hit. Mizuno irons for my game, I love these.” Richard Kelly, 14 handicap


Ping G5
www.pinggolf.com | (800) 474-6434 | $1,035 / $1160 graphite

Unique Features: A deeper, parallel cavity design widens the sole and expands the perimeter weighting in the G5 iron. The larger head and sole width allow the center of gravity to be positioned lower and further from the face. A larger, thinner Custom Tuning Port (CTP) in the rear of the clubhead stabilizes the face and dampens vibration for improved feel.. A wider, more forgiving sole moves the center of gravity (CG) further from the face and Two uniform cavities provide added face support and allow weight to be distributed to the clubhead’s extreme perimeter.

Player Profile: All Skill Levels

Tester Comment:“I own Ping Irons and these are the best I ever hit. Nice balanced feel.” Chris Walters, 12 handicap


Taylormade R7 CGB
www.taylormadegolf.com | (800) 456-8633 | $1,376 / $1,560 graphite

Unique Features: The r7 CGB (center of gravity back) Max iron incorporates Inverted Cone Technology that changes the way the clubface behaves at impact and increases the size of the zone that delivers high initial ball speed. Tungsten cartridges in the heel and toe to increase moment of inertia for maximum forgiveness while the wide sole design moves the center of gravity location to an uncommonly low, deep-back position. The 100% high-strength 455 stainless steel clubface delivers the maximum allowable COR. This club has the largest clubface area of any TaylorMade iron helping make the MAX extremely forgiving on mis-hits.

Player Profile: Game Improvement - Mid to High Handicap

Tester Comment:“Easy to hit and nice look for a game-improvement club. These went really straight and nice & high.” Ned Chavis, 10 handicap


Wilson Staff Ci6
www.wilsonstaff.com | 800-469-4576 | $899, $999 (graphite)

Unique Features: The Ci6 features a full cavity back throughout the set, with a small undercut and low center of gravity. By comparison, the Ci6 is larger than Pi5, with a thicker topline and more offset. Ci6 has added weight low in the cavity to help you hit higher shots. One of the unique technological features infused in the Staff Ci6 irons is an Elastomeric Dampening Layer. Applied to the entire back of the cavity, the EDL is meant to reduce vibration at impact while providing a softer feel closer to a forged club.

Player Profile: All Skill Levels

Tester Comment:“Average looks, easy to hit – got away with mis-hits.”Bob Larkin, 10 handicap


Ben Hogan Apex Edge
www.benhogan.com | 866-444-3764 | $1,000 / $1080 graphite

Unique Features: These classic irons are forged from soft 1020 carbon steel and laser welded for exceptional feel and playability. A 180-degree undercut channel optimally places the center of gravity low and deep in the clubhead while raising the moment of inertia for added forgiveness and a high launch angle.  A wide sole design helps each iron to glide through the turf and ensures solid contact and enhances playability from a variety of lies. Bright nickel/chrome plating helps to create the unmistakable look of a finely crafted Ben Hogan golf club.

Player Profile: All Skill Levels

Tester Comment:“This club worked from all conditions for me. Solid on mis-hits.” Michael Fremuth, 9 handicap

KZG Evolution
www.kzgolf.com | (800) 200-8800 | $749

Unique Features:  Designed by Clay Long, each head is meticulously engineered for superior performance. The perimeter weighted cavity back of the long irons achieve maximum distance with accuracy; the mid irons are a hybrid between cavity and blade to maximize the benefits  of each; and the short irons guaranty maximum control. These irons are double forged and 100% handcrafted in Japan and feature a progressive design throughout the set.

Player Profile: Low to Mid Handicap

Tester Comment:“Very forgiving and solid even on mis-hits, I would play these especially a custom fit set.” Max Warren, 8 handicap

Mizuno MP-60 Forged
www.mizunousa.com | (800) 925-4292 | $1,200

Unique Features: The Grain Flow Forged MP-60 is 4% larger and has a 10% larger sweet area than the MP-32.  The Cut Muscle design precisely positions the center of gravity in each club and delivers a slightly higher ball flight in the long irons, and a mid trajectory in the scoring irons. The Modified U-grooves produce the ideal spin rate for maximum playability in all conditions.

Player Profile: Low to Mid Handicap

Tester Comment:“When I grow up I want these. Just felt like butter when I hit the ball.” Nick Anderson, 9 handicap

Srixon I-506
www.srixon.com | (888) 477-4966 | $999

Unique Features: Forged out of soft 1025 carbon steel, these irons feature Srixon’s Digital Impact Technology. This technology allows Srixon to determine the optimal weighting and low and deep center of gravity placement in every iron which gets the ball airborne with precise distance control. The overall playability of the I-506 is enhanced by the double radiused sole with unique heel and toe cuts which ensures smooth contact through all turf conditions.

Player Profile: Low to Mid Handicap
 
Tester Comment:“Solid and got the job done on all the shots I hit on the range and in my practice round. A nice club.” Phil Hearn, 8 handicap

SMT Golf 303MB
 www.smtgolf.com | (888) 693-4001 | $25 / clubhead


Unique Features: Made from 303 Stainless Steel the face is CNC Milled and the grooves are machined for increased performance and durability. Accomplished and Competitive golfers should love the new 303MB Muscle-Back Irons, which offer the feel and workability needed to shape their shots. This no-nonsense classic design is sure to attract the better player who is looking for a traditional blade with a stronger top line.

Player Profile: Low to Mid Handicap 

Tester Comment:“A classic blade look that you don’t see any more. Hit them great & every shot felt solid.” Pat Bryans , 6 handicap

Vulcan XDC3
 www.vulcangolf.com | (800) 842-1836 | $449

Unique Features: The Milled Muscle back feature combines the forgiveness of a casting with a workability of a forging. This muscle back design boasts a very forgiving hitting area resulting from moving material from inside the cavity and relocating it into the sole and perimeter allowing for more stability at impact. The center of gravity is lower and further away from the face making even the long irons easy to hit. These irons feature U-Shaped groves for extra control.

Player Profile: Low to Mid Handicap

Tester Comment:“Nice Clean Lines and easy to hit, very forgiving and very workable.” Bill Williamson, 8 handicap

Yonex Cyberstar Forged CB
 www.yonex.com | 800-44-YONEX | $1,040

Unique Features: Manufactured with forged carbon steel, the CB features a shorter hosel, which reduces head weight.  This mass is redistributed to the bridge in the cavity area closer to the heel maximizing forgiveness without sacrificing feel and workability. A unique Face Layer Thickness Design whereby the Long irons (# 3, #4, #5) feature a larger sole width and thinner face thickness for lower center of gravity.  The Mid irons (#6, #7) come equipped with a medium sole width and face thickness.

Player Profile: Low to Mid Handicap 

Tester Comment:“Long Irons were easy to hit, OK looks. Clubs had a good solid feel.” John Peterson, 7 handicap