--How Today’s Iron Technology Will Lower Your Scores!

Big hitters -- and you know who you are – here’s a question. How come you hit bombs off the tee, but still struggle when it comes to lowering scores? One answer is the larger, more forgiving drivers. They allow high handicappers to take a big swing and still send the ball barreling down the center of the fairway. But once you walk up to your approach shot, this is where the game of golf, and specifically scoring well, comes into play. Your next move is to look in your bag and choose an iron. But that choice should have been made long before you got to this point.

The correct iron choice should be made in your local pro shop or golf retailer. It’s this choice that will help you score well once you being play. Teaching pros will tell you that the better, skilled golfers, the players who consistently post lower scores, do so as a result of hitting better iron shots into greens.

That’s where this bit of good news comes in: today’s golf equipment manufacturers are hard at work making their irons easier to hit and just as forgiving as the driver you hit so well. In this section, we introduce to you the very best of today’s irons and hybrids that have made the game more enjoyable to the golfer because their equipment results in better, more consistent shots. So when you are about to hit that approach into the green, the iron you select will help you to hit it tight.

Sophisticated new club head designs allow balls to travel father and with more accuracy. Forged irons gave way to cavity back irons and now those irons have been improved by adding undercut channels behind the clubface, allowing for the center of gravity to be moved into the ideal position. This creates those higher flying, longer shots that you see the pros hit. Now they are being produced as a result of your swing with your iron.

The sweet spot used to be nearer to the heel of older irons. With today’s new technology and innovative design, that sweet spot has not only been widened (making it easier to find) but it has also moved slightly -- closer to the middle of the blade. This new group of irons not only produces better contact with most swings, but it also makes them more forgiving.

Your Golfing Magazine staff is back from the PGA Merchandise Show and after seeing all that the golf manufacturing community has to offer, we will introduce their latest inventions to you and offer enough information so that you can make the choice that is right for you. These irons all have a number of new features and for best results, we ask that you hit these clubs yourself and see what is most comfortable for you. Your swing may produce a different ball flight than the guy next to you on the practice range swinging the same club. But this much is true: today’s new and improved irons will make you a better player and better scorer in turn making the game of golf more enjoyable for you.

Its time to not only hit that bomb off the tee, but to follow up your first shot with an even better iron approach close to the pin.


Alpha RX-1
www.alphaclubs.com | 1-800-222-1186 | $359



Clubhead: 432 Stainless Steel.
Clubface: 432 Stainless Steel.
Design: Cavity Back
Size: Standard
Shaft Options: Dynamic Gold Steel, Alpha Platinum 2 Graphite

Unique Features: The RX-1 irons have a wide sole for a deep center of gravity, making it easy to launch the ball and a deep heel for workability. The Heel-to-toe perimeter weighting provides extra forgiveness and the thin face produces high moment of inertia. A blunted leading edge prevents digging into the ground and a cambered sole helps glide through turf.

Tester Comments: Nice through the turf and easy to hit in air … Longer irons were a bit inconsistent and sweet spot seemed small … Overall good feel and workability.

Appearance 8.0
Forgiveness 8.0
Feel  8.0
Consistency 7.9
Distance 7.8
Value 7.8

Bridgestone GC MID
www.bridgestonegolf.com | (800) 358-6319 | Graphite $755 Steel $655


Clubhead: 431 stainless steel
Clubface: 431 stainless steel
Design: Cavity Back
Clubhead Size: Mid-Sized
Set Makeup: #4 – PW
Shaft Options: Nippon NSPRO 1050GH Steel / Aldila CG Graphite

Unique Features: The GC MID features a Gravity Chamber in the back cavity of the clubhead from which significant weight is removed. The weight is repositioned by using two 15-gram Gravity Disks that increase moment of inertia and as a result produces a reduction in clubhead twisting on off-center hits, generating a straighter ball flight. The two 15-gram weight disc in the cavity are set in the heel and toe and get progressively closer together from long irons to short irons in the Mid set resulting in a high MOI that reduces twisting at impact.

Tester Comments: Nice clean look. They have a nice lean top line… Easy to hit and very solid feeling … Good value for the money.

Appearance  8.3
Forgiveness  8.0
Feel  8.2
Consistency  8.0
Distance  8.0
Value  8.0

Callaway X-20
www.callawaygolf.com  | (800) 228-2767 | Graphite $1120 Steel $880



Clubhead: 17-4 stainless steel
Clubface: 17-4 stainless steel
Design: Cavity Back Design
Clubhead Size: Standard
Set Makeup: 3- PW or 4-PW
Shaft Options: True Temper Uniflex / Callaway X-20 Graphite

Unique Features:  Variable Face Thickness Technology maximizes ball speed and perimeter weighting for more distance and forgiveness while the Progressive Wall Reduction System lowers the center of gravity 6 percent more than in the X-18 Irons for improved feel and playability. Extreme Notch Weighting redistributes weight to the perimeter for greater forgiveness and more stability.

Tester Comments: Soft feel, yet great distance and trajectory… felt like a hot knife going through butter when I hit these… time to start saving, these are awesome.

Appearance  8.1
Forgiveness  8.2
Feel  8.5
Consistency  8.0
Distance  8.3
Value  7.8

E21 Emc2
www.E21Golf.com | 888-365-2121 | Scandium Shaft $1439


Clubhead : 17-4 SS Head
Clubface: 17-4 SS Head
Design: Cavity Back
Clubhead Size: Mid-Sized
Set Makeup: #3 – PW
Shaft Options: E21 Scandium Eagle One AlloyShaft

Unique Features: High strength steel face plate allows for increased ball speed and saves weight for optimizing CG location. Moment of Inertia is increased by the hollow design reducing twisting at impact. The TPE injected body dampens vibrations on all shots. Each iron is Contact Signature Tuned with E21 Scandium Shafts for reduced vibration and minimal shot dispersion, even on off-center hits.  The progressive Offset maximizes trajectory for wide range of players.

Tester Comments: Never felt anything like this, the feeling is so solid you don’t feel anything… Extremely soft feel at impact, even on mis-hits… Everything felt great with these irons.

Appearance  7.8
Forgiveness  8.2
Feel  8.5
Consistency  8.0
Distance  8.0
Value  8.0


F2 Golf
www.f2Golf.com | 800-584-1514 | $499.00/ $599 graphite


Clubhead : Stainless steel
Clubface: Stainless steel
Design: Cavity Back
Clubhead Size:  Mid-Sized
Set Makeup: #3 - PW
Shaft Options: F2 Proprietary Graphite

Unique Features: F2 Golf moves the clubface forward and the hosel back, enabling the ball to strike to strike and leave the clubface before grass or sand can grab the hosel and twist the club.The new dogleg hosel design and cavity-back-Weighting System produces a larger sweet spot and greater hitting area for added forgiveness. The Cavity-Weighting-System puts weight between the sole and cavity, creating a gap between the clubface and rear flange to promote a  larger sweet spot and greater feel. The shaft line is even with the leading edge of the clubface, allowing for straighter shots with ideal trajectory.

Tester Comments: Was a skeptic, but everything went straight with these irons … some of the straightest shots I have ever hit … not conventional looking but straight.

Appearance  7.5
Forgiveness  8.0
Feel  7.9
Consistency  8.3
Distance  8.2
Value  8.2

MacGregor MACTEC NVG2
www.MacGregorGolf.com | 1-800-841-4358 | $599


Clubhead: 450 Maraging Steel
Clubface: 450 Maraging Steel
Design: Cavity Back
Size: Standard
Set Makeup: 3-PW
Shaft Options: Microstep Steel / YS Tech Triple Action Graphite

Unique Features: With Cup Face 360° technology there are no face welds and this creates a high-rebound surface that stretches over the entire clubface for maximum distance on off-center hits. The Hollow Body Structure moves the weight away from the face for maximum stability and forgiveness. The Progressive Tungsten Weight technology localizes the CG according to club loft.

Tester Comments: Nice long, high shots and very playable from all lies … Clean look and easy to hit, hits lots of good shots in test round … I felt like I was always going to hit a good shot with these.

Appearance  8.0
Forgiveness  8.0
Feel  8.3
Consistency  8.3
Distance  8.0
Value  7.8


Mizuno MX-25
www.mizunousa.com/golf | 1-800-966-1211 | Graphite $950  Steel $850


Clubhead: Carbon Steel
Clubface: Carbon Steel
Design: Cavity Back
Size: Oversized
Set Makeup: 3-PW
Shaft Options: Dynalite Gold Superlite, Exsar IS-2

Unique Features: The MX-25 is a rare game improvement iron that feels like it was designed for low handicappers.  The use of Grain Flow Forged 1025E Pure Select carbon steel makes these irons softer than any in the business, while the triple cut sole design makes playing from even the toughest of lies a breeze.  The deep CNC milled pocket cavity gives golfers a true ball flight that feels great with each swing.

Tester Comments: Club slides through turf well … Lots of control and workability with these irons … a nice soft feel with good distance.

Appearance  8.5
Forgiveness  8.2
Feel  8.3
Consistency  8.0
Distance  8.0
Value  8.0

Nickent 3DX Pro
www.nickentgolf.com | 888 NICKENT | Steel $599


Clubhead: Nickel stainless steel
Clubface: Nickel stainless steel
Design: Cavity Back Design
Clubhead Size: Standard
Set Makeup: 3- PW
Shaft Options: Rifle® Stee / Nicklaus® SGPro Graphite

Unique Features: The chrome-plated 3DX Pro is made with a very special alloy, a new stainless steel that provides a soft and responsive feel. The 3DX Pro features a single tungsten-polymer insert (XW Insert) directly behind the face, which takes the vibration out from impact, reduces shock and vibration and gives this cavity back iron a " muscle back forged" feel. Another special feature of this club is customization. The 3DX Pro has the ability to have swing weight match up perfectly with the shaft length.

Tester Comments: Really good looking clubs … Solid feel with more distance than other clubs I’ve tried … A clean look, forgiveness and a great ball flight.

Appearance  8.3
Forgiveness  8.2
Feel  8.2
Consistency  8.0
Distance  8.3
Value  8.2

Nicklaus NPS-1
www.nicklaus-golf.com | (800) 322-1872 | Graphite $699 Steel $599


Clubhead: Nickel stainless steel
Clubface: Nickel stainless steel
Design: Cavity Back Design
Clubhead Size: Standard
Set Makeup: 3- PW
Shaft Options: Rifle® Stee / Nicklaus® SGPro Graphite

Unique Features: This traditional muscle back design within the cavity to allow for solid feel on center hits, yet greater stability on off-center ones.  The irons have less offset than traditional cavity back irons, a straighter leading edge and a visually thinner top line.  The blade length is shorter and the sole design allows for minimal drag at impact.

Tester Comments: Sweet spot seemed a little small, but solid when I hit them in sweet spot… Solid club at a fair price … Not always a solid feel, overall a nice club.

Nike CCi Cast
www.nikegolf.com | 1-888-799-6453 | Graphite $899  Steel $799


Clubhead: Stainless Steel
Clubface: Stainless Steel
Design: Cavity Back
Size: Oversized
Set Makeup: 4-AW
Shaft Options: True Temper Dynalite Gold Steel, Mitsubishi Rayon CCI Constant Weight Graphite

Unique Features: Building on the success of its Slingshot Irons, Nike Golf has created the CCi line of irons.  The CCis feature a high-density tungsten weight plug for a lower center of gravity, allowing better golfers to take advantage of all the shots in their repertoires.  The polymer-filled ports on the sole of the club reduce vibration, giving the CCis a better feel and less risk of injury than its competitors.
  
Tester Comments: Nice clean-looking clubhead that glides through turf … good on sweet spot hits, but felt the mis-hits …  Felt like a forged club.

Appearance  8.3
Forgiveness  8.2
Feel  8.2
Consistency  8.0
Distance  8.2
Value  8.0

Powerbilt Citation
www.powerbilt.com | (800) 848-7693 | $649 Graphite  / $599.99  Steel


Clubhead: 431 Stainless Steel
Clubface: SP-700 Titanium
Design: Cavity Back
Size: Oversized
Set Makeup: #3 & #4 Graphite Hybrids, 5-PW, Steel  or 3-PW
Shaft Options: Nippon N.S. PRO 950 GH Steel

Unique Features: These irons feature a SP-700 Titanium Face with ultra-thin (3mm) face inserts to provide maximum MOI & COR ratings. The Twin Tungsten Back-Weights lower the center of gravity and move it away from the face, creating a huge effective impact area. The Ultra-Deep Undercut Cavity makes the entire face of each iron very forgiving of off-center hits.

Tester Comments: Felt solid and could hit all the shots with these irons … I can afford these and a definite step up from my set of 5 year old irons … Very forgiving, some of my misses got on the green

Appearance  7.8
Forgiveness  7.8
Feel  8.0
Consistency  7.8
Distance  8.0
Value  7.8

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


Clubhead: 1025 Carbon Steel
Clubface: 1025 Carbon Steel
Design: Tour Cavity Back
Size: Standard
Set Makeup: 3-PW
Shaft Options: Dynamic Gold Steel

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.

Tester Comments: The smaller head is pleasant looking and has solid feel … This club surprised me, nice ball flight and solid … Easy to maneuver ball.

Appearance  8.2
Forgiveness  8.0
Feel  8.2
Consistency  8.0
Distance  8.2
Value  7.8

TaylorMade r7
www.taylormadegolf.com | 1-800-888-2582 | Graphite $1080  Steel $840


Clubhead: Stainless Steel
Clubface: Stainless Steel
Design: Cavity Back
Size: Oversized
Set Makeup: 3-PW
Shaft Options: T Step Steel, RE*AX Graphite

Unique Features: Hot on the heels of the #1 selling driver on the market, the TaylorMade r7 iron extends the company’s tradition of technological excellence to the fairway.  The r7’s Inverted Cone Technology provides a high COR for increased distance and a moderate offset for extra forgiveness.  The r7 is perfect for those looking for a little extra distance on their approach to the green.

Tester Comments: Lots of forgiveness built into this club, best I have hit … No matter where on clubface I hit it, the ball went towards the target … Won 2 matches in my test rounds with these – not giving them back.

Appearance  8.2
Forgiveness  8.5
Feel  8.0
Consistency  8.2
Distance  8.2
Value  7.8

Wilson Di7
www.wilsongolf.com | 1-773-714-6400 | Graphite $699  Steel $599


Clubhead: Stainless Steel
Clubface: Stainless Steel
Design: Cavity Back
Size: Oversized
Set Makeup: 4-SW
Shaft Options: True Temper TX 105, UST V2

Unique Features: The Wilson Di7’s most unique feature is its wider tip shaft.  By preventing clubhead twisting on mis-hits, the shaft helps make the Di7 one of the most accurate irons around.  A wide sole promotes a straighter ball flight while giving the club increased stability, and the low center of gravity allows golfers to hit high, soft shots that stick on the green.

Tester Comments: Easily a club longer than anything else I tried … High and straight every time … Easy to hit from tight lies and rough.

Appearance  7.8
Forgiveness  8.0
Feel  7.8
Consistency  8.0
Distance  8.5
Value  8.3

Yonex Cyberstar NanoSpeed
www.yonexusa.com | 800-44-YONEX | Graphite $899


Clubhead: Stainless steel
Clubface: Stainless steel
Design: Cavity Back
Clubhead Size: Mid-Sized
Set Makeup: #3 - PW
Shaft Options: Proprietary Nanospeed Shafts

Unique Features: The Cyberstar Nanospeed multi-material irons are equipped with Elastomer, a rubber-like material, which is sandwiched between two graphite plates behind an ultra thin stainless steel face, which increases co-efficient of restitution (COR), distance and forgiveness with a “forged-like” feel. Three different head designs maximize performance and playability throughout the set. Proprietary Nanospeed Shafts with Fullerene (nano carbon) reduce the thickness of the shaft wall by 5%, making it lighter and more stable than conventional graphite.  

Tester Comments: Smaller clubhead with lots of forgiveness … Great looking club and a forged feel … I felt like a better golfer with these in my bag.

Appearance  8.5
Forgiveness  8.1
Feel  8.2
Consistency  8.2
Distance  8.0
Value  7.8


Bridgestone J33 Forged Combo
www.bridgestonegolf.com | (800) 358-6319 | Steel $1000

Clubhead: Forged 1020 carbon steel
Clubface: Forged 1020 carbon steel
Design: Cavity Back
Clubhead Size: Standard
Set Makeup: #3 – PW
Shaft Options: True Temper Dynamic Gold Steel

Unique Features:  A gradual center-of-gravity progression with the CG being near the heel in the long irons progressing toward the middle as lofts increase. This makes it easy to square the long irons and helps shutting clubface on short irons. The 2-5 long irons are forged cavity back irons with tungsten inserts, the 6-7 middle irons have a forged cavity back design and the 8-PW short irons are a forged trapezoid muscle back iron.

Tester Comments: Every club felt the same, solid … Very workable and a great looking finish … A Very classic look, solid feel and a nice trajectory.

Appearance  8.5
Forgiveness  8.0
Feel  8.0
Consistency  8.1
Distance  8.0
Value  8.0

Callaway X-Tour Forged
www.callawaygolf.com | (800) 228-2767 | Steel $1280


Clubhead: Forged 1020 carbon steel
Clubface: Forged 1020 carbon steel
Design: Cavity Back
Clubhead Size: Standard
Set Makeup: 3- PW
Shaft Options: Dynamic Gold Steel Shaft

Unique Features:  The new X-Tour Irons have a slightly smaller, blade-style head with a thin, chamfered top line, square toe, minimal offset, and narrow sole, making them ideal for accomplished golfers. The New Blind-Bore hosel technology optimizes the center of gravity location throughout the set for outstanding workability and trajectory control and the 360-Degree Undercut Channel and extreme Notch Weighting focus perimeter weight to the heel and toe, raising the Moment of Inertia for resistance to twisting.

Tester Comments: More classic looking than any Callaway I have tried, a nice solid feel … Very forgiving, however not great in distance … Very solid on mis-hits and easy to work the ball.

Appearance  8.0
Forgiveness  7.8
Feel  8.0
Consistency  8.2
Distance  7.8
Value  7.8

MacGregor MacTec Forged M685
www.MacGregorGolf.com | 1-800-841-4358 | $799


Clubhead: 4140 Carbon Steel
Clubface: 4140 carbon steel
Design: Cavity Back
Size: Standard
Set Makeup: 3-PW
Shaft Options: Rifle Flighted Lite / YS Tech Triple Action Graphite

Unique Features: These feature  4140 carbon steel and a hosel-face hollow-body structure in 3-iron through 6-iron for high launch and ease of use. Irons have 1025 carbon steel and a one-piece construction in the 7-iron through PW for added control and shot-shaping. Designed for the competitive golfer looking for a tour-inspired forging that’s easy to hit.

Tester Comments: Classic look and feel although sweet spot seemed small … Could work the ball nicely right, left, up and down … Clean lines at address and great feel at impact.

Appearance  8.0
Forgiveness  8.2
Feel  8.0
Consistency  8.0
Distance  8.0
Value  7.8

Mizuno MP-67
www.mizunousa.com/golf | 1-800-966-1211 | Graphite $1050  Steel $950

Clubhead: Carbon Steel
Clubface: Carbon Steel
Design: Muscle Back
Size: Mid-Sized
Set Makeup: 2-PW
Shaft Options: Dynamic Gold, Exsar IS2 Tour Spec

Unique Features:The introduction of Mizuno’s MP-67 iron may make it the most popular low-handicap clubmaker in the industry.  Boasting the new Slender Cut Muscle design, the MP-67 offers a consistent sweet spot and unmatched control and workability.  Modified U-grooves provide an ideal spin rate, and the Durable Double nickel chrome plated finish give it an ideal look, as well.

Tester Comments: A true blade that has lots of forgiveness and a solid feel … Even mis-hits felt good, this is a muscle back that plays like a cavity back … Could really feel the ball at impact.

Appearance  8.5
Forgiveness  8.2
Feel  8.4
Consistency  8.0
Distance  8.0
Value  8.0

Nike CCi Forged
www.nikegolf.com | 1-888-799-6453 | Steel $999


Clubhead: Carbon Steel
Clubface: Carbon Steel
Design: Forged Back
Size: Standard
Set Makeup: 4-AW
Shaft Options: True Temper Dynalite Gold Steel

Unique Features: Taking a cue from its sister club, the CCi Forged Iron offers amazing workability for low handicap golfers.  With a thin topline and minimal offset, the CCi Forged iron has a sleek, classic look.  While not as forgiving as the CCi Cast Iron, the Forged version boasts unmatched shot control and precision from anywhere.  The CCi Forged is already a hit on the PGA Tour and with scratch golfers everywhere.

Tester Comments: Consistent feel and very forgiving … I am a Nike fan and these are the best clubs they have made … Easy to hit from both tight lies and heavy rough, clubhead gets through the grass.

Appearance  8.2
Forgiveness  8.0
Feel  8.2
Consistency  8.2
Distance  8.2
Value  8.0

TaylorMade r7 TP
www.taylormadegolf.com | 1-800-888-2582 | Graphite $1200 Steel $1000


Clubhead: Stainless Steel
Clubface: Stainless Steel
Design: Cavity Back
Size: Tour Sized
Set Makeup: 3-PW
Shaft Options: Dynamic Gold Steel

Unique Features: The r7 TP (Tour Preferred) Irons take the best aspects of the regular r7s and configure them for low handicappers.  A shallow cavity creates a higher center of gravity, allowing for increased workability in any direction, while the thin, Tour-configured sole glides smoothly on every shot, guaranteeing consistency from any lie.

Tester Comments: Plays easily from all lies … Great ball flight and trajectory … Most forgiving “Players” club I have tried … Like all the fitting options, this is my next club.

Appearance  8.2
Forgiveness  8.2
Feel  8.4
Consistency  8.2
Distance  8.2
Value  8.1

Titleist 755
www.titleist.com | 508-979-2000 | Graphite $129 (p/iron)  Steel $112 (p/iron)


Clubhead: Stainless Steel
Clubface: Stainless Steel
Design: Cavity Back
Size: Mid-Sized
Set Makeup: 2-PW
Shaft Options: Titleist TriSpec Steel

Unique Features: Thanks to an enhanced heel-toe weighting system, the Titleist 755 Iron has a high MOI and excellent forgiveness, turning even bad shots into good ones.  The aluminum dampener chip in the extra-large cavity is responsible for providing responsive feedback and tremendous feel on each shot.  The 755 also looks great, in part due to a thin face and the multi-step forging that went into creating it.

Tester Comments: All I can say is wow, great look and great feel … Even mis-hits felt like I hit them in the sweet spot … Easy to work the ball and great feel.

Appearance    8.3
Forgiveness    8.3
Feel    8.2
Consistency    8.3
Distance    8.2
Value    8.2

Tour Edge Exotics EX3
www.touredge.com | 1-800-515-3343 | Graphite $1095  Steel $995


Clubhead: Stainless Steel
Clubface: Titanium
Design: Cavity Back
Size: Oversized
Set Makeup: 4-AW
Shaft Options: Nippon N.S. Pro 950 GH Steel, Graphite Design X-Quad Graphite

Unique Features: The Exotics EX3 is a technological marvel.  Made of a hollow steel body and a titanium cup face, the EX3 moves excess weight to the perimeter and sole of the club.  This aids the EX3 in achieving maximum forgiveness and a super-low center of gravity.  The TPE dampening insert gives the EX3 incredible feel for such a long-hitting game-improvement iron.

Tester Comments: I think they were a club longer than anything else I have tried and I liked it … Long and straight and easy to hit … Ball really jumped off the face.

Appearance  8.0
Forgiveness  8.0
Feel  8.0
Consistency  8.1
Distance  8.5
Value  7.9



Adams IDEA Tech OS
www.adamsgolf.com | 1-800-709-6142 | Graphite $999 Steel $899


Clubhead: Stainless Steel
Clubface: Titanium
Design: Cavity Back (7-PW), Hybrid Style (3-6)
Size: Oversized
Set Makeup: 3-PW
Shaft Options: Graphite Design YS+ Graphite GS, True Temper GS-75 Steel

Unique Features: As a company that helped make hybrid woods popular, Adams is full of ideas.  One of them is available now—the IDEA Tech OS Irons.  This set replaces tough-to-hit long irons with Adams’ ever-playable Hybrids, and Hybrid iWoods.  These clubs provide fantastic distance and control, while the Tri-Tech Short Irons are like pin magnets thanks to their combination of a steel body, hot titanium face, and tungsten weight to help MOI.

Tester Comments: Distance gaps between hybrids and irons was consistent, these improved my game … I scored 8 shots better than my 14 handicap in my test round, need I say more … Best long shots I have ever hit.

Appearance    8.2
Forgiveness    8.2
Feel    8.2
Consistency    8.2
Distance    8.2
Value    7.9

Bob Burns No Bananas
www.BobBurnsGolf.com | (920) 991-9663 | Graphite $800 Steel $600


Clubhead: Stainless steel
Clubface: Stainless steel
Design:Cavity Back
Clubhead Size: Mid-Sized
Set Makeup: #3 - PW
Shaft Options: Custom Graphite

Unique Features: No Bananas irons are designed to incorporate interchangeable heel and toe weighting. Two weighted screws (one in the heal and one in the toe) can be changed out with heavier or lighter screw options. With choices of screws made of aluminum, brass, stainless steel or dense tungsten, golfers have a choice of tuning the moment of inertia (MOI), or the weight bias of each individual iron in the set. The wide contoured, cambered sole and deep, cavity back provide the ultimate sweet spot area for consistent, pure shots. The low deep, center of gravity influences a higher launch angle with increased distance.

Tester Comments:  These cured my slice, I kept the ball in the fairway than ever … Solid feel and straightened out my fade (OK, my slice) … Did what lessons have failed to do.

Appearance  7.8
Forgiveness  8.0
Feel  8.0
Consistency  8.1
Distance  8.0
Value  8.2

Cleveland HiBore
www.clevelandgolf.com | 1-800-999-6263 | Graphite $949 Steel $799


Clubhead: Stainless Steel
Clubface: Stainless Steel
Design: Hybrid Style
Size: Oversized
Set Makeup: 3-PW
Shaft Options: Graphite Design HiBore Silver Graphite, True Temper HiBore Steel

Unique Features: Cleveland’s HiBore Irons aren’t like the preceding ones you’ve read about.  Borrowing the functionality and playability of a hybrid and mixing that with the accuracy and feel of an iron, the HiBore iron isn’t your traditional iron, but that’s a good thing.  With a center of gravity that’s six times as deep as traditional irons, the Hibore also makes use of an inverted crown and a hollow design.  What you get is an incredibly forgiving iron with distance to boot.

Tester Comments: Really forgiving and every shot got up in the air nicely … Hit the long clubs up in the air – awesome … Loved how easy they are to hit and stop the ball on the green.

Appearance  8.0
Forgiveness  8.2
Feel  8.0
Consistency  8.2
Distance  8.3
Value  8.0

Mizuno MX-19
www.mizunousa.com/golf | 1-800-966-1211 | Graphite $750  Steel $650


Clubhead: Stainless Steel
Clubface: Stainless Steel
Design: Cavity Back
Size: Oversized
Set Makeup: 4-GW
Shaft Options: Dynalite Gold Superlite, Exsar IS-2

Unique Features: The MX-19 is extremely solid.  Its wraparound power bar design and ultra wide sole give it power and forgiveness.  Golfers will appreciate the H.E.M.I. COG design that delivers maximum energy transfer from the club to the ball.  The power of the MX-19 is even  better when combined with the superb feel that the back cavity pad adds to each shot.

Tester Comments: Looked and played like a Mizuno … Very solid feel and easy to get the ball in the air … Hit more greens than I can remember in my test round, these are for me.

Appearance  8.3
Forgiveness  8.2
Feel  8.3
Consistency  8.0
Distance  8.0
Value  7.8

Nickent 3DX Hybrid Iron Set
www.nickentgolf.com | 888 NICKENT | Graphite $749


Clubhead: Stainless steel
Clubface: Stainless steel
Design –Cavity Back
Clubhead Size – Oversized
Set Makeup – #3, #4 Utility, #5-PW
Shaft Options: UST SR2 Graphite

Unique Features:  Designed for players looking for a higher ball flight and lower and deeper center of gravity. 35 grams of weight were saved by attaching a 5-gram carbon composite cap on the back of the clubhead and the 35 extra grams were placed into two steel plugs at the bottom and back of the hollow iron. This created a launch characteristic that was extremely high because of the club being a hollow iron with a CG as far back and low as possible.

Lofts in the long irons are stronger for more distance while lofts in the short irons are higher for more control. Combine these awesome irons with two 3DX DC Utility clubs and you now have the perfect set of clubs!

Tester Comments: They told me these were going to be long and they were right, these gave me back the distance I have been losing … Hybrids match the irons well … Easy to hit with great distance.

Appearance  8.0
Forgiveness  8.3
Feel  8.0
Consistency  8.2
Distance  8.5
Value  8.0

Nike Ignite Hybrid Iron set
www.nikegolf.com | 1-888-799-6453 | Graphite $599 Steel $499


Clubhead: Stainless Steel
Clubface: Stainless Steel
Design: Cavity Back (6-SW), Hybrid Style (4-5)
Size: Oversized
Set Makeup: #3H, 4-PW
Shaft Options: True Temper Ignite Steel, UST Ignite Graphite

Unique Features:  With an extra-wide sole to promote solid contact and enhanced perimeter weighting, the Nike Ignite Hybrid Irons offer wonderful playability to golfers that need a boost to their game.  The deep undercut cavity increases stability, meaning no lie is too difficult, no matter what your handicap is.

Tester Comments: Ball went straight on most every hit … Real easy to hit out of rough … These really improved my game, so I bought a set.

Appearance  8.1
Forgiveness  8.0
Feel  7.8
Consistency  8.0
Distance  8.2
Value  8.2

Ping Rapture
www.pinggolf.com | 1-800-474-6434 | Graphite $162.50 (p/iron) Steel $140

Clubhead: Stainless Steel
Clubface: Titanium
Design: Cavity Back
Size: Oversized
Set Makeup: 2-LW
Shaft Options: Ping TFC 909i, Ping CS-Lite

Unique Features: The Ping Rapture utilizes a titanium face and a tungsten toe weight to combine excellent distance with extra forgiveness.  The perimeter weighting of the Rapture helps ensure a squared face at impact, giving mid- to high-handicappers consistency and accuracy.  The wide sole allows shots to be played from almost any lie, and the solid sound let’s you know you’ve hit a good shot.

Tester Comments: Very easy to hit, the ball came off fast and high … Ball really came out of rough easily with these … Seem a little pricey, however really performed well.

Appearance    8.0
Forgiveness    8.2
Feel    7.9
Consistency    8.2
Distance    8.3
Value    7.8

TaylorMade r7 Draw
www.taylormadegolf.com | 1-800-888-2582 | Graphite $1197  Steel $900


Clubhead: Stainless Steel
Clubface: Stainless Steel
Design: Cavity Back
Size: Oversized
Set Makeup: 3-SW
Shaft Options: T Step Steel, RE*AX Graphite

Unique Features: Attention slicers—your iron is here.  The r7 Draw Iron makes use of Draw-Weighted Technology to eliminate slices and increase control for mid- to high-handicappers.  By concentrating weight in the back heel of the club and increasing offset, the r7 Draw Iron gives confidence to those of us that can’t seem to hit the ball straight.deep, center of gravity influences a higher launch angle with increased distance.

Tester Comments: A solid feeling club that really helped my slice … High ball flight and great distance, even longer clubs were easy to hit … Wow, I hit a draw on the golf course.

Appearance  8.2
Forgiveness  8.2
Feel  8.2
Consistency  8.0
Distance  8.0
Value  7.8

Tour Edge JMAX QL Combo
www.touredge.com | 1-800-515-3343 | Graphite $399.99 Steel $359.99

Clubhead: Stainless Steel (QL Irons), Hyper-Steel (QL Iron-Woods)
Clubface: Same
Design: Cavity Back & Hybrid Style
Size: Oversized
Set Makeup: 3-PW (Golfers can mix and match)
Shaft Options: Aldila NVS Graphite, Precision MTR Ultra Light Steel

Unique Features:  Have you ever felt confined by the rigidity of iron sets?  Some clubs just don’t work for you, but you’re stuck with them anyway.  The Tour Edge JMAX QL Combo set alleviates this problem.  Offering a fully customizable mix of QL Irons and QL Iron-Woods, the Combo set is the best of both worlds—the quick launch and high trajectory of an iron-wood, plus the wide sole and perfect feel of an iron. 

Tester Comments: Great value and a set that really improved my game … Hit the longer hybrid style irons hit and at the target more than I am used to … Easy to hit.

Appearance  8.0
Forgiveness  8.2
Feel  8.3
Consistency  8.2
Distance  8.0
Value  8.2

Vulcan XP Combo Set
www.vulcangolf.com |(800) 842-1836 | Graphite $499


Clubhead : Stainless steel
Clubface: Stainless steel
Design: Cavity Back
Clubhead Size: Mid-Sized
Set Makeup: #3 – PW, GW, & SW
Shaft Options: Proprietary Auto-Flex graphite by Aldila

Unique Features: Easy to hit hybrid iron woods in the long clubs and exceptional deep cavity undercut irons in the scoring clubs. The hybrids are a shallow face metal wood design with a light-weight carbon top for an extreme low center of gravity and a wider sole and higher moment of inertia to. The XP Irons 6-9, PW, GW, & SW have a deep undercut cavity and dual graphite insert designed to move the weight further back from the face to enhance the Moment of Inertia.   This enhances weight distribution, giving players more control, higher trajectories and longer distance.deep, center of gravity influences a higher launch angle with increased distance.

Tester Comments: Almost like cheating, I scored by best round yet with these … Nice weight to the clubs and Easy to hit … Terrific shots with a lot of height and soft at impact.

Appearance    8.0
Forgiveness    8.0
Feel    8.2
Consistency    8.0
Distance    8.0
Value    8.3

Warrior TCP II
www.WarriorCustomGolf.com | 800-600-5113


Clubhead: Stainless steel
Clubface: Stainless steel
Design: Cavity Back
Clubhead Size: Mid-Sized
Set Makeup: #3 – PW
Shaft Options: Custom Available

Unique Features: Warrior's new Deep Cavity - Wide Sole Technology. The sweet spot is expanded by moving some of the mass out from behind the center of the club to balanced spots around the perimeter. So while the sweet spot in most clubs is somewhere in the center of the club face, Warrior's new TCP Irons feel just as solid no matter where you hit the ball. Weight was also moved back and away from the face, producing a very low center of gravity allowing the ball to get up and out for longer, straighter shots with more control on impact. Combined this means greater distance and more accuracy no matter where you hit the ball, shot after shot.

Tester Comments: The ball flight was terrific with nice height, even on the long irons … Forgiving and easy to hit … Great price and lots of custom options.

Appearance  7.9
Forgiveness  8.0
Feel  8.0
Consistency  8.1
Distance  8.0
Value  8.0