Purchasing a new set of irons can be a costly minefield if you don’t know what you’re searching for. Nowhere is this truer than in the mid-handicap sector, where players can utilize every option in a brand’s range with some level of success. For golfers in the 8-to-18 handicap range, the search parameters can differ significantly.
The individuals who are steadily improving will look for a smaller set that offers a lot of feel and control, while the individuals who are maybe heading the other way or playing less regularly, will be more suited to designs that higher levels of forgiveness.
Whichever models make the grade, you will appreciate seeing and feeling the benefits of modern technology. These include any semblance of pocket-cavity designs that put forgiveness in smaller head shapes, tungsten weighting that helps reduce twisting on heel and toe mishits, and thinner faces and sole slots that mean you’ll find the power generally associated with larger-profile irons.
Below are some of our favorite irons.
1. Titleist 718 AP2 Irons
The 718 AP2 improves upon the technology and performance that have made AP2 a standout among the most famous modern tour irons. The co-forged, cavity back design provides ultimate play ability with consistent distance and forgiveness, packaged in a tour-validated profile that delivers pure forged feel.
2. PING G400 Irons
A more traditional look is accomplished with its bigger size, greater offset and polished chrome, which likewise improves the visual appeal. Players in the mid handicap range should find the help they require in getting the ball in the air on a consistent flight. Distance-wise it’s right up there, and with ample forgiveness.
3. TaylorMade M3 Irons
The Face Slots on the mid-and long-irons – whether to everyone’s liking – do help frame the ball. As you’d anticipate from TaylorMade, these irons are powerful and hot and fly consistently fast from various parts of the face with a satisfying sound. They are forgiving and offer an element of workability in a relatively compact profile.
4. Cobra King F8 Irons
Irons designed, in the main, for golfers looking for additional distance and for the individuals who struggle with consistent ball-striking. Extra distance comes with a 20% thinner forged face than the F7 model. It’s a progressive set with more of the irons (4-7) hollow to boost performance, moving to cavity back in the mid-irons.
5. Wilson Staff C300 Irons
The Wilson Staff C300 irons feature Power Holes around the whole club head to minimize contact between the body and face, providing maximum flex and expanding the sweet spot for higher ball speeds across the entire hitting surface. Those who are looking for added distance and forgiveness, with work ability, not such a key factor, should these a go.
6. Callaway Rouge Pro Irons
Featuring a compact head shape and slightly weaker lofts than the standard Rogue irons, the Rogue Pro irons are long, precise and more straightforward to control. Urethane Micro spheres dampen vibrations, which makes an improved sound and feel without affecting ball speed. They offer a more traditional look at address and should interest mid handicappers and even more skilled golfers.
7. Srixon Z 565 Irons
This attractive compact cavity-back iron features Srixon’s Tour V.T. sole design, which has been modified to move efficiently through the turf, reducing impact resistance and tightening shot dispersion. The clubhead material has undergone a heat-treatment process to enhance both feel and distance. The grooves have also been made 5% larger than Srixon’s past models, and the faces have been double laser-milled to improve the contact and spin consistency, especially from wet or bad lies.
8. TaylorMade P790 Irons
This is a quality set of irons that will give golfers looking to more distance a significant boost, while in the meantime the appearance suggests they are aimed at better players. It might be the biggest in the Players series; however, its Speed Pocket creates greater forgiveness and considering it all comes in a slimline package, that’s mighty appealing.
9. Mizuno JPX900 Forged Irons
Mizuno irons have never lacked visual interest, yet nowadays there’s a set for everybody in its range. This is the second generation of the brand’s manufactured irons to incorporate Boron-infused steel. Accordingly, these irons feel soft yet produce higher ball speeds. The confidence-inspiring midsize will interest skilled players, while an expanded pocket cavity includes stability and reduces distance loss on mishits.
