Golf irons are well and truly among the most important pieces of equipment for any golfer.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, we’re sure that you’ve learned their importance almost right off the bat.
Using the right iron can make or break your game and either improve or spoil your time spent out on the course – that’s why it’s crucial that you pick the ones that suit you best.
Golf irons come in several shapes and sizes, and picking the right one is going to be as much down to features and specifications as it is to your own individual playstyle.
When it comes to golf equipment, it’s often impossible to pick just one and say that it will be the best for everyone – every golfer has their own specific needs and preferences.
To help you narrow down the options, we have prepared this buying guide.
Below, we review some of the golf irons that we consider to be among the best on the Australian market. After that, we’ll discuss some basics about golf irons as well as what you should be on the lookout for.
#1 Titleist AP2 718
Titleist delivers truly premium quality with this model. You will be delighted by the playability granted by the multi-material forged carbon steel body, topped off by high-density tungsten weight design.
PROS
- Super consistent ball speed
- Fantastic shot control
- Increased MOI and tuned cavity improve the solid feel of these irons
CONS
- The sole is rather slim, which may not suit everyone
#2 Wilson Staff C300 Irons
When you choose to purchase these Wilson irons, you’re getting a whole set that is sure to improve your gameplay and make your round more enjoyable.
They are designed to provide maximum flex and expand the ball speeds across the green. The set includes 8 irons, which should be plenty for any player.
PROS
- Cover a great distance
- Rather high forgiveness
- Large and soft grip
CONS
- More suited to beginners than experts
#3 Cobra Golf IRONS
This ultra-new Cobra golf iron model is amongst the best on the market right now. These irons feature a combined 33g of tungsten in the toe and the heel. This increases their inertia and stability. They offer a solid mix of forgiveness and distance, making them suited even for those that are just starting out.
PROS
- Extra mass is added low and back which increases ball speed
- Maximized launch to improve distance
- CNC-milled face and grooves offer amazing precision
CONS
- High forgiveness is not the first pick for advanced players
#4 Mizuno JPX919 Hot Metal Iron Set
Mizuno delivers an amazing set of irons that not only look stylish, they also have the potential of changing your game for the better.
They have a surprisingly high strength to weight ratio, as they are made out of Chromoly, which allows for a high strength face. The construction is seamless and flawless – perfectly designed to please any golf player.
PROS
- Pearl brush finish makes them more durable
- The sound ribs are developed to hit specific vibrations
- Stability frame
CONS
- They are not the cheapest option on the market
#5 Callaway Big Bertha BB19 Iron
For those that aren’t on a tight budget and seek the highest possible quality, Callaway produced the BB19 series of irons.
Calling this iron a gem would not be an overstatement. It features an easy launch and incorporates Callaway’s innovative Suspended Energy Core.
PROS
- Easy launch and distance
- Consistency thanks to the 360 face cup
- Premium, beautiful design
CONS
- Not a budget option
Golf Iron Buyer’s Guide
As mentioned earlier, it’s next to impossible to pinpoint just one type of golf iron that will suit everyone. Below, we will discuss some of the types and features of irons, which will allow you to make an informed decision about your new clubs.
Iron Styles
Golf irons come in three main styles: muscle-back and cavity-back blades, and hybrid clubs.
- Muscle-back blades feature a full back on the rear. They are primarily used by professional players or those that have years of experience under the belt. They are considered to be more difficult to use because they allow for an increased shot-shaping ability.
- Cavity-back irons are made with a hollowed-out rear club head. They are favoured by novices because they offer perimeter weighting for increased forgiveness. This is especially true on off-centre hits.
- Hybrid clubs are probably the most popular. These types of clubs borrow aspects of design from both irons and woods and are ideal for beginners or casual players. Some people will find themselves replacing 3, 4 or 5 irons for a hybrid club.
Hybrid clubs have a fun nickname – “rescue clubs“. They’re designed with a larger profile, which makes it easier to swiftly elevate the ball. The end result is a straighter shot. They’re called rescue clubs because of how forgiving they are.
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Length, Loft, And Distance
Aside from picking the best type of golf iron for your playing style, you will need to consider the loft, length and distance. Irons are divided into long irons (2, 3 and 4 irons) mid-irons (5, 6, 7-irons) and short irons (8 and 9 irons as well as the pitching wedge).
Long irons hit the ball further with a short loft. Short irons, on the other hand, produce a higher loft which grants a steeper angle of the ball flight.
It’s generally recommended that your clubs are separated by 4 degrees of loft. You will want to have a variety of irons to achieve the best result in a range of circumstances.
