The 5 Best Golf Iron Sets

Golf sets consist of a variety of different golf clubs including woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and a putter. Irons make up the majority of clubs in a golf set, with that said it is easy to understand why it is very important to play with a set of irons that fits your swing.

The 5 Best Golf Iron Sets:

Below we will take a closer look at 5 of the best iron sets currently available on the market, and in the buyers, we will also delve deeper into the different types of irons. 

1. TaylorMade P790 Irons

TaylorMade P790 Irons
ShapeCavity Back (Forged)
DexterityRight & Left Handed
AdjustableNo
Set Make-Up3 Iron – PW

TaylorMade continues to impress with every new design that hits the market. TaylorMade is notorious for its driver designs but their iron designs are equally impressive. 

One of their latest offerings, the P790 irons, is one of the best cavity back iron sets currently available on the market. The P790 irons feature an ultra-light urethane foam injected clubhead. The addition of TaylorMade’s Speedfoam technology to the P790 irons promotes ultra-high ball speeds and exceptional feel at impact.  

The ultra-thin forged clubface of the P790 irons is engineered to improve both accuracy and feel. In addition to accuracy, the P790 irons also promote height thanks to the addition of Tungsten weighting to the bottom of the clubhead. 

The forged steel clubheads of these irons feature a sleek topline which makes them aesthetically very pleasing at address. If you are in the market for a high-quality high performing set of irons that offers workability, distance, accuracy, and feel then look no further than the P790 irons. 

2. Mizuno JPX 919 Tour Irons

Mizuno JPX 919 Tour Irons
ShapeCavity Back (Forged) 
DexterityRight Hand Only
AdjustableNo
Set Make-Up3 Iron – PW

Mizuno is one of the best iron manufacturers in golf. One of their latest offerings, the JPX 919 series, has yet again set the standard in iron designs. 

The JPX 919 Tour irons ticks all of the boxes, it offers tour performance, precision, exceptional feel and it is aesthetically very pleasing. These cavity back irons resemble the look of a blade but it offers the forgiveness of a cavity back iron. The JPX 919 Tour irons are forged out of high-quality mild carbon Japanese steel. Mizuno uses a unique high-density forging process that concentrates the grain in the steel, the result is a tightly forged clubhead that promotes unprecedented forgiveness and control. 

The sleek topline of these irons are 10% thinner than previous models, this shrinkage gives them a blade look. The JPX 919 Tour irons are very popular amongst professionals and low handicappers and it is easy to see why they gravitate towards these irons. Mizuno irons carry a hefty price tag, but the JPX 919 Tour irons are worth every penny.  

3. Callaway Rogue Irons

Callaway Rogue Irons
ShapeGame Improvement (Cast)
DexterityRight & Left Handed
AdjustableNo
Set Make-Up3 Iron – PW 

Callaway has and continues to be one of the leading manufacturers in golf. Their latest industry-leading ranges include the Epic, Rogue, and most recently the Mavrik range. 

The Mavrik range might be the new kid on the block but the Rogue irons are still one of the best, if not the best, game improvement irons on the market. These game-improvement irons promote distance, accuracy and they are very pleasing to the eye. 

The Rogue irons feature Callaway’s signature 360 face cup technology with variable face thickness. The combination of these two technological advances combines to deliver exceptionally fast ball speeds which in return promotes maximum distance. 

These irons offer more than just distance. The Rogue game improvement irons also offer exceptional accuracy. The center of gravity (CG) of these irons is positioned optimally thanks to Tungsten weights that are distributed strategically throughout the clubhead. In addition to accuracy, this placement of the CG also promotes a penetrating ball flight which further contributes to accuracy and control. 

Cast irons tend to lack feel, but that isn’t the case with the Rogue irons thanks to the elastic-urethane microsphere that is featured in the clubface. The Rogue irons tick all of the boxes if you are in the market for a high-quality set of game improvement irons that is jam-packed with technology then look no further. 

4. Titleist T400 Super Game Improvement Irons

Titleist T400 Super Game Improvement Irons
ShapeSuper Game Improvement (Cast)
DexterityRight & Left Handed
AdjustableNo
Set Make-Up5 Iron – GW

Titleist is a household name amongst golfers and golf fans. Titleist is known for their high-quality, sophisticated designs, with the T400 range of irons however they have added a new dimension to their iron offerings. 

When I think Titleist irons I think sleek players irons, but with the T400 irons they have taken that sleek look and compiled it into a super game improvement iron. The T400 irons feature an incredibly thin clubface that wraps around the sole of the clubhead, not only does this clubface design deliver exceptional ball speeds, it also ensures maximum distance on off-center strikes. 

The T400 long irons feature a low CG thanks to high-density tungsten that is strategically placed throughout the heel and toe of the clubhead. A low CG results in high launch and added distance which is what we are all after when hitting our long irons. The T400 might look like a super game improvement iron, but it moves through the turf like a player’s iron thanks to the innovative split sole design of these irons. 

The T400’s feature a hollow construction, this hollow construction delivers exceptional MOI which ensures great feel and maximum distance across the clubface. 

The T400 irons are game-changers, if you are looking for an extra bit of help with your iron play look no further than these sleek irons from industry leader, Titleist. 

5. Cobra KING F8 One Length Irons

Cobra KING F8 One Length Irons
ShapeGame Improvement (Cast) 
DexterityRight & Left Handed
AdjustableNo
Set Make-Up5 Iron – GW

Bryson DeChambeau revolutionized golf as we know it when he burst onto the PGA Tour using one length irons. All of Bryson’s irons are the length of his 7 iron. At first, many called him crazy but it is hard to argue given the success that he has had. In recent months he is the talk of the town again thanks to his quest for added distance by bulking up. His new theory is still a work in progress, but if his recent form is anything to go by he is on track to prove the naysayers wrong again. 

The notion of one length irons might seem foreign to many but in theory, it does make sense. Cobra, in partnership with Dechambeau, has enjoyed tremendous success with their one length irons and it all started when they released the King F8 one length irons. 

By playing with one length irons you don’t have to adjust your golf swing depending on the length of the club. Your swing and ball position can stay the same on every shot, the loft on the club will ensure that each iron travels a different distance. 

The F8 one length irons feature flighted shafts, this technology ensures height on longer iron shots and a more penetrating flight on short iron shots. The CNC milled grooves on these irons ensure optimal spin and thanks to Cobra’s patented E9 face technology distance is not an issue when playing with these irons. 

If you are looking to try something new then give Cobra’s one length irons a go, it might just be the change that revolutionizes your golf game. 

Newer model is available, to view click here.

Golf Iron Sets Explained 

Iron sets are available in a variety of different shapes and sizes. The majority of iron sets consist of long irons (3, 4, 5), mid irons (6 and 7), and short irons (8 and 9). Most iron sets will also include a PW and occasionally a SW but the majority of modern sets don’t include more than one wedge. 

To learn more about the different golf wedges read our The 4 Most Popular Types of Golf Wedges article. 

Hybrids have revolutionized the game of golf and many golfers, mid to high handicappers in particular have opted to replace some or all of their long irons with hybrids. 

Different Iron Types 

Blade/muscle back irons 

Muscle back/blade irons are also referred to as butter knives by amateur golfers given their small/sleek profiles. Blade irons are aesthetically pleasing but given their small profiles, it takes extreme consistency to play with these irons. 

Muscle back irons are common features in the bags of professional golfers thanks to their extreme workability. The small sweet spots of these irons are very forgiving, but any poorly struck iron shot will finish way off the mark. 

Cavity back irons 

Cavity back irons offer the best of both worlds when it comes to both forgiveness and performance. Cavity back irons feature clubhead shapes that resemble that of a blade but their slightly bigger profiles also offer exceptional forgiveness on both center and off-center strikes. 

Cavity back irons are becoming more and more popular amongst professional players. At the end of the day forgiveness and consistency trumps workability. Cavity back irons are very versatile and as a result majority of low handicap amateur players also opt to play with these irons. 

Game improvement irons 

If maximum distance and consistency are what you are after then you should consider purchasing a set of game improvement irons. Game improvement irons have bigger club heads with big sweet spots which are very appealing to mid to high handicappers that don’t play regularly. 

Game improvement irons might fall short in terms of looks but it is difficult to argue with the results that these irons deliver. Maximum distance, higher/stronger ball flights, and consistency on off-center strikes are enough to convince the majority of golfers. 

Super game improvement irons 

Super game improvement irons feature big bulky clubheads. These hybrid-like irons feature short irons with standard iron shaped clubheads and long irons with hybrid shaped profiles. 

Super game improvements irons might not be very appealing to the traditionalist, but golfers of all ages and skill levels can benefit greatly by playing with a set of these irons. For players that struggle with distance, height, and consistency super game improvement irons can be game-changers. 

To learn more about different iron types read our 4 Most Popular Types of Golf Irons article. 

Cast vs. forged irons

Iron clubheads are made in a variety of different ways, forged and cast clubheads are the two most widely used clubhead designs. Cast iron heads are manufactured by pouring hot metal into a mold or a cast which gives the iron heads its shape.

The making of a forged iron head is a bit more complicated, these iron heads are carved out of solid pieces of iron. Forging is a delicate time-consuming process and therefore forged irons are quite a lot more expensive than cast irons. 

Forged irons and cast iron heads differ in a variety of different ways. Forged iron heads are softer than cast irons, the lie and lofts on forged irons can also be adjusted with ease, the same can’t be said for cast iron heads. In general blade and cavity back irons are forged irons and game improvement and super game improvements irons are cast irons. To learn more about how these two different clubheads are made click here

Iron loft & lie angles explained 

The majority of golfers are familiar with the terms lie and loft, but most don’t know what these terms mean and how it applies to their golf games. Both lie and loft are very important factors to consider when buying a new set of irons. 

Lie and loft aren’t crucial for beginners, but players that have reasonably good turf interaction will be impacted. Loft determines how far the golf ball will fly through the air, less loft equals more distance. Always check the standard loft of each manufacturer, an industry-standard doesn’t exist and 2 degrees of loft either way can make a massive difference.

In addition to lofts differing from one manufacturer to the next, standard lofts also differ from one model to the next, in general, forged blade or cavity back irons feature weaker lofts than cast game improvement irons. 

Lie angle refers to the angle between the ground and the hosel of the clubhead at impact. Lie angles affect the direction of the golf ball. If the lie angles on your irons are off the toe or the heel will get caught up in the ground and the result will be errand shots all over the place. 

If possible get your loft and lie angles checked regularly to ensure that these numbers are correct, the majority of golf courses will have a lie and loft machine. Always remember that forged irons are easy to adjust, cast irons however aren’t designed to be adjusted, and changing the lie and loft angles of a cast-iron clubhead are risky. 

Graphite vs Steel Shafts

Graphite and steel shafts vary greatly, but both of these shaft types are great for a variety of different reasons. 

Steel iron shafts are very durable, affordable and iron shafts offer exceptional feedback on the quality of the strike. The downside of steel iron shafts is that it is limited in terms of shaft weight options and they offer limited shock absorption on off-center strikes. 

Graphite iron shafts are available in a variety of weight options that promote different trajectories. Graphite shafts are exceptional at absorbing vibrations on off-center strikes, this is particularly great when playing on a cold winter’s morning. Graphite shafts are packed with design features, but these do come at a price, graphite shafts are also not as durable as steel shafts due to the durability of graphite.

FAQs

What are the best golf iron sets?

Golf is a sport that requires a lot of practice to master. It can be difficult for many people to find the right set of golf clubs.

The best golf iron sets are those that will increase your performance and make you less likely to injure yourself during play. They should also be comfortable, lightweight, and have a low center of gravity.

Some of the best sets in 2023 include the Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 8 Iron Set, Callaway XR16 Irons Set, TaylorMade M1 Irons Set, and the Wilson Staff FG Tour 6 Iron Set.

What is the best brand of golf iron sets?

The best brands of golf iron sets are those that offer a wide variety of features and are well-known among consumers. The most popular brands are TaylorMade, Callaway, and Cleveland.

TaylorMade offers the widest range of golf equipment with a variety of models to choose from. They also have a wide range of accessories such as bags, gloves, and shoes to go with their products.

Callaway has been around for over 30 years and remains one of the most popular names in golfing equipment. Their products are known for their high performance and features like the SpeedFoam technology which provides more forgiveness on off-center shots.

Cleveland is another brand that has been around for over 100 years. They have many different models to choose from like the Cleveland CG

What are the most popular types of golf irons?

Golfers have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing golf irons. They can choose from traditional irons, hybrids, or even putters.

The most popular types of golf irons are the traditional irons and the hybrids. The hybrids offer a great balance between distance and forgiveness. They are also easier for beginners to use as they give them more flexibility in their game

Hybrids are also great for players who want to improve their short game skills. They offer more forgiveness and less resistance than traditional irons which makes them easier to hit low shots

What are the different types of golf irons?

Golf irons are designed to help golfers achieve a desired shot. They come in different shapes and sizes, and each has its own set of features that make it the best for certain types of golfers.

The following is a list of the different types of golf irons in order from most expensive to least expensive:

– Golf clubs

– Putters

– Irons

– Wedges

Will better golf irons improve my game?

So, you’re thinking about buying a new golf iron? But what’s the difference between a regular golf iron and a better one? How will they improve my game? There are two main differences between a regular golf iron and a better one. The first is the ability to adjust the lie angle of your shot. The second is the technology that goes into creating the club, which makes them easier to swing and better for your game.

How much does a golf iron set weight?

Golf irons are typically made using a steel or titanium alloy. The weight of the iron is measured in ounces, pounds, or kilograms.

Weight of a golf iron varies according to the type of material used and the club’s size:

The weight of a golf club is largely determined by two factors: length and head size. A longer club will have a heavier head and vice versa. A golf iron set will normally weigh between 25 and 30 pounds.

How much is a golf iron set?

Golf sets can be priced anywhere from $50 to $400 or more. Most are in the range of $89-$129.

How to hit more greens in regulation with your irons 

1. Alignment 

Alignment is a basic fundamental in golf. Good iron play requires exceptional accuracy which is unattainable in the absence of good alignment. To ensure good alignment always practice with an alignment stick or club on the ground that is aimed at the target. 

In addition to ensuring that your alignment is spot on, on the driving range, also ensure that your pre-shot routine focusses on good alignment. To learn more about how to focus on alignment in your pre-shot routine watch this video where Jason Day explains his pre-shot routine.

2. Posture 

Good posture allows your body to function optimally throughout the golf swing. Good posture promotes an effective shoulder turn and an explosive hip turn on the downswing which in return promotes a square clubface through impact. 

Adam Scott is one of the best irons players in golf, Scott also has perfect posture at address. If you are looking for an example as to what your posture should look like then look no further than this setup from Scott. 

3. Rhythm and Balance 

A common mistake that amateur golfers make is to try and hit the golf ball as hard as possible. There is nothing wrong with a positive swing, but it has to be a balanced swing to ensure consistency and accuracy. 

Rhythmic, balanced swings ensure that your body and clubhead are synchronized. Golf swings that are in sync ensure both maximum accuracy and distance which is vital when hitting iron shots. 

Conclusion 

Golf iron sets are available in a variety of clubhead shapes and sizes. There are no rules that determine which iron set you should play with, but as a general rule of thumb high handicappers will play with oversized irons whereas low handicappers and professionals will play with blades instead. 

With so many options to choose from, finding that perfect set can be tricky. With a good understanding of what you need and what will work best for your swing, a new set of irons could be a game-changer. 

This article was last updated on January 18, 2023 .

Bertine Strauss
Written by
Bertine Strauss
The Golf Blog