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Irons are typically the most expensive part of your golf equipment, and this doesn’t change in the case of mid handicappers.
For most people, buying a set of golf irons as a mid handicapper can be a daunting and overwhelming experience, especially when buying for the first time.
I remember many years ago when I went looking to buy a good set of irons as a mid handicapper; I wasn’t exactly sure what I was doing. Do you prioritize distance, forgiveness, or launch?
In this article, we’ll give you a few guidelines as to what you should look for in a mid-handicap golf iron set, and also review and compare a few of the best irons on the market aimed at mid handicappers that were released for the most current golf season or any year prior.
Note: Golfstead has tested and/or conducted in-depth research into all of the products featured in this guide. Our editorial process for these rankings takes into account a mix of many factors which may include performance, reliability, usability, value for money, cost, and the general consensus from other users of the product. The list that follows may be reassessed or updated over time. We do not guarantee that other users will have the same or similar experience with the products as described on this page.
Our Top Picks For Irons For Mid Handicappers
Based on our own testing, research, and experience, here are our top selections:
- TaylorMade 2023 P790 Irons
- Callaway Apex DCB 21 Irons
- PING G430 Irons
- Titleist T300 Irons
- PXG 0311 P GEN6 Irons
- Srixon ZX5 Mk II Irons
- Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke HL Irons
- Cobra KING Forged Tec X Irons
Note: Prices for the items listed on this page are subject to change. To see the current price, please click on the relevant links below.
1. TaylorMade 2023 P790 Irons
TaylorMade is a top golf equipment brand that has developed high-performing irons for decades.
The P790 iron, in particular, has elements of a players iron such as a forged construction and a classic look, but yet it has superb distance and forgiveness that really widen its appeal. And the 2023 (4th generation) model is designed to produce the best performance and feel in any P790 iron yet.
This iron has outstanding average ratings of 4.9/5 (96% recommended) on the TaylorMade store across 780+ reviews.
The key technologies and features of the 2023 P790 iron are:
- Intelligent Sweet Spot: this is based on data of the most common impact points across thousands of iron shots. It’s the product of new internal shaping and a forged face for consistent performance at multiple impact points.
- SpeedFoam Air: this proprietary super-light urethane foam is injected inside the head just behind the face, improving ball speeds as well as feel. For 2023, it’s combined with a new sound stabilization bar to improve the forged feel even more.
- Thick-Thin Back Wall Construction: the head of the club is thinner in certain strategic locations. This enables additional weight distribution, allowing the CG to be lowered substantially, and it works with a 4140 steel L-face that is as little as 1.56mm thick to maximize face flexibility (and hence ball speeds) without sacrificing feel.
- FLTD CG: this design, which stands for ‘Flighted Center of Gravity’, consists of a progressive CG that is lowest in the long irons for higher launch and higher in the short irons for more precise control.
- Precision Tungsten Weighting: 30-40 gram tungsten pieces are placed strategically in the long and mid irons to increase launch, stability and forgiveness.
The stock shafts are the True Temper Dynamic Gold and Mitsubishi MMT. The stock grip is the Golf Pride ZGRIP 360. Custom options are available.
| Loft | 19°-50° (3-AW) |
| Lie | 60.5°-64° (3-AW) |
| Length | 35.5″-39″ (AW-3) |
| Offset | 1.6mm-3.5mm (AW-3) |
Pros
- forgiving while still rewarding good ballstriking
- good hit feedback
- soft, pure feel
- elite, premium looks
- tends to put out more distance than the previous P790 model
Cons
- many players don’t experience improved performance over the 2021 model
- pricey
Final Thoughts
The fourth generation of TaylorMade’s P790 irons are well suited for golfers in the 5-20 handicap range, which includes mid handicappers, although golfers of all skill levels can have success with them.
They have a bit of everything: distance, forgiveness, a premium solid feel, playability, controllability, and looks.
They’re quite pricey, but well worth it. That said, if you already own the 2021 model, the performance difference may not be enough to justify an upgrade. In any case, just be sure to get a shaft and grip that suit you.
2. Callaway Apex DCB 21 Irons
The Apex DCB 21 by Callaway is an ideal fit for the mid handicapper who wants a very healthy dose of forgiveness and distance, but also with feel and looks that resemble a players iron.
The Apex DCB 21 iron has a lot going for it. Its key technologies are:
- A.I. Flash Face Cup: designed by artificial intelligence, this consists of a complex face architecture that is unique for every iron in the set. It results in unprecedented ball speeds, distance control, and spin robustness.
- Tungsten Energy Core: up to 50 grams of tungsten are contained in the mid and long irons, allowing the center of gravity (CG) to be precisely positioned for high launch and added forgiveness.
- Premium Forged Feel: the body is made from 1025 mild carbon steel, while proprietary urethane microspheres help absorb mis-hit vibrations without sacrificing feel or sound.
As is standard with Callaway, the Apex DCB 21 irons have excellent stock shaft and grip options that the majority of golfers are sure to have success with.
| Loft | 20°-48° (4-AW) |
| Lie | 60.5°-64° (4-AW) |
| Length | 35.5″-38.75″ (AW-4) |
| Offset | 2.79mm-5.08mm (AW-4) |
Pros
- produces mid-high launch, low spin & high ball speed, allowing for big distance with stopping power into greens
- terrific forgiveness
- benefits from powerful performance-enhancing technologies
- has some of the best turf interaction out there
Cons
- lower spin can be problematic in certain situations
- has many of the drawbacks that come from more forgiving irons including reduced workability and shot feedback
Final Thoughts
In our view, the Apex DCB 21 irons belong firmly in the game-improvement category — they’re too forgiving to be considered a players iron, and the spin rate is too low to be considered a “max” game-improvement iron.
This is why, if you’re a mid handicapper that wants great forgiveness but nothing extreme one way or the other, this iron is an excellent choice.
Having said that, what earns the Apex DCB 21 iron a high rank on our list is that it has a wide appeal and practically no standout weaknesses. You can read our full review of it here.
3. PING G430 Irons
PING was founded in 1959 by Karsten Solheim, a former General Electric engineer. It has long been known as a manufacturer of some of the finest irons in golf.
We consider their G430 model to be one of the best choices for mid handicappers who seek high performance in every category: outstanding forgiveness across the face, tremendous distance, a high launch, stopping power, and a compact address look.
The key technologies of the G430 irons are:
- PurFlex Technology: a new badge design consists of seven “flex zones” that increase flexion and ball speeds across the face. It also works with the lower CG to improve sound and feel.
- Hyper 17-4 Face: a stainless steel face with variable thickness created through a proprietary heat-treating process. It’s 3% thinner than the previous generation, leading to even faster ball speeds and a higher flight.
- Tungsten Weights: a very high MOI is enabled by tungsten toe and shaft tip weights, improving performance in mis-hit regions.
- Optimized Shape: a shorter hosel lowers the CG, aligning it with the force line and leading to more solid impact low on the face. In addition, bounce is increased by 1° to improve turf interaction and minimize heavy strikes.
- Hydropearl 2.0 Chrome Finish: repels moisture, maximizing performance in wet conditions.
PING offers an array of steel and graphite stock shaft options including the PING Alta CB Black, True Temper Dynamic Gold, and Nippon N.S. PRO MODUS 3 105. The stock grips are the Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 and Tour Velvet Cord, which are compatible with Arccos Smart Sensors.
The G430 iron is also available in a High Loft (HL) variant, which consists of a lighter stock shaft, lighter stock grip, and lighter tip weights in the head. The G430 HL is designed to help slower swingers increase their ball speed and launch.
| Loft | 19°-58° (4-58W) |
| Lie | 60.5°-64.6° (4-58W) |
| Length | 35″-38.875″ (58W-4) |
| Offset | 0.08″-0.27″ (58W-4) |
Pros
- longer and more forgiving than the G425s
- consistent ball flight
- stopping power is impressive
- high launch despite the strong lofts
- stable feel with quiet sound at impact
Cons
- badge aesthetic is unappealing to many
- very strong lofts
Final Thoughts
In our experience, the G430 is both more forgiving and longer than the G425 with little to no reduction in stopping power.
While its looks may be controversial, it certainly doesn’t leave you wanting in the performance department. Distance, forgiveness, launch and feel are all there for the mid handicapper.
With PING clubs in particular, we do recommend a fitting if possible so that you know what configuration will work best for you. You also might be able to score a really good deal on eBay.
4. Titleist T300 Irons
You may think of Titleist as mainly catering to the professional crowd, but this isn’t really true; they also offer plenty of game-improvement options that live up to the Titleist standard of quality.
We feel that their 2021 T300 iron, which sits between the less-forgiving T200 and super-GI T400, is an excellent option for mid handicappers. It’s designed for launch, distance, forgiveness, and premium feel in a chrome head.
The three main features of the T300 are:
- Max Impact Technology: an enhanced polymer core is located directly behind the face. This ‘hidden power source’ improves the mass efficiency of the club, improves feel and feedback, and increases ball speed.
- Variable Face Thickness: in the long and mid irons, the face gets thinner as you move towards the heel. This is designed to improve performance in what has historically been one of the worst-performing mis-hit regions.
- Tungsten Weighting: in addition to using 40% more tungsten in the head, Titleist uses a denser D18 tungsten, which is put through a 2000°F brazing process used in aerospace construction. This leads to solid Tour-like feel while providing an optimal balance of forgiveness, speed and launch.
Titleist offers an array of steel and graphite stock shaft options including the True Temper AMT, Project X, and Mitsubishi TENSEI AV. The stock grip is the Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360.
| Loft | 20°-53° (4-W2) |
| Lie | 61.5°-64° (4-W2) |
| Length | 35.5″-38.5″ (W2-4) |
| Offset | 1.9mm-5.4mm (W2-4) |
Pros
- crazy long and very consistent
- great forgiveness
- solid launch
- feels like a players iron
Cons
- expensive
- on the chunky side in terms of appearance
Final Thoughts
The latest version of the T300 is a clear improvement over the previous model. One of its greatest strengths is having a feel that resembles a premium players iron while delivering the distance and forgiveness you would expect from a game-improvement iron.
It’s geared towards golfers that want a good deal of forgiveness but aren’t willing to go as far as the “max game-improvement” category.
5. PXG 0311 P GEN6 Irons
PXG is a relatively new golf equipment manufacturer that was founded in 2014 and has quickly gained a foothold in the industry. It is backed by a slew of PGA Tour professionals including Zach Johnson and Joel Dahmen.
Their 0311 P GEN6 model is all about blending workability and forgiveness. This iron was engineered to industry-leading standards and has an even thinner face than the previous generation, resulting in even higher COR and ball speeds.
Compared to the XP model in the 0311 GEN6 family, the P has considerably less offset, a narrower sole, and a cleaner aesthetic. The key technologies are:
- Variable Ultra-Thin Face: the face of the iron is just 0.05″ thick (15% thinner than the GEN5) and made from high-strength HT1770 maraging steel. Combined with the new XCOR2, this leads to maximum COR and high ball speeds in mis-hit areas.
- XCOR2: this is a proprietary polymer filling that is injected behind the face. It’s very soft, and its light weight reduces the mass of the core so that more weight can be placed low and around the perimeter for higher MOI.
- Power Channel: this U-shaped imprint on the inside of the face improves face flexion in the top region, increasing ball speed and improving launch.
- 5X Forged: forged five times from 8620 soft carbon steel, increasing strength, groove life, feel and looks.
- Milled Back Surface: improves iron aesthetics without compromising performance.
These irons are highly customizable. The stock shaft options are the True Temper Elevate MP 95 R (steel) and Project X Cypher 60i 5.5 (graphite).
| Loft | 20.5°-49° (4-GW) |
| Lie | 61°-64° (4-GW) |
| Length | 35.5″-38.875″ (GW-4) |
| Offset | 0.04″-0.22″ (GW-4) |
Pros
- faster ball speeds off the face compared to GEN5
- workable, but also long and forgiving
- feel is solid but sound is soft and quiet
- sharp, premium, luxurious look
- unique dark finish available
Cons
- very expensive
- spin is on the low side
Final Thoughts
PXG continues to build on their previous iron models, with the 0311 P GEN6 being even longer and more forgiving than the GEN5 model.
This does come at a bit of a cost: spin is rather low for a players iron. However, much of this is compensated for in the form of higher launch, so stopping power is still good.
If you can handle the high cost of these irons and can access a custom fitting, there’s absolutely no reason not to give them a try. You might just be blown away by the performance.
6. Srixon ZX5 Mk II Irons
Many people are familiar with Srixon as one of the top manufacturers of golf balls. It turns out that they make excellent golf clubs too.
Srixon’s ZX5 Mk II can be considered a ‘players distance’ iron, sitting between the max game-improvement ZX4 Mk II and players ZX7 Mk II. It’s designed for low to mid handicaps and is engineered for a slim address look with game-improvement performance and playability.
The ZX5 Mk II makes some small improvements and refinements over the previous model ZX5, but the core tech is the same. The iron won a gold medal on the 2023 Golf Digest Hot List.
The main technologies of the ZX5 Mk II are:
- Mainframe: this is a milled pattern on the back of the iron that maximizes COR for more ball speed and distance. The latest iteration of this technology also lowers the CG and improves consistency.
- Tour V.T. Sole: a V-shaped sole, with higher bounce on the leading edge and lower bounce on the trailing edge, is designed to glide through the turf so that hitting behind the ball is much less penalizing.
- Progressive Grooves: grooves become sharper, narrower and deeper in the short irons and wedges in order to generate maximum spin and stopping power.
- Multi-Piece Construction: combines a forged SUP10 face with a forged 1020 carbon steel body and tungsten in the long and mid irons. The result is increase MOI, stability, forgiveness, speed and distance, as well as less vibrations on impact.
- Sole Notches: located on the heel and toe, these are designed to improve workability without sacrificing forgiveness.
The ZX5 Mk II irons come stock with the KBS TOUR LITE and UST Mamiya Recoil DART 75/65 shafts. The stock grip is the Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360.
| Loft | 20°-50° (3-AW) |
| Lie | 60°-63.5° (3-AW) |
| Length | 35.5″-39″ (AW-3) |
| Offset | 1.9mm-4.2mm (AW-3) |
Pros
- great balance between players and GI performance
- higher launch than the ZX5
- outstanding turf interaction
- superb forgiveness
- quality stock shaft options
Cons
- not much longer than the more workable ZX7 Mk II
- too similar to the previous-generation ZX5
Final Thoughts
The Srixon ZX5 Mk II is simply a great iron that performs just as well as irons from name brands like Callaway, TaylorMade and Titleist. The gains over the ZX5 are very marginal, but we find that the launch of the Mk II tends to be slightly higher which is always welcome.
The mix of players and game-improvement characteristics makes it an attractive option for many mid handicappers. We just wish it was a little more affordable than the current four-figure price tag for a full set.
7. Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke HL Irons
The Paradym Ai Smoke HL is one of Callaway’s newest iron models. Built for distance and forgiveness, it’s geared towards players with moderate or average swing speeds who want to hit the ball higher to maximize carry.
This iron boasts a deep cavity back construction and AI advancements including a new Ai Smart Face. It has weaker lofts and is a little more forgiving than the standard Ai Smoke.
A gold medal winner on the 2024 Golf Digest Hot List, it enjoys a high customer rating of 4.7/5 (97% recommended) on the Callaway store.
Features and tech include:
- Ai Smart Face: developed using data from over 250,000 swings from real golfers. It’s designed to not only maximize ball speeds across the face, but also minimize performance loss in mis-hit regions for tight dispersions into greens.
- New Ai Process: the AI process employed with these irons has allowed Callaway to achieve short iron-like control in the mid and long irons while maintaining the ball speed and distance benefits that come with the irons being 1/2″ longer.
- Dynamic Sole: consists of a pre-worn leading edge with variable bounce to cut through the turf more efficiently. This sole is engineered to be highly forgiving through the impact zone, promoting clean, crisp contact for all different types of shots.
The stock shaft options are the True Temper Elevate MPH 85 in steel and Project X Cypher 2.0 IR/HYB (50, 60, 70) in graphite. The stock grip is the Lamkin Crossline.
| Loft | 21°-55° (4-SW) |
| Lie | 59.75°-64° (4-SW) |
| Length | 35.5″-39.75″ (SW-4) |
| Offset | 1.3mm-5.3mm (SW-4) |
Pros
- nice high ball flight
- excellent stopping power into greens
- outstanding forgiveness across the face
- accessible to slower swingers
- consistent feel
Cons
- limited workability
- higher launch and spin isn’t for everyone
Final Thoughts
The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke HL iron is essentially a higher-launching, higher-spinning, slightly more forgiving version of the standard Paradym Ai Smoke.
We know there are many mid handicappers out there looking for an iron that is considered game-improvement with lots of forgiveness and an easy launch. If that’s you, you should give this iron some serious consideration.
8. Cobra KING Forged Tec X Irons
Founded in 1973 by amateur golf champion Thomas Crow, Cobra has grown to be one of the biggest brands in golf equipment, maintaining endorsement deals with many top pros.
The KING Forged Tec X is basically a game-improvement iron that looks like a players’ iron. Cobra achieved this through a hollow-body construction and internal tungsten weight that deliver big distance and forgiveness across the face.
Key features to note:
- a thin forged PWRSHELL face designed to increase ball speeds
- a 65g internal tungsten bar that adds stability and lowers the CG for higher-flying shots
- a hollow body for improved speed and forgiveness
- a lightweight foam fill designed to create a softer, more forged-like feel
- sleek shaping with a non-chunky address look
The stock steel shaft is the KBS Tour Lite and the stock graphite shaft is the KBS TGI. The stock grip is the Lamkin Crossline STD 58R.
| Loft | 19°-48° (4-GW) |
| Lie | 62°-65° (4-GW) |
| Length | 35.75″-38.75″ (GW-4) |
| Offset | 1.5mm-4.2mm (GW-4) |
Pros
- buttery smooth feel at impact
- easy to swing with superb forgiveness
- consistent and long
- very appealing looks
- fairly affordable
Cons
- relatively flat trajectory
Final Thoughts
Cobra’s KING Forged Tec X irons offer a solid palette of game-improvement benefits with the slimness and hint of extra control you would expect from a players’ iron. This balance of traits makes it one of the best choices for mid handicappers.
One thing to note, however, are the strong lofts which contribute to a flatter trajectory and somewhat limited stopping power into greens. Slower swingers who want a higher ball flight might want to look elsewhere.
Buying Guide
As a mid handicapper, when you’re looking to invest in an iron set that will serve you for years to come, there are some key things that you need to take into consideration:
1. Your Goals
Your performance goals are a key factor that determine the kinds of irons you should consider.
In particular, how much forgiveness do you want in your iron? Do you want an iron with more of a players-like look and feel that will challenge your game, or do you want to play it safe with a chunkier profile?
In general, mid handicappers gravitate towards game-improvement irons, although they probably don’t need as much forgiveness as a typical high handicapper would. On the other hand, if you play a less forgiving iron, you may score worse initially, but over time, you’ll learn to adjust and improve your ball striking.
Recreational golfers may just want to enjoy themselves with a GI iron. But those who are more serious about improving their game may want to consider irons designed for low-handicappers or even scratch golfers. This is why, in this guide, we tried to include irons with varying forgiveness levels.
2. Iron Style
Irons normally come in two different styles: cavity back and muscle back.
The cavity back features a cavity (pit) on the back of the head that is ideal for amateur golfers since it offers a lot of forgiveness both in terms of accuracy and distance.
The muscle back, which is almost always forged, gives the golfer better feel and better control to shape shots. Hence, it is preferred by professionals who have the skill and experience to control their ball.
A mid handicapper might want irons that have game-improvement traits but also offer some of the playability and feel that more skilled golfers seek.
There is another type of iron construction called hollow body. As the name implies, this means that the inside of the iron head beneath the surface is fully or partially hollow, instead of a solid piece of metal. Hollow bodies generally increase speed and forgiveness while maintaining more of a players’ look, making them a good potential option for mid handicappers.
3. Clubhead Size
Irons come is a variety of shapes and sizes. Professionals tend to prefer a smaller head size because it allows for more touch, precision and control.
Medium-sized clubheads are great for people who aren’t total hacks but are looking to improve their game, such as mid handicappers.
Large club heads are very forgiving and come the closest to guaranteeing that you hit a solid shot, making them ideal for amateurs and newbies.
4. Shaft
The shaft of the club has a big influence on swingweight, feel, trajectory and spin. Choosing the right shaft is a highly individual matter.
When you’re looking for a good iron set for your needs, pay attention to the shaft. Shafts are made out of two types of materials: graphite and steel.
Graphite
Graphite shafts tend to be lighter and more flexible than steel shafts.
For new or inexperienced golfers, graphite might be a good choice because it will allow those with slower swing speeds to generate more club head speed through the ball.
Steel
If you’re strong enough or have a high enough swing speed, steel can be preferable because it is generally heavier and is less liable to deviate from the plane during the swing.
These days though, there is not a clear cut answer as to whether amateurs would benefit more from steel or graphite shafts. Professionals use both. You’ll have to figure out yourself whether you perform better with steel or graphite shafts.
Another important factor related to the shaft is flex. It’s important to know which flex suits you best because it can make a big difference in your performance. In general, faster swing speeds call for a stiffer flex.
5. Your Handicap
While a high handicap is typically 20 or greater, a mid handicap normally falls in the range of 11-20.
You might be a mid handicapper, but where you are on that handicap range can give you a hint as to what type of iron you’d play best with.
For example, if you’re on the low end of the mid-handicap range (around 11), you might opt for an iron with a less forgiveness and more control.
Conversely, if you’re on the high end of the range (around 18), you might choose an iron with more forgiveness and a thicker profile.
6. Budget
Not everyone can afford iron sets that cost $1500+, and fortunately, there are options that cost well below this amount.
When it comes to irons, it’s not at all uncommon to find that you perform better with a $800 set than with a set that costs $1900.
This is why, unless you have a big budget, you shouldn’t feel bad about going with a model that is considered “cheap”. There is a limit to this, though; if you’re looking for great performance, we wouldn’t go under $500 in terms of cost.
In this guide, we’ve included iron models that span a wide range of prices. But the great thing is that there are ways to reduce both the final cost and risk of the purchase.
For example, one of our top recommended online golf equipment stores, Global Golf, offers club trade-ins as well as a program called Utry that lets you try an iron before you buy it. There has never been this much allowance for finding your ideal clubs, and you should take advantage.
Conclusion
A set of reliable, quality irons can be a huge boon to a golfer’s toolkit. Finding a model that does the job you want it to do as a mid handicapper is certainly possible with some research.
There are many things to look out for. Some irons provide better forgiveness and more distance, while others sacrifice some of this in order to provide better control and feel. It’s up to you to figure out which mix works best for you.
While no iron will tick every box, many do well to satisfy the majority of them.
Each of the iron models reviewed above deliver exceptional performance. We’ve given you the information you need to make a decision; now it’s up to you to go the rest of the way.
I highly recommend reading consumer and professional reviews to acquire some useful insights as to how iron models actually perform. This will help you a lot in the decision-making process.
Thanks for reading this guide. Feel free to share, leave a comment below, or check out our guide for the best golf rangefinders to supplement your course play.
I’ve been using the TaylorMade M4 irons and they’ve been working out really well for me. What about the Rogue irons from Callaway? They’re fairly new and I’ve heard good things about them. The XR model you include here is quite old. Nonetheless, thanks for this — very helpful
Hi Kevin. The Rogue iron can also be another very good option for mid-handicappers, but it didn’t make the list here because I found that its overall rating was a little disappointing. Even so, you never know until you try, and you can find great prices for that model on eBay. As for the XRs, I’m aware that they’re a few years old, but I felt they deserved to make the list because of their performance. Many older irons are still top choices today for golfers. If you can find them, you can probably get an extremely good price for them. Otherwise, Callaway has newer XR models that are also very good. Thanks for the comment!
18 handy capper just purchased m 2 tailormade irons. I’m sixty two years old . never hit a long ball even in my younger days. Played with cobra s 2 irons, brought new at lease nine years ago. Purchased a used pair of pings, graphite shaft. Liked but even less distance then the steel. My be the shafts. Both regular, thought the graphite would give me some distance. I’ve lost some after sixty. Just drove with my buddy over an hour. To play a course we never have played. Guys and gals I don’t comment on web. sites. But believe me these clubs were GREAT. longer, down the middle and I could shape a cut shot. I can’t hit a draw any time. Used the 4 iron off the tee. Was longer then my 3 hybrid. had to club down one on every club. No bull. Didn’t say anything to my partner. Were playing a tour. this coming weekend. He said dam your hitting your irons nice today. Broke the news, showed him my new irons. He said you can it them in the tour. He’s a 6 handy capper.
Great to hear it. Are you talking about the 2016 or 2017 model of M2 irons? I’ve reviewed both and given both very good ratings. Mid-handicappers can indeed have success with them. To those interested, click here (eBay link) to take a look at the M2 irons.
I recently got fitted for p790 irons and won’t get them for a few weeks. What did you mean when you said “can have poor results if the shaft or grip are wrong”?
What I mean is that with the P790s, it’s especially important to get the optimal shaft/configuration in order to get the best performance out of the irons. It’s not required but it is recommended, so it’s good that you were able to get a fitting. Good luck with the clubs.
P790s is really good. I am satisfied with it.
Sub 70 has a 699 Pro iron similar to the P790’s with a lot of customization options. Thoughts on those? Seem to be a great value.
I haven’t tried them but they do look very interesting. What I’ve heard about them has been almost all positive except for some complaints about durability and longevity. The user ratings are top. It doesn’t look like they are offered in LH, which is disappointing since I’m a lefty myself. It also doesn’t look like any retailers carry them. All in all, definitely an option to consider.
They now have 699V2 Pro for Lefties. They are a players distance clubs that start at $660
just bought a fitted set of Callaway rogue st max.
very disappointed in performance of the irons. yes they are long but difficult to get them to get them in the air. I have used them in 24 rounds and score has gone from an average of 82 to an average score of 94. the clubs have depreciated by 60% in 3 months since I purchased them.
Hi Bob. This should have been picked up during your fitting session which would involve using a launch monitor to get measurements for launch angle and other parameters. Just choosing a shaft that you think might work well for you is often not enough. Without knowing more about what the purchase process was, I can’t say much more.
Hi I currently have Ping G and Mizuno 919 forged. Gone back and forth however I am pretty much set on the G’s. Just seem a little more forgiving. My question is this. I have a Ping G425 fitting iron that I have been comparing against my current G. Lofts are the same and shafts are stock graphite regular. I am finding the 425 about 7 yards longer. That is after 40 shots with each over two sessions. I plan to do some more time in the bay with them. Does the hydro pearl finish and years of subtle improvements make the move to the 425’s worth it?
Hi Dave. The G irons are from 2016 which is quite a long time ago, so generally, I would say that it’s worth upgrading to the G425. But you’ll have to decide if the performance gains you experience are worth it. You say they’re about 7 yards longer, but how does the launch, control, stopping power, feel, etc. compare? If you’re inclined to make the move, I would say go for it — and the G425s are pretty reasonably priced when you consider the crazy price tags of irons these days.
I got fitted for ping g425 last year and to be perfectly honest they are the worst irons I have ever hit, I went up from ping g which I could hit no problem to supposedly a better and more forgiving iron but my game has gone awful with them, I was off a 7 handicap with the G but am now 11 whith the g425, I will be reverting back to my ping g till I can find a club that suits me better
Dave, I’m not sure why you would have been fitted to the G425 if you perform poorly with it. This should have been apparent during the fitting process. I would reach out to your fitter to discuss.
Great discussion guys – especially when the mid-handicap scale is pretty fluid!
Have been playing in Italy with my “old” 2017 M2 and was very happy until I tried the new Cobra irons – seriouslylaunch and go miles – and yes I did drop from stiff to A flex and the shaft/performance is fun to play with.
Today got fitted (in Aus) for a set of Paradyms which sadly at twice the price (and a new model coming in August?) just disappointing!
This is not a real whinge just a view of importance of fitting and good advice in retailing – let’s not talk about rebates …
Hi Marco. Sorry to hear that you didn’t do well with the Paradym. Which Cobra irons are you talking about, just out of curiosity?
Hi Paul, what about the Cobra forged tech X ; would you consider it for mid handicappers ? I’ve tested them as well as the srixon ZX5 and they feel great to me. Distance is a bit crazy because of the cobra clubs loft …
I’m just not sure the cobra will be the best to help me to regularly play 9 or under !
Sure, I could see the Forged Tec X irons working for many mid handicappers. Those are designed for max distance and forgiveness in a slimmer-looking players’ package. They do have very strong lofts, though, which I’m not a fan of. At the end of the day, it’s up to the individual golfer.
Hi I am a mid handicapper 15/16 looking to improve my game with more forgiveness and accuracy, My swing speed is 85 Mph and currently using taylormade bb’s. I tired hitting two iron P430 and ParadymX but quite confused which one to go with. Can you guide or can you recommend any even the older Irons that you suggest
Hi Manish. I’m assuming you mean the Callaway Big Berthas? The PING G430 and Paradym X are what I would consider “super game-improvement” irons, but given your handicap, you might want to think about moving to something with a little bit more control and workability that you will grow into as you improve. Is that swing speed with driver or a 7-iron? Without knowing more details, it’s tough for me to make a recommendation. I suggest trying whatever you can and picking the model that gives you the best results, or going for a custom fitting if possible.