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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 2025 P790 Irons
- Callaway Apex Ai300 Irons
- Cobra 2025 KING TEC X Irons
- PXG 0311 P GEN8 Irons
- PING G440 Irons
- Titleist 2025 T350 Irons
- Srixon ZXi5 Irons
- Callaway Quantum Max 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 2025 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 2025 (5th 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 (98% recommended) on the TaylorMade store across 869+ reviews.
Key technologies and features of the 2025 P790 iron include:
- 4340M Forged Steel Face: a new 4340M steel alloy face material is 20% stronger than the 4140 steel of the previous generation, resulting in higher ball speeds across the face as well as increasing the size of the sweet spot by up to 24% compared to the 2023 P790.
- SpeedFoam Air: this proprietary super-light urethane foam is injected inside the forged hollow-body head just behind the face, improving ball speeds as well as feel. For 2025, various optimizations have produced the best feel and sound of any P790 iron to date.
- FLTD CG: this design, which stands for ‘Flighted Center of Gravity’, consists of a progressive CG, achieved using tungsten weighting, that is lowest in the long irons for higher launch and higher in the short irons for more precise control.
The stock steel shaft is the KBS TOUR LITE and the stock graphite shaft is the Mitsubishi MMT. The stock grip is the Golf Pride ZGRIP Plus2.
| Loft | 20°-49° (4-AW) |
| Lie | 61°-64° (4-AW) |
| Length | 35.5″-38.5″ (AW-4) |
| Swing Weight | D2/D0 (ST/GR) |
Pros
- faster face than the 2023 P790
- best feel of any P790 iron yet
- fresh, modern look
- consistent performance from shot to shot
- excellent turf interaction
Cons
- high price tag
- a bit more thickness to the top line might inspire more confidence at address
Final Thoughts
The TaylorMade P790 irons tend to be best suited for golfers in the 5-20 handicap range, which includes mid handicappers, although golfers of all skill levels can have success with them.
While gains in ball speed and carry are very marginal, the fifth generation of this iron has a significantly better feel than previous iterations and a fresh new look that makes it the best P790 iron to date.
These irons are quite pricey, but well worth it. That said, if you already own the 2023 or even the 2021 model, the 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 Ai300 Irons
The Apex Ai300 by Callaway is an ideal fit for the mid handicapper who wants a very healthy dose of forgiveness and distance in a confidence-inspiring package, but with the feel of a players’ iron.
The Ai300 is the only iron in the Apex line to have a forged cavity back construction, designed for high ball speeds and consistency across the face. It enjoys a 4.4/5 (94% recommended) average rating on the Callaway store.
Key features include:
- Ai Smart Face: the face is developed using artificial intelligence and uses data (swing speed, face orientation, club delivery) from real golfers. It’s designed to maximize ball speeds across the face, tighten dispersions, and produce more consistent spin.
- 455 Face Cup: made of a high-strength stainless steel, this face piece contributes to high ball speeds and power across the face and creates a tour-caliber feel and sound.
- MIM Back Weight: a metal-injection molded (MIM) back weight allows club fitters to find a swing weight that works best for you. It also allows for consistent visuals when building a mixed set with Callaway’s other Apex 24 models.
- Dynamic Sole: fosters easier and more consistent turf interaction.
- Urethane Microspheres: help produce a quieter impact sound.
The stock shaft options are the UST Mamiya Recoil DART HDC 70 in graphite and the True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid 90 in steel. The stock grip is the Golf Pride Z-Grip.
| Loft | 20°-47° (4-AW) |
| Lie | 60.375°-64° (4-AW) |
| Length | 35.5″-39.125″ (AW-4) |
| Offset | 1.8mm-5.1mm |
Pros
- a game-improvement level of distance and forgiveness
- draw bias will be welcome for many
- accurate and consistent
- soft forged feel at impact
- appealing aesthetics
Cons
- strong lofts with low spin
- poor workability
- top line is very thick for an Apex iron
Final Thoughts
With the exception of the signature “Apex” players’ feel, the Callaway Apex Ai300 irons belong firmly in the game-improvement category.
While the stronger lofts and lower spin won’t be to everyone’s tastes, the Ai300 is the complete package, delivering speed, distance, forgiveness, accuracy, and an easy launch. We recommend them most for mid handicappers in the 15-20 range.
3. Cobra 2025 KING 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 2025 KING 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 forged PWRSHELL face with H.O.T. Face technology designed to maximize ball speed and distance across the face
- a 70g internal tungsten weight positioned low in the toe that lowers CG for higher launch and enhanced stability
- a hollow-body construction engineered for improved speed and forgiveness
- a lightweight softer foam fill designed to deliver a responsive, forged-like feel
- players’ distance shaping with moderate offset and a sleek, confidence-inspiring address profile
- a five-step forged 1025 carbon steel body and face for a soft, responsive feel
The stock shaft is the KBS Tour Lite (steel) and the stock grips are the Lamkin Crossline 360 and Cobra Crossline.
| 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
- high launch with excellent stopping power
- great mis-hit feedback
- great forgiveness
- good carry
- sound and feel are solid
Cons
- spin isn’t the strongest
- somewhat flat trajectory
- some would like a softer feel
Final Thoughts
Cobra’s 2025 KING TEC X irons offer a solid palette of game-improvement benefits, with slimness and a hint of the extra control you would expect from a players’ iron. This balance of traits makes it one of the best choices for mid handicappers.
While the strong lofts and lower spin limit precise control into the greens, an easy launch and steep descent angles largely make up for it.
4. PXG 0311 P GEN8 Irons
PXG is a golf equipment manufacturer that was founded in 2014 and has quickly gained a foothold in the industry. Over its history, it has been backed by some high-profile PGA Tour professionals such as Zach Johnson and Joel Dahmen.
Their 0311 P GEN8 iron is marked by a blend of distance, forgiveness, feel and control, including a high launch and a soft, responsive feel at impact. More than that, though, the iron is unusual in the industry in that it has adjustable perimeter weights for modifying ball flight — a feature historically reserved for woods.
Compared to the XP model in the 0311 GEN8 family, the P has a mid-size head with moderate offset and a slimmer profile. Key technologies include:
- Dual Perimeter Weighting: two weights on the back of the iron, one in the heel and one in the toe, increase MOI and allow for shot shape changes without altering lie or loft. PXG fitters can adjust these weights from 2-12g in 1g increments. More weight in the toe will create a fade bias, while more weight in the heel will create a draw bias.
- QuantumCOR: this core material, PXG’s softest and fastest polymer yet, fills the clubhead cavity to dampen vibrations and increase energy transfer at impact. More QuantumCOR is present in the 0311 GEN8 than previous models, further enhancing performance.
- Ultra-Thin Steel Face: the face of the iron is just 0.05″ thick and made from high-strength HT1770 maraging steel. Combined with QuantumCOR, this leads to a COR at the USGA limit and high ball speeds in mis-hit areas.
- Deep Core Recoil Technology: additional space is carved out behind the thin face, enabling the clubhead to flex more at impact and create a “spring” effect. The end result is higher launch and faster ball speeds across the entire face.
- Tungsten Toe Weighting: an internal high-density tungsten weight increases MOI and stability through impact, resulting in more forgiveness.
You can choose from a range of shafts and grips, some of which have no upcharge. Possible shaft options include the True Temper Dynamic Gold, KBS TOUR and Accra iSeries Steel Green, and grip options include Golf Pride and the PXG ICON.
| Loft | 20.5°-49° (4-GW) |
| Lie | 61°-64° (4-GW) |
| Length | 35.5″-38.875″ (GW-4) |
| Offset | 0.03″-0.215″ (GW-4) |
Pros
- more adjustability than other irons due to the weighting system
- strong, consistent distance
- great look from the address perspective
- responsive face
- more forgiving than the P GEN7
Cons
- louder sound at impact
- feel is firmer than expected
- expensive
- somewhat unorthodox looks
Final Thoughts
PXG continues to iterate, with the GEN8 being the best-performing 0311 P iron yet. Its balanced nature makes it ideal for mid handicappers who want some of everything.
Having said this, the difference between GEN8 and GEN7 is fairly small, and the main value lies in the Dual Perimeter Weighting System which sets a new bar for iron adjustability.
5. PING G440 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 G440 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, exceptional feel, and a compact address look.
Compared to its predecessor, the G430, the G440 is engineered for even more ball speed and features longer shafts in the 4-6 irons for a higher launch and more consistent gapping.
Key features of the G440 irons include:
- PurFlex: the next generation of this “flex zone” badge design expands and contracts to a greater degree than the G430, resulting in more flexion, ball speeds and distance. It also now boasts a chrome finish for a more cohesive overall look.
- Hyper 17-4 Face: a stainless steel face with variable thickness created through a new heat-treating process. It’s 9% thinner than the previous generation, leading to even faster ball speeds and a higher flight.
- Longer Shafts: the shafts in the 4-6 irons are longer than the G430 by an eighth of an inch, which, when combined with the lower CG, helps to promote more ball speed and a higher launch.
PING offers an array of steel and graphite stock shaft options including the PING Alta CB Blue, 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.
The G440 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 G440 HL is designed to help slower swingers increase their ball speed and launch.
| Loft | 19°-56° (4-56W) |
| Lie | 60.5°-64.6° (4-56W) |
| Length | 35.25″-39.25″ (56W-4) |
| Offset | 0.08″-0.27″ (56W-4) |
Pros
- slight edge in distance and forgiveness over the G430
- excellent stopping power into greens
- consistent, repeatable flight
- easier launch with the longer irons
- feel is consistent across the face
Cons
- some prefer the look and feel of the G430
- strong lofts
Final Thoughts
In our experience, the PING G440 iron is marginally more forgiving and longer than its predecessor.
Distance, forgiveness, launch and feel are all there in spades for the mid handicapper, but if you already own the G430 irons, it may not be worth grabbing the new model due to the similarities in performance.
While the chrome finish of the PurFlex badge seems to be loved by many, there also seems to be a lot of players that prefer the aesthetic of the G430. To each their own.
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.
6. Titleist 2025 T350 Irons
You may think of Titleist as mainly catering to the professional crowd, but this isn’t really true; they also offer plenty of more forgiving options that live up to the Titleist standard of quality.
We feel that their T350 iron, which is the game-improvement iron in the currently available T-Series lineup, is an excellent option for many mid handicappers. It’s designed for launch, distance, forgiveness, and premium feel in a sleek hollow body.
Highlights of the 2025 T350 include:
- Forged L-Face: working with a multi-zone taper, this is designed to increase launch low on the face and produce high ball speeds across the face
- Max Impact Technology: improves consistency of dispersions and carry distance
- Split High-Density Tungsten: strategically placed tungsten weighting around the perimeter increases MOI, stability, and launch
- an aggressive groove design in the mid and short irons for enhanced spin control
- a high-strength steel body and face
The featured stock shafts are the True Temper AMT Red, Tour White, Tour Silver, and Black, as well as the Mitsubishi MMT AMC Red and Blue. The stock grip is the Titleist Universal 360.
| Loft | 20°-53° (4-W2) |
| Lie | 61.5°-64° (4-W2) |
| Length | 35.5″-38.5″ (W2-4) |
| Hand | RH/LH |
Pros
- high launch
- look is confidence-inspiring yet classic
- highly forgiving and consistent
- strong distance
Cons
- limited workability
- feel is on the firm side
Final Thoughts
The Titleist 2025 T350 iron does what it’s designed to do, namely deliver the best in distance, forgiveness and easy launch, and it does it extremely well.
For this reason, it can be a great fit for mid handicappers who seek extra help in their irons. If you’re a fan of Titleist equipment, you should give this classy iron some serious consideration.
7. Srixon ZXi5 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 ZXi5 can be considered a ‘players distance’ iron, sitting between the game-improvement ZXi4 and players ZXi7. It’s designed for low to mid handicaps and is engineered with a sleek address look along with distance and forgiveness.
Compared to its predecessor, the ZX5 Mk II, the ZXi5 is designed to improve on feel and get even more speed off of the face. The iron won a gold medal on the 2025 Golf Digest Hot List.
Key technologies of the ZXi5 include:
- i-FORGED: the ZXi5 irons are made via a Condensed Forging process using S20C steel for the face, which is 14% softer than the face of the ZX5 Mk II. The forging runs along the top of the iron to improve durability, strength, and feel.
- Tungsten Weighting: used to precisely position the center of gravity (CG) for optimal overall performance.
- Mainframe: this is a pattern of milled channels on the back of the iron that maximizes ball speeds across the face and improves MOI and forgiveness.
- 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.
The stock shafts for the ZXi5 are the True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid 115/100, KBS TGI Tour Graphite, and UST Mamiya Recoil DART 65. The stock grip is the Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360.
| Loft | 20°-50° (3-AW) |
| Lie | 60°-63.5° (3-AW) |
| Length | 35.75″-39.25″ (AW-3) |
| Offset | 1.9mm-4.2mm (AW-3) |
Pros
- softer feel than the ZX5 Mk II
- forgiving yet controllable
- some marginal speed gains over the previous model
- outstanding turf interaction
- quality stock shaft options
Cons
- some would like more forgiveness
- distance could be a bit better
Final Thoughts
The Srixon ZXi5 is simply a great iron, with performance that is comparable to irons from name brands like Callaway, TaylorMade and Titleist.
In terms of performance, the gains over the ZX5 Mk II are very marginal at best, but the real improvement lies in the feel which is noticeably softer and just better overall.
The iron may not be the longest out there nor the most forgiving, but it delivers a solid mix of everything. We just wish it was a little more affordable than the current four-figure price tag for a full set.
8. Callaway Quantum Max Irons
While the Quantum Max is a game-improvement iron, it’s actually the most balanced model in the Quantum family of irons, making it a great choice for mid handicappers.
It builds on Callaway’s Elyte iron to produce high levels of speed, forgiveness, distance and consistency in a modern, confidence-inspiring shape. Part of this is a new 360° Undercut Cavity and next-generation AI optimization.
A gold medal winner on the 2026 Golf Digest Hot List, the Quantum Max enjoys a high customer rating of 4.7/5 on the Callaway store. Its key features and tech are:
- 360° Undercut Cavity: a two-piece design with a fully exposed undercut and extreme perimeter weighting. With a low center of gravity (CG), the result is more deflection and ball speeds across the face, high launch, and more forgiveness and consistency in mis-hit areas.
- Progressive Tri-Sole Design: consists of a leading-edge chamfer that rests higher off the ground. This promotes smoother turf interaction with less dig, as well as higher face contact for more launch and ball speed.
- next-generation AI face optimization that enlarges the sweet spot and improves performance (speed, spin, launch, etc.) across the entire face
- urethane microspheres which absorb unwanted vibrations at impact for a softer, forged-like feel
The stock shaft options are the KBS MAX 90 (steel), Project X Denali Frost Silver (graphite), and Mitsubishi VANQUISH (graphite). The stock grip is the Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360.
| Loft | 19°-55° (4-SW) |
| Lie | 60.375°-64° (4-SW) |
| Length | 35.25″-39.125″ (SW-4) |
| Offset | 1.12mm-5.08mm (SW-4) |
Pros
- faster and more forgiving than its predecessor
- high launch with very good stopping power
- playable long irons
- impact feel is very responsive without being clicky
Cons
- rather limited workability
- beefy deep-cavity look might turn off some players
Final Thoughts
The Callaway Quantum Max iron delivers exceptional game-improvement performance.
It’s also highly playable and is good at not only reaching greens, but holding them. In this respect, the iron doesn’t face a lot of the challenges that other strong-lofted, distance-maximizing irons face.
For a lightweight variant of the Quantum Max that is even easier to launch, check out the Quantum Max Fast.
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 swing weight, 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 90-day satisfaction guarantee. 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.