Best Golf Club Irons

An iron is a mid-range club used for shots ranging from 100-200 yards, depending on the skill of the golfer. Irons are usually used on every hole, typically the second shot on a par 4 or 5 hole, or the first shot if the hole is a par 3. Depending on the layout of the hole, a golfer may or may not use an iron off the tee. These clubs provide mid to high ball flight and usually fly higher than a driver or wood, but lower than a wedge. When incorporating irons with distance, it’s important to note that the lower numbered irons (3, 4, 5) are used for longer distances and have less loft on the club. The “loft” of a club determines how high the ball will fly off the club. Higher loft equals higher ball flight.

Iron sets typically come with 6 (and sometimes up to 8) individual clubs and sometimes include a pitching wedge (PW) or gap wedge (GW)—also sometimes called an approach wedge (AW). This is why, when shopping for sets, you’ll often see them marked as “3-PW,” for example, meaning that set includes irons 3-9 and a pitching wedge.

An iron golf club is made up of two parts: the shaft and the head. The shaft is typically comprised of either steel or graphite and choosing which shaft is right for you depends on your swing speed.

Steel

Steel shafts are popular among amateur and professional golfers due to their weight. The heavier the weight of a shaft the slower the swing and less power. A heavier shaft is great for players with a high swing speed to offer them more control. These shafts are not only more durable but also less expensive and offer less flex (less flex means less power but more accuracy). Steel shafts are more responsive and send more vibrations to the player’s hands. For more skilled players, feeling that vibration often will let them know what they have done right or wrong.

Graphite

Graphite shafts are more suited for beginners or those with slower swing speeds. These are much lighter and provide less control, and also tend to be more expensive. Because of their weight, these are also ideal for golfers with shoulder, back, or arm problems. Graphite shafts also have more flex, meaning they have more power, but less accuracy and feel.

Cavity back

Cavity back clubs are mostly used by amateur and novice golfers. Due to their versatility and simple-to-hit frame, the cavity back iron is a great investment for any golfer from beginner to intermediate. These golf club irons are usually thicker and heavier with more weight towards the bottom of the club—helping the golfer get more height on their shots. The thickness of the head gives any golfer the confidence they need to get a high-quality shot, even if there’s a mishit. This thickness also provides golfers with more forgiveness.

Muscle back (Blades)

Muscle back clubs, also known as blades, are used by more experienced or professional golfers. There are two big advantages of using this type of head: its workability and its ability to show mistakes. Blades are better for shaping shots as you have more control over fades and draws and allow you to determine what you need to improve through mishits. However, one of the most important aspects of golf is consistency, and muscle back irons lack of consistency gives it a disadvantage over cavity backs. 

Hybrids

Hybrids are made from both irons and woods, combining the mechanics of an iron with the forgiveness of a wood. These clubs have become extremely popular among beginner and average golfers—at times even replaced 3, 4, and 5 irons. Hybrids, also known as rescue clubs, are designed with a larger profile to make it easier to quickly elevate the ball and achieve a straighter shot with its forgiving club face.