Break into single figures this year! We look at the Best Mid-Handicap Irons 2024
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Figuring out what irons will best suit you as a mid-tier golfer can be a minefield. Do you pick a smaller iron to progress into? A bigger head to provide more help? We look at the best clubs for you
Perhaps the most hotly contested iron category is the mid-handicap iron market. Every golfer wants to find the best golf irons for their game, and for many, it will be a set of the best mid-handicap irons because of their forgiving nature and all-round performance.
Mid-handicap irons arguably appeal to the widest range of golfers, I’ve witnessed single-figure handicappers gaming a set of forgiving game-improvement irons and beginner golfers playing with the exact same set! The versatility of the mid-handicap iron category is exceptional.
If you feel as though you’d benefit from extra forgiveness, there are ultimate game-improver irons that are specifically designed to deliver forgiveness above all else. Similarly, on the other end of the spectrum, there are players’ irons for anyone looking for an increased feel in place of slightly less forgiveness. The least forgiving irons on the market are blades, these are reserved for the best ball strikers.
The majority of golfers want a set of irons that travel well (far) and hold the green. These key metrics are an important aspect for many golfers but feature in particular among the best mid-handicap irons of 2024. We even have models released in 2023 making it into or list, such as the softer feeling of the Srixon ZX4 Mkii irons or the incredibly underrated Wilson Staff Dynapower, so you can find equipment to fit you at a lower price point still.
With the mid-handicap irons marketplace becoming increasingly crowded with direct-to-consumer brands and established manufacturers producing more than one model, it can be difficult to determine exactly which set of irons will be best for your game. However, it’s nigh on impossible to go wrong with one of the best mid-handicap iron sets of 2024.
How we tested the best mid-handicap golf irons
We test 7-irons in a stock stiff flex steel shaft from any set, irrespective of what loft the iron may be. Shots are hit from a range mat into an indoor net, while our launch monitor keeps an eye on impact location and records how shots are launched into the air and where they go.
For each model tested we capture data for 12 shots our test pro is happy with. Only once all clubs within a test have been hit do we start looking at analyzing the data.
We collect data points from the ball and club for every shot hit using a Foresight GQ Quad launch monitor. We chose Foresight as their launch monitors are recognized as industry-leading and they replicate the technology employed by top brands when testing their own clubs and balls. They’re also owned by many of the best players in the world.
When analyzing our data carry distance is a huge factor as it’s important to many golfers on the golf course. For irons especially we also look very closely at backspin, peak height, and descent angle as these play a crucial role in being able to score on the golf course.
Why did we use Titleist Pro V1x golf balls?
It would be easy to use just one test golf ball brand every year, but that inevitably leads to criticism for being too closely aligned to one manufacturer, especially if that brand’s equipment performs particularly well. To ensure fairness we like to switch manufacturers for the Top Gear test ball each year. For 2024 we’ve used the Titleist Pro V1x.
The brand have been manufacturing iterations of the Pro V1x since 2003, and Titleist’s Director of Golf Ball Product Management, Frederick Waddell says “We go through a rigorous testing and validation process to ensure the performance improvements developed by our world-class R&D team are recognized by the golfer when they put it in play and experience the product.”
Titleist Pro V1x golf balls are used by a large proportion of the game’s best golfers because of it being such as successful ball over the years. Pros reach for Pro V1x’s to unleash high ball flights and steep descent angles, creating immense stopping power.
Why do we use a pro tester?
Speak to any golf club engineer about product testing and they all talk about needing a repeatable, reliable strike to offer any sort of valuable comparison. So, whilst we accept not all of the equipment included within our tests was designed for our test pro, what our data shows is a great comparison of how clubs in each particular category differ, which is hugely valuable in helping you narrow your choice as a consumer.
We tested 83 different 7-irons, during which our test pro missed a target green at 170 to 200 yards no more than a dozen times. He got a hole-in-one, lipped out, and hit the flag several times, he also loves hitting golf balls all day long. In short, Neil Wain is the perfect club tester due to his consistency in delivering accurate and reliable comparative data.
We would of course always recommend attending a proper fitting session, to ensure any purchase is tailored to your game.
The best Mid-handicap irons at a glance:
Best overall: TaylorMade Qi Irons | View Offer
Fastest: Callaway Paradym Ai-Smoke Irons | View Offer
Best all-round performing: Titleist T350 | View Offer
Sleekest: Srixon ZX4 Mk II Irons | View Offer
Best for loft options: Ping G430 Irons | View Offer
Best value: PXG 0211 XCOR2 Irons | View Offer
Best feeling: Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Irons | View Offer
Most forgiving: Takomo 101 Irons | View Offer
Best affordable: Wilson Dynapower Irons | View Offer
Best low-launching: Cobra Darkspeed Irons | View Offer
See more about how TG tests golf clubs and other equipment.
Best Mid-Handicap Golf Irons 2024
A cap-back game improver that promises to deliver straight distance
Best overall mid-hanicap irons
The Qi has a huge amount going for it. The model has a really attractive and desirable head shape and profile, yet it maintains good levels of hosel offset to help flight shots higher for additional carry distance.
I love the way that thanks to TaylorMade’s SelectFit adjustable hosel system golfers can also try this model at weaker or stronger lofts. The idea allows golfers to see before they buy the effect loft and lie adjustments have on performance and data which means this versatile model is well suited to a vast audience of abilities, speeds, and deliveries. It also means you might well not need to opt for the slightly larger Qi XL to play TaylorMade’s most lofted and easy-to-flight game improvement iron.
As nice as TaylorMade’s ‘Qi = Straight Distance’ tagline is please remember it only really comes into play in the mid and longer irons, as shorter irons don’t have a right-sided bias. If you don’t use long irons the concept could be a bit wasted on you. If you do then the Qi will help hit shots a little straighter and closer to your target as long irons are inherently tough to hit accurately, especially from the turf.
Our test pro’s hitting data shines a light on how the Qi is a super quick and powerful iron option in 2024. At 198 yards it was tied at the top of the pile as the longest mid-handicap iron we hit this year. The model also posted our 3rd fastest ball speed, especially impressive when you factor in it isn’t the very strongest lofted 7-iron within the category.
Those headline numbers are all well and good, but my eye is drawn to how the model launched and flew higher than our test averages. That performance led to shots hitting the green at a steeper angle which makes the Qi playable in a way traditional strong lofted irons never were a decade ago. Throw in a dispersion/shot area 2.2% tighter than our test average and it’s not too hard to spot why I feel the model warrants a position among our best-performing mid-handicap irons of 2024. Thanks to TaylorMade’s new two-year product cycle strategy the Qi also won’t feel old hat or out of date until deep into 2025.
TG Test Pro Data 7-iron (28°):
Ball Speed: 129.2 mph | Backspin: 5065 rpm | Carry: 198 yds | Shot Area: 267.6 yds2
Read our full TaylorMade Qi irons review.
Pros
- Available in stronger and weaker lofts for gapping purposes
- A bulletproof iron that will stand the test of time
- Extremely good-looking forgiving iron for mid-handicap golfers
Cons
- Offset could be off-putting for some golfers
| Stock shafts | KBS Max 85 (s) | Fujikura Ventus Blue TR (g) |
| 7-Iron loft | 28° |
Callaway's fast and forgiving mid-handicap irons
Fastest mid-handicap irons
The cast, hollow body, and strong loft, Ai-Smoke is aimed squarely at mid-handicap players and game improvers who won’t entertain spending more than $1K/£1K on a set of irons. And from what I’ve seen it’s a cracking option for golfers who possess a decent degree of club speed.
Thanks to producing the fastest ball speed (130.6mph) of the entire Mid-Handicap Iron category while being just a single yard back from posting the longest 7-iron carry I can safely say the Ai-Smoke is a very powerful beast in the right hands. The whole idea of the club’s hollow body and fast face is that shots launch higher with less spin, so the ball travels further. But what’s really encouraging to my eye is how the Smoke produced bang on average launch, spin, and descent angle numbers so shots aren’t just flying like low-spin bullets, that won’t stop on a green.
To my eye, the Ai-Smoke isn’t the most attractively shaped or desirably designed iron in the mid-handicap iron market. But our test pro is using the 4-iron as a powerful long iron option this season, which has to say the model can do a job for any golfer who boasts decent amounts of speed to launch the strong lofts from the turf. Those who don’t check out the more lofted Ai-Smoke HL and lighter Ai-Smoke Max Fast instead.
Undoubtedly there will be critics that hold up the Ai-Smoke’s 18-yard carry distance drop-off as the drawback of using uncontrollable modern, fast face, hollow body irons. But remember our data is created using a a test pro. Club golfers at lesser speeds are very likely to see smaller differences between on and off-center hits, and our second most accurate iron in the category (the Ping G430) also boasts similar thin, fast face tech. From what I’ve seen I have zero reservations in naming the Ai-Smoke among my best four Mid-Handicap irons of 2024.
TG Test Pro Data 7-iron (28°):
Ball Speed: 130.6 mph | Backspin: 5311 rpm | Carry: 197 yds | Shot Area: 552.6 yds2
Read our full Callaway Paradym Ai-Smoke iron review.
Pros
- A sleek new look for Callaway game improvement irons
- A lot of iron for less than $1K/£1K
- Slightly weaker lofts make it easier to gap these irons
Cons
- Make sure you have enough speed to launch this model successfully
| Stock shaft | True Temper Elevate (s) | Project X Cypher 2.0 (g) | Mitsubishi Tensei Blue White (g) |
| 7-Iron loft | 28° |
The most-forgiving iron set offered by Titleist
Best all-round performing mid-handicap irons
As golfers most of us want to play clubs we like the look of, especially when we’re often forking out over $1K/£1K for a decent set of irons. And if it’s looks you’re after there’s not many better looking or more attractive mid-handicap iron options on the market than the T350. I really like the straight top edge, how there isn’t a ton of hosel offset, and how even though the head's bigger than the Titleist T200 it’s still really attractive and easy on the eye when sat behind the ball.
Our test data shows the T350 almost to a tee follows our test averages, which to many might not scream top performer. But throw in a forged face, a ton of tungsten toe weighting to up MOI, and an array of top fitting options (which many in the category can’t compete with), and this model should at least be on mid-handicappers shortlist to try.
Personally, I’ve played the model since August 2023 and I really like the sound and feel along with how the slightly weaker lofts than some of the competition help flight shots for maximum playability and not just most speed or distance. To take full advantage of what Titleist have to offer ensure you get properly fitted as the brand prides themself on being custom fit leaders.
TG Test Pro Data 7-iron (29°):
Ball Speed: 125.5 mph | Backspin: 5159 rpm | Carry: 186 yds | Shot Area: 167.2 yds2
Read our full Titleist T350 irons review.
Pros
- Premium finish and quality you'd expect from Titleist
- Lovely sound and feel
- Workable lofts
Cons
- Not a standout performer but does everything well
| Stock shaft | True Temper AMT Red (s) | Mitsubishi Tensei Red AM2 (g) |
| 7-Iron loft | 29° |
An incredibly stylish set of irons that could easily be mistaken for players' irons
Sleekest mid-handicap irons
In the mid-handicap iron category, I love the ZX4 Mk II for its simple elegance and straight-line beauty, it has a look that lots of golfers will appreciate sat behind the ball at address. Each head is not overly offset and the topline thicknesses across the whole ZX family are closely linked, which should encourage you to create your own personal combo set of two or more models.
Throw in all that good cosmetic stuff, with the model being one of our test pro’s favorite models plus an above-average performance for ball speed and carry distance and you’ve got a very powerful and desirable iron choice, even though most of the hottest competition is a year younger.
TG Test Pro Data 7-iron (28.5°):
Ball Speed: 126.4 mph | Backspin: 5030 rpm | Carry: 189 yds | Shot Area: 594 yds2
Read our full Srixon ZX4 Mk II Irons review.
Pros
- Very smart looking club
- Feels incredible
- Best of 2023 in this category
Cons
- Not the most forgiving head
| Stock shaft | KBS Tour Lite (s), Diamana ZX (g) |
| 7-Iron loft | 28.5° |
Delivers great forgiveness while improving looks, sound, and feel.
Best mid-handicap irons for loft options
The G430 wasn’t our fastest or longest mid-handicap model but its numbers consistently hovered around the test averages for every metric except dispersion, where the model excelled. I’ve tested the G430 for a couple of years now and while some will say the blade lengths of the mid and longer irons are a little longer than some (which helps nudge up MOI and forgiveness) I’d happily recommend them and spend my own money on a set, safe in the knowledge Ping irons hold their value better than almost any other golf equipment.
Just remember if you find the lofts are a fraction strong for your average swing speed, all Ping irons come with the option of Retro (weaker) and Power (stronger) lofts, and if you’re really struggling to flight shots for maximum carry distance there’s also a lighter and more lively HL version too. If your game teeters at the edges of the mid-handicap Iron category it’s well worth noting there’s a new i530 Players Distance Iron and G730 Super Game Improvement on their way in April 2024.
TG Test Pro Data 7-iron (29°):
Ball Speed: 125.8 mph | Backspin: 5117 rpm | Carry: 187 yds | Shot Area: 110.6 yds2
Read our full Ping G430 irons review.
Pros
- Very forgiving
- Arguably the best-looking G series iron Ping have ever produced
- Good loft options with retro and power specs available
Cons
- Spin could be higher but this is achievable with weaker lofts
| Stock shafts | Ping AWT (s) | Ping Alta Quick (g) | Ping Alta CB Black (g) |
| 7-Iron loft | 29° |
Feels like a super-premium iron, but at a normal price point.
Best value mid-hnadicap irons
The XCOR2 isn’t forged, and they don’t have the brand's famous weight technology (so MOI’s typically 10% lower than PXG premium irons), but apart from that you’re buying into the brand's knowledge and know-how for a very affordable price.
PXG have always made great-looking irons, I’m yet to meet anyone who doesn’t like their shape, my gut feeling is also many club golfers will struggle to feel the difference between this and the brand's premium forged and fully adjustable models. Even though the model is two years old it was our second fastest and tied longest mid-handicap iron of 2024.
Just be aware, thanks to the strong loft you will need good levels of speed to launch the model with enough spin, shot height, and descent angle to get shots to stop quickly on the green, a lighter and higher launching shaft will also be beneficial. A fantastic, cost-effective choice in 2024.
TG Test Pro Data 7-iron (28°):
Ball Speed: 130.1 mph | Backspin: 5057 rpm | Carry: 198 yds | Shot Area: 193.6 yds2
Read our full PXG 0211 XCOR 2 irons review.
Pros
- Incredible value-for-money especially for PXG's standards
- Amazing feel and sound
- Impressive distance
Cons
- Not the best stopping powers
| Stock shafts | True Temper Elevate MP (s) | Elevate Tour (s) | Nippon Modus Pro 125 (s) | UST Recoil Dart (g) | Project X Cypher (g) | Mitsubishi MMT (g) |
| 7-Iron loft | 28° |
It's clear to see why they say "Nothing Feels Like A Mizuno" after hitting these
Best feeling mid-handicap irons
With a 7-iron loft at least 1.5 degrees weaker than the strongest mid-handicap iron we tested the JPX923 was always going to struggle to keep up on raw ball speed and carry distance alone. Although, it was just 8 yards back from our very longest (the TaylorMade Qi and PXG 0211 XCOR2) in 2024. What catches my eye though is an above-average performance for ball speed, launch angle, backspin, shot height, and descent angle – all traits that will improve playability on the golf course.
I promise, that so long as you reach decent levels of head speed, you won’t be disappointed with this timeless classic.
TG Test Pro Data 7-iron (28.5°):
Ball Speed: 127.6 mph | Backspin: 5748 rpm | Carry: 190 yds | Shot Area: 243.1 yds2
Read our full Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal irons review.
Pros
- Fantastic feel
- Quality finish and premium aesthetics
- Amazing shaft options at no extra cost
Cons
- Not the most forgiving irons
| Stock shafts | 50 options at no upcharge |
| 7-Iron loft | 28.5° |
A brilliant Direct To Consumer (DTC) option
Most forgiving mid-handicap irons
I’ve loved highlighting solid value-for-money equipment for years here at TG and Takomo’s simple, classy models are well worth a look in 2024, especially if you’re someone who doesn’t want to spend a fortune and will appreciate a decent-looking set of irons for $489 / £420.
With lofts 2-3 degrees weaker than many in the category this cast hollow body model is never going to compete on speed or distance alone (the model was 14 yards back from our very longest). However, when it came to how accurately our pro grouped shots with each iron, the Takomo with a 52.4 SQ YDS average (the test average was 273.5 SQ YDS), was a seriously impressive winner. You can now place orders directly at www.takomogolf.com in USD, GBP, and AUD.
TG Test Pro Data 7-iron (30°):
Ball Speed: 123.8 mph | Backspin: 4784 rpm | Carry: 184 yds | Shot Area: 52.4 yds2
Pros
- Super forgiving
- Incredibly affordable premium irons
- Solid stock shaft options
Cons
- Surprisingly low-spinning
| Stock shafts | KBS Tour (s) | KBS Max (s) |
| 7-Iron loft | 30° |
The most affordable mid-handicap irons perform exceptionally well
Best affordable mid-handicap irons
Thanks to the bigger head shape and more offset (which some like for reassurance and confidence, and others won’t) I reckon the model will be most at home in the hands of good-speed golfers who aren’t overly fussy about head shapes and profiles. If you’re 7-iron speed is creeping anywhere close to 75mph you’re highly likely to be better served by a more lofted HL alternative. If you’re after a bargain with the Dynapower you should be able to find the model for very sensible money.
TG Test Pro Data 7-iron (27°):
Ball Speed: 127.8 mph | Backspin: 4910 rpm | Carry: 195 yds | Shot Area: 196.8 yds2
Pros
- Good distance
- Works well for slower swing speeds as well as quick
- Excellent value
Cons
- Not the best for generating spin
| Stock shaft | KBS Max Ultralite (s) |
| 7-Iron loft | 27° |
An iron that shoots the ball out like a rocket!
Best low-launching mid-handicap irons
The Darkspeed and its forged sibling the Forged Tec highlight perfectly what strong lofts do for the game. Both the Darkspeed and Forged Tec produced ball speeds above our test average. Yet shots from both models launched and flew lower, spun less and hit the green at shallower angles than the majority of the Mid-Handicap iron models on test. All traits that if you don’t have speed in abundance will impact your scoring potential as shots just don’t naturally want to land and stop quickly (which ups consistency and predictability).
I’m absolutely not saying the Darkspeed isn’t a good iron. In fact I like the sleek, darker finish, the hollow body construction, and how the sound and feel has been tuned from previous models like the Rad Speed and King LTDx. Our data has it down as a solid Mid-Handicap iron option.
But it’s incredibly important you ensure if you’re considering a set of these attractive new irons that you have enough speed to launch them to a good peak height, as from my experience a good majority of club golfers don’t. Interestingly the Darkspeed has a fraction weaker 7-iron loft than the preceding Aerojet, which Cobra insisted was launchable for regular club golfers – you have been warned.
TG Test Pro Data 7-iron (27°):
Ball Speed: 126.7 mph | Backspin: 5298 rpm | Carry: 186 yds | Shot Area: 129.6 yds2
Read our full Cobra Darkspeed irons review.
Pros
- Forgiving and easy to hit
- Effortless distance
- Really soft and responsive
Cons
- Dark finish won't be for everyone
| Stock shafts | KBS Tour Lite (s) | KBS PGI (g) |
| 7-Iron loft | 27° |
Best Mid-Handicap Golf Irons 2024: Launch Monitor Data
| Iron | 7-Iron Loft | Ball Speed | Launch Angle | Backspin | Height | Descent Angle | Carry Distance | Carry Distance Drop Off | Shot Area |
| TaylorMade Qi | 28° | 129.2 MPH (3) | 15.6° | 5065 RPM | 33 YDS | 44.2° | 198 YDS (T1) | 12 YDS | 267.6 SQ YDS |
| PXG 0211 XCOR2 | 28° | 130.1 MPH (2) | 13.6° | 5057 RPM | 29 YDS | 41.8° | 198 YDS (T1) | 16 YDS | 193.6 SQ YDS |
| Callaway Paradym AI Smoke | 28° | 130.6 MPH (1) | 14.5° | 5311 RPM | 32 YDS | 43.4° | 197 YDS (3) | 18 YDS | 552.6 SQ YDS |
| Wilson Dynapower | 27° | 127.8 MPH | 15° | 4910 RPM | 31 YDS | 42.7° | 195 YDS | 8 YDS (T3) | 196.8 SQ YDS |
| Cobra Forged Tec X | 27° | 127.7 MPH | 13.9° | 4872 RPM | 29 YDS | 42.1° | 191 YDS | 9 YDS | 360 SQ YDS |
| PXG 0311 XP GEN6 | 27° | 126.2 MPH | 13.7° | 4726 RPM | 27 YDS | 40.8° | 190 YDS | 20 YDS | 470 SQ YDS |
| Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal | 28.5° | 127.6 MPH | 14.9° | 5748 RPM | 31 YDS | 44.2° | 190 YDS | 13 YDS | 243.1 SQ YDS |
| Srixon ZX4 | 28.5° | 126.4 MPH | 14.7° | 5030 RPM | 30 YDS | 43.1° | 189 YDS | 22 YDS | 594 SQ YDS |
| Ram FXT | 126.1 MPH | 15.4° | 5395 RPM | 31 YDS | 43.7° | 189 YDS | 13 YDS | 161.2 SQ YDS | |
| Cleveland XL ZipCore | 29° | 125.1 MPH | 14.6° | 4719 RPM | 29 YDS | 41.8° | 188 YDS | 15 YDS | 210 SQ YDS |
| Ping G430 | 29° | 125.8 MPH | 14.9° | 5117 RPM | 30 YDS | 43.3° | 187 YDS | 7 YDS (2) | 110.6 SQ YDS (2) |
| Inesis 500 | 125.1 MPH | 15.6° | 5456 RPM | 31 YDS | 43.5° | 187 YDS | 8 YDS (T3) | 181.6 SQ YDS | |
| Titleist T350 | 29° | 125.5 MPH | 14.3° | 5159 RPM | 29 YDS | 42.6° | 186 YDS | 11 YDS | 167.2 SQ YDS |
| Cobra Darkspeed | 27° | 126.7 MPH | 12.4° | 5298 RPM | 26 YDS | 40.7° | 186 YDS | 8 YDS (T3) | 129.6 SQ YDS |
| Takomo 101 | 30° | 123.8 MPH | 14° | 4784 RPM | 27 YDS | 40.8° | 184 YDS | 4 YDS (1) | 52.4 SQ YDS (1) |
| Yonex GS i-Tech | 125.2 MPH | 13.8° | 5373 RPM | 28 YDS | 42.2° | 184 YDS | 21 YDS | 611.1 SQ YDS | |
| Vega Mizar Plus | 30° | 125.4 MPH | 14.3° | 5858 RPM | 29 YDS | 43.8° | 182 YDS | 22 YDS | 420.2 SQ YDS |
| Sub 70 699 | 31° | 124.1 MPH | 13.3° | 5847 RPM | 27 YDS | 42.1° | 179 YDS | 11 YDS | 154 SQ YDS |
| MacGregor V-Max | 118.3 MPH | 17.5° | 6305 RPM | 31 YDS | 45.3° | 171 YDS | 8 YDS (T8) | 121.6 SQ YDS (3) | |
| AVERAGE | 126.1 MPH | 14.5° | 5265 RPM | 29.5 YDS | 42.7° | 187.9 YDS | 12.9 YDS | 273.5 SQ YDS |
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About the author
Simon Daddow – Today’s Golfer Equipment Editor
Having tested and played more than 10,000 clubs in his life, what Simon doesn’t know about golf clubs isn’t worth knowing.
He’s a specialist in all things metal having spent a large part of his career as a golf club maker and product development manager, and has worked in the golf industry for more than 30 years.
He joined EMAP Active (now Bauer Media) as Equipment Editor in 2006 and has made todays-golfer.com the most reliable source for golf club testing.
You can contact Simon via email and follow him on Twitter for loads more golf equipment insight.
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Best Mid-Handicap Irons
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Fujikura Enso Performance Studio
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Fujikura ensures every shaft is designed to purpose by using their proprietary enso system
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