Best Golf Irons 2025: 69 models tested to reveal which should be going in your bag this year

We tested the biggest, boldest, and most interesting new irons of 2025 to find out what would win the title of best iron this year

2025 finds us in the middle of golf’s new era, when it comes to iron construction. With ridiculous new materials, designs, and processes available to engineers, we’re seeing technology like nothing that has come before. Whether you’re a new starter or veteran, high handicap or scratch golfer, tech-savant or traditionalist, there is something for you in our all-purpose test of the best golf irons this year!

Jump to:

• Best Golf Irons 2025 at a glance
• Why choosing the right iron matters
• Best Game Improver Irons
• Best Players Distance Irons
• Best Players Cavity Irons
• Best Muscleback/Blade Irons
• Full Comparison Table
• Buying Guide
• FAQs

Best Golf Irons 2025: At a Glance

Best Game Improver Irons

Best Overall: TaylorMade Qi | VIEW OFFER

Second Best Overall: Cleveland Zipcore XL | VIEW OFFER

Third Best Overall: Cobra DS-Adapt | VIEW OFFER

Best for Max Distance: Cobra DS Adapt | VIEW OFFER

Best for Max Height: Cleveland Zipcore XL | VIEW OFFER

Best Players Distance Irons

Best Overall: TaylorMade P790 | VIEW OFFER

Second Best Overall: Ping i530 | VIEW OFFER

Third Best Overall: ProtoConcept C05 TP | VIEW OFFER

Best for Max Distance: Ping i530 | VIEW OFFER

Best for Max Control: TaylorMade P790 | VIEW OFFER

Best Players Cavity Irons

Best Overall: Bettinardi CB24 | VIEW OFFER

Second Best Overall: Cobra King Tour | VIEW OFFER

Third Best Overall: Titleist 620 CB | VIEW OFFER

Best for Dispersion: Titleist 620 CB | VIEW OFFER

Best for Max Distance: Takomo 201 | VIEW OFFER

Best for High Flight: Mizuno Pro 243 | VIEW OFFER

Best for Low Flight: PXG 0317 T | VIEW OFFER

Best Muscleback Irons

Best Overall: Ben Hogan Icon | VIEW OFFER

Second Best Overall: Srixon Z-Forged II | VIEW OFFER

Third Best Overall: Cobra King MB | VIEW OFFER

Best for Max Distance: ProtoConcept C01 TB | VIEW OFFER

Best for High Flight: Ben Hogan Icon | VIEW OFFER

Best for Low Flight: Wilson Staff Model MB | VIEW OFFER

Best Golf Irons 2025: Why choosing the right iron matters

If you want to understand why making sure your irons are right for you is one of the most important elements in playing good golf, the best way is by exploring the stats.

The strongest single indicator of your likely score is Greens in Regulation (GIR). The higher your percentage of greens hit in regulation (on in one on a par 3, two for a par 4, and three shots when you’re on a par 5), the better scores you’ll shoot. This may not be obvious over one round, but looking at GIR over 20 or 30 rounds, you’ll notice the trend.

You’ll see this reflected at every level of the game, whether it’s amateurs trying to lower their handicaps or Tour professionals trying to make their living. At the time of writing, at the beginning of the 2025 Masters tournament, Collin Morikawa leads the PGA Tour for Strokes Gained: Approach the Green, which factors in stats like GIR and Proximity-to-Hole against a baseline number.

It’s not a coincidence that Morikawa also sits at the top of the Birdie Average stats (his average is 5.2 per round versus the Tour Average of 3.9) as well as sitting 5^th for the year’s Scoring Average at 70.019.

Sepp Straka sits one place higher than Morikawa in Scoring Average at 4^th, with 69.996, while currently placing 2^nd in the GIR stats with 73.25%, further indicating the strong link between better iron play and better overall scores.

So how can you pick the right set of irons for you or, at least, begin to find the right set?

Working with a great fitter to assess your needs is always our best recommendation, but knowing where you sit amongst the hundreds of designs on the market is always good to know so you can rule out some heads you might have been considering – or have a look at irons you potentially wouldn’t have.

Best Golf Irons 2025: Game Improver (GI) Irons

The best GI irons are all about maximizing help for the average golfer. You should be considering going into these irons if you’re looking to get the best forgiveness in the market, as well as gaining more power.

Recognised by their larger, confidence-inspiring profiles and wider soles, the Game Improver iron is generally played by higher handicap and slower swing speed golfers, but that isn’t – and shouldn’t – always be the case.

Manufacturers are designing these irons around lowering CG (Centre of Gravity) to create clubs that launch into the air easier, help out more with low-face impacts, and achieve distance through more ball speed and lower spin.

You aren’t restricted to GI irons if you have a high handicap. Golfers with excessive spin could find a benefit in the stronger lofts. Cobra’s DS-Adapt is proof of this, and the wide sole can encourage better ground interaction for steeper golf swings.

You can even get forged irons, like Callaway’s Apex Ai200 and Ai300 models, that offer softer metal with the added promises of power and forgiveness.

The one consideration to be aware of with Game Improvers is some of the stronger lofts will prevent some slower speeds from achieving good levels of spin, height, and descent angle (effectively the stopping power and how steeply the ball is coming into the green). Thankfully, most brands do offer a High Lofted (HL) variation of these irons, like the TaylorMade Qi and Qi HL, or can be bent to weaker lofts like Ping’s G440 Retro Loft option.

1

TaylorMade Qi Irons

Best Game Improver Iron 2025

Price: £859.00

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Price: £859.00

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What we say:
The winner of the Game Improver category across all the stats we look at, the TaylorMade Qi iron, despite being in its second year, proves it hasn’t lost any of its great quality.

TaylorMade have offered an update to the Qi finish options, in case you want to blend them in with a new Qi35 carbonwood set up, by giving you the choice between the original chrome and black, or you can pick the new gunmetal look for a smoky metal finish.

A tight, squared-off head shape looks good in any bag as well as at address, and the Cap Back and Speed Pocket designs help to provide impressive ball speed and consistency across the face.
 
What our tester says:
TaylorMade have put together a good option here, considering it’s the only Game Improver iron they offer. It needs to work for higher handicaps as well as the mid-handicap guys who are on the border of the Players Distance models transition, and it should work for both. Really great iron.
 
Data:
Loft 28º | Clubhead Speed 94.6 MPH | Ball Speed 129.1 MPH | Carry 187 Yards | Spin 5,745 RPM | Launch 15.3º | Height 33.6 Yards | Descent Angle 47.4º | L-R Dispersion 4.7 Yards

Specs

Set Options	4-PW, AW
Stock Shaft	KBS Max MT / UST Mamiya Recoil DART
Stock Grip	Lamkin Crossline
Left Handed	Yes

2

Cleveland ZipCore XL Irons

Second Best Game Improver Iron & Best Game Improver Iron for Max Height 2025

Price: £719.00

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Price: £719.00

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What we say:
Compared to its sibling company’s irons, the Srixon ZXi family, Cleveland often gets the short end of the stick with golfers today. Once held as one of the most interesting and innovative brands in the game, it generally gets pushed in the direction of the highest handicap or slowest swing speed players for the general public’s opinion (with the exception of the excellent wedge family, like the current line RTZ).

The Zipcore XL is a fantastic move for Srixon/Cleveland in reminding the public they do still know how to make a solid iron set, one that has the recognisable DNA of the Hi-bore history in how easy it is to hit, combined with a pretty reasonable price point to boot.
 
What our tester says:
I’m not going to shy away from saying I wasn’t expecting to care for this iron, but I’m happy to have been surprised. Yes, the head is a little big, but it’s meant to help out with confidence, so that’s understandable, and there’s actually some good feedback on your strikes, letting you know what you need to work on while still being given some help on those hits.
 
Data:
Loft 29º | Clubhead Speed 92.6 MPH | Ball Speed 125.7 MPH | Carry 187.4 Yards | Spin 4,877 RPM | Launch 18.8º | Height 37.4 Yards | Descent Angle 48.3º | L-R Dispersion 8.6 Yards

Specs

Set Options	4-PW, GW, SW
Stock Shaft	KBS Tour Lite / UST Mamiya Helium Nanocore
Stock Grip	Lamkin Crossline 360
Left Handed	Yes

3

Cobra DS-Adapt Irons

Third Best Game Improver Iron & Best Game Improver Iron for Max Distance 2025

Price: £799.00

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Price: £799.00

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What we say:
Cobra’s DS-Adapt iron is hot. Like really hot. While it does have the lowest loft of any of our Game Improver irons, when you’re seven yards longer than the next nearest model, we have to look at your performance and technology in some further detail.

While there’s lower launch (third lowest in the category, to be precise), the DS-Adapt actually sits within 100 rpm of the average spin rate, and slightly higher than average peak height and descent angle means this iron is actually playable to match its distance.

We’ll still recommend it for golfers with some more speed or ones generating a little more spin through their own swing at least. It’s a serious contender in the GI irons list.
 
What our tester says:
The gunmetal-style finish looks pretty different from anything else I’ve seen on the market. I’m not sure if it suits me, but I definitely prefer it over a completely black head. I do know it feels ridiculously fast though. I could almost use this 7-iron off the tee at my speed.
 
Data:
Loft 27º | Clubhead Speed 94.2 MPH | Ball Speed 129.5 MPH | Carry 194.3 Yards | Spin 4,667 RPM | Launch 15.6º | Height 33.5Yards | Descent Angle 46.2º | L-R Dispersion 4.0 Yards

Specs

Set Options	4-PW, GW, SW
Stock Shaft	KBS Tour Lite / KBS PGI
Stock Grip	Lamkin Crossline
Left Handed	Yes

Best Golf Irons 2025: Players Distance Irons

The newest category in irons, and definitely the hottest section of the market at the moment. If you went back a decade, you’d struggle to find anything that really fit in here, and now there’s not a brand in golf that doesn’t offer at least one model.

The best Players Distance irons are built to offer a middle-ground between the smaller players cavity irons that offer a little bit of help but focus on controlled distances, and the Game Improver irons that push for maximum distance and forgiveness.

Typically, you’re going to see smaller profiles, ones that have been refined down to resemble the classic player-orientated irons, often in forged steel for a softer, more premium feel.

They’re made for a wider variety of golfers, packed with technology a la TaylorMade’s P790 irons that come with SpeedFoam Air and Tungsten internal weighting, while still retaining higher consistency than you might see from a Game Improver.

All of these properties come together to offer a versatile set of clubs that can, depending on your needs, emphasise either the ‘players,’ like the Srixon ZXi5 irons, or the ‘distance’ part of the category name, like with Wilson Staff DynaPower Forged.

There’s something for everyone in this category, whether you want old-school appeal with Mizuno’s Pro 245 or cutting-edge looks and feel with the PXG Gen7 0311P, and if we were only allowed to keep one category of irons in golf, there’s no question it would be this one.

4

TaylorMade P790 Irons

Best Players Distance Iron & Best Players Distance Iron for Max Control 2025

Price: £1,069.00

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Price: £1,069.00

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What we say:
Another TaylorMade iron and another category winner! This time, we’re looking at the leading model in the Players Distance category instead of the Game Improver top performer in the Qi irons.
It just goes to show that TaylorMade know their stuff when it comes to improving the games of everyday golfers – they’re at the forefront of technology in this regard.

The latest generation of the P790 have been refined in their technology but also in their sole design, with a wider camber across the whole base helping to improve the club-ground interaction from multiple different lies that will be encountered.
 
What our tester says:
You can immediately see TaylorMade’s point about this iron being one you can fit to a massive range of golfers. It looks good, oozes class despite the power under the hood, and it feels even better than ever when you make contact. I didn’t think they’d improve on the previous version, but they’ve surprised me.
 
Data:
Loft 30º | Clubhead Speed 92.3 MPH | Ball Speed 124.9 MPH | Carry 179.5 Yards | Spin 5,856 RPM | Launch 16.8º | Height 33.9 Yards | Descent Angle 47.9º | L-R Dispersion 2.7 Yards

Specs

Set Options	4-PW, AW
Stock Shaft	Nippon NS Pro Modus Tour 105
Stock Grip	Golf Pride Z-Grip Plus2
Left Handed	Yes

5

Ping i530 Irons

Second Best Players Distance Iron & Best Players Distance Iron for Max Distance 2025

Price: £1,140.00

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Price: £1,140.00

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What we say:
The i530 iron has come in as both our second best Players Distance iron overall and the longest model in the category. It’s a great highlight for how seriously Ping are taking this category now, showing they know how to make a versatile iron set as well as one that appeals to a particular subset of player, a la the G730 or Blueprint models.

There’s good reason to revisit the Retro and Power Spec Loft options as well, if you need to adjust these irons for trajectory, as well as the toe-sided screw that allows for precise internal weighting.
This iron feels powerful, but it doesn’t come at a cost of control either.
 
What our tester says:
It comes off the face so fast – I’m really impressed with Ping! You could definitely just play these as a complete set and not really have any issues with gapping. They look really clean. The simple finish works for the brand image, but you're sold on these from the first hit.
 
Data:
Loft 29º | Clubhead Speed 90.3 MPH | Ball Speed 123.5 MPH | Carry 184.8 Yards | Spin 4,686 RPM | Launch 17.5º | Height 33.3 Yards | Descent Angle 46.1º | L-R Dispersion 5.7 Yards

Specs

Set Options	4-PW, UW
Stock Shaft	True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid 100/115
Stock Grip	Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360
Left Handed	Yes

6

ProtoConcept C05 TP Irons

Third Best Players Distance Iron 2025

Price: £1,520.00

ProtoConcept Golf

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Price: £1,520.00

ProtoConcept Golf

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What we say:
The C05TP is ProtoC’s step into the Players distance category, offering a more unique design than just a lower Center of Gravity position for forgiveness and distance. There’s not much offset here, and a more cambered sole (similar to the latest edition of TaylorMade’s P790).

These factors make the C05 much more playable for a variety of golfers, from the more advanced golfer looking for some extra distance without it costing them looks, to the higher handicap who wants more versatility than a Game Improver can offer.

Ultimately, it’s a very consistent iron in its metrics, even if they aren’t always the very, very top of the class within the Players distance category.
 
What our tester says:
This is such a different iron compared to the other options in the category. It looks similar to the others, but I think this could be a really great option for the person who wants a full set offering help without looking like a distance iron.
 
Data:
Loft 32º | Clubhead Speed 93.3 MPH | Ball Speed 122 MPH | Carry 175.9 Yards | Spin 5,559 RPM | Launch 17.6º | Height 33.3 Yards | Descent Angle 47.6º | L-R Dispersion 4.8 Yards

Specs

Set Options	4-PW, GW
Stock Shaft	Nippon NS Pro 950 GH / True Temper Dynamic Gold
Stock Grip	Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Left Handed	No

Best Golf Irons 2025: Players Cavity (PC) Irons

The Players Cavity category covers the ground many ‘better’ golfers will be looking at, although we’d encourage different players to consider these irons if you’re someone who values control above anything else.

These clubs are built with minimal technology for the most part, using construction methods to redirect weight and mass to create the performance goals they want. You’ll often find the PC models to be a one-piece head, like with Wilson Staff’s Model CB, meaning a single piece of metal has been cut and pressed into shape instead of being welded together.

Multi-material design does still exist, with Mizuno’s Pro 243 blending steels as it transitions into long irons or Callaway’s Apex CB with changeable weight plates in the back of the head, but it’s not an absolute.

Playing these irons means you’re choosing to forego max distance for precise range, max forgiveness for trajectory control, and generally accepting there will be more of a highlight on your ball striking accuracy in exchange for a more exact performance.

Be aware… These heads can hinder a golf game that hasn’t quite reached an advanced level, so make sure you go through a fitting process to understand whether these will suit your golf game or not.

7

Bettinardi CB24 Irons

Best Players Cavity Iron 2025

Price: £1,749.00

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Price: £1,749.00

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What we say:
If you know the name Bettinardi, you might be surprised to see it listed here amongst irons. The company has spent years being known for making some of the most exclusive and stunning putters in the world, crafted within their own factory in the US.

Bettinardi have toyed and created some sublime wedges in recent years, in addition to their putter lines, but the irons have seemingly slotted right into their family without any difficulty – the missing piece of the puzzle, perhaps?

All we know is the Bettinardi CB24 has taken the Players Cavity category by storm, with great ball speeds and higher spin helping to produce serious stopping power on the greens. Coupled with a L-R dispersion that is half the category average, we’re more than happy to say the CB24 is a worthy contender against any company’s offerings.
 
What our tester says:
You wonder if companies like this are just cashing in on their name sometimes, but the CB24 lives up to the Bettinardi brand! It’s got some great looks, smooth and clean, and there’s a bit of liveliness to the way the ball feels off the face. I like it a lot.
 
Data:
Loft 33º | Clubhead Speed 90.8 MPH | Ball Speed 120.9 MPH | Carry 170.7 Yards | Spin 6,349 RPM | Launch 17.6º | Height 33.1 Yards | Descent Angle 48.2º | L-R Dispersion 4.7 Yards

Specs

Set Options	4-PW
Stock Shaft	True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid 100
Stock Grip	Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Left Handed	Yes

8

Cobra King Tour Irons

Second Best Players Cavity Iron 2025

Price: £949.00

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Price: £949.00

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What we say:
Another extremely impressive iron from Cobra – the company are certainly on a roll in 2025! The King Tour narrowly missed out on the very top spot in the Players Cavity category, offering strong distance while also maintaining good height and descent angles for control into the greens.

With several tour pros having gamed a set throughout the last 18 months, including non-staffer Justin Rose, there’s a real sense that Cobra are not just ready but chomping at the bit for a chance to take on some of the bigger, established names in every iron category.

The shaping of the Cobra King Tour lends itself to the category it’s in, with minimal offset, straight edges where you want them but curves where they’re needed, with a more rounded sole camber that negotiates well with any turf condition.
 
What our tester says:
Just like the Forged Tec, there's really clean styling to the Tour iron. It catches my eye nicely, with some great straight lines on the leading edge and topline, but nothing that intimidates me.
 
Data:
Loft 32º | Clubhead Speed 92 MPH | Ball Speed 122.1 MPH | Carry 175.1 Yards | Spin 5,759 RPM | Launch 17.8º | Height 33.8 Yards | Descent Angle 47.9º | L-R Dispersion 7.8 Yards

Specs

Set Options	3-PW, GW
Stock Shaft	KBS $-Taper
Stock Grip	Lamkin Crossline
Left Handed	Yes

9

Titleist 620 CB Irons

Third Best Players Cavity Iron & Best Players Cavity Iron for Dispersion 2025

Price: £939.00

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Price: £939.00

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What we say:
Titleist’s 620 CB doesn’t get quite the same promotion as the T100, but this iron has managed to carve itself a little niche with some really impressive players – both Wyndham Clark and Brian Harman used the 620 CB to win major championships in 2023!

The 620 CB has minimal technology; this is a very traditional Cavity iron because there’s an emphasis on this being for golfers who are only looking for a fraction of change over the 620 MB.

There’s a subtle difference in the sole between the two, with more camber in the 620 CB for a change of turf interaction. Hitting both will be the best way to determine which one suits you best.
 
What our tester says:
The back of the 620 CB looks, surprisingly, quite tech-y for what it is. While that’s not completely to my liking, the feel and the feedback absolutely is! The 620 CB doesn’t seem to ‘stick’ in the ground quite as much as the MB, and that definitely suits what I want at impact.
 
Data:
Loft 35º | Clubhead Speed 90.2 MPH | Ball Speed 117.3 MPH | Carry 167 Yards | Spin 6,020 RPM | Launch 18.8º | Height 32.6 Yards | Descent Angle 47.3º | L-R Dispersion 3.2 Yards

Specs

Set Options	3-PW
Stock Shaft	True Temper Project X LZ
Stock Grip	Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360
Left Handed	Yes

10

Takomo 201 Irons

Best Players Cavity Iron for Max Distance 2025

Price: £599.00

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Price: £599.00

Takomo Golf

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What we say:
The 201 from Takomo bears a resemblance to a different manufacturer’s iron series, in the Ping i230, but that doesn’t mean it can’t stand up on its own, as indeed it has done during our testing. It’s been a favourite of all of the testing team for both an impressive performance while also offering fantastic value for money!

Additional mass low and rear in the head means you’re getting help with ball speed overall as well as low-face forgiveness, but what’s surprising is it isn’t also producing lower spin (at least not in our testing). That spin is crucial for the additional control the golfer looking at Players Cavity irons demands.

What our tester says:
I’m genuinely surprised at the feel for how good the price is! I thought you’d need to have some kind of compromise somewhere down the line, but the 201s hold up at every level. Great feel and great performance.
 
Data:
Loft 32º | Clubhead Speed 90.7 MPH | Ball Speed 122.1 MPH | Carry 174.4 Yards | Spin 5,922 RPM | Launch 16.1º | Height 30.9 Yards | Descent Angle 46.5º | L-R Dispersion 1.7 Yards

Specs

Set Options	4-PW
Stock Shaft	KBS Tour Lite / KBS Tour
Stock Grip	Lamkin Crossline
Left Handed	Yes

11

Mizuno Pro 243 Irons

Best Players Cavity Iron for High Flight 2025

Price: £1,349.00

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Price: £1,349.00

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What we say:
The Mizuno Pro 243 is meant to fill the gap for the golfer who wants to play a classic muscleback, whether through desire or familiarity, but knows they need a little more assistance.

There’s a multi-material construction featured in the 243’s 4-7 irons, built to help lower CG to protect ball speed on low-face strikes as well as make the ball launch higher. The 8-GW are made from mild carbon steel that’s been through Mizuno’s HD Grain Flow Forged process to create the iconic feedback you expect from the brand.

The 243’s changes from being a simple cut cavity model to the varied construction is another correct decision from Mizuno to improve the overall product without costing you feel or looks that matter so much in this category.
 
What our tester says:
It definitely feels like it packs more of a punch at impact over the 241 blade, but I don’t feel like it’s cost me that signature Mizuno feedback. I think a full blend of clubs, with the 243 in the middle of the 245 and 241 could always be a really cool set to take to the course.
 
Data:
Loft 32º | Clubhead Speed 89.6 MPH | Ball Speed 118.7 MPH | Carry 171.3 Yards | Spin 5,599 RPM | Launch 18.9º | Height 33.4 Yards | Descent Angle 47.6º | L-R Dispersion 5.4 Yards

Specs

Set Options	4-PW, GW
Stock Shaft	Nippon NS Pro Modus Tour 120
Stock Grip	Golf Pride MCC
Left Handed	No

12

PXG 0317 T Irons

Best Players Cavity Iron for Low Flight 2025

Price: £1,129.00

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Price: £1,129.00

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What we say:
The 0317 range from PXG is arguably the company’s ‘value for money’ range, but trust us, nothing about these irons screams ‘cheap.’ The 0317 have a standout style to them, with the milled backs helping sustain that premium PXG feeling.

The 0317 T, or ‘Tour’ model, is the more forgiving model in the series, while still offering a compact look the advanced golfer will enjoy the sight of. The T produces a flat, slightly lower spin trajectory that will suit the games of high-spin or windy condition players, and clipped sound that doesn’t ring out down the fairway. A great set of irons for any amateur or professional.
 
What our tester says:
I like the place this iron sits in. Smaller than the Gen7 PXG options but not tiny either – the 0317 T feels like it’s easier to work, and will still hold my hand if I’m struggling to find the absolute center on any given day.
 
Data:
Loft 32º | Clubhead Speed 87.9 MPH | Ball Speed 115.8 MPH | Carry 168 Yards | Spin 5,150 RPM | Launch 18.2º | Height 30.2 Yards | Descent Angle 45.4º | L-R Dispersion 9 Yards

Specs

Set Options	4-PW, GW
Stock Shaft	True Temper Dynamic Gold 95 / Dynamic Gold Mid 115
Stock Grip	PXG Z5 Black
Left Handed	Yes

Best Golf Irons 2025: Muscleback/Blade Irons

Blades, Butter Knives, Wesleys – we know the best Muscleback irons by several different nicknames. One thing is always the same, if the Players Cavity category requires the golfer to be hitting the middle of the face 8 or 9 times out 10, then the Muscleback category is more like 11 out of 10.

Realistically, there’s not much of a reason to be playing these irons other than personal choice, as you can see the same benefits of control from the small cavity irons while increasing the forgiveness on mishits in comparison.

But, if you’re looking at muscleback irons, you know you aren’t in the market for additional help or power.

If you want a muscleback iron, you’re looking for a minimalistic and quiet style, a classic design allowing clean turf interaction, and beautiful shaping that guides your eyes back to the ball at address.

However, in recent years, we’ve seen brands finding ways to implement more tech into the head, with Cobra developing 3D-printed models and the exciting ProtoConcept C01TB featuring an Inner Ceramic rod to give the throwback golfer some modern appeal and blur the classic lines.

13

Ben Hogan Icon Irons

Best Muscleback Iron 2025 & Best Muscleback Iron for High Flight 2025

Price: £599.99 - £719.99

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Price: £599.99 - £719.99

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What we say:
Ben Hogan, the golfer, was one of the most interesting and greatest players the game's ever seen. A multiple major winner who inspired many with his own game, he then helped pass on to the great golfing public through both instructionals (Hogan’s 5 Lessons book still provides key fundementals for PGAs and amateurs to this day) and then through designing his own equipment.

The equipment bearing his name today should live up to his iconic status, and we’re happy to say it does! The Icon iron carries a throwback look to the original BH company designs, while innovating where it can (this is still a blade, after all) with its progressive weighting system helping to make this more playable than your average butter knife.

Outstandingly consistent in our standard deviation measurements while sitting strongly within every measured average, we’re glad to show the Ben Hogan Icon as being one of the best Muscleback irons in the game today. Mr Hogan would be proud!
 
What our tester says:
Wow! This really is a blast from the past! It’s great to see some of these legendary names making comebacks and getting recognition in today’s game, and the Icon iron is all kinds of good-looking. For a blade, it gets through the ground really well, and I like that there’s some extra bounce from the sole to make the club glide through the turf more easily.
 
Data:
Loft 34º | Clubhead Speed 89.4 MPH | Ball Speed 117.9 MPH | Carry 169.9 Yards | Spin 5,561 RPM | Launch 17.8º | Height 31 Yards | Descent Angle 46.4º | L-R Dispersion 5.1 Yards

Specs

Set Options	4-PW
Stock Shaft	KBS Tour Lite / True Temper Dynamic Gold 105
Stock Grip	Lamkin Z5 Black
Left Handed	No

14

Srixon Z-Forged II Irons

Second Best Muscleback Iron 2025

Price: £158.17

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Price: £158.17

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What we say:
Sometimes, you just have to sit back and enjoy the moment. That’s the feeling Srixon’s Z-Forged II blade conjures up for us – something you can take pleasure in rather than worrying about anything beyond the strike.

While you could make an argument for any MB to be able to do this, we’re particularly enamoured with the Srixon Z-Forged II. There’s some jump to be found in the ball flight as well, with some added distance coming through during our testing, but the real benefit to be found is with Srixon’s VT sole.
The VT Sole can cut into strong ground as well as soft, without getting stuck. This needs to be felt to be believed, but it makes contact much easier in the Srixon iron.
 
What our tester says:
The shape feels like something of a throwback to some older iron sets, but I’m really taken by the power it seems to have for a muscleback iron. It still feels so soft. I wasn’t expecting to find both of these attributes at the same time in an MB iron.
 
Data:
Loft 33º | Clubhead Speed 89.8 MPH | Ball Speed 118.5 MPH | Carry 172.1 Yards | Spin 5,378 RPM | Launch 18.5º | Height 32.5 Yards | Descent Angle 46.8º | L-R Dispersion 8.1 Yards

Specs

Set Options	3-PW
Stock Shaft	Nippon NS Pro Modus Tour 120
Stock Grip	Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360
Left Handed	No

15

Cobra King MB Irons

Third Best Muscleback Iron 2025

Price: £849.00

Scottsdale Golf

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Price: £849.00

Scottsdale Golf

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What we say:
We love the King MB performance at Today’s Golfer. The design is a great blend of classic blade and modern aesthetic, with sharp edges around the entire head, with logos being obvious for branding without being obtrusive.

We always expect consistency from the performance of musclebacks (why else would you punish yourself with these models otherwise?), but the Cobra King MB has been particularly solid in how tightly its attributes have grouped together.
 
What our tester says:
The biggest thing shouting out to me with the King MB is how well it looks like it could be blended with the King Tour. I don’t know how I feel about playing with a bladed 4-iron, but a combination of the two feels like a deadly pairing.
 
Data:
Loft 34º | Clubhead Speed 91.3 MPH | Ball Speed 118.5 MPH | Carry 167.9 Yards | Spin 6,031 RPM | Launch 18.2º | Height 32.5 Yards | Descent Angle 47.8º | L-R Dispersion 2.4 Yards

Specs

Set Options	3-PW, GW
Stock Shaft	KBS $-Taper
Stock Grip	Lamkin Crossline
Left Handed	Yes

16

ProtoConcept C01 TB Irons

Best Muscleback Iron for Max Distance 2025

Price: £1,658.00

ProtoConcept

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Price: £1,658.00

ProtoConcept

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What we say:
Possibly the most interesting iron we’ve ever seen! Historically, there’s not much point scoring blades on distance. Firstly, if you’re buying a set of musclebacks, you aren’t interested in hitting the ball farther. Secondly, the inherent design of a classic blade doesn’t yield a ball flight conducive to more yardage.

Step in the C01 TB! ProtoC have taken the muscleback design and elevated it with some truly innovative changes that might alter the way we think about this category of iron. Using an inner ceramic to create cavity-iron style forgiveness and power, the C01 TB offers the looks and feel of a smaller blade while producing a hot performance. The ball speed, at 123 mph, would put the C01 comfortably into the higher end of the Player Distance category, so you can see why we’re so intrigued by this model!
 
What our tester says:
The first hit was the biggest indication this iron would be different. The flight was like watching a distance iron, even though looking down at this club it looks small. It’s confusing but in a good way! I’d love to spend more time with it to see what it can offer.
 
Data:
Loft 32º | Clubhead Speed 92.7 MPH | Ball Speed 123 MPH | Carry 177.8 Yards | Spin 5,513 RPM | Launch 16.4º | Height 31.8 Yards | Descent Angle 46.8º | L-R Dispersion 11 Yards

Specs

Set Options	5-PW
Stock Shaft	Nippon NS Pro Modus Tour 120
Stock Grip	Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Left Handed	No

17

Wilson Staff Model Blade Irons

Best Muscleback Iron for Low Flight 2025

Price: £899.00

Clubhouse Golf

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Price: £899.00

Clubhouse Golf

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What we say:
Ultra, ultra clean looks from the Wilson Staff Model MB takes this to the very top of our list for aesthetics. It’s a fantastically shaped iron, with some modern flourishes that take the iron beyond just another entry into the Muscleback category.

We’re big fans of the new badging Wilson are using, with the removed letters on the W/S shield adding to that modern minimalist style. From a feel perspective, though, the 8620 Carbon Steel produces a crisp, old-school noise that will have many golfers falling in love with it.
 
What our tester says:
Yeah, that’s a great-looking golf club. I didn’t recognise it as a Wilson Staff model at first because of the missing logo letters, but maybe that’s a good thing because I was just looking at the style! It looks great, and it feels awesome when you find the middle – not very forgiving, but why would you be looking for that from a blade?
 
Data:
Loft 34º | Clubhead Speed 86.4 MPH | Ball Speed 113.7 MPH | Carry 163.9 Yards | Spin 5,181 RPM | Launch 18.1º | Height 28.7 Yards | Descent Angle 44.9º | L-R Dispersion 13 Yards

Specs

Set Options	2-PW
Stock Shaft	True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid 115
Stock Grip	Golf Pride Z-Grip
Left Handed	Yes (3-PW)

Best Golf Irons 2025: Full Comparison Table

Best Golf Irons 2025: Buying Guide

Type of Construction

Golf iron construction typically falls into two categories, one-piece and multi-material.

One-piece means exactly what it says: the irons are built from a single piece of metal squeezed and cut into shape. This kind of iron is made from softer metal that goes through a forging process where a giant hydraulic press hammers super-hot steel into a tooling, or Mold, to create the shape of a club.

You’ll hear the word ‘Forged’ a lot with some irons, but it just refers to models that have been created, or partially created, using this method, it doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of the iron although softer metals (commonly 1020/1025/8620 carbon steel) are used to make the process easier. Think about Player’s Cavity irons and Musclebacks, like Mizuno’s Pro 241 irons, as good examples; you can actually watch Mizuno’s process here if you’re interested in seeing how irons are made from beginning to end.

The second kind of construction is called multi-material. Irons made using this method can be made from forged or cast metal (cast metal is liquified and poured into a Mold instead of being compressed into shape) as well as, increasingly so these days, unique non-metal elements, like PXG’s TPU QuantumCOR or TaylorMade’s SpeedFoam Air. These irons are trying to combine performance elements with feedback, but that’s not to say they can’t feel as good as one-piece – it’s just a change of focus.

Handicap / Skill

We don’t like using handicap as a gauge for which irons you use, but your consistency as a ball striker should be a big factor in the irons you’d select. Typically, skill and strokes-received come as a pair, but it isn’t always the case.

There are good iron players with 14-handicaps (who might not be strong with their driving, hence the higher handicap) and there are inconsistent iron strikers playing off a five or six-handicap who make up for it with excellent short games.

If you want an easy way to figure out the quality of your ball striking, put some footspray (or similar) onto your 6-iron and hit 10 shots.

Are the marks so consistent that it looks like you’ve only hit one ball? You’re in less need of irons with forgiveness.

Are the marks across the face? Look at an iron model that will give you more help.

Loft

One of, if not, the most hotly debated topics in golf equipment. Lofts have undoubtedly gotten stronger over the years (a Pitching Wedge used to be 50º, it’s now down to 41º in some models) but it shouldn’t be as much of an issue as many claim it to be.

The loft you need will be determined by two factors, both of which can be you can be guided through by a good club fitter.

The first is Clubhead Speed (or swing speed): the higher the power you can generate, the less you need to rely on launch and loft to elevate the ball, as the ball speed will allow it to reach a better apex height. Slower speeds can require more help to reach a good trajectory.

The second is Dynamic Loft: this one is about how you’re delivering the club at impact. If you’re creating too much loft when hitting the ball, you might lose out on distance from your optimum – strong-lofted irons will help here. Too little loft at impact, and you might lose out on stopping power into greens, or with carry distance again.

Custom Fitting

Custom fitted golf clubs are still considered by many to be a privilege, but we’d say it’s now an essential. With so many manufacturers making great quality products now, the small differences are going to be the determining factor in what suits you best.

A good club fitter will be able to talk you through the right loft, lie, shaft, bounce, sole width, offset, grip, and any other factor you can think of, to find the right setup for your game.

Budget

As with most things in the golf world, prices for irons can vary considerably. Value for money is subjective, and therefore, you should spend however much you feel comfortable with, be it a premium set, or one with a more competitive price point.

Now, with the advent of Direct to Customer brands, like Takomo, offering new irons for half the price, there are consumer-friendly ways of purchasing well-made, fitted golf clubs.

You can also look through second-hand websites, but we’d encourage you to go for fitting first before you start browsing, to give you a better idea of what you should be looking for. You can pay for a fitting only without the need to buy clubs, so you can make the correct choice for your game.

Best Golf Irons 2025: FAQs

What irons do most pros use?

There are two answers, depending on how exact you want to be with the response.

The most-played individual iron is the Titleist T100, which is in the bags of more professionals across both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour than any other single model. The most commonly played category used by pros is the Players Cavity style, offering the best in workability with a hint of forgiveness. The brand most used is, again, Titleist.

What are the most forgiving irons to use?

In terms of a category, the most forgiving irons are called ‘Game Improver’ irons. These irons use wide soles to help move CG lower and further back in the clubhead to help improve launch conditions and give you more help on thinned, low-face shots in particular.

However! The most forgiving irons on paper aren’t always the best-suited irons for your needs. Wide soles can sometimes be a hindrance for shallow golf swings (swings that don’t take much grass with them) so we’d always suggest working with a good club fitter, if you can, to find what works best for you.

What is the hardest iron to hit in golf?

The hardest iron to hit in golf is the muscleback (blade) iron. The reason for this is because of the incredibly narrow sole, high CG, and general lack of technology. The combination of those factors means the irons provide no protection on off-center strikes as well as being limited in distance.

The reason some golfers still choose to play these irons is their workability (the ability to hit the ball with different shapes, or movements, during flight), their precision (blades are designed for consistency from the same impact), or just for the traditionalist aspect of them. These irons are regarded as the purest form of the modern game, putting a focus on the player’s skill over anything else.

What irons does Tiger Woods use?

Tiger uses a set of TaylorMade irons called P7TW. They’re a custom set of bladed irons made specifically for him. Tiger chooses the exact look and feel of everything he plays, so once he and TaylorMade had found a setup that worked for him, the company 3D-scanned each of his irons, and they are now CNC-milled to be the perfect replica of his choice every time he wants a new set from wear and tear. Each set of Tiger’s irons costs $18,000 to produce, as they’re cut from a single block of steel, so you can see the expense that Tiger and TaylorMade go to to get him what he needs.