Best Irons 2026: Our favourite models in every category

For most of the game's history, the prevailing wisdom in golf has held that your irons, being the clubs that make up more than half of the average set, are the most important clubs you'll invest in throughout your golfing career.

Each year, more than a dozen different models of iron hit the market, each respectively geared towards better players, mid-to-high handicap players and even complete beginners, and each of them achieves very different things when it comes to helping us hit a golf ball. 

As such, that all-important purchasing decision can quickly descend into an overwhelming experience.

But fear not, because here at GolfMagic we have crunched all the numbers in both the studio and on the golf course to reveal the irons we think you need to be taking a very close look at this season. 

Of course, if we tried to round up the pros and cons of every iron on the market right now, this guide would soon become too long for anyone to read. As such, here, we've have picked out a select few irons from three key categories, selecting the absolute cream of the crop that truly deliver on what an iron set should in 2025. 

If you consider yourself a better player or play with a single-figure handicap, we recommend you go start at the top and browse our picks of the best players irons right now. Conversely, mid-to-high handicappers and complete beginners should head down to our our game-improvement and super game improvement sections, which break down the most forgiving, high-launching options on the market. 

If you're somewhere in-between, or are a mid-handicapper looking to get your handicap down towards the single digits, the Players Distance category is for you.

If none of these irons quite fit the bill for your needs, you can check out our more specific buying guides for each iron category below:

• The best low-handicap players' irons
• The best players distance irons
• The best game improvement irons
• The best super game improvement irons

As always, if you do take the plunge on any of the irons below, we highly recommend you opt for a custom fitting to get the most out of your game. But without any further ado, let's dive in to our very favourite irons you can get right now.

The best players' irons for better players

GolfMagic may receive a small advertising or affiliate commission if you buy via our links. Pricing may vary.

Mizuno Pro M-13

RRP: £1,440 (4-PW)

Key Features

• Pocket Cavity Grain Flow Forged construction merges Chromoly 4120 with 431 stainless steel in 4 and 5 irons
• Micro-Slot Grain Flow Forged construction in 6, 7 and 8 irons
• Single-piece 1025 Elite forging prioritises precision, control, and soft impact feel in the 9-iron and wedges
• Contour Ellipse Face is up to 35% thinner to unlock more ball speed
• Cut Sole introduces sharper leading edges and bevelled trailing relief,
• Harmonic Impact Technology, copper underlay and full cavity ABS badge fine-tune vibration patterns and delivers a clean look

Pros

• Beautiful looks
• Incredible Mizuno feel
• Surprisingly forgiving

Cons

• Sacrifices a touch of distance for control
• Even more expensive than the signature models

Mizuno has given the Pro line its biggest refresh in over a year, debuting two new instalments forming a series it calls the 'Modern' line.

The M-13 is the more player-oriented of the two new options, slotting somewhere between a traditional player's iron and a player's distance profile. Additional ball speed and forgiveness are the order of the day with the new M-13 irons, with Mizuno claiming to have unlocked more distance for mid-low handicappers without sacrificing the feel and control players covet the Pro range for.

While the M-13s deliver all the looks and feel Mizuno players flock to the Japanese manufacturer for year-after-year, we were also taken aback at just how forgiving and long the M-13s are, meaning Mizuno have delivered in creating a slightly more player-friendly option that'll hit the mark for classically-minded golfers who want forgiveness they can feel, but not necessarily see.

Put simply, if you're a better player and a shiny new set of irons is on your wish list for the 2026 season, this is the model we think you should test first.

READ OUR FULL MIZUNO PRO M-13 IRONS REVIEW

Mizuno Pro M-13 Golf Ironsfrom £1,440.00 at Scottsdale Golf

Callaway Apex Ai150

Price: £1199

Key Features

• 1025 forged hollow-body design for ball speed and forgiveness
• 455 steel face cup and 17-4 steel face throughout the set optimise ball speed and forgiveness
• Screw-in tungsten insert lowers CG and maximises MOI

Pros

• Fantastic forgiveness in a compact package
• Balanced feel and feedback
• Consistent spin and workability

Cons

• Coloured insert might throw some people off

Callaway's Apex Ai150 range is something of a replacement to the 2023-spec Apex Pro model, filling a gap for a more forgiveness-oriented players iron that provides a little more consistency but in a more compact, bladed profile.

The uber-thin top line and smaller head give the Ai150 away as an iron designed for players more confident in their swing, but packs in an impressive amount of tech to optimise launch and MOI.

The combination of steel face materials that are implemented at the long and short end of the set provide a fantastic feel that sits just in between the softness of a Mizuno and a firmer iron from a brand like TaylorMade, while the face materials also help keep ball speed and spin more consistent.

We were mightily impressed by the combination of workability and forgiveness that the Apex Ai150s provide, and while the more modern looks might not be to the taste of players who want their players' irons to have a traditional feel, there's plenty on offer here for high single-digit handicappers who want a little more forgiveness on their side while they attack the pins.

READ OUR FULL CALLAWAY APEX Ai150 IRONS REVIEW

Mizuno Pro S-3

RRP: £1379 (4-PW)

Key Features

• Grain Flow Forged HD construction process
• Created using 1025E Pure Select Mild Carbon Steel for a soft, responsive touch
• Copper Underlay: A subtle yet impactful addition that enhances vibration patterns
• Triple Cut Sole is engineered to improve turf interaction and adaptability

Pros

• Perhaps the best looking irons you can buy
• Embodies Mizuno's legendary reputation for feel
• Workability is first class
• Plenty of power for a players iron

Cons

• Not as forgiving as the M-13s

Mizuno continues its legacy of crafting exceptional player irons with the new Pro S-3 range, designed for precision, workability, and premium feel. With a thin topline, compact blade length, and narrow sole, these irons cater specifically to skilled golfers, offering unmatched feedback and control.

Visually, the Pro S-3 irons are stunning, with a brushed satin finish, centered branding, and meticulous detailing that exudes elegance. At address, the compact profile and minimal offset convey precision and confidence. Mizuno’s grain flow forged construction delivers a buttery feel at impact, with plenty of feedback for discerning players. The triple-cut sole enhances turf interaction, gliding smoothly through the ground for consistent contact.

Despite being engineered for workability, these irons deliver impressive ball speed and forgiveness. Even off-center strikes retain decent speed and spin, while well-struck shots produce optimal numbers. The Pro S-3 irons excel in shot shaping, allowing players to easily adjust trajectory and direction.

Though not for high handicappers, the Pro S-3 irons are ideal for serious golfers seeking a blend of aesthetics, performance, and precision. For players looking to elevate their game in 2025, these irons are a must-try.

READ OUR FULL MIZUNO PRO S-3 IRONS REVIEW

PING Blueprint S

RRP: £1319 (4-PW)

Key Features

• Elastomer insert: concealed in the pocket of the irons, ensuring the solid feel and sound expected in a forged player iron
• Precision Pocket Forging: forged into the cavity of the 3, 4 and 5 irons. The pocket saves 10 grams of weight, which is reallocated to increase the MOI and optimise the centre of gravity position for more distance and trajectory control.
• Forged 8620 carbon steel head: provides premium levels of feel and performance

Pros

• One of the best-looking irons on the market
• Incredibly consistent performance
• Lovely forged feel

Cons

• Mis-hits suitably punished in terms of feel
• Chrome strip may not be to everyone's taste

The Blueprint S irons by PING target better players seeking a forged players iron with enhanced forgiveness. Designed with inspiration from PING's renowned “S” series, these irons boast a sleek appearance and a well-crafted cavity back profile.

The irons feature a short blade length, appealing primarily to elite players. The satin and chrome finish combined with the cavity back design combine for one of the best looking irons. While minimal offset and a sharp topline may be intimidating, they align with the demands of Tour feedback.

The feel of the irons has markedly improved, offering a soft sensation on well-struck shots. Tour pros swiftly adopting these irons speaks volumes about their performance. They excel in workability, consistency, and turf interaction, which allowed us to shape shots and control spin effectively during testing.

While distance isn't the primary focus of a players iron, these deliver bags of power and provided us optimal gapping throughout the set.

Their balanced blend of power, spin, and workability makes them formidable on the course. With multiple Tour winners already trusting them, the Blueprint S irons are our top pick in the category.

For superior ball strikers seeking an upgrade, these irons should be a top consideration. Their combination of aesthetics, feel, and performance makes them stand our favourite irons for low handicappers.

READ OUR FULL PING BLUEPRINT S IRONS REVIEW

TaylorMade P7CB

Price: £1249 (4-PW)

Key Features:

• Optimised perimeter weighting: delivers a blend of workability and stability
• Compact Tour shaping: every aspect of shaping designed to fit the eye of the elite ball striker
• Precise milled face and grooves: deliver an optimal launch and spin combination for the ultimate control and precision

Pros:

• Super soft feel at impact
• Updated aesthetics ooze shelf appeal
• Five star control and responsiveness

Cons:

• Soft forged steel does mark up quite easily

The P7CB is the TaylorMade's latest Tour inspired iron, designed to deliver optimal performance for the best players in the world and, notably, the new choice of Rory McIlroy, who made a high-profile switch into the model to start the 2026 season.

In terms of aesthetics, TaylorMade has opted to slightly enlarge the profile of the head compared to the P7MCs making it slightly less intimidating down at address. 

TaylorMade has also opted to utilise classic RAC styling on the rear of the head, a move that will undoubtedly appeal to those who love a bit of nostalgia from their irons. 

In terms of feel, the P7CBs are without a doubt one of the softest forged irons we have tested from TaylorMade and considering they have withstood 2,000 tons of force during the forging process, it's not hard to see why. 

That softness translates beautifully into a wonderful forged feel and crisp muted sound at impact that we absolutely love. 

When discussing players irons it's less about power and forgiveness and more about control and workability, and the P7CBs excel in both disciplines. 

We found these irons incredibly easy to work through the air, and they delivered outstanding results out on the course, holding greens with pin point accuracy. 

A very impressive offering from TaylorMade and without a doubt one of the best players irons of 2025.

Srixon ZXi7

Price: £1099 (4-PW)

Key Features

• i-Forged construction: New, softer S15 steel for incredible feel and control. A reworked Tungsten weight also tweaks the centre of gravity to aid feel and swing consistency.
• PureFrame: Expanded ridge in the rear of the cavity enhances impact at the sweet spot
• Tour profile: Thin top-line for a sharp look at address.
• Progressive Grooves: Wider grooves on the long irons and narrower grooves on the short irons and wedges create consistent spin across the bag.
• Tour V.T. Sole: combination of sole widths, bounce angles, and notches designed to deliver ideal turf interaction.

Pros

• One of the best-feeling clubs we've ever hit when struck well
• Sleek looks that combine a classic blade profile with an angular, futuristic build
• Well-priced compared to other OEMs
• Stable ball flight and spin across the bag

Cons

• Very little forgiveness for inconsistent ball strikers

Perhaps the most underrated iron brand in the game, Srixon are in our eyes one of the undisputed heavy hitters in the category.

The ZX7is are more of an incremental upgrade over the ZX7 — an iron that was among our for low handicappers over the last year thanks to their beautiful feel, ample forgiveness and distinguished looks.

Featuring in the bag of US Open champion J.J. Spaun, RBC Canadian Open winner Ryan Fox and Srixon staffers like Shane Lowry and Sepp Straka, they offer everything you could want from an iron designed for the best players around.

We emphasise that, however, because this is an iron designed very much for the best players around. When struck well, the ZXi7s might be the best feeling irons on the market now. The the softer steel used in this model, as well as the expanded Pureframe and Tour V.T. Sole, means that the ball seems almost to melt into the club at impact.

However, while Srixon have dialled up the feel, it feels slightly as if they've prioritised this slightly over forgiveness. Tester Tom found that distance and dispersion were impacted dramatically when he caught the ball off the toe or the heel.

Take note, then: these are irons that will reward good, consistent players in the best ways. Those wanting a little more forgiveness may opt for the more player-friendly ZXi5 model instead—as indeed some tour pros have.

READ OUR FULL SRIXON ZXi7 IRONS REVIEW

Best Players' Distance Irons 2025

TaylorMade P790

Price: £1249

Key Features:

• Individual head optimisation and modal analysis tools paired with SpeedFoam™ Air
• Ultra high strength, high speed forged face material
• Faster 4340M face, individual head optimisation and FLTD CG™ for precise centre of gravity (CG) positioning generates increased carry distances with optimal launch and spin windows for better gapping through the set.
• Thinner topline for a cleaner look in the playing position, and an increased sole radius with progressive leading edge designed for consistent turf interaction and an improved impact location

Pros:

• Sleek new design is absolutely stunning
• Five-star power and forgiveness
• Premium feel and sound at impact

Cons:

• Performance improvement from 2021 is minimal

Without question, a clear No.1 in the Best Players Distance Irons market for 2025.

The TaylorMade P790 Iron (2025) is undoubtedly an upgrade over previous versions, particularly in sweet spot size, forgiveness and consistency.

While feel is subjective, the performance gains are clear—spin retention, ball speed consistency, and distance control are all improved.

Straight off the bat, we love the clean, premium aesthetics with the new TaylorMade P790 irons. We enjoyed more more consistent spin throughout our testing and an improved launch even off-centre strikes.

Better players will certainly appreciate the more compact look and the added playability that comes with it.

For golfers who want forgiveness in a premium package, the P790 remains one of the best players’ distance irons money can buy.

READ OUR FULL TAYLORMADE P790 IRON REVIEW

Mizuno JPX 925 Forged

Price: £1099

Key Features:

• CORTECH Design featuring Contour Ellipse Face: This new design optimises ball speed across the entire face, ensuring consistent performance even on off-centre strikes.
• Grain Flow Forged HD: Forged from Chromoly 4120 for the long irons (4-7), this material blends strength and malleability for unparalleled speed and adjustability. Shorter irons (8-GW) are forged from 1025E Pure Select Mild Carbon Steel, ensuring precision, control, and that iconic buttery feel.
• Triple Cut Sole: The leading edge is gently bevelled for clean entry into the turf. A hard-cut trailing edge ensures a smooth exit for uninterrupted ball contact. Combined with carefully balanced weighting, this sole design promotes precise control, even on challenging surfaces.

Pros:

• Premium forged feel
• Remarkable consistency even off-centre strikes
• One of the best performing players distance irons of 2025

Cons:

• An evolution rather than revolution on the former Mizuno JPX 923 Forged Irons

The brand new Mizuno JPX 925 Forged joins the family's already strong lineup for 2025, which includes the impressive JPX 925 Hot Metal irons.

The JPX 925 iron is designed to compete with the TaylorMade P790 iron but with a distinct Mizuno touch.

What we love so much about the new Mizuno JPX 925 Forged irons is that even on slight mishits, the feedback is clear without feeling harsh.

It still delivers a solid shot, which is something many irons in this category fail to do.

A lot of players’ distance irons feel “punchy”—but Mizuno has found the perfect balance. The JPX 925 Forged combines strong ball speed with a premium forged feel, something few brands have managed to accomplish.

Looking at our testing data, the consistency was remarkable, even on off-centre strikes.

If you currently own the Mizuno JPX 923 Forged irons, you likely don't need to rush for an upgrade—it’s an evolution rather than a revolution.

However, if you're in the market for a new players’ distance iron in 2025, this should be right at the top of your list.

READ OUR FULL MIZUNO JPX 925 FORGED IRONS REVIEW

Wilson DYNAPWR Forged 

Price: £769

Key Features:

• Variable face thickness: optimised for increased ball speeds across the face and improved forgiveness
• Power hole design: featured from 4-7 irons to improve face flexion
• Low CG and high MOI: the centre of gravity has been pushed lower, and weight has been moved towards the toe for greater forgiveness and high launch

Pros: 

• Feel and sound are incredible
• Plenty of power and forgiveness on offer
• Chrome finish looks great

Cons: 

• Power holes detract from the overall visual appeal

One of the most impressive irons in this iron category, Wilson's Dynapwr Forged line offers stand out performance, sleek visuals and feel and sound that will leave you wanting to hit balls until the sun goes down. 

Benefitting from variable face thickness, the Dynapwr Forged irons deliver outstanding ball speeds from across the face, aiding both performance from the centre of the club face but also forgiveness from poor strikes. 

The low CG and increased MOI also delivers a towering ball flight that ia accompanied by an incredibly satisfying noise and feel through impact. 

Wilson has really upped it's game in recent years, and these irons are a perfect example of the best work the brand can do. 

Coming in at under £800, these irons also offer excellent value for money, and would be an ideal fit for golfers who's handicap ranges from 8-20.

Our only issue with the irons is the power holes on the sole, as we believe they diminish the visual appeal, however that's only our personal preference.

The best game-improvement & super game-improvement irons

TaylorMade Qi Max/Qi Max HL

Price: £859 (5-PW)

Key Features:

• New faces designed to flex in unison and reduce sidewards spin for shots that stay online
• Sound stabilisation bar and ECHO® Damping System produce a better sound on high strikes
• FLTD CG lowers CG in the long irons for launch and stopping power (QI Max only)
• Speed Pocket improves ball speeds towards the bottom of the face

Pros:

• Love the choice of two distinct shapes
• Super easy to hit
• Tons of forgiveness and distance in both models

Cons:

• Looks are a bit busy
• Lightweight components on the HL more suited to slower swingers

TaylorMade is back after two years at the drawing board with the Qi Max game-improvement series for 2026, and they're a winner.

The core Qi Max irons for this year have been envisaged not simply to fit a more traditional game-improvement mould, but more effectively bridge the gap between TaylorMade's high-handicapper output and premium mid-handicap models like the P790.

The Qi Max HL, meanwhile, fits more into the super game-improvement mould we've seen grow so rapidly over the years, sacrificing svelteness for added mass behind the ball by way of a thicker top line, more offset, and an altogether chunkier, hybrid-like profile throughout the set. They're also lofted weaker throughout the set to aid launch.

The brand's engineers redesigned the face to flex in unison and reduce spin on fades and slices, while a new Sound Stabilisation Bar producing a more stable feel and sound on high strikes. Both models also carries over TaylorMade's much-loved Speed Pocket technology, which optimises ball speed on lower strikes.

The Qi Max HL irons are exceptionally easy to hit in the hands of the right golfer, however they won't be for everyone. Faster swingers and those who want the look and feel of a conventional iron might find them a little bit cumbersome at address, especially with the base Qi Max model packing so much forgiveness into a slimmer profile.

The looks, sadly, just aren't quite as premium as equivalent models like Callaway's Elyte or Srixon's ZXiR irons below, but if you can live with the looks, the Qi Max irons will deliver forgiveness and straight distance in spades for a huge range of players.

READ OUR FULL TAYLORMADE QI MAX & QI MAX HL IRONS REVIEW

Srixon ZXiR/ZXiR HL

Price: £899 (5-PW)

Key Features:

• New iAlloy construction is softer than 431 steel for a softer feel
• MainFrame milling patterns to redistributes mass across the club face to amplify ball speed and forgiveness
• Lower CG to aid launch

Pros:

• Incredibly soft feel
• Loads of forgiveness
• Great looks for a game-improvement club

Cons:

• Added offset of the HL might not suit everyone

Brand new for the 2026 season, Srixon's ZXiR range takes a brand known for making premium tour-level irons properly into the game-improvement iron category, offering a premium look and feel akin to the tour-tested ZXi range while generating much more forgiveness for a wider range of players.

The ZXiR is the standard game-improvement option of the two, and does its job excellently, offering an ideal blend of forgiveness, easy distance and incredible feel thanks to its new iALLOY material. Meanwhile, the added offset and loft of the HL variant produce a far loftier ball flight even compared to the standard ZXiR, however it's worth noting that in our testing this came at the cost of some distance.

They also look excellent, with a clean metallic look that helps them blend in seamlessly with the rest of Srixon's premium ZXi irons.

Straight away, both Srixon ZXiR models go into the conversation among the very best game-improvement irons you can buy. The feel is soft and supple akin to that of a premium iron, they're incredibly forgiving, and provide tons of feel and feedback to help developing players make the most out of their iron game.

READ OUR FULL SRIXON ZXiR/ZxiR HL IRONS REVIEW

Callaway Elyte/Elyte X

RRP: £999 (5-PW)

Key Features:

• Speed Frame construction allows additional patented urethane microspheres to deliver exceptional sound and feel
• New Ai10x Face delivers 10x more control points than the Ai Smart Face
• Tri-sole design features three distinct sections to ensure fast, smooth turf interaction

Pros:

• Stunning aesthetics
• Deliver game improvement forgiveness in a players distance profile
• Fantastic feel and sound at impact

Cons:

• Expensive for game-improvement clubs

Callaway's Elyte irons are the type of game-improvement iron designed to serve golfers getting really serious about their game as they get better and better. 

While the standard Elyte irons fit the game improvement category in the strict sense of the word, they deliver the forgiveness higher-handicappers need in a package more akin to a players' distance iron, with a thinner topline and slimmer profile than the ultra forgiving, super game-improvement Callaway Elyte X.

The combination of technologies in the head and face combine to produce incredible ball speeds, while the Elyte also boasts a sizeable sweet spot that will see you right in the case of an off-centre strike. They're also visually stunning, and one of the best looking options on this list if you're a golfer conscious about looks in the bag.

For our money, this makes the Callaway Elyte one of the most versatile iron offerings in the sport right now, with great-looking options golfers playing from a 30 handicap all the way down to the low double figures—so long as you don't mind paying a premium.

READ OUR FULL CALLAWAY ELYTE IRONS REVIEW

How do I choose the right iron set for my playing style?

Golf irons come in a huge range of different styles and looks, but can generally be broken down into four key categories aimed at different levels of player. 

Players' irons are usually built with precision and feel in mind for the best players who want an added feature of workability in their game at the cost of forgiveness. Player irons are generally best suited for someone with consistent ball-striking, with a rough handicap of between zero and 10.

Players' distance irons are a step down from players' irons, offering a similar look and feel to elite level irons but incorporating a little more forgiveness tech. Players distance irons tend to be a little larger than players' irons but slimmer than game-improvement irons, offering a great blend of forgiveness and control for high-to-mid-level players with handicaps between five and 15.

Game-improvement irons are more forgiving irons, designed to cater to a wide range of developing players. Accounting for more than half of all golf iron sales, game-improvement irons put more mass behind the ball with a lower, wider centre of gravity to help inconsistent ball strikers get the ball higher in the air and travelling further. 

As such, game-improvement irons tend to have stronger lofts and more distance than more precise players' irons, and have a chunkier profile at address with thicker top-lines and more tech wedged behind the clubface.

Super game-improvement irons are the newest iron category, comprising models designed to provide the maximum in forgiveness for newcomers, high-handicappers and slower swingers. Super game-improvement irons are generally the longest and chunkiest irons, and many sets tend to incorporate hybrids and hybrid irons further down the bag to help lower level players hit the ball further and easier.

Figuring out where your game fits into these categories is a great place to start, with the key differences from there largely coming down to personal tastes on looks and feel. As always, however, it's worth getting fitted and testing clubs of all different types to figure out what works best for your swing.

What are the benefits of custom fitting for golf irons?

In the modern game, it is absolutely essential to be custom fitted for your irons.

Your golf clubs need to suit your swing speed, body shape and swing path.

Fittings are free at various places, so there is no extra expense on top of the clubs you are buying.

You will be fitted with the correct grips, heads and shafts based on your game.

It is now more important than ever to be custom fitted for your clubs. It is risk-free and it will serve your game better than buying your new irons off the rack.

What is the importance of moment of inertia (MOI) in golf irons?

MOI refers to the behaviour of our club face and how the club resists opening and closing. It is a measurement of a club’s resistance to twisting. 

When your club face hits the ball from the heel and the toe, this causes the club to twist and this ends in a loss of distance in most instances. High MOI makes the club more resistant to twisting and increases the success and quality of off-centre strikes.

As such, a MOI golf club will be more forgiving than a low MOI golf club because it will be less likely to twist by the time the face connects with the ball. And while MOI is most often used to market drivers, MOI has become an in increasingly important figure in determining the forgiveness of golf irons in recent years.

Being thicker, chunkier and heavier, super game-improvement and game-improvement irons are generally the highest MOI irons you can get, however manufacturers are constantly searching for ways to improve the MOI of their higher-level irons as well.

How does an iron's centre of gravity (CG) impact shots?

A club's centre of gravity refers to the point in the club head where the weight is concentrated and balanced. This is usually found in the middle of the club head, but is typically engineered into a certain point of a golf iron to bring about certain performance characteristics.

Most manufacturers will typically engineer their irons with the centre of gravity as far down towards the ground as possible, the theory being that this helps get more of the club's mass underneath the ball on more swings to aid launch. In chunkier game-improvement and super game-improvement models, the CG is placed both low and further back, as this aids both launch and MOI, thereby creating the conditions for a straighter shot that travels longer.

What else should you consider when buying golf irons?

Loft and lie

Loft refer to the angle of each of your irons. This is fairly straightforward. For example, the most lofted club you can get your hands on is a 64-degree wedge and at the other end of the spectrum, you can buy drivers of eight or nine degrees.

The lie in an iron refers to the angle made by the line of the bottom of the shaft and the ground. A club with more lie has a shaft that points towards the ground at a steep angle.

The lie can impact how steep your swing is. A high lie angle could cause you to stand closer to the ball than an iron with a lower lie angle.

If you have a steep swing plane, you will want more lie in your irons. If you have a steep swing plane, this is suited to irons with a lower lie.

An indication of the correct feel of your irons is simple. If you look down at address and the bottom of the club is lying perfectly flat and the middle is facing the target, then this is the lie for you.

If your irons lie at an angle where the heel or the toe hits the ground before the middle of the club face, this is when your ball flights can be skewed. Once again, this is another feature that can be altered in custom fitting.

Sound and feel 

The feel of your irons is very important. Regardless of whether you find the middle of the club face, you want a buttery feel from the irons and a satisfying connection.

Many features can contribute to the feel of your irons such as the type of shaft, the grip and the materials used in the club head.

The sound of your irons might not seem like an important aspect, but you don’t want to spend a fortune on your new collection and have them sound like a frying pan.

It is a feature that can become annoying if you play a lot of golf. When you hit an iron out the middle and the ball is soaring towards the hole, the last thing you want is the echo of a horrible sound that lingers each time.

How does GolfMagic test golf irons?

GolfMagic tests irons extensively both indoors and outdoors.

All testing is led by our team of Equipment and Reviews Editors, who play at a wide range of levels to give you the insights that matter whether you're a low, mid or high-handicapper

A combination of testing both in a controlled indoor environment and out on the course provides us with a blend of statistical data and real-world insights that we can use to give the most informed, unbiased reviews possible.  

Whether it is launch angle, ball speed or overall distance, we use data gathered from the indoor environment to gather pros and cons about all iron sets.

But it is also important to hit the irons out on the golf course. We need to feel these new irons interact with the turf and gain a view of how they perform in real-life situations.

We then put all this together to find out what improvements have been made and, ultimately, whether or not they warrant you spending your hard-earned money on a set.

Learn more about how we test golf equipment

• The Best Golf Drivers
• The Best Golf Mini Drivers
• The Best Golf Fairway Woods
• The Best Golf Wedges
• The Best Golf Putters
• The Best Golf Package Sets
• The Best Golf Balls
• The Best Golf Gloves
• The Best Golf Rangefinders
• The Best Golf GPS Watches
• The Best Golf Bags
• The Best Golf Travel Bags
• The Best Electric Golf Trolleys
• The Best Golf Push Carts
• The Best Golf Training Aids