Finding the best irons for your game can be difficult, especially if you’re a high handicapper. There are many different options on the market, and it can be hard to decide which ones are right for you.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the ten best irons for high-handicap golfers. These clubs will help you shave strokes off your game and get closer to that elusive single-digit handicap.
Here’s our top 10 list of best irons for high handicap golfers.
Srixon ZX4 Irons
Until recently, Srixon’s ZX iron line, which primarily featured small head sizes and feel-oriented models for the stronger player, targeted high handicappers. This was less the case with the ZX5, but now golfers have a full-out distance option in the ZX4.
The 7-iron’s loft is 28.5° (the ZX5 has a loft of 31°), suggesting that this club is meant to produce long carries and greater forgiveness off-center for higher handicappers or individuals who prefer a traditional form that is more pleasant to hit.
Specifications
- Club: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Pitching Wedge, Approach Wedge
- Loft: 21°-49°
- Length: 35.5″-38.5″
- Lie: 61°-63.5°
- Offset: 2.3mm-4.4mm
- Swing Weight: D2
Pros
- Designed for easy hitting, with a large sweet spot that mishits still fly far and straight
- High launch on mid to long irons (7-4)
- The impact produces excellent sound and feel
- With strong lofts, golfers can hit the ball “longer” due to the low lie angle
- The wide sole prevents digging into the ground, as thinner soles would
Cons
- Prices for this iron start at approximately $1,200
- This golf club lacks feedback, workability, the capacity to fly the ball down, and sound at impact.
- You could soon outgrow these clubs and want to invest in a smaller set of irons.
Cobra T-Rail Irons
The Cobra T-Rail set — with “T” standing for Transitional — comprises iron-hybrid clubs ranging from the 5 to the PW and a true hybrid in the four spots.
This particular set is designed to help golfers with slow to moderate swing speeds get the ball airborne more efficiently and maximize their distance.
Specifications
- Club: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Pitching Wedge, Gap Wedge, Sand Wedge
- Loft: 20°-56°
- Length: 35.5″-39.25″
- Lie: 61°-65°
- Offset: 1mm-4.2mm
- Swing Weight: C8 (Graphite), D1 (Steel)
Pros
- The black silhouette of the club head makes the club appear smaller, making it easy to launch
- The T-Rail shape prevents digging on fatted shots
- Perfect for beginners who want to pick up the game and players who aren’t as fast as they used to be
Cons
- This iron is expensive ($999)
- It makes different sounds over different clubs
- It looks quite bulky
Titleist T400 Irons
The T400 is the super game-improvement iron in the T-Series range of clubs, with a forged face insert for maximum distance, forgiveness, and a high launch.
The T400 irons have a thin forged face insert, strategic tungsten weighting, hollow construction, and split sole design that set them apart.
Specifications
- Club: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Pitching Wedge, Wedge One to Wedge Three
- Loft: 20°-55°
- Length: 35.25″-38″
- Lie: 62°-64°
- Offset: N/A
- Swing Weight: N/A
Pros
- Provide plenty of forgiveness, making them ideal for players who are looking for greater height and distance
- Are a significant improvement over Titleist’s prior game-improvement solutions
Cons
- Club head size and price may not be for every high-handicap golfer
Tour Edge Hot Launch C521 Irons
According to Tour Edge, these are high-tech, distance irons with enhanced forgiveness for competitive golfers. We think that’s accurate.
The Hot Launch C521’s cavity backs can achieve similar results to clubs at the top end of the market while appealing to mid-handicap players.
Specifications
- Club: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Pitching Wedge, Approach Wedge, Sand Wedge, Lob Wedge
- Loft: 22°-59°
- Length: 35″-38.75″
- Lie: 61°-64°
- Offset: N/A
- Swing Weight: N/A
Pros
- Delivers accuracy and solid feel for a gamut of skill levels
- Affordable price compared to other irons on this list ($490)
Cons
- Some better players may not find the wider sole and thicker top line to be visually appealing
Callaway Big Bertha B21 Irons
Callaway’s new Flash Face technology debuts in the B21 Big Bertha Iron. This iron is created to hit straighter shots with a more confidence-inspiring profile while maintaining high launch and maximum ball speed.
Specifications
- Club: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Pitching Wedge, Approach Wedge, Sand Wedge, Lob Wedge
- Loft: 19°-60°
- Length: 35″-38.75″
- Lie: 60.5°-64°
- Offset: 2.54mm-8.13mm
- Swing Weight: D0 (Graphite), D1 (Steel)
Pros
- This iron is perfect for players who have difficulty launching their irons
- Provides lots of forgiveness, which should result in an improvement for high handicappers
Cons
- It’s more likely to veer left compared to other irons on this list
- The shorter irons provide less feel and accuracy
- More on the pricier side
TaylorMade SIM 2 Max Irons
The TaylorMade SIM 2 Max Iron‘s new Cap Back Design unlocks the next level of game improvement irons, outperforming traditional cavity backs. The multi-material construction promotes forgiveness, distance, and feel, making your game better than ever.
Specifications
- Club: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Pitching Wedge, Approach Wedge, Sand Wedge, Lob Wedge
- Loft: 19°-59°
- Length: 35″-39.125″
- Lie: 61.5°-64.5°
- Offset: 1.5mm-5.8mm
- Swing Weight: D0-D3
Pros
- Significantly increased ball speeds and distance in comparison to the original model
- Provides a great launch and straight-ball flight
- Excellent in terms of consistency and offers an extraordinarily comfortable feel that is not too heavy
- Looks fantastic and has a buttery smooth feel
Cons
- Not the most durable iron out there
- The loft design of this iron won’t appeal to everyone
- Costs start at $800
Mizuno JPX 921 Forged Iron Set
Mizuno’s goal with the JPX921 Forged Irons is to improve forgiveness. In terms of forgiveness, the Forged Irons are significantly less forgiving than the Hot Metal and Hot Metal Pro models, although not considerably so.
Small mistakes produce excellent outcomes; major misses will result in significant shortfalls from your aim.
Specifications
- Club: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Pitching Wedge, Gap Wedge
- Loft: 21°-50°
- Length: 35.25″-38.5″
- Lie: 60°-63°
- Offset: 2.3mm-3.8mm
- Swing Weight: N/A
Pros
- Sleekness and accuracy make for an excellent address
- Forgiveness is not as good as other Mizuno models, but still better than most irons on the market
- Superior accuracy makes this a perfect choice for golfers who want consistent shots
Cons
- Some golfers may not like the low loft of these Mizuno irons
Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Iron Golf Set
These irons have been designed to deliver maximum forgiveness and a higher trajectory, benefiting game-improvement players seeking more prolonged, more accurate shots.
With hybrid technology in every iron, you can start hitting the ball higher, straighter, and farther with this Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Iron Golf Set.
Specifications
- Club: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Pitching Wedge, D Wedge, Sand Wedge
- Loft: 20°-54.5°
- Length: 35.5″-38.875″
- Lie: 61.5°-65°
- Offset: 1.23mm-2.73mm
- Swing Weight: D2-D3 (Steel), D1-D2 (Graphite)
Pros
- The clubs are incredibly forgiving of off-center strikes
- They provide a better and straighter ball flight as a result of the hybrid design
- If you are used to hybrid clubs, they should perform just fine
Cons
- The clubs can be pretty pricey and may take some time to get used to if you’re not accustomed to hitting hybrids
- Requires more effort than other clubs when trying to make the ball travel a specific way (either left or right)
Wilson Launch Pad 2 Irons
Wilson’s Launch Pad 2 Iron allows players to carry the ball further, hit more fairways, and avoid the dreaded slice shot. It aims to provide players with simple straight distances using a super-lightweight construction and cutting-edge technology.
Every component of the club’s face has been fine-tuned to increase distance, forgiveness, and speed.
Specifications
- Club: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Pitching Wedge, Gap Wedge, Sand Wedge (Custom Option)
- Loft: 24°-55°
- Length: 35.5″-38.5″
- Lie: 62°-65°
- Offset: 2.92mm–3.81mm
- Swing Weight: D0-D1
Pros
- The Wilson Launch Pad 2 Irons are high-launch irons that are designed to be more forgiving.
- Its progressive design makes the long irons more forgiving while still providing a modest level of control.
- The lightweight shafts make it easier to swing quickly and strain your body less.
Cons
- While they are designed to be more forgiving, they also do not encourage you to strike the center of the club face, which is essential for improving your golf game.
- You may become bored with them fast and wish to advance to a more complex set that emphasizes control.
- Mid-size grips might not be your first choice, but they come standard with this product.
- These irons aren’t the longest on the market, which could be important to some golfers.
Callaway Rogue ST Max OS Irons
The Rogue ST MAX OS speed-maximizing technologies, such as an A.I. Flash Face Cup with 450 steel and tungsten weighting, are all present in the Rogue ST MAX but offer a higher launch due to its thicker profile which will inspire confidence in any user.
Specifications
- Club: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Pitching Wedge, Approach Wedge, Gap Wedge, Sand Wedge
- Loft: 20°-56°
- Length: 35″-38.75″
- Lie: 60.5°-64°
- Offset: 2.4mm–7.9mm
- Swing Weight: D0 (Graphite), D2 (Steel)
Pros
- Comes in different sizes to fit any golfer’s needs
- Provides a confidence-inspiring performance with outstanding balance, feel, and sound
Cons
- The unusually chunky profile of the iron may put off some golfers
Find More High Handicap Golfing Resources
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer looking for an edge on the green, we hope this list of the best irons for high handicappers has been helpful.
Our list includes both well-known and underrated brands, so you have plenty of options to choose from.
Be sure to research before settling on a set of irons — there is no “right” answer to finding the perfect clubs for your swing. But if you’re looking for a starting point, this list is a great place to begin.
Stay tuned to our blog in High Golf Handicap as we continue to provide golfing resources and tips for improving your swing.
