Forgiveness, a high launch, a straight flight, and a soft landing are features of the 10 best irons for beginners.

In this guide, I reveal my top selections to help beginners increase their greens in regulation record and enjoy more scoring opportunities.

You’ll notice that every club on this list is considered a game improvement iron and carries a cavity-back design. Unless they are hybrids, then you will find a hollow body construction.

Either way, these golf clubs will mitigate the impact of off-center strikes to keep you in play and enjoying the game.

What to Look for in a Good Set of Irons as a Beginner

Low Center of Gravity (CG)

As a beginner, your top priority is getting your golf ball airborne consistently. The best equipment for the job is golf clubs that produce natural high launch to keep your ball airborne and traveling.

Irons with this ability typically contain a lower-than-usual center of gravity which sets you up for an increased launch. In addition, the high, consistent flight propels your ball to descend along a steeper angle biting aggressively into the green upon landing.

Enhanced Moment of Inertia (MOI)

Next, I recommend that beginners seek irons with advanced MOI, as this combats clubface twist during your swing to keep it square at impact. When your clubface remains perpendicular to the target through contact, you produce less sidespin and prompt a straighter shot.

Flexible Shaft

I find that slow swing speed and high handicap golfers perform best with flexible, graphite shafts. The added flex increases your whip into the golf ball at contact providing speed assistance for a powerful strike.

I suggest starting with a regular shaft to see how you perform with a stock option before looking at alternative flexes. If you launch a regular golf shaft too low, I recommend testing the performance of the senior golf shaft. However, should your low launch persist, consider a ladies’ flex shaft.

10 Best Beginner Golf Irons

1. Cleveland Launcher XL Halo – Overall Best Golf Irons For Beginners

Pros

• The high MOI design promotes straighter shots
• Generates rapid ball velocity
• Clean turf interaction
• Prompts a high launch
• It produces a soft landing

Cons

• These irons may cause faster swing speeds to balloon their shots
• Not the most attractive golf clubs

The Cleveland Launcher XL Halo irons stood out for me as the best beginner golf irons overall. I found their accurate shots, increased launch, and crisp turf interaction produced consistent ball flight and a soft landing on approach.

You’ll notice that these irons carry an extra large clubhead design which boosts its MOI for greater accuracy. This construction keeps your clubface from twisting during your swing to remain square through contact. As a result, you enjoy straighter shots.

I felt the impact of the Action Mass CB design because it bolstered the club stability at contact to maintain ball speed and spin. Furthermore, the Mainframe, which consists of A.I. designed variable face technology, produced rapid ball speed off the face.

Finally, you’ll find the V-shaped sole design propels your clubhead across the turf to prevent you from chunking your shots. As a result, it promotes a clean strike for optimal launch, flight, and distance.

2. Tour Edge Hot Launch C522  – Best Budget Set Of Irons For Beginners

Pros

• Super affordable
• Produces a high launch
• Dampens vibrations on off-center strikes
• Exceptional forgiveness
• Crisp turf interaction

Cons

• Some golfers may not appreciate the hybrids
• The set does not include a sand wedge, but you can acquire it separately

Tour Edge is renowned for creating easy launching, forgiving golf clubs at an affordable price and continues this theme with the Hot Launch C522. These irons earned my respect as the best budget set for beginners because of their soft feel, rapid ball velocity, high launch, and crisp turf interaction.

You’ll see that the C522 set includes a 4 and 5 hybrid instead of irons to provide a high, long, and direct approach shot. In addition, Tour Edge equipped these irons with wide soles. I found this produced crisp turf interaction and prevented my clubhead from digging into the earth.

Moreover, I appreciated the effort of the VIBRCOR technology, as it softened the blow on off-center hits and boosted friction on shots with short irons and wedges. You’ll notice that the added friction increases your spin rate on the smaller approach shots to help your ball stop rapidly.

I also enjoyed the power lofted setup, 360-degree undercut cavity backs, and toe-weighted design. These three features enhance my forgiveness, promoting consistently high shots and extending the sweet spot.

3. Cobra LTDX  – Most Forgiving Irons For High Handicappers

Pros

• Produces explosive ball speed
• Flexible clubface maintains ball velocity on low-face strikes
• Promotes direct flight
• Generates an enhanced spin rate in the mid and short irons
• The ball stops rapidly on approach

Cons

• The strong lofts of the higher irons may prove challenging for some to launch
• Offers reduced workability

Cobra is no stranger to creating value-for-money super game improvement irons for high handicappers. The LTDX irons carry a moderate price point, are built to deliver exceptional iron distance and optimized spin for a soft landing.

You’ll find that the LTDX range produces rampant ball velocity across the clubface thanks to its PWR-COR technology and PWRshell Face Design. In my experience, the two technologies complimented one another by increasing the clubface flex and the size of the active zone.

Besides impressive ball speed, I noticed these irons carry enhanced MOI, thanks to an 8-gram toe weight. The weight stabilized the clubhead during the swing and kept it square at contact, prompting straighter ball flight from the fairway.

Lastly, the CNC milled clubface and grooves delivered a superb performance in the mid and short irons. I noticed that the sharper grooves gripped into my golf ball cover and imparted increased spin for a drop and stop landing.

4. Wilson Launch Pad 2  – Highest Launching Irons For High Handicap Golfers

Pros

• Easy, high-launching irons
• Smooth turf interaction
• Contains an anti-scratch finish
• The mid and short irons promote a soft, rapid landing

Cons

• Some golfers will not care for the chunky, hybrid-style profile
• Not very affordable Wilson high handicap irons.

Beginners could also use a high launching set of irons to consistently get their ball airborne for a consistent distance. This year, the Wilson Launch Pad 2 irons stood out for me as the higher launching constructions, thanks to their extremely low CG, and super turf interaction.

You’ll notice that these Wilson irons feature less technology than other golf clubs, yet expert weight placement helps them compete. The engineers shifted the mass of the club low and back in the sole to ensure you produce a high launch and increased length.

A star feature of these irons is the optimized turf interaction sole, specifically built to help less skilled players. The design keeps your clubhead out of grass and prevents you from chunking your shots. It enabled me to make consistently clean contact with the ball for optimal launch, flight, and distance.

Lastly, I thought the engineers added a neat touch by applying the anti-scratch finish. Although it does not impact your game, it does keep your clubheads looking newer for longer.

5. Ping G425  – Straightest Irons

Pros

• They generate straighter ball flight
• Forgiving
• Prompts rampant ball speed
• Compact and appealing head design
• Water-repellant hydropearl chrome finish sheds moisture from the clubface

Cons

• The toe weight is not pretty, but they had to put it somewhere
• Limits your ability to shape golf shots

Ping G425 irons hit our shelves in 2021, but they stand firm against newly released competitor products. This year, the irons stood out as the straightest set I tested, thanks to their high MOI construction, escalated ball zip, and compact profile.

Most manufacturers opt for oversized clubheads to boost a golf iron MOI, but Ping had other ideas. The masters of game improvement equipment shortened the length of the blade from heel to toe, increasing stability and MOI.

I noticed it held well, restricting any urge to twist during my swing and encouraging a square clubface at contact. As a result, my shots were straighter than others, providing optimal accuracy.

Furthermore, you’ll enjoy a soft feel on all shots with the G425 irons, thanks to the presence of a multi-cavity badge. I felt the badge drowned vibrations from off-center strikes to shield my hands and soften the sensation.

Finally, the average yardage of the Ping G425 irons impressed me during testing. The variable face thickness design on these irons promoted rampant ball pace to help me reach the green on lengthy strikes.

6. Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal  – Most Stable Irons For High Handicappers

Pros

• Exceptional MOI
• Prompts rapid ball speed around the perimeter of the clubface
• Crisp acoustics
• Amplified feedback
• Forgiving

Cons

• Expensive for beginner irons
• Some golfers may prefer long irons instead of hybrids

The Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal irons claimed the crown for the most stable iron sets for high handicappers. They prevented ball speed and spin drop-off to deliver ideal lift, flight, and landing. In addition, they provide superb feedback, increased face flex, and COR.

The Hiroshima engineers opted for Mizunos famed Chromoly 4140M material for an exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratio. You’ll find this stroke of genius enhances the club stability at impact for elevated MOI without harming flexibility.

Adding to the steadiness of these irons is a stability frame, which prevents clubface twist during your swing.

Next, I felt the Harmonic Impact Technology delivered generous feedback and acoustics but did not drown out vibrations on off-center strikes. Some players enjoy this feedback, but my hands do not appreciate the shocks.

Finally, I noticed that the seamless cup face and CORTECH design generated phenomenal ball pace and spin on every shot. The cup face design thins out the clubface around the perimeter for maximum velocity on off-center hits. You’ll find these components produce optimal distance and a soft landing.

7. Titleist T300  – Best Feel

Pros

• Offers a soft feel on all shots
• Produces a high launch
• Optimizes your COR
• Forgiving
• Generates explosive ball speed

Cons

• Expensive
• The strong lofted long irons may prove challenging for a slower swing speed to strike

The Titleist T300 irons show that the brand offers more than just the best balls in golf. These irons garnered my attention for their soft feel on every strike. Furthermore, they provided plenty of forgiveness, launched my golf ball high, and sent it long.

The enhanced polymer core stood out for me as the star performer. Titleist engineers positioned it between the clubface and the cavity to absorb shocks produced when you miss the sweet spot.

You’ll notice that the T300 irons do well to minimize ball speed and spin drop-off on heel and toe mishits. This is thanks to the Max Impact Technology, which escalates your COR across the clubface to carry your ball to the ideal length and land it softly.

Furthermore, I felt the results of the extra 40% of tungsten, as it prompted a consistently high launch. While slow swing speeds will appreciate this assistance, it can cause faster swingers to balloon their shots.

Lastly, when you test the Titleist T300 irons, you’ll experience explosive velocity off the clubface thanks to the variable face thickness design.

8. TaylorMade Stealth  – Fastest Ball Speed

Pros

• Escalates ball speed
• Promotes a high launch
• Soft feel
• Optimal forgiveness
• Enhanced MOI

Cons

• Premium price tag
• Some of the features are found in previous, more affordable TaylorMade irons

TaylorMade gifted the Stealth range to the world in 2022. Although they do not possess carbon fiber layers like the driver, these irons deliver exceptional ball zip. In addition, to their speed, I enjoyed a towering launch, maximum forgiveness, and a soft feel.

You’ll see that TaylorMade opted for a Cap Back Design with a toe wrap construction to reposition the CG low and deep. Naturally, this setup encourages a high launch to help beginners keep their ball airborne for longer.

The 450 stainless steel face with an intelligently positioned sweet spot supports the low CG to add power to your lift-off. As a result, I produced rampant ball pace on all shots for increased yardage on approach. Also, a higher flight prompted a softer, controlled landing to hold on tighter greens.

Furthermore, you’ll notice that the Stealth irons contain the classic TaylorMade Thru-Slot Speed pocket to increase clubface flexibility. The increased flex helped me prevent speed and spin loss on low-face strikes.

Finally, my hands appreciated the protection afforded to them by the Echo Damping System. The engineers placed it behind the clubface to drown out harsh shocks generated from mishits and ensure a soft feel.

9. Callaway Rogue ST Max OS Lite  – Fastest Clubhead Speed

Pros

• Lighter shafts help you produce accelerated golf club speed
• Generates rampant ball velocity
• Prompts a controlled landing
• Encourages straighter shots
• Optimal forgiveness

Cons

• Expensive
• Faster swinging beginners may sky their shots with these lightweight irons

Never one to be outdone by their foes TaylorMade, Callaway released their Rogue ST Max range in 2022 to compete with the Stealth series. Competition is fantastic for innovation and is evident with the Rogue ST Max OS Lite, our irons with the fastest clubhead speed in our test.

You’ll find that the OS Lite irons are seriously lightweight, where you receive that added swing speed boost. Callaway equipped them with lighter shafts to help slow-swing speed golfers accelerate on the downswing.

In addition, I found that the high-strength 450 A.I. optimized flash face cup produced incredible ball zip on all shots. The flash face cup increases clubface flex to accelerate ball speed, improve COR and encourage towering ball flight. As a result, you can generate a controlled landing angle for an increased bite.

You’ll notice that these irons contain 46 grams of tungsten which amplifies the stability of the club head for advanced MOI. Plus, the increased tungsten expands the sweet spot around the clubface, thanks to perimeter weighting, which limits spin and speed drop on mishits.

10. Powerbilt EX-550  – Best Hybrid Irons

Pros

• Highly affordable
• Easy to launch
• Promotes straight shots
• Enhanced forgiveness
• Produces a high launch

Cons

• Playing with an entire set of hybrids may not appeal to all golfers
• The higher MOI construction restricts workability

Closing out our top ten list of best irons for beginners is the Powerbilt-EX 550 hybrid irons, which claim the title in this category. I appreciate their affordability, forgiveness, straight shots, and easy launch.

You’ll notice that EX-550 hybrid irons are a no-frills set of affordable golf clubs ideal for beginners on a strict budget. The hybrid set consists of a 4-iron through-to-sand wedge, with the latter the only non-hybrid construction.

I found that the graphite shafts on these irons provided ample flex to accelerate ball speed off the clubface for a highly consistent launch. Lastly, the hollow body construction on these hybrid irons provides incredible MOI to produce straight shots and combat slices.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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Pulling the golf ball has always been one of my least favorite misses. The problem with the pull shot is that it feels so good. As soon as you pull the ball, it feels like it’s going to go a long way.

Most pulls are solid strikes.

I know a lot about pulling golf shots and this ball flight because it’s a common miss for me. The good news is that there are some easy fixes to help you eliminate the pull shot and get your ball flight straightened out.

Here are some reasons you are pulling your irons right to left and the best ways to go about fixing it.

What Happens When Pulling Your Irons

Pulling your irons is when the ball starts out immediately left across a right-handed golfer’s body.

A draw golf shot starts out to the right or straight and then makes a turn left.

However, with a pull, this is not a shot that turns; it simply goes straight left from the tee.

The club face of the golf iron is often square when this happens and that is why the shot stays straight as opposed to having much of a turn.

A pulled shot typically goes a long way, as the clubface is often square or even slightly shut. However, it can still hurt your score as it will likely be off the green or rough.

5 Reasons Why You Might Be Pulling Your Irons

Doesn’t it always seem that in golf, there is never a simple, quick fix to the issue? The first part is always to determine what it is that is causing the problems in your game, and then it’s a matter of fixing it.

I’m going to give you 5 of the top reasons you are likely pulling the ball and then some tips on determining which one is the problem and how you can fix it.

1. Ball Position Too Far Forward

One of the simplest and most common reasons for golfers to pull the ball is that their ball position is too far forward. When the ball is up closer to the front of your stance, it’s very easy to pull the ball.

What happens here is by the time you make contact with the ball, your body has already started to rotate towards your finish, and your clubface may even be slightly closed.

The ball position for many amateur players is a major issue because of confidence. In golf, there is a lot of inconsistency in the setup and stance.

In fact, if you watch professional golfers, they take quite a bit of time to ensure that their setup is perfect. At the address position, golfers must feel like the body and clubface can return to square for an ideal impact.

One way to know if ball position is the issue is if you are pulling your irons and not your driver or your hybrids but not your wedges. Essentially, is your setup correct for some clubs but not others?

Use golf alignment sticks and even a mirror to practice your setup and ensure that the ball position is where it should be for each club.

2. Club Face Slightly Shut

Sometimes amateur golfers intentionally shut the clubface of their iron or even driver to help avoid a slice. Although this issue doesn’t typically fix a slice, it can undoubtedly decrease one if you have a hard time releasing and rotating the club head.

However, there are also times when a golfer who slices it suddenly stops slicing. When this happens, the clubface is still shut, but the slice spin is no longer on the ball.

Hitting the golf shot with a slightly shut clubface like this can cause a pull.

I’ve seen many players that have no idea how to lay a clubhead flat. So many will close it, thinking that it is square.

One of the best ways to test if your clubface is square is to simply hold it up to a 90 degree angle. You can even set up with the club in a door jam and look at how it looks. You want the base or sole of the club to be directly up against the straight edge.

For those closing the face of the club, the toe will be touching the straight edge. For those that hold the clubface open, the heel will be touching the straight edge.

3. Body Stops Rotating

Timing in a golf swing is so important. If the hands and the body are not working together, the results of the golf shots are not going to be ideal. Essentially players must ensure that they are rotating their lower body both back and through each shot.

If the body stops rotating and the arms continue to swing, the ball is going left.

So many players worry about the fact that they are stopping their body rotation, but sometimes this is a cause of never really starting.

When you take the club back, make sure that you are turning your lower body to rotate, and then just keep that motion going as your arms swing back.

If one goes without the other, the dispersion rates in your game will be a bit out of control.

One way golfers can work on this is by hitting chip-type shots. The chip shot is a mini representation of the full swing. Getting your lower body to turn back in a chip will force it to turn through, resulting in a much straighter shot.

4. Club Path Over The Top

Have you ever been told that you bring the club over the top on the downswing? This is a very common club path for the amateur golfer, and it can create an impact position with a slightly closed clubface and golf shots such as hooks, pulls, and sometimes even a slice.

If your club path is over the top, there are likely two reasons for it.

The first is that you may have taken the club outside on the takeaway and never gotten it on the proper path. The second reason is that when you tried to make the transition from the backswing to the downswing, you never got the club dropped into the correct position.

That transition from the backswing to the downswing is tricky for many amateur players. When you get to the top of the swing, if the downswing starts with hands and arms, chances are the club will be coming over the top of the path.

Instead, at the top of the swing, there needs to be a start of a rotation that uses the legs to pull the arms into place. This is one of the more difficult shot fixes, and it can take time to get the swing plane and swing path correct.

Use an alignment stick, make sure your takeaway is perfect, and then feel as though the club drops into place at the top of your swing.

5. Improper Weight Transfer

Last but certainly not least is an issue with weight transfer that can cause you to pull your shots. If your weight hangs back a bit at impact and the arms continue to rotate and swing through the shot, it often shuts down the clubface and causes a pull.

As you set up to hit a golf shot, the weight should be somewhat balanced. Then as you make a turn back, it goes to the right foot (right-handed golfer), and then, through impact, it is already transferring to the left.

Golfers that learn to make impact with most weight transferred to the left side will see more power and straight shots with a square clubface.

You will know improper weight transfer is the culprit of your bad shots because of the finish position you are in. If you are leaning back, work on weight transfer.

How to Identify and Fix This Problem

Sometimes a pull shot is a quick fix; other times, you may be working on this issue for a while.

One of the best ways to identify what the issue is in your golf swing is to take a video. So many golfers have a great phone that they can use to have a friend take a video down the line and head on.

Go through these videos in slow motion and see if any of the five reasons why you are pulling your irons right to left seems like they may be happening.

In addition, you can meet with a golf professional who will quickly identify what the issue is and give you a plan to fix it.

Luckily, the pulled golf shot is still a good strike.

Therefore it becomes most important to make these minor tweaks and get the ball flight straightened out. You won’t need to reinvent the wheel here; simply changing the setup, working on better body rotation, or getting the swing plane straightened out will do the trick.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children.

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Most of my work centers around simplifying the game for the average mid and high-handicapper golfer.

However, today I change course and focus on superior golfers.

Today, I unveil my top 10 best blade irons for optimal workability, turf interaction, and control around the golf course.

Let’s get straight into the list.

1. TaylorMade P790 (Best for Forgiveness)

Pros

• Forgiving for blade irons
• Dampens vibrations
• Increase low clubface flex for consistent ball speed
• Enhanced sweet spot
• High launching long irons

Cons

• Expensive
• Superior golfers may find the game improvement technology limits playability

Forgiveness is not a feature commonly associated with blades, but I have to say TaylorMade changed my opinion. The P790 are forgiving blade irons, but expectation management is essential because you cannot expect the leniency of cavity back irons.

Despite the traditional, compact profile of the blades, the P790 contains ample technology to produce consistent ball speed, spin, C.O.R, and M.O.I on all shots. Starting with its low profile tungsten weighting that prompts high flight in the long irons for consistent carry distance.

In addition, the engineers included the famed Thru Slot Speed Pocket, which boosts face flexibility to provide consistent speed on strikes low off the clubface. Plus, Inverted Cone Technology (I.C.T) expands the sweet spot for rapid zip and controlled spin on mishits.

Lastly, I found the Speedfoam Air feature highly effective in dampening vibrations and ensuring a soft touch on all shots. Overall, the TaylorMade P790 irons are a suitable package for mid or low handicappers tempted to switch from game improvement to players’ clubs.

2. PXG 0211 ST (Best for Golfers on a Budget)

Pros

• Affordable for blade irons
• Moderately forgiving
• Durable, tight grain structure
• Easy to control the clubface through impact
• Soft feel and feedback

Cons

• The large PXG logo on the muscle back is off-putting, but they need to put it somewhere
• The high MOI reduced the curve on my draws and fades

The PXG 0211 ST range is the best blade irons for golfers on a budget. Now, PXG does offer more affordable golf clubs. But, they do not deliver the workability, control, and consistency of the 0211 ST range. These irons are suitable for mid or low handicappers looking to switchblades.

Parson Xtreme Golf put these irons through a triple forging process to boost durability and soften the feel of each shot. The long-lasting grain structure encourages optimal spin and speed on all shots for improved results.

They may not provide the forgiveness of game improvement irons, but you’ll enjoy more than is offered by other blades. PXG engineers redistributed mass across the clubhead, creating perimeter weighting for stability, a square clubface, and consistent spin.

Contrary to the high moment of inertia (MOI) throughout the clubhead, PXG lowered it above the shaft axis. You’ll find that this boosts your ability to control the clubface through access, enabling you to launch a draw or fade.

3. Callaway Rogue ST Pro (Best for Explosive Ball Speed)

Pros

• Encourages accelerated ball speed
• Maintains ball speed on off-center strikes
• Soft feel and feedback
• Promotes consistent spin
• Enhanced C.O.R

Cons

• Expensive
• The tungsten weight at the back detracts from the appearance of a traditional blade

The Rogue ST Pro forms part of the latest irons series from Callaway designed to deliver explosive ball velocity and a soft touch to superior golfers. I found that it produced the fastest ball pace of all these irons, making them the best blades for the cause.

Callaway engineers leveraged innovative technology to construct a high-strength 450 A.I. Designed Flash Face Cup. The technology boosts ball speed and ensures consistency on all strikes for improved results.

They roped in A.I. for a second run at optimizing the face to produce spin consistency and elevate the coefficient of restitution (C.O.R). As a result, the clubface increases the energy transfer to the ball at contact for rapid speed, controlled spin, and an optimal launch.

The final feature you’ll notice is the Patented Urethane Microspheres. Although you cannot see the Microspheres, they drown out vibrations and promote soft feedback. In addition, they amplify acoustics for a crisp sound on strikes out of the sweet spot.

4. Wilson Staff Model (Best for Clean Turf Interaction)

Pros

• Consistent ball speed on off-center hits
• Optimal turf interaction
• Generates controlled spin on flushed strikes
• Promotes maximum playability
• Clean look at address

Cons

• Expensive
• I did experience a challenge with glare

Wilson has long crafted golf clubs and balls for the average golfer, but they are changing that narrative. The Wilson Staff Model irons feature the clean-cut look of a traditional blade with game improvement technology for clean turf interaction, forgiveness, and consistent spin and distance.

Off the bat, the precision-milled muscle back iron design appealed to the traditionalist in me, but I was unsure about the longer blade. I quickly realized the added length was necessary to install the modern features for consistent iron shots.

The Diamond Scoreline Pattern layout appears across the clubface, helping you generate adequate spin and speed at impact. You’ll notice that this allows consistent flight through the bag, including high launch shots with your long irons and piercing trajectory with a pitching wedge.

Lastly, the Optimized Sole Camber stood out as a core ingredient in the Staff’s success. The rounded sole radius helped the clubface cut through rough and fairway to reach my ball unhindered.

5. Callaway Apex MB (Best for Traditionalists)

Pros

• Classic shape and design
• Optimized ball speed
• Delivers consistent spin
• Produces controlled ball flight
• Enables maximum workability

Cons

• Expensive
• The lower launch may lead to inconsistent carry distance with long irons

Golf club manufacturers are evolving to include game improvement technology in players’ irons to provide greater consistency. While this benefits more golfers, it removes the clean, simple blade profile. The Callaway Apex MB irons understand this and have maintained the traditional look where possible.

Besides their tour shaping and classic style, the Apex MB irons help the average golfer produce optimal launch and spin from anywhere on the golf course. High-Performance 20V grooves boost control, ball speed, and spin for optimal launch, flight, and roll.

In addition, you’ll notice that the irons contain CG weighting behind the center of the clubface for a controlled launch. Therefore, you produce piercing flight, enabling great playability on approach. The only downside is that the weight is an eye sore.

6. Mizuno Pro 225 (Best for a Soft Feel)

Pros

• Buttery soft feel
• High launching long irons
• Boosts energy transfer at contact
• Glare resistant
• Clean turf interaction

Cons

• Minimal forgiveness
• Reduced workability compared to previous Mizuno players’ irons

The team from Hiroshima continues to grace us with exceptional feeling golf clubs, fit for the best players on earth. The Mizuno Pro 225 claimed the title for the softest feel in our 2022 blades challenge, thanks to a Grain Flow Forged 4135 Chromoly construction.

The Chromoly construction creates a soft feel and bolsters the strength of the golf club for greater longevity. A Copper Underlay adds to the buttery feel of each strike, which the engineers say produces an incremental, soft touch at impact.

Furthermore, a Hollow Body C.O.R Construction increases energy transfer at impact and enhances MOI. As a result, you produce consistent ball speed and spin and maintain a square clubface at contact.

Finally, Mizuno equipped the long and mid irons in the set with additional low and deep tungsten weights. You’ll notice that this design encourages higher shots with your longer irons for consistent carry distance.

Conversely, the short irons and wedges forego tungsten to deliver piercing flight, maximum spin, and drop and stop control. Lastly, the Pro 225 irons possess a satin brush finish to reduce glare at address for greater comfort.

7. Ping Blueprint (Best for Workability)

Pros

• Optimizes workability
• Semi-forgiving long irons
• Clean turf interaction
• Exceptional speed and spin off the machined grooves
• Sheds moisture from the clubface

Cons

• Premium price
• Zero forgiveness in the short irons and wedges

I first saw the Blueprint irons when my compatriot Louis Oosthuizen started carrying them, and I can see why. These irons enable advanced workability to help you shape your golf ball around the links. The long irons launch high, while short irons and wedges encourage controlled flight for maximum shot-stopping power.

Ping forged the Blueprint irons from 8620 Carbon Steel to create a clean, compact muscle back design, fit for the game’s best. These features combine to set the platform for improved playability. Besides the compact clubface and short blade, these irons feature a narrow sole for limited turf interaction.

Furthermore, I found that the Ping machined face and grooves worked flawlessly to generate enhanced pace and spin out of the sweet spot. In addition, you’ll notice a tungsten toe weight in the long and mid irons to encourage a square clubface at contact for elevated accuracy and ball speed.

Finally, Ping addressed the effects of moisture on your clubface in wet conditions by employing a Hydropeal 2.0 finish. It helps remove moisture from the path of the clubface to ensure a clean strike at contact.

8. Titleist 620 CB (Best For Minimal Offset)

Pros

• Minimal offset
• Maximum workability
• Clean turf interaction
• High MOI long irons
• Compact playable short irons

Cons

• The cavity back construction may deter traditionalists
• Premium price tag

Our penultimate blade irons for 2022 feature the least offset design of the Titleist 620 CB. These are not traditional blades because they contain a minor cavity back, but they promote exceptional playability through the set for increased control on approach.

The reduced offset and thin topline provide a pleasant sight at address, and it enables advanced shot shaping. I found the 620 CB put me in the driver’s seat, helping me to fade and draw the ball for superior distance control and accuracy. However, mishits led to catastrophic results.

You’ll notice that the set offers progressive blade lengths, ranging from larger long irons to compact, playable, short irons. The 3 and 4-irons are co-forged with tungsten to boost the MOI and stability of these clubs. As a result, it encourages straight, high shots.

The last feature worth mentioning is Titleist 620 CB tour refined sole that delivers crisp turf interaction, clearing obstructions into impact.

9. Srixon Z-Forged (Best Address Profile)

Pros

• Slim address profile
• Simple, traditional muscle back profile
• Moderately affordable for blades
• Encourages clean strikes from the fairway and rough
• Buttery soft feel

Cons

• Zero forgiveness
• The Srixon logo detracts from the appealing simple look, but that is a personal dislike

Superior players often seek irons that provide a clean, attractive appearance at address for added confidence. I found that the Srixon Z-Forged thrived in this department and earned my pick for its turf interaction, workability, and classic muscle back design.

Traditionalists will approve of the muscle-back construction with a thin address profile, which looks clean behind the golf ball at address. In addition, you’ll welcome the Tour V.T. sole, which limits turf interaction to produce a clean ball strike.

Furthermore, I noticed that the slim profile of these irons made it easy to work the ball from the fairway and rough, enhancing my control.

Finally, I appreciated the buttery-soft feel produced by the Z-Forged irons, which felt the way a players iron should. The enhanced feel stems from the forging of a single billet of soft 1020 carbon steel.

10. TaylorMade P7MB (Best for Control)

Pros

• Produces piercing ball flight for greater control
• Maximum workability
• Moderate spin
• Clean appearance at address
• Encourages maximum launch

Cons

• Expensive
• Zero forgiveness on off-center hits

The TaylorMade P7MB combines classic muscle-back geometry with a contemporary face to offer exceptional control, power, and turf interaction through the bag. These modern blade irons possess a pure buttery touch for enhanced feedback on strikes out of the sweet spot.

I noticed that the thin top line of the clubface provided a clean appearance at address, which was enhanced by minimal offset. The lack of offset assistance allowed me to induce a draw or fade when required for greater control on the golf course.

Furthermore, you’ll notice these blades carry a thin sole, which glides across the turf, prompting consistent speed and power into impact. I also enjoyed the optimized grain structure on these irons and delivered optimal ball speed and spin on shots out of the middle.

Finally, the engineers precisely located the center of gravity (CG) in each iron for the ideal launch angle, spin control, and ball speed on approach and around the green.

Link to buy on PGA Tour Superstore

FAQs

Do blade irons make you better?

No, blade irons do not make you better. You must be a consistent ball striker, willing to sacrifice forgiveness before adding blades to your bag. Basically, low handicappers and professionals are the only golfers who have business with blades.

Do blade irons go further?

No, blade irons do not go further for most golfers. That is because they offer limited forgiveness on off-center strikes, resulting in a loss of ball speed, C.O.R, and distance. The average golfer will hit game-improvement irons consistently further than blades.

Are blades harder to hit than cavity backs?

Yes, blades are far harder to hit than cavity backs because they contain a concentrated sweet spot in the center of the clubface. Any strikes out of this zone reduce ball speed, increase spin and produce shorter, inaccurate shots.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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Shafts are often forgotten in the game improvement conversation, as they are overshadowed by the work of the clubhead and face. In this post, we change the narrative and address the best golf shafts for irons. I will explain how they impact your launch, ball speed, shot dispersion, and swing speed.

After putting them through their paces and reviewing the data, we had our six best iron shafts for 2022. I have covered all bases, including options for slow, moderate, and fast swing speeds. Plus, you have the best ladies’ and junior’s shafts to look forward to.

On the subject, I have a must-read article for faster swing speeds that you should bookmark for later. Learn the ins and outs of stiff vs extra stiff iron shafts.

What to Look for in an Iron Shaft

Material

Modern golf shafts are constructed from two predominant materials: steel and graphite composite. Steel shafts typically contain extra weight compared to graphite, and you’ll notice that they are more affordable.

Graphite is the go-to material for hybrids, fairway woods, and driver shafts because they prevent additional unnecessary mass. The lighter construction of graphite shafts promotes accelerated swing speed for a powerful strike.

You’ll find that slower swing speed golfers and I enjoy graphite irons shafts because they make it easy to frequently launch your golf ball.

Flex

The flex of your iron shafts impacts their spring leading into impact. A ladies’ flex is the least stiff option and provides maximum whip into the ball at contact. You’ll notice this provides consistent ball speed and a high launch. These shafts work for golfers who swing a 6-iron below 65 mph.

You’ll see that the next flexible option is a seniors flex, built for older golfers and slow-swinging high handicappers. However, most amateurs will fit into the moderate speed bracket and perform best with a regular flex shaft.

Finally, lower handicappers and tour professionals typically register fast and super fast speeds, setting them up for success with a stiff or extra stiff shaft. I have provided a table below highlighting which shaft flex is right for your swing.

Finally, lower handicappers and tour professionals typically register fast and super fast speeds, setting them up for success with a stiff or extra stiff shaft. I have provided a table below to highlight which shaft flex is right for your swing.

Shaft Flex vs Swing Speed

Weight

The more grams your shaft contains, the harder it becomes to optimize your clubhead speed on the downswing. However, additional mass can prompt some players to activate the necessary muscles to boost power as you transition from the top of your swing to impact.

Powerful golfers with faster swing speeds find that heavy golf shafts enhance stability to deliver a controlled launch. Conversely, slower golf swingers may struggle to transfer sufficient energy to the ball at impact, generating weak launch with minimal distance.

You’ll find that most heavy shafts carry stiff or extra stiff flex, making it ideal for higher swing speeds. On the contrary, lightweight shafts generally offer increased flex to aid slow-swinging players.

Torque

The degree of torque your shafts carry influences the rate of twist during your swing. Therefore, it has the greatest bearing on your shot dispersion. Shafts with a lower torque degree twist less and help golfers to keep their clubface square at contact. Contrarily, a high degree of torque prompts the clubface open at impact, which can produce a slice.

In tests conducted by the TPT Golf, they found that shots with higher torque shafts finished right of the target on most occasions for right-handers. Conversely, lower torque iron shafts delivered a dispersion to the left of the target.

As a result, you should think about a lower torque shaft if your ball finishes right of your target more often than not.

Kick Point

The final factor to consider is the kick point of a shaft which impacts the elevation of your launch. A shaft offers one of three kick points to promote the optimal launch, flight, and carry distance.

The type of kick point your shaft possesses depends on the area that contorts the heaviest during your swing. A high kick point is present near the grip and produces a low launching shot, welcomed by higher swing speeds.

A mid-kick point appears in the middle of the shaft and is built to propel a neutral launch which suits average swing speeds. Lastly, a low kick point features near the club head and bends hard into impact, generating a towering launch for slower swing speeds.

If you are concerned that you are launching the ball too low, try shafts with a lower kick point. Conversely, players afraid of ballooning shots should consider a high to mid-design.

7 Best Golf Shafts for Irons

UST Mamiya Recoil 460 ESX – Best For Moderate Swing Speed

The UST Mamiya Recoil are ideal graphite shafts for amateur golfers with a moderate swing speed, ranging from 80 to 95 mph. Engineers constructed the 460 ESX shaft with regular flex to boost energy transfer at impact.

I found that Recoil Technology is the star feature of the shaft because it encouraged increased spring in the walls of the shaft. This boosted the energy transfer from the clubface to the golf ball at contact, prompting accelerated ball speed for maximum distance.

You’ll find that the rapid velocity and controlled spin prompts a moderate to high launch for consistent carry distance with your iron golf clubs. Finally, UST Mamiya suggests that the 460 ESX contains 4.7 degrees of torque, leading to increased flex during your swing, which can produce erratic results.

Pros

• Promotes rapid ball speed
• Greater spring in the walls of the shaft
• Suits average swing speeds
• Promotes high ball flight
• Encourages optimal carry distance

Cons

• Expensive
• It doesn’t suit faster swing speeds

KBS TGI Tour – Best For Seniors

The KBS TGI Tour shafts with a senior flex profile are graphite constructions designed to give older players greater control on the golf course. The engineers worked to reduce spin and launch for greater distance in your mid and long irons.

I noticed that the 60-gram construction was light enough to boost club head speed, and the mid to low kick point delivered ample height on my shots. In addition, the similarity in play to a steel iron shaft provides superior control compared to other graphite designs.

Furthermore, you’ll find that the KBS TGI Tour features a mid to low kick point, which prompts ample height for improved distance consistency. Lastly, only golfers with a 6-iron swing speed should think about these shafts.

Pros

• Mid to high launch
• Encourages increased club head speed
• Produces consistent distance
• Specifically constructed for seniors
• Moderately priced

Cons

• Expensive
• It’s too flexible for moderate swing speeds

True Temper Dynamic Gold AMT S300 – Best For Fast Swing Speeds

Amateurs who swing a 6-iron between 84 and 91 mph are considered faster swingers and are best fitted to stiff shafts. The True Temper New Dynamic Gold S300 are steel shafts that offer limited flex and high kick point for a low launch.

The reduced flex of the shaft enhances the stability of the clubhead into impact, ensuring low spin to send your ball along a piercing trajectory. You’ll find that this encourages optimal roll once your golf ball touches down.

Finally, True Temper suggests that the Dynamic Gold AMT S300 works for experienced players with a moderate tempo.

Pros

• Promotes a low trajectory
• Lowers spin
• Boosts ball speed
• Suits faster swingers with a moderate tempo
• Affordable

Cons

• The stiff flex may cause some players to produce low trajectory
• The increased mass may slow your swing speed down

True Temper Project X Rifle 6.0 .355 – Best For Low Handicappers and Professionals

Low handicappers and professionals with faster swing speed will appreciate the extra stiff construction of the True Temper Project X Rifle 6.0 .355 shaft. True Temper built these for the players who generate over 92 mph of clubhead speed with a 6-iron.

The Stepless Design Technology (SDT) was my highlight because it ensured optimal energy transfer at contact. I found this produced rampant velocity and optimal length. In addition, I found that the technology prompted a solid feel when the clubface struck the golf ball.

Furthermore, you’ll see that shots with these high kick point iron shafts encourage a flat, penetrating ball flight for improved control and increased roll. Lastly, these shafts control spin for optimal flight, length, and roll.

Pros

• Moderately affordable
• Penetrating ball flight
• Limited flex at impact
• Increased roll
• Low spin

Cons

• The low launch can lead to inconsistent results for slower swingers
• The heavier design causes you to lose clubhead speed

Mitsubishi MMT 50 – Best Golf Shaft For Ladies

The Mitsubishi MMT 50 is our top ladies shaft flex which offers a lightweight construction that encourages rapid swing speed and consistent results. You’ll find that Mitsubishi developed this shaft for those players who swing a 6-iron below 65 mph.

I noticed that the MMT 50 was crafted using metal mesh material. In addition, the engineers took it a step further to include Metal Mesh Technology. The technology elevates the density and stability despite the shaft possessing 5.9-degrees of torque, which leads to increased twisting during your swing.

Furthermore, I enjoyed a mid-to-high launch, brought about by the mid-to-low kick point. This made it easy to launch my shots and ensure ample carry distance. Overall, it is a suitable iron shaft for slower swing speeds.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to swing
• Prompts a mid to high launch
• Offers an improved feel
• Amplifies acoustics
• Optimal spring into impact for accelerated ball speed

Cons

• Expensive compared to steel shafts
• The lighter design can cause some players to balloon shots

KBS 560 – Best For Juniors

We have covered every type of golfer except for the little guys and girls. The KBS 500 is ideal for your youngster to produce consistent distance and accuracy with the irons. These shafts are specially constructed for youngsters in the development phase of their golf careers.

The engineers developed the KBS 560 with two flex options, including regular-stiff and regular, to cater to all junior swing types. You’ll notice that these shafts are moderately heavier than standard junior shafts, as they are built to operate with adult clubheads.

In addition, the increased mass trains youngsters to swing an adult club. Plus, the KBS 560 golf shaft encourages controlled flight to prevent ballooning shots and losing yards. Finally, these models promote rapid ball speed for optimal yardage.

Pros

• They help juniors transition to adult clubs
• Delivers a controlled launch
• Prompts accelerated ball velocity
• Encourages maximum distance
• They work with adult clubheads

Cons

• The stiffness of the shaft may prove excessive for some juniors to launch
• The low launch may lead slower swinging juniors to lose carry distance

Fujikura Pro Series 95i – Best Graphite Iron Shafts

The Fujikura Pro Series 95i is my top pick for the best graphite iron shafts, thanks to the selection of flex profiles, durability, and glare-resistant finish. Fujikura offers the Pro Series 95i in three flex options, regular, stiff, and extra stiff, making them ideal for moderate to fast swing speeds.

Besides the flex options, these shafts are built to deliver medium spin and launch. As a result, they deliver controlled ball flight on approach.

Furthermore, the engineers created them to allow for a hard or soft step. For example, a hard step represents placing a 7-iron iron shaft in a 6-iron head. Conversely, a soft step requires setting a 6-iron shaft in a 7-iron clubhead.

The use of High-Density Composite Core (HDCC) enhances the shaft’s durability, and it lightens the mass to promote rapid club speed. When you combine a rampant clubhead with a medium launch, you produce a controlled shot with optimal distance and spin.

Lastly, the HDCC material works wonders for feedback, as it eliminates unwanted vibrations that run up the shaft on off-center strikes. Therefore, it protects your hands for a smooth, pleasant feel.

Pros

• Soft feel
• Light construction encourages accelerated clubhead speed
• Customizable for a hard or soft step procedure
• Affordable per unit for graphite shafts
• Built for moderate to fast swing speed

Cons

• The shafts do not suit slower swing speeds
• They are still more expensive than steel shafts

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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There are fewer satisfying feelings in golf than flushing an iron shot to within a few feet of the pin.

Unfortunately, this happens less often than it should, leading to amateurs despising their irons. In this post, I teach you 8 tips to hit your irons pure, for optimal distance and spin on approach.

I will take you through every step of the golf swing from your stance to the low point, helping you strike cleaner iron strikes for superior consistency. In addition, I shall touch on the mistakes amateurs typically make when swinging an iron.

What Does Hitting Irons Pure Mean?

Butch Harmon explains that you hit your irons pure when you connect the ball on your downswing and avoid scooping it up off the floor. In other words, you strike the ball before the clubhead touches the ground. That results in your low point occurring after impact.

Professionals strike the ball and then proceed to take a divot out. Because of the optimal compression at impact, they produce significant distance compared to most amateur golfers.

Tiger Woods illustrated that perfectly at the 2020 Farmers Insurance Open. After every shot that he hits, he moves the ball back, and at the end, there is a long straight divot. That shows how he flushes most of his iron strikes and achieves optimal distance and spin control:

As amateurs, I suggest focusing less on your divot and more on making clean contact with the ball. If you can consistently do that, you will notice a remarkable improvement in your iron yardage and accuracy.

8 Tips to Hit Your Irons Pure

Tip #1: Stand Closer To The Ball

Remember, your irons carry shorter shafts than a driver. Therefore, you need to restructure your setup for striking the more compact clubheads. Before you decide on your preferred ball position, take a few practice swings so that you can catch the ball on your downswing.

If you stand too far away from the ball, you will attempt to correct your plane during your swing, causing you to reach for the ball. That can lead to shots out of the toe of the club or an open clubface at impact.

Tip #2: Forward Weight

Contrary to the age-old theory, the first step to pure iron shots is to place approximately 60% of your weight onto your front foot. Some coaches believe that sets you up to lose balance at impact, but it helps get you into position for a pure strike.

Me And My Golf explain that this position enables you to strike down on the ball and generate optimal compression at impact:

If you place excess pressure on your back foot, it prompts you to hit up on the ball. That is suitable for a tee shot, but not irons, as It can cause you to strike the ground before the ball, resulting in a topped shot or loss of power at impact.

Tip #3: Ball In Line With Lead Heel

Harmon recommends employing the same ball position for every iron shot. He favors aligning it with the logo on your shirt, which works for right-handers, but not so much for lefties. If your legs are shoulder-width apart, your logo lineups with your lead heel.

Me And My Golf agrees with Harmon and offers a simple solution for consistency with your ball positioning. They also recommend placing the ball on the inside of your front heel for all shots. But suggest moving your back foot to widen your stance for different clubs.

For example, if you are hitting a 3-iron, you will move your trailing foot a few inches back to widen the stance. That helps you cater for the longer club and still promotes you strike it cleanly on your downswing.

Furthermore, if you are hitting a 7-iron or 8-iron, you should position your trailing foot closer to your front leg. That closes your stance slightly.

Finally, if you hit a 9-iron or wedge, you need to bring your back foot slightly closer to the lead leg than you would for a mid-iron shot. That helps you cater for the shorter iron length without impacting the rotation of your hips and torso. Thus, delivering for a clean strike.

Basically, you never change the position of your ball. You only reposition your trailing leg to widen or shorten your setup.

Tip #4: Rotation

A standard error made by amateurs is swaying from the front leg to the back leg. This eradicates all momentum produced from supreme hip rotation.

When you sway away from the target, you place all your weight on your back leg and send the club offline. It is challenging to shift your weight back to your front foot and can lead to you hitting the ground before the ball.

The other problem with limiting rotation is that amateurs struggle to get their club on plane when the shaft is parallel to the ground. That could cause the golfer to hit across the ball and generate side spin that prompts a slice.

Tip #5: Swing Wide

Although your backswing doesn’t determine the outcome of your shot, an incorrect takeaway can send your club off the target line, causing an erratic strike.

Harmon recommends that you swing wide to the top so that your hands are towards your trailing shoulder and not by your head. You need optimal rotation to get into this position at the top of your backswing.

Once you are in this position, it prompts the desired swing path bringing the clubface square to the ball at impact.

Tip #6: Straight Line Release

Clay Ballard recommends that rotation is the answer to getting the golf club out in front to catch the ball before the low point of your swing. He explains that you achieve that by opening your shoulders and hips through contact for supreme power:

The momentum from this action sends the clubhead hurtling towards the ball, helping increase the coefficient of restitution (COR) for optimal ball speed. By following this approach, you enjoy crisp iron shots and increased yardage.

Tip #7: Strike The Ball On Your Downswing

One reason why the average golfer struggles to strike irons is because of the angle of attack. Unlike a driver, where you hit the ball on your upswing, irons require contact on your downswing.

If you strike the ground before your ball, you will hit it fat, or your clubhead could bounce up and catch the top of the ball. That is why the clubface needs to catch the ball before it touches the turf.

Me And My Golf demonstrates a handy drill that you can do on the driving range. Draw a line with chalk and place five to ten balls on it. Next, focus on hitting down and catching the ball cleanly. Executing this drill should leave your chalk line intact. If there are any divots on the line, it shows that you hit the ground before the ball.

Another drill that you can undertake to promote pure iron shots requires only your golf towel. Place the cloth a few inches behind the ball, and focus on bringing the clubhead down after it. That will help you get used to the motion of hitting down on the ball.

Tip #8: Low Point

The term low point is self-explanatory. It means the lowest point that the golf club head reaches in your swing arc. Your clubface needs to strike the golf ball towards the bottom of your downswing for optimal compression of your golf ball at impact.

That means that the low point comes after impact. You can practice this drill using the chalk method of Me And My Golf, and you don’t actually need any golf balls. Draw the chalk line, and focus on hitting the turf after it.

Therefore, you will improve your muscle memory of the motion to consistently repeat that swing.

As your ball striking improves, you can start to take larger divots on your iron shots and learn how to impart controlled back or sidespin on the ball. However, as a beginner or high handicapper, focus on catching the ball cleanly first.

How Do You Hit Your Irons Pure Every Time?

By following the above instructions and tips, you should begin to enjoy consistent iron strikes. Stand closer to the ball than you do with woods or hybrids, and strike it before the clubface catches the fairway.

Hitting down increases your compression at impact, thus imparting accelerated speed onto the ball. That leads to maximum distance with your irons.

Saying it is easier than executing it, which is why you need to put the practice in to perfect the art of ball striking. Without practice, you cannot train your muscle memory. That makes it harder to repeat the required downswing for optimal distance.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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My years on the links have given rise to dozens of instances where a golf shaft change was necessary.

Admittedly, I channeled my inner Adam Hadwin a handful of times and purposefully damaged my clubs. However, most times, it came down to a change in swing mechanics.

In this post, I will take you through the cost to reshaft irons.

Besides the cost, I detail the features and benefits of re-shafting and why you should consider it. In addition, I will focus specifically on new shafts for your golf irons.

How Much It Costs to Reshaft Irons

There are three factors to consider when calculating the costs of re-shafting your golf clubs. The first is the price of the shaft, and the second is the labor cost. Lastly, you need to include the fee of a new grip for each iron.

The price of labor to reshaft your golf clubs ranges from $20 to $100. However, if you are quoted over $50 per shaft, I suggest shopping elsewhere because you can find more affordable establishments. Let’s say the average charge is $30 per iron shaft. The total works out to $210.

Now, let me use the example of the KBS Tour 90 steel shaft, which is over $38 on Amazon. If you own 7 irons, that will cost you $266 for the set. Conversely, a UST Mamiya Recoil graphite shaft is $54 per shaft. That will set you back $378 for the lot.

Next, you factor in the charge for each grip. The SuperStroke Cross Comfort fetches $6 per unit. Therefore, you are in for $42.

So, if we add labor, the golf grips, and shafts together, you are in for a fair sum. A set of steel shaft clubs with new grips will cost slightly less than $520. Contrarily, a set of graphite shafts runs you approximately $630.

*Prices are based on products seen on Amazon and the average labor cost for re shafting irons

Is It Cheaper to Just Buy New Irons?

It depends on what type of irons you are after. It is cheaper to reshaft your irons with labor and the regripping cost than purchase a set of blades. However, you can find game improvement options around the same price as switching out your old shafts.

For example, the PXG 0211 DC set of irons goes for under $600 if you opt for a 4-iron through to pitching wedge.

When It’s Worth It to Reshaft Your Irons

Incorrect Length

I recently went through this challenge. Before the pandemic, I had spent 9-years galavanting around the earth and neglected my set. When I returned home, they were too small for me. Which wreaked havoc with my posture and shot results.

Weirdly the shorter clubs caused me to push every shot, even though most players tend to pull the ball.

When your irons are too short or tall, it is worth re-shafting the entire set. This may prompt the average golfer to acquire a new set of clubs, but my old TaylorMade r540 irons are still my favorite clubs.

Long story short, I opted to get them re-shafted, and it was worth every cent to be able to use cubs I am familiar with.

On the contrary, I recently compiled a guide teaching you how to tell if your clubs are too long. I suggest diving into it in detail, but if your posture is too upright and the club feels heavy, you may need a shorter type of shaft.

Weight

When golfers feel that their club is too heavy or light, the time may have arrived for a replacement shaft. If you don’t feel it off the bat, you will start to notice the impact on your launch and ball flight.

For example, a lower than usual flight may be produced by a heavy shaft and stiff shaft. Conversely, it might be too light if you balloon your shots and generate excess spin.

Bent Golf Club Shafts

I am ashamed to say that I was a hothead as a junior golfer and know my way around bent shafts. The moment you bend your shaft purposefully or not, it is time for an iron reshaft.

Up until recently, the rules of golf prevented you from using a bent club. However, they have since amended the legislation to allow you to continue playing with a contorted club. In addition, a bent shaft impacts flex and control and may alter the lie angle of the clubface.

Change In Clubhead Speed

When your clubhead speed is slower or faster than usual, your shafts may be the culprit. If your swing speed has increased, you probably won’t complain. However, it may decrease because the shaft is too heavy for your swing. I suggest visiting your local fitter to determine the correct length, flex, and weight if this occurs.

Launch

Players who struggle to consistently launch their shots may find that a reshaft can improve their results. The inconsistent launch is caused by a lack of coefficient of restitution (COR), onset by reduced clubhead speed.

Your clubhead speed may slow when you have a stiff flex shaft which is too heavy for your swing. Therefore you lose power at impact and produce a low flying shot. In these circumstances, it is worthwhile reshafting your irons.

Shot Shape

I have found that when I am playing with shafts that are too stiff for my swing, I tend to consistently push the ball. Less flex makes it challenging for me to square my face up before impact. As a result, I leave my clubface open and push the ball out to the right.

On the other hand, when shafts are too flexible for me, the added whip leads to snapping the face closed on my downswing and hooking my shots. When this occurs frequently, it is worth considering a change of shaft.

Main Benefits of Reshafting Irons

Maximum Clubhead Speed

When your clubs are fitted with the optimal shafts for your swing, it helps you maximize your swing speed. Now, you won’t be swinging in the league of Kyle Berkshire, but you will see improvements over your old setup.

The average golfer often purchases iron sets that are fitted with stock shafts. Most of the time, they feature regular flex constructions. According to Golf Magazine, these best suit players with average swing speeds. These players swing a 6-iron between 75 to 83 mph.

If you struggle to generate consistent flight with these shafts, I recommend looking at senior or ladies’ flex shafts. Senior flex shafts are built for those with a 6-iron speed between 65 to 75 mph. In addition, a ladies flex suits any 6-iron swing speed below 65 mph.

A stiff shaft is ideal for a 6-iron swing speed above 84 mph. However, if that is still too flexible, look at an extra-stiff shaft.

Optimal Launch

To achieve an optimal launch, you need to generate ample ball speed and spin. It is difficult to optimize these factors when playing with the wrong equipment. That results in a weakened launch. The one where your ball hardly gets off the ground, and you lose significant yards.

Using the right shaft does not guarantee that you will strike the ball cleanly with a square face for maximum distance and accuracy. However, it lays the foundation for a crisp iron shot.

Therefore, if your clubs are not producing the launch you desire, get a professional to assess their state. You could ask the Pro at your local country club for advice or experience a complete fitting.

Increased COR

Several factors influence your COR, including clubhead speed and the impact zone on the clubface. Producing optimal clubhead speed and striking the ball in the sweet spot boosts your carry and total distance.

Contrarily, you experience reduced COR on off-center strikes, leading to a loss of yardage. Employing the correct shaft length, flex, and weight give you the tools to boost your power at impact for improved results through the bag.

Consistent Ball Flight

Besides launch, reshafting your irons plays a part in helping you achieve wholesome ball flight. If your ball launches super high and then falls out of the sky, your shaft could be too light and flexible for your swing. On the contrary, a low flying ball may stem from a heavy, stiff shaft.

Fitting your irons with a suitable shaft enables you to induce the desired flight for maximum carry distance.

Additional Yards

Increased clubhead speed and COR produce explosive ball speed designed to increase your distance. If you were playing with the incorrect shafts before, you should see a clear improvement.

Accuracy

An excessively stiff shaft can lead to numerous pushes and slices. Conversely, super flexible constructions may cause you to hook the ball.

Fitting the optimal shafts to your irons makes it easier to get your clubface on plane in preparation for impact. Therefore, you stand a higher chance of producing accurate shots than you did with your old shafts.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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