The best golf driving irons are not purely performance clubs. Of course, irons focus on energy transfer and the associated ball speed. Since every player feels this differently, it is impossible to give a general recommendation.
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For this reason, I always recommend a custom fitting option to my customers before buying a new iron set. This article reviews many opinions and summarizes them in a brief assessment.
Contents
Best Golf Driving Irons Reviews
Cobra King Utility
For feel and feedback, the Cobra King Utility irons are the clear winners in our iron test.
The Cobra King Utility irons’ playability surprised many golfers as they are easier to play than how they appear at first glance.
But the club’s sophisticated look is deceptive because Cobra Golf has achieved a fantastic combination of fault tolerance, feel, and performance.
According to many reviews, the Cobra irons’ launch conditions are consistently low, reducing spin. Because of the noticeable spin rates, the Cobra King Utility irons differ significantly from other models in my test.
Another beneficial feature of the larger grooves is excellent distance control and greater precision. Despite their forgiving playing characteristics, these irons are real powerhouses that achieve fantastic shot distances.
With this fantastic overall package, the Cobra King Utility irons can easily keep up with the big names in the golf industry that many testers unanimously confirmed. A minor point of criticism is the sometimes long delivery times.
Pros
- Best playability and forging technology
- A perfect combination of fault tolerance, feel, and performance
- High spin rates
- Excellent distance control and precision
Con
- Long delivery time
Tour Edge Men’s HL3
When the Tour Edge irons were on the program, players in the handicap range between 15 and 18 were skeptical.
The reason is the Tour Edge HL3 irons sophisticated look with the classic blade style.
It makes the Tour Edge HL3 irons suitable for single handicappers and players with a handicap of 18+. These irons’ performance impress the golf professionals as they deliver excellent performance from every position.
The high take-off angles can be counteracted by adjusting the loft. If you look at the overall package feature and compare the opinions of other test players, the Tour Edge HL3 irons will be at the top of our ranking.
It delivers an unbeatable performance range in playability, ball speed, distance, control, and precision; all at an excellent price-performance ratio. The only downside is the slightly high surcharge for certain custom shafts.
Pros
- Suitable for the professionals and novices
- Excellent playability and fault tolerance
- Amazing playability, ball speed, distance, control, and precision
Con
- Expensive price
TaylorMade M6
It quickly became apparent in our test runs that TaylorMade M6 Golf Irons are not suitable for low swing speeds.
The M6 irons also require a certain level regarding the hit point, as they are difficult to hit.
They generate a soft feel when you hit cleanly, something golf professionals can confirm from their own experiences. M6 irons’ positive feedback is thanks to the innovative edge zone weighting that ensures better stability. These clubs are average in terms of launch conditions.
Because of their demanding playing characteristics, I only recommend the TaylorMade M6 irons from a handicap of 20. The potential of these irons can only be fully exploited from a certain skill level.
Pros
- Soft feeling when hitting the golfs
- High stability and durability
- Innovative edge zone weighting
- Suitable for professional golfers
Con
- Not suitable for low swing speeds
Cobra Golf King Utility
The next model is an absolute novelty because, as the name suggests, Cobra Golf King Utility Irons are a set with irons of the same length. It seems a bit strange at first, and many players were also a bit irritated initially.
But once you get used to them, the basic idea behind the Cobra Golf King Utility irons is well-though. Cobra Golf’s goal was to use the same length to simplify the entire swing behavior and alignment and increase the hit rate in the clubface’s center.
The Cobra Golf King Utility irons feature excellent performance. The players also praised the soft feel and the rich sound of them. The values are average with no noteworthy outliers up or down.
This pick will not remain the last irons of the same length, and the other manufacturer will follow suit. The constant shaft length is irritating, especially with a short play.
All in all, these clubs are suitable from a handicap of 20. Although the Irons feature a sensational factor because of their innovative construction, the price-performance ratio remains reasonable.
Pros
- Simplifies the swing behavior and alignment
- Increases the hit rate strongly
- Easy to use and handle
Con
- Only suitable from a handicap of 20
Callaway Iron Golf Men’s Rogue
Callaway Iron Golf irons are classic on the golf market and have already convinced many players. The current generation of Callaway irons scores high in our test with its impressive performance.
With the Callaway Iron Golf irons, a soft feel is not only the major benefit. These irons are more characterized by solid construction and are suitable for a handicap from 15 and require a certain skill level.
This nominee stands out from the other iron sets in this performance class in terms of launch conditions. They generate a medium take-off angle with a tendency towards higher spin rates.
Callaway has been offering an extensive selection of custom components for years, including the Callaway Iron Golf irons.
However, the other manufacturers have followed suit in this area, so that this is no longer a unique selling point for Callaway.
Pros
- High performance and soft feel
- Generate a medium take-off angle
- Large selections of configuration
Con
- Low stocks
Mizuno MP-18 MMC Fli Hi
With the Mizuno MP-18 irons, another model for players in the higher handicap range, was on the agenda. Unfortunately, this product could not meet some players’ requirements on better playability and fault tolerance.
Players who struggle with the impact point tend to not get along with the Mizuno irons, especially since the feel is a bit harsh when hits are not perfect. Players with a good hit rate were enthusiastic about performing them, however.
They generate extremely high speeds thanks to the flexible and thin clubface. So, even players with a handicap of 45 and over can play at the front in terms of distance.
The Mizuno MP-18 irons generate low launches. Golfers who do not get along so well can influence the launch conditions using hybrid custom components.
Pros
- Suitable for professional performance
- Generates high speeds
- Flexible and thin surface
Con
- Low playability and fault tolerance
LAZRUS Premium Individual
LAZRUS engineers developed a corresponding premium version for their golf irons to cater even better to the different handicap classes. Because of their demanding clubhead shape with the compact profile, these require a slightly higher play level and are suitable for advanced players from a handicap of 20.
The weighting improves the irons’ feedback and contributes to the first-class ball, starting with the long irons with high take-off angles. The short irons benefit from additional precision and control.
Finally, the LAZRUS Premium have low spin rates and a high MOI that increases the performance.
This pick generates high clubhead speeds, thanks to the forged face design. Many test players praised its impressive appearance, but then shied away from the price.
Pros
- Hybrid clubhead shape with the compact design
- Lightweight and sturdy
- High precision and control
- Extra-high clubhead speeds
Con
- Expensive price
TaylorMade Golf P790 UDI Utility
Many single handicappers are flirting with the TaylorMade P790 as they promise fantastic performance and convey a sophisticated look with their narrow profile.
The test then showed that this pick delivers excellent results, but only when the ball is hit cleanly.
A good hit rate is a prerequisite to fully exploit the irons’ performance potential. There are hardly any limits to the irons; they generate a high launch and equally high spin rates.
They are only suitable for players with a swing speed in the upper range. My tests showed that players with excellent technique but not as high swing speeds could not match the results of players with faster swings.
With irons in this performance class, it is not common for such a soft and solid feel. But with this amazing product, TaylorMade has ensured that power and feel do not conflict.
A small downer is the relatively expensive surcharges for the custom shafts.
Pros
- Fantastic performance and sophisticated look
- Excellent results with high spin rates
- High power and comfort
Con
- Only available for professional players with a fast swing speed
Srixon Z Utility U65
Srixon Z Utility U65 are pure ladies’ clubs. The playing characteristics meet female golfers’ requirements. Therefore, these irons were only tested by women in different performance classes in the large golf academy iron test.
The evaluations have shown that players with a high handicap range and beginners were particularly enthusiastic about this nominee. However, advanced and sportier women are a little under-challenged by them.
With the Srixon Z Utility U65, even players with low swing speeds can create optimal take-off angles, and they are also easy to hit.
The clubs’ great playability is because of the perimeter weighting in the golf club heads, enabling a low center of gravity.
Pros
- Meets all requirements of female golfers
- Suitable for both professionals and beginners
- High efficiency and performance with excellent playability
Con
- Too small design for high swing speeds
MacGregor MacTec X
Finally, the MacGregor MacTec irons are my last choice. These irons are characterized by a high level of playability and also suitable for players with an irregular meeting point.
Besides, this pick does not require high swing speeds, meaning even players with a slow swing rhythm can achieve excellent results.
The MacGregor MacTec irons are forgiving thanks in part to the large clubhead profile.
The oversize club head also conveys more confidence in the addressing position, as many testers noted. However, the design is not for everyone.
Pros
- High playability and performance
- Do not require high swing speeds
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Oversize clubhead require more forces
- Design not suitable for beginners
Factors You Should Consider When Buying Golf Driving Irons
A quality golf iron will make the game more consistent and productive. Whether you are a novice or professional, there will be a set of driving irons designed to help your game. Here are the basic criteria for the best golf driving irons.
Design
Most irons designed for beginner players with high handicaps have the largest head volume and generate a higher ball flight, thanks to a low center of gravity.
Oversized irons are suitable for less powerful players, such as seniors and women. You shall try Steel Irons to feel better and respond to every shot. They are the perfect solution for a novice player.
Price
A set of golf irons will usually have between five and eight clubs. It is why the price is in the high-end class. The game-improvement irons will be more standard, therefore, will be less expensive.
Custom betting irons will always be at the higher end of the price, as they are usually customized in great detail to fit a particular player’s game.
Depending on where you are in your golf game development, you will need to consider what is right for your budget.
Playability and Operation
If you have been golfing for a few years now, you might be ready to take your golf games to the next level by purchasing a more practical golf iron set.
After becoming a better ball striker, you will be able to shape the ball either right to left or left to right and shape your shot into the green.
With thinner top lines and a lot less lag, a less forgiving set of irons will allow you to hit any shot you want.
If you cannot hit the golf shots like the pros do but know you have the ability, invest in a set of top quality golf irons.
FAQs
It is helpful to get a general overview of each driving iron’s shape and function if you are starting out on the golf journey. Below are some general questions about driving irons.
What qualities should I look for in a driving iron?
The best advice I could give you is to try out several models and types of clubs before confirming your choice.
Try to attend the demo days to try out several pole models, types of shafts, and ranges.
We often misunderstand that the more we pay, the more sticks we will make better players. It is much more important to have irons suitable for your game than expensive ones.
Do pros use driving irons?
Golf irons are an integral part of this sport. They allow you to reach the greens and fairways with precision and power.
Although the drivers are the clubs that provide the most distance for the golfer, players only use them once per hole at maximum. It means that they make most golf shots with irons and wedges.
Therefore, it is essential to opt for a series of quality irons. Normally, the rods of the irons are made of steel or graphite.
How to Pick the Best Driving Iron for You?
Many companies have been on the golf scene for decades and more. They have strengthened and always been able to push back the limits, both in technological and design levels.
We do not recommend less well-known or reliable brands, whose products might look just fine but have zero to none playability.
We highly recommend Callaway, Cobra, Mizuno, Wilson, Ping, Delta, Cleveland, Titleist, and Benross.
The Best Way to Use A Driving Iron
Each of the irons can send the ball to respective distances. The more the iron has a closed-angle (from one to five), the more distance your ball will take and conversely.
Vice versa, with an open angle (from six to the wedge), the less distance your ball will take.
Who Should Use A Driving Iron?
Driving irons are available for any golfer with high flexibility that uses up to 14 golf clubs.
Is A Driving Iron Easier To Hit Than A Driver?
The driver irons are the hardest ones to hit. The driving irons will fly lower, controlling the force perfectly.
Conclusions
To carry out this comparison for the best golf driving irons, I mainly examined the criteria of playability, materials, and price. While these helped determine the right choice in my research, I did not stop there!
This detailed classification results from days of effort, reading, comparison, and synthesis.
Please note that I do not intend for this review to be a global rating for the various iron sets based purely on performance factors.
It is an experience report based on personal opinions, customer feedback, and some golf professionals’ expertise.
All in all, I hope it will help you decide on the best and most suitable irons for your needs and preferences. Thanks for reading, and good luck with your golf journey!
Further reading: Are you a candidate for a driving iron?