Best Irons For Mid Handicappers - Your 2023 Guide
Updated: May 16
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As you have landed on this page you must be in the market for a new set of irons. If you are a mid handicapper looking for the best set. Then read on.
If you are not quite ready for a mid handicapper set of irons check our Best Beginnner Golf Set.
If you are ready for it let's go.....
Irons are some of the most used clubs in golf, so getting the right set for you, is extremely important. Your irons are used from distance and for your short game.
So, investing in a great set that suits your needs is paramount to your golf game.
We have compiled a list of the 10 Best Irons For Mid Handicappers, so if you are a mid handicapper that is looking to upgrade your irons, then you need to check out this round up review.
We are looking for irons that can offer you forgiveness, distance and give you a great feel. As with all our posts we want the best for you and your golf game, so come take a look and see what we have picked out.
If your looking for some wedges to go along with your irons then check out our article The Best Beginner Wedges
The Golf Grange Recommendations
Best Overall Irons
Callaway Mavrik Irons
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Best Value For Money Irons
Wilson D9 Irons Set
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Most Forgiving Irons
Ping G425 Iron Set
Where To Buy:
American Golf:
All Of Our Tested Irons For Mid Handicappers
Callaway Mavrik Irons
Rating: 4.6/5
The Callaway Mavrik irons are a high-performance set designed for golfers seeking maximum distance, accuracy, and forgiveness. These clubs are particularly suited for mid-handicap golfers who want a premium feel and consistent performance from their irons.
Pros:
Innovative AI-designed Flash Face Cup promotes high ball speeds across the face
Tungsten weighting enhances forgiveness and precision
Urethane microspheres dampen vibrations for a softer, more responsive feel
A wide range of custom options allows golfers to personalize their clubs to fit their swing and preferences
Cons:
Some golfers may find the irons a bit bulky compared to more traditional blade-style clubs
The clubs' high launch angle may not suit golfers who already hit the ball high
Overall, the Callaway Mavrik irons are an exceptional choice for golfers who want a premium set of clubs with cutting-edge technology that delivers maximum distance, accuracy, and forgiveness. The combination of the Flash Face Cup, tungsten weighting, and urethane microspheres creates a soft, responsive feel with impressive ball speed and forgiveness.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Irons
Rating: 4.2/5
The Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Irons are a popular choice among mid handicap golfers due to their combination of forgiveness, distance, and feel. The clubs feature a Chromoly 4140M material construction, which is lightweight yet durable, allowing for faster ball speeds and increased distance.
What makes these clubs stand out is their stability and forgiveness on off-center hits, providing consistency and confidence for golfers with a mid-level skill set. Additionally, the Harmonic Impact Technology enhances the overall feel and sound of the club, making for a satisfying strike.
However, some golfers may find that the slightly thicker top line and sole of the club may not suit their preference for a more traditional look.
Pros:
High forgiveness and stability on off-center hits
Good distance and ball speed
Enhanced feel and sound with Harmonic Impact Technology
Lightweight and durable construction with Chromoly 4140M material
Satisfying strike and feedback
Cons:
Slightly thicker top line and sole may not appeal to golfers who prefer a more traditional look
Overall, the Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Irons are a well-rounded choice for mid handicap golfers looking for distance, forgiveness, and feel in their iron game.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Srixon ZX5 Irons
Rating: 4/5
The Srixon ZX5 irons are designed to provide mid handicap golfers with a combination of distance, forgiveness, and feel. Here's what sets them apart.
The irons feature a new Tour V.T. Sole that provides improved turf interaction for better ball striking. The face of the club has been redesigned with a variable thickness pattern that helps to increase ball speed and distance.
The clubs are designed with a forged construction that provides a soft feel and improved feedback. The irons feature a tungsten toe weight that helps to shift the CG for better forgiveness on off-center hits.
Pros:
Tour V.T. Sole for improved turf interaction
Variable thickness pattern for increased ball speed and distance
Forged construction for improved feel and feedback
Tungsten toe weight for better forgiveness
Cons:
Some golfers may find the clubs less forgiving than other models in the same category.
The price point is higher compared to other similar models.
The Srixon ZX5 irons are a solid choice for mid handicap golfers who want a combination of distance, forgiveness, and feel. The new Tour V.T. Sole and variable thickness pattern are standout features that contribute to improved ball striking and distance.
The forged construction provides a soft feel and improved feedback, while the tungsten toe weight helps to improve forgiveness on off-center hits. However, the clubs may not be as forgiving as other models in the same category and the price point may be a factor for some.
Where To Buy:
Golfonline :
Ping G425 Irons
Rating: 4.5/5
The Ping G425 Irons are designed to provide distance, forgiveness, and consistency for mid handicap golfers. Here's what you need to know:
The irons feature a Hyper 17-4 steel face that is thin and flexible, allowing for increased ball speed and distance.
The clubs are designed with a visible tungsten toe weight that shifts the CG closer to the center of the clubface for improved forgiveness.
The clubs also feature a 3-piece multi-material badge that dampens vibrations for improved sound and feel.
The HydroPearl 2.0 finish on the clubheads reduces friction and increases launch in wet conditions.
Pros:
Hyper 17-4 steel face for increased ball speed and distance
Visible tungsten toe weight for improved forgiveness
Multi-material badge for improved sound and feel
HydroPearl 2.0 finish for improved launch in wet conditions
Cons:
Some golfers may find the clubs less workable than other models in the same category.
The price point is higher compared to other similar models.
The Ping G425 Irons are highly rated for their forgiveness, consistency, and distance. They are designed for mid handicap golfers who want a set of irons that can help improve their game. However, the clubs may be less workable than some other models and their price point may be a deterrent for some.
Where To Buy:
American Golf:
Taylormade Sim2 Max OS Irons
Rating: 3.5/5
The TaylorMade SIM2 Max OS Irons are designed for mid to high handicap golfers seeking distance and forgiveness. Here's what you need to know:
The irons feature a large, game-improvement head shape with a wider sole that helps prevent digging and improves turf interaction.
The clubs are designed with a Cap Back Design that shifts the CG lower and deeper in the clubhead for increased forgiveness and higher launch.
The face is made from high-strength C300 steel that enhances ball speed and distance.
The Speed Bridge technology provides added stability and improved sound and feel.
Pros:
Large, game-improvement head shape for increased forgiveness
Cap Back Design for a lower and deeper CG for higher launch and forgiveness
High-strength C300 steel face for enhanced ball speed and distance
Speed Bridge technology for added stability and improved sound and feel
Cons:
The clubs may not provide as much precision as some other models in the same category.
The price point is higher compared to other similar models.
The TaylorMade SIM2 Max OS Irons are highly rated for their distance and forgiveness. They are designed for mid to high handicap golfers who want a versatile set of irons that can help improve their game. However, the clubs may not provide as much precision as some other models and their price point may be a deterrent for some.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
Cobra King Speedzone Irons
Rating: 4/5
The Cobra King Speedzone Irons are designed for mid to high handicap golfers seeking a combination of distance, forgiveness, and precision. Here's what you need to know:
The clubs feature a forged PWRSHELL face that provides a larger sweet spot for increased distance and forgiveness.
They have a progressive head design that enhances accuracy and precision, with shorter irons optimized for control and longer irons designed for maximum distance.
The irons are made with a carbon fiber topline that lowers the center of gravity and promotes a higher launch for improved playability.
The clubs are designed with a co-molded medallion that provides a soft feel at impact and dampens unwanted vibrations.
Pros:
Forged PWRSHELL face for increased distance and forgiveness
Progressive head design for accuracy and precision
Carbon fiber topline for a higher launch and improved playability
Co-molded medallion for a soft feel and dampening of unwanted vibrations
Cons:
The clubs may not be as forgiving as some other models in the same category.
The price point is higher compared to other similar models.
The Cobra King Speedzone Irons are highly rated for their combination of distance, forgiveness, and precision. They are designed for mid to high handicap golfers who want a versatile set of irons that can help improve their game.
However, the clubs may not be as forgiving as some other models and their price point may be a deterrent for some.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Callaway Rouge ST Max Irons
Rating: 4/5
The Callaway Rogue ST Max Irons are designed for mid to high handicap golfers seeking maximum distance and forgiveness. Here's what you need to know:
The clubs have a high-strength steel face that promotes maximum ball speed and distance.
They feature tungsten weighting that places the center of gravity low and deep for a higher launch and more forgiveness.
The irons have an oversized shape and wide sole that enhances forgiveness and playability.
The clubs are designed with urethane microspheres that provide a soft feel at impact and dampen unwanted vibrations.
Pros:
High-strength steel face for maximum ball speed and distance
Tungsten weighting for a higher launch and more forgiveness
Oversized shape and wide sole for enhanced playability and forgiveness
Urethane microspheres for a soft feel and dampening of unwanted vibrations
Cons:
The larger size and bulkier shape may not appeal to all players.
The price point is higher compared to other similar models.
The Callaway Rogue ST Max Irons are highly rated for their distance, forgiveness, and soft feel. They are designed for mid to high handicap golfers who want maximum forgiveness and distance. However, the larger size and higher price point may not suit all golfers.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Titleist T300 Steel Golf Irons
Rating: 4/5
The Titleist T300 Steel Golf Irons are designed for mid to high handicap golfers who are looking for maximum distance, forgiveness, and a soft feel. Here's what you need to know:
They feature Max Impact technology that extends maximum speed across a larger area of the face for increased distance on off-center hits.
The clubs are designed with a high-density tungsten weighting that enhances stability and launch, helping golfers to hit higher and longer shots.
The irons have a cavity back design that promotes forgiveness, making them ideal for players who struggle with consistent ball striking.
The clubs are made with a premium steel material that provides a soft feel at impact.
Pros:
Max Impact technology for increased distance on off-center hits
High-density tungsten weighting for stability and launch
Cavity back design for forgiveness
Soft feel at impact
Cons:
The clubs are on the higher end of the price spectrum.
The thicker topline and larger size may not appeal to all players.
The Titleist T300 Steel Golf Irons are highly rated for their forgiveness, distance, and soft feel. They are ideal for mid to high handicap golfers looking for a combination of distance and forgiveness. However, their price point and larger size may not suit all golfers.
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Wilson D9 Forged Steel Golf Irons
Rating: 3.5/5
Pro's:
A good amount of forgiveness
Easy to get in the air
Very easy to hit
Classed as Game-improvement Irons
Good Forgiveness
Con's:
Not great for spin
If you are looking for a set of irons to improve your game and take it to the next level, look no further than the Wilson D9 Iron Set.
They offer help in both distance and getting the golf ball in the air comfortably due to higher launch angles. In the same breath though, these irons don't leave a lot in terms of shot shaping and spin.
If you are an experienced golfer these may not work for you. If your looking for a set of premium irons for a good price then look no further. You get a great amount of forgiveness from these Wilson irons.
Read Our Full Review of the Wilson D9 Golf Iron Set
Where To Buy:
Amazon:
American Golf:
Callaway Paradym Irons
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros:
Large sweet spot
Tungsten-infused sole for better launch and carry
Urethane microsphere technology for a soft feel
Versatile design
Cons:
The price point is higher compared to other similar models.
Some players may not appreciate the bulky design.
The Callaway Paradym Golf Irons are designed for mid-handicap golfers and are known for their forgiveness, distance, and feel. Here's what you need to know.
They have a large sweet spot which makes them very forgiving, helping to reduce the impact of off-center hits.
The clubs are designed with advanced technologies such as a tungsten-infused sole that lowers the center of gravity for increased launch and carry.
The irons feature a urethane microsphere technology which helps to dampen vibrations, providing a soft feel at impact.
The irons are designed to be versatile and can be used for a range of shots, including long-distance shots and shots from the rough.
The Callaway Paradym Golf Irons are highly rated for their forgiveness, distance, and feel. They are versatile and can be used for a range of shots, making them a good choice for mid-handicap golfers. However, their price point and bulky design may not appeal to all players.
If you have the money we would recommend these irons for a mid handicapper but you can get similar irons for a cheaper price.
Where To Buy:
American Golf:
What We Looked For During Our Testing
Forgiveness
When testing irons for mid handicappers, one of the three areas we were looking for was the forgiveness in the golf club. The reason we are looking for forgiveness is due to the consistency a mid handicapper needs to propel their golf game.
The forgiveness in a golf iron will be based on how the ball flight path will be after impact. The impact could be anywhere near the sweet spot or it could be an off centre hit.
A forgiving iron can help you stay on the fairway and ultimately help to keep your score low. If the irons do not have an ample amount of forgiveness it would be very difficult for a mid handicapper to get consistent with their iron golf shots.
Distance
The second biggest factor in a golf iron for mid handicappers was the distance. We are aware that this can largely be down to the swing and the technique of the individual golfer, but an iron can offer a lot of help in this area.
Usually by the changing of certain weighting in the iron or the way the cavity back has been designed.
Usually with a forgiving club you see a drop in the distance, we are looking for an iron that can not only be forgiving but also help you to strike the ball closer to your target location.
Feel
Lastly we are looking at the feel of the golf iron. By this we are talking about the feedback you get from the club after striking the ball. If you strike the ball well, you should be able to feel it when the club is in your hands.
At the same time, if you were to mis hit the golf ball or strike it badly you will get feedback from the club in the form of vibration through your hands.
The feel is very important as a mid handicapper as you need to be able to tell where you are going wrong when striking the golf ball. When you know this you can change your swing or tempo to suit.
How to choose golf irons
Use your handicap and ability:
When choosing golf irons, it's essential to consider your current skill level and handicap. Mid handicappers typically have a handicap between 7 and 18, so they require irons that offer a balance of forgiveness and workability.
If you are a mid handicapper, you might want to choose irons that have a larger sweet spot and offer some degree of forgiveness on off-center hits, but still allow for some degree of control.
The price:
Another important factor to consider when choosing golf irons is the price. While it's true that more expensive clubs often offer better performance, they may not be the best option for mid handicappers who are still developing their skills. It's essential to find a set of irons that offer good value for money, with a balance of performance and affordability.
The fit:
The fit is critical when choosing golf irons, as a poorly fitting set of clubs can negatively affect your performance on the course. Factors to consider when fitting golf irons include the length of the club, the lie angle, and the grip size. If possible, it's a good idea to get fitted by a professional to ensure that your clubs are tailored to your specific swing characteristics.
The design:
Finally, the design of the irons is another important factor to consider. Mid handicappers typically benefit from irons with a cavity back design, which offers a larger sweet spot and more forgiveness on off-center hits. The design should also provide a good balance of distance, accuracy, and control to help you improve your game.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best golf irons for your needs as a mid handicapper, and improve your performance on the course.
What are the most forgiving irons?
The most forgiving irons are cavity back irons. They have a hollowed-out back that distributes more weight around the perimeter of the club-face, creating a larger sweet spot.
This design helps to reduce mishits and provide more consistency, accuracy, and control, making them perfect for beginners or those who struggle with consistency in their shots. In short, if you're looking for forgiveness in your golf irons, cavity back irons are the way to go.
As a mid handicapper you are looking at really trying to gain consistency in your game, cavity back irons will provide this stability for you.
Difference between blade and cavity back irons
Blade irons are typically used by low handicap and professional golfers, as they offer less forgiveness but provide greater control over the ball. This is because blade irons have a smaller sweet spot and require more precision in their use.
They are ideal for those who want to shape their shots and have a greater ability to manipulate the ball's flight. On the other hand, cavity back irons are designed with a larger sweet spot. This results in a more consistent striking of the golf ball, making them ideal for golfers who want to hit straighter shots with more forgiveness.
However, with this added forgiveness comes less control over the ball's flight. So, if you're a beginner or a golfer who values consistency and forgiveness over control, cavity back irons may be the better choice for you.
Conversely, if you're an experienced golfer looking for greater control over your shots, blade irons could be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal playing style, skill level, and what you're looking to achieve on the golf course.
How to pick the best shaft for my irons.
When it comes to golf club shafts, there are two main types to consider: steel and graphite. Steel shafts are a popular choice among golfers due to their durability and reliability. They are heavier and less flexible than graphite shafts, which means they offer less give during the swing.
This can be beneficial for golfers who have a fast and powerful swing, as the shaft's stiffness helps to transfer more energy from the swing to the ball. Additionally, steel shafts provide more feedback off the ball, which helps golfers gauge the quality of their shots. This feedback is important for golfers who want to fine-tune their swing and improve their consistency.
On the other hand, graphite shafts are typically used by golfers with slower swing speeds. The increased flexibility of the shaft helps to increase club head speed, which in turn can increase distance.
Graphite shafts are also lighter than steel shafts, which can make them easier to swing for golfers who don't have as much strength. While they are less durable than steel shafts, they are still capable of lasting for many years with proper care.
Ultimately, the choice between steel and graphite shafts comes down to personal preference and playing style. Golfers who value feedback and control may prefer steel shafts, while those who want to maximize distance and increase swing speed may prefer graphite shafts.
It's important to consider your swing speed and overall golfing goals when choosing a shaft type, as this can have a significant impact on your game.
As a mid handicapper golfer, should I get custom fitted for my irons?
As a high handicapper, getting custom fitted for your irons can be a great investment if you want to improve your game. While it can be more expensive than purchasing off-the-shelf clubs, getting fitted ensures that your clubs are tailored to your unique swing and body characteristics.
This can result in better performance and a more enjoyable golfing experience overall. If you can afford it and are serious about improving your game, then getting fitted is definitely worth considering.
That being said, there are a few things to consider before getting fitted. If you are a casual golfer who simply enjoys a round of golf every now and then, then getting fitted may not be necessary. Additionally, if you are on a tight budget, it may be difficult to justify the cost of a custom fitting.
However, if you are committed to improving your golf game and want to make sure you have the best equipment possible, then getting fitted is a wise choice. It can help you identify any swing flaws or issues that may be affecting your game, and provide you with clubs that are specifically designed to address those issues. Ultimately, getting fitted for your irons can be a great way to take your golf game to the next level.
What irons should I avoid as a mid handicapper?
Blade or Muscle Back Irons: Blade or muscle back irons are typically designed for highly skilled players who can consistently hit the ball in the center of the clubface. These irons offer little forgiveness on off-center hits, and they require a high level of skill to use effectively.
As a mid handicapper, you may struggle to get consistent results from these types of irons, so it's best to avoid them.
Irons with Small Sweet Spots:
Another type of iron to avoid as a mid handicapper is any club with a small sweet spot. The sweet spot is the area of the clubface that produces the most consistent and accurate shots. A small sweet spot means that even slightly off-center hits will result in a loss of distance and accuracy.
As a mid handicapper, you want to improve your consistency and accuracy, so it's best to choose clubs with larger sweet spots.
Irons that are too Hard to Hit:
Mid handicappers should also avoid irons that are too hard to hit consistently. While it's important to challenge yourself and work on improving your skills, using clubs that are too difficult to hit can be frustrating and counterproductive.
You want to find a set of irons that offers a good balance of forgiveness, control, and distance.
Overall, mid handicappers should avoid irons that are designed for highly skilled players and opt for clubs that offer forgiveness and consistency. Cavity back irons are an excellent choice for mid handicappers because they offer a larger sweet spot and more forgiveness on off-center hits.
By choosing the right set of irons, you can improve your performance on the course and take your game to the next level.
