Best Golf Irons For High Handicappers In 2024 (Beginners Guide)

Golfers with high handicaps are usually those who do not want to commit to the game but also don’t want to miss out on the fun.

The struggle is, if you are not constantly practicing, chances of improvement are minimal.

Thanks to the advancement in technologies, now companies are producing the best golf irons for high handicappers.

These are often referred to as “Game Improvement Irons” because of their higher forgiveness and more consistency in shots.

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Best Golf Irons For High Handicappers

Here are some of the most selling and best golf irons for high handicappers in 2024.

1. SiM 2 Max Iron

First of all, SIM is an abbreviation for “shape in motion”. Its technology is based on the initial performance of the earlier-released Speed ​​Bridge technology of M5 and M6 irons. It combines precise design with many other new enhancements to create a high quality forged feel and sound. In essence, this is basically a distance iron. The SIM 2 Max model is specially designed for golfers who want to achieve full performance by improving their game irons. These irons should be ideal for mid-handicap players who want faster ball speed, high launch and more fault tolerance.

Construction and Technology

These clubs utilize ultralight weight polymers and high quality stainless steel. Everything was sourced to essentially maximize distance, but also forgiveness. This is mainly thanks to its extremely low center of gravity.

Having played with these clubs regularly in 2024, I can safely say that these clubs are indeed forgiving but also offer a significant performance boost. In previous years, I’ve also played with its previous version, the first generation of the SiM Max series. To be honest, I’m noticing little difference between this version and the initially released SiM Max irons. Having said that, if you’re looking to seriously up your irons from beginner irons to a more professional series, why not jump straight to SiM Max? I think it would be a great step forward. The turth is, the golf industry moves very quickly and its impossible to keep with buying new clubs every year. 

 

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Performance

These easiest to hit irons live up to the claim of the company and really are the best golf irons to date. Basically, the face generates almost twice the flex you get from other irons in this range.

This thus allows you to launch the ball higher in case you are stranded in the sand and this consequently gets the ball near to the target and complete the hole.

The low center of gravity give this club a fantastic feel, but what really is most satisfying is the sound the club makes when it swooshes by and knocks the ball 150 yards or more. I would definitely recommend these clubs to anyone that is looking to upgrade their iron set. Because of the low center of gravity, my swing became more intuitive, this may make it better for higher handcapped golfers.

Bottom Line

This iron will benefit golfers who find it hard to gain the yards from the tee.

However, the distance it covers is not as great as other irons in this range, but the launch is pretty decent.

Therefore, if you are looking for a club that can give you a few extra yards, this club can give it to you with very little (to no) change to your swing or power.

2. Mizuno JPX921

“Good-looking design with increased COR”

Golfers are a bit choosy when it comes to the design and looks of the clubs and why not they invest a lot of them. Therefore, for such golfers, Mizuno has developed JPX921 irons.

Let me say, these irons will not only perform well on the field but will also make you stand out in the course.

Construction and Technology

The previous JPS 919 was one of the best selling models ever, so JPX 921 had big shoes to fill. To do so, the company made a few subtle changes which not only improved the performance but also the looks.

These best Mizuno high handicapper irons basically feature a seamless construction with a multi-thickness face design. These irons have 30% more COR than JPS 919 which means you get more speed and distance from the new ones.

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In addition, the company has also tuned the sound these irons make by redesigning the sound ribs in the top edge, cool isn’t it?

However, one major attribute in the previous model was the removal of bling and badges which turned out great. The company has not meddled with that and has kept it intact to keep the performance unaffected.

Performance

If you have used JPX 919, you would notice some improvements in these new irons for high handicappers for sure.

The first thing that is changed in these irons is the sound and feel which is better than the previous model. It basically feels really nice and softer but at the same time does not produce any harsh sound.

When it comes to performance, it is almost similar to that of the previous model except for the degree of forgiveness. JPX 919 was also pretty forgiving but the new JPX 921 is a total beast when it comes to that.

No matter where you hit, your ball will go higher, straighter and faster when you hit it with these irons.

Look of the irons rank it high amongst the super game improvement irons. Thus, the people who are fond of good-looking high handicappers clubs would love to have these in their gear.

Bottom Line

The overall performance of the JPX 919 and JPX 921 is almost the same. However, when it comes to looks, the latter one is far more attractive.

Therefore, if you want to upgrade to the new model, you would be doing it only for the looks. However, if you do not have the previous model, then this is one of the best golf irons for high handicappers on the market.

3. Cobra Golf 2024 Speedzone

“Sleek Design With Short Blade Length”

Cobra Golf Speedzone irons are for golfers who want to improve their games with the high handicap irons of compact design. The engineers at the company have targeted sleek designs to improve the performance on the field.

However, these have much more to offer than just a sleek design, let’s see what we will get ourselves into.

Construction and Technology

In order to achieve the sleek design, the company has shortened the blade length which reduces the offset and provides a lean look.

In addition, Cobra has managed to achieve a 40% weight cut from the previous models because of this new design. This is now 3 grams lighter and a lower center of gravity for more ball speed.

As per Cobra, they’ve really tried to create a golf iron that can be used by high handicappers, the club face of the Speedzone offers a very wide sweet spot ensuring you get a buttery smooth impact on the ball.

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However, this iron set does not offer very much variety in weights or alterations like other irons from other brands offer, for example Ping’s previous iron model. The basic idea was to allow golfers to customize weight irons according to their preferences.

This means that the flex in the face has increased and the construction is more sturdy. In my opinion, the more moving parts there are on a club, the more chance you have that something breaks or malfunctions on your club. I’d rather have a solid club that someone else has run some science on and also a whole team has thought about, not leaving it to me to figure it out.

Performance

The design really offers top level performance, and also generally feels like a solid golf club, no funny business or gimmicks here.

Apart from increasing the wide sweet spot, the concentration of the weight in the toe have increased the consistency of these irons.

Therefore, the consistency of these best high handicappers irons allows you to rely on them when you are out on the field trying to lower down the handicap index.

Moreover, the face is definitely more flexible and surely amplifies the speed and the distance in the shot.

In addition, when it comes to playing along the green, these irons do not disappoint there as well. The control and precision allow you to hold on to the putting surface. They achieved this by the decoupling of the weight from the face that produces a large flexing zone.

The irons, in essence, deliver a very powerful and reassuring feel and sound which gives a good deal of pleasure to the golfer on the field.

Bottom Line

Cobra Speedzone is suitable for golfers with a high handicap as it sits right at the top of the bell curve. It will help you improve your game and lower down your handicap index. It falls a bit on the expensive side but for the forgiveness it provides, the price is worth it.

4. Callaway Apex 21 Irons

“AI forged iron technology”

Callaway’s 2019 irons were just too good and to launch a better version of them was a bit of a task for the company. Look and the design of the new model stand tall with all the improvements it has been loaded with. Let’s see what else it has to offer apart from “good looks”.

Construction and Technology

Callaway claims that it has found a perfect blend of elegant looks and powerful performance. Engineers at the company, in essence, have utilized traditional cavity back design for these best Callaway irons for high handicap. The company also claims that they have used AI to engineer the superior performance these clubs offer. My brother owns these clubs and we’ve seen that these clubs look amazing, but more impressive is that the impact we got from these balls were as smooth as butter. Every swing is like cutting butter with a knife, this is possibly one of my favorite irons

This design works best for both mid and high handicappers, therefore, a wide range of golfers can benefit from these. This particular design essentially assists the players when they play long shots.

It imparts speed and distance which is what high handicappers want from irons.

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Basically, the bodies are forged by the 1025 mild carbon but it has a surprise in it for you. In addition, there are urethane microspheres. This tech was first utilized in the Rogue irons.

This technology essentially instills more than a million air pockets that absorb unwanted vibration. Want to know the best best part? while it absorbs the vibration, it does not slow down the face.

Therefore, the feel of the irons is soft, but at the same time, they are capable of launching the balls higher and faster.

Performance

The very first thing that you are going to notice in these top high handicapper irons is the feel which is great. Essentially, the microspheres will work in favor of mid to high handicappers by improving the feel which allows you to hit precisely.

Moreover, because of the premium craftsmanship, you would be able to get the ball to your target in fewer shots. Around the green, they provide you with the precision and consistency that holds on to the putting surface.

In addition, the back-cavity design improves forgiveness by increasing the total inertia of the irons. Therefore, even if you hit off-center, the ball will go straight, high and fast.

There are not any major issues with these irons, however, if we have to nitpick it would be: it is harder to work left to right as compared to the right to left. It is mainly because of the perimeter weighting but that is not something you cannot workaround.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a lean, sleek yet elegant set of irons that will help you improve your game, this is it. These high handicap irons would not only improve your game but would also make you look distinctive on the golf course.

5. Cobra Radspeed Irons For High Handicappers

“3D Printed Medallion”

So the first thing I love about these new rad speed irons is how clever cobra was in hiding the game improvement elements. On the top line they’ve got this
beautiful piece of carbon fiber which does this sort of trick with your eye, it’s sort of an optical illusion to make it seem like you’re not swinging such a thick chunky club they also hid that cavity back in a really nice way. In fact it’s really hard to even se that there’s a cavity back there that it’s hollow there but once you look a little bit closer you do see it these things are just absolutely beautiful and I could gush about them for a very long time. However, what really matters is on course performance or how they will actually improve your game when you’re playing golf. Now of course I’ve only got simulator data for you, but we do hope to get enough information for you to make a decision. As you may know I really loved the SiM 2 irons, I thought there was going to be nothing that could come close to them! Then I took a look at these ones and I’ve got to say these might be the best of the best every one of these irons that i’m looking at in the game improvement category in 2024.

Construction and Technology

These golf clubs for high handicappers basically feature ultra light-weight shafts and heads that deliver speed and forgiveness. Even if your swing rate is a little low, you would have no problem launching the balls with these. 

One thing that did strike me is that the lofts on these clubs are pretty high, this maybe why they seem to give such great performance. I suppose this isn’t necessarily bad thing, maybe we don’t need such a low of a loft to get the ball high up in the air, the technology and the weights may make the difference here.

In addition, the lower profile of the clubs lowers the center of gravity and moves it further back. The combination of all these square the face of the club at impact and hit the ball straight and long.

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Another unique feature in these irons for high handicap is their grips that are larger than their competitors. These grips essentially provide comfort at every shot and improve consistency.

The long irons in the set have thinner 17-4 stainless steel for improved speed and distance. The short irons, on the other hand, feature softer 431-stainless steel to provide a precession and soft feel. Certainly, this iron set is one of the best game improvement irons for high handicappers.

Performance

As mentioned above, Cobra Radspeed irons is in a league of its own when it comes to forgiveness which is great for high handicappers.

Moreover, it surely adds some yards in the long shots. Therefore, the golfers who have a slow swing rate would be able to benefit from it because of the ultra-lightweight.

What makes it stand out is the precision that it provides along the green. The soft feel of the short irons and the precision in the shot would help you complete the hole under par. Consequently, help you in improving the game and lowering the handicap index.

In addition to improving the speed of the shot, it also controls the spin which gets you near to the target. It is because of the offset hosel design which promotes a higher launch with draw bias for straighter and accurate shots.

However, the distance might seem a little inflated because the lofts are a little jacked up. Making your distance with a 7 iron seem a lot further than with other clubs, but that might be because I was used to the same loft on my 5 iron. So in other words, it looks like the Radspeed 7 iron has the same loft as other “regular” 5-6 irons.  But the real question is, do you care? distance is distance? Something to think about…

Bottom Line

Golfers who are struggling with their swing rates would be able to get maximum advantage from these irons. Basically, you would not only get the distance from these but also precision, consistency and a great deal of forgiveness.

These clubs are all incredibly long and they’re all fantastically forgiving which all of us need from time to time whether we’re great golfers or we’re just getting started in the
game. 

If there was competition among the most forgiving irons, this set of high handicappers clubs would have aced it. It is because of the ultimate forgiveness that these irons have made it to our list. However, apart from forgiveness, you also get a plethora of other features with these. What else you would get? Let’s find out.

This is all one needs to improve the game and lower the handicap index and that’s why it is in our list of best golf irons for high handicappers.

6. Taylormade SiM Max Irons

SiM Max in this list again?

Yes, not because it is super different to the SiM 2 Max. On the contrary, it comes relatively close to the same performance to the SiM 2 Max for about $200 cheaper. So if you’re doubting if the SiM 2 Max is worth the cash, why not go for the first gen clubs.

Construction and Technology

SiM Max is by far the fastest set of irons developed by Taylormade. In order to achieve that, the company has connected the topline with the back of the iron. It has increased the rigidity which helps in boosting the ball speed and improves the feel and sound at the same time.

Moreover, SiM Max has an extremely low center of gravity because of the fluted hosel and 360-degree undercut. They basically relocate the weight in the lower side of the head which improves the consistency in the shots. It is indeed the best value irons for high handicap golfers.

“Low COG with 360 Undercut”

Taylormade is the name to be reckoned with when it comes to golf equipment. This company has always pleasantly surprised its users by bringing innovations and improvements in their products.

The change that you would see in this model is the speed pockets implanted to enhance the speed. However, that is not it, there is much more to explore in these sets. Let’s see what else we get in the set.

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The face of the clubs is ultra-thin and has varying thicknesses that provide maximum ball speed over large areas face. In addition, the new set of wedges improves the playability around the green. Therefore, you would be getting a set of clubs that would not only allow you to hit long but also accurate.

Performance

In our series of tests, these clubs performed exceptionally. The speed was high with low spin and high launch. In addition, the overall carry distance is not very different to the newer model and other competitors. Moreover, the high clubhead stability kept the shot long and accurate even on mishits.

Though it is good for long-distance shots, it does not mean you cannot play a towering shot with it. It flies on a similar trajectory as SiM 2 Max but with a slightly lower speed and carrying distance. the reason for this might actually be due to the shafts? 

However, the sound these best Taylormade irons for high handicappers produce on the shot is much louder than other taylormade models. Therefore, you get the feel of a powerful hit off the face.

When it comes to forgiveness, the size of the face plays a major role in it. The greater size gives stability even if the striker hits off-center.

The area where it lags behind is the look and design with its shinier finish. The fluted hosel and the back of the irons are exposed which is why not all the golfers would appreciate the design.

Bottom Line

When it comes to performance, there is only a slight difference if you compare it with the newer model. Therefore, if you are thinking to upgrade the irons, and money plays a factor in your decision-making, I would suggest these clubs.

7. Taylormade MCGB Golf Irons For High Handicapper

“Multi-Material Construction With Milled Tungsten”

Wouldn’t it be great if all the clubs in your gear could hit as easily as drivers?

This is exactly what was the motivation behind the design of Taylormade MCGB. The idea was to make them ultra-forgiving and playable. Let’s see how the company has achieved it.

Construction and Technology

These irons feature multi-material construction to meet the benchmark for the ions present at this end of the market. It has four milled tungsten placed in the heel and the toe of the irons.

These improve the resistance against twisting on mishits. In addition, it increases the MOI which delivers faster and high shots.

As it is harder to cut down the weight from the club, Taylormade has devised a clever strategy to combat it. They have built a 360-degree undercut inside the top edge which removes weight from high in the blades. However, despite the removal of weight, the sound and the feel of the irons are still great.

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In order to produce forgiveness, TaylorMade has utilized ultra-thin leading edge and sole with speed pockets. This lets the lower area of the face to flex which hits the ball strongly even on mishits.

There are also face slots in these irons that enhance the speed on toe and heel mishits and deliver exceptional consistency.

Performance

This golf club for high handicappers lives up to the claim of the company that it is like having a bag full of drivers. Basically, the ease of playing the shots with these irons is outstanding and deserves a great deal of appreciation.

The speed is good, spin is controlled, consistency is exceptional, but most importantly feel is solid. This is all that a high handicap could ask from a set.

When it comes to forgiving the mishits, it does not disappoint either, the MOI and lower COG play a major role in it. Therefore, regardless of the swing rate and positioning of the shot, the ball will go on the intended path.

The ultra-lightweight of the irons is no less than a treat for people who have a low swing rate. It essentially creates the flex which launches the ball higher and faster in the air.

What surprised me most about these irons was their playability along the green. Usually, clubs like these are not well suited for shots along the green but the case is otherwise here. You get a very controlled spin with low irons which can help you in putting. Thus, be it long shots or short, these irons would not disappoint.

Bottom Line

If you are in search of a decent set of irons that can improve your long-distance game but also allow playability around the green, this is it.

The lightweight of the clubs would help you in case you have low swing rates. Long story short, these high handicap irons are the best for people who are struggling with the distance and speed of the ball.

8. Callaway Mavrik Irons

“Face Cup Technology With Variable Face Thickness”

The reason why some of the golfers lag behind is the inability of their clubs to provide long distances. Fortunately, to counter that, companies are producing a variety of irons that add extra yards in the shot. Callaway’s Mavriks are such irons that is an all-out assault on distance.

Construction and Technology

360 Face Cup technology is a wonderful innovation that increases speed and adds distance to the shot. However, in this case, this technology is not the sole feature. In addition to this, Callaway has utilized Variable Face Thickness in these.

While Face Cup employs a shallow and flexible rim around the perimeter, VTF expands the portion of the face. The combination of both these technologies delivers fast ball speed and maximum carry distance.

The benefit of a thin clubface is faster ball speed, but it comes at a cost that is excessive vibration. However, thanks to the new microsphere technology, this is not a concern anymore. The urethane in the clubface dampens the vibrations which improve the feel and sound of the club.

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In addition, in order to provide optimal flight and control in the shot, these clubs feature tungsten weighting. These weightings position the center of gravity lower and backward that imparts precision in every shot.

The tungsten essentially is almost twice as heavy as steel which allowed the company to confine heavyweight in a small space. This not only allowed them to position the COG but also improves the MOI which is key to delivering distances.

Performance

As you hit the shot with these top rated high handicap irons, you would notice an extraordinary feel. As the urethane dampens the vibration, the feel gets soft and nice. Thus, it allows you to hit precisely and get as near to the target as possible.

Moreover, the irons surely add extra yards in the shot which allows you to reach the target sooner than your competitors. The forgiveness of these irons serves as icing on the cake as even a mishit cover a larger than average distance.

Together with the forgiveness and the enhanced carry distance, you can complete the hole under par. This consequently improves your game and lowers your handicap index.

A problem despite the innovative technology is that it produces a harsh click at the impact. However, you can counter this by using a softer ball which reduces the sound to a great extent.

Bottom Line

Golfers who are struggling with the carrying distance this set of irons is there to save you. It will improve the game by adding extra distance to your shot.

Moreover, the price of these irons is affordable compared to its competitors and the features it offers make it a great buy.

9. Wilson C300

“Features Power Hole Technology”

Wilson is one of the leading manufacturers of golf equipment and has a variety of clubs to offer. With C300,

Wilson has tried to meet the needs of the high handicap range and it is a job well done. What else makes it worth your money? Let’s find out.

Construction and Technology

Wilson has implemented their patented power hole technology in these irons was introduced a couple of years back.

This technology essentially employs urethane filled in the holes positioned around the face of the clubs.

These holes, in turn, reduce the contact of the body with the face and allow maximum flex and expanded area to hit the ball.

The stock shafts in these irons are KBS Tour that is light and solid. These shafts because of their lighter weights produce a greater degree of flex which hits the ball higher and faster.

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To make the face more powerful, it has 17-4 high-strength steel with a stronger Rockwell hardness welded with it. It makes the face rigid which enhances the power, playability, and accuracy in the shots.

What makes these irons distinctive is their looks which are mainly because of the large glossy steel heads. However, not all golfers like these fancy looks but as long as they perform, looks do not matter.

Performance

By now we know that all the improvement irons are forgiving, and are easy to hit. The problem is if that is the case what is the criterion these irons should be judged against?

Well, you can always tell it by the consistency and ability to reproduce the same shots over and over. And when it comes to that Wilson C300 are beasts at it.

No matter what irons you pick up you would find them consistent which makes them stand out. Moreover, the beefy construction makes it easy to hit big and straighter with them.

However, the area where these lag behind is during gap wedge and pitch wedge. The size, in essence, limits the accuracy which makes it hard to control the shots. However, for those kinds of shots, you can always carry a putter in your gear.

Bottom Line

These irons are for golfers who do not want to commit to the game but want to improve their consistency. No matter how long the gap you are playing after, you would be able to reproduce the shots that you played even a year ago.

Playability around the green is minimum, but thanks to the rules of the game you can always carry other clubs for that.

10. Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo HB Iron

Hb irons are often referred to as “super game improvement irons”, where does this name come from? It is because of the versatility of these irons and the degree of forgiveness these provide.

Furthermore, the USP of these irons is their ability to launch the ball higher than other irons which in turn cover more distance.

“Hollow Sole Construction”

Immediately, I noticed the back of these clubs, the cavity looks like its filled or covered with a carbon cover. In my opinion, its not pretty…

Allegedly, the awkward construction of this club brings the center of gravity a little further back allowing it be be much more forgiving than any other club. It will also get the ball a little higher up in the air. When playing with this club, it IS something you immediately feel. They are right, it does pop off the face nicely and it does get up higher in the air. But it still looks ugly.

Construction and Technology

Hybrid clubs are trending these days because of the versatility and the ease of playing you get from them. Cleveland has tried to fit these somewhere in the category of hybrid clubs for high handicappers. They have made it possible by a new technology called “progressing hollow shaping”.

Basically, in order to make it more forgiving, Cleveland has implemented a microcavity design that moves the center of gravity across the face. This, in turn, increases the MOI which enhances the forgiveness and the carry distance of the clubs.

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Performance

When it comes to performance, Cleveland Launcher Hb Irons serves the purpose it is meant to, which is launching the ball high. Furthermore, the Cleveland Launcher HB forgives like no other. No matter how far center you hit, the ball would still go high and far without much of a spin. It feels much like a 3 wood.

When playing golf, you would end up having your ball in the sand where it is harder to loft it. However, if you have a set of these irons, you would not have to face that challenge. You can loft the ball easily and take it to the green to make the hole.

The only issue I have noticed is the quality of finishing. The matte finish looks a bit industrial and gets spots and marks quickly than the other irons. This can damage the look of the irons, however, no matter how many marks or spots you get, performance would remain intact.

Bottom Line

These irons might not be one of the good-looking clubs on the market but surely one of the best hybrid irons for high handicappers. Moreover, the extent of playability around the green that you get is rare in irons. Therefore, if you are not choosy about the look, this is the best option to lower down your handicap index. These irons essentially are for golfers with slower swing rates to provide an elevation in the shot. The elevation in the shot lands the ball into the green which helps the golfer to make the hole.

These clubs are less irons and more hybrid clubs because of their versatility. However, the area where they limit themselves is distance and speed. Therefore, if you want a set that allows you to launch the ball higher and provide playability around the green, this is it.

FAQs About Best Golf Irons For High Handicappers

Q. What is a high handicapper in golf? A. Any golfer who completes the hole one shot over par and with the handicap index of 18 is a high handicapper. Q. What is a decent Handicap in golf? A. Anywhere between 10-18 is a good handicap in golf. Q. What is a good handicap for a beginner? A. 108 is a good score for a golfer who is just starting out Q. What is the lowest golf score ever? The lowest score ever on record on the PGA tour was 58.[/su_note]