Irons are as important as the drivers and the putters when you are on the golf field.
These are the clubs that can compensate for a poor driver shot and can make the job of putter easy.
Therefore, you need to get your hands on a decent set of irons and to help you in this matter we have compiled a list of the best golf irons for low handicappers for you.
OUR TOP PICKS
★★★★★
Callaway Apex Pro 2021
- Compact and sleek Design
- Premium feel
- Durable
★★★★★
Cobra King Forged TEC Copper
- Accurate Shots
- Fantastic Feel & Sound
- Ultra good-looking design
★★★★★
TaylorMade SiM 2 Max
- Exceptional Feel
- Best Value For Money
- Optimum loft Angles
Best Golf Irons For Low Handicappers in 2021
Here are some of the top golf irons for low handicappers in 2021.
S.no | Iron Set | Technology Used | Price |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Callaway Apex 2021 | Urethane microspheres | Check Price |
2. | Mizuno MP-18 MMC | Multi-Material Construction | Check Price |
3. | Cobra King Forge Tec Copper Irons | Forged Tec | Check Price |
4. | TaylorMade SiM 2 Max Irons | Damping System | Check Price |
5. | Cobra Golf 2021 Men's King Mim Tour Iron Set | Perimeter Weighting | Check Price |
6. | Mizuno MP-20 | Perimeter Weighting | Check Price |
7. | Mizuno Golf JPX921 Hot Metal Pro Iron Set | Back Milled Face | Check Price |
8. | Callaway Golf 2021 Apex PRO Iron Set | Triple Net Forging | Check Price |
9. | Callaway Big Bertha Iron Set | Suspended Energy Core | Check Price |
10. | Callaway Golf 2021 Apex DCB Iron | Urethane microspheres | Check Price |
1.Callaway Apex Pro 2021
“360 Face Cup Technology With Forged Cavity”
Apex Pro’s are the better-player irons and latest in the lot of Callaway designed for players who seek more distances. This set offers a different number of irons ranging from three to nine.
Therefore, in case you have one or two irons already, you can go with the smaller sets. Below is what is to talk about these low handicapped irons.
Construction and Technology
Apex Pro iron set features shaft made up of steel or graphite. Those who have recently got themselves into a lower handicap should go with graphite shafts. This is because these shafts are lighter than steel, hence, produce more flex which generates distance even on low swing rates.
However, if you have been a low handicap for a while, steel would be a better option as it provides accuracy and decent feel.
Just like Callaway’s X-Forged, Apex Pro also features a forged cavity that provides a precise feel. Nevertheless, heads of both these models exhibit some significant differences.
Apex Pro uses a technology called “360 Face Cup” where the face edges wrap around the body which makes the irons faster. As per Callaway, these are their first better-player irons where they have used this technology.
If you are wondering, 360 Face Cup makes the iron a bit more forgiving than some of the other better-player irons. However, the effect may not be as great as you find in irons for mid to high handicap.
Furthermore, inside the head of the irons, around 50 g of the tungsten is molded in which brings the centre of gravity (COG) in the right position. In three to seven irons, designers have positioned it lower in the toe which enhances the ball speed. Conversely, in shorter irons, it has been shifted higher for higher strike position at impact.
Performance
The size of the head is compact which is amazing considering the stuff it has stashed inside. The forged cavities provide an exceptional feel and feedback to the players.
Essentially, the shorter irons give a firm feel which is what most pro players seek. The higher irons, on the other hand, sound and feel hollow as tech kicks in but it should not put you off.
The area where the company has disappointed a bit is the loft angles. These angles are 2-3 degree weaker than the standard apex which cause problems in the launch of ball. However, as you get used to them, it is something you would find yourself adjusted to.
Besides that, the distance these irons for low handicappers add into the shot is definitely what makes them stand out. You would be able to compensate off the off-center tee shots with these delicate fellas.
- Compact and sleek design
- Adds distance in the shot
- Premium feel
- Durable
- Loft angles are not optimal
2. Mizuno MP-18 MMC
“Sleeker Design Refined From Yoro”
Mizuno had been out of the scene for quite a while. However, recently, it has resurfaced by producing, what is being called “The Poster Boy of the Family”. It is the sleek design and clean blade that has earned this name from the critics. Besides that, below is what to expect from this.
Construction and Technology
The material used in the construction of shaft is steel which provides a stiff flex. Thus, being stiff and rugged, it does not flex much, hence, no vibrations. This, in turn, provides a great feel and feedback at the time of impact.
Furthermore, MP-18 irons have mild carbon steel with grain flow forged which is a trademark of Mizuno. But, in this case, for greater feedback, the grain was concentrated during the forging process.
In an era where CAD drawing has taken over, Mizuno has tried to go back to the traditional style. Therefore, after producing a drawing these irons were taken to Yoro, Japan, for further refining. Lines were engraved and then it was again inserted into the computer to start the production.
This way, the company has successfully given it a traditional touch but managed to produce it through computer-operated machines.
Performance
The sleek design of these irons does not go unnoticed when you open up the package. Moreover, Mizuno went for complete “white-out” on the graphic which conceals white paint fills. Consequently, the final look of the irons is something that catches the eyes of everyone on the course.
The feel is pretty sharp and solid which is what you should expect from blades of this type. Above all, the feel stays the same be it higher irons or the lower ones. The sharp and solid feel adds into the feedback which helps the player to make precise shots. So these are surely the best Mizuno irons for low handicappers.
Essentially, when going for a golf iron you need to be mindful of the degree of forgiveness which is next to nothing in this set. Therefore, unless you can consistently strike the ball in the center, this set may not be the one for you.
In case, you can strike the ball consistently, you would be delighted with the accurate loft angles and distances these provide. You would thus be able to launch the ball accurately even from the pits and other rough surfaces.
Distance? Yes, they definitely make the ball go longer distances with optimal spin. Therefore, you get nearer to target where it becomes easier to make the hole with a putter.
- Better feedback
- Sleek and good-looking design
- Solid and sharp feel
- Sturdy construction
- Not even slightly forgiving
3. Cobra Forge Tec Copper Irons
“Bigger is Better”
These clubs are incredible. They look amazing, and swing even nicer. I’ve only played about 4 weeks with these clubs, but its been an amazing 4 weeks. They have a very retro look that is amplified by the copper finish (which might be an issue I’ll explain later). The Clubs looks very small and slim, but still hit like a pretty thick iron. The club hits very soft, making every swing feel like cutting butter. The hollow construction really makes the club feel light and gives a very satisfying feel after every shot. In terms of distance, it was easy for me to max these clubs out, which is great because it makes my shots more predictable over time. That basically means I know that my 7 iron will hit exactly 175 every time. This makes decisions on the golf course much easier.
Construction and Technology
Are they solid copper? No. I think that would be ridiculous (and expensive). It is a copper finish that looks absolutely amazing, it definitely sparks up a conversation on the course. What I’m worried about is if this finish will last after many years of golf. I’ve only played 4 weeks with these irons so unfortunately I can’t make that prediction just yet. But so far so good…
King Forge Tech from Cobra tungsten tow weight surplus the center of gravity behind the hitting zone to maximize distance and precision even on off centre hits. It’s infused with foam
microspheres that fine-tune acoustics and create a softer feel classic look. It has a crazy distance caused by a forged PWR shelf base and the hollow core delivers low center of gravity and controlled
distance for maximum playability.
Performance
Cobras King Forged Tec does not disappoint when it comes to playing on the field with it. The feel of these low handicapper irons is the first thing that makes the experience a delight. Because of the additional tungston weighting, they have become softer. Therefore, on the impact, you get a soft yet firm feel which gives solid feedback.
In addition, the distance you get from these irons is surely more than what you get with its predecessors. The extra distance it provides are highly beneficial especially when you are playing on a long course. You can make up for the mishit off-the-tee shots with this set. This model is the best Cobra irons for low handicappers for sure (that are not real blades!).
Furthermore, the refinement of the leading edge has made it much better than previous models when we consider turf interaction. As the friction has reduced, it improves the interaction which launches the ball at the right angle and trajectory. Consequently, you get closer to the target and leave the job to the putter.
Thankfully, they made these clubs in copper. It is definitely a conversation starter.
- Soft yet firm feel
- Numbering is removed
- Improved turf interactions
- Delivers more distances
- Pretty
- Copper finish might degrade over time
4. SiM 2 Max
“Forgiving Irons To Improve Consistency”
We’ve reviewed these clubs before as a set of clubs that would be great for high handicappers. That is because these clubs offer distance and are simultaneously surprisingly forgiving. I was doubting if I should add forgiving irons to this list at all, but who wants difficult clubs when you could use irons like these that will give you the confidence to swing these clubs?
Performance
As these top rated low handicapper golf irons were designed to improve the consistency of the player, they are highly forgiving. It is essentially the higher MOI than game-improvement irons that made it possible. Therefore, the ball goes distances even when you hit it off-centre.
Best Golf Irons For High Handicappers
Shorter irons have more like a muted feel but as you ascend up perks of the cavity comes into play. Taylormade has used a damping system giving the club a great sound and feel. Therefore, it really makes golf a lot enjoyable.
Most of the players would be happy to get their hands on this set which is a combination of feel and forgiveness. However, the longer irons demand a little bit of more striking speed to provide the consistency you need.
SiM 2 Max is capable of hitting the ball on greater loft angles with greater speed. This set offers optimal launches which makes it easy to hit from the turf. Hence, regardless of the surface, you are able to hit the ball to longer distances.
- Forgiving
- Lightweight
- Lower COG
- Improves consistency
- No real downside.
5. Cobra Golf 2021 Men’s King Mim Tour Iron Set
“Microspheres and HD Tungsten Weights”
Launched back in 2018, these irons were designed to increase the distances and ball speed. Look, rather than actual performance, which is great nonetheless, made them popular and still steal the show in 2021. Let’s dissect these irons and find out what is present inside them.
Construction and Technology
MIM feature shaft of steel which is available in both regular and stiff flex. The steel essentially is not a flexible material and thus it minimizes the flex and cuts down the vibration. Consequently, the feel becomes more solid and firm.
MIM irons have sleek, hollow and muscle back head in order to lower the COG to improve distance and launch. Furthermore, it also makes it a bit forgiving which enhances the consistency in the shots.
The strategic positioning of the high-density tungsten weights plays a vital role in the performance. It basically lowers down the COG to the center which improves the accuracy in the shot.
Best Super Game Improvement Irons
Inside the face, you would get energizing foam microspheres which are a key factor in the acoustics of this set. These microspheres dampen vibration and create a responsive and softer feel that players seek these days.
Furthermore, irons offer a larger sweet spot despite compact head size which increases the ball speed and distances.
Performance
In terms of distances and speed, these highest rated low handicap irons perform exceptionally well. You would not get too high a spin rate or incorrect launch angles while playing the shots. These few extra yards get you near to the target which gives you an opportunity to make the hole under par.
As these irons offer a little bit of forgiveness, you can reproduce the same shot over and over again. Consequently, you achieve higher consistency which surely gives a headache to the opponents.
However, it is the look, not the actual performance which makes this set stand out. The satin black finish is a show-stealer that catches the eyes of everyone on the field.
The finish increases the durability of the irons as well by maximizing the resistance against wear. Therefore, once you have spent some money on it, it will last you quite some time.
- Can reproduce same shots meaning it increases your consistency
- Accurate shots
- Delivers higher speed and distances
- Ultra good-looking design
- Durable
- Higher strike rates are required
6. Mizuno MP-20
“Exceptional Feel And Loft Angles”
When it comes to the production of irons, Mizuno holds the reputation of being the best golf brand. Well-thought-out designs and exceptional executions rank this brand higher among the premiums.
The latest one in their lot is MP-20 which had to fill the shoes of previous exceptionally good MP-18 irons. Let’s see what it has to offer and why it makes our list for best irons for low handicappers.
Construction and Technology
The feel of clubs is something that cannot be measured, clubs either have it or don’t have it. It is an unquantifiable sometimes elusive characteristic but vital for these best Mizuno irons for low handicappers. Therefore, Mizuno has paid special attention to it in their latest model.
Mizuno has added extra layers of the copper into the heads of clubs to improve the feel. This soft copper located behind the chrome-nickel face produces a good impact sensation. Hence, the feedback you get is a solid one which improves the accuracy in shots.
It also features harmonic impact technology which fine-tunes the head geometry to deliver impact, feel and feedback.
MP-20 has refined looks with slightly thinner toplines and narrower soles which produces tilt for better turf interaction.
MP-20 feature tapered blade with lower COG in long irons and higher COG in short irons. The difference in the position of COG plays a key role in optimizing the loft angles.
The shorter ones deliver low launch angles and vice versa. The point is you would be able to play the shot from virtually every part of the course including the pits, cool isn’t it?
On the shaft, you would find a 60 (0.600″) round grip that provides maximum control over the irons.
For low handicappers, this is not less than a beast for sure.
Performance
All the hard work the company has put in order to improve the feel can be experienced on the course. These irons feel great and the feedback certainly lives up to all the hype.
Furthermore, be it fairways, turf or sandpits, you would not notice any difference in the ball speed or loft angles. As an icing on the cake, these irons are one of the most consistent irons you would find on the market.
However, in order to get maximum advantage of these, you need to strike the ball at the center. Even a slight off-center hit can change the entire trajectory and sometimes ball does not even fly, which is a shame.
The looks of MP-20 is another noteworthy feature as the company has poured quite some effort into it. The chrome finishing on the head shines in the bright light like silverware and provides an extra premium look.
- Exceptional feel
- Consistent
- Delivers distances and speed
- Optimum loft angles
- Not even slightly forgiving
7. Mizuno JPX921 Forged Iron Set
“Stronger Blade Design For More Power”
JPX921 was the most sold model of the Mizuno in the year 2019-2020 and it has maintained its pace this year as well.
The previous model JPX 919 bagged its way into the gear of professional players, so the new model had quite some shoes to fill. By far, it has done a great job at it. How? Let’s find out.
Construction and Technology
The fundamental design of the JPX921 is similar to that of JPX919 but with subtle changes. The company has used the same Boron steel infused stronger metal which adds strength to the club. The overall structure becomes stronger than regular steel which injects power in the shots.
JPX921 has basically combined midsize forged head with slight forgiveness and a face that delivers more distances.
The subtle changes in the design include modification of the cavity design by forging the head and cutting the bottom cavity. Welding with a cap of 52mm length, 5mm width, and 1mm thickness covers the head. This additional layer is not visible thanks to its size and shape.
The new cavity design has produced a different sole grind which produces more camber and loses the grind on edges. Thus, it gives a nice delicate look to the club and increases the turf interaction as well.
Performance
Compared to the JPX919, this new model provides four to five extra yards with every iron in the set. However, the spin rates, on the other hand, are pretty much the same. However, loft angles with 921 are 1 degree stronger than their predecessors.
5g of weight which has been moved from heel to hosel improves the MOI, which is a major reason behind those extra yards.
The additional weight also moves COG closer to the middle of the face which provides the right feel and feedback. Shockwaves, instead of being caught in the heel now goes straight up the shaft easily. Moreover, these shockwaves then translate into sensation at the time of impact which gives great feedback.
Mizuno has changed the styling in their new JPX 921 and has removed the brand name from clubs. By that, the company probably wanted to highlight the running bird logo which is a symbol of these forged irons.
Moving on, JPX-921 allows a certain degree of forgiveness as well. Therefore, even if you hit slightly off-center, the ball will go on the intended trajectory.
- Slightly forgiving
- Can reproduce the same shot
- Improved feel
- Improved turf Interactions
- No significant difference in performance compared to JPX919
8. Callaway Golf 2021 Apex PRO Irons
“Designed For Accuracy And Consistency”
Callaway has introduced its new forged cavity back irons that are already popular among the tour players. It features a design that suits well to both established players and those who are new to this category. How? Let’s find out.
Construction and Technology
Shaft material in this set is steel which is a strong material that injects power into the shots. Furthermore, as it does not allow a greater degree of flex, you get a solid and firm feel.
Blades of Apex 2021 are slightly longer and have a larger head size which makes it somewhat forgiving. Therefore, the accomplished amateurs can also benefit from this set.
In addition, the soles of the irons have a design to improve the turf interaction from a wide range. Therefore, you can hit the shots from fairway, sandpits and even from the bushes.
Moreover, there are 20V grooves built-in that promote high levels of control and make the shot accurate. It also reduces the likelihood of flier from the rough surfaces, which is a sought attribute.
Performance
This is definitely an iron set for single digit handicap golfers. Apex irons were designed for accuracy, not distances, therefore, you should not expect extra yards from this set.
This is because the loft angles are not that strong and the spin rate is quite high, which is why they are not capable of sending the ball to greater distances.
However, the players who seek control from the irons would be better off with this set. The accuracy and consistency provided are unmatchable. You can even play the shots around the green and make the holes from greater distances.
I would say established amateurs who have got themselves recently in the category of low handicap can take maximum advantage. This is because these players seek forgiveness from the clubs and Apex is best in the category for that purpose.
As far as the overall look and durability go, you would be glad that they do not wear out soon. Thanks to the quality construction and craftsmanship, this set would last you a good amount of time. The overall aesthetics of the clubs are smooth and pleasant to watch, which is always a good plus to have.
- Durable and good-looking design
- Accurate and consistent
- Firm Feel
- Not for the distances
9. Callaway Big Bertha Iron Set
“For Simple Launch And Greater Distances”
In order to make a perfect shot, you need your irons to launch the ball perfectly. However, not all the irons allow easy and simple launching, so you need to switch to irons like Big Bertha.
These irons for low handicap golfers were specially designed to make the launch simple and easy. Below is how they have made it possible
Construction and Technology
Idea was to make the launch easy by getting the weight lower and back to loft the ball high. This was combined with the faster face to impart speed and gain distances in the shot.
To make this design possible, Callaway has designed something called the suspended energy core. It essentially is a tungsten weight that floats inside microspheres of urethane material.
At the time of construction, weight was placed at the bottom of the cavity which was followed by the injection of urethane microspheres. The urethane was injected in liquid form and was left there to solidify.
Urethane microspheres absorb undesired vibrations which improve the feel and acoustics of the clubs. The plastic badge that fits into the cavity with a ribbed structure also serves the same role.
Speed in the Bertha comes from 360 Face Cup technology which wraps around the face of the head to increase ball speed. Thus, those with lower strike rates would also have no problem launching the ball, thanks to this technology.
To generate extra speed, the face cup utilizes a shallow and flexible rim around the edges.
The smoked PVD finish, although it gives an impressive look is prone to wear over time.
Performance
This set does not disappoint on the field even when you are playing with the pro players. Being one of the fastest irons, it allows you to compensate that off-center shots from the tee.
Furthermore, as these are easy to launch, you would be able to play the shot from every part of the course. Therefore, you can get the ball closer to the hole and make it earlier than the opponents.
Because of the Face Cup technology, you would definitely get a few extra yards. As there is lower spin, optimum loft angle and precise launch ball speed get enhanced.
Forgiveness in these irons allows you to reproduce the same shots and repeat the same performance in every game.
Lastly, the feel and feedback provided by this set are firm and solid with minimum vibrations. This instills confidence in the players and makes the shot a real delight.
- Easy to launch
- Optimal loft angles
- Delivers high speeds
- Forgiving
- Not so durable
10. Callaway Golf 2021 Apex DCB Iron Set
“Urethane microspheres”
First, DCB stands for “Deep Cavity Back”. After playing with these clubs for a while, I immediately noticed just a little bit larger sole to help with turf interaction and then an ever so slightly thicker top line compared to the Apex 21. Callaway claim that this club is a little more forgiving than the Apex 21, without any compromise. It looks a little bit bigger and chunkier, but it really still offers great distance and accuracy.
The damping technology in this club make it feel and sounds pretty good and solid on impact. Visually, these clubs are pretty. There is a slight off-set but nothing too crazy here.
Construction And Technology
I think they’ve done something really special here because they found a way to make a forged iron but also incorporate their artificial intelligence of the club face they’ve kind of combined that
great feel with that explosive distance that A.I delivers.
Callaway have put some more technology in this iron as well which means that it is going to be more forgiving a little bit hotter off the face than other things that they’ve produced. For instance, the flash face cup technology, which is something that they’ve previously put in woods which is going to make this iron hotter right across the face on strike, but also we’ve got a tungsten energy
core now which is supposed to distribute the weight differently and specifically the medium and long irons which is going to make this iron an awful lot easier to hit. Furthermore it’s supposed to make it a lot easier to launch as well especially with those lower lofted golf clubs allow balls to get up in the air.
The steel face, on the other hand, imparts power and strength in the iron which achieves higher speeds and greater distances.
The Injection of Speed Foam was carried out through the sole in the toe as liquid and left to solidify. As it solidifies, it expands and fills the entire cavity. This increases the MOI which carrIes the ball to longer distances.
The shorter irons, on the other hand, have forged carbon steel in a single-piece design. Also, there is a cavity back to combine the style of blade with perimeter weighting to bring forgiveness in blades.
The heads of all the irons in the set were grinded to increase the resistance against wearing and tearing. These grinded edges also improve turf interaction which gives more accuracy to the players.
Performance
I can definitely confirm that these apex dcb irons feel every bit as good as the rest of the Apex range. They feel like a forged iron should do, so great job there by callaway! However one of the main things that people look at when they’re buying a set of irons is you know just how accurate the clubs are going to be, it’s not all about distance. After running some tests at the driving range, my results came to an 80% accuracy. That doesnt sound too bad.
- Adds extra yards in shots
- Turf interaction is nice
- Decent Feel
- Feedback is good
- Very Forgiving for Mid Handicappers
- Expensive
FAQs About Best Irons For Low Handicappers
Q. What is Low handicap in Golf?
A. When the golf handicap index is in the single-digit figures, it is considered as a low handicap in golf
Q. What handicap is a good golfer?
A. If you have a handicap somewhere between 10 and 20, you are a good golfer.
Q. How far should I hit with 5 iron?
A. You should be able to hit 160 yards if you are male and 140 if you are female
Q. What swing speed is considered decent?
A. If you have a swing speed around 93-95 miles per hour you are capable of playing with better-player irons.
Conclusion
Each golfer has his/her own weak and strong points in the game. Most of them have lower swing rates while some of them have problems with launching. You can counter these problems by getting the appropriate set of irons.
We have enlisted some of the best irons for low handicappers that are available in the market. Now, it is up to you to assess your weaknesses and buy the right set.
All of them are good and that is why they make our list, however, if you would ask me to pick one it would be Mizuno JPX921 Forged Irons because it gives you the extra yards that you need with irons. In addition, they also give you a bit of forgiveness, which we know is always a handy attribute to have.
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