No matter how often you get to play or how good you are at the game of golf, irons are the golf clubs every player uses the most. From the fairway, off the tee, around the greens, generally every player uses an iron once per hole. For high handicap golfers, this means finding a set that offers distance, forgiveness, and enjoyment by their ability to make golf easier. TGW has taken time to carefully review and test the best ones to see how they perform. With the help of TGW’s pro, we rounded up the best high handicap irons of the year to see how they compare.
2023 Game Improvement Irons Testing
What We Tested
For our game improvement irons test, we tested golf irons that are designed for players with a handicap in the higher teens to low 20s or those whose average score is in the mid-90s. These irons are designed for distance, forgiveness, and easy launch.
How We Tested
We tested these irons under the direction of Rick Hatfield, TGW’s Master Fitter and product expert. We enlisted the help of our customer testing panel, for this test that was a group of 6 golfers who fit the profile of game improvement golfers. All of the data was gathered indoors at the TGW Wichita Pure Performance Cneter using2023 Titleist Pro V1 golf balls and the 7-iron from each set of golf clubs.
This data is all specific to our testers and their swings. By taking a sample of comparable swings with each club under the same conditions, we were able to see how each iron performed and make some recommendations based upon what you may be trying to achieve with your iron shots.
The Results
Our first test was first distance. Each player hit their current 7 iron to set a baseline for the test then hit the clubs tested. The clubs were assigned rankings of 1-5 for each player based on how much distance they gained over their current 7 iron. Then we tested each iron’s accuracy. These were the two key metrics we focused on as game improvement irons are made to increase distance and accuracy to produce more forgiveness for the golfers who need it.
For the golfer who needs more distance
1. TaylorMade Stealth – Players hit the Stealth irons 160.4 yards on average, a 5% increase over their current 7 irons.
T-2. Callaway Paradym X – Players averaged 160 yards with this iron, a 4% increase over their current 7 irons.
T-2. Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal – Players averaged 160 yards with this iron, a 4% increase over their current 7 irons.
For the golfer who needs more accuracy
1. Callaway Paradym X – The Paradym X irons offered the most accuracy and tightest dispersion with shots landing within a 130.68 square yard area.
2. PING G430 – Next was PING’s G430 irons with shots landing within a 141.57 square yard area.
3. TaylorMade Stealth – In 3rd place was the Stealth irons with shots landing within a 153.35 square yard area.
Best In Class
Callaway Paradym X Irons
Why it stood out:
- Paradym X was the most consistent performer in our key metrics, finishing tied for 2nd in distance and in 1st for accuracy.
- It also offered the lowest average spin for golfers who need to reduce spin in order to boost their distance.
- Paradym X produced a more penetrating trajectory, allowing for more rollout and more overall distance for players who don’t hit the ball quite as high.
When you are ready to select your next set of irons, TGW has everything you need to get the best set for your game. We have a large selection of iron sets, combo sets, and individual irons from the biggest names in golf like TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, PING, and many more. We also have the latest golf irons available for custom order.
