Nicolas Drozdoski-Richardson

Nov 11, 2024

8 minutes

Your irons are the core of your club set. They typically occupy more than 50% of the slots in your set and you’re most likely to use at least one on every single hole. Considering how much you use them, it’s critical to have the right ones in the bag. But for beginner and casual golfers, this can often be a difficult decision. And to those golfers we say, “don’t’ worry, our experts are here for you!”

With Black Friday just around the corner, we tasked one our in-house experts Nick to come up with a list of the best deals on iron sets. We told Nick to put a greater emphasis on the needs of beginner and casual golfers, because we want to help you get your hands on the set that will allow you to take your game to the next level when you head to the course. Let’s check out his picks!

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1. Cobra LTDx Iron Set

The Cobra LTDx irons are an impressive set, designed to bridge the gap between distance and forgiveness with a feel that appeals to a wide range of golfers. Having tried them out, what struck me first was the satisfying balance between power and control.

They have a fast, springy face thanks to the PWRSHELL design, which really gives you a noticeable boost in distance. If you're someone who tends to struggle with hitting greens, these irons might give you the extra edge you’re looking for without making you feel like you’re sacrificing too much in terms of accuracy or consistency.

I did find that the weight distribution, thanks to the PWR-COR system, seemed to give the irons a nice blend of stability and forgiveness on off-center hits. It’s a helpful feature for those times when contact isn’t quite perfect. This weighting also makes the irons feel a bit lighter, which can be advantageous if you’re looking for something that doesn’t require an aggressive swing.

Feel-wise, the LTDx irons lean slightly towards a modern, almost hollow-bodied sensation. They’re not exactly buttery soft like a forged iron, but they do have a unique, responsive feedback on impact. Some players might miss that “solid” feel and feedback that’s more common in classic cavity back or blade irons, yet for others, the balance of distance and forgiveness will more than make up for it.

In short, the Cobra LTDx irons deliver on both distance and forgiveness, with a light feel and fast face that will appeal to players aiming to improve accuracy without sacrificing too much on distance. Just keep in mind, if you prefer a more classic feel or need a bit more control in windy play, they might feel a bit too lively. It’s such an outstanding deal that it made onto our list of the best iron sets under $500.

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2. Callaway Paradym X Iron Set

The Callaway Paradym X irons bring an appealing combination of advanced technology and forgiving design. The AI-designed face promotes fast ball speeds, which helps generate additional yardage even on less-than-perfect strikes.

When I tried these, the face’s responsiveness was noticeable right away; shots seemed to “pop” off the club, and the additional distance was a welcome surprise. The wide sole design also adds forgiveness, as it helps the club glide through the turf, reducing fat shots.

The irons have a bit of a thicker, chunkier look, which might not suit everyone’s eye. They also tend to launch the ball high, which can be both an asset and a drawback depending on your preferred ball flight. In windy conditions, for example, the high launch might make it more challenging to control shots.

While the Paradym X irons may not offer the workability or compact shape that lower handicappers prefer, they’re an excellent choice for players who want easy distance and aren’t overly concerned with shaping shots or trajectory control.

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3. Ping G700 Iron Set

The Ping G700 irons are crafted for players looking to add distance without compromising forgiveness. The hollow body construction and maraging steel face are engineered for speed, and I could feel the springiness in the face with each shot.

These irons produce a high, penetrating ball flight that holds well in the air, which is useful for stopping shots on the green. The G700’s forgiveness is noteworthy—mishits still maintain a good amount of distance and direction, making them ideal for players who might struggle with consistency.

That said, the G700’s larger profile could be off-putting for those who prefer a thinner topline and a more compact look. Additionally, the feel is somewhat unique: the hollow body design creates a slight hollowness at impact, which may feel different from the solid feedback of a forged iron.

 For players looking to improve their game with added distance and forgiveness, though, the G700 irons are a solid, dependable choice.

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4. Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Iron Set

The Paradym AI Smoke irons from Callaway are designed to cater to players who want a mix of distance and control with an emphasis on speed. The AI-designed face promotes fast ball speeds, which translates into impressive distance, particularly on well-struck shots.

I found the responsiveness at impact to be impressive, with the ball seeming to “jump” off the face. The irons also have a sleek, appealing look, with a slightly more compact profile than some game-improvement irons, which will appeal to mid-handicap players looking for style and performance.

The feel is on the firmer side, which might be noticeable to players accustomed to the softer feedback of forged clubs. The Paradym AI Smoke irons also have a tendency to launch high, which is great for players seeking added carry distance but could be a challenge in windy conditions.

These irons cater well to players who want a balance of forgiveness and speed in a modern, visually appealing package.

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5. TaylorMade M4 2021 Combo Iron Set

The TaylorMade M4 Combo Set is a hybrid-iron combination that caters well to players who want the versatility of hybrids alongside forgiving, high-launch irons.

When I tried this set, the hybrids performed smoothly from both fairway and rough, making long approach shots significantly easier than with traditional long irons. The irons themselves feature the RIBCOR technology, which reinforces the perimeter of the club face to help retain ball speed on off-center hits, making it a forgiving choice.

One potential drawback is that the mixed set of hybrids and irons may not appeal to lower handicap players who prefer a full iron set. The irons also have a larger head profile and thicker topline, which, while adding forgiveness, might look a bit bulky to players who prefer a sleeker design.

All in all, the M4 Combo Set offers an excellent balance of forgiveness and versatility, and it’s a solid choice for players seeking distance with an easier time hitting long shots. The rest of the expert team and I like it so much that it made it onto our list of the best iron sets for slow swing speeds.

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6. Callaway Steelhead XR Iron Set

The Callaway Steelhead XR irons stand out for their explosive distance and ease of use. Featuring Callaway’s 360 Face Cup technology, these irons have a very hot face that produces strong ball speed, even on mishits.

I found that shots off the Steelhead XR felt solid and went further than expected, making it easy to reach longer distances without overswinging. The slightly wider sole also aids with turf interaction, helping the club glide through grass and making it forgiving for those who tend to hit behind the ball.

On the other hand, the Steelhead XR irons may feel firmer than forged irons, which could detract from the feedback better players seek. The high launch is excellent for players who struggle with height, but those who naturally hit it high might find that shots can balloon in the wind. If distance and forgiveness are top priorities, though, the Steelhead XR is hard to beat. So good, in fact, it was featured in our list of the most forgiving iron sets in 2024.

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7. Cleveland Halo XL Full-Face Iron Set

The Cleveland Halo XL Full-Face irons are unique, as they resemble hybrids more than traditional irons, with wide soles and a hollow construction designed for maximum forgiveness.

When I tested these, I found that the wide sole helped avoid digging, making them especially useful from rough and challenging lies. The hollow design and weight distribution make these irons very stable, and they’re among the most forgiving irons I’ve tried.

However, the hybrid-like look might be a turn-off for those who prefer the traditional appearance of irons. Additionally, they’re not intended for players who want workability; these irons prioritize forgiveness over shot-shaping.

For higher handicappers or players who want a straightforward, forgiving iron that makes it easy to get the ball airborne, the Halo XL irons are a very practical option.

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8. Cobra F-Max Airspeed Iron Set

Cobra’s F-Max Airspeed irons are incredibly lightweight and user-friendly, ideal for players with slower swing speeds who want to increase distance and forgiveness. The clubhead and shaft’s ultra-lightweight design immediately makes a difference in how easy it feels to swing—almost like the club is helping you do the work.

This translates to a high, easy launch that helps keep the ball in the air longer, which can be especially valuable for players struggling with carry distance. The club’s weighting is biased slightly towards a draw, which can help correct slices and promote a straighter ball flight.

However, the lightweight nature of the club means that you might sacrifice some stability, especially if you’re accustomed to a heavier clubhead feel. It also doesn’t provide a ton of feedback; the focus here is on making the game easier, not on providing nuanced feel or workability.

While these irons won’t be ideal for shaping shots or achieving specific trajectories, they’re great for golfers looking for effortless distance, especially those with moderate to slow swings. The F-Max Airspeed is such a good set that it made it onto our list if the best affordable clubs in 2022.

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9. TaylorMade SIM2 Max Iron Set

The TaylorMade SIM2 Max irons are designed to blend power and forgiveness, making them especially appealing for mid- and high-handicap golfers who want to add distance without compromising on playability.

What stands out most is the use of TaylorMade’s Speed Bridge and Thru-Slot Speed Pocket technologies, which work together to maximize ball speed across the face. In practice, this means that even off-center hits retain impressive speed and distance, minimizing the penalty for less-than-perfect contact.

The ECHO Damping System in these irons helps reduce vibrations, creating a softer feel and a more muted sound on impact, which I found pleasant and somewhat surprising for a game-improvement iron. The combination of high launch and generous forgiveness is a boon for those who struggle with consistency, as it helps shots stay in line and reach their target more often.

On the downside, the higher launch might make it tricky for those who already tend to hit high shots, as they could experience ballooning in windy conditions. Additionally, players looking for a compact, more traditional profile may find the somewhat larger club head a bit bulky.

Overall, the SIM2 Max irons provide a confidence-boosting, easy-to-hit option that doesn’t sacrifice feel for forgiveness. Our team likes it so much that it made it onto our list of the best TaylorMade iron sets.

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10. TaylorMade Stealth Combo Iron Set

The TaylorMade Stealth Combo Set blends hybrids and irons in a setup aimed at forgiveness and distance. The hybrids offer easy launch and are forgiving, ideal for players who struggle with long irons.

The irons feature TaylorMade’s Cap Back Design, which creates stability in the top of the clubhead, allowing for better face flexibility and thus improved distance. In testing, I found that the irons were forgiving and stable, with a comfortable feel and good feedback.

For golfers who prefer a traditional iron set, the hybrids might feel out of place, as they have a different look and playability than conventional irons. Additionally, while these irons offer forgiveness, they might not provide the workability that lower-handicap golfers desire.

Overall, the Stealth Combo Set is an excellent option for players who want a balanced, easy-to-hit setup with hybrid assistance, delivering distance and forgiveness in a versatile package.

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We hope that at least one of Nick’s selections is suited to your specific needs when it comes to iron sets. But, if none of the iron sets featured in this list is to your liking, remember that you can always book a call with Nick or any of our other in-house experts. They’ll provide you with personalized recommendations based your needs, wants and budget.

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In the meantime, we want to remind you that if you prefer shopping on your own but would still like a little help when it comes to recommendations, we’ve got the perfect tool for you with our Club Finder tool. Answer a few shorts questions and get a customized list of options for you to consider.

Until next time,

The Golf Avenue team