Louis Pringle

Jul 22, 2024

10 minutes

When it comes to your irons, having a model that is fitted to your needs and your skills on the course can actually help you shave some strokes off your handicap, or at the very least, give you more chances at hitting quality approach shots. But with so many options and clubhead types on the market, it can be hard to find the right one for you. Fortunately, our experts are to save the day once again.

This time, we entrusted Lou with the task of building a list of the 10 best players-distance iron set. This list is composed of models designed to help provide that extra bit of distance to golfers who want to prioritize ball control, without giving up too much distance. In other words, golfers looking to upgrade from game-improvement irons, or skilled golfers who are losing out on some swing speed. So, let’s get to it!

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1. TaylorMade P770 2023 Iron Set

After having the pleasure of trying out the TaylorMade P770 irons, I can provide my insight on their performance. These irons are a remarkable blend of traditional aesthetics and modern technology, designed to bridge the gap between the popular P790 and the player-oriented P7MC and P7MB.

The first thing you'll notice is their visual appeal. They have a very traditional silhouette, yet they're packed with modern design elements. The P770 irons are shorter from heel-to-toe and have a thinner topline and less offset than the P790. This gives them a more traditional look at address, which many golfers appreciate.

Now, let's talk about the feel. The P770 irons have a medium-soft feel with a strong, connected sensation. Impact is fairly quiet and low pitched, getting slightly louder and moving toward a mid-pitch on longer strikes. The feedback on strike quality comes primarily through the hands. A bad thin strike will sound different than a flush shot, but the impact sound is so quiet that it's not the primary mode of feedback. Your hands will tell you everything you need to know about where the ball hit the face.

Performance-wise, the P770 irons are quite impressive. They deliver outstanding forgiveness and lots of distance. The first thing that jumped out to me was the ball speed. Comparing the P770 to other sets, they are near or at the top when it comes to peak ball speed. Thanks to the combination of the Thru-Slot Speed Pocket and the mass relocation afforded by the lighter SpeedFoam Air, the P770 is exceptionally long all across the face.

However, it's important to note that while the P770 irons excel in forgiveness and accuracy, they do not live up to the distance aspect of this iron category. But if you're a golfer who prioritizes consistency and accuracy over sheer distance, these irons could be a great fit for you.

In conclusion, the TaylorMade P770 irons are a solid choice for golfers looking for a blend of traditional looks, modern technology, and exceptional forgiveness. While they may not be the longest irons on the market, their performance in other areas more than makes up for it. So good in fact, they were featured in our list of the Top 5 TaylorMade iron sets.

Good condition starting at $794.99

2. Ping I525 Iron Set

I remember the first time I held one of the Ping I525 irons in my hands. It was a feeling of both familiarity and novelty. The i525 irons are a unique blend of performance and aesthetics, a testament to Ping's commitment to innovation and quality.

The first thing that struck me about the i525 irons was their look. They have a players-style blade length and offset with a modest top line. At address, these clubs look extremely clean. The in-the-bag styling matches that players look at address. There's "i525" branding on the toe and a slim "Forged" toward the heel. It's a design that should appeal to a wide range of golfers.

When it comes to performance, the i525 irons are impressive. They offer fantastic forgiveness in a compact package. The launch, spin, and ball speed are very consistent even when the strike moves around the face. This forgiveness is powered by two design elements: "extreme weighting" and the hollow body design. The thin, forged steel face gives shots more ball speed and consistent, high launch angles.

The sound and feel of the i525 irons are also noteworthy. Striking a premium ball with the i525 irons produces a sound that’s only slightly louder than average. It’s a satisfying, percussive “snap” that sounds both fast and strong. The feel is solid with a little pop. Feedback through the hands is excellent, clearly communicating where the ball met the face.

However, no club is without its drawbacks. While the i525 irons offer a livelier feel than their predecessor, the i500, and produce extra distance in the same loft, the gains over the i500 are limited. Additionally, the thinner grooves make the white bottom groove harder to spot, arguably making alignment a little more difficult.

In conclusion, the Ping i525 irons are a solid choice for golfers looking to upgrade their clubs. They offer a blend of performance, aesthetics, and forgiveness that is hard to beat. However, golfers coming from the i500 might not see a significant improvement. As always, I recommend trying them out for yourself to see if they're the right fit for your game.

Good condition starting at $869.99

3. Mizuno Pro 225 Iron Set

The Mizuno Pro 225 irons are a nice compromise for players who want some distance, some forgiveness, decent looks, and fairly traditional feel. They're designed for the mid-handicap player who wants some of the blade look without being punished on mishits. The top line is medium thick but very progressive – it gets much thinner as you move into the scoring irons. There is some offset, but it’s well-shaped. The substantial rounding of the toe makes the blade look more compact than it is.

The feel of the Mizuno Pro 225 is solidly in the middle of the bell curve. It leans more toward solid and satisfying than I’d expect from a hollow iron. The sound of impact is quieter than the previous HMB. It also provides a clear signal on mishits – they’re duller sounding than pure strikes.

Now, let's talk about performance. The Mizuno Pro 225 irons set themselves apart with an emphasis on distance and forgiveness. Mizuno uses a very thin face to create some of their highest ball speeds. Strong ball speed is coupled with fairly low spin to create long carry distances. For me, the spin is on the low end of playable.

The hollow body construction and tungsten weighting pair to make the Mizuno Pro 225 quite forgiving for its size. You won’t knock down flag sticks with anything but a pure strike, but launch angle and ball speed are fairly robust on small misses.

However, it's important to note that forgiveness is Mizuno Pro 225 iron's poorest attribute. So, if you're a player who often struggles with mishits, this might be something to consider.

Overall, the Mizuno Pro 225 irons are a force to be reckoned with. They deliver on their promise of distance, accuracy, and feel, making them a dream come true for low to mid-handicappers seeking to elevate their game. While the price tag and lack of forgiveness might deter some, for the right player, these irons are an investment worth making.

So, if you're looking to upgrade your golf club and you're a mid-handicap player who values distance, accuracy, and a traditional feel, the Mizuno Pro 225 iron set could be a great fit for you. Just remember to get a good fitting to ensure optimal performance.

Good condition starting at $869.99

4. TaylorMade P7MB Iron Set

The first thing you'll notice about the TaylorMade P7MB irons is their classic blade design with a modern twist. The branding is minimalistic, with just a "T" on the toe and "P7MB" on the heel. The back of the club has a unique geometric, angular look that sets it apart. At address, the P7MB is quite similar to the P7MC, with very little offset and fairly compact blade lengths. The top line of the MB is noticeably thinner than the MC, but it's not as razor thin as some blades.

When it comes to performance, the P7MB irons are not meant for golfers who want forgiveness. On center, the P7MB can create plenty of ball speed, but you will see the ball speed fall dramatically when you start to pepper the heel or toe sides of the club face. This level of feedback is great for high-end ball strikers or those who really want to know the truth about their games.

The feel of the P7MB irons is something to write home about. When hit on center, the P7MB feels soft and sweet. It's exactly what most golfers think a blade should feel like. However, it is demanding. When you move off the center just a little, the feel firms up substantially.

Relative to other blades, the TaylorMade P7MB does have a slightly wider sole. This is useful for players who either play in soft conditions or have very steep swings. With fairly traditional lofts, the P7MB irons launch the ball with plenty of backspin.

In my experience, the P7MB irons deliver complete control over the golf ball and a surprising amount of forgiveness. The long irons should be reserved for the best ball strikers. It took minimal effort to flight the ball down or add several degrees of launch angle. These irons also produce ample spin to curve shots into tucked pins.

However, the P7MB irons are not for everyone. They are demanding and require a high level of skill to fully utilize. If you're a golfer looking for a club that will provide feedback and help improve your game, the P7MB could be a good fit. But if you're looking for a club that will forgive your mistakes, you might want to consider other options.

In conclusion, the TaylorMade P7MB irons are a set of clubs that offer a unique blend of classic design and modern performance. They are not the easiest clubs to play with, but for those who can master them, they offer a level of control and feedback that is hard to match. I hope this helps in your decision-making process!

Good condition starting at $784.97*

5. Cobra Forged Tec Iron Set

Firstly, the look of the Cobra Forged Tec irons is absolutely stunning. The back of the iron has a subtle mix of finishes and a small triangular depression. The "KING" branding is bold, yet tastefully done in a black and silver color palette. At address, the KING Forged Tec strikes a fine balance, catering to the needs and wants of the good or improving player. The top line is a little thinner than average but not intimidating, and there's a noticeable amount of offset, but it's well shaped.

The feel of these irons is something to write home about. My first swing with the Cobra KING Forged Tec irons elicited an audible, "Wow.". The impact creates a robust, deep-pitched "thwack" that feels anything but hollow. It's also noteworthy that this set feels the same from the pitching wedge to the long irons.

Now, let's talk performance. The main draw of a hollow body iron is distance, and the Cobra’s KING Forged Tec irons are second to none when it comes to ball speed. Throughout the set, I was seeing higher ball speed and more distance than my gamers. With the KING Forged Tec irons, I was getting as much as twelve yards more per club but the launch and spin were in my normal ranges. That means those long shots will actually hold the green which is important if you care about your score.

Another impressive element of the Forged Tec irons is the forgiveness. Every iron in this set has Cobra’s PWRShell design, and the long irons also have tungsten in the sole. This combination creates a very fast, stable face that retains ball speed on mishits. With the long irons, I made several ugly swings that still landed the ball within five yards of my best shots.

However, no club is perfect, and the Cobra Forged Tec is no exception. Some players may find the slimmed downsize a bit intimidating. While this gives the irons a sleek look, it might not inspire confidence for golfers who are used to a larger clubface.

In conclusion, the Cobra Forged Tec irons are a fantastic set that offers a great blend of distance, forgiveness, and aesthetics. They're perfect for low-to-mid handicappers who appreciate the look and feel of a forged iron. But as always, I'd recommend trying them out for yourself to see if they're the right fit for your game.

Good condition starting at $629.99

6. Callaway Apex 21 Iron Set

The first thing that strikes you about the Callaway Apex 21 irons is their stunning look at address. The branding is minimal and classy, and the irons have a compact and player-like feel. The top line is slim and there's very little offset. Even though the cavity looks fairly deep and the iron has a lot of soft, rounded edges, they don't appear bulky at address.

When it comes to performance, the Apex 21 irons are at the top of the players distance category. They offer very high ball speed potential and excellent forgiveness, especially for their size. The A.I.-designed Flash Face Cup ensures that ball speed stays high on all types of strikes. The Tungsten Energy Core, which use five times more tungsten than the previous generation, means more precise CG placement. This results in remarkably robust launch and spin, whether you're hitting it dead center or working the edges of the club face.

Now, let's talk about the feel. The Apex 21 iron delivers the level of feedback that players expect from a forged club. On center, it feels fairly soft and has a quiet impact sound. However, when you move away from the center, the feel firms up substantially and contact gets much louder.

But no club is perfect, and the Apex 21 is no exception. While the irons are forgiving, higher handicappers may find even the most forgiving iron in the range intimidating at address. Also, the lofts of the Apex 21 irons are not traditional, but they're not the strongest either. They are typically 0.5 degrees weaker than the Apex DCB 21 irons and 2 to 2.5 degrees stronger than the Apex Pro 21.

In conclusion, the Callaway Apex 21 irons are a great choice for the stronger player who still wants forgiveness or the aspiring player who wants a more compact iron. They offer a balance of distance, forgiveness, and consistency that is hard to beat. But as with any golf equipment, I would recommend trying them out for yourself to see if they fit your game.

Good condition starting at $674.98*

7. Cobra King Tour MIM Copper Iron Set

Firstly, the MIM Technology is the real star of the show when it comes to the Cobra King Tour MIM Copper irons. MIM stands for Metal Injection Molding, a state-of-the-art manufacturing process that allows Cobra to produce club heads with amazing precision. This results in a uniform metal grain structure that surpasses forgings. The feel is where the MIM Technology really shines. Unlike a forged carbon steel head where the metal is literally pounded to achieve a tight grain structure, the MIM process starts with powdered stainless steel that results in a uniform, ultra-tight grain. This ensures a consistent soft feel across the face.

The Cobra King Tour irons produced a pleasant medium volume 'thwack' that was fairly consistent across the face. The irons offered excellent feedback on strike location without ever feeling harsh. Once I was able to shift my focus from the wonderful feel, I began to note how consistent the ball flights were. Even on far less than perfect strikes, the carry was generous.

Now, let's talk about the looks. The Cobra KING Tour irons have a look that caused me to hesitate on categorization. The narrow topline and slight offset clearly communicate a pure players iron. But both a little more length in the blade and a slightly wider sole might cause purists to raise an eyebrow. If, like me, you find the compact look of blades intimidating, the KING Tour irons should be very appealing.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. What the Cobra King Tour MIM lacks in forgiveness, it makes up for in workability. This means that while it rewards good ball striking with a soft but solid feel and a consistent flight, it might be a bit challenging for those who are still working on their swing. Also, the spin was on the low side for me.

In conclusion, the Cobra King Tour MIM Copper iron set is a fantastic set of clubs that offers a great balance of feel, consistency, and playability. It's definitely worth considering if you're looking to upgrade your golf club. Just keep in mind that it might require a bit more skill to fully take advantage of its features.

Good condition starting at $704.99

8. Ping I500 Iron Set

The first thing that struck me about the Ping I500 irons was their appearance. They have this beautiful, professional look that's quite deceptive. From a distance, they look like traditional muscleback irons, but they're actually hollow.

When you address the ball, the compact blade and the thin top line, heavily beveled to appear even thinner, instill confidence. There's not much offset, which lower handicappers will appreciate. The generous sizing from heel-to-toe doesn't make the club look chunky or cumbersome.

Now, let's talk about performance. The Ping I500 irons are distance irons that look like players clubs. They deliver unexpectedly huge ball speed and impressive forgiveness. The hollow-body construction, similar to the G700, makes these irons distance-machines. They're as long as the G700, even though the lofts on the i500 are 1 degree weaker through most of the set.

However, they do require a good swing to get maximum distance. Compared to the G700, the i500 is a bit more demanding. The G700 puts all but the worst mishits on or near the green, while the i500 requires more precision. But compared to other irons of its size, the i500 has solid forgiveness.

The sound and feel of the Ping I500 irons are also worth mentioning. Impact is louder than the i210, a sharp knock. Your hands get the sensation that you may find the ball cracked into pieces. It's easy to hear the difference between the pure strike and a miss, but precisely locating each miss is more difficult.

In conclusion, the Ping I500 irons are a beautiful blend of aesthetics and performance. They offer exceptional distance and forgiveness with a pleasing sound and feel. However, they do require a good swing to get maximum distance and their lower-than-expected flight and spin might reduce stopping power slightly. But if you're looking for a sleek, professional-looking iron that doesn't compromise on distance or forgiveness, the Ping I500 could be the perfect fit for you. Otherwise, if you’re in the market for something forgiving, you can check out our list of the 10 most forgiving iron sets.

Good condition starting at $589.97*

9. TaylorMade P790 2021 Iron Set

The first thing you'll notice is the aesthetics of the TaylorMade P790 2021 irons. This version is a step up in this department. It has a cleaner look, more blade-like from the back, and a lighter finish, especially on the hitting area. This gives it a faux blade look that many aspiring players enjoy. The face looks taller than the old version and the top line appears thicker. While this might not appeal to all, especially lower handicaps, it does frame the ball better than the 2019 version.

Now, let's talk about performance. These irons are some of the fastest in golf. The ball speed numbers are absolutely elite. What's more, they retain very high ball speed even on mishits. This is due to TaylorMade technologies like the Thru-Slot Speed Pocket which makes thin strikes perform more like pure shots.

The feel of the P790 is also noteworthy. Despite being built for speed and distance, it defies expectations with a solid and firm feel. The impact sound is a baritone, medium volume, which is quite satisfying. You can easily distinguish a pure strike from a mishit, but nothing will ever sting your hands.

However, it's not all roses. The thicker top line at address may not suit the eye of the lower handicap golfer. Also, while the P790 is faster, higher launching, and more consistent than the prior version, it might go too far for some better players.

In conclusion, the TaylorMade P790 2021 iron set is a great choice if you're looking to upgrade. It offers a blend of aesthetics, performance, and feel that is hard to beat. But as with any golf equipment, I'd recommend trying them out for yourself to see if they fit your game.

New condition at $949.99

10. Titleist T150 2023 Iron Set

The first thing that struck me was the sheer beauty of the Titleist T150’s design. The T150 irons are absolutely gorgeous. They're compact from heel to toe, framing the ball perfectly. The top lines are thin as are the soles. In