It should come as no surprise that distance is a huge factor in the modern game of golf. Put simply, if you can hit the ball further then you have a distinct advantage over everyone else at pretty much every level of the game. One avenue manufacturers have realized, in which distance can be gained, is in the irons sector and, as such, they have made huge leaps forward in technology to help players hit the golf ball as far as possible while also producing playable ball flights.
Within this particular category of the best golf irons for distance, you’ll find clubs featuring technologies to maximize clubhead and ball speed in order to generate the longest carries. That being said, distance is obviously not the only factor to consider when choosing an iron because, if there is no control over that distance, then what is the point?
As such, we have looked at some models below that not only help maximize yardage, but also have a degree of control and feel too. Alternatively, if you want something a little bit different, or you want something other than distance from your irons, take a look at our guides on the best compact mid-handicap irons, best golf blade irons, or the best game improvement irons.
VIDEO: Joe Ferguson tests and compares the leading game-improvement irons in 2024
The Quick List
Ping know how to make a great distance iron and, with the G430, not only do you a lively feel off the face, but incredible stopping power and consistency from a wide area of the face.
Providing users with a draw-biased club that will help straighten up a slice, the Dynapower feels fast off the face and provides users with a great value for money option in a competitive space.
Titleist make some of the most premium irons on the market, with the T350 no exception, as the stability and powerful ball speed make this a great option for a wide range of golfers.
Featuring a firmer feel to others in this guide, the Qi iron was very forgiving and produced incredible distances from the sweet spot and even off-centre strikes.
Not only are the heads of these Darkspeed Irons well proportioned and well-shaped, but the soft, powerful feel off the face was a surprising aspect!
Competitive distance and a wide range of forgiveness is wrapped up in a sophisticated aesthetic that wouldn't look out-of-place away from the distance iron category.
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Srixon produce an array of different models, with their ZX4 range the longest of the lot. Incredibly consistent and long, the slimmer look may slightly divide opinion amongst the higher handicappers.
Thanks to a fast, controlled feel, the JPX923 has appealing looks all-round, with the playable, forgiving offering providing a huge benefit to a number of skill-levels.
Cleveland are excellent at producing premium performing equipment that won't break the bank, with the confidence-inspiring Launcher XL providing superb stability all-round.
Best Distance Irons
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Top pick
Ping are perhaps more known for producing some of the best golf drivers and best fairway woods on the market and, with the G430 irons, we still see that user-friendliness that will help maximise distance out on the golf course.
Aesthetically, the G430s are similar to the G425, but there is an extra one degree of bounce that lowers the Centre of Gravity and also helps aid forgiveness. Certainly, in testing, we found these to be one of the best distance irons money can buy, especially as we saw an increase in speed and distance without sacrificing the flight and spin.
Even Ping themselves billed the G430s as the ‘distance competitive, scoring uncompromised’ iron and, thanks to a redesign, it's hard to disagree. Amongst the changes are the three percent thinner face and the new PUR Flex badge, with Ping's engineers still including the notable offset and generous top line we know and love.
- Read our full Ping G430 Iron Review
Best value
We were seriously impressed with the Wilson D9 iron when it was released and, with this newer model, the Dynapower iron, it's much of the same, with it providing incredibly fast speeds off the face, as well as a satisfying feel that will appeal to most golfers looking for more distance.
Featuring strong lofts (7-iron loft is 27°), there is ample forgiveness from a range of places off the face and, although the flight is slightly lower than we would have liked, the shot pattern was consistent, as the offset available meant the majority of the shots finished to left of the target.
In terms of looks, this iron has all the hallmarks of a game improvement iron, with there being a generous amount of offset and a wide sole. However, the topline has been made thinner to appeal to a slightly lower handicap range, as the pleasing look is followed by an equally pleasing feel. Certainly, in testing, we found the Dynapower offers superb value-for-money and will undoubtedly elevate your enjoyment by enabling you to hit longer, straighter iron shots.
- Read our full Wilson Dynapower Iron Review
Best looking
Featuring in the best Titleist irons category, the T350 now includes split tungsten weighting that you get in the T100, T150 and T200s. What's more, for even more forgiveness, the T350 has Max Impact technology which sits a little higher and, when along with a dual taper forged face, the mix of feel and stability can't be missed.
Certainly, in our testing, the T350 screamed power. Not only were the acoustics loud, giving the impression of the iron going further than it was, but the springiness of the face meant the distances were excellent. Arguably, the stand out came in the forgiveness department, as we found the iron very good at masking the misses from a wide range of areas.
Finally, when it comes to looks, there is some offset and generous footprint but, crucially, there isn't a chunky sole or thick top line, which means it should appeal to mid handicappers. Either way, the T350 definitely earns its spot in this category!
- Read our full Titleist T350 Iron Review
Most explosive feel
We were big fans of the original Stealth iron when it came out a while ago and, thankfully, it is a similar story with the Qi iron as well. What became immediately clear to us was the speed off the face. Shots really zipped away with high velocity and the result was impressive distance, hence the irons inclusion in this guide.
From a looks perspective, there aren't too many differences between the Qi and Stealth, which is not an issue for us because they both look great. The only slight downside is the slightly bigger badge on the back and inclusion of more chrome, but this is only a small point.
So, not only did the Qi look great down behind the ball, with its generous blade length, reassuring top line and a pleasing amount of offset providing great confidence, but the flight was also superb. We did notice a prominent draw bias in testing, which would suggest the new face technology was performing as designed, but it was still controllable in the slice-fighting category.
- Read our full TaylorMade Qi Iron Review
Best for slower swingers
To begin with, our attention turns to the performance which, personally, we felt were closer to some of the best golf blade irons money can buy. You may wonder, why? Well, in the distance iron category, the feel is usually harsh but, with the Darkspeed, there really isn't any of that. They are relatively soft, but also with a notable liveliness.
Along with the feel, the flight was strong and, in terms of loft, a 7 iron equates to 27°, which is where the impressive distance comes from. Unlike some of the other irons listed, there was no real shape bias in terms of draws or fades but, importantly, the Darkspeed's were easy to hit and mis-hits kept a good level of ball speed.
We end this segment talking about the looks and, as you may have noticed in the Darkspeed's range of drivers and woods, Cobra have included the charcoal finish in their irons. Personally, we think they're really smart and sleek, with the dark colors creating the illusion that the substantial heads are relatively neat and compact.
- Read our full Cobra Darkspeed Iron Review
Best for accuracy
We begin with the technology on offer in the Paradym Ai Smoke, which has an all-new Ai Smart Face that optimizes iron performance using swing data from thousands of real golfers. You will see this technology across all of the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke range, with the result being a face that is designed to promote maximum distance with tight dispersion into the green.
Along with the new face, Callaway has also looked at shaft length a little differently to squeeze out every ounce of available speed from the golfer. Traditionally, from 9 iron up, most manufacturers increase length of shaft in consistent 0.5 inch increments but, in the case of the Ai Smoke, it is increased by 0.625. As Callaway acknowledges, going up in length can often be at the expense of control, but coupling this with its new Ai face, the company believes there is no compromise.
Performance-wise, the sound and feel were excellent, with no real sense of clickiness that can sometimes cheapen the feel of distance irons. The ball flight was extremely strong and the distance numbers were very impressive, but the main standout was the forgiveness! Whether we missed the middle by 2mm or 20mm, the drop offs in speed were minimal and the absence of excessive offset makes the Ai Smoke iron very workable.
- Read our full Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Iron Review
Best for consistency
We begin with the stand out of the ZX4 Mk II, which is the consistency. In testing, the iron felt easy to connect with and never got away from us, with the mis-hits still delivering a good amount of distance and ball speed. What's more, the flight never deviated and, through the turf, it remained fast!
In terms of differences over its predecessor, it has a hollow-headed construction and the appearance is more of a cavity back iron. Certainly, when at the address position, the overall look is more compact with less offset, as the thin top line will likely appeal to the more confident ball striker.
The last point of call is that the loft of these irons are lofted strong. For example, a 7-iron comes in at 28.5° but, crucially, this didn't affect the flight, as we found the ball easy to get up in the air with plenty of spin.
- Read our full Srixon ZX4 Mk II Iron Review
Best for feel
A playable and forgiving iron that delivers excellent distance on long shots, the JPX923 Hot Metal Iron is the perfect iron for any mid-handicapper looking to add more yards to their game.
In testing, the JPX923 Hot Metal didn't have the explosive metal-wood feel you'd often get from game improvement irons, but what they did have is a dense, forged-like feel. This is something which those who are looking for a powerful set of clubs will love!
Aesthetically, they look very similar to the JPX923, but deliver a sleeker look thanks to their 4335 Nickel Chromoly, which is a stronger material that allows a thinner face. Plus, we also enjoyed the interaction with the turf that these irons provided, with there being more resistance compared to the JPX923. The changes in the sole make them noticeably more user-friendly, with the irons cutting much shallower divots helping you cleanly hit through each shot.
- Read our full Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Iron Review
Best for confidence
Cleveland are known for producing some of the best golf wedges on the market, but the brand also know a thing or two about creating the most forgiving irons, with the Launcher XL featuring on that list.
To begin with, the irons feature a long profile from heel to toe, with it creating a lot of assurance when addressed behind the golf ball. Admittedly, it will divide opinion, but if you're after confidence, then it's a great starter, as is the thick topline, which strikes the balance perfectly.
Performance-wise, the feel at impact is notably satisfying, with the ball fizzing off the face with a strong trajectory. What's more, it's incredibly stable and forgiving on off-centre strikes but, where this model stands out is in the price tag, which is considerably cheaper than other models in this guide!
- Read our full Cleveland Launcher XL Iron Review
How we test golf irons
Our testing procedure for golf irons is built upon a comprehensive process combined with the knowledge and expertise of the Golf Monthly test team. Before the testing begins, the team will attend product launches to gain an understanding of the new technology. We would then get sent a sample to try and this is where the testing begins.
Firstly, we start indoors to try the irons in a controlled environment, with this usually taking place on an indoor simulator with premium balls and the GCQuad launch monitor. After getting the needed data numbers, we then move outside to the range and the golf course.
As we know, playing outside is a lot different to the conditions of inside, so it's crucial that we do this. By testing outside, we can see aspects like forgiveness and ball to really give you the most honest review possible.
How to choose the best irons for you
As you have seen, the market for golf irons is crowded and confusing and being sure you're getting the most suitable iron for your game can be a minefield.
Hopefully, this piece has given you an idea of what the best options are out there right now when it comes to getting as much distance as possible, but here is some more advice to help you in your quest to find the best golf iron for your game in this crowded and dense marketplace.
Your Handicap And Ability
This is probably the most important first step: knowing which type of iron best suits your game. This is by no means gospel, the higher handicap players will tend to be looking in this guide for distance irons, because they usually need an offering with as much forgiveness as possible and a large head. While mid-low handicappers tend to use more bladed irons that are forged, offer more feel and control but less forgiveness.
You'll know how good or perhaps not so good your ball striking tends to be, so make sure you invest in a set of irons that matches where your game is out now, not where you'd ideally want it to be. We have great guides that go into more detail on this, so check out our guide on the most forgiving irons if you're a higher handicapper or maybe our guide on the best golf irons for beginners.
Price
This will be a major factor in anyone's decision of what irons to go for. As you'll have seen in this list, the price can vary dramatically between irons. With many of the models above, ones that provide distance and forgiveness, you'll be looking between $600-$800 for a set of seven irons in most cases.
This obviously can fluctuate between brands, and we've highlighted in this list the ones we think give the best value for money in this category. The price jumps quite significantly when looking at the forged and bladed options - up to and above $1000 - but this is par for the course and you'll be getting a high quality, premium product in return.
Custom Fit
This is probably the most essential part of the iron buying process, no matter the irons you're after or how good you are at the game. A custom fit session will make sure you get the right flex and length of shaft, correct lie angle and correct iron head for your game, meaning you'll finish with a set of irons that will be as suitable as possible for you out on course.
Custom fits can be a daunting process if you're a true beginner or you aren't that confident hitting golf balls in front of people, but they're a vital part of the club buying process. We recommend having a shortlist of three or four iron heads you like the look of before entering a custom fit and then whittling them down to the best for your game during the custom fit process. Custom fits are provided by a number of golf retailers or club professionals at your local golf club.
FAQs
What irons are best for distance?
The best irons for distance are designed to help players hit the ball as far as possible. The way this is achieved tends to be with technology to ensure high ball speeds and forgiveness across the face so that players with inconsistent strike patterns can still produce solid distance. Thankfully most brands offer a variety of irons that cover all bases and pretty much every brand out there makes an iron to help players with distance.
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