Best Distance Irons 2025

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?

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.

The Quick List

Best Distance Irons

Most forgiving

Ping are perhaps more known for producing some of the best golf drivers and best fairway woods on the market and, with the G440 irons, we still see that user-friendliness and forgiveness that will help maximize distance out on the golf course.

This is a set of irons targeted towards the game improvement category but boasts a look more similar to that of a players iron, but they really pack a punch when it comes to distance thanks to a shallower, thinner club face and the low/back CG location to promote higher-launching, longer-carrying shots. Ping's Ping PurFlex cavity badge also helps players gain distance - the badge is more flexible than previous iterations, allowing it to expand and contract more to support the thinner face while adding some ball speed and enhancing feel and sound.

Our iron tester Joe Ferguson believes Ping have taken a step backwards in terms of looks however, stating he preferred the "more robust, industrial look that the G430 iron offered." Where the looks have improved over previous iterations is at the address position - the G440 has softer lines and more refined shaping which allows the set to find a perfect balance between confidence inspiring shape and aesthetically pleasing size. All in all, a slight regression in shelf appeal has been countered by the performance and slicker playing position profile.

• Read our full Ping G440 Iron Review

Best value

Taking the crown for best value is the Tour Edge Exotics E725 irons, a set that comes in at a very modest price for a game improvement iron.

Mid to high handicappers will be drawn in by the looks. Although it isn't the prettiest in terms of shelf appeal, the E275 boasts a large, confidence inspiring head profile that will appeal to those who need help with high launch. These are extremely easy irons to get airborne, thanks in part to the extra attention given to the thicker sole which helps with turf interaction.

On to the performance, and all the quantifiable numbers such as ball speed, carry, and peak height could sit alongside any of its competitors such as the Ping G440, Srixon ZXi4, or the Cobra DS-ADAPT which was very encouraging. Spin numbers were relatively low for us during testing though, meaning those with slower swing speeds may be best to look elsewhere.

• Read our full Tour Edge Exotics E725 Irons Review

Most powerful

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

Best for slicers

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 higher handicappers

Cobra Golf has released some genuinely impressive game-improvement irons in recent years including the Aerojet, King LTDx, and last year's very successful Darkspeed. The DS-ADAPT irons continue on this momentum, delivering an extremely powerful set of irons that boast well shaped and proportioned heads. The compliments for the looks aren't solely reserved for the playing position either - we think these irons have great shelf appeal and we were drawn to the darker color scheme due to the darker finish of the head doing a good job of minimizing a fairly substantial topline.

Results in testing weren't too dissimilar to what we saw from the Darkspeed irons last year. Spin was within 100rpm, launch within a degree, and the distance output within a yard. This may disappoint some, but the Darkspeed was one of our favorite irons of 2024 so there was no need to tear up the manual and start again.

The feel is similar too - it's fairly robust and harsh at impact, but the ball zips off at an impressive speed, and turf interaction is smooth. Not only does this iron perform well in terms of distance numbers, it feels lack it packs a punch too.

• Read our full Cobra DS-ADAPT Irons Review
  

Best looking

We'll cut to the chase and talk about the looks on offer from the Callaway Elyte irons - tester Joe Ferguson states that they "these might be the most visually attractive game improvement irons I have ever seen". From the subtle curves and shaping to the brushed steel and chrome finishes, these irons are very pretty on the eye. They also look fabulous in the playing position, delivering an excellent visual package more akin to some of the best irons for low handicappers.

In terms of performance, there isn't a whole lot of difference compared to the previous Ai Smoke irons but that's not really a bad thing. Most of the tangible numbers on our launch monitor during testing were relatively similar, but this iron really stands out in terms of versatility. The new ‘tri-sole’ that has been introduced here is excellent and really helps with turf interaction. We tested this sole out on some fairly juicy turf in Spain, and some very tight firm links turf in the UK and it works superbly on both.

This is a strong contender for best game improvement iron of 2025 for sure.

• Read our full Callaway Elyte Irons Review

Best for high launch

A new offering from Srixon in the distance iron camp, the ZXi4 irons sit alongside the ZXi7 and ZXi5 and are all about power and forgiveness.

Srixon have done a smashing job here in terms of looks. We loved the combination of shiny chrome with a more matte finish on the face which we felt promoted a really premium look. Like all good game improvement irons, the head shape is thick enough to promote confidence over the ball whilst not being patronizing to the higher handicappers by being too chunky. Instead, the ZXi4 irons find that sweet spot between a 'players look' and a friendly, user friendly aesthetic.

Performance wise, these irons produce a ton of distance whilst promoting a soft and subtle feel on impact. The Tour V.T. sole is as impressive as ever producing genuinely optimal and versatile ground interaction in a variety of conditions. One criticism, however, is the inconsistent lofting particularly at the top end of the bag. The ZXi4 lofts which see as little as 2° gaps at the top end of the set and as much as 6° and even 7° down in the shorter irons which could lead to players hitting their longer irons very similar distances. Therefore, we'd would highly recommend getting a custom fitting to check your gapping carefully.

• Read our full Srixon ZXi4 Iron Review

Best feel

The JPX 925 Forged Irons deliver a really unique package to the irons market by combining exceptional feel with the characteristics of a fast, powerful distance iron. When you factor in the pretty visual package as well, it's difficult to find a critique to this set.

We'll start with looks because, well, they're awesome. Mizuno has been consistently making some exceptional-looking products for some time now so this praise will be nothing new for the many Mizuno loyalists out there. Down behind the ball, you very much feel as if you are looking at a ‘players’ or one of the best low-handicap irons but it's far from an intimidating look.

During testing these irons delivered exceptional ball speed numbers whilst the high distance output is a surprising outcome from a club that feels so beautifully delicate at strike. We think you'd face a real challenge trying to find a set of irons that deliver so well in terms of both distance and feel through the strike. In the words of our tester Joe - "Any golfer looking for a distance boost without compromising feel should look no further."

• 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.

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