Gear focus: Irons

In our May issue we provided your free equipment supplement in an attempt to help you select the right clubs to make the needed improvements for your game this summer.

Undoubtedly, central to these improvements is finding the irons most suited to your game. We examine the best iron models under the shelve-value of £500, which could transform your game in 2010.

Forgiveness and distance are arguably the two main qualities golfers look for in their irons, and the Cobra S2 Max design most certainly allows for this. At a valuable £379, the Cobra S2 Max possesses a Nine-Point Face Technology aimed to increase the sweet spot, giving motion to longer and more consistent ball-strikes. The Cleveland CG7 Tour irons are also modelled with forgiveness in mind and, for the cost of £499, have created an iron that sits fantastically well behind the ball.

And if you struggle for distance, look no further than the TaylorMade Burner Superlaunch irons. For a great price of £499, these irons are particularly easy to swing and allow for high ball flights.

High-ball flight is an area that Ram has attempted to improve with its Tour Grind X irons. A deep cavity design will help those golfers who struggle with elevation from mid-irons and upwards - and all for £299.

However, if you prefer a more traditional iron, the Wilson Ci9 model, at £379.99 for a full set, is a very sensible choice. With a thinner top-line, the Wilson ci9s have proven to be an easy club to hit - particularly if you struggle with your long-distance irons. A similarly designed set of irons, which move away from the thick top-edge design are the Srixon Z-TX irons, on sale at £499.

To view all the market-leading irons tested by Golf Monthly, visit our irons section by clicking here.

Where next?

Gear focus: Putters Equipment videos: TaylorMade R9 driver Equipment galleries: The latest equipment in pictures