Best Distance Irons 2024

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.

The Quick List

Best Distance Irons

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 your distance out on the golf course.

Billed by Ping as being ‘distance competitive, scoring uncompromised’, the G430 has undergone a redesign and, through multiple design changes from its predecessor, the G425, as well as some alterations in the set, its engineers have made it long and playable, while also providing multiple build options for golfers to get the right configuration for them.

Aesthetically, it is very similar to the G425, but there is an extra one degree of bounce that lowers the Centre of Gravity and also helps forgiveness. We believe that this is one of the best distance irons on the market, with there being an increase in speed and distance without sacrificing the flight and spin.

• Read our full Ping G430 Iron Review

Best value

We were seriously impressed with the Wilson D9 iron when it was released and, for this new 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 which will appeal to most golfers looking for more distance.

At address, this iron has all the hallmarks of a game improvement iron. How you may ask? Well, there's a generous offset and a wide sole but the topline has been made thinner to appeal to a slightly lower handicap range. This pleasing look is followed by an equally pleasing feel, with the Dynapower feeling notably faster than other irons on the market. If hitting the ball as far as you can is your main priority, you’ll certainly enjoy the hitting experience.

Featuring strong lofts (7-iron loft is 27°), there is ample forgiveness from a range of places off the face. Although the flight is slightly lower than we would have liked, it 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

When it comes to distance, the T350 undoubtedly feels the fastest of the T-series range and has the loudest sound at impact. This adds to the feeling of power, with the face also extremely springy. What's more, we found it to be fast from a wide area too and, when we didn't strike the centre of the face, it still felt forgiving, especially on those strikes that were low.

The lofts are slightly strong, a 7-iron is 29°, with the spin of the T350 500 rpm less than its predecessor. However, there is still a high flight to be had, with the reduction in spin not affecting control when hitting into the greens. We also found this iron to be very good at masking the misses, which is ideal for the golfer that is relatively early into their journey in the game or experienced players that need maximum help on their approach shots.

• Read our full Titleist T350 Iron Review

Best for consistency

Aesthetically, Srixon have arguably made the biggest changes to their new irons, with the ZX4 Mk II iron considerably different to its predecessor, the ZX4. Where the prior version was a true hybrid-iron with a chunky sole and bags of offset, the latest iteration bares very little resemblance, but all the changes are certainly positive ones.

More compact with less offset and a thinner top line, the ZX4 MK II feels fantastic at impact! In our testing, we felt it was energetic, solid and stable, yet also soft. We actually felt it was up there with one of the best feeling irons we've tested in the last few years. The reason for this, Srixon will say, is down to the new PureFrame design forged into the body of the iron that is said to reduce unwanted vibrations. 

Like other models in this list, the lofts are extremely strong (7-iron is 28.5°), but the ZX4 MK II gets the ball into the air with ease and, because the spin was hovering around the 5,000 rpm mark, it is able to generate more than competitive distance as well as ample stopping power.

• Read our full Srixon ZX4 Mk II Iron Review

Best for slower swingers

Callaway has always been synonymous with producing easy-to-hit irons and, in their new Paradym range, the X version certainly lives up to that billing with the use of A.I. These advanced computers help Callaway’s engineers identify where boundaries could be pushed in materials, enabling designers to develop a new Forged 455 Face Cup.

Providing strong lofts, the distance on offer is superb and, although the trajectory and flights are strong, there is still an element of control. This is something which will help when coming into greens, especially with the higher apex.

The Paradym X is filled with technology and will be a no brainer in the best Callaway irons list. Along with the excellent feel, which wasn’t too firm nor provided vibrations, the looks are up there with the best of any new model around. It has a sleek shape, smooth lines and a high quality finish. 

• Read our full Callaway Paradym X 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. And coming in at $157.50 (£135) per club, you'll be getting a bargain for the performance on offer here. Having recently taken these clubs for a spin ourselves, we were very impressed with the feel they offered. They don't have that explosive metal-wood feel you'd often get from game improvement irons but what they do have is a dense, forged-like feel that is great for anyone looking to progress their game to a more powerful set of clubs. 

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

Most explosive feel

Over the past years, the best Cobra irons have been the go-to if you are after maximum distance without the punchy prices. For 2023, Cobra’s game improvement model moves out of the King franchise and into Aerojet and, with it, comes many refinements to existing innovations said to enhance the playing experience even further.

Although the looks aren't the strongest, Cobra have implemented the PWR Bridge, a fully suspended weight separated from the body that ranges from 42-69g depending on the iron. This allows the face to be more flexible and projects the CG a little lower than on the LTDx to help with launch and reduce spin.

In testing, they impressed further, with the feel off the face allowing for extremely consistent results. If anything, they have a lively, metalwood-like feel to them but with a more subdued sound. What will appeal is how the Aerojet irons do a great job of maintaining the feeling of power while dumbing down any harsh vibrations that often crop up when the ball is struck off center.

• Read our full Cobra Aerojet Iron Review
  

Best for accuracy

In 2022, TaylorMade gave us the Stealth irons, which we felt were amongst the best game improvement irons anywhere on the market. While the enclosed cavity concept continued, the Cap Back design has evolved to where the mid section of the toe has been completely removed to lower the CG of the iron, assisting with both ball speed and launch.

TaylorMade has made across-the-board improvements in Stealth as its game-improvement offering for 2022 over the SIM2 irons. Golfers should notice the extra forgiveness at play while being drawn in by the premium, elegant look on the shelf. The low spin might be a concern but should be able to be managed via a custom fitting. We love the accuracy and distance this club provides, which should help mid and high handicappers find more greens.

• Read our full TaylorMade Stealth Iron Review

Best for confidence

The Launcher XL Irons is said to be an ideal iron set for players seeking forgiveness and accuracy in one complete iron set. They feature hollow body long irons for distance and forgiveness, while cavity back short irons focus on precision when attacking the pin.

MainFrame technology faces are optimized with Artificial Intelligence to guarantee shots all over the face maintain distance and precision, while Action Mass CB, with a counterbalance weight in the grip end, helps players get on the correct swing plane while increasing head speed for distance. They also deliver a 15 per cent increase in MOI over the previous generation, providing more forgiveness and more shots that find their desired target. 

To improve turf interaction, a V-Shaped Sole helps all players maintain speed and power through the ground for a cleaner strike, while loft specific grooves help pull the best performance out of every club.

• 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. We start indoors first to try the irons in a controlled environment. This usually takes place on an indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, with premium balls and the GCQuad launch monitor.

We then move outside, usually to West Hill Golf Club to use on the range and on the golf course itself. We think it is vitally important to do both and continue to test the irons so they have been comprehensively put to the test in different conditions. It should also be mentioned that manufacturers cannot pay for a good review and we make our conclusions from the testing and our experiences. This is because we strive to give the best reviews possible so you can get a greater understanding of the irons themselves.

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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