- Updated: April 11, 2023
Best Golf Irons 2023
2023 is another great year for golf equipment. We’ve been introduced to some of the best golf irons we’ve ever seen from nearly every manufacturer.
Our favorite irons of the 2023 season are the T100 S’s from Titleist because of their “player’s iron” appearance, “dialed-up distance” compared to the original T100s and premium stock shaft offerings.
Irons are one of our favorite golf club categories because every set is unique in some form or another. Blade irons are smaller shaped and designed for golfers with incredible ball-striking ability. In contrast, other “game improvement irons” promise to help golfers get the most performance and enjoyment out of their skill level.
Regardless of your golfing abilities, our breakdown below will help point you in the right direction to find the best irons to give you more confidence on the course and help you shoot your lowest scores ever!
1 |  OUR TOP PICK | Titleist T100 S |
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2 |  ALTERNATIVE | Mizuno JPX 923 Forged |
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3 |  ALTERNATIVE 2 | Srixon ZX7 Mk II |
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10 Best Golf Irons of 2023
- Titleist T100 S (Revamped #1 Iron on TOUR)
- Mizuno JPX 923 Forged (Pro-Mid Handicap Irons)
- Srixon ZX7 Mk II (Players Irons/Low Handicap Choice for Workability)
- Callaway Paradym (Technology & Distance Focused Irons)
- 2023 Ping G430 (PING Game Improvement Iron)
- Taylormade P770 (Best Players Distance Irons)
- Fourteen TC-7 (Ideal Mid Handicap Golf Iron)
- PXG Gen6 (Players Irons & Forgiving Iron Options)
- Cobra King Tour (Tour-Inspired Cavity Back Irons)
- Wilson Staff CB (Tour Appearance with Cavity Back Playability)
Make sure you stick around after our breakdown, where we’ll discuss our favorite features of each set and help those still on the fence decide which of the best golf irons will fit their game the best!
1. Titleist T100 S (Revamped #1 Iron on TOUR)
Titleist holds the title of the most PGA TOUR weekly use, with over 30 top-level competitors playing their irons. The original T100s still occupy 16 PGA players’ golf bags, but they’re now seeing a slight update with the T100 S Model.
The T100 S was designed to be a “dialed-up distance” version of the original T100 irons.
This distance boost comes from a combination of Titleist developing the T100 S’s 2° stronger than the original T100’s and the addition of a new “Muscle Channel” behind the club face. This Muscle Channel allows for faster speed and launch at impact while saving mass for the Titleist club engineers to add more Tungsten weighting at the heel and toe to increase forgiveness and produce a more consistent ball flight.
Taking player feedback off the original T100 shape and look, the T100 S lineup looks even more refined with a thin topline and minimal offset to produce a “player-preferred” blade irons look and length.
While the Titleist T100 S club heads do utilize multiple materials, the face and hosel are fully forged and still produce the excellent forged feel we’ve come to expect from Titleist’s TOUR irons.
Titleist has also announced the “Limited Edition T-Series Black TI Affair” finish that delivers a blacked-out appearance that’s more stylish, glare-reducing, and durable!
Stock Shaft(s): Options from AeroTech, Graphite Design, KBS, Mitsubishi, Nippon, Project X, True Temper, UST Miyama
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2. Mizuno JPX 923 Forged (Pro-Mid Handicap Irons)
Mizuno is known for creating some of the best-feeling forged irons in golf, and that sentiment isn’t going anywhere with the new to 2023 JPX 923 Forged irons.
These mid-sized, “one-piece forged” irons are a significant advancement over the previous JPX 921 iron line. The 923 Forged irons combine a thinner top line with a compact iron head shape for increased confidence and workability for the elite to mid-handicap golfer.
The 923’s “players iron” look takes nothing away from their forgiving playability. The 7 iron through Gap Wedge in the set are noticeably shorter and more compact looking than the long irons, but these “scoring clubs” are a bit thicker behind the club head and don’t feature the same behind-the-face milling process as the longer irons in the set.
The 4-7 irons feature milling behind the club face to reduce the overall face thickness for more ball speed and forgiveness simultaneously. Mizuno has found a thinner face on a broader area than previous models gives a more consistent faster ball speed across a wider area of the club face.
Progressive thicknesses and head shapes for more control and confidence, combined with more beveling on the trailing edge of these irons for better-feeling contact and turf interaction, make the Mizuno JPX 923 one of our top iron choices for 2023.
If you’re a bit higher handicap that could use some added distance and forgiveness, look at the Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal irons and our full hands-on review here.
Stock Shaft(s): Options from UST Mamiya, True Temper, Nippon, KBS, AeroTech
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3. Srixon ZX7 Mk II (Players Irons/Low Handicap Choice for Workability)
The Srixon ZX7 Mk II irons pair tour-preferred smaller-looking head shapes with “unmatched workability.”
The ZX7 Mk II has a narrow sole, thin topline and features “PureFrame Technology.” This tech advancement is the 80% thicker portion of 1020 Carbon Steel forged into the ZX7 club head just behind the impact zone to absorb unwanted vibrations for a better feeling strike.
Srixons famous “Tour V.T. Sole” design provides smooth turf interaction for more consistent and repeatable strikes. This “V” shaped sole has leading edge bounce and trailing edge relief for more distance on chunked shots and more forgiveness on mishit strikes.
The ZX7 Mk II’s 8 iron through the Attack Wedge has deeper, closer set grooves that cut through grass and debris to enhance spin on approach shots. Laser milling between each groove enhances friction in all conditions. The 3 iron through 7 iron features much wider grooves, making them ideal for full shots and swings.
Since Srixon has multiple ZX iron heads that offer different playability and forgiveness levels, “combination sets” have become very common amongst both amateurs and PGA Tour professionals.
The ZX7 Mk II offers mid-level trajectory, controllable distance, and high workability. If you’re confident in your ball-striking ability and want more control and feel, consider the Srixon ZK7 Mk II.
Stock Shaft(s): Low/Mid-Launch Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120
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4. Callaway Paradym (Technology & Distance Focused Irons)
Another popular and new release for 2023 is the Callaway Paradym irons. These irons feature a slightly oversized head shape and were designed to be a “players’ distance iron” with a premium forged feel.
After hitting these irons for the first time, we immediately noticed the ball explodes off the club face. The all-new forged hollow body construction of the Paradym irons features “Speed Frame” technology that adds stiffness to the body of the club and support for the high-strength “Forged 455 Face Cup.”
Callaway uses an A.I. designed high-strength “Forged 455 Face” uniquely optimized for more ball speed, higher launch, and increased spin consistency. Callaway combines their “Face Cup” technology (wrapping around the perimeter of the club head’s leading edge that helps the face flex for increased distance and ball speed) with “Dual Tungsten Weighting” similar to the Titleist T100 S irons.
By adding up to 67 grams of external and internal tungsten, Callaway has enhanced launch conditions and improved speed on mishit strikes.
If you’re looking for technology-heavy irons that add distance to your game immediately after purchase, consider the Callaway Paradym irons.
Stock Shaft(s): ALDILA Ascent PL Blue, 2023 True Temper Elevate, Project X HZRDUS Gen 4
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5. PING G430 (PING Game Improvement Iron)
PING designed the G430 irons for players that don’t want to compromise on forgiveness but also want more distance with a higher trajectory.
PING is introducing a new “Pure Flex Badge” that they place right behind the club face for more flex and speed at impact. Combining these tech aspects with a lower center of gravity and more substantial loft than previous PING iron models gives many golfers 5+ yards of distance compared to what they are currently playing.
A new heat-treating process has been added to the “Stainless Steel 174 Face.” This process strengthens the face and allows PING engineers to make the face flex even more for increased ball speed and distance.
The technological advancements continue beyond there. PING uses high-density Tungsten weights in the toe and hosel tip to spread the perimeter weighting to tighten your shot pattern (particularly on mishits).
Also unique to the PING G430 irons are the addition of “Scoring Wedges” in 45.5°, 50°, 54°, and 58° for increased confidence as you get closer to the greens.
Looking for even more speed/distance? Consider the PING G430 “Power Spec” or “High Launch” irons that come with slightly lower loft degrees and 35-gram “Alta Quick” shafts—looking for more height, spin, and control? Consider the PING G430 “Retro Spec” irons with slightly higher lofts than standard.
Stock Shaft(s): PING, Alta, True Temper, KBS, Nippon
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6. 2023 Taylormade P770 (Best Players Distance Irons)
TaylorMade redesigned their already popular P770 irons for players looking for a forgiving iron with an excellent feel, breakneck ball speeds for outstanding performance and distance, all kept in a compact “Tour-proven” head shape.
Like many new irons for 2023, TaylorMade uses a forged hollow body construction style that’s paired with a Forged “4140 Steel Face” and the same “Thru-Slot Speed Pocket” as the previous P770 model, both designed to promote high ball speeds for incredible distance.
TaylorMade uses a new “Flighted Center of Gravity” on their updated P770s. The long irons in the set have a very low CG for higher launch angles with a higher trajectory and maximum distance. In contrast, the short irons have a higher CG placement for more spin, a controllable flight trajectory, and greater stopping power.
TaylorMade uses a new “SpeedFoam Air” to fill the internal cavity in the P770s that’s 69% less dense than the old P770s SpeedFoam insert. This new and unique foam improves the club’s feel at impact, increases the sweet spot size, and allows the face to flex more for greater ball speed.
The compact-looking TaylorMade P770 irons are the ultimate club for the lower handicap golfer that wants ample distance and better results on their few poorly struck shots.
Stock Shaft(s): KBS Tour Steel (More Options Under Customization)
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7. Fourteen TC-7 (Ideal Mid Handicap Golf Iron)
While Fourteen Golf might not be a “household golf club manufacturer” name in America just yet, we think that might change shortly. They’ve spent the last 40+ years making some of the nicest forged irons previously exclusive to the Japanese market but are now looking to expand to a worldwide demographic.
The Fourteen TC-7 irons are a soft forged iron with a simple and sharp semi-compact head shape for better players who want to focus on stable trajectory and accuracy.
The aesthetics of the Fourteen TC-7 are very clean at address, with a relatively thin top line, and we love Fourteens’ combined use of brushed and chrome metals.
This sets “split cavity back” design hides just how deep the cavity actually is. Fourteen increased the cavity thickness to produce an even softer feel at impact and filled the lower half of the cavity to lower the center of gravity for improved launch and power at impact.
Through our testing, we found the TC-7 irons feel like a blade while still having the forgiving aspects of game improvement irons with their cavity back construction. On top of that, thanks to their slightly upgraded lofts, we saw roughly 5 more yards of carry distance compared to other similar irons.
If you’re looking for a forged iron with added forgiveness and beautiful “cart appeal,” consider the Fourteen Golf TC-7 irons. Check out our hands-on review of the Fourteen TC-7 irons here.
Stock Shaft(s): Multiple Options from Nippon
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8. PXG Gen6 (Players Irons & Forgiving Iron Options)
Some of the newest best golf irons of 2023 are the PXG Gen6s, and they’re available in two models: the 0311 P (Players Version) and the 0311 XP (Xtreme Performance Version).
The differences between the new sets come down to the head sizes, loft angles, and amount of forgiveness packed into each set (the 0311 XP having the most of all three.)
The “XCor2” polymer inside the club heads is the best PXG has found to date. This polymer allowed PXG club engineers to develop the face 15% thinner than previous PXG models for faster ball speed and more distance while simultaneously reducing internal mass for better placement behind the head for drastically more forgiveness.
Both the PXG Gen6 iron options are “5 times forged” to produce a higher quality feel, prolong the grooves’ lifespan, and ensure your clubs meet the exact specifications PXG is looking for.
As you might’ve already noticed, the back of the club heads feature Tungsten weighting and multiple weight ports close to the heel and toe to fine-tune swing weights during a custom fitting.
If you’re confident in your ball striking ability and want the utmost control and accuracy, consider the PXG Gen6 0311 P’s. If you’re looking for a bit more distance and forgiveness, consider the PXG Gen6 0311 XP’s.
If you’d like to check out IndependentGolfReview’s tour of the PXG facilities and headquarters in Arizona, click here.
Stock Shaft(s): Options from UST, Project X, Mitsubishi, AeroTech, KBS, Accra
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9. Cobra King Tour (Tour-Inspired Cavity Back Irons)
Cobra designed the King Tour irons for the golfer looking for a very compact “Tour-inspired” shape, a forged feel that gives ample vibrational feedback; all blended with a small cavity for improved forgiveness.
The King Tour clubs look incredibly clean at address and give off a “players iron appearance” with their thinner topline and reduced offset compared to previous Cobra iron models.
Some key features that make the King Tour irons feel so great are Cobra’s new “5-step forging process” and newly added TPU inserts.
These clubs are created from 1025 carbon steel, and Cobra says adding their 5th step to the standard 4-step forging process gives a more uniform grain structure and more precise iron shaping. To further enhance the feel off the face, Cobra added a TPU material inside the CNC-milled cavities hidden behind the club face to reduce unwanted vibrations.
Cobra also added an aluminum medallion to better distribute weight around the cavity for added forgiveness. Inside the cavity sits added weight to lower the center of gravity for improved launch conditions and more stability and predictability on off-center hits.
Stock Shaft(s): KBS $-Taper
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10. Wilson Staff CB (Tour Appearance with Cavity Back Playability)
Golfers looking for the perfect balance between distance, workability, great looks, and a soft feel should undoubtedly consider the Wilson Staff CB irons.
Wilson felt inspired by their previous Staff V6 irons and feels their Staff CB irons pay tribute to their long history of era-defining clubs.
Each CB iron features “Tri-Brace Stabilizer” technology. This tri-pointed skeleton behind the club face helps transfer more energy to the ball while reducing unwanted vibrational feedback and muting the sound at impact.
The mid-irons and longer clubs in the Staff CB set feature 20 grams of high-density tungsten in the toe, stabilizing the club through impact for more forgiveness and placing the center of gravity lower in the head to optimize the launch angle and ball flight of these often lower flighted clubs.
A fully forged 8620 carbon steel club face backed by an “integrated impact mass area” internally provides a solid “muscle back feel” in a cavity back irons design.
For playability, beautiful aesthetics, and easier-to-hit longer irons, consider the Wilson Staff CBs.
Stock Shaft(s): True Temper Dynamic Gold S300
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How To Choose The Best Golf Irons
While we’ve narrowed the (what feels like) endless iron market down to the 10 best options of 2023, you can clearly see there are a lot of fantastic selections to choose from.
If you’re still scratching your head, wondering how to decide between a few iron sets on our list, check out our iron buying guide below, where we discuss the aspects we look at first when getting some new sticks:
Your Handicap & What YOU Like to Look At
As cliche as it is to say, higher handicap golfers will generally like a thicker, more “game improvement iron” cavity-back style club head. These heads not only provide increased forgiveness on off-center strikes due to their shape and excess perimeter weighting but also inspire confidence in the golfer because they are larger behind the ball and give the “feeling” you’re not going to miss.
If you’re a lower handicap, you’ll usually gravitate towards more of a blade. This is often due to smaller head shapes being easier to manipulate through impact to accomplish the ball flight the better player is after.
If you’d like an even more in-depth explanation of the differences between more “game improvement” style clubs and “players irons,” check out our “Blades vs. Cavity Back Irons” breakdown.
Your Budget
While this isn’t always the case, more often than not, bladed irons and forged irons will be more expensive than their cast/cavity-back counterparts.
These are certainly things to consider if you’re looking to save money on your investment in a new set of irons.
If your budget isn’t a concern, you have a little more wiggle room with your club selections and should hit some of the forged options on our list, like the Titleist T100 S, Mizuno JPX923, and Srixon ZX7 Mk II, to name a few.
If you’d like to take your game to the next level, consider following our advice in the following section.
Getting Custom Fit
A custom fitting could be the best thing for your golf game, but it does come at the cost of your time and money.
We think a custom club fitting benefits your game so much because not only will you receive accurate data on your proper carry distances (which is ideal for better on-course scoring), but you’ll be able to find the club head and shaft combination that gives you the tightest downrange dispersion for more accuracy along with these confirmed yardages.
We also love the fitting process because if you have worrisome minds like us, you want to make sure you leave no stone unturned in your pursuit of the best golf irons for your specific swing, and testing each club against each other is a fantastic way to accomplish this.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Golf Irons
Who makes the best looking golf irons?
While looks are subjective, most forged blades look better than bulkier cavity back irons at the end of the day.
It’s generally accepted that Titleist and Mizuno make the best-looking irons on the market, widely due to their forging processes and minimalist designs/logos on finished clubs.
What are the #1 irons in golf?
While it’s difficult to see exact figures on which set of irons are selling the best on the recreational side of the market, we widely recognize Callaway, Mizuno, TaylorMade, and Titleist as the top manufacturers of the most purchased irons.
According to PGAClubTracker, 61 PGA Tour players play Titleist irons, followed by Callaway’s 39 players as the second closest.
What are the easiest golf irons to hit?
Generally speaking, irons with larger soles and thicker profiles/toplines (game improvement style clubs) will be easier to hit for the less-skilled golfer.
That being said, thicker club heads don’t always inspire confidence in every golfer, particularly those that are more skilled.
We believe that your scoring irons (8 iron – PW) are the “easiest” to hit because of their shorter shaft lengths and less swing speed used to make contact.
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About The Author
Writers of Independent Golf Reviews
Independent Golf Reviews has tested and reviewed 1000+ golf products over the past 10 years. We use our experience and expertise to give golfers an unbiased insight on the market.
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