Best Distance Irons 2024
If you're looking to invest in a new set of irons for added distance, check out this selection of our current favorites
Best Distance Irons: Quick Menu
1. The list in brief
2. Top pick
3. Best value
4. Best looking
5. Best for consistency
6. Best for slower swingers
7. Best for feel
8. Most explosive feel
9. Best for accuracy
10. Best for confidence
11. Best for slicers
12. How we test
13. How to choose
14. FAQs
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
Top Pick
The Ping G430s are notably longer than the G425s and have an impressive stopping power, all with a very consistent off centre - all perfect for forgiveness.
Best Value
We found the Wilson Dynapowers to be one of the longest irons we've tested in 2023. Incredibly fast and forgiving, easy to draw, and excellent value for money.
Best Looking
These Titleist irons are super stable and offer powerful ball speed, while still being forgiving. Also have a premium look.
Best for consistency
The Srixon ZX4 are incredibly consistent, powerful and have a solid feel, and offer outstanding length.
Best for slow swingers
Cobra has produced a high-performing iron, packed with distance and a surprisingly good feel. The dark finish is also aesthetically pleasing and easy on the eye.
Best for feel
A very appealing look and a fast but controlled feel, these Mizuno JPX923 irons also offer excellent stopping power.
Most explosive feel
A super powerful and forgiving iron that is on the firmer and clickier end of the spectrum in terms of feel and acoustics, but extremely strong in terms of distance.
Best for accuracy
The sophisticated look is refreshing and the performance of the Ai Smoke matches. What's more, both the distance and forgiveness are excellent.
Best for confidence
This is an affordable, user-friendly iron aimed at the mid-to-high handicapper seeking an easier way to hit more greens. It may not be super long, but it is consistent.
Best for slicers
A high quality forged distance iron that provides some really impressive feel. Not only do the strong lofts produce a penetrating ball flight, but it's extremely forgiving.
Best Distance Irons
Why you can trust Golf Monthly
Top pick
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
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
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
We were seriously impressed with the Wilson D9 iron when it was released and, with 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
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
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
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
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
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
When it comes to the Darkspeed, the first thing you will notice are the charcoal looks, which we thought were really sleek and sophisticated to the eye. The dark color does slim down the look at address, which is something that will divide opinion, but the overall look is really nice, with lovely soft curves providing not a crazy amount of offset.
In terms of technology, Cobra is telling us that the Darkspeed iron is filled with a lighter foam material than the Aerojet iron, leading to 25 percent more face deflection, improved distance, softer feel and sound and reduced spin due to more time on the face. What's more, there are progressive levels of hollow within the heads, so the 4-7 irons are fully hollow, the 8-PW look around three quarters hollow from the R&D images and the GW and SW half hollow.
Providing a good feel, which we thought was more akin to some of the best golf blade irons on the market, the Darkspeed has a strong flight with low spin numbers, although this was counteracted somewhat by a decent level of launch. It's worth noting that the Darkspeed does have very strong lofts, the 7 iron is set at 27°, but any mis-struck shots retained a really good level of ball speed which was a real positive.
- Read our full Cobra Darkspeed Iron Review
Best for feel
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
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.
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
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
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 Qi10 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 difference between Qi10 and Stealth, which is not an issue for us because they both look great. Admittedly there is a slightly bigger badge on the back, and slightly more chrome but these are minimal changes. Down by the ball the good looks continue as well. It has a generous blade length, reassuring top line and a pleasing amount of offset which really gives confidence when over the ball.
Flight wise we did notice a prominent draw bias which would suggest the new face technology was performing as designed and the slicers reading this will enjoy this flight tendency. This was more apparent in the longer irons but was not insignificant.
- Read our full TaylorMade Qi Iron Review
Best for accuracy
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
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 new 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 confidence
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
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
Best for slicers
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The new Yonex Ezone CB901 is a forged distance iron aimed at the mid-handicap market and, reading up on the technology behind the CB901, Yonex has combined forged steel with elements of graphite integrated into the back of the face to lower the center of gravity. It has also produced a thinner face to increase the COR, or flexing properties, which Yonex says results in higher ball speeds.
So, does it work? Well, starting with looks, the company have created a very nice, fairly traditional looking cavity back iron which, when down behind the ball, looks very nice and minimal. It has a softly rounded toe, pleasingly square leading edge and overall generous proportions. However, like other irons in this list, there is a large amount of offset, which will divide opinion.
With regard to the performance, we were impressed! The feel is exceptionally soft and responsive but, despite the softness, you still get a real sensation of speed through strike with the ball taking off at an impressive velocity. We found it created some excellent overall distance numbers, with the offset noticeable throughout, this will again divide opinion.
- Read our full Yonex Ezone CB901 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.
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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Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.
One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.
Joel's current What's In The Bag?
Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9°
Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15°
Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18°
Irons: Ping i230 4-UW
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind
Putter: Evnroll ER2V
Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x
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