How to Choose the RIGHT Golf IRONS for YOU in a WORLD of Choice 

I just moved on from a set of 12 year old steel shaft irons and was fitted for the JPX 923 Hot Metal irons. As a senior my distance was really diminishing with the old irons. Since moving to the new irons I now hit each iron 15-20 yards farther and have lowered my handicap by 5!

Excellent explanation of key concepts. I was custom fit this year at a “big box” golf store in Toronto. Did not receive no where near the expert advice provided by your video. Lesson learned. Thx for great video.

Thanks for this info and the charts. Makes it much easier to get through the enormous amount of choices. Was custom fit into graphite shaft Mavrik a few years ago but have never got comfortable with the look of the heads. This info should help me with my next set. Thanks.

Always a great watch Jay, I think something can get overlooked when it comes to an iron fitting is the sole width and design. Thanks as always for the content

Was custom fit 3 years ago. In the long run it saved me money. Instead of purchasing a set off the shelf every year or two and hoping it would improve my game. I decided to visit an independent golf shop and try being fitted. Didn't care the brand or shaft. All I was looking for was back spin and decent angle to stop the ball where I wanted. They took a lot of time in looking at things we don't consider. Angle of attack, swing path, speed of the club head, lie angle and so on. Three years with my Wilson Staff blades and couldn't be happier! Do plan on going back now and letting them gap my clubs to get my distance more consistent. Biggest advice I can give anyone is to let the fitter do their job. If you hit Mizuno better than Wilson, then go with it or vice versa. If game improvement clubs work, then great. Same with shafts, lots of brands but fitting is key. You'll enjoy the game more in the long run.

Thank you for taking the time to make this for us. You have quickly become one of my favorites for club reviews

What a fully comprehensive summary-brilliant video. A nice Combi set would be ideal aesthetically for me, but how to tell from one 7 iron at a custom fitting - have faith in the fitter I suppose

Great video, sir. Well explained with options for a lot of questions we all have with the glut of gold clubs now available.

Excellent video. I was in a lesson the other day and ranged between 84-86mph with my 7 iron. So so many sets traded between players and blades, but the overall summary was that I can use any head from blade to CB as long as it's the right shaft. For example, recently had a set of P7MC (2020) with KBS Tour. I see a set with quite expensive Oban shafts in them. Also 120g shafts, and I hate them. Stiffer handle and while my shot dispersion is tighter, I cannot stand the feel of them. Same head lol - Shafts are so important.

Was fit twice for irons in the spring, tried everything and both times it was the JPX 923 HM or HM HL. Both were good and just up to me what I preferred. I went with the HL because the lofts pretty much matched my old set, so didn't have to worry about gapping with the rest of my bag and don't think my swing will be getting faster.

Great video Jay , just ordered some JPX 923 tours feel like a complete imposter playing off 18hcp but hit them so much better than all the hollow backs !!

This was SO incredibly helpful! Thank you!

Great video/content as always mate. I was fitted to the JPX HM HL and couldn’t be happier.

Really helpful Video! Loved the chart!

Custom fit can save you a lot of time, money and angst. I’m still using the Tom Wishon clubs I was fitted for 10 years ago but I have added Accra graphite shafts (due to being 59) and popped in a couple of hybrids. So it’s blades, cavities and hybrids and with a being of stretching and Pilates (thoroughly recommended) I am still hitting my yardages. 😊

Great review Jay and thanks for taking all the time to show us your approach.. I like the Mizuno 225 for a all a round club next to my Hogan PTx Pro irons that I have been practicing with....More forginess on off center hits..Thanks Again....

Excellent video Jay. Very comprehensive explanation

Great video and you are right on many fronts. They are a plethora of choices and it can be overwhelming. Testing and fitting are critical as well as knowing your strengths and weaknesses. I’ve played for a while and have played with a lot of different players of different abilities. I’ve seen that there are a lot of ways someone can shoot a specific score to achieve establish their handicap. Some players are excellent iron players but terrible putters while some are excellent putters but terrible off the tee and so on and so forth. Furthermore, you be surprised how few full iron shots you hit during a round of golf. I discovered this using the data from my Arccos system. Often times it’s somewhere in the 11-14 range depending on the course. I’m not saying a good iron set isn’t important but you don’t hit as many full iron shots as you might think during a round of golf. Again, it’s critical to know your game in all aspects. Keep up the good work Jay 🙏🙏🙏

Your charts have confirmed what I have thought for a long time. I have game improvement irons but very slow swing speed so I get no launch height. I believe I need to go with a HL iron!

Thanks for pointing me towards this 👍 Still clear as mud ....but the mud is a tad less cloggey

Handy for anyone getting into golf or looking to improve their game. I switched from JPX921 combo of hot metal pro 5/6 iron and forged 7 onwards to the Ping i230 my games far more consistent since the switched. The I230 is underrated imo its feels great and the micro grooves have reduced fliers don't feel quite as soft as the forged iron but its barely noticeable. Although I was fitted for both the Mizuno were 1/4 inch longer and flat the Ping are std length and 1 upright blue dot id happily switch back to Mizuno any time but for time being ill keep the ping in the bag

Jay I think you are spot on! I got fitted for 923 HM HL and refused, tried 923 HM and PXG Gen 5 XP. They were long but not great great grabbers! Sold and went back to the HL and low and behold can hold greens. Now I have to adjust as the 7 iron distance for me is now the 6 iron, but who cares. Added hybrids and went forgiving on the selection. In my later 60’s and will slower swing speed your advice hits the mark.

Jay, this video arrived just at the perfect time for me! I’ve been working on my swing (work in progress, but finding some real form albeit a little conscious at the moment ). Had my best ball striking day by far as a result. 3 club wind today which will always test your game. I’m loving my JPX 921 tours (PW-7I) but don’t like the look of my JPX921 Forged, although I do hit them well. I’m going to go for a swing DNA tomorrow and my main focus will be what to replace those JPX forged irons with. I’m now beginning to think 223 (or next years 243s) might be the way to go. I was worried about losing distance as I age as I’m now in my 60s but I hit my 4iron 210y and held the green today among other good shots so I’m now less concerned as my ball striking improves. My Daughters had lessons yesterday with a new coach. He was blown away. It’s now clear that my youngest daughter needs to get out of the ladies clubs she’s been using. She’s too strong for them. I’ll send you her swing DNA results. When I get them as promised! Thanks again for this video. It’s really a great help for anyone looking to optimise their clubs to their swing. 👍👏 I would encourage anyone who loves golf and golf equipment to subscribe or even become a member based on the content you produce, it’s simply priceless and unparalleled.

Very informative thank you

Useful guidance, thanks! Could you add some generalized numeric ranges as well? I.e. swing speed, ball speed, spin averages as upper/lower bounds

This is an excellent video, and really clarifies what the modern iron choices are. Years ago I played blades, but after my clubs were stolen, I gave up golf for 20 years. My brother gave me a set of his used clubs, which included Mizuno MP30 irons, and I started playing again. They seem fine, but now that I am once again beginning to have a decent swing, are they "right for me"? It seemed so complex, but this makes it easier. My swing speed is medium. My 7 iron goes about 135 yards, but flies much higher than most Seniors hit their pitching wedges. My strike quality is good most of the time, except when I hit it fat, or when I pick it thin and take no divot after the ball. An improvement iron might help with the latter, but not the former. If I understand your table, I should be playing player's cavity back clubs. That is apparently what the MP30 irons are, so it looks like I'm in good shape for now. When my swing gets a bit more refined, and I'm ready for new clubs because I want more bite on the greens, I'll get custom fit, and I expect that I will end up with a new set of cavity back clubs.

Custom fitting was the best thing I did. I need the game improvement. Tried pretty much every brand of club in my range. Went in my mind which club I wanted but changed my mind after hitting them. The g430’s were right for me, hopefully picking them up this week

I would say, if you want to get better you might want to play up a bit and grow into the irons that you eventually want to be in. If you are a GI player but you are really working on your game and wanting to lower your handicap, get players distance irons. It will train you to have better strikes. If you are a super casual player that plays just a few times a year, then by all means get some GI irons and have fun.

Very Helpful!!

Great vid … I think ego plays a big part as someone who used to hit the ball a long way wen younger, don’t b afraid to move into the correct clubs as you get older and ur body breaks down. Accept ur getting older and you may need a little help.

Fantastic video.

Great chart thanks

Really love your chart and explanations, thank you! It would be nice to also get an explanation of what you give up by going to game improvement, since don’t we all want more forgiveness, distance and height? Why wouldn’t everyone just get the game improvement irons?

Hello from Montreal, just got fitted for some Mizuno 225s. Will have to wait a few weeks. I’m changing them up from some forged JPX919. I think fitting is very important, not only the correct head but the proper shalt. Our season over here runs from May to late October. We used to go down to Florida for a few weeks in February but the our dollar is so low that it’s just too expensive. Thanks for all your great videos.

Very well done.

My premium iron path has been something like - First - My dad's old blades! (he was a 6'4" 10 handicapper, with a swing like Nick Price) 1994 Callaway Big Bertha - stock set from a big shop. Loved them (really wanted the Phosphor bronze!), but found they hit too many really hot ones, and I got NO feedback as I wandered off sweet spot 1999 Mizuno Comp EZ - actually better consistency. First "fitted", always from there on in 2004 MP32. GREAT for short game, improved my ball striking. Long game sh*t. No-one had thought of blended sets then... Still regret selling these. 2009 MP62 - Interim set through injury - stopgap 2012 JPX-800 Pro - Well fitted, and recovered some game 2022 JPX 921 HM - Gave up some shot shaping ability in favour of consistency. Usually right, but once in a while..... Extra carry and stop chosen to fit my course, where high and straight usually better than low runners/wind shaping. And I can use 4i/5i again with these! Current distances are about 115 mid 9I 145 7i, with fairly even gapping from there.

Fumbled around for years trying to fit myself because I don't like hitting off mats. I think I've found some pretty good ideas and realized that most weekend duffers don't have any clue just like where I was. It's also important where you're coming from and what you want to improve. I played AP1s with Steelfiber 95R. They felt a little boardy and I wanted something slimmer so i went to AP2 with senior flex shafts. It was a disaster. A few sets later, I'm now playing Miura MC-102 with Steelfiber i80 stiff, soft stepped, +1", P-5. I can hit my 5 iron a beautiful high baby draw that stops within 3 ft.

I’m a plus one hdcp at 54 and tried to chase distance with strong lofted forgiving irons and I have found the thinner the sole the better I hit it so hitting t100 8 iron 140 is better and way more accurate than hitting t200 8 155 night and day diff for me

Excellent video with good explanations. I've got Wilson D9 game improvement irons - 7i is my lowest loft (27°) then I have 2 hybrids, 2 f'way woods & 3 specialist wedges. With 5° spacing between the lofts on the Wilson irons, I'm waiting to see if that is too much as my swing speed slows over the next few years - but I'm very happy with how they go for the time being.

Hi, a very interesting video. I was fitted around 2018 when I had just got back into golf after a 20 year lay-off. I ended up with a set of cobra F8. The lofts were very different from my previous Titleist DCI’s. In 2018 I played off 23 (in a previous life I played off 11). My question is, I now play off 15 is it time to revisit my irons? and how will I find an independent fitter?

Well intended chart; however, I believe that most amateurs, particularly high handicappers, don’t really know how to rate their club speed, launch angle / peak height unless the go to a club fitting pro, and if they go for one, then this chart becomes much less needed. Anyway, thank you!

This video is just what I was looking for. Turning 60 in a few months and struggle to hit my MP33’s as crisp as I used to, so I’ve switched to a more forgiving club with graphite shafts. Not knowing what I really wanted, and not wanting to waste a lot of $$$ figuring it out, I picked up a used set of JPX825’s in excellent shape off eBay for $250 to get a baseline. Loving the forgiveness with the turf interaction of the wider sole since the slightest degree of error with my blades was very costly. I hate the length of of the club head because it looks and feels like I’m swinging something Fred Flintsone would use, but then again, there’s no denying the forgiveness on off center strikes, but there in lies my dilemma. I feel my ball strikes on the face are less accurate than before because the club head is so big that I don’t really know where the head is, but still get good to decent results because of the forgiveness…frustrating & satisfying at the same time. The forgiveness I needed was more with turf interaction, so I’m looking for something with the wider sole I desire, but shorter blade length I prefer. I’ve been visiting the local golf shop checking out the various designs and have narrowed it down to the JPX923 Forged and I525, but didn’t to take a look at JPX HL’s. Most likely going with Mizuno because I’ve always liked their irons, and they don’t charge extra for shafts and grip upgrades. The main reason I’d like to throw the HL’s in the mix are for the more traditional lofts, but have concerns with blade length since I haven’t stood over them, and controlling height when I need to knock it down. Will go back to the shop to see if they have it in the fitting bay…I know it wasn’t displayed on the floor. Would really appreciate your feedback. Currently playing to a 9.8 handicap. Thanks for the great content!🤙🏽

Hello there Mr. S. Any chance you could get hold of the Wishon 585 PC forged. And try them out. It’s a “combo” set with bladed gap to 8 iron, and cavity back 7i - 4i. They look really good. Thank you 🙏.

You talk about low, medium and high swing speeds (ball speed would be good to know too), would you be able to put a number on that? How about spin? Or off set?

I have yet to hit anything with more stopping power for me than the JPX 923 tours. Issue is my handicap is 21 lol so it scares me to play those irons. GIs and SGIs have such a low launch angle for me. Even for the same lofts, I cannot seem to get falls to launch higher with the GIs. Probably in my head.

Great vid! Just one thing, you mentioned that your swing speed of 90mph would be considered fast(ish). What would the other speeds be? F/M, M, M/L and Low? Cheers.

@askgolfnut what's the best one for a medium swing (85-90 7i) with a steep aoa (6+°) ? It's a tricky area, have the speed but delofting a 7 (33°)to basically a 5 I makes these selections tough! More bounce /COG or....more loft...🤔

Mentioned 90+ is fast swing speed in the chart but what range would you put Medium and Slow at. Someone between 80-84 (7i) would be a medium?? Can you specify a range of speed for each bracket (Slow/Med/Fast)? Also, could you talk a little more about blended sets? Would it make sense to get a 4/5/6 Hot Metal Pro plus a 7/8/9 Mizuno Pro 245 to try and get the best of both worlds. Really like the Pro245 but touch worried about forgiveness. Initially thought the forged would sit inbetween but now i think it gives me neither of the things i like (look/feel of the 245 and figiveness/distance of the HM Pro). Please help!!

hello Jay, greaat vid, currently i'm playing me MP53 and looking for new clubs, my 7 iron clubspeed is approx 80 mph ,launch mid high and my Hcp is 11 needs to go back to single :), age 58. question: is what to choose: T150 or T200 of 223 or 225 pro. please advise me. and reagrung driver what suites me beter TSR2 or Stealth 2?

I've been playing Titleist MBs for a couple of years and my 7-iron is my 165m (180yd) club. Basically have every club gapped at 10m intervals. I'm looking for a bit more forgiveness, but will keep the blades to torture myself with from time to time. Now, I love the look of the 225s and really do not like the look of the 223s. I guess my question is whether the 225s would be a good get for someone who can hit it far enough but wants to get more forgiveness and maybe even slow down his swing speed a touch.

I went from MP18s (blades/SC mix) to JPX 923 Forged. Distance great but I don't feel i aim as good- did go from 120gm to 95gm shafts so maybe cos they are too light now? Or did I jump too much?

This is just me, or perhaps there are others like me, but I always found that unless one has a physical handicap or limitation that there's very little reason to play game improvement clubs. Lessons and practice trump spending hundreds of dollars on a set of "game improvement" clubs that may then backfire as your game begins to improve and then you have to reset club set. Once one's technique improves, we start to see how clubs like "game improvement" blend distances that then provide some course management woes. I play APEX 19 MBs and am a mid-handicapper. I love how the clubs tell me when I'm playing poorly and feel like butter when I'm playing well. Guess I am a golf masochist! lol

I am a decent ball striker, but I am now 66 years old and my swing speed is low. I though Mizuno Hot Metal HL would be perfect for me, but then I discovered they have MASSIVE OFFSET. I simply cannot hit clubs with so much offset.

I’m a 5 handicap, iron play is not my strong suit. 80 mph with 7 iron. Not fast. I’m playing with 10 year old game improvement irons because I need the help and the loft. 33* 7 iron. I had a fitting this spring, and the fitter tried to put me into Players Distance irons. He didn’t see a problem with less than 40* descent angle and less than 4000 rpm of spin! But the Trackman said I was hitting them farther than my old irons!!

Hey - I’m new to golf. Just picked up the sport 4 months ago. The clubs I have are 20+ years old (Ping knockoffs). My main focus is improving my ball striking consistency. My club head speed is 90+ with a 7I. I don’t have issues with peak height or launch angles. I’m able to hit my brother-in-laws JPX 923 Hot Metal Pro 7I 200+ plus yards. Wondering if I should continue to use the clubs I have now or go get fitted? If I should get fitted, what club head would be good for me?The JPX 923 are super addicting to hit.

I was fit into Cobra King Forged CB irons a few days ago. I started to second guess this almost immediately, expressed my concerns to my fitter, and scheduled a second fitting. Which I'm doing today. I'm a 16hc with 85mph 7i speed. Fitter said my old clubs, off the rack Sub70, don't fit me at all. And that I'm a much better ball striker than my hc indicated. In Cobras lineup, I think the King Tour is the more appropriate choice for my game. Also going to hit Mizuno Pro 245 and Titleist T100/150 again. Just want to be sure before I spend the money. Am I over thinking this or should I just trust the fitter?

Would you approach a blended set using the parameters you identified? What might be your strategy for someone on the line between players distance and game improvement?

5 handicap and I play mizuno pro 225 I do like them and would maybe like to switch to the 221s I don’t like the look of the 223s but I don’t want to lose distance with the 221s and I do really like my 225s

can you do a comparison between ping i500 and jpx921

Which would you chose between mizuno 245 and srixon zx4? Any comments from anybody

I've only just came back to the game 6 months ago after not playing for over 40 years. When I learned to play all affordable clubs were bladed. Hence I learned to play with blades. When you mishit one you knew all about it and your hands would throb for 10 minutes after. If you did it too many times they'd feel tingly for about a week. You very quickly learnt not to keep doing it. I still don't get this you have to be a low handicapper to hit blades. I could hit my old forged bladed 3 iron at aged 12 as far as I can hit my second hand X12 3 iron aged 58. The difference is you're never actually sure you've hit the ball with the Callaway as you don't feel very much off the face. I remember that if a shot felt that smooth with my old bladed irons that you'd smashed it right out the sweet spot.

Hi Jay - I've been playing the jpx hotmetal for 12 months, my ball striking is generally quite good, goes like stink - has created a problem with scoring irons, the question I have is - are these clubs making me look better than I am or should I upgrade to something like the 225 ? Lofts are still a bit strong though - I play off 10 Your input would be appreciated as when I ask in a pro-shop they just want to sell me some new shiny ones Best Regards Garry B in Manchester

Hi Jay Brilliant Video 👍, So good to describe the different types of Clubs available now👍, & giving us a swing & strike chart to help us narrow down the types which suit our ball striking😁, thinking of updating my Irons Titleist T300 (2years old) to the new T350 use 7,8,9,PW,AW thinking of combo set T350 7,8, T200 9,PW,AW, swing speed with 7Iron=67mph, wear on the centre of Wedges from centre strikes, love the depth you get into discussing Golf, great to follow your Videos👍, would love to hear your thoughts Dickey 9hcp (8.4now) 76year senior golfer

Excellet

what happened with the preview image, I need it

Mizuno pro 245 September 15th 2023 any update on UK dates?

where would ping eye 2 irons fall on this chart, thinking inbetween blade and cavity ? .

Hi. Is getting fitted practical or a waste of time/money if I’m still a high handicapper? At my age (55), I doubt it’s going down any time soon. Thanks.

What do you consider a fast swing speed? I was getting 143 ball speed off a 3 wood, regular shaft.

jpx 921 Tour is a players cavity?

You often discuss "traditional" blades and your appreciation of the size, look and sound of a nice forged blade. Similarly, you often speak about the stigma larger club heads, thick top lines, and cracking sounds carry. My question... why don't traditionalists also play persimmon woods and bullseye putters? Why do the "rules" apply only to irons?

Does that mean a mid hcp player using mid-hcp irons (Forged), cannot shoot single digits? They must use the tour or blades instead?

It doesn't matter what clubs you use if you do not have a swing

15+ handicappers should investigate hybrids.

Over complicated it

Golfers just need to be realistic and truthful about their own game 😅 if you a high handicap player then stick with easy to use golf clubs option 🫣 until your hdcp dropped to low enough to be consistent with your strike then you might go fitting 😅😊