2009 Equipment Reviews
Wedges
Gloves
Improvement Irons
Players Irons
Fairway woods
Putters
Carry Bags
Waterproofs
Waterproof Shoes
All the irons featured here have one thing in common - they are designed to make the game as easy as possible. All you have to do is study our form guide and make your selection
About the test
Our top three irons were chosen because we think they excel in all areas. We took into account price – as well as performance. We wanted our top choices to have strong appeal to golfers of a wide range of abilities,as well as being affordable. Beyond the top three, we then split the remaining models into three distinct price categories: Super Premium (£600 and over), Premium (£350-599) and Value (Under £350) and nominated our favourites in each band.
Note: Iron sets come in all shapes and sizes! To make the fairest possible price comparison, we tried to work out the prices for each set based on a set of eight clubs with steel shafts.
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Ping G10 The 17-4 stainless steel G10 irons are engineered with extreme low toe weighting to increase the MOI for added forgiveness and consistency The large, perimeter-weighted head features a new cavity shape and wider sole while the CoG is positioned away from the face and low in the club head to promote higher-launching, lower-spinning shots Left-hand option? Yes Set: Sold as individual irons Clubs in set: N/A Standard shaft: Ping AWT We tested: Steel shafts SRP: £75 per iron (steel); £90 per iron (graphite) www.pinggolf.com 01427 615 405 Our verdict: ALL things considered, we think the Ping G10 categorically remains the best game-improvement iron on the market. Actually, one other iron did perform slightly better - the Ping Rapture V2. However, considering the V2 costs almost half as much again, we didn't think the performance benefits quite justified a place in our final top 3. The G10, though, rules the roost once more. So what makes these irons so good? Firstly, Ping do bulky very, very well. There is such a lot of muscle behind the ball but it is presented in a way that makes these irons look almost stylish, which you might think would be impossible. We can safely say that no iron in this test was more forgiving. Yet the performance benefits are not at the expense of feel. More than its rivals, the G10 still feels like a 'proper' club. The strike seems clean rather than clunky, powerful without missing out on 'zip'. The long irons are a revelation in terms of ease of use while the shorter irons allow crisp striking. A set of these custom fit is a long-term investment in your game. Ideal handicap: 5 and upwards |
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Nike VR Full Cavity Deep full cavity, wide sole, thick topline and moderate offset provide added forgiveness and confidence for the average golfer Left-hand option? Yes Set: 4-PW Clubs in set: 7 Standard shaft: Dynamic Gold HL We tested: Steel shafts SRP: £490 (steel, 4-PW); £560 (graphite, 4-PW) www.nikegolfeurope.com 0800 056 1640 Our verdict: NIKE'S finest iron yet for the club player. We love the Victory Red series and could easily have nominated the Split Cavity here. We went for the Full Cavity because we think it has a wider-ranging appeal. This iron will appeal to those keen to take advantage of a forgiving set but unwilling to compromise on the looks. Perhaps you are someone who has always used a traditional style of iron. Well, now is the time to change. The progression through the set is pleasing and the short irons will allow you to approach precision shots with confidence. The longer irons will give you the help you need in improving consistency. The package is completed with Dynamic Gold shafts and top-quality grips and these irons are most certainly a winner. Ideal handicap: 8 and upwards |
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Callaway Big Bertha Diablo Premium forged irons featuring contemporary styling and design elements for the elite player. Forged 1020 Carbon Steel Body provides unmatched feel and performance, giving elite-level golfers incredibly soft, responsive feedback at impact Left-hand option? No Set: 3-SW Clubs in set: 9 Standard shaft: Nippon NS Pro 1100 / Callaway Diablo We tested: Steel shafts SRP: £849 (steel); £949 (graphite) www.callawaygolf.com 0208 391 0100 Our verdict: OF all the clubs on test, these were probably the nearest to an iron aimed at the better player. Those who think of Callaway irons being game-improvement clubs first and foremost will be very pleasantly surprised by the aesthetics, which are very stylish. While the excellent Diablo woods are aimed primarily at the higher-handicapper, these irons will appeal more to the single-figure player. They are sleek, powerful and elegant, yet if you look at the cavity you can see there's plenty of help on shots that don't come out of the centre. At £850 they are not cheap but it's worth noting that you get nine clubs in the set (highly unusual these days) and a very classy iron indeed. Ideal handicap: 4 and upwards |
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Ping Rapture V2 Engineered to bring golfers maximum forgiveness, the V2 relies on multi-metal technology to launch the ball longer, higher and with more accuracy A dense tungsten sole weight positions the center of gravity low and away from the face to optimize the launch conditions. An innovation made possible by the lightweight titanium face that frees weight for where it's needed most-low and on the perimeter Left-hand option? Yes Set: Sold as individual irons Clubs in set: N/A Standard shaft: Ping AWT We tested: Steel shafts SRP: £105 (steel); £120 (graphite) www.pinggolf.com 01427 615 405 Our verdict: IF money were no object, and all you wanted was an iron that made the game as simple as possible, you probably wouldn't look beyond getting yourself custom-fitted for a set of these. The long irons are close to being hybrids, such is the design of the head, and for anyone involved in a long-term struggle with their longer irons these will feel like you are playing a different game. The Rapture V2 range is not cheap - and nor is it supposed to be - but the truth is that the multi-metal technology employed in the head is an expensive business. It also works! Ideal handicap: 8 and upwards |
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Srixon XX10 Combined 'Power Charge' technology in the face, body and shaft of the club will assure you of high ball flight, directional stability and increased distance These beautifully crafted clubs give all golfers confidence at address and provide an exhilarating sound at impact Left-hand option? No Set: 5-SW Clubs in set: 8 Standard shaft: XX10 MP500 graphite We tested: Graphite shafts SRP: £799 (graphite) www.srixon.co.uk 01420 541 709 Our verdict: THE XXIO range is Srixon's premium offering and is extremely popular in Japan, where performance is everything and technology is warmly embraced. At £799, you need deep pockets to afford a set (though you do get graphite shafts) but you will be rewarded with a set of exceptionally powerful and forgiving irons. The brushed finish says it all, and the ball comes off the face of the long irons at quite a pace. Ideal handicap: 12 and upwards |
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Nike VR Forged Split Cavity Maintaining a traditional look with a high degree of workability, the Victory Red Forged Split Cavity includes a split back design that positions the centre of gravity behind the sweet spot for ball control while providing forgiveness Made of 1025 Forged Carbon Steel and are machined to precise tolerances to optimise feel and accuracy, while CNC-Milled Face ensures uniform ball compression for consistent ball flight and distance control Left-hand option? Yes Set: 4-PW Clubs in set: 7 Standard shaft: Dynamic Gold We tested: steel shafts SRP: £630 (steel, 4-PW); £720 (steel, 3-PW) www.nikegolfeurope.com 0800 056 1640 Our verdict: DEFINITELY one for the better player, the Split Cavities are where you should go if you're looking to make the game that little bit easier but are not prepared to sacrifice looks and feel. The set is blended beautifully, with long irons gaining meat and the short irons close to blades in profile. Dynamic Gold shafts and stylish grips compliment the look perfectly. While we think the Full Cavity version of the Victory Red will have broader appeal, there will be a certain type of single-figure player who thinks these are made for him. Very impressive, very desirable. Ideal handicap: 2 and upwards |
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Mizuno MX-200 Takes Grain Flow Forged forgiveness a quantum leap forward with the introduction of Y-Tune performance. Deep pocket cavity, milled to preserve the one piece feel is complemented by a Y-shaped reinforcement pad, extending a larger sweet area into the toe that matches the mishit patterns of amateur golfers Left-hand option? Yes Set: Sold individually Clubs in set: - Standard shaft: Dynalite Gold We tested: Steel shafts SRP: £75 per iron (steel); £85 (graphite) www.mizuno.com 0118 936 2100 Our verdict: MIZUNO'S MX range of irons aims to make the company's legendary performance available to the average player. In other words, if you've always admired the looks and style of Mizuno irons but never been quite convinced you were good enough to use them then have a look at the MX-200s. These are forged irons that retain a traditional look while incorporating some fairly meaty cavities. Not the most forgiving, but definitely more so than you would expect from Mizuno. Ideal handicap: 8 and upwards |
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Cleveland
CG7 Gelback Technology and next-generation Micro-Cavity Technology, which offers players of all levels increased benefits in areas of feel, distance and forgiveness Left-hand option? Yes Set: 4-PW Clubs in set: 7 Standard shaft: We tested: Steel shafts SRP: £419 (steel, 4-PW); £475 (graphite, 4-PW) www.clevelandgolf.com 01252 761 300 Our verdict: THE CG7s succeed the impressive CG Golds, retaining the distinctive colour scheme and styling. We very much liked the CG Golds and while it would be hard to argue that those who own a set should immediately upgrade, the CG7s continue the good work. Cleveland do very well at this kind of set - certainly not aimed exclusively at the better player but with a pleasing and sporty head shape. These are easy to hit and feel very sweet when you catch one out of the middle. Ideal handicap: 10 and upwards |
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Snake Eyes
Viper XT Viper XT Irons have super high moment of Inertia head weighting, which helps stop head twisting throughout the swing ensuring greater accuracy. Combine this with the ultra-thin S42 high strength steel face which is plasma welded to a deep gravity body and you have the most accurate and powerful club possible! Left-hand option? No Set: 4-SW Clubs in set: 8 Standard shaft: FST Pro 115 Stepless Lightweight steel; AeroTech Hoop Wind graphite We tested: Steel shafts SRP: £449 (steel); £499 (graphite) www.snakeeyescustom.com 01480 308 800 Our verdict: WHAT an enormous hitting area! The Viper XTs are game-improvement irons and then some. Better known for their forged irons that have been long-admired by good players, this set is aimed at an altogether different segment of the market. Think large and confidence-inspiring - and if you struggle for height on your long irons then you must give them a try. Ideal handicap: 12 and upwards |
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Wilson Staff
Di9 Built on the success of the award-winning Di7 and generates greater power, straighter shots and even more feel. The new clubs play like no other irons available and provide handicap golfers with the perfect tool to revolutionise their games Left-hand option? Yes Set: 4-SW Clubs in set: 8 Standard shaft: True Temper TX99 steel; UST Pro Force V2 graphite We tested: Steel shafts SRP: £379 (steel); £429 (graphite) www.wilsonstaff.com Our verdict: THE Di7s were good and these are equally impressive. There is clearly a lot of weight low in the shallow heads and this gets mass right where you want it - behind and underneath the ball. Ideal handicap: 6 and upwards |
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Srixon
WR Mid-to-high handicappers will enjoy the confidence created with these easy-to-control Srixon WR irons Left-hand option? No Set: 4-SW Clubs in set: 8 Standard shaft: Nippon NS Pro 950 GH steel; SV-3011J graphite We tested: Steel shafts SRP: £399 (steel); £479 (graphite) www.srixon.co.uk 01420 541 709 Our verdict: THIS is Srixon's answer to the age-old problem of how to combine traditional looks with modern performance benefits. The WRs are certainly an attractive-looking iron, and the Nippon NS Pro shafts deliver lively feel. A classic chrome finish tells you exactly what they are about and they are also very good value for money at under £400 for a set. Ideal handicap: 6 and upwards |
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Benross
VX6 Feature-packed iron designed for the confident golfer - combination of an undercut pocket cavity back, extreme perimeter weighting and thin face technology make the VX6 a forgiving prospect Left-hand option? Yes Set: 5-SW Clubs in set: 7 Standard shaft: Steel: Dynamic Lite Graphite: Aldila DVS We tested: Graphite shafts SRP: £229.99 (steel); £299.99 (graphite) - free VT Xtreme hybrid with every set www.benrossgolf.com 01932 821 200 Our verdict: WE loved this set - and they came very close to making the top three. We tested a graphite-shafted set, and there is no question we liked what we were seeing before even hitting a shot. The finish is rich and professional and Aldila DVS shafts are a sign of definite intent. The rounded head shape gives a Callaway look to the VX6s - and so does the performance. We hit incredibly long and high shots with the longer irons, which felt fantastic. For under £300 - even in graphite - you can't possibly ask for more and yet Benross provide extra still in the shape of a free hybrid! Ideal handicap: 12 and upwards |
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Orka
GS5 OS Multi-material iron offers combined technology while PU dampening capabilities give outstanding feel and forgiveness Left-hand option? No Set: Sold individually Clubs in set: - Standard shaft: All custom fit We tested: shafts SRP: From £40 per iron, depending on shaft and grip www.orkagolf.com 0845 862 0061 Our verdict: THE shorter irons may like subtlety - the head on the pitching wedge is enormous - but these irons do exactly what they are supposed to. Mishits perform better than you could imagine and for those after a set of irons that will help them enjoy the game to the maximum and who aren't overly concerned with subtleties will think the GS5 OS are brilliant. Ideal handicap: 15 and upwards |
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MD Golf
Superstrong Combo Removes hard-to-hit long irons and replaces them with hybrids; irons are manufactured with maximum peripheral weighting which provides a thick sole and top line for ultimate playability Left-hand option? Yes Set: 21 & 24û hybrids + 6-SW Clubs in set: 8 Standard shaft: True Temper Release Plus steel; Tour Force graphite We tested: Steel irons & graphite hybrids SRP: £299.99 (steel irons, graphite hybrids); £349.99 (all graphite) www.mdgolf.co.uk 02894 460 333 Our verdict: THIS is becoming an increasingly common sight - a set that blends short irons into hybrids, thus dispensing with hard-to-hit long irons. The concept is catching on and it's very hard to argue with the results. We love the UST grips on these clubs and found the chunky irons to perform very well. You can get lots of mass behind and underneath the ball. The hybrid is also user-friendly, though a massive offset means it won't suit hookers. Ideal handicap: 15 and upwards |
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John Letters
T9 Utility clubs feature lightweight composite crown to lowers the CG making it easier to get the ball in the air from virtually any lie for maximum carry and distance; irons have beautiful, clean and traditional look, yet still being packed full of technology for increased performance Left-hand option? No Set: 3-SW Clubs in set: 9 (two hybrids and seven irons) Standard shaft: Acerlite Grafalloy/Dynamic Gold We tested: Steel shafts SRP: £299 (steel); £349 (graphite) www.johnletters.com Our verdict: WITH Dynamic Gold shafts and Lamkin grips, the T9s immediately make the right noises. So too the attractive head design that is pleasingly chunky yet rounded off. Two hybrids replace the 3 and 4 iron so there is nothing to worry about at that end of the set and while some will find the short irons slightly cumbersome, they are also very easy to use. Ideal handicap: 15 and upwards |
| YONEX Nanospeed i |
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Yonex engineers have utilised the benefits of hybrid, cavity and bladed club head designs Left-hand option? Yes Set: 4-SW Clubs in set: 8 Standard shaft: Yonex Nanospeed We tested: Steel shafts SRP: £799 (graphite) www.yonex.com 0208 742 9777 NCG verdict: ANOTHER set that combine hybrids and irons, the only area in which you can pick fault with the Nanospeeds is the price. The hybrids remind us of old-fashioned driving irons (but much easier to use!) while the mid-irons are very forgiving and the wedges have a less rounded appearance. Ideal handicap: 12 and upwards |
| FORGAN IWD |
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Deep cavity back, thin top line and wide sole plate produce high MOI and forgiveness without losing accuracy or distance. Left-hand option? Yes Set: 3-SW Clubs in set: 9 Standard shaft: Apollo We tested: Steel shafts SRP: £160 (steel); £199 (Aldila graphite) www.forgan.co.uk Our verdict: ALTHOUGH Forgan are a company that date back centuries, they have recently returned to the scene in a very modern form - offering an online custom-fitting service. These irons will not win many prizes for beauty but at £160 for a set of nine and several options in how you want them set up, they will certainly have their admirers. They are good at what they are designed to do. Ideal handicap: 18 and upwards |
| MIZUNO MX-100 |
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Combines Y-Tune performance with an ultra pocket cavity design for the ultimate in iron forgiveness and ease of play Left-hand option? Yes Set: Sold individually Clubs in set: - Standard shaft: Mizuno MX Lite We tested: Steel shafts SRP: £50 per iron (steel); £70 per iron (graphite) www.mizuno.com 0118 936 2100 Our verdict: THE MX-100 is Mizuno's new entry-level iron and at under £400 a set, this is a market that is largely new to them. The MX-100 is an out-an-out game-improvement iron and it performs very nicely. It may not be Mizuno's forte in the same way their forged irons are but this set is difficult to find fault with. Ideal handicap: 15 and upwards |
| BENROSS VeloCT Combo |
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Head design incorporates the unique Trimass weight positioning system and an undercut cavity construction with thin face technology Left-hand option? Yes Set: 5-SW Clubs in set: 7 Standard shaft: Dynamic Lite We tested: Steel shafts SRP: £229.99 (steel); £269.99 (graphite) www.benrossgolf.com 01932 821 200 Our verdict: THE VeloCT Combos are aimed at the mid-handicapper and upwards. Offering hybrids instead of long irons, they are only going to help you hit better shots more often. Wide soles and oversized heads are the key features of the irons, and as a whole this set really does offer excellent value for money. Ideal handicap: 15 and upwards |
| ORKA Kii CTI |
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Two-piece cast 431 Stainless Steel manufacture, PU insert and progressive top-line thickness Left-hand option? Yes Set: 5-SW Clubs in set: 7 Standard shaft: Dynalite We tested: Steel shafts SRP: From £29 (steel); £299 (graphite) www.orkagolf.com 0845 862 0061 Our verdict: IT'S amazing how much technology Orka manage to pack into irons like these while keeping the price so low. To get a multi-material head and be able to keep the price below £250 for an eight-club set is a remarkable achievement. As with all Orka kit, there are masses of custom-fit options available. Ideal handicap: 12 upwards |
| CLEVELAND Launcher Combo |
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Hybrids in place of longer irons provide increased forgiveness; irons' oversized face design increases Face-to-CG Depth Left-hand option? Yes Set: 4-PW Clubs in set: 7 (two hybrids and five irons) Standard shaft: Fujikura Launcher We tested: Steel shafts SRP: £449 (steel, 4-PW); £499 (graphite, 4-PW) www.clevelandgolf.com 01252 761 300 Our verdict: WITH Cleveland being so good at designing hybrids, it made sense for them to introduce this combo set - which is among the best in its field. The hybrids are particularly good so shorter hitters, for example, will find them a revelation. Easy to use and they get lots of height. Ideal handicap: 15 and upwards |
| PING i10 |
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Designed to appeal to golfers who prefer the look of a smaller, blade-style club but still rely on the forgiveness of a cavity back Left-hand option? Yes Set: Sold individually Clubs in set: - Standard shaft: Custom-fit only We tested: Steel shafts SRP: £75 per iron (steel); £90 per iron (graphite) www.pinggolf.com 01427 615 405 Our verdict: THE i10s fit between the G10s and S57s - offering the look of an iron that will appeal to single-figure players and some of the forgiveness of an out-and-out game-improvement club. So if you're in between the two then have a look at these. Ideal handicap: Up to 12 |
| JOHN LETTERS T7+ |
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Hybrid utility clubs use dual weights to promote higher, longer, straighter ball flight; from 5-SW the irons carry on with the forgiveness theme Left-hand option? No Set: 3-SW Clubs in set: 9 (two hybrids and seven irons) Standard shaft: Apollo steel/Apollo graphite We tested: Steel shafts SRP: £199 (steel); £249 (graphite) www.johnletters.com Our verdict: THE T7+s follow the same formula as the John Letters T9s - hybrids and short irons combining to make up the set. These are significantly cheaper and we think that is reflected in the performance and feel because these did not perform as impressively. It's well worth investing an extra £100 and upgrading to the T9s. Ideal handicap: 18 and upwards |