“The most thorough comparison you’ll read this year including all the brands you care about”
The Testers
Dan Murphy
Handicap: 3
Current irons: Ping i25
“I’m looking for a conventional view at address, even gapping throughout the set and long irons I can have confidence in.”
James Savage
Handicap: 17
Current irons: Titleist 714 AP1
“I’m quite greedy as I want something that looks stunning but also offers playability and forgiveness. As an improving golfer, I want something that will still suit as I (hopefully) get better.”
Dan’s awards (Click on the product for a detailed review)
Gold
Mizuno MP-15
Nike Vapor Pro Combo
Silver
Ping i25
Bronze
Callaway XR Pro
Titleist 714 AP2
James’ awards
Gold
Mizuno JPX850 Forged
Silver
TaylorMade RSi1
Titleist 714 AP1
Ping G30
Bronze
Callaway XR
Nike Vapor Speed
Best of the rest
Benross Hot Speed 10
Yonex Ezone XP
Benross Rip Speed 10
Adams XTD Forged
TaylorMade RSi 2
Cobra Fly-Z
Lynx Boom Boom
Yonex N1-CB forged
Cobra Fly-Z+
Dan’s verdict
In the end I had to make a choice did I go for reassuring forgiveness or out-and-out class. I was broadly fitted into these two types of irons and you can’t quite have it both ways.
When hitting 4 irons, being honest, I’d rather be looking down at an i25 or an XR Pro.
Standing over a wedge, there was no contest the likes of MP-15s, Vapor Pro Combos and AP2s with their thinner top lines are what I wanted to have in my hands.
I have marginally leaned towards the latter on the basis that you spend more time hitting short irons than 4 and 5 irons.
The MP-15s stood out by oozing style and for the remarakable consistency of their performance. It’s a tribute to the outstanding Vapor Pro Combos that they were neck and neck. Just behind were the all-weather i25s.
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James’ verdict
There was balance to be struck when selecting a favourite iron from a collection this good. I want something that looks great but can also offer forgiveness and playability.
With Mizuno’s JPX850 Forged I really felt like I was getting the complete package. It’s
not easy for mid-high handicappers to find an iron that looks like a player’s club but also suits their ability level.
The AP1s ran them very close on all fronts. The G30s didn’t quite deliver in the looks department but did exactly what I wanted to in performance.
The RSi 1s had unrivalled forgiveness on mis-hits but just lacked a wow factor. The Vapor Speeds were only marked down on the grips, while the XRs were the kings of distance.
I’d happily put any in my bag.
How we conducted the test
The test took place at Moor Allerton GC, near Leeds. We started off inside using a Trackman launch monitor to
hit long and mid-iron shots and collect data on the performance.
We then headed outside to hit from grass, paying particular attention to the short irons and hitting at targets. We used high- quality range balls.
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