In 2024, we analyzed more than 60 sets of irons, evaluating them for distance, accuracy and forgiveness. We maintain accuracy is the most important factor when it comes to choosing the right golf iron.. Yet, many golfers believe that improving their iron game hinges on maximizing distance. With that in mind, here’s a comparison of the longest and shortest irons of 2024. Does this shift your perspective on how much distance truly matters?
Super game-improvement irons
Let’s start with the super game-improvement irons. We tested 10 irons, and the PING G730 was the best for distance. Their 7-iron carry distance was about eight yards longer than the Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL.
The PING G730 ranked seventh overall because their accuracy and forgiveness were near the bottom of the list. The Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL, the shortest iron in the test, was the most accurate and runner-up for forgiveness.
If you are looking for a mix of distance and accuracy/forgiveness performance, look at the Cleveland Halo XL Full Face. It’s third best for distance but ranked third overall in the test. If accuracy is your thing, then the three shortest irons in the test will give you a lot to choose from.
Game-improvement irons
For game improvement irons, we see the MacGregor MACSPD is the shortest but most accurate iron in the test. It ranked fifth overall because of its lack of distance capability. The Wilson Dynapower is the longest iron in the test but it ranked last because of poor accuracy and forgiveness.
The TaylorMade Qi10 is a good middle ground. It ranks third for distance and fifth for accuracy. It’s just not the most consistent of the irons we tested.
The best game-Improvement iron of 2024 is the Tour Edge Exotics E723, which is fourth for accuracy, fifth for distance and the best for forgiveness.
Player’s distance irons
There are two stand-out irons in the player’s distance iron test that work well for a golfer stuck between choosing distance or accuracy. The COBRA KING Forged Tec X is the runner-up for best player’s distance iron of 2024. It is also the longest and second most accurate.
The PING i530 had similar testing results with a second-place performance for distance and a sixth for accuracy. You’ll notice both of these irons struggled with forgiveness (measured by the consistency in the shot outcomes).
The TaylorMade P770 23′ is one of the better options for the shorter-hitting irons. It ranks second to last for distance but ninth for accuracy and first for forgiveness. For powerful golfers who are not worried about distance but are more concerned about repeating shots, the P770 23′ could be a good choice.
Player’s irons
With player’s irons, you’ll see a pretty clear case of having to choose between distance and forgiveness. The shortest iron in the test, the T-100, is fifth overall and the most forgiving player’s iron of 2024. The second-to-last iron for distance performance is the TaylorMade P-7MC, which was so strong in accuracy and forgiveness that it won first place overall, even after its lack of distance.
Let’s face it, if you are using a player’s iron, distance is probably not your main concern. The bottom part of this table would be where you want to focus your attention when picking your next player’s iron.
Bottom line: Does it make sense to chase distance?
Hitting the golf ball further undeniably makes golf easier. However, purchasing irons specifically for distance may be a mistake.
Our 2024 iron tests reveal that accuracy and forgiveness consistently outweigh pure yardage gains in overall performance. While the longest irons in each category can add yards to your game, they often fall short in precision and consistency. On the other hand, the shortest irons tend to shine in accuracy and forgiveness.
Ultimately, the best iron for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities. Chasing distance is tempting but it’s not always the key to improving your game. Go for a golf club fitting to see what’s best for you.
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