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5 Best Golf Irons For Mid Handicappers

Best Golf Irons For Mid Handicappers

Most recommended
TaylorMade 2017 M2 TaylorMade Burner Plus Irons
  • Hand Orientation: Right
  • Shaft Material: Steel
  • Flex: Stiff

A good choice too
Cleveland Golf LauncherCleveland Golf Men
  • Hand Orientation: Right
  • Shaft Material: Graphite
  • Flex: Regular

A good choice too
Callaway 2018Callaway Golf 2018 Men
  • Hand Orientation: Right
  • Material: Steeples Steel
  • Flex: Regular

Japan WaZaki WL-IIJapan WaZaki Black Oil Finish WL-IIs 4-SW Mx Steel Hybrid Irons Golf Club Set with Headcover
  • Hand Orientation: Right
  • Shaft Material: Graphite
  • Flex: Regular

MAZEL Golf IndividualMAZEL Golf Individual Iron for Men,#7
  • Hand Orientation: Right
  • Shaft Material: Graphite
  • Flex: Middle(SR)


Choose the Best Golf Iron For Mid Handicappers

Customer’s Choice: the Best Rated Golf Irons For Mid Handicappers

27 users answered this survey. Please help us improve this review!

37.04% of users selected TaylorMade 2017 M2, 14.81% selected Cleveland Golf Launcher, 14.81% selected Callaway 2018, 22.22% selected Japan WaZaki WL-II and 11.11% selected MAZEL Golf Individual. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

So, you are a mid handicapper, and you need a set of irons that will help you even to the playing field. If that’s the case, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up the top five irons for players with medium handicaps. The pickings have never looked so good. Our list includes a mix of complete sets and single irons. Our selections range from budget-friendly picks to more lavish upgrades. Let’s hit it!

TaylorMade 2017 M2 Men’s Golf Iron Set – Edtior’s Pick

TaylorMade Burner Plus IronsAs one of the top iron manufacturers, we knew TaylorMade wasn’t going to disappoint with their new and improved M2 iron set. Players can choose between TaylorMade’s lightweight steel and graphite shafts.

Both options hold up well after countless trips around the green. The M2 clubs’ 180-degree fluted hosels and thin crowns offer lots of launching power.

The clubs’ signature M2 faceplates offer players with medium handicaps unmatched forgiveness. The clubs also boast incredible thin-walled speed pockets with deep-grooved steel face slots. These unique cavities are designed to give players more hitting speed and distance. Three out of the seven irons boast low, deep tungsten weights. The irons also feature a 360-degree undercut cavity. This cutout reduces the amount of weight in the club’s head. The clubs’ low centers of gravity facilitate high, powerful launches.

The set’s unique sound technology generates an acoustically pleasing hitting sound. What’s more, the faceplate boasts strategically placed cutouts. You get eight irons in this set.

Pros
  • Streamline disguises the game-improving elements
  • Consumers can choose between REAX HL 88 steel by FST and M2 REAX graphite shafts
  • Improves launch, speed, and precision
  • Twisted hosel lots players adjust the loft and lie of their club
  • Several clubs boast tungsten weights
  • Performance faceplate redirected off-center hits
  • Four through PW (eight irons in total)
Cons
  • Metal is known to bend and indent in some places

Cleveland Golf Men’s Launcher HB Iron Set – Best Iron Set for Mid Handicappers

Cleveland Golf Men's Launcher HB Iron SetCleveland’s budget-friendly iron set will help you achieve higher launches and straighter shots. The irons have a one-of-a-kind design. Graphite shafts, hollow clubheads, and large faceplates are the hallmarks of these medium handicap-approved clubs.

The irons feature durable steel faceplates and low-profile crowns. As such, these irons could be your key to more powerful and precise hits. It doesn’t take long for most players to notice an increase in their hitting speeds and launch heights.

If you have a high or medium handicap, the HB irons will help you see lots of gains on the green. The clubs’ oversized stainless steel faceplates redirect off-center shots. As a result, your hits will be faster, farther, and more direct. Since the clubheads are hollow, their weight is distributed to the bottom and sides. With such a low, deep center of gravity, these clubs have super pronounced sweet spots.

Consumers can choose between right- and left-handed models. Available shaft flexes include lite, regular, and stiff. There are also two different types of shafts available, including the steel True Temper Dynamic Gold 98 and the graphite Miyazaki C Kua.

Pros
  • Large forgiving faceplate
  • Durable yet lightweight graphite shaft
  • Hollow clubheads
  • Improves speed, distance, and accuracy
Cons
  • Clunky sound

Callaway Golf 2018 Men’s Rogue Individual Iron – Best Individual Iron for Mid Handicappers

Callaway Golf 2018 Men's Rogue Individual IronCallaway’s 2018 Rogue Iron features a technologically advanced faceplate. Its variable face thickness will help you achieve fast speeds and far distances on off-center hits. Meanwhile, the iron’s center of gravity is perfected with the help of tungsten weights.

The clubhead even contains a one-of-a-kind urethane microsphere. This centerpiece helps generate incredible sound quality and increased ball speed. Their True Temper XP 95 shafts are made from rigid stainless steel. The irons have regular flex.

It comes as no surprise that the Rogue clubs were named as one of Golf Digest’s Gold Medal Winners in 2018. These clubs provide mid handicappers with much-needed power and precision. We recommend starting with the three iron. This incredible club has an 18-degree loft and a 95.75-degree lie. It is available in left – and right-hand configurations.

Pros
  • Available in a wide range of sizes and configurations
  • Low center of gravity makes for higher launches
  • Large corrective faceplate
  • Rigid, durable iron shaft
  • Excellent customer service
Cons
  • Pricey

Japan WaZaki Black Oil Finish WL-IIs 4-SW Mx Steel Hybrid Irons Golf Club Set – Best Budget Set

Japan WaZaki Black Oil Finish WL-IIs 4-SW Mx Steel Hybrid Irons Golf Club Set with HeadcoverThis eight-piece Japanese iron set is perfect for mid handicappers who are looking to improve their game results. These clubs have a lovely black finish and bright blue and red accents.

Their heads consist of ultra-thin steel faceplates with horizontal grooves. The bold markings make it easy to line up shots.

The clubs have a low, forward center of gravity. The clubs have a high-launching and spin-reducing impact on most hits. The irons are available in three flexes, including regular, regular stiff, and stiff. The 65-gram carbon fiber shafts work best for players with medium to high handicaps. While the irons don’t provide the best resonance, they’re true game-changers. Their lightweight feel and forgiving design elements will give you lots of confidence.

Pros
  • Beautiful black finish with technologically advanced heads
  • Blue paint on top and edges
  • Lightweight WL-IIs faceplate helps increase ball distance and speed
  • Low, forward CG position improves launch height and reduces spin
  • MWMF Bushikadna Shaft provides is easy to control
  • Eight clubs in all
Cons
  • Plastic club covers

Mazel Golf Individual Iron for Men – Top #7 Iron

MAZEL Golf Individual Iron for Men,#7This steel golf iron will elevate your gameplay. The oversized stainless steel head offers a whole lot of sweet spots. The head consists of a single-piece steel casting with pronounced horizontal grooves.

The iron’s game-improving elements are not aesthetically obvious. As such, this is a great iron for players who do not want to draw attention to their handicaps.

The club’s low center of gravity and high MOI (moment of inertia) translate to smooth, straight launches. Meanwhile, its lightweight 37.5-inch graphite shaft has the potential to increase a player’s swing speed and hitting distance. Its high-performance rubber grip has an excellent hand feel and loads of shock absorption. After trying this impressive seven iron, you’ll probably be ready for a complete set of Mazel irons.

Pros
  • Lightweight graphite shaft provides straight, accurate swings
  • Ultra-durable single-piece steel casting with horizontal grooves
  • Large faceplate offers forgiveness to off-center hits
  • Pronounced speed pocket delivers fast balls
  • One of the most popular and versatile iron sizes
  • 36-degree loft and 63-degree lie
Cons
  • The shaft is longer than that of a standard’s men’s iron

Buyer’s Guide

Are you still wondering what to look for when shopping for new irons? We’ve got plenty of pointers for aspiring mid handicappers!

Shaft

If you are a mid handicapper, you can benefit from using clubs with lightweight shafts. Stainless steel, carbon fiber, and graphite are our shaft materials of choice. These lightweight metals help players achieve high swing speeds. A solid shaft will improve the trajectory of your golf ball and may even add several yards to your long shots.

Clubhead

A well-engineered clubhead will help you take control of your hits. Look for clubheads with large, corrective faceplates. The faceplates may boast stainless steel plates with deep groves or varied thicknesses. A good faceplate will increase ball speed while reducing spin. Your faceplate should also be able to redirect off-center hits with the help of strategically placed cavities or cutouts.

Of course, much of a clubhead’s power lies beneath the surface. Many clubheads contain tungsten weights. Look for an iron with a low, forward center of gravity. When the sweet spot is low and wide, you’ll gain distance and speed each time you make contact with a ball.

Aesthetics and More

Most mid handicappers don’t want to draw attention to themselves. The chunky game-improving clubs of the past tend to be visually displeasing. Look for clubs with clean, lean aesthetics. Make sure your clubs have slip-resistant grips you can depend on come rain or shine. Finally, do your new clubs also offer that crisp, clean sound you love so much? Look for an iron that is the whole package!

Golf Irons for Mid-Handicappers FAQ: 

Should a mid-handicapper play blade irons?

Like with any club, the choice of irons depends on your gaming goals and preferences. Even the professional golfers use blade irons. These irons are typically made of steel without any cavities. Also, they are not hollow in the back. 

Other benefits of blade irons, besides the design:

  • They can be good for pure strikes;
  • Their sweet spots usually are smaller but they are capable of delivering accurate hits;
  • The higher spinning of the ball if to compare to the irons with a cavity back;
  • You can practice draw and fade ball flights with these irons;
  • Lower launch;
  • Good for playing in the windy conditions;
  • Such irons can give mid-handicappers a farther distance;

How are blade irons different from standard golf irons? For instance, look at the popular blade iron – Wilson Staff Blade. It is a bit thinner and more compact compared to any standard iron available in the market. It offers a better weight distribution across the clubface. Its COG (center of gravity) is higher, compared to any iron with a cavity back. 

Why do mid-handicappers prefer using blade irons? Because they find these clubs more comfortable for frequent swings. Some golfers claim that these irons can deliver better control and feel at impact. They can also be more preferable to register mishits. However, some players point out that these irons are not forgiving. Scratch golfers and low-handicappers should reconsider using them. 

If you want to try a good blade iron on the course, you may check these popular clubs – Callaway Apex CF16 and Mizuno JPX 919. According to the user feedback and expert reviews, they are the easiest to hit among all popular blade irons. 

What are the most forgiving blade irons?

There is no such thing as purely forgiving blade irons. After all, if you seek forgiveness then you should look for standard irons with a cavity back. However, all golf clubs have the forgiveness category where the fifth level is the highest. If you seek such blade irons, you may try:

  • Wilson Launch Pad;
  • Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo;
  • Titleist 660;
  • Mizuno MP-33;

Most mid-handicappers prefer using the Mizuno MP-33 blade irons capable of delivering the best sweet spots and long-distance shots. 

Which golf irons are the easiest to hit?

If you are looking for really forgiving a.k.a. easiest to hit irons, consider testing standard iron sets. The most forgiving irons for handicappers should have:

  • An offset hosel design to make the ball fly straighter;
  • A cavity back (unlike the blade irons);
  • Perimeter weighting for a better sweet spot;

Some experts and golfers recommend these irons as the most forgiving ones: 

  1. Taylormade M4 – recommended for 12-value handicappers and higher;
  2. Taylormade M6 irons can make the high-end set in your golf club collection;
  3. Cleveland Launcher HB clubs are claimed as the easiest to  hybrid irons to hit;
  4. Callaway Mavrik look like pro iron offering the maximum improvement of your game;
  5. Wilson Staff D7 can be picked for the slow swing if you need to hit the ball higher;

Tips for the users: you may want to invest in the club set with a 5-iron, pitching wedge, and sand wedge. Such golf clubs can be really helpful for practicing long and short hits. 

What are the best irons for a mid-to-low handicapper?

About 40% of the U.S. golf community is considered as mid-handicappers. At least, according to the official USGA statistics. If you need to lower your handicap and try new techniques then you should try specially designed irons. Such clubs can help to achieve a single-digit handicap. 

Keep in mind that most iron sets for mid-handicappers do not include a 3- or 4-iron because they are difficult to hit. Typically, hybrids and fairway woods replace these irons. 

You may try these irons to achieve a low-handicap: 

  1. TaylorMade Men’s M5 irons offer steel shafts, the Speed Bridge and Speed Pocket techs, greater distance and the compact club head;
  2. Mizuno JPX 919 Hot Metal Pro irons can significantly improve the ball speed. These irons are considered the forgiving ones because of the high launch and offset design;
  3. Cleveland Men’s Launcher HB irons have durable steel faces, the shafts made of steel or graphite. They can deliver the maximum forgiveness level because of the hollow design. Also, they sound and feel better than most irons;

How many golfers can break 100?

Most golfers dream and strive to break 100. The average score is 85-90. The 100 score is like the mental barrier to conquer and become a professional golfer. According to the USGA statistics, about 85% of all semi-professional and professional golfers were able to break 100 at least once. But, of course, the real figures are more modest. About 49% of all golfers can break 90 regularly. Only 10% can break 80 and lower. 

If you seek more or less precise numbers, check the average score of U.S. golfers: 

  • The score over 120 is achieved by 11%;
  • The score of 110-119 is achieved by 10%;
  • The score of 100-109 – 24%;
  • The score of 90-99 – about 29%;
  • The score of 80-89 – 21%;
  • Less than 80 – only 5%;

What is a good handicap for an average golfer?

Handicap is an indicator of the golfer’s performance on an 18-hole course. The lower it is, the more experienced golfer is. Usually, the handicap value is calculated, according to the score and the number of the rounds played by the golfer. The handicap system allows players of different levels to compete in equal conditions. Most golf courses have certain handicap limits. 

Usually, for women, the handicap value should not be higher than 36, for men – not higher than 28. The player should confirm his or her handicap either by the National Golf Federation or by the certified golf club where he or she is a regular member.

According to the USGA handicap system, the average handicap value varies from 11 to 20.

Interesting Video: The Best Mid Handicap Irons For 2019

Final Thoughts

So, you’ve decided to buy new golf irons for mid handicap. I’ve noticed that many players tend to choose drivers and putters and neglect irons’ features in a store. It is a strange observation because the majority of shots are played with the help of irons and wedges.

Why should you invest in top-notch irons?

Specific clubs are important, but irons will serve as “working horses” anytime when you need to find a great consistent gear to fill a gap between lofts. I would recommend investing in a set of irons because one club of this type can’t satisfy all ability and technique levels. Mid handicappers will definitely require a whole set of irons.

How often should you upgrade your set of irons if you are a mid-handicapper?

Technologies of golf clubs improve rapidly. Also, your game evolves as well, so you need to update the sets at least every 3-4 years. The main reason is to look for such iron’s requirements for mid and high handicappers – greater control and distance. New irons must get you closer to the green and be in a good position. Low handicappers may change irons and other golf clubs rarely.

Important features to look for in irons for mid handicappers:

  • Check the design of an iron’s club head. I would recommend taking a closer look at new hybrid iron sets with more forgiving and easier lofts. Avoid buying the irons with blades on the clubhead. Most new irons sets combine different designs, according to the loft and length of irons;
  • Shafts of most irons are made of steel – this material is versatile and durable. Yes, such irons are heavier than graphite clubs and their flex is not that regular but they are cheaper and quite consistent;
  • Hosel’s design also matters. Hosels are set in front of the iron clubhead. They may alter the center of gravity. So they are more forgiving for launching the ball when you decide to hit a less than dead center shot;

My top 5 best golf irons for mid handicappers:

  1. TaylorMade is good for right-hand players. Steel shafts and stiff flex make these irons really peculiar;
  2. Cleveland Golf is another set of irons with the shaft made of graphite and regular flex;
  3. Callaway’s irons are made of steeples steel with a regular flex;
  4. Japan WaZaki irons have very stylish shafts made of graphite, with a regular flex;
  5. MAZEL Golf iron set is great for middle (SR) flex. I like it for the graphite shafts;

What do you think about my review and recommendations? Please, if you have a mid-handicap level share what irons you pick for the greens. I would like to add something new to my personal review. Also, you may subscribe to this website to receive notifications about news and updates.

We hope you enjoyed our review of the top golf irons for players with medium handicaps. Our top pick is the seven-piece TaylorMade 2017 M2 Men’s Golf Iron Set. This kit offers lots of forgiveness and ball speed. What’s more, it is one of the most affordable and comprehensive kits on the market. Do you have a set of game-improving golf irons? Let us know about them in the comment section below. The right club will help you score a low score and gain confidence at the tee.