Equipment
GolfWRX Members Choice: The best players irons of 2018
The bedrock of GolfWRX.com is the community of passionate and knowledgeable golfers in our forums, and we put endless trust in the opinions of our GolfWRX Members. No other group of golfers in the world tests golf clubs as frequently or as extensively, or is armed with as much in-depth information about the latest technology.
So we asked our GolfWRX Members, “What are the the best players irons on 2018?” (Blades excluded. The membership voted on those here). As part of the voting process, we allowed members to vote for up to three irons they felt most worthy of the title, based on their testing of the forged offerings from 17 different manufacturers.
GolfWRX members are both discerning and carry handicaps lower than the general golfing population, so OEMs ought to (and do) take note of their feedback.
With the votes tallied, it’s time to take a look at the top-five vote getters of the bunch. And many thanks to all who voted! (See the full thread here).
No. 5: Ping iBlade (8.26 percent of votes)
Ping’s new iBlades fit the broadest definition of blade irons; they have the narrow soles, thin top lines, short blade lengths, minimal offset, maximum workability, excellent feedback and soft feel blade players want. They aren’t forged like most blades or blade-like irons, though, instead opting for a multi-material, cast chassis that Ping uses to boost forgiveness and distance. Think of them as “intelligent blades;” they’re a much smarter choice for blade players who don’t compete for a living, and even some who do.
The iBlades offer more distance and more forgiveness than their predecessors, Ping’s S55 irons, as well as more refined look and feel that makes them more “blade-like” than they’ve ever been.
Related: Review: Ping iBlade irons
No. 4: Srixon Z 765 (8.41 percent)
Srixon’s no-frills approach to iron-making is refreshing in today’s golf equipment climate. The company forges its irons from 1020 carbon steel, and offers three distinct models than can please anyone from traditionalists (Z965) to forged cavity-back enthusiasts (Z765) to distance- or forgiveness-seeking crowds (Z565).
Low handicappers have a difficult decision to make between Srixon’s Z765 and Z965 irons. The Z965’s are musclebacks that are slightly more “workable,” as blade-lovers like to say. That’s another way of relaying that they’re smaller-sized irons that spin slightly more. Both irons, though, have similar profiles with little offset and thin top lines. Both also use Srixon’s Tour V.T. Soles, and utilize a new heat treatment to make the irons more durable. For blade players, the Z765 won’t look clunky or have too much offset. Low, single-digit handicappers could really go either way, or create a brag-worthy mixed set.
Related: Review Srixon Z765 irons
No. 3: Callaway X Forged (10.36 percent)
X Forged irons, like Callaway’s Apex Muscleback, are also single-piece forgings, the blade lengths are slightly longer, the overall head shapes are slightly larger, and they are cavity-back irons made for a bit more forgiveness.
Like the Apex MB irons, the soles of the X Forged irons are built for the turf interaction that’s desired by Tour players, and the head profiles are tour-inspired. The lofts are slightly stronger throughout the set than the Apex MB, but are still weaker than the game-improvement style irons in Callaway’s stable. That means better players will see the ball launch in the “desired window,” according to to the company. The X Forged irons are “triple net forged,” according to Callaway, and they have progressive CGs with 20V grooves on the face.
Related: Callaway finally launches new Apex MB and X Forged irons
No. 2: Titleist 718 AP2 (16.22 percent)
With fast-face technologies and stronger lofts off the table (the 6-iron is 30 degrees), Titleist investigated new ways to improve the AP2 recipe. The result was a new main ingredient, a high-strength steel known as SUP10, which is used to make the forged bodies of the 3-6 irons. Titleist also used SUP10 to form the face inserts for the 3-6 irons. Because SUP10 is stronger and lighter than the 1025 carbon steel bodies and 17-4 stainless steel face inserts Titleist previously used to create the AP2, designers were able to move the CG of the new irons lower in the club heads for higher ball speeds and a higher launch angle.
Like the 718 CB, the 718 AP2 irons are also co-forged to concentrate high-density tungsten weights in the corners of the club heads to improve MOI and exactly center the CG of the irons.
Related: Titleist’s 718 irons offer endless possibilities
No. 1: Mizuno MP-18 SC (16.82 percent)
The MP-18 Split Cavity irons feature what Mizuno calls a half-cavity design. Mass has been taken of the upper portion of the irons, focusing CG (center of gravity) lower in the club head for an easier launch and more forgiveness.
The MP-18 SC irons are only fractionally longer from heel-to-toe than the MP-18 muscleback irons. They’re also 0.5 millimeters taller and have soles that are 1.5 millimeters wider. With identical specs (aside from swing weight in the longer irons) and offset, these irons are designed to blend seamlessly into a combination set with the MP-18 muscleback irons regardless of where golfers decide to split their set.
Related: Mizuno brings the MP family closer together
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When it comes to equipment stories, The American Express this week at PGA West is the gift that keeps on giving. Our newest scoop is that Rickie Fowler is taking after another Cobra staffer (aka “the big golfer”) and has made the switch to graphite shafts in his irons.
From the photos captured from his practice round on Wednesday, it appears that Rickie is using Mitsubishi Chemical’s MMT shafts in his custom and yet to be released Cobra Rev33 irons.
This is not the first time Rickie has switched iron shafts in the last 12 months. He was a long-time user of KBS C-Taper before switching to True Temper S400s, and now it appears he is looking at graphite as his next frontier.
This is a developing story and we are working hard on getting all the details and specs of this equipment change but for more pictures of Rickie from The American Express, check out the gallery below.
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FootJoy is celebrating its 75th year as the number one shoe in golf, and to celebrate designers are continuing to push the boundaries of comfort, support, and technology with the release of the all-new 2021 HyperFlex with BOA.
The HyperFlex is two years in the making and features a number of new technologies to provide the stability golfers require with the out of the box comfort they demand.
“They look and feel so athletic. They are super comfortable the moment you put them on.”
– Rafa Cabrera Bello
HyperFlex with BOA technology
WRAPID Fit Technology: BOA is a staple footwear technology, but the designers at FootJoy wanted to take its capabilities further and make it more comfortable. The result is an asymmetrical configuration that ensures a snug comfortable fit but reduces unwanted pressure on the top of the foot. It enables the shoe to move with you, wrapping your foot for complete security, all while providing powerful support through the swing.
Stratofoam Cushioning: This is a proprietary foam blend that is used in the midsole to offer the perfect amount of walking comfort while still providing the right amount of support to reduce fatigue.
OptiFlex outsole – The design winds through the length of the sole to naturally flex as you walk and still offer torsion control through your swing when needed.
“This new outsole technology is designed to mimic the natural flexure of the foot, so not only are you getting a great walking shoe, but a shoe that will maximize the ground force throughout every movement in the golf swing.”
-Chris Tobias, Vice President, FJ Footwear.
Price and availability
The new Hyperflex with BOA, along with the standard laced model will be available starting February 1, and will be priced at $179.99 with the Wrapid BOA system and $149 for the traditionally laced model.
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Equipment
GolfWRX Classifieds (01/20/21): TaylorMade SIM Rescues, GAPR Lo, and 2021 Callaway X-Forged irons
At GolfWRX, we love golf equipment plain and simple.
We are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment for the game in many ways. It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball, it even allows us to share another thing – the equipment itself.
One of the best ways to enjoy equipment is to experiment and whether you are looking to buy-sell-or trade (as the name suggests) you can find almost anything in the GolfWRX BST Forum. From one-off custom Scotty Cameron Circle T putters, to iron sets, wedges, and barely hit drivers, you can find it all in our constantly updated marketplace.
These are some of the latest cool finds from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules
Member Golfer881 – TaylorMade SIM Max rescues
Out with the old and in with the new thanks to the launch of the Sim2 line – which means if you are looking to upgrade these are ripe for a deal.
To see the full listing and additional pictures check out the link here: TaylorMade Sim Max rescues
Member GolfMinimalist – 2021 Callaway X-Forged irons
Classic forged cavity back irons with a modern twist – the Callway X-forged. Not only do they look great but considering these were just recently released you’re can get them for a pretty nice deal.
To see the full listing and additional pictures check out the link here: 2021 X-Forged
Member dafahnestock – TaylorMade GAPR Lo
Long iron workability with hybrid sensibility is what you get with the GAPR Lo, but if you have your eyes on other driving iron style clubs, be sure to check out this listing because there is a lot to choose from.
To see the full listing and additional pictures check out the link here: GAPR Lo
Remember that you can always browse the GolfWRX Classifieds any time here in our forums: GolfWRX Classifieds
You can also follow along on Instagram: GolfWRX Classifieds
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shane
Aug 18, 2018 at 1:59 pm
PXG fad is finished now. Anybody with PXGs in their bag is a loser!!!
stephenf
Aug 4, 2018 at 3:25 am
Okay, but can you see that this is really not the best way to get an idea of what the best irons are? It’s a little like figuring out what the best hamburger is by looking at where the biggest sales are. So McDonald’s, then. Or if you limit it only to non-fast-food, maybe Red Robin or something. But the odds of finding the _actual_ best burger that way aren’t good. It just means it’s the one with the widest distribution and the one the most people know about.
Quite obviously, several really excellent irons are not even on this list. Wilson, for instance, has put out some great irons for the past 10 years or so.
Dave
Aug 2, 2018 at 1:09 pm
wilson c300 forged should be on this list. in fact i think they will be better than almost anything to come out for years to come…..trust me i have had a almost every set available to me to try. the difference is in the distance if you need any help at all and the forgiveness is out right amazing. thin shots tend to go near correct distance, but the toed shots are almost identical to pured shots. i found out by on course testing. i couldnt believe it then i saw their promo material for the c300 forged and saw that the toe area of these actually get the most help from the power holes…..the only reason i moved on was simply i hit them too far…much to far…i am looking forward to having them again with a heavier shaft. i miss the 5-7 iron for sure. i currently game the v6 forged. nice irons as well. i was hoping to do a mix set but the distance on the v6 is almost under standard which i like but id have to play like 5-7 forged and 7-pw v6 to get the gaps i need. it would bug me to no end to have 2 7 irons 🙂
Miuralovechild
Jul 14, 2018 at 1:48 am
My Miura CB 1008’s would run circles around those mizunos! I love mizuno btw. Always have but after I hit a miura in 07, things changed.
patrick floyd
Jul 12, 2018 at 9:15 pm
So we asked our GolfWRX Members, “What are the the best players irons on 2018?” (Blades excluded. The membership voted on those here).
ben jones
Jul 12, 2018 at 3:02 pm
Still loving my Adams CB1 irons which look a lot like the Mizzys.
joey
Jul 12, 2018 at 1:02 am
My circa 1980 RAM Tour Grind TW276 forged 2-PW irons are better than all the supposedly game improvement current models… because I keep impact in the sweet spot. All these “best” irons are just cosmetic designs to scam the gullible golfers with more money than brains or talent.
@LivenearPar_Golf
Jul 27, 2018 at 9:18 am
Doubtful with zero grooves left….unless you’ve left them in the garage all these years. Can you even hold a green anymore?
2putttom
Jul 11, 2018 at 3:55 pm
lol…wow really…this is shocking. I voted three times
Carmen Sandiego
Jul 11, 2018 at 1:45 pm
Shame that Mizuno doesn’t sell those irons in LH….
Andrew
Jul 11, 2018 at 7:44 pm
I tnink they do!
Al Czervik
Jul 11, 2018 at 12:47 pm
Like running for student body president in middle school, this is nothing more then a popularity contest. Yawn… Mizuno’s most popular Yay!
I tell you what… Dollar for dollar, I’ve tried 4 of the irons on this list and my Honma Tour World irons blow them all away. You’re welcome.
The dude
Jul 11, 2018 at 7:20 pm
Aaaand…how do you think they (Mizuno) won the popularity contest??
Milton Taylor
Jul 11, 2018 at 12:35 pm
Not one set of pure blades?
Al Czervik
Jul 11, 2018 at 12:39 pm
Reading comprehension is not your thing, is it?
greg taylor
Jul 11, 2018 at 12:42 pm
Nice high road comment. Pure class.
Al Czervik
Jul 13, 2018 at 10:54 am
Sorry, I do not mean to be snide. I just have zero patience for going straight to the comment section to point out what is missing in an article without actually having read the article.
BD
Jul 11, 2018 at 12:49 pm
Haha!!
Brian
Jul 11, 2018 at 12:42 pm
There was a separate poll conducted for blades.
http://www.golfwrx.com/518238/golfwrx-members-choice-the-best-blade-irons-of-2018/
Scott Ivlow
Jul 11, 2018 at 1:39 pm
If you read the article they did the blade category last month and provided a link at the top.
Doug Roberts
Jul 11, 2018 at 12:08 pm
If you visit a top private club…You will see bag after bag full of PXG irons.
Milton Taylor
Jul 11, 2018 at 12:34 pm
I’m at a private club and I don’t see it. No disrespect
greg taylor
Jul 11, 2018 at 12:44 pm
I agree but you have to go to a TOP private club. As you go to the top privates you will see a lot of PXG for sure. But you will see a lot of 150k + cars as well.
G
Jul 11, 2018 at 1:24 pm
I work at a top private club with approximately 900 + members, A ton of PXG and Miura. A lot of guys shouldn’t even be hitting the Miuras, but money is spent here!
2putttom
Jul 11, 2018 at 3:58 pm
amen
Rich
Jul 12, 2018 at 7:51 pm
Because they cost too much so they are still in the display bags?
Funkaholic
Jul 20, 2018 at 12:51 pm
Because it is all about show, more money that skill. Look at the JDM market, over the top prices, flashy designs and endless customization because it is more about a statement of wealth than functional club design. PXG is overrated give me a pure set of well forged irons any day.