Equipment
Best irons 2020: GolfWRX Members Choice (best easy-to-launch irons)
What are the best easy-to-launch irons of 2020?
This category of irons is aimed to help players who need height. With today’s modern golf ball, creating proper flight widows and spin can be difficult for some players, and this is where technology can really help. All of these irons do everything they can to create shot-stopping trajectories regardless of clubhead speed.
At GolfWRX, we take great pride in our online community and the cumulative knowledge and experience of our members. Needless to say, that extends to GolfWRXers views on the best irons of 2020, easy-to-launch category.
Join the discussion in the forums here.
The bedrock of GolfWRX.com is the community of passionate and knowledgable golfers in our forums, and we put endless trust in the opinions of our GolfWRX members—the most knowledgeable community of golfers on the internet. No other group of golfers in the world tests golf clubs as frequently or as extensively, nor is armed with such in-depth information about the latest technology.
Best irons 2020: Easy to launch (Top 5)
You can see the results for the best irons of 2020 “Easy to launch,” as well as quotes we pulled from GolfWRX members about the irons from our forums.
Also, be sure to check out all the other GolfWRX Member’s Choice iron categories below.
Join the discussion in the forums here.
1. TaylorMade P790
The P790 has a hollow-body design built with an 8620 carbon steel body and forged 4140 carbon steel wrapped-face construction. The sole was tweaked compared to the original to improve turf interaction, and from address, there is a thinner top line and more progressive offset in 3 through 6-irons and a more compact blade length in the 7-PW to appeal to players of all skill levels.
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- The new P790 features a thinner top line than its predecessor
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- The Speedfoam allows the P790 to have one of the thinnest faces in golf
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- Improved sole design helps the wider sole more through the ground efficiently
Here’s what GolfWRX members are saying
- “I have the new P790’s and flat out they are the best irons I have owned, long easy to work, and stop well.” – Member English13
- “I’m a 6. Long hitter and have been using player distance irons for a while…. I switched to 2019 p790s a few months ago and absolutely love em. Yardage gaps are fairly large and the faces are hot so you need to learn to control the distance and trajectory, but with the right shafts it’s been no problem for me.” – Member Jkim27
- “I have played the p790’s for the past 2 seasons and I have really liked them. In fact, this past season was my best golfing season to date. I had more rounds in the 70’s than ever before and had my first round in the 60’s … I haven’t played a set of irons for 3 seasons in a row, in a very long time, so that means something, at least for me.” – Member Mob
- “Took these irons out for their second-round today and shot a 75 (+4). Keep falling in love with these things. On a handful of occasions, I put a terrible swing on them and the ball flight distance and spin was just as good as a flushed shot. Even got into some tree trouble and had to hit some punch 6 iron shots and could flight the ball down super low with no issues” – Member agood3putt
- “The 790’s are a set of driving irons. They go.” – GolfWRX member survey
For more information on the TaylorMade P790 irons, you can check out our launch piece here.
Join the discussion in the forums here.
2. Ping G710
The key element of the G710’s is its maraging steel construction which allows engineers to make the face to be thinner, which in turn creates more discretionary mass to move around the head to raise MOI and increase forgiveness. The engineers at Ping didn’t just stop at thinner. Each face of the G710 series iron is machined with variable-wall thickness to increase ball speeds around the whole hittable surface to help with those pesky mishits and keep ball speeds and distances consistent.
The body of the iron is engineered to flex along with the face to assist in energy transfer to the ball while also being built to provide a solid and pleasant feel. It’s one thing to offer more forgiveness, but if golfers don’t like the feel, all the effort is wasted.
Based on Ping’s testing, the G710 offers a five percent boost in MOI compared to the previous G700, thanks to optimally placed tungsten heel and toe weights in the head. This allowed designers to shrink the head size while increasing forgiveness. To complete the package, the G710’s come with a new hydropearl chrome finish with black PVD coating. The hydropearl makes the surface of the irons hydrophobic (water repellant) to improve performance through the turf and in wet conditions. The finishing process goes through two-stages to ensure durability.
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- The black finish helps the iron appear more compact from address
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- The hydropearl finish repels water faster and creates less friction through the ground
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- The Maraging steel face produce top end ball speeds
Here’s what GolfWRX members are saying
- “Beautiful irons I could not resist. Better sound and feel than the G700, no regrets.” – Member DavidV
- “I’m 72 playing to a 6 handicap having been a 1 at my best. I like an iron that gives me confidence and works for me. The G-710 gives me everything I need to balance consistency, distance and trajectory control.” DenZ06
- “I’ve played 7-8 rounds with the G710s and am happy with them. Coming from the G700s … I’ve got to say that I love the new finish (and feel). I’ll avoid hitting them from bunkers since I’m a hybrid player. The hot melt behind the face makes for a much more solid feel.” – Member Drawman
- “Virtually effortless. If you put a half decent swing on a ball, it’s leaving in a hurry, and usually straight.” – GolfWRX member survey
You can read what other golfers are saying about the Ping G710 iron and see our launch piece here.
Join the discussion in the forums here.
3. Ping G410
The Ping G410 irons feature a face and cavity structure that aims to deliver faster ball speeds while saving weight to expand the perimeter weighting. By saving weight around the head, designers re-distributed it to the toe and hosel to achieve an eight-percent increase in the moment of inertia compared to the G400. They also feature a more flexible and free moving face, achieved by de-coupling the weighting structure from the face to create a larger flexing zone. The larger flexing zone is designed to act as a hinge to launch the ball faster and higher with consistency, allowing golfers to take less club into the green.
From a visual perspective, the Ping G410 irons have slightly shorter blade length and 10-percent less offset compared to the G400 iron, and the clubs Hydropearl 2.0 finish contributes towards smoother turf interaction. From heel to toe—these irons are filled with technology built to get the ball in the air.
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- The sole helps offer maximum forgiveness and playability
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- The free moving face flexes to boost ball speed for all shots hit around the face
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- the G410 is smaller yet more forgiving that the previous G400
Here’s what GolfWRX members are saying
- “I love my G410 irons. In fact like the line so much I now have G410 Plus driver, 3 LST and 5 wood! Ha” – Member LaymanM
- “Love the distance and ball flight. Ball flight is higher than G400, but very penetrating and not more ballooning on good strikes. Love the forgiveness. Recently my worst recurrent shot is low toe hit and in most of the cases, those babies are saving me from a disaster!! All in all, I couldn’t be happier.” -Member Marco Colo
- “These things are like a shovel that picks up the ball and throws it up in the air.” – GolfWRX member survey
- “Terribly easy to hit every club in this set.” – GolfWRX member survey
You can read what other golfers are saying about the Ping G410 iron in the GolfWRX forums: Ping G410 Iron discussion and see our launch piece here.
Join the discussion in the forums here.
4.Titleist T300
The T300 is the hottest and most forgiving Titleist iron ever made and uses Max Impact Technology to add rebound and improve overall feel. The unsupported face is stretched across a larger area, and when you combine the bigger face size, wider sole, and undercut perimeter of the iron you get a club with a very low center of gravity away from the face. This deep CG and thin, fast face are what makes this club so easy to launch high. It’s also the reason why they have stronger lofts than some other irons in the category.
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- The progressively wider sole lowers COG for higher launch in the longer irons
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- Even with a larger footprint the T300 keeps the classic Titleist look
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- The strong steel face is stretched to make these some of the fastest Titleist irons ever
Here’s what GolfWRX members are saying
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“Super forgiving” – GolfWRX member survey
You can read what other golfers are saying about the Titleist T300 irons in the GolfWRX forums: Titleist T300 discussion thread, and read our launch piece here.
Join the discussion in the forums here.
5. Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo
The HB Turbo irons feature a redesigned HiBore Crown, which pushes the center of gravity low and deep towards the sole and rear of the club, a placement is designed to allow golfers to launch the ball higher, and carry it farther. The clubs also contain progressive shaping throughout as engineers seek to provide players with a smooth transition club to club by offering maximum forgiveness in the long irons and optimal control in short irons with more loft.
If you are someone who struggles to hold greens, these can really turbocharge your iron game.
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- The “scooped” HiBore crown helps support the thin fast body
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- Considering their hybrid style, they have a classic “over sized” look from address
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- Progressive width soles still make the shorter irons playable all over the course
Here’s what GolfWRX members are saying
- “Highest iron I’ve ever hit. Period.”
- “Big, chunky and launching missiles to deepspace.”
- “Easiest to launch for slower swing speed and beginners and those who struggle with irons – more like a hybrid than an iron.”
- “Legally cheating.”
You can also read what other golfers are saying about the Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo irons in the GolfWRX forums: Official Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Iron discussion and check out our launch piece here.
Rounding out the top 15 easiest-to-launch irons
- Ping i500
- Callaway Epic Forged
- Callaway Mavrik MAX
- Titleist T400
- PXG 0311 XP GEN3
- TaylorMade SiM MAX
- Callaway Mavrik
- Cleveland Launcher UHX
- TaylorMade P790 Ti
- Bridgestone Tour B JGR HF1
Join the discussion in the forums here.
Ongoing Members Choice Polls: Have your say!
We’re still looking for your feedback on the “best” items in several other categories, so head to the GolfWRX forums to have your say!
Check out the polls in the GolfWRX forums!
Join the discussion in the forums here.
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It’s that time of year again, GolfWRX members, the moment we start filling our wish lists with the golf gear we want this holiday season.
The GolfWRX Holiday Gift Guide was created to ensure that our readers give (and hopefully receive) the very best golf gifts on the planet. These gift ideas will suit any budget, and each item was hand-picked by our staff.
In an effort to provide more value and tailored recommendations, we’re presenting our guide as a series this year, targeting “the purist,” “the gearhead,” “the value seeker,” “the golfer looking to get better,” and “the big spender.”
You know the gearhead by his/her tired eyes from scouring the GolfWRX forums late into the night and his penchant for bringing two bags to the course—the gamer set and a bag full of demo clubs and shafts.
Here are our best recommendations for “the gearhead” in your life.
GolfWRX Holiday Essential: Perfect Practice Perfect Putting Mat: $169
In COVID-19 times, more new golfers are taking up the game, more casual players are spending more time on the fairways, and avid golfers, of course, are playing as avidly as ever.
As we all know, practicing putting at home is an important step in honing one’s stroke and distance control. The Perfect Practice Mat’s alignment lines and slope leading to the cup cater to both these needs. And from a feel standpoint, the surface itself feels as good as anything you could roll the rock next to your sofa on. We’re not sure exactly what Crystal Velvet TrueRoll Technology is, but it’s darn nice to putt on.
The other two essential elements of this GolfWRX Essential are the ball return track and the Perfect Putting Mat’s ability to be rolled up for easy storage.
Really, these things check all the boxes, so trade in the carpet and a high-ball glass for something that looks and feels better, and is much more likely to actually improve your putting.
The standard edition, which will run you $169.99, is our recommendation for most spaces, and it will fit comfortably in your living room, office, or man cave.
GolfWRX Holiday Essential: Pinned Golf BlackJack: $199
In the now-competitive market of range finders, a new young company has come onto the scene driven by something we all love: VALUE. Quincy, Massachusetts-based Pinned Golf took the often complicated (and expensive) decision to buy a rangefinder and made it quite easy. The Pinned BlackJack RangeFinder simply does its job. Quick read yardages, slope, yardage lock vibration, and a long charge—the best part is its price point: under $200. In this category, it’s as close to a no-brainer as you’ll find.
This direct-to-consumer idea was cooked up by three young golfers who simply wanted to offer something to the golfing masses that made sense.
Now it must be said that the big companies in this space do it VERY well. Its not a knock on them at all. However, for the player who wants something reliable that won’t break the bank, something that doesn’t require a, “Do I get this now or wait?” decision. John Rowell and his partners at Pinned delivered.
Titleist TSi3 driver: $549
It’s the best driver Titleist has made in 20-plus years. Period. Not only is it long, but it’s also stable and optically pleasing. TSi3 is an impressive driver that’s been met with rave reviews, and one that will hold up for a lot longer than one season. (See our launch piece for more info)
TaylorMade P770 irons: $1,225
The combination of distance, forgiveness, and spin make this iron a must-have for tour players all the way up to your 15 handicap. And if you really wanna go nuts, integrate the P7MC and P7MB into a combo set.
Vokey SM8 WedgeWorks edition
If you want to get the full tour treatment, building an SM8 wedge on WedgeWorks puts Bob Vokey and Aaron Dill at your fingertips. Doesn’t get much better than that for a gearhead.
Fujikura Ventus hybrid shaft: $200
It’s easy to say at this point that the Fujikura Ventus shaft was the go-to shaft on tour and in the hitting bay in 2020. Putting Velocore technology into a hybrid shaft gets that speed and stability even further into your bag.
MEVO+ launch monitor: $499
If you want tour data at the tip of your fingers, and you don’t want to mortgage your house to get it, the MEVO+ is a no brainer. Just ask Bubba and Bryson, who utilize the technology every day.
Mitsubishi Chemical MMT iron shafts: $65
OEMs have been trying to get graphite iron shafts right for a long time, but the MMT is the first offering that will truly insert graphite into the conversation for all players. It’s smooth, stable, and with offerings for better players at 105 TX and 125 TX, there are plenty of options to combo them up and build a perfect flighted set.
Wedge fitting with Artisan Golf
Wanna know where Tiger gets his wedges? You can schedule a visit to work with the man himself, Mike Taylor, who not only did all the grinding but has worked with Tiger for the past two decades. Bucket list stuff, don’t you think?
Custom FootJoy Icon shoes
If you really want to walk on the course like a player, then there is no better way than to go to FootJoy.com and build your own custom one-of-a-kind FootJoy Icon. It’s a rabbit hole of leather soles, alligator skin, and a rainbow of colors to really dial you in. There should be a strokes gained stat for just showing up with these.
Logan Olson custom putter
He’s the next Scotty Cameron—Not only is his work impeccable, but in 10 years a Logan Original will carry with it a huge price tag.
TXG fitting with Ian Fraser
Arguably the hottest and fastest-growing fitter in North America, a fitting with Ian Fraser—one of the best fitters in the world and a man who as fit the best pros in the game— at TXG HQ in Toronto will turn your whole bag from good into something singular and irreplaceable.
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It’s that time of year again, GolfWRX members, the moment we start filling our wish lists with the golf gear we want this holiday season.
The GolfWRX Holiday Gift Guide was created to ensure that our readers give (and hopefully receive) the very best golf gifts on the planet. These gift ideas will suit any budget, and each item was hand-picked by our staff.
In an effort to provide more value and tailored recommendations, we’re presenting our guide as a series this year, targeting “the purist,” “the gearhead,” “the value seeker,” “the golfer looking to get better,” “the clothes horse,” and “the big spender.”
You know the clothes horse by his closet full of the latest and greatest in golfwear—from a rainbow of polos to enough baseball caps to outfit an entire MLB roster. And more than likely, he/she has more than three pairs of golf shoes in the trunk of the car.
Here are our best recommendations for “the clothes horse” in your life.
FEATURED LOOK: Puma Golf Excellent Golf Wear Collection
What’s not to love about a line that represents the golfer, the athlete, and the weekend lounger all in one?
Puma Golf, who have always been forward thinking in its pursuit to give golfers something fresh, have delivered something that we at WRX think will be the new golf look of the future. Yes, there is a golf hoodie, but it’s also a look that can truly be worn at the country club, the gym or on the couch. It’s a tricky endeavor to toe the line between formal golf attire and the athletic, but Puma has cracked the code.
On-course attire, little by little, is transitioning into more tennis-inspired looks, and it’s a good thing. All players are looking for comfort, performance, and versatility—even the RS-G shoes can be worn to play 36 and go straight to the gym.
Head to toe this whole get-up works on every level.
Hat: Puma’s Golf Wear Circle Patch
Jacket/Hoodie: Runway Golf Hoodie: The classic hoodie now designed for the golf course! The Runway Hoodie is perfect for a casual, chilly day as you head to the range or to run errands.
Shirt: CloudSpun Henley Golf Shirt: The CloudSpun Henley – the perfect piece to wear anywhere life takes you. Part of the Excellent Golfwear Collection, the perfect blend of performance and lifestyle.
Pants: Tarmac Golf Joggers: Designed for comfort, travel and cool days at the range. Featuring an elastic waistband with a drawstring and a faux fly to give them a more elevated feel.
Shoes: RS-G: The new bold & bulky silhouette inspired by Puma’s RS-X is designed to celebrate re-invention and innovation and conquer the golf course in style. The hype is real.
True Linkswear: TruLux knit: $185
True’s first-ever fully waterproof knit shoe, this sneaker-inspired look is garnering rave reviews.
G/Fore: Tour 5-Pocket Pants: $185
G/FORE paired their top-selling 5 Pocket pant silhouette with performance components that their sponsored tour players found the most important & efficient for their game: mobility, moisture-control properties, breathability, and comfort.
Criquet: Sweater Fleece Jacket: $165
Criquet’s best-selling fleece jacket has really become a true winter workhorse for me. It’s the perfect weight for most chilly weather and has a really cool, throw-back vibe to it. I really love this color, River Phoenix, as it pairs well with almost every color of pants. It’s just a badass versatile piece. – Johnny Wunder
Sugarloaf Social Club: Classic SSC Arrow Cap: $40
With everything but the navy colorway sold out, the Classic SSC Arrow Cap is a subtle, perfectly executed “dad hat” that lets everyone know you run with the low-key golf hipster crowd.
Linksoul: Dry-Tek Quarter Zip: $101
“The Dry-Tek Quarter Zip is brand new this season from Linksoul. This cotton/poly midlayer is perfect for those transitional autumn days. It’s lightweight and features moisture wicking properties as well as plenty of natural stretch. Features a Linksoul detailed zipper as well as patch detailing on the left hip.”
FootJoy: 1857 Sueded Cotton 5 Pocket Trousers: $125
“The Sueded Cotton 5-Pocket Pant is brand new this season from FootJoy and is part of their 1857 collection. This incredibly soft, sueded fabric is built in a 5-pocket style with straight legs and subtle, 1857 detailing.”
Muni Kids: “Old E” Bogeys Suck Tee (Black): $27.95
According to the folks at Muni Kids, “Old E”…”is our Muni twist on the infamous Compton hats that were a staple in hip hop culture in the 80s and 90s.” We just say this is a simple, stylish presentation of an essential golf truth.
Jordan 5 Low: $220
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In our forums, our members have been discussing the strategy of leaving fairway woods out of the bag. WRXer ‘Nfogle’ says:
“I rarely need a fairway wood, and when I do, I usually end up with a penalty or just not hitting a good shot. My misses with the 2 iron keep me in play I just don’t get quite the distance out of the fairway I need. Anyone else have this problem and if so, what do you do?”
And our members have been discussing the issue, with plenty of other members taking the same route as ‘Nfogle’.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- schwollo: “Was in the same boat then got a G410 3 wood easiest 3 wood ever to hit and plenty long.”
- jmtbkr: “At my age, 69, I don’t worry too much about hitting par5 greens in two. So my 3 iron bent to 20* is just fine for me. It also doubles as my driving iron on short par 4’s.”
- capking: “I used to not carry any, my miss is a closed club face at impact, and most FW woods are closed at address. I fixed it by getting some jumbomax xl grips and by visualizing hitting it down the right side on follow through. Before this I went a year without any in the bag.”
- Roejye: “I started out this year with no fairway wood, I went driver to a 17.5° Adams xtd super hybrid. Because I’m a club ho, and because my dad has one and likes it, I bought a Cleveland Hibore XL 3 wood off eBay. I love it off of the tee, but merely like it off the deck. As much as I love it off of the tee, it’s also possibly the most replaceable because my home course I have little to no need for it. Luckily I don’t carry a 3 iron or hybrid so I don’t need to get rid of it.”
Entire Thread: “Anyone else not carry any fairway woods?”
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