Most forgiving most under-rated irons...?

[therod]

I am thinking about getting another set of irons this spring. I would like the most forgiving irons I can find, and do it for the least amount of $. My miss is a hook, and I have a lower ball flight. I currently have an old set of Cleveland TA-7s (still a great club) and a set of Adams XTDs. I've looked at some Wilsons since they aren't as expensive. I also peaked at some Tour Edge. I'd probably stay away from the hybrid type of club just by preference. They also don't need to be new, I'm good with used. What say you?

[Bossfan]

You should check out Sub 70. They have lots of iron choices. The 699 and 799 are their more forgiving clubs. I also think they have another GI iron coming in a couple of months. Prices are very reasonable unless you get into more expensive shafts and grips. Club quality and their customer service are excellent. They also pre owned clubs that will save you some money too. I actually went from a set of XTDs to Sub 70.

[therod]

I haven't looked at anything Sub 70 has. I'm a little limited being a lefty, but I'll check their selection out when I have time 

[therod]

Looked at Sub70's equipment on their website. Being a lefty that doesn't play as much or have as low an index as I used to, I'm looking for something on the higher end of the forgiveness spectrum. Their stuff just doesn't look like it fits what I'm looking for. I've looked at the recent Wilson irons, they look good and fit what I'm looking for. There are other suitable options I'm sure. It's going to be a couple months before I get anything, so I have time to look.

[therod]

Then again, I've also looked at some of the recent Ping irons that have sky high MOI #s. So who knows...

[cksurfdude]

On 1/8/2023 at 5:42 PM, Bossfan said:

I also think they have another GI iron coming in a couple of months.

Correct - a revamped #749 GI model is due out in April. Gonna check out out myself!

[GolfSpy_APH]

On 1/9/2023 at 1:45 AM, therod said:

I haven't looked at anything Sub 70 has. I'm a little limited being a lefty, but I'll check their selection out when I have time 

Fellow lefty here... and sub70 iron owner.

I'll give sub 70 another shout out for the 699. Should provide plenty of forgiveness at a price that is suitable. They do have a certified used section as well fwiw. 

Depending on what you are looking for Mizuno Hot Metal comes to mind as well. I am sure you could find used sets in good condition that would match what you are looking for. 

Finally Srixon could be another one that is worth checking out. 

In the end all the companies make some good "forgiving" irons and comes down to how much you want to spend and whether you are going brand new, certified used (callaway preowned for example) or used used (ebay type). 

Let us know how it works out and what you end up going with!

[GolfSpy TCB]

Some great suggestions above.  When reading your post, it reminded me of my own journey for more forgiveness this past year that led me to the TaylorMade Stealth Irons (see my unofficial review here if interested).  This spring I will be testing out several iron sets to see if any give me warm and fuzzy feelings like my current gamers, and the Mizuno JPX 923 line will be a large part of that testing... but they will have to perform pretty well to replace the Stealths in my bag.

 

[RollingGreens]

I do love my Jpx 921 HM. Will likely be upgrading to the pros in the next few months for a little less offset. Overall fantastic irons and very forgiving. Plus how can you beat the feel of a mizuno iron!

[tdroma98]

All great suggestions. If you're into doing a little shopping, it wouldn't hurt to check out the Callaway Pre-Owned website for irons. Their "Like New to Good" condition categories clubs in good condition. I picked up a set of Maverick Pro Irons 4-GW for under $500, with Elevate 105 steel shafts, when I got them they were like brand new, not a mark on the face of any club. Callaway will also do trade-ins. That sold my wife , getting rid of clubs!  Don't know their inventory for lefties.  But good selection of shaft types and prices are good. Good Luck!

[biggolfguy1990]

Would recommend the Ping G430's. Not much to look at, but can't really miss that badly with them.

Hear the new Stealth HD's are pretty forgiving too. 

 

[Ken C]

I will second the Mizuno 923 Hot Metal and would put them on your list (just finished playing the 921 HM).  I went in for a fitting and fully expected to be ordering the (923s) and they were great.  However, at the last minute, and suggestion of the fitter, I tried the Taylormade Stealth (stock graphite shaft - it is lighter and fit me very well).  Distances were the same as with the 923 but on 10 shots I averaged less than 1 yard either side of center (923s were not as consistent, I'm guessing more to the shaft).  I ended up with the Stealth but I would not overlook Mizuno 923 HM, Ping 430, or the new Callaway irons (Paradym).

[RickyBobby_PR]

G7xx from Ping or T400.

but what also has to be considered is how does the sole of the club work with your swing, how does the weight and balance of the club with the shaft feel to you and how does that affect your swing mechanics.

just because a club is labeled as forgiving doesn’t meant it will be for each golfer.

One has to hit and test clubs at a minimum to see what fits. But then best option is to see a reputable fitter who has lots of options to find what is best for your swing 

[hriehl1]

You say you want most forgiving but do not want hybrid style irons. Those are mutually exclusive statements.

Get over ego issues and look at Wilson Launchers, Sub70 799s and Cleveland Halos. Watch TXG videos on the Clevelands and Sub70s.

[NC Golfer]

I'd second the Maverick's on Callaway Pre-Owned. I had rented them on vacation for two rounds. Having the Cleveland Hybrid irons for 10 years (two versions), this is something I could transition to in a more traditional iron.  With that said, the Tour Edge E722's feel realy good to me in the store. But, haven't played them. 

Edited January 17, 2023 by NC Golfer

[null]

Most forgiving is relative - especially due to sole width and bounce.  I would play more "forgiving" irons, but generally the bigger irons have wider soles and that is no bueno for a sweeper like me.  Give me a thick soled iron and it is bottom groove city for me.

[TylorJudd]

On 1/8/2023 at 1:12 PM, therod said:

I am thinking about getting another set of irons this spring. I would like the most forgiving irons I can find, and do it for the least amount of $. My miss is a hook, and I have a lower ball flight. I currently have an old set of Cleveland TA-7s (still a great club) and a set of Adams XTDs. I've looked at some Wilsons since they aren't as expensive. I also peaked at some Tour Edge. I'd probably stay away from the hybrid type of club just by preference. They also don't need to be new, I'm good with used. What say you?

I still game TA7's!!!! Just 6-9 but they are very forgiving!

[Middler]

Try to find some used Cleveland HB Launcher Turbo irons in good condition. I would quit golf before playing them, but you asked for maximum forgiveness on a budget.

If you want new, here they are in lefty. https://www.amazon.com/Cleveland-Golf-Launcher-Turbo-Iron/dp/B07WNSY5P7?th=1

[therod]

I tried to game some hybrids several years ago, but I just couldn't get along with them. I didn't like the look at address, I didn't care for the feel, and they just didn't work for me. My biggest problem now, after 4 days in Palm Springs golfing, is that I have some arthritis in my lower back and taking much of a divot is rough. I don't take much of a divot anyway, but more or less, if it's not on a tee, it probably hurts. I did some therapy for my back, but it didn't help the arthritis. So while I don't really like how they look and they didn't perform for me before, I really may not have a choice.

[therod]

I've also been looking at the TEE E722s. We'll see. I'm not ready to buy right now, and I won't be playing again for a couple months anyway, so there's no rush. But after a few days playing in Palm Springs and nursing my back the whole time, I think it's time for a change in strategy.

[Hobert]

On 1/12/2023 at 3:26 AM, GolfSpy_APH said:

Fellow lefty here... and sub70 iron owner.

I'll give sub 70 another shout out for the 699. Should provide plenty of forgiveness at a price that is suitable. They do have a certified used section as well fwiw. 

Depending on what you are looking for Mizuno Hot Metal comes to mind as well. I am sure you could find used sets in good condition that would match what you are looking for. 

Finally Srixon could be another one that is worth checking out. 

In the end all the companies make some good "forgiving" irons and comes down to how much you want to spend and whether you are going brand new, certified used (callaway preowned for example) or used used (ebay type). 

Let us know how it works out and what you end up going with!

I echo the comments on the Sub70 699s. They may not look forgiving, but looks are deceiving. They are injected with TPE resin and are quite forgiving in my opinion. With the V2s out now, the V1s are even more affordable.

[Andrew75]

I'd have to say my current gamers, Yamaha inpres ud+2 2019 forged. Lofts are strong, but the clubs spank the ball well and soles are narrow yet forgiving. The fricoff sole is top notch.. Longest point and Shoot irons would be Bridgestone JGR hybrid irons. Soles are wide, but under many conditions they rock.  Another underrated iron is Royal Collection SFD x7 forged. Long and playable. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

Some of the older Ping models I think could also fit this category. Although they are usually not too underrated, you can get a set that is a bit older and still really good and forgiving. The other bonus part is because they are cast irons they normally don't have the same wear signs as other forged offerings do. 

[G-Wat]

While not suggesting a club - it might be worth your time to check eBay for the irons you decide on…

[Nat]

Golfworks.com ke4S irons would be perfect. Super forgiving and not as expensive but top quality

[slaskey099]

Going a little against the grain - 4 years ago i wanted more forgiveness and something that was easier on my arthritic back and hips - was playing callaway x-22 with regular flex steel shafts 

A couple fitting session later and i was ordering taylormade M5 irons 4-sw with graphite regular+ shafts - atmos red i think they are.  and i coupled those with new gloves by BIONIC

Distance and accuracy went way up, discomfort went down.

SO lesson of the day  -  go to a fitter and pay attention  I used mmm  Golf Galaxy, went to 1 store and didnt mesh with the pro there - he was pushing cleveland launchers on me i couldnt stand the look of them so i left and a week later was in another GG and the guy there listened to what i had to say and initially set me up with the newer callaways with steel in senior,  no go  all over the place, then steel in regular better dispersion but still a variety of missess,  on to ping - i use a G400 lst driver with a copper xtorsion shaft - and they felt really good but were going to be a month or 2 out, and then tried the TM M6 which was just like the ping G, misses with both of those were low on the face,  finally tried an M5 they had in a graphite regular and boom long and felt much nicer on contact,  tried in Stiff to tighten up the dispersion which worked lost a little distance and settled on ordering the regular+ shafts.

They have been fantastic - 

SECOND part of the fitting, i try the bionic gloves they look weird but immediately noticed much lighter grip pressure, the hook is mostly gone and they last !

[Bobbers]

The Ping 700 or 710 have been suggested, good choices.

The Callaway Mavrik Max irons are also quite forgiving and, being a few years old, are more affordable.

The PXG 2021 0211's are also very forgiving.

Good luck with your quest.

[medievaldave]

The srixon  ZX5, Z-585, or even slightly older Z-565 irons are a good mix of forgiveness and playability and affordability

[Dules]

I know they are hybrid look but the Cobra T-Rails are uber forgiving. Go High, go far.  Wilson makes great under appreciated irons like the D-7's & D-9's.  Go a mile.  Lastly I also gamed the Cleveland XL's - not the Halo's - and they seem so huge that you can't miss. Other than the new 2023 T-Rails, these are on the inexpensive side.  I am also left handed so feel your pain.  I have been researching the 699's by Sub 70 & they don't look forgiving but I guess they are & everybody seems to rave about them.  It's about the only club they make left handed for us super game improvement types.  I don't believe their 799's come left handed.  Good luck in your journey.  

[10Hockey]

Buy last year's Srixon 5  series irons , they have been marked down because of the new model this year and they are great for dispersion and distance.