A set of irons usually runs from a 5 or 6 iron through to a pitching wedge, and beginners and mid-handicappers do best with forgiving cavity-back irons. This guide explains how to choose a set of irons: what is in a set, steel or graphite shafts, cavity back versus blade irons and what to spend.
Choosing a set of irons at a glance
| Iron type | Suits | Main benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Game-improvement (cavity back) | Beginners and mid-handicappers | Forgiveness on off-centre hits |
| Players distance | Improvers | A balance of forgiveness and feel |
| Blades | Skilled players | Feel and shot-shaping control |
What is in an iron set?
A standard set has 7 or 8 irons, usually 4 or 5 iron through to the pitching wedge. Lower numbers have less loft and go further; higher numbers have more loft and go higher. Beginners often start with a 6 iron to pitching wedge set plus a hybrid for longer shots. Our guide to wedge degrees explains the lofts at the short end of the set.
Steel or graphite shafts?
Steel shafts are heavier and more common. Graphite shafts are lighter, which can help slower swings generate speed. Weight, feel and swing speed decide which suits you.
Cavity back vs blade
A cavity-back iron has weight pushed to the edges of the head, which makes off-centre hits straighter and longer. Most modern game-improvement iron sets use this design today. A blade is slim and offers feel and control but punishes mishits, so it suits skilled players.
How much should you spend?
Spend what suits your game. A beginner is usually better off with a complete starter set. If you want a stand-alone set of irons, our Mid-Range Golf Iron Set is $1,199.
Fitting basics
Iron length, lie angle and shaft flex all affect how the ball flies. A fitting session can check them against your swing. Even a few small changes can make a set much more accurate.
Gapping your irons
Each iron should go about the same distance further than the one before. If two irons go the same distance, you have a gap problem: you are wasting a club slot. If there is a big jump between two irons, you may need a different loft or an added hybrid. Hit 10 balls with each iron and write down the average distance.
Common iron-set mistakes
- Buying blades because a better player uses them.
- Choosing an iron set before checking the loft of the pitching wedge.
- Overlooking shaft flex.
- Buying a long-iron-heavy set when a hybrid would be easier to hit.
- Spending more on irons than on lessons.
Which iron set suits you?
| If you... | Look for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Are a beginner | Cavity-back irons with a wide sole | Forgiving and easier to get airborne |
| Have a mid handicap | Players distance irons | A balance of forgiveness and feel |
| Have a slow swing speed | Graphite shafts | Lighter, so easier to generate speed |
| Have a fast swing speed | Steel shafts, stiff flex | More control at speed |
| Struggle with long irons | A set from 6 iron with a hybrid | Hybrids are easier to hit |
Glossary: iron terms
- Cavity back: a head with weight moved to the edge for forgiveness.
- Lie angle: the angle of the shaft to the ground at impact. Too upright or too flat sends the ball offline.
- Offset: how far the hosel sits ahead of the face. More offset helps square the face.
- Sole width: wider soles glide through turf and are more forgiving.
- Combo set: a set that mixes two designs, such as game-improvement long irons and players-distance short irons.
Care and grooves
Keep the grooves clean with a brush and water. Clean grooves grip the ball and help control spin. Dry the clubs after a wet round, and use a head cover or a bag with dividers so the heads do not clash. Our Mid-Range Golf Iron Set is $1,199.
Building a good iron set-up over time
Start with the irons you can hit and add as you improve. Many golfers use a set from 6 iron to pitching wedge plus hybrids and a gap wedge. As your swing gets more consistent, you can add a 5 iron or swap a hybrid for a long iron. Try new clubs before you commit, and watch your distances: if two clubs go the same distance, you can change one of them.
Where to go next
See our golf drivers and iron sets, read about how to choose a golf driver, and see what golf clubs you need. Call 0480 811 308 to talk through a set.