Before You Buy Your Next Set of Irons, Take a Look at the Most Forgiving Offerings of the Year
By Ryan Gager
Thinking about getting new irons this year? Before you do, check out this edition of Club Explorers, where GOLFTEC’s Brad Skupaka and Connie Chen discuss and hit the three most forgiving irons of 2023. If you’re looking for an iron that can help you hit the ball far, straight, and high, then these irons are perfect for you.
When we talk about forgiving irons, there are a few key features that come to mind. First, forgiving irons typically have wider soles, which helps to move the center of gravity (CG) deeper in the head and aids in hitting the ball higher when you hit it a little fat. These irons also tend to have more offset, meaning the shaft sits a little more forward than the face. This offset can help players who tend to slice the ball. Lastly, forgiving irons often have a hollow body construction, which increases ball speed and provides more forgiveness on off-center hits.
Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal
The number three most forgiving iron on the list is the Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL. This iron is designed for players who want to hit the ball higher and struggle with slicing. It features a wider sole and added loft compared to previous models, which helps to launch the ball higher. Connie hit a few shots with this iron and noted that it looks and feels great. The shots she hit with this iron are forgiving and consistent, even when she hits them slightly off-center.
- Designed for players who want to hit the ball higher and struggle with slicing.
- Features a wider sole and added loft for higher launch.
- Connie found it to look and feel great.
- Shots were forgiving and consistent, even on off-center hits.
- Results showed a ball speed of 105 mph, launch angle just under 17 degrees, and an average carry distance of 150 yards.
If you missed it, Joe Hooks came to GOLFTEC for an iron fitting. Be sure to check out the results here!
PING G430
Next up is the PING G430, which this line of irons have been known for forgiveness. This iron has a slightly thicker sole in the toe to help with heavy shots, but it tapers to a narrow sole, making it suitable for various lies. It features a stainless steel face that increases ball speed and has a slightly lower loft compared to the Mizuno iron. Connie hit three shots with this iron, and they all landed within a few feet of each other. She noted that the iron looks great and feels consistent. The results show similar ball speed and distance to the Mizuno iron, with a slightly lower launch angle.
- Known for its forgiveness.
- Features a slightly thicker sole in the toe and a narrow sole for various lies.
- Stainless steel face increases ball speed.
- Connie found it to look great and feel consistent.
- Results showed similar ball speed and distance to the Mizuno iron, with a slightly lower launch angle.
TaylorMade Stealth HD
Finally, we have the TaylorMade Stealth HD, the most forgiving iron of 2023. This iron has a unique design with a shallow blade height and a wide sole, which helps to move the CG lower and farther back. It also features a through speed slot design on the bottom, which helps maintain ball speed on thin shots. Connie initially thought the iron looked like a chipper, but she quickly realized its forgiving nature. The shots she hit with this iron had the highest launch angle and drew the most. The results show a launch angle of just under 17 degrees, with an average carry distance of 146 yards.
- The most forgiving iron of 2023.
- Unique design with a shallow blade height and wide sole to move the CG lower and farther back.
- Features a through speed slot design on the bottom for maintaining ball speed on thin shots.
- Looks different from any other iron, but performance and forgiveness are there.
- Shots had the highest launch angle and drew the most.
- Results showed a launch angle just under 17 degrees and an average carry distance of 146 yards.
All of these irons provide forgiveness and consistency, making them great options for players who want to improve their iron play. It’s important to note that personal preference and individual swing characteristics should also be considered when choosing the right iron. To find the best driver for your game, we recommend getting fitted by one of our professionals at a local GOLFTEC near you who can assess your swing and recommend the driver that suits you best.
In conclusion, the Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL, Ping G430, and TaylorMade Stealth HD are the top three most forgiving irons of 2023. Each iron has its own unique features that contribute to its forgiveness, such as wider soles, added loft, and unique designs. These irons provide forgiveness, consistency, and the ability to hit the ball high and straight. Whether you struggle with slicing, hitting the ball fat, or lack confidence in your iron shots, these irons can help improve your game. Remember to consider personal preference and individual swing characteristics when choosing the right iron for you. Set up a fitting at GOLFTEC today to try out different options and find the best fit for your game.
For more content on irons, check out more videos below from GOLFTEC, including the differences in PING’s i230 and G430 lines, and the evolution of TaylorMade’s Stealth irons.
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