Best Players Irons 2023

[C_rad]

26 minutes ago, kwainio said:

I've tried pretty much all of them from the big brands. I'd go something like this for "least forgiving to most forgiving". Just my experiences with each iron. Hot spots don't exist. Go get fit.

 

P7MC

620CB

TCB

921 Tour (haven't tried 923 yet)

i59

T100

XFCB

MP223

ZX7

i230

 

Mostly agree with the comments. Had a recent fitting and found the pro223 to be a good mix of forgiveness and precise shot making. I wanted to like the i239 but wasnt a fan of the finish. The srixon was off for my eye, no idea why. The T100 as a very thin top line, which for me, wasnt comforting in the long irons. 
 

The other one that my heart was the TCB. The feeling of these were insane. But the pro 223 had everything i was looking for. 

[mason82]

I’m in the same boat, looking for my next set. I hit the Cobra CBs and JPX tours yesterday and liked the Cobras better. Feel, looks, consistent. 
 

so it’s down to Cobra and the 620 CB. 

[MtlJeff]

It's really hard to beat Cobra for a mainstream OEM at their pricing. It's very attractive

 

The new Tours + the CB/MB combo sets look so sexy. And they are only 1599 CAD for a full set which is like giving them away in 2023. I mean that's DTC pricing

 

The only thing is their stock shaft offering is a shell of what it used to be. They didn't use to upcharge you for Modus for example, now the 120's are +200$

 

If i didn't already have like 4-5 iron sets i'd probably buy these

[Cruisin1966]

45 minutes ago, MtlJeff said:

. . . If i didn't already have like 4-5 iron sets i'd probably buy these

 

Personally, I wouldn't let that stop you.  😄

[leftycabe]

47 minutes ago, MtlJeff said:

It's really hard to beat Cobra for a mainstream OEM at their pricing. It's very attractive

 

The new Tours + the CB/MB combo sets look so sexy. And they are only 1599 CAD for a full set which is like giving them away in 2023. I mean that's DTC pricing

 

The only thing is their stock shaft offering is a shell of what it used to be. They didn't use to upcharge you for Modus for example, now the 120's are +200$

 

If i didn't already have like 4-5 iron sets i'd probably buy these

Because you are basically making me order these, I think you should have to pay for 20% of them. 😁

[MtlJeff]

46 minutes ago, leftycabe said:

Because you are basically making me order these, I think you should have to pay for 20% of them. 😁

 

I will send you 5$, that's my final offer!

[MtlJeff]

49 minutes ago, Cruisin1966 said:

 

Personally, I wouldn't let that stop you.  😄

 

Oh, it may not....

 

The thing is i would need to pay a shaft upcharge and i hate doing that on general principle. As i learned in my great sub70 experiment of 2022. I can't hit 4-5 irons in a blade set without a higher launch shaft like an Elevate Tour or Modus 120 type thing

 

Part of me thinks Cobra just hasn't update their site. My last Cobra set i got Modus at no upcharge

 

15 hundy for a set .....yeah i might not make it through 2023 without getting them

[mlwenzlick]

Are we allowed to talk about irons that arent $1500 and releasing this winter/spring? My Lynx blades are pretty **** good for fractions of the price. CPG endorsed (formerly LOL)

Edited January 29, 2023 by mlwenzlick

[jetmech879]

My old P760s are doing great and I really want to make it through 2023 with them in the bag but those dang JPX 923 tours are seriously calling me! The P760 just does so well for me through the turf with the pre worn leading. 

[MMB1500]

Agree with the comments about the new Cobra line up. The CBs in particular look incredible, as do the new ZX7's. 

 

Based on this review, perhaps the Edel SMS Pros also need to be in the discussion. IMO they look sensational, particularly at address, with a much squarer toe than the original SMS.

 

 

 

 

Edited January 30, 2023 by MMB1500

[QuigleyDU]

Lots of great stuff out. My vote is either the cobra tours or Srixon zx7 mkII.

[TheBear95]

2 minutes ago, QuigleyDU said:

Lots of great stuff out. My vote is either the cobra tours or Srixon zx7 mkII.

 

The Cobra Tours look great. I hope they sell well and Cobra comes out with a black version next year.

[Jayjay_theweim_guy]

17 hours ago, jspii22 said:

Like others have said, I’ve always had my best distance control playing Ping. 

Agreed.  But if you're going to be fussy about the look, or turf interaction, I'm not sure I'd look to Ping first.

 

But yeah, the i230 (and i210 before them) are supposed to be the epitome of the "It needs to go 194.  Not 196 or 192." kind of irons.

[OnTheBag]

Since you describe yourself as a picker (like me), you will want something with a low CG and a very thin sole.  There are some great irons mentioned here that will likely not work for your swing.  I've always had the best luck with MB irons for that reason.

 

With my sons learning the game from me, both of them are pickers as well.  My oldest is gaming the Titleist 620 MB and the youngest is playing the Wilson Staff Model Blades.  Both are excellent.  I've been a Titleist MB guy since the 690s with the 712 and 714 being my favorite, but I've hit the Wilson's and was impressed.

 

Good luck.  Hope you have a good season.  

[odshot68]

 The only iron I really liked was the 620 cb. I wasn’t able to hit with my shaft of

choice. Definitely on my itinerary for next trip in. 

[doctormizuno]

Mizuno Pro 225. Great Looking. Mizuno Feel. Read the reviews and you will be convinced.

[Red4282]

So what are we up to 20 different best players irons now? 

[xGameOver]

I would say t100/s and i230. 
 

[mason82]

I wonder if the cobras are that Much more forgiving than the 620 CBs. Hard to tell. 

[Strategery]

I love my Ping i210s, but if my bag was stolen, I would be looking at Ping i230 or Cobra King CB.

[20footputt]

Ping i230.  Great feel, super solid and great distance despite not having jacked lofts.  Forgiveness was almost unbelievable, as good or better than my G410's.  I hit a few that were almost off the grooves and only landed 5 yard short of a good shot.  

[Pepperturbo]

There is NO BEST for all, just BEST fit for each person's skill level.  I been a Titleist guy for years, NOT every set fits everyone, so I got no list for ya.

 

I been playing Titleist 620 MB or 620 CB, sometimes blended since they were introduced, fantastic clubs.  Unfortunately, aging has been catching up to me, causing distance loss, so months back bought T100s irons with MCA-Tensei Blue Stiff shafts, surprisingly happy I did. 

 

Though strong lofted, T100s play much like blades.  There is forgiveness, but still demand decent-pure strikes to get their best.  I see why Titleist says T100 have become the most played iron on tour.  The heads are small, and soles are surprisingly narrower than my 620 MBs, with a really nice leading edge; no grinding needed.  

 

If you're looking for new irons, good luck on the hunt.

 

 

[wam78]

On 1/29/2023 at 2:02 PM, MMB1500 said:

Agree with the comments about the new Cobra line up. The CBs in particular look incredible, as do the new ZX7's. 

 

Based on this review, perhaps the Edel SMS Pros also need to be in the discussion. IMO they look sensational, particularly at address, with a much squarer toe than the original SMS.

 

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The shape and profile of these look pretty good.  I’ll be interested to try them out when possible.  Have not hit and Edel club in a long time.  I remember their older wedges were pretty compact and felt heavy.  Feel at impact was incredible though!

[swingtingz]

I'm still holding out for ping to drop a cb in between the i230 and the blueprint 🤞

[dale4ace]

On 1/31/2023 at 12:38 AM, Pepperturbo said:

There is NO BEST for all, just BEST fit for each person's skill level.  I been a Titleist guy for years, NOT every set fits everyone, so I got no list for ya.

 

I been playing Titleist 620 MB or 620 CB, sometimes blended since they were introduced, fantastic clubs.  Unfortunately, aging has been catching up to me, causing distance loss, so months back bought T100s irons with MCA-Tensei Blue Stiff shafts, surprisingly happy I did. 

 

Though strong lofted, T100s play much like blades.  There is forgiveness, but still demand decent-pure strikes to get their best.  I see why Titleist says T100 have become the most played iron on tour.  The heads are small, and soles are surprisingly narrower than my 620 MBs, with a really nice leading edge; no grinding needed.  

 

If you're looking for new irons, good luck on the hunt.

 

 

agree with this, I went through a full testing and the t100 was the best for me. Will be playing those for this season 

[Long_Left]

i230, Mizzy 223 and Srixon Zx7 MkII are all incredibly good clubs, the i230 worked best for me based on turf interaction and the zx7 had a shaft in it not really suited to me so I don't think it got a 100% fair shake. 

 

The 223 and zx7 look all but identical at address with the toe appearing smaller on the Srixon due to wider groove coverage of the face. I would happily game any of the 3, no chance I pay over $200/club for the Pings though. Waiting on my local guy to get his hands on the lefty TM gear before I make any decisions. 

[HooliganGolf]

Those that have said they don't believe in hot spots must not have ever tried a set of irons with the magic "goo" in them.  Hot Spots/fliers are 100% a thing and it is the reason I am looking to replace my PXG 0311T's this season.  Getting punished for hitting the "sweet spot" on the 7-pw is one of my biggest pet peeves.

 

That being said I am looking at:

-Cobra King Tour

-Cobra King  cb (maybe Mb Combo?)

-Ping i230 Retro Spec

-Jpx 923 Forged (unlikely as these lofts are spaced apart more than my liking - 5 degrees equates to too much gap between scoring irons and I am not a fan of bending irons 2 degrees - just my own opinion)

-ZX7 (also unlikely due to the same reasons as the JPX 923 Forged)

-PXG CBs (Not likely I can hold off that long as I am a club hoe)

-Edel Pro SMS (a little pricier and I don't want to have to travel to an outdoor fitter)

 

I've never enjoyed Titleist irons as much as I try, but the T100 is also a great option

 

 

Edited February 1, 2023 by Lhooley777

[TLUBulldogGolf]

223 or any kind of combo set you want between 221-223-225. Or even JPX 923/Pro 923. I'm not a picker but my MP-20s are great off all kinds of firm and tight lies and really that's been the case with any number of Mizuno club I've played over the years. I'm looking to pull the trigger on a 223 4 iron at the very least, maybe 4 and 5 to try and stretch out that end of the bag some and give myself some help vs an MB.

[sheamclkel]

Ping will be your bestie for distance control! i59 or i230 would be great options. Blueprints if your really looking for players club!

[p1nguu_]

Artisan 720cb's, good headweights, mass behind the ball, perimeter weighting and amazing feel and looks. Pricey but worth it.

Edited February 1, 2023 by p1nguu_
Put in some pictures