Best Game Improvement Irons 2020 Showcase
We take a look at some of the best game improvement irons on the market in 2020.
With golf courses back open for business it might be time for a new set of sticks. There's been a lot of fantastic new golf equipment that has launched in 2020, including game improvement irons packed with new technology.
Game improvement irons are extremely versatile. Whilst they are typically designed for mid-to-high handicap golfers, due to the high amount of distance and speed the clubs produce, they can also be useful to low-handicap players too.
Even players on the PGA Tour like Rickie Fowler like to carry a game-improvement long iron, as they are much easier to hit and launch high into the air.
Due to the ongoing fight against COVID-19 and the coronavirus lockdown, we haven't been able to get out and produce our yearly video on the best game improvement irons just yet, but we thought we'd showcase some of the best we've seen this year.
TaylorMade SIM Max
KEY FEATURES
The TaylorMade SIM Max irons feature new and improved Speed Bridge Technology which allows for improved stability in the upper face and supports the topline, preventing unwanted vibrations that create the harsh feels associated with traditional distance irons.
The increased rigidity in the topline and upper perimeter of the face delivers improved sound and feel while working in conjunction with a flexible Thru-Slot Speed Pocket™ engineered for increased ball speed and distance.
The all-new ECHO Damping System which is the key to providing better feel without sacrificing performance.
This uniquely shaped damper design stretches across the entire face (from heel to toe) using multiple contact points for accelerated vibration damping.
TaylorMade’s proven Inverted Cone Technology (ICT) is now uniquely positioned in each SIM Max iron to both increase the sweet spot and minimise the effects of common mis-hits.
SPECIFICATIONS
SIM Max has an RRP of £899 steel, £1,049 graphite.
GOLFMAGIC VERDICT
The TaylorMade SIM Max irons are perfect for players who want the performance benefits of a game improvement iron but in a slightly smaller profile.
These irons will produce a lot of speed and distance, whilst also being easy to launch in the air.
COBRA SPEEDZONE
KEY FEATURES
Optimises five unique zones of performance: Light Zone, Stability Zone, Power Zone, Feel Zone and Spin Zone.
COBRA’s patented PWRSHELL Technology continues to offer increased speed and higher launch even on stronger lofted irons.
Consistency of performance through trajectory and spin is optimized by the use of progressive spin technology that is 100% CNC milled throughout the set.
The KING SPEEDZONE Variable Length Irons feature a progressive construction design – delivering progressive head shapes, grooves and hosel lengths that optimize launch and spin in the long irons, mid irons, and wedges.
Also available in ONE Length where all irons in the set come with matching lengths (37.5" - 7 iron).
SPECIFICATIONS
SPEEDZONE Variable Length irons comes standard with a KBS Tour 90 shaft in stiff or regular flex and a Lamkin Crossline Connect Black grip (£699). The stock graphite offering is a UST Recoil ESX 460 shaft in stiff, regular and senior flex (£799). The ONE Length offering comes standard with a KBS Tour 80 (4-6i), KBS Tour 90 (7-9i) and KBS Wedge (PW, SW) shaft in stiff or regular flex and a Lamkin Crossline Connect Blue grip. The graphite stock offering is a UST Recoil ESX 460 (4-9i) and a UST Recoil ESX 480 (PW, SW) in stiff, regular and senior flex (£799).
GOLFMAGIC VERDICT
If distance is what you're looking for in an iron then look no further than the Cobra SPEEDZONE irons.
For a game improvement iron, the SPEEDZONE irons have a brilliant feel to them and are very responsive on mis-hits.
Forgiveness is also a fantastic element of these irons, which combined with the extreme distance they offer, makes for a phenomenal iron.
Callaway MAVRIK
KEY FEATURES
For the first time, these new irons feature a Flash Face Cup designed by A.I. to work with each individual head’s size, shape, CG location and loft designation to promote distance and control throughout the set, creating a significant boost in ball speed.
Callaway’s proven Tungsten Energy Core optimises performance with custom tungsten weights, precisely and positioned within the head, to optimise launch and trajectory.
Callaway has also included proprietary Urethane Microspheres, its premium technology that creates unmatched feel and incredible speed.
The use of A.I. also allowed Callaway to enhance the performance characteristics of each iron face. In the long irons, the faces are designed for launch and speed, while in the mid-irons the faces are engineered for speed and spin consistency. Lastly, in the short irons, the faces are optimised for spin and precision to promote pinpoint shot-making.
MAVRIK Irons are available in three models, Standard, Pro and MAX. Standard offers an excellent all-around combination of size, speed, forgiveness, feel, distance and control.
SPECIFICATIONS
RRP £849 (4-PW)
GOLFMAGIC VERDICT
With three different models available, the Callaway MAVRIK irons cover every level. The Pro iron is perfect for the better players who want a smaller profile in shape and size, along with a thinner topline.
The Max model combine the largest head size with an extremely low CG, making them remarkably easy to launch on a high, long-carrying trajectory.
For a game improvement iron, the MAVRIK produces excellent sound, due to its A.I design, whilst the forgiveness level is also a very attractive aspect of this iron.
PING G410
KEY FEATURES
SPECIFICATIONS
RRP: £126 per club (steel), £136 (graphite)
GOLFMAGIC VERDICT
If you're someone who is struggling to gain decent distance and height with your irons then look no further than the PING G410's. Easily one of the best game improvement irons we've tested and PING has once again produced an extremely forgiving iron that you won't be disappointed with.
BENROSS DELTA
KEY FEATURES
New for 2019, the Delta Iron features a Heat Treated 431 Stainless Steel construction which maximises ball speed for increased carry distance.
A progressive CG position coupled with more neutral loft angles allows for an improved launch angle and optimum spin rate leading to greater stopping power on approach shots.
The top line thickness and offset profile inspires confidence with long irons and promotes control with scoring clubs.
SPECIFICATIONS
RRP £399 - The Delta Iron is fitted with the KBS MAX shaft in steel or the Fujikura ATMOS Red shaft in graphite.
GOLFMAGIC VERDICT
One of the best value for money game improvement irons on the market, perfect for new golfers or anyone struggling to find some consistency with their iron play.
Easy to launch and fantastic distance.
Wilson D7
KEY FEATURES
The clubs couple the thinnest iron face ever produced by the brand in any distance model with the addition of more exclusive Power Holes under the umbrella of the new RE-AKT Technology, creating greater ball speeds for longer distances for both centre and off-centre impacts.
Wilson has increased the row of Power Holes – first launched on the successful C200 irons and refined in the more recent D300 family.
A third row has added to the longer D7 irons (4-7) to increase the face deflection and contact time between impact, resulting in more energy returning to the ball when struck.
A double row is featured on the 8 and 9 irons, while a single row is featured on the PW & GW. The face comparison between other Wilson irons is 0.079” thin in the long irons, compared to 0.097 on the D300/C300.
SPECIFICATIONS
The Wilson Staff D7 irons come with stock shaft options of the premium lightweight KBS Tour 80 in steel (Regular and stiff) and UST-Mamiya 460 Recoil Series graphite (A-, R- and S- flexes at 65 grams). The irons come with the Wilson Staff classic Lamkin Crossline pattern grip.
They have an RRP of £469 (5-SW) for steel shafts (available left handed) and £599 for graphite shafts (5-SW).
GOLFMAGIC VERDICT
Extremely affordable irons that perform exactly as you want a top game improvement iron to do so.
Long in distance, high in launch and probably the easiest iron to hit on this list.
Distances are consistent which can sometimes be a problem with game improvement irons, so for such a bargain at £469, we strongly recommend you try the Wilson D7 irons if you're looking for a new set.
