Best Players Distance Irons 2025: The irons mid-handicappers need to know about

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In 2025, the Players Distance iron category has never been more exciting, nor more ubiquitous at all levels of the game.

Players distance irons, broadly specifically designed for golfers who prefer the profile of a more refined iron but still desire the distance and forgiveness of something a bit bulkier, have long been targeted towards mid-to-low-handicapers. 

However recent advancements in technology, including the introduction of hollow body designs and variable face thickness faces, has revolutionised the category, allowing brands to create irons that better bridge the gap in performance between true players irons and more forgiving distance irons. It's no coincidence that some players distance irons, like Titleist's T200 and Srixon's ZXi5, are finding their way into more and more bags on tour.

We've also recently tested the best game improvement irons, best super game-improvement irons and the best irons for low handicap golfers, with all the best offerings available in one place thanks to our best irons buyer guide.

So which ones are best for you if you're eyeing up a set of players distance irons to improve your game? Here at GolfMagic, we've been fortunate enough to test all of the leading brands and models both out on the course and on a launch monitor, digging deep into the performance of each club, assessing ball speeds, launch angles, carry distances and a whole host of other metrics.

Some players' distance irons offer, speed, some offer forgiveness, but few have it all. Below is our list of the best players' distance irons of 2025, starting off with our favourite.

The best players distance golf irons for 2025 

TaylorMade P790 

Key Features:

• Ultra high strength, high speed forged face material is 20% stronger than previous generations and provides an explosive sensation at impact.
• Individual head optimisation and FLTD CG™ for precise centre of gravity (CG) positioning generates increased carry distances with optimal launch and spin windows for better gapping through the set.
• Lower CG in the long irons enhances launch and playability, while a higher CG is designed to improve spin rates and control in the scoring clubs.
• Reprofiled with a thinner top line for a cleaner look in the playing position, and an increased sole radius with progressive leading edge designed for better turf interaction and impact location.

Price: £1069

Pros:

• Sleek new design is absolutely stunning
• Five-star power and forgiveness
• Premium feel and sound at impact

Cons:

• Performance improvement from 2021 is minimal

Without question, TaylorMade's P790 is still the clear No.1 in the Best Players Distance Irons market for 2025. 

The 2025 version represents an unquestionable upgrade over previous versions, particularly in sweet spot size, forgiveness and consistency.

Straight off the bat, we love the clean, premium aesthetics with the new TaylorMade P790 irons. Better players will certainly appreciate the more compact look and the added playability that comes with it. 

While feel is subjective, the performance gains are clear—spin retention, ball speed consistency, and distance control are all improved. We also enjoyed more more consistent spin throughout our testing and an improved launch even off-centre strikes. 

For golfers who want forgiveness in a premium package, the P790 remains one of the best players’ distance irons money can buy.

READ OUR FULL TAYLORMADE P790 IRON REVIEW

Titleist T250

Key Features:

• L-Face construction, lower CG and V-Taper design help improve ball speed and launch on off-centre and low-face strikes
• Improved Max Impact technology and progressive groove design deliver more consistent distance and spin
• Split high-density tungsten weighting allows for a strategically placed CG location to raise launch and carry over the T200

Price: £1179

Pros:

• Hollow body design delivers potent ball speeds
• Classic Titleist looks are superb
• Premium feel and sound

Cons:

• Sacrifices some workability in the name of distance

As the slight switch in model number suggests, the Titleist T250, introduced to replace the long-beloved T200, shifts the emphasis of the model further towards the distance end of Titleist's iron spectrum – the newly-introduced T150 filling the gap in the range for a slightly larger, more forgiving true players profile.

As such, Titleist have gone to greater lengths to up the distance and launch characteristics of the T250, keeping the same high-strength steel body construction while hiding tons of distance-enhancing tech under the hood. This hollow-body look is clean, if a little chunky, in the bag, but the T250 still presents like an elite iron at address, with a nice thin top line and Titleist's classically clean aesthetic

Much like other hollow body-constructed irons on the market, the ball feels hot off the face – with a punchier sensation compared to that of other forged irons Mizuno. This sensation is reflected in the excellent ball speeds and carry distance we were able to achieve.

Given Titleist's player and player distance irons tend to be favoured by better players, some may feel the added distance and forgiveness of the T250 comes at a cost of workability compared to the more balanced T200. They can, however, be readily fitted into a combo set with the T150 if you want more workability with the scoring clubs.

As such, we don't doubt the T250 will appeal to a broad range of golfers who want the look and feel of Titleist's tour level irons with plenty of hot tech lurking beneath.

Mizuno JPX925 Forged Irons 

Key Features:

• CORTECH Design and Contour Ellipse Face optimises ball speed across the entire face, ensuring consistent performance even on off-centre strikes.
• Grain Flow Forged HD from two materials in the long and short irons for precision, control, and that iconic buttery feel throughout the set.
• Triple Cut Sole is  gently bevelled for clean entry into the turf, a smooth exit and uninterrupted ball contact

Price: £1099

Pros: 

• Premium forged feel
• Remarkable consistency even off-centre strikes
• One of the best performing players distance irons of 2025

Cons: 

• An evolution rather than revolution on the former Mizuno JPX923 Forged Irons

The brand new Mizuno JPX925 Forged joins the family's already strong lineup for 2025, which includes the impressive JPX925 Hot Metal irons.

The JPX925 Forged iron is designed to compete with the TaylorMade P790 iron but with a distinct Mizuno touch. 

What we love so much about the new Mizuno JPX 925 Forged irons is that even on slight mishits, the feedback is clear without feeling harsh. It still delivers a solid shot, which is something many irons in this category fail to do.

A lot of players’ distance irons feel “punchy”—but Mizuno has found the perfect balance. The JPX 925 Forged combines strong ball speed with a premium forged feel, something few brands have managed to accomplish.

Looking at our testing data, the consistency was remarkable, even on off-centre strikes.

If you currently own the Mizuno JPX923 Forged irons, you likely don't need to rush for an upgrade—it’s an evolution rather than a revolution. However, if you're long overdue an upgrade, these should be right at the top of your list.

READ OUR FULL MIZUNO JPX925 FORGED IRONS REVIEW

Wilson Dynapower Forged

Key Features:

• Forged 8620 carbon steel design for great feel in a more compact profile
• Variable face thickness creates increased ball speeds across the face and improved forgiveness
• Power hole design in the 4-7 irons improve face flexion
• Lower CG and high MOI for greater forgiveness and high launch

Price: £749

Pros:

• Feel and sound are incredible
• Plenty of power and forgiveness on offer
• Chrome finish looks great
• Excellent value

Cons:

• Looks are a little bit on the game improvement side

Wilson's Dynapower Forged line offers stand out performance, sleek visuals and feel and sound that will leave you wanting to hit balls until the sun goes down.

Benefitting from variable face thickness, the Dynapower Forged irons deliver outstanding ball speeds from across the face, aiding both performance from the centre of the club face but also forgiveness from poor strikes.

The low CG and increased MOI also delivers a towering ball flight that ia accompanied by an incredibly satisfying noise and feel through impact.

Wilson has really upped it's game in recent years, and these irons are a perfect example of the best work the brand can do – even if the larger cavity and power holes take away from the overall presentation.

Coming in at under £800, these irons also offer excellent value for money, and would be an ideal fit for golfers all across the mid-handicap range.

READ OUR FULL WILSON DYNAPOWER FORGED REVIEW

Callaway Apex Ai200

Key Features:

• Strategically positioned MIM weighting: ensures optimal CG for ideal launch windows
• Forged face and body: deliver Tour-level sound and feel
• Forged 445 face cup: provides improved ball speeds from across the face

Price: £1199

Pros:

• We love the consistent styling throughout the Apex line
• Beautiful forged feel at impact
• Bags of shelf appeal

Cons:

• Soft forged head did get dented quite easily in the bag

Building upon the popular Apex line, Callaway's newest Ai200 irons fit perfectly into the player's distance category, retaining the popular styling of the Apex Pros with some added muscle and to improve both distance and forgiveness. 

Having tested the Apex Ai200s extensively, we were hugely impressed by the level of control and stability they offer. 

From across the face, we found that ball speeds, spin rates and start line remained very consistent, with a noticeable increase in forgiveness when compared to Callaway's Apex Pro irons. 

Aesthetically the Apex Ai200s look fantastic with a compact blade length reassuringly thick topline and a nice rounded toe, which looks fantastic at address and allows you to frame the ball easily.

All in all the Apex Ai200s are excellent players' distance irons and should be right at the top of your list to hit when you next visit a pro shop or golf retailer.

READ OUR FULL CALLAWAY APEX Ai200 IRONS REVIEW

Mizuno JPX 925 Hot Metal Pro

Key Features:

• ball speed and ensures maximum speed retention throughout the impact zone
• Tungsten weighting: positioned low in the 4-7 irons creates a higher launch with a lower sweet spot, producing a steeper landing angle
• Acoustic sound ribs: precisely dialled in vibration patterns for a solid, explosive impact sound

Price: £989

Pros:

• Deliver explosive speed and high launch
• Look fantastic in hand and at address
• Approachable price point for a Mizuno set

Cons:

• Looks are a bit chunky
• Occasional jumper shots are a slight cause for concern

Offering slightly more muscle behind the ball than other irons on this list, the Hot Metal Pros are built with power in mind, and that's exactly what they deliver. Mizuno has attempted to raise the COR rating across the face with the JPX line, and it's certainly succeeded in its aims.

These irons pack one hell of a punch, balancing a far hotter, more forgiving face, with an excellent price point. As such, they make an excellent entry point for the progressing player wanting the Mizuno experience and feel with tons of forgiveness packed in.

The issues we uncovered during testing were few and far between, however the odd jumper shot did cause a little bit of concern. They were also liable to produce the odd hot shot that flew an extra ten yards without warning, however we otherwise found the distance control on the hot metal pros was excellent.

They're far from the prettiest irons in Mizuno's iron stable, with a chunkier profile and a more pronounced cavity that pushes the looks towards the game improvement category. If, however, you want to add power to your game but still love a players distance profile, then these irons should certainly be tested at your next fitting.

READ OUR FULL MIZUNO JPX 925 HOT METAL PRO IRONS REVIEW

PXG 0311 GEN7

Key Features

• 5X Forged: from 8620 steel for enhanced feel and aesthetics
• Precision weighting technology: large centre weight can be altered to dial in the ideal swing weight
• Internal Tungsten weighting: balances the CG in the centre of the face while boosting MOI to increase forgiveness

Price: £1014

Pros

• Refined aesthetics look superb
• Excellent customisation available
• Hot ball speeds

Cons

• Sole width is quite thick for a players iron

Available in both the 0311P and the slightly thicker, more forgiving O311XP, PXG's Gen 7 irons continue to impress, building on the brand’s reputation for high-quality player’s irons. Forged five times from 8620 steel, they feature internal Tungsten weighting and PXG’s precision weighting technology, designed to create an optimal balance between performance and forgiveness.

Targeted at golfers with handicaps from scratch to 15, these irons offer a premium feel and a forgiving experience, even for less-than-perfect ball strikers.

A key visual update for the GEN7 is the cleaner design, with hidden weights enhancing the sleek look. The refined top line, sharp toe profile, and minimal offset give the irons a visually striking presence at address. Available in chrome and black finishes, they appeal to golfers who prioritise aesthetics along with performance.

The performance of these irons is equally impressive. The new face is 15% thinner than the Gen 6, producing a hot, forged sensation on impact, even for off-centre strikes.

During testing, the irons delivered improved distance, spin control, and forgiveness, surpassing expectations. The ability to customise swing weight through PXG’s unique removable weight system adds a level of precision not available with many other brands.

Overall, both PXG GEN7 irons deliver a powerful combination of distance, control, and forgiveness, making them an excellent choice for golfers seeking premium performance.

With more reasonable pricing and standout custom fitting options – including the opportunity to combo the two models in the same set – these irons offer a full package worth considering.

READ OUR FULL PXG GEN7 IRONS REVIEW

How do players distance irons compare to traditional game improvement irons in terms of performance?

A player’s distance iron is a category of golf iron designed for skilled players who want a balance of distance, control, and workability. 

These irons typically feature a compact head, thinner top line, and reduced offset compared to game-improvement irons, but they incorporate modern technology and stronger lofts to maximise distance without sacrificing feel. 

Overall, players distance irons provide forgiveness while maintaining a traditional blade-like appearance, and despite the name, tend to provide more controlled, consistent launch and distance compared to ultra-hot game improvement irons. 

Which golfing styles benefit most from using players distance irons?

Ideal for mid-handicap golfers, player’s distance irons help bridge the gap between pure blades and forgiving game-improvement clubs, and have become increasingly popular both with lower-handicap players wanting more forgiveness in their long irons, as well as game improvers wanting to progress into an iron with better shot-shaping characteristics.

What are the key metrics to consider when choosing a players distance iron?

Like any golf club, finding the right balance with a new set of players distance irons comes down to a number of different performance indicators. We'd recommend taking a look at the following stats when embarking on a new fitting process:

Distance

Distance isn't everything when it comes to golf clubs, however players distance irons are referred to as such for a reason. Players distance irons should help you find the perfect balance between workability, forgiveness and distance, which can mean a number of things depending on your current irons.

Better players wanting to work a players distance iron into their set should ensure that the added power of a players distance iron doesn't add excessive carry and distance compared to a more workable player's iron. Conversely, game improvers used to playing very hot, long game improvement irons should look out for significant drop offs in distance and adjust their yardages to suit.

Moment of Inertia (MOI)

This term refers to the behaviour of our club face and how the club resists opening and closing. It is a measurement of a club’s resistance to twisting.

A high MOI golf club will be more forgiving than a low MOI golf club because it will be less likely to twist by the time the face connects with the ball.

When your club face hits the ball from the heel and the toe, this causes the club to twist and this ends in a loss of distance in most instances.

High MOI makes the club more resistant to twisting and increases the success and quality of off-centre strikes.

Spin rates

As a general rule of thumb, players distance irons will generate more spin than game-improvement irons and less spin than true players irons, particularly in the short game. As always, the goal here is to get a set of clubs that produce the right amount of spin for the launch and landing angle, with shallower landing angles requiring more spin to get the ball to stop effectively on the greens. 

Optimising spin rates can often be just as much about adjusting your choice of golf ball and iron shafts as it is the club itself, while factors like swing speed and depth also make a huge difference in determining a player's ability to produce spin. 

Different players distance irons can, however, generate marked differences in the amount of spin they produce, so it's worth testing a number of different models to determine what helps you generate the optimal spin rates to suit your game..

Launch and landing angle

Optimising both launch and descent angles of the golf ball is vital to locking in the right flight for your irons, and can often come down not just to the head itself, but the choice of shaft, offset and lie angle the irons are equipped with. 

Players distance irons are designed to provide a balance between distance in the longer game and control on scoring shots, making it vital to getting a set of players distance irons that hits certain degrees of launch and descent angle depending on the loft of club used.

Sound and feel

The feel of your irons is very important. Regardless of whether you find the middle of the club face, you want a buttery feel from the irons and a satisfying connection.

Many features can contribute to the feel of your irons such as the type of shaft, the grip and the materials used in the club head.

The sound of your irons might not seem like an important aspect, but you don’t want to spend a fortune on your new collection and have them sound like a frying pan.

It is a feature that can become annoying if you play a lot of golf. When you hit an iron out the middle and the ball is soaring towards the hole, the last thing you want is the echo of a horrible sound that lingers each time.

Centre of gravity, or CG for short, is the point in the club head where the weight is concentrated and balanced. This is usually found in the middle of the club head.

The centre of gravity is placed lower in the club head in bladed and player’s irons which is why it is so hard to hit these clubs. This is because if the CG is off-centre, this puts more side spin on the ball.

Players with high handicaps or slower swing speeds are suited to irons with a higher CG. These details essentially summarise why it is so important to be custom fitted and in possession of all the facts.

How can a golfer determine the right loft and lie angle for their players distance irons?

Loft refer to the angle of each of your irons. This is fairly straightforward. For example, the most lofted club you can get your hands on is a 64-degree wedge and at the other end of the spectrum, you can buy drivers of eight or nine degrees.

The lie in an iron refers to the angle made by the line of the bottom of the shaft and the ground. A club with more lie has a shaft that points towards the ground at a steep angle.

The lie can impact how steep your swing is. A high lie angle could cause you to stand closer to the ball than an iron with a lower lie angle.

If you have a steep swing plane, you will want more lie in your irons. If you have a steep swing plane, this is suited to irons with a lower lie.

An indication of the correct feel of your irons is simple. If you look down at address and the bottom of the club is lying perfectly flat and the middle is facing the target, then this is the lie for you.

If your irons lie at an angle where the heel or the toe hits the ground before the middle of the club face, this is when your ball flights can be skewed. Once again, this is another feature that can be altered in a custom fitting.