Callaway Elyte Irons Review

Callaway Elyte Irons Key Features:

• Speed Frame construction allows additional patented urethane microspheres to deliver exceptional sound and feel
• New Ai10x Face delivers 10x more control points than the Ai Smart Face.
• Tri-sole design features three distinct sections to ensure fast, smooth turf interaction

Callaway has really pushed the boat out this year with the launch of its new Elyte irons range, with three new models, the core Elyte, Elyte X and Elyte HL. In this review, I will focus on the core model.

In years gone by, when brands launched a set of irons alongside their metal wood line, they have often been aimed at high handicappers in the game improvement sector.

However, this year, Callaway’s Elyte line looks to be aimed at a wider golfing audience, thanks to the three models available.

We will get on to looks shortly, but due to the profile, feel, and performance these irons possess, they could be used by a much broader audience of golfers than their predecessors, the Paradym Ai Smoke irons.

The key tech features packed into these irons include a new Speed Frame Construction that allows additional microspheres to be placed in the head for improved sound and feel, a new Ai10x face that delivers greater control, and a new Tri Sole design that Callaway claims will improve turf interaction.   

To see how these irons perform, I took them out on the course before digging deep into the data at Custom Golf Works.

Let’s get into it.

Player Level

These irons fit neatly just between a player's distance and game improvement iron, meaning a broad range of golfers could utilise them. I will stick my neck out and say anyone playing off a handicap between 10 and 30 could see excellent results using the Elyte core model.

Callaway Elyte Irons Looks and Feel

Irons that are released in tandem with metal woods don’t have a great reputation for good looks. However, these irons are absolutely gorgeous.

Starting with the back of the head, Callaway has opted for a really sleek design, which features a series of metallic panels with a variety of textures. The combination and finish is very clean, and one of the best we’ve seen so far in 2025.

Sometimes brands slightly over-complicate head designs, adding unnecessary additional colours and graphics, but Callaway has kept it simple this year and the decision has really paid off.

At address, these irons have a refined topline and three degrees of offset in the seven iron, which gives the head a lovely flow.

The chrome finish looks very premium sat behind the ball, and the generous blade length makes the ball easy to square with the club face.

In terms of feel, these irons certainly benefit from the new Speed Frame construction, which has allowed more urethane microspheres to be placed in the head. The feel is punchy yet soft, and you receive good feedback from across the face.

Typically, game improvement irons can feel quite clunky and hollow. However, in contrast to their competitors, the Elyte irons feel very premium and solid, producing a sensation typically reserved for players irons.

There is power in this head, and you feel every gram of it from a centred strike.

Callaway Elyte Irons Performance and Forgiveness

I was honestly surprised by just how powerful these irons are. The profile is quite refined, but they pack some serious heat under the hood.

As you can see from the numbers above, they can deliver really impressive ball speeds, which translate to long carry distances as a result of the slightly lower-than-optimal spin rates.

Typically, with a seven iron in hand, I would like the spin rates to stay consistent at about 6,500. However, considering who these irons are built for, I was pretty content with closer to 5k.

I hit numerous shots with the Elyte irons and bar the truly horrendous strikes from way out of the toe or extremely low on the face, the performance I received was dependable and very impressive.

I was able to consistently fly the ball close to 190 yards, which in reality is slightly longer than I might need, but it gives you a good idea of the additional help these irons can offer to someone who wants to gain a bit of extra distance from just the equipment they use.

Forgiveness was another area in which these irons impressed, and I found that from out of the heel or toe, there was a drop in spin and carry distance, but nothing out of the ordinary.

When you combine the power, feel, forgiveness and looks these irons offer, there is so much to love.

I genuinely don’t get that excited about irons launched in tandem with metal wood lines, but the Elyte irons have given me cause for celebration.

Should you buy the Callaway Elyte Irons?

The short answer is yes. If you’re a golfer who plays off anywhere from 10 up to 30, then these irons offer the full package.

Superb looks, serious power and surprising workability, are just three of the many reasons why I think the Elyte irons will prove to be one of the best releases of the year in 2025.

Costing £167 per club, these irons come in at a premium price point, but you get exactly what you pay for: a set that delivers across the board and looks absolutely beautiful.