If you consider yourself to be a mid handicapper and seek more forgiveness to improve your game, then this list for the best irons for mid handicapper is for you.
We know that buying a new set of irons can come with a hefty price tag, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
This is more true for the mid handicapper than any other player because most golfers can practically use every option in most brands ranges with some type of success.
If you are a golfer within the mid handicap range, getting the best golf irons to meet your needs can be daunting. However, with a little help from our guide below, you will be able to find the best irons for mid handicappers to fit both your budget and skill level.
Highly Recommended
Callaway Apex 21 Irons
- Sleek looking irons
- Great feel and sound at impact
- Increased ball speeds and distance
- Good forgiveness
Our Top Picks : Irons for Mid Handicapper
- Top Choice: Callaway Apex 21 irons
- Runner up: TaylorMade Sim 2 Max Irons
- Premium Pick: Mizuno JPX921 Forged Irons
- Best for long ball flight: TaylorMade P790 Irons
- Best value: Callaway Mavrik Irons
- Best for distance: Taylormade Golf M6 Irons
- Top pick for women: Wilson Staff Launch Pad Iron Set
- Top pick for seniors: Cleveland Golf launcher Turbo HB Iron Set
Quick Answers: Best Irons For Mid Handicap
1. Callaway Apex 21 Irons
Top Choice
Callaway is a leader when it comes to providing some of the best golf irons for mid handicappers. The predecessor to the Apex 21, the Apex 19, was a hugely popular and extremely successful model for Callaway.
They were determined to up the ante with the Callaway Apex 21 model and they did deliver and provided a set that is superior in several important ways.
A quick glance at the Apex 21 line and you know that you’re dealing with some serious golf clubs. These are beautiful irons with a classy and elegant appearance.
In addition to the appealing aesthetics, there are a few things Callaway has done that contribute to the wonderful feel and sound you get at impact.
First, the head is 100% forged, using mild 1025 carbon steel. As a result, shots feel solid but have an almost pleasingly “cushioned” feel.
Second, Callaway has placed into the hollow-head what they refer to as Urethane Microspheres. These microspheres absorb some of the unwanted vibration at impact, adding to the smooth, soft feel you get when you hit a shot. They also play a role in providing the club’s great sound.
For the first time in an Apex iron, Callaway used sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) computer technology to design and engineer the club face they refer to as the Flash Face Cup.
The unique Flash Face architecture in each iron creates a high “Coefficient of Restitution,” which pertains to how fast the ball comes off the face at impact. The high COR on the Apex 21 means there are fast ball speeds, which translates into added distance.
Overall, the Callaway Apex 21 is one of the top irons with stunning looks, great sound and feel, impressive distance, and some forgiveness on less than perfect shots. That’s a pretty tough combination to beat. We highly recommend these irons for our mid-handicap readers.
Note: If you are at the lower mid handicap range between 10-15 handicap, there’s a trend that has been gaining popularity and that could be a great solution for you:
Putting together a “combo” set in which the shorter irons (perhaps the 7-iron through the PW) consist of better-players clubs, while the longer irons (3-iron through 6-iron) include more forgiving irons from a game-improvement model.
This scenario might result in a mix combo set that combines the Apex Pro 21 irons for the short irons, along with the standard Apex 21 (non-Pro) irons in the low end of the bag.
Callaway Apex 21 Irons Features:
- AI Designed Flash Face Cup that promotes high ball speeds across the entire face
- Strategically positioned tungsten weights that produce an optimized center of Gravity in each golf club
- Produces an excellent distance with an incredibly soft feel
- It combines power and control nicely together to compliment any golfers swing
Specs
- Hand Orientation – Left or Right
- Shaft Material – Graphite or Steel
- Flex – Regular, Stiff, or Light
2. TaylorMade SIM 2 Max Golf Irons
Runner up
TaylorMade has really stepped up to the tee with its latest sets of golf irons, with one, in particular, standing out for mid-handicappers is the TaylorMade Sim 2 Max Golf Irons.
There is the perfect combination of golf clubs in this iron set for maximum game improvement. We were impressed by how easy it was to hit with this iron set from almost every lie.
We especially liked the Thru-Slot Speed Pocket on the club head’s sole, which lets the face flex more, in a trampoline-like effect. This results in increased ball speeds off the face, and that means greater distance.
What we liked most:
- The reduced friction with the grass at impact from its v-shaped designed soleplate.
- These are basically long irons created to harmonize; the sound is off the charts with these golf clubs.
- From heel to toe on the face, you’ll enjoy the ECHO Damping System, which provides exceptional distance with its forged steel.
- Optimized accuracy with the inverted Conte technology designing.
- Well-made Lamkin Crossline 360 long-lasting grip.
Specs
- Hand Orientation – Left or Right
- Shaft Material – Graphite or Steel
- Flex – Regular, Senior, or Stiff
3. Mizuno JPX 921 Forged Irons
Our Premium Pick
If you’re looking for high-quality performance in every form, then the Mizuno JPX921 Forged Irons are definitely worth checking out. These were designed to integrate the power of Chromoly into a full-body Forged iron for the very first time. This was initially applied in Mizuno’s other irons, but now Chromoly has made the cross over.
We were impressed to discover that these mid handicap irons’ testing showed the fastest ball speeds Mizuno has ever produced from a fully Forged iron.
Plus, the integration of Chromoly 4120 allowed the clubface to be up to 0.5mm thinner, which ultimately delivers the fastest ball speeds.
What we liked most:
- The additional perimeter weighting with toe bias created a more stable frame.
- Maximized results stemming from the off-center strikes.
- Super fast ball speeds with a thinner face.
- Very low and deep center of gravity.
- How the wider CNC back milled slot helped increase stability.
Specs
- Hand Orientation – Right
- Shaft Material – Steel
- Flex – Regular, Stiff, or Extra Stiff
4. TaylorMade P790 Irons
Top pick for increased ball flight
This TaylorMade P790 iron set will appeal to a broad range of mid handicap golfers. They offer an exceptional blend of both forgiveness and distance in a nicely sized compact clubhead. In addition, the use of the tungsten weighting helps to further assist the forgiveness, along with the inverted cone face.
We loved how the clubhead’s speed pocket design was created to provide further forgiveness and more consistency. While at the same time, the use of the SpeedFoam actually dampens the vibration, creating an awesome feel at impact and an interesting sound not often heard from these types of golf clubs.
We were able to consistently hit long and straight ball flights with zero issues even though the ball is extremely fast off the face of these irons.
What we liked most:
- Small and compact design that offers maximum forgiveness
- Delivers incredible distance with minimal effort
- Each iron’s body is constructed of forged hollow
- Incredibly low profile Tungsten weighting
- Flexible speed pocket design for maximized ball speeds
Specs
- Hand Orientation – Left or Right
- Shaft Material – Graphite or Steel
- Flex – Regular, Stiff, or Extra Stiff
5. Callaway Mavrik Fairway Iron Set
Best Value
If you bounce back and forth between low and mid handicap, then one of the best iron sets for the low to mid handicappers is by far the Callaway Mavrik Irons.
They have an excellent compact shape, plus they are aimed at the players that are looking for a little more control. Plus, you can quickly locate the position of CG and benefit from optimal launches.
We loved the lighter satin chrome finish, the players’ profile behind the ball was fantastic, and the custom tungsten-infused weights offered remarkable precision.
Regardless of being mid handicap players, you can still benefit from all the impressive technologies that are featured in the Mavrik range.
What we liked most:
- Flash face design on these best mid handicap irons was created by a ‘super computer’ with advanced technologies.
- Every loft delivers a significant boost in ball speed.
- The architecture of the sophisticated face offers an optimized spin.
- Sleek and aesthetically appealing design.
- Exceptional workability on every shot with the 360 Face Cup.
Specs
- Hand Orientation – Left or Right
- Material – Alloy Steel
- Shaft Material – Graphite or Steel
- Flex – Regular or Stiff
6. Wilson Staff Launch Pad Golf Iron Set
Top Pick for Women
The Wilson Staff Launch Pad Irons are often underestimated when it comes to choosing the best irons for mid handicap women golfers. However, the margin for the strike is much larger on an iron like this, and if you’re a senior woman who has been struggling with consistency, you’re going to want to check out this set of irons.
We really loved the way the design of these clubs prevented the sole from digging into the turf before any impact with the ball. This is something you don’t find often, and we definitely appreciated it.
What we liked most:
- Superb Accuracy
- Extra Assistance From the Wide Sole
- Perfect for Beginners and Advanced Players
- Longer Irons (4-6) Offered More Forgiveness
- Consistent Ball Striking and Greater Distance
Specs
- Hand Orientation – Right or Left
- Shaft Material – Steel
- Flex – Ladies, Regular, Senior, or Stiff
7. TaylorMade M6 Irons
Top Pick For Distance and Forgiveness
When it comes to manufacturing some of the best golf clubs around, you will always find TaylorMade at the top of the list. These mid handicap irons are no exception, and the Taylormade Golf M6 Iron set will meet your expectations and then some with its speed bridge technology.
We are definitely a fan of how these golf irons for mid handicappers felt throughout the playtime and how we could easily control them and still achieve exceptional distance. Even our mis-hits had incredible ball speed thanks to the revolutionary technology of the speed pocket.
If your biggest concern is distance-orientated performance and forgiveness, then these mid handicap irons are certainly the way to go!
What we liked most:
- The enormous sweet spot that surrounds the entire clubface
- Increased ball speed thanks to the speed pocket technology
- Extraordinary forgiveness on every swing
- Launch angle and ball speed boosted by the lower CG
- Minimal vibrations from the advanced HYBRAR compression damper
Specs
- Hand Orientation – Left or Right
- Shaft Material – Graphite
- Flex – Regular
8. Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo HB Iron Set
Top Pick For Slow Swing Speeds
If you are a senior golfer, you’re probably looking for the best golf irons with maximum forgiveness. This Cleveland Golf launcher Turbo HB Iron Set is ideal for the senior golfer who wants to increase both their ball speed and distance.
You’ll enjoy a thinner and hotter high-strength turbocharged steel clubface that delivers in every aspect.
We thoroughly enjoyed the redesigned low and deep weighted HI Bore Crown, which allowed more playability and a much higher ball flight, something most senior golfers would appreciate.
Due to the graphite shaft design, your swing movement will be nothing short of perfect each time you choose to use this set of irons.
What we liked most:
- Incredibly lightweight graphite shafts
- The simple transition between the long and short irons thanks to the progressive hollow shaping
- Turbocharged clubface capabilities deliver insane distance, even for senior golfers
- Easier to hit due to the low deep weighting in the crown
- Classic style
Specs
- Hand Orientation – Left or Right
- Shaft Material – Graphite or Steel
- Flex – Senior, Regular, or Stiff
Buying Guide for Best Irons for Mid Handicappers
Most mid handicap golfers realize it’s time to upgrade their set of irons when they aren’t able to reach their full potential any longer with the golf clubs they’ve been using.
It’s kind of like riding a bike; once you’ve learned that your set of irons can help you with your game improvement and playability, you start to desire an upgrade.
We’ve all been there, starting out on the golf course with some buddies and just messing around for fun. Shooting an eight or more on one hole wasn’t really a big deal until we realized that the sport of golf could be much more than just a play date.
Now that you’ve decided to take the game more seriously, it’s time to invest in the best irons for the mid handicapper.
Below you will find the answers to your burning questions and all the resources needed to assist you in making a decision on your next set of golf irons for mid handicappers.
When Should You Buy a New Set of Irons?
This can seem like a tricky question, but the answer is quite simple. If you’re still shooting with your old set of irons that you’ve had since day one, it’s definitely time to consider getting a new iron set.
The same goes for old or outdated irons, and these aren’t doing you any favors out on the course.
Another thing to consider is how you feel about your current set of irons. If you don’t love or even like the iron set you have, the chances are that will show in how well you play the game.
If you think about it, you’ll actually be using your irons about 50% of the time, and if you dread pulling out those old golf clubs, it’s time to invest in some new ones.
ALSO READ: How to Clean Golf Clubs
How to Choose the Best Irons for a Mid Handicapper
If you’ve just reached the point where your old set of irons isn’t doing your game any favors, then it’s probably the ideal time to start looking for a new iron set that matches your skill level.
This is the best way to improve your overall game experience and benefit from all the incredible technologies most manufacturers are now offering.
Consider the following when looking to buy the best golf irons:
- Game Improvement
- Ball Speed and Distance
- Sweet Spot
- Offset Hosel
- Shot Shaping
- Speed Pocket
- Speed Bridge Technology
- Launch Angle
- Face Cup Technology
- Low Center of Gravity
We know that’s a lot to take in, so we will make this easy for you to understand what’s really important when choosing the best irons for the mid handicapper. You’ll want to look for the following characteristics:
Design
You’ll want your set of irons to be cavity-backed, which promotes a wider sweet spot on the clubface.
Hosel
Look for the offset hosel; this will help promote a much straighter ball flight.
Weighting
Check for perimeter weighting that increases the sweet spot and has more game improvement.
Forgiveness
You want your new set of irons to have the right amount of forgiveness; this enables you to have more playability.
Length
When looking to buy a new set of the best irons for mid handicapper, you should not need any iron longer than the five iron, then follow through to your pitching wedge and consider adding a sand wedge.
In fact, most iron sets these days don’t even come with a three or four iron because of how difficult they are to hit with.
Your Swing Speed
Lastly, consider your swing speed before buying a set of irons. Knowing your swing speed and skill level will help immensely when looking for golf irons for mid handicappers.
Is There a Difference Between Iron Sets for Mid Handicappers and Low handicaps?
Indeed, the most significant difference is the blades or the muscle backs that are for the low handicap golfer who thinks they need to upgrade to the pro style set of irons.
This would be a colossal mistake for a mid handicapper since they need a set of irons that works for them, not against them.
The mid handicap irons should never include a three iron, and you should stay away from irons that have zero cavity back. Mid handicap golfers should also avoid any irons that are labeled with these characteristics:
- Pro
- MB
- Tour
- Blade
- Players Irons
- Muscle Back
If you want a nice set of irons that have the appearance of blades but are designed for the mid handicap golfers, we suggest you check out the Cobra King Forged Tec Irons.
These best irons for mid handicapper appeal to all golfers, including ladies and seniors, because they boast the appearance of a blade but deliver like a game improvement iron. These mid handicap irons provide the ideal balance of distance and precision.
What Gives Mid Handicappers The Forgiveness They Need?
There are two things that play a huge factor in how much forgiveness an iron set will provide. If you are a mid handicap golfer, you’ll want to pay attention to the following:
Shaft Material
Your mid handicap irons shafts are imperative to your game and can easily dictate how well you will be able to control your set of irons. Shafts typically come in either graphite or steel.
Keep in mind that as a general rule, for mid handicap irons, the steel shafts are usually the better choice for a vast amount of golfers.
However, merely going to your local golf range or pro shop and getting your swing analyzed is highly recommended.
The best golf irons for mid handicap golfers are generally made of steel, even though it is a little heavier. The main reason is that the main idea is it usually improves the club’s feel, and you have more control than the lighter and more flexible graphite shafts.
The main idea when trying to choose the right shaft is knowing that most golfers do not need an extra flex on their golf irons, so sticking with a regular to stiff steel shaft is usually the best solution.
Club Head Design
Just like the shaft, the clubhead usually comes in two design options. You’ll see both the cavity back or the muscle back, aka blade irons.
Cavity Back
The Cavity back golf irons are known to have considerably more forgiveness from both the ball and the ground due to how they are weighted.
Muscle back
Muscle back or blade irons have the majority of their weight located directly behind the sweet spot.
This comes with the big assumption that the mid handicap player can consistently hit that sweet spot.
So, as you probably already know, most mid handicappers benefit from having a more weighted perimeter. This can save the player who still has their fair share of mishits, a lot of stress, and disappointment.
What Does Tungsten Weighted or Infused Mean?
Since you probably have seen or already heard the word weight mentioned quite a few times when it comes to finding the best golf irons we should explain why this plays a significant part in some players’ decisions when looking to buy a new set of irons.
Some mid handicap golfers prefer an iron set that is heavier than steel. So, it isn’t unusual to see a mid handicap golfer opting for a set of irons that are tungsten weighted or infused.
The biggest reason some mid handicap golfers prefer to use weighted irons is that it makes it even easier to correct a shot once you realize you have made a mistake on your shot.
How Important is the Offset Hosel for Mid Handicap Golfers?
Generally speaking, it comes to mid handicap golfers choosing their irons; the more offset offered by the mid handicap irons, the farther you’ll find the head’s center of gravity is on the golf iron’s shaft.
And, of course, the more distant the center of gravity is from the golf iron’s shaft, the higher the trajectory of your ball will be.
This means that if you struggle with getting your golf ball up in the air with some of your shots, then you would benefit from golf irons for mid handicappers that will offer you more offset.
In fact, if you check some of the most forgiving forged irons, like our pick above, the TaylorMade P790 iron set, you’ll notice that this iron set has offset hosels.
What Does ‘Leading Edge’ Mean?
If you have a friend who is a mid handicap golfer and you’ve heard them talk about an iron set with a leading edge, then you might be wondering what that actually means. Typically this refers to the club’s bottom edge.
You’ll find there are mid handicap golfers who actually look for a set of irons with the leading edge because it is known to help with blading the golf ball, aka skulling.
It’s really only a good option if you are about to do a flop shot or a lob. If you’re still relatively new to the game of golf, there is no need to focus on this type of bottom yet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is considered a mid handicapper?
In the game of golf, you are considered a better golfer if your handicap is on the lower side vs. any of the upper sides. For example, if you play with a buddy who maybe has a handicap of 9 or so and your handicap is 5 or 6, you would definitely be considered the better golfer.
Generally speaking, the mid handicapper golfer is someone who plays with a handicap that falls somewhere between 11 and 20; however, since there aren’t any official level definitions, you might find that some people adjust these numbers slightly.
This typically means that you can score somewhere in the 80s during each round and usually break 90 in about every other match you play.
Q2. What are the best irons for an average golfer?
Suppose you’ve been hitting the greens for quite some time now and putting in your dues at the driving range and playing eighteens whenever the opportunity arises.
In that case, you’re probably ready to trade in your old iron set for a brand new set of the best irons for mid handicapper.
This is where the average golfer starts to see how the best irons for mid handicapper could be beneficial to their game. We chose the Taylormade Golf M6 Iron set as our top pick for the mid handicap golfers because it will meet the average golfer’s expectations and then some with its speed bridge technology.
Q3. Should a mid handicapper play blades?
We all see the professional golfers pull out a blade and watch their balls take flight and head directly down the green, but not every low handicapper and certainly not a mid handicapper is ready to take that leap.
When you use a blade, you’re excluding all the available technologies that the mid handicap iron set gives you.
We won’t tell you a mid handicapper can’t use a blade or a muscle back, but we will tell you that if you want to have more playability and enjoy the game of golf, you’ll want to practice more and work on hitting before attempting to play with a blade.
However, if you’re gung-ho on using a blade, we suggest borrowing one (not buying) and take it to the driving range or out on the course when it’s just for fun and see how well you handle the blade or muscle back. We promise we won’t tell you we told you so!
Q4. What are the best golf irons for a 10 handicapper?
If you’re consistently holding a handicap of ten or a little higher, you are right in the zone for being the poster child of the mid handicapper.
Don’t get us wrong, this is a great place to be, and the only place to go from there with practice is lower. The mid handicapper brings a lot to the table and should not be underestimated.
All of our top picks above are perfect for the mid handicap golfers, however; we particularly like the Mizuno JPX921 Forged Irons for the mid handicapper who is a 10 handicap simply because you can handle the faster ball speeds and might get more enjoyment out of the flexibility these golf clubs offer.
Q5. How Cavity-Back Irons Boost the Performance of Mid-Handicappers
The best irons for mid handicap offer the cavity back merely because it has a larger sweet spot. These can typically be designated to a section of the clubface, or the sweet spot can cover the entire face of the club.
This helps enhance the game improvement and gives the mid handicap golfers a better playing experience.
For example, our top pick, the Taylormade Golf M6 Iron set, has a massive sweet spot that covers the club’s entire face. If your biggest concern is distance-orientated performance and forgiveness, then these mid handicap irons are certainly the way to go!
Q6. What makes an iron set forgiving for mid handicappers?
The best golf irons that cater to most mid handicap golfers have the same types of design characteristics. They are typically cavity-backed to give the mid handicap golfers a broader, thus much more forgiving sweet spot.
They have been designed to include the offset hosel, which promotes straighter shots.
Plus, the mid handicap irons are customarily integrated with perimeter weighting that further increase that incredible sweet spot.
Q7. Which Set of Iron should I Be Playing With?
Regardless of what handicap you are, the choice is going to be based solely on your skill level and personal preference, even for the mid handicappers.
Given all the options that we’ve provided above, you can easily find the best irons for mid handicapper based on many different scenarios.
We suggest you take the time to try and compare some similar golf clubs before you make your final decision. This way, you will find the best set of irons that not only match your needs but ones that you will also enjoy playing with for many years.
In Conclusion
If you’re in the market for some of the best golf irons for mid handicapper, then you should consider checking out our top pick, Callaway Apex 21 irons.
These golf irons for mid handicappers are known for their precision, excellent forgiveness, and exceptional speed.
However, our runner ups will also help you obtain the results you desire when being a mid handicap golfer. Both the Mizuno JPX921 Forged Iron Set and the TaylorMade SIM 2 Max irons made our list because they offer characteristics that other brands miss and are extremely important to the way a mid handicapper plays golf.
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