The Blueprint T possesses a combination of high launch and spin that enhances workability and control.
Jonathan Wall/GOLF
For as often as we highlight irons with stupendous ball speeds and generous sweetspots, it’s important to remember the golfers who possess a single-digit handicap and don’t necessarily need all the bells and whistles that come with a game-improvement or players-distance offering.
For the golfer who knows their carry numbers — an additional 5-10 yards isn’t needed — and prioritizes workability and control above all else, we offer a list of models designed to do that.
As you’ll notice below, the Golf Laboratories swing robot found 5 irons that possess a high launch angle and high spin rate, two things needed to work the ball on command — provided ball-striking is one of your strong suits. Muscleback and smaller cavity-back irons offer little off-center ball speed retention, so you need to know what you’re doing before springing for something with a noticeably compact profile.
If you’re a better player, this robotic insights report is most definitely for you. Let’s go to the numbers.
(How we calculate: Each 7-iron is tested at 80 mph using three-point face mapping. We hit six balls from each location on the face — heel, toe and geometric center — and then came up with an average launch angle and spin rate based on the 18 strikes.)
***
Mizuno Pro 241 | 21.1 degrees (launch angle) and 6,630 RPMs (spin rate)
Wilson Staff Model Blade | 20 degrees and 6,690 RPMs
Wilson Staff Model Blade Custom Irons
Tour-proven performance is the hallmark of the Wilson Staff Model Blades. Designed for advanced players looking for the ultimate control, the Blades feature soft Forged 8620 carbon steel with precision-milled grooves that generate maximum spin. Precise toe weighting keeps the club face open until impact allows it to square with the ball, helping to eliminate hooks and resulting in more forgiving shots.
THE PURSUIT OF PURE
The finest clubs in our bag have proven their worth on tour and every course they play. Wilson Staff Model Blades offer absolute control to the advanced golfer, allowing them to shape each shot precisely as they see fit.
PRECISE TOE WEIGHTING
Eliminating the low left shot, the precise toe weighting keeps the club face open while maximizing forgiveness and ultimate control shot after shot.
FLUID FEEL HOSEL
Designed to eliminate unused weight, the Staff Model Blade hosel is an adaptation of our classic Wilson Dyna-Powered irons. It redistributes weight toward the toe, elevating its overall performance.
Wilson Staff Model CB | 19.9 degrees and 6,592 RPMs
Wilson Staff Model CB Custom Irons
Tour-proven performance is the hallmark of the Wilson Staff Model CB Irons. Designed for advanced players looking for the ultimate control, the CB feature soft Forged 8620 carbon steel with precision-milled grooves that generate maximum spin. Precise toe weighting keeps the club face open until impact allows it to square with the ball, helping to eliminate hooks and resulting in more forgiving shots.
THE PURSUIT OF PURE
The finest clubs in our bag have proven their worth on tour and every course they play. Wilson Staff Model Blades offer absolute control to the advanced golfer, allowing them to shape each shot precisely as they see fit.
PRECISE TOE WEIGHTING
Eliminating the low left shot, the precise toe weighting keeps the club face open while maximizing forgiveness and ultimate control shot after shot.
FLUID FEEL HOSEL
Designed to eliminate unused weight, the Staff Model Blade hosel is an adaptation of our classic Wilson Dyna-Powered irons. It redistributes weight toward the toe, elevating its overall performance.
FORGED 8620 CARBON STEEL + PRECISION MILLED FACE
One of the softest materials on the market, the Forged 8620 Carbon Steel provides instant feedback and on demand workability. Allowing longer ball to face contact, the precision milling face pattern gives the player a more consistent spin and increased stopping power.
For the accomplished golfer who relies on control and precision, Blueprint T delivers a single-piece, 8620 carbon steel forging that puts a premium on workability, trajectory control and superb feel.
SHORTER HEEL-FACE
Allows the hosel transition to blend smoothly into the top rail, creating a clean, distraction-free appearance at address. The narrow soles enable consistent turf interaction from all conditions.
MOI BOOSTED
Save for the slight MOI boost from tungsten toe screw and tip weights, it’s a purely forged iron, concentrating mass through the impact zone to ensure a pleasing sound and feel with the workability to take on any shot.
Jockey Tip: The lofts match the Blueprint S and i230 irons to allow golfers to create blended sets within PING’s precision iron offerings.
Developed following extensive testing with PING’s top tour pros to meet their “must haves” — control and precision — Blueprint S delivers the score-lowering performance demanded by the best players in the world.
COMPACT SHAPE
The compact shape fits the discerning eye with a thin top line and minimal offset. The 8620 carbon steel head boasts a clean cavity design, distinguished by an eye-catching forged textured pattern and hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish.
PRECISION POCKET FORGING
This patented forging technique allows PING to forge a pocket into the cavity of the 3, 4 and 5 irons. The pocket saves 10 grams of weight, which is re-allocated to increase the MOI and optimize the center of gravity position for more distance and trajectory control.
Jonathan Wall is GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s Managing Editor for Equipment. Prior to joining the staff at the end of 2018, he spent 6 years covering equipment for the PGA Tour. He can be reached at jonathan.wall@golf.com.
