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.)
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Mizuno Pro 241 | 21.1 degrees (launch angle) and 6,630 RPMs (spin rate)
Mizuno Pro 241 Custom Irons
$200
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Wilson Staff Model Blade | 20 degrees and 6,690 RPMs
Wilson Staff Model Blade 2024 Custom Irons
$171.43
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Wilson Staff Model CB | 19.9 degrees and 6,592 RPMs
Wilson Staff Model CB 2024 Custom Irons
$171.43
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Ping Blueprint T | 20.5 degrees and 6,477 RPMs
PING Blueprint T Custom Irons
$212.5
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Ping Blueprint S | 20.3 degrees and 6,550 RPMs
PING Blueprint S Custom Irons
$212.5
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Want to overhaul your bag for 2024? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf.