Best Golf Blade Irons 2024
We run through the best muscleback irons on the market for those seeking the ultimate in feel and workability
Best Golf Blade Irons: Quick Menu
1. The list in brief
2. Top pick
3. Best Tour model
4. Best adjustability
5. Best feel
6. Best for elite strikers
7. Best for technology
8. Best dispersion
9. Best exclusivity
10. How we test
11. How to choose
12. FAQs
For the golfing purist, there’s nothing like a pristine set of new blades. Not only do they look elegant and pure, but they are also the best golf irons for feel and control. Many of the top players continue to choose to play blades as they offer the greatest level of workability of any iron. With a blade, you can shape the ball in either direction more easily and flight it up or down to suit the wind conditions and attack pin positions wherever they are on the course.
With modern club technology as advanced as it is, a beautiful looking blade is no longer one that only professionals can aspire to use. In today’s market, there are sleek and stylish looking blades that are playable for a broader range of competent ball strikers. The best golf blade irons will make you feel like a player and could well inspire you to perform like one. In this guide, we take a look at some of the very best models on the market right now. However if you are a player that needs a little bit more help, check out some of our other irons guides - such as the best compact mid-handicap irons, the best irons for low handicappers, or the best distance irons.
WATCH: Joe Ferguson tests the latest blade irons
The Quick List
Top pick
These feel like a proper forged blade thanks to the 5 time forging. The improvements in the sole grind means that this is a one of best models out there for better players.
Best Tour model
This is a beautiful blade made for confident ball strikers. The changes in design versus the previous range are minor, but the cleaner, more refined look is very easy on the eye
Best adjustability
A soft yet springy bladed set that delivers above-average distance. Visually stunning and a shot-maker’s dream, these irons deliver versatility in a compact package.
Best feel
Everything you would expect from Mizuno. The feel is exceptional and the CG alterations have made a genuine difference to the flight. Mizuno loyalists can breathe a sigh of relief, there’s another world class blade to add to the list.
Best for elite strikers
Ping has delivered a quite stunning aesthetic here, these clubheads are as clean and crisp as any we've seen and the new shaping frames the ball beautifully at address. Performance is as strong as the looks.
Best for technology
For those who appreciate the classic muscle-back design and crave the ability to work shots with pinpoint precision, the Apex MB 2024 iron is a true gem.
Best dispersion
About as classic as an iron can get, the Staff Model blades can compete the best in the category. The feel off the middle of the face is exceptional and the anti-left technology built into the head is certainly evident.
Best exclusivity
Beautifully crafted with a stunning aesthetic, the Mizar Pro sits very much at the premium end of the blade market. The performance matches the looks and competent ball strikers will definitely enjoy the feel.
Best Golf Blade Irons
Why you can trust Golf Monthly
Top pick
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
An update on the P7MB irons released back in 2020, TaylorMade have upgraded and improved the technology on offer in these irons, which are an excellent option for better players out there. They are forged five-times using a 2000 ton press to produce their muscular shape, which boasts a thicker edge on the back of the head. The club is a little more compact than its predecessor but it comes with a little more bounce that helps the 2023 irons cut through the turf better.
And these clubs offer a lot of spin from the face too, allowing easy control of shot trajectory thanks to TaylorMade's 'most aggressive' MX9 score lines on the face. Playability is good too, and while these are blades, they were pretty nice to hit with even the 4-iron not being too scary. Ultimately, there is a lot to like here and these irons with their squared off heads will appeal to the blade purists out there. Equally they are also one of the best TaylorMade irons money can buy right now.
- Read our full TaylorMade P7MB 2023 Irons Review
Best Tour model
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Titleist’s real players’ iron, the 620MB is a one-piece forged muscleback that delivers sleek and simple looks as well as tremendous feel and feedback. The muscleback design produces a tour-proven flight that is workable and controllable. The Centre of Gravity locations have been designed to allow for shot-making and to deliver responsive feedback.
We found the feel off the face was supremely smooth and we enjoyed the penetrating ball flight from good strikes. It has to be said, this is really only a club for better golfers, with its slimmer sole and tour-inspired design making this a slightly less forgiving golf club. But those with the required ball-striking skills will get a great deal out of it. Without doubt, it is one of the best Titleist irons in the range in terms of feel.
- Read our full Titleist 620 MB Irons Review
Best adjustability
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Delivering above-average distance on a consistent basis, this soft iron set from PXG are a dream to play with. The Triple forged 8620 carbon steel boasts a milled pattern on its back that enhances the aesthetic appeal, while the tungsten weight behind the sweet spot sets the 0317 Blades as a very unique addition to this list. They deliver a low profile at the address and having tested these irons on the course, it produces an excellent combination of a dense compression impact that you would love to feel from a blade iron.
What we enjoyed most here was the forgiveness on offer. Most blades feel a bit dead when not struck out the centre, but here, we found marginally off-centre shots were compensated for thanks to the lively clubface. Distance-wise, the PXG carried as long as most other low handicap irons we’ve tried and while the flight was on the low side, better players will enjoy the shot-shaping capabilities these clubs can deliver. And at $199 a stick, there's some decent value for money here. In the UK, you can get them for £169 a stick if you buy five or more, which you surely will do given the performance on offer.
- Read our full PXG 0317 ST Blade Iron Review
Best feel
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The purist will enjoy everything about this club, comfortably slotting in as one of the best Mizuno irons ever. The way it looks, feels but also how it has a little more oomph behind it compared to most other blades we've tested, testament to the Grain Flow Forging process and the evolution of the head shape. All things being equal, from the sweet spot it's one of the most satisfying irons you could hit, but the target market remains relatively niche given the limited distance and forgiveness on offer.
From a shelf appeal point of view, it simply doesn’t get much better than the Mizuno Pro 241. The intricate hand forging detail, and the minimalist approach to branding are a thing of beauty. Small touches such as leaving the engraved Mizuno logo unpainted, just give a really classy feel to these irons. Aside from that logo, just a simple ‘Mizuno Pro’ wording adorns the back of one of the cleanest looking clubheads you will see.
The Pro 241 has most certainly been designed with shot shaping and feel in mind, and will be replacing the impressive Mizuno Pro 221 irons. In terms of performance, the Pro 241 irons are everything you would want them to be. Exceptionally soft at impact, producing a delightfully muted but crisp strike and a clear turf interaction. The data numbers, while conservative, are very consistent. The 7-iron comes in a very traditional loft of 34°, so don't expect vast carries.
This is a Rolls Royce of an iron that will become one of the best irons for low handicappers, while tour players will almost certainly enjoy the overall performance package.
- Read our full Mizuno Pro 221 Iron Review
Best for elite strikers
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
First things first, this iron looks absolutely stunning. The minimalist appearance of the clubhead creates a wonderfully clean and unfussy aesthetic that really suits the eye. Nothing but a simple ‘Blueprint T’ stamping adorns the back of the club, which is finished in Ping's Hydropearl 2.0 chrome. In this case, less is absolutely more.
When you put the Blueprint T down behind the ball, as you would expect for irons that look to sit in the best golf blades category, the topline is razor thin. The overall dimensions of the head are very petite, but the new shorter heel-face height provides a great transition from hosel to head, which is something we are always on the lookout for in an iron. They frame the ball beautifully, but with minimal offset and the aforementioned top line, you quickly become very aware of the importance of a high-quality strike.
With regards to the feel of the club, it was everything we were hoping for. The reward for a solidly struck shot is a beautifully soft and deep impact feel that competes with any of the traditional category leaders in blade irons. A far cry from the lively spring of the modern day, hollow bodied players' distance irons, the ball seems to stay on the face for an age, providing unrivalled feedback. Undoubtedly one of the best Ping irons out there for the better player.
- Read our full Ping Blueprint T Irons Review
Best for technology
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Apex MB irons deliver a striking blend of classic aesthetics and cutting-edge technology. First things first, there has been a focus on pure precision and exceptional workability, with the new Apex MB 2024 iron ticking a lot of boxes for precise ball strikers shopping for a new set of the best golf blade irons.
Although it is a blade design, the profile at address is slightly different from others on the market. How you may ask? Well, the Apex MB has a long topline that comes very directly out of the hosel, whereas others have a softer, more curved transition from hosel to topline. These visuals are always subjective, but we felt the MB was a treat to the eye.
When it came to the performance, we were seriously impressed. Callaway has taken on board the feedback from their Tour staff and introduced a “dual chamfer” on the sole. Softening up the leading edge to help cut through the turf, we felt it was an important addition which made a huge difference, with remarkable shot control making way for tight dispersion.
- Read our full Callaway 2024 Apex MB Iron Review
Best dispersion
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
You will do well to find a more classic looking iron anywhere on the market. From the shaping, to the topline and even the high gloss chrome, these irons are a throwback to years gone by, and I am absolutely here for it. The Staff Model blades look like they could have been in the bag for any one of Wilson’s 62 historic major championship victories, and playing them conjures up all sorts of nostalgic feelings.
To just speak of the past however, is doing these irons an injustice. The modern branding and asymmetric topography of the back let you know that this iron very much belongs in 2024. From a performance standpoint, all is as you would hope. Feel is buttery soft and the acoustic is very muted and dull, while the narrow sole of the Staff Model blades slips through effortlessly, adding to the user experience.
So, if you are looking to upgrade a tired old set of blades and want to stay in the category, the Wilson Staff Model blades should certainly be on your list to try. Beautiful looking, soft feeling and solid performance, there isn’t much to dislike here.
Best exclusivity
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Vega has been producing premium forged irons for many years now and precise, Japanese craftsmanship has been the foundation of its identity. Known for its extremely high quality forgings, Vega is extremely popular with club builders industry wide. A slightly longer blade length instills confidence, whereas the relatively thin top line reminds you that you are still about to hit something that will require competent striking!
In terms of performance, we found them to pack a surprising punch for a traditional looking bladed iron. A good percentage of this punch however, could probably be attributed to the very strong lofts the Mizar Pro iron comes with as standard. For comparison, they are a full three degrees stronger than the Titleist 620 MB in every iron.
The Mizar Pro is an exceptional, premium blade offering that is undeniably beautiful. They are certainly not cheap, but if your budget stretches that far, you most certainly will not be disappointed with this stunningly crafted iron.
How we test golf irons
Our testing for golf irons is built upon a comprehensive process combined with the knowledge and expertise of the Golf Monthly test team. As far as the specific procedure goes, before testing, the team will usually attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer's R&D experts to understand the new technology.
When it comes to testing, we often head indoors first to try the irons in a controlled environment. This usually takes place on an indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, with premium balls and the GCQuad launch monitor. Our outside testing normally takes place at West Hill Golf Club, a course with top-notch practice facilities.
We think it is vitally important to do both and continue to test the irons so they have been comprehensively put to the test in different conditions. It should also be mentioned that manufacturers cannot pay for a good review and we make our conclusions from the testing and our experiences. This is because we strive to give the best reviews possible so you can get a greater understanding of the irons themselves.
How to choose new blade irons
The first thing you need to consider when looking at blade irons are whether they are the best iron design for you. Only the best ball-strikers who can consistently find the middle of the clubface should even think about putting a set in the bag - a case in point being not even some of the best players in the world play blades. But if you do want to go a set, then there are a few factors to consider.
1. Feel
With a blade, this is arguably the most important factor and this will differ for every single player. To gain an understanding of how a club feels in your hands and when striking the ball, we would always recommend trying a few models out and seeing which ones you like.
2. Workability
If you are on this guide then chances are you are a good player who likes to work the ball both ways. The blade is the iron of choice when it comes to workability so to see which model you can move the ball with, once again we would recommend hitting shots with some models. If you find it hard to move the ball with a particular model, then it might not perform the best for you.
3. Forgiveness
Blades don't offer a lot of forgiveness however there are some models which are better than others, the TaylorMade P7MB for example. Therefore if you want a blade that offers a little bit of help, you need to hit some and see how the ball reacts when you do mishit it.
4. Looks
We are sure you agree, all the models above look fantastic but each have their own distinct looks at address and in the bag. Therefore it is finding a model you like the look of in both ways.
5. Price
As you would expect, blades aren't cheap however they do come at different price points as the guide above shows. As a result you should have an idea of how much you want to spend on a set.
For more advice on some of the best golf irons on the market, check out our guides to the best irons for low handicappers, best distance irons and best compact mid-handicap irons.
FAQs
What blades do most pros use?
Of course there are many professional golfers who use blades but given many are signed to different equipment contracts, this means they use a variety of models, most of which have been included in the guide above.
Which blades are most forgiving?
In our testing we were pleasantly surprised with the forgiveness on offer from the TaylorMade P7MB and Mizuno Pro 221 irons. However these are still blades so the forgiveness is relative to other blades on the market and in this guide, not when compared with game improvement irons or distance irons.
Does Tiger Woods use blade irons?
Yes Tiger Woods uses blade irons and has done for pretty much all of his career. Currently he uses the TaylorMade P7TW blade irons, which he helped design. These go from 3-iron down to the pitching wedge and as you would expect are only for the finest of ball-strikers.
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Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.
One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.
Joel's current What's In The Bag?
Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9°
Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15°
Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18°
Irons: Ping i230 4-UW
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind
Putter: Evnroll ER2V
Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x
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