Best Compact Mid-Handicap Irons 2024
A look at a selection of the best compact mid-handicap irons, otherwise known as players' distance irons, on the market
Best Compact Mid-Handicap Irons: Quick Menu
1. The list in brief
2. How we test
3. How to choose
4. FAQs
Buying a new set can be an expensive minefield if you don’t know how to choose golf irons. Nowhere is this more true than in the mid-handicap sector, where players can potentially use every option in a brand’s range with some degree of success. If you are a golfer within the 8-to-18 handicap index range, getting the best golf irons for you can be difficult but with a little investigation, you will be able a model (or models) to suit your requirements.
Those who are steadily improving will seek a set that offers plenty of feel and control, while those who are perhaps heading the other way, or playing less often, will be more suited to designs that offer higher levels of forgiveness. Whichever models make the grade, you are going to enjoy seeing and feeling the benefits of modern technology. These include the likes of pocket-cavity designs that put forgiveness in smaller head shapes, tungsten weighting that helps reduce twisting on heel and toe mishits, and thinner faces and sole slots that mean you’ll find the power normally associated with larger-profile irons.
One particular avenue that can deliver the best of both worlds somewhat, is the compact mid-handicap iron. They tend to have compact heads but still offer forgiveness, feel and control too. But what are some of the best compact mid-handicap irons currently on the market? We've set out below some of our favorite options, but, if you are looking for more advice on some of the best irons on the market take a look at some of our other guides on the best distance irons, best golf blade irons, or the best game improvement irons.
The Quick List
The sophisticated look is refreshing and the performance matches. Distance is excellent but the outstanding forgiveness is the real story in the Paradym Ai Smoke iron.
This might be as close to the perfect iron ever made for the club golfer. It blends jaw-dropping looks with a soft and solid feel, which translates into consistency.
The ZX5 Mk II iron will inevitably become one of 2023’s best compact distance irons because of the power that has been packed into a relatively small chassis.
The Ping i530 irons are rocket ships, geared towards maximizing distance. A great-looking players' distance iron with plenty to offer in performance.
This is a really classy option in the players' distance category. Phenomenal looks combined with strong performance make the Mizuno Pro 245 a really impressive iron suitable for the masses.
Load the next 3 models
TaylorMade has refined the powerful P790 iron without taking away the performance golfers came to admire. This iron packs a punch for its size and is both predictable and consistent.
The Wilson D9 Forged is a mightily impressive iron that performs in every area, offering a tight dispersion with competitive distance and a soft, solid feel.
Best Compact Mid-Handicap Irons - Best Players Distance Irons
Why you can trust Golf Monthly
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Iron
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Paradym Ai Smoke irons sit amongst the best distance irons and also the most forgiving irons. Callaway lead the way in A.I. technology in golf, and as with their drivers and Odyssey's Ai-One putters, swing data from thousands of golfers has been used to create the all new Ai Smart Face for maximum distance with tight dispersion into the green.
What was this iron like in testing though? Really, really, good. Usually we find irons in this category to have a less than ideal sound and feel but we're happy to report that this wasn't the case here and we found both to be pleasing. The impressive distance was quickly evident in testing too, even on off center hits. Whilst obviously the center of the face yielded the fastest speeds, drop offs were minimal when we missed the center and the forgiveness on offer from these irons was outstanding.
Throughout our thorough testing session it became clear to us that in the distance irons category the Ai Smoke leads the way in a number of aspects. So for any golfer in the market for new distance-enhancing irons should be considering these. They will really look the part in your golf bag and they feel softer than most game improvement irons while still delivering top performance, so this may well be the set for you.
- Read our full Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Iron Review
Mizuno JPX923 Forged Iron
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Mizuno have long been known for the excellence of their irons and nothing has changed in that regard. Nothing feels like a Mizuno, as they say. The Mizuno JPX923 Forged iron is a compact, mid-sized cavity backed club suitable for a wide range of golfers from lower handicappers to mid-range handicappers.
Its forged which guarantees excellent feel, but it gives it a fantastic aesthetic similar to some of the best blade irons on the market. The JPX923 comes with a clean and classic look which will appeal to players who like a traditional iron design. Another big selling point is that it comes with a thinner top line which makes it look more like an iron for a low handicap player. Some irons in this category can look a bit chunky at address and that can be off putting for some, so the thin top line certainly gives this a more premium look.
But never mind all that, how did it perform during testing? Well we found it to be one of the fastest forged irons that we've tested recently and we thoroughly enjoyed the hitting experience on offer. We felt that this experience was certainly enhanced by the camber on the sole of the short irons, which provides great interaction with the club and the turf.
Ball flights were quite low so that might not appeal to golfers who already have a low flight, but despite this we found that if offered lots of spin and we were therefore able stop the ball on the greens pretty sharply. But as often the case with the best Mizuno irons, the attribute that really stands out is distance consistency. When you have that you can be aggressive in your approach shots thanks to the tighter dispersion rates.
- Read our full Mizuno JPX923 Forged Iron Review
Srixon ZX5 Mk II Irons
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
An upgrade on the previous ZX5 iron, which was close to being the perfect all-rounder, the MK II has refined some of the excellent things its predecessor achieved. Bridging the gap between the new ZX4 Mk II and ZX7 Mk II irons, this is billed as a forged iron that promises enhance distance. It is a bit beefier than the ZX7 MK II but does come with a compact aesthetic that'll appeal to better players looking for a little more forgiveness in approach. It's hard to fault the stunning chrome design on this club, too, which inspires a lot of confidence at address.
The ZX5 MK II's performance was also excellent and was probably closer to the ZX4 MK II delivering competitive distances and lots of height, that allowed us to stop shots on the greens when needed. We think mid-handicappers will enjoy the feel on this iron the most. It comes with a hint of softness but provides a lot of zing, producing one of the best impact experiences we've found on a compact mid-handicap iron. Plus if you're looking for a club that offers a lot of forgiveness, the Tour V.T. sole offers outstanding interaction with the turf, that was particularly useful in wet conditions.
- Read our full Srixon ZX5 Mk II Iron Review
Ping i525 Irons
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The i525 iron replaces the i500 occupies the space between the G425 iron and the old i210 as a hollow, distance-orientated iron in a slimline chassis. In i525 this theme continues but Ping claims that changes inside the head should elevate the distance, forgiveness and feel to new heights. Notably, there are tungsten toe and hosel weights, a new maraging steel face for ball speed, four extra grooves to minimize fliers from the rough and an EVA polymer inside the head to provide a softer feel.
It may be one of the best compact mid-handicap irons out there, but it’s built for speed and power too. For those seeking a classic looking club with modern performance, this could be the iron for you as its one of the best Ping irons we've tested in recent times.
- Read our full Ping i525 Irons Review
Mizuno Pro 245 Iron
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Despite being Grain-Flow forged like the rest of the new Mizuno Pro range, these are hollow body irons equipped with a multi-thickness face for consistent ball speeds even on mishits. Furthermore, a laser welded stainless steel back has been added to help promote launch and also increase ball speeds, which make it one of the most forgiving irons for the mid handicapper.
The players' distance iron category is an interesting one with irons. The TaylorMade P790 has been a standout, as has the Titleist T200, but we feel like the Mizuno Pro 245 blows them both out of the water in regards to aesthetics, but not distance. The Mizuno iron fights back again however with a much better feel and acoustic than both the TaylorMade and Titleist offerings, so it is a case of you deciding on your where your priorities lie.
Where the Mizuno Pro 245 really sets itself apart from the competition is in looks, feel and sound. It's a very pleasing club to hit and visually it does not look like a distance iron, in fact it is not too dissimilar in looks to a blade, which is a nice bonus.
- Read our full Mizuno Pro 245 Iron Review
Titleist 2023 T200 Iron
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The T200 continues to be Titleist’s main offering in the compact mid-handicap iron space, providing plenty of speed without the chunky looks. Firstly, the company has re-engineered the Max Impact design feature to make the head more stable, while the polymer back plate has also been reconfigured to better manage the vibrations that occur when the forged face strikes the ball.
At address, we thought that the profile remains similarly appealing on the eye - compact overall but a little more substantial than the T150 iron. The finish is also noticeably lighter. However, in terms of improvements over its predecessor, they’re fairly minor. You could make a case for the head being more stable and the sound a little quieter, but it’s hard to conclude with any certainty.
Performance-wise, the new T200 didn’t offer any notable gains over the prior version either. There was a little more spin and height that added more stopping power without losing distance, but there wasn’t anything that obviously stood out. If you are a more confident ball striker, there’s certainly potential to combine this iron with the T150 to provide the added speed and forgiveness in the longer clubs where this iron excels.
- Read our full Titleist 2023 T200 Iron Review
TaylorMade 2023 P790 Iron
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The TaylorMade P790 irons will appeal to a broad range of players. They offer a great blend of distance and forgiveness in a compact clubhead. The Speed Pocket in the clubhead helps to create greater forgiveness and consistency while the use of SpeedFoam dampens vibration, creating quite an unusual sound and feel at impact.
In the bag, the new P790 iron is a stunner, much like the 2021 P790 iron. The shiny, curved notch section on the has been replaced by a straight strip with a satin finish but the rest of the head, including the T—Bug logo and toe screw, remain amongst the pearl satin finish. Down at address, the sole looks to be wider but have more camber while the head size does look a little more generous, but only fractionally.
It feels better than the previous P790 iron and while it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why or how, a generally more stable and powerful feel is likely the conclusion most testers will come to. This lively feel did also translate into above-average distance.
- Read our full TaylorMade 2023 P790 Iron Review
Wilson D9 Forged Iron
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Wilson D9 Forged irons fall into the players distance iron category and as such will suit a wide array of golfers. The D9 Forged irons, which replaced the D7 Forged irons in Wilson's golf club lineup, offer players the compact, classic shaping and soft, forged feel that they want but with an influx of ball speed and forgiveness that makes them more playable than a traditional blade or smaller forged cavity back.
Keying the quick ball speeds and expanded sweet spot that the D9s offers are power holes that have been positioned along the sole of the club of the long and mid irons to help the face flex more at impact to provide consistently fast speeds from across the face. In terms of their look, the D9 forged irons would qualify as quite compact in the players distance iron category, including a shorter blade length and relatively thin topline, and the 8620 carbon steel that has been used to forge the face provides a soft yet responsive impact sound and feel.
- Read our full Wilson D9 Forged Iron Review
Cobra 2022 King Forged Tec Iron
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The previous King Tec irons were an impressive addition to the Cobra brand, offering excellent distance, stopping power and control. Their latest edition, the Cobra 2022 King Forged Tec Irons are an upgrade on that, and while they are a more streamlined offering, we loved the user experience we had with these clubs. Visually, this is one of the best-looking clubs on the market. With a crisp and elegant finish, it looks like a club that can add a lot of distance to your game.
We were amazed at the power this iron offered, giving a metallic sound on impact and seemed to be more gentle compared to other brands. That also felt like it helped with club stability through impact, with your hands feeling fewer vibrations on the club, resulting in better ball flights and fuller shots. Ultimately this is a fantastic, five-star golf club that we think will benefit any low handicapper looking for more distance, control and power on their golf shots.
- Read our full Cobra 2022 King Forged Tec Iron Review
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. Our team usually attend product launches and then when it comes to our actual testing, we first 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.
Next up is outdoor testing, which normally takes place at West Hill Golf Club. 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 golf irons
The iron market is very crowded with many brands making top-notch models. So what are some of the things you need to consider to make sure you get the best model for you? Let's take a look.
1. Your Handicap And Ability
This is probably the most important first step: knowing which type of iron best suits your game. This is by no means gospel, but higher handicappers tend to use cavity back irons that offer maximum forgiveness in a larger iron head, while mid-low handicappers tend to use more bladed irons that are forged, offer more feel and control but less forgiveness. However, as this guide shows, there are mid-handicap models designed to sit between the high and low handicap players too.
Therefore be honest with how good your and consistent your ball-striking is, and then make sure you invest in a set of irons that matches where your game is out now, not where you'd ideally want it to be.
We have great guides that go into more detail on this, so check out our guide on the most forgiving irons if you're a higher handicapper and our guide on the best irons for mid-handicappers.
2. Price
This will be a major factor in anyone's decision of what irons to go for. As you'll have seen in this list, the price can vary dramatically between irons. This obviously can fluctuate between brands, and it is important for you to have a think about what you can afford and how much you want to spend.
3. Custom Fit
This is probably the most essential part of the iron buying process, no matter the irons you're after or how good you are at the game. Getting a good custom fitting will give you insight into which model will suit you, along with the right flex, shaft, lie angle and so on and so forth. This process will ensure you finish with a set of irons most suited to your game.
Custom fits can be a daunting process if you're a true beginner or you aren't that confident hitting golf balls in front of people, but they're a vital part of the club buying process. We recommend having a shortlist of three or four iron heads you like the look of before entering a custom fit and then whittling them down to the best for your game during the custom fit process.
4. Design
Design can play a big factor in the clubs you chose to play. Having a set of clubs that appeal to you aesthetically can inspire confidence and help you play better. While style may not be one of the most important things to consider, it can certainly help improve your mentality on the course; looking good can help you feel good, and if you feel good, then you may also play good too!
For more advice on some of the best irons on the market, check out our guides to the best best TaylorMade irons, best Titleist irons and best Ping irons.
FAQs
Should I play with blade irons?
That depends on your ability level as a golfer. If you're a low handicap player with a lot of experience in the game, then you may see some benefits from using a blade iron. Yet higher handicappers and beginner players should generally avoid blade irons as they are much less forgiving than a standard cavity back club.
What iron is best for mid handicaps?
Something that offers a blend of performance attributes - namely good ball speed, a solid feel and ample forgiveness - but in a profile that isn't too chunky so as to be aspirational for the user to progress. Our leading choices would be the Mizuno JPX923 Forged, TaylorMade P790, Ping i525, Mizuno Pro 225 and the Cobra King Forged Tec.
What irons are the most forgiving for mid handicaps?
Stand out models from this guide in terms of forgiveness would be the TaylorMade P790, Mizuno Pro 225 and Callaway Apex 21, translating into excellent consistency of distance from strikes across the face.
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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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