Best Distance Irons 2020

In this video Joel Tadman tests of the best distance irons

(Image credit: GM YouTube)

In this video, Joel Tadman tests out ten of the very best distance irons and picks out his favourites.

Best Distance Irons 2020

Here, Joel Tadman runs through the best distance irons on the market in 2020 and beyond.

These are the models featured in the video with the 7-iron lofts:

Cobra King Speedzone - 27.5° Cleveland Launcher UHX - 30° Callaway Mavrik - 27° Honma XP-1 - 30° Mizuno JPX921 Hot Metal - 29° Ping G710 - 29.5° TaylorMade SIM Max OS - 28.5° Titleist T400 - 26° Yonex Ezone GS - 29° Wilson Staff Launch Pad - 30°

Looks This is of course subjective but if, like us, you like a more traditional head shape and size to look down on then the Yonex Ezone GS and Honma XP-1 will tick the boxes for you. The Ping G710 is very long and inspires a lot of confidence with the lighter hitting area framing the ball really nicely. If you prefer to see more real estate behind the ball, the more hybrid-like Titleist T400 and Wilson Staff Launchpad irons will fit the bill.

Performance Unsurprisingly it was the Titleist T400, lofted way down at 26° in the 7-iron, that produced the longest average carries but also with a healthy peak height to maintain some stopping power into greens. The performance of the Honma XP-1 really stood out because of distance it generated with relatively weak lofts. The feel of the Cobra King Speedzone stood out from the rest, coming off like an absolute rocket and producing some impressive distance with accuracy, as did the TaylorMade SIM Max OS and the Callaway Mavrik.

Verdict While the Titleist T400 was the longest iron on test, we felt like the Ping G710 iron provided the best of everything. We really like the darker finish, it makes the iron look smaller than it is, the forgiveness levels were through the roof and it sounds and feels much softer than the prior generation.

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Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

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