When it comes to being the best at golf, training and proper apparel can get you a long way, but you’ll never be able to show the world what you’re really capable of unless you’re using a proper iron. Fortunately for you, we’re here to present a list containing the best irons for the 2016 golf season, and just in case you’re wondering, all of these products were designed and manufactured by reputable brands such as Nike, Callaway and Mizuno. After you’re done reading, all you need to do is pick one that meets your demands. At the end of the day, each one of these irons is special in its own way, which is why choosing a favorite might prove tricky.
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Callaway Apex Pro 16
The first product on our list is the Apex Pro 16 by Callaway, which features outstanding aesthetics as well as impressive performance. Even though Callaway doesn’t usually care too much about hiding away its technology, this iron actually impresses with some subtlety. The long iron variant comes with a pair of tungsten plugs inserted into holes in the cavity, while the middle irons flaunt lightweight stainless steel in the middle in order to keep the ball flight down. As for the short irons, they have empty holes for that perfect penetrating trajectory.
Mizuno MP-25
What makes the Mizuno MP-25 stand out is the fact that it boasts a classic look thanks to a boron-infused carbon steel material that’s also used for the JPX EZ Forged iron. The boron ensures a thinner clubface as well as a concealed cut-through slot located behind the face, which ensures ball speeds that can’t usually be achieved using other forged irons.
Nike Vapor Fly Pro
We’re moving on to the first Nike offering on our list, namely the Nike Vapor Fly Pro. This unique set from Nike incorporates several constructions with hollow-cavity long irons, three resin-cavity short irons and three resin-pocket middle irons. This is important because resin is much lighter when compared to steel, which allowed the iron’s manufacturers to balance out the product’s weight while improving its overall feel.
Nike Vapor Pro Combo
Yet another perfect Nike offering is the Vapor Pro Combo – a great-looking iron that impresses with high-strength steel in the face that adds a plus of weight in the toe in order to maintain a balance between the center of gravity and the center of the face. Another highlight comes in the form of a True Temper DG Pro shaft.
Ping S55
When compared to its S56 predecessor, the Ping S55 brings about a series of changes in the lofts of some irons, changes that were implemented in order to ensure adequate distance gapping. For example, the 6-iron was strengthened half a degree, while the 7- and 8-irons are now 1.25 degrees stronger. As for the 9-iron, it is 1.5 degrees stronger, while the pitching wedge is now one degree strong. The center of gravity is lowered thanks to a tuning port installed in the cavity, which means that the 4-iron can be weakened a quarter of a degree.
Ping i
The Ping i is special for one main reason: it is actually a game-improvement club that takes on the shape of a players iron. The club length has received a quarter of an inch extra in the 3- through 9-iron, while the lofts have been strengthened by one degree in the 3- through 8-iron range. In order to improve the moment of inertia, Ping’s experts have decided to add tungsten in the toe of the 3- through 7-iron, which was definitely a good decision.
TaylorMade Psi
Making sure that a good iron doesn’t produce vibrations is incredibly important, and the experts over at TaylorMade have come up with an ingenious solution to this problem. Their Psi iron features a thermoplastic rubber that’s usually used in the automotive industry. The material was inserted between the back of the undercut cavity and the face in order to keep the face less than two millimeters thick. The long irons have tungsten weighting, while the forged short irons are the best choices for pin-seeking players.
Titleist 716 AP2
Just like its predecessors, the new 716 AP2 by Titleist is sweet-feeling and incredibly forgiving, which makes it ideal for enthusiasts who are looking for a traditional looking iron that doesn’t sacrifice on playability. Titleist has added a plus of weight in the low heel and toe areas using tungsten, and this weight provides much-needed stability on off-center hits. The 716 AP2 is a perfect choice for those of you who are looking for surgical precision.
Titleist 716 CB
Easy on the eyes and easy to golf with, the Titleist 716 CB comes with a forged cavity-back design that incorporates tungsten forged into the 3- through 7-iron in order to allow you to located the center of gravity more precisely. This, in turn, enhances energy transfer on impact, while a pre-word leading edge adds a plus of playability.
Wilson FG Tour V4
This particular iron set was designed to meet the needs of the most demanding golf players, which is why it boasts a simple, clean look, easy-to-hit long irons, amazing middle and short irons, as well as a nice sound and feel. The 3- through 7-iron features tungsten in the sole, which allows you to launch the ball high with a steep angle of descent. Moreover, a plus of mass behind the center of the face guarantees a powerful feel at impact.
Cobra King Forged CB/MB Combo
The Cobra King Forged CB/MB Combo was developed with the help of Rickie Fowler, and it boasts cavity backs through the 6-iron and muscle-backs for the rest. The center of gravity is aligned with the middle of the face by a tungsten toe, which also provides improved energy transfer. As far as looks are concerned, the product’s sleek black finish will always steal the spotlight.
TaylorMade PSi Tour
The final product on our list is the TaylorMade Psi Tour – a forged iron that relies on face slots for its consistent distance on heel and toe hits, while its sole slits on the 3- through 7-iron aids with shots struck lower on the face. This model boasts a thinner topline, a narrower sole and less offset when compared to the conventional PSi version.
