Best Game Improvement Irons (2023 Guide)

Whether you have a high handicap or want to enhance your golf skills overall, a set of game-improvement irons can vastly increase your confidence levels and improve your scores. There are hundreds of brands on the market, so you need to know what to consider to choose a set that’s right for you. Remember, new irons are a significant financial investment.

The best game-improvement irons are those in the Callaway Edge 10-piece golf set. These irons feature large club head sizes, cavity backs with perimeter weighting, regular flex shafts, and lower lofts. You have more forgiveness, a wider sweet spot, and longer, straighter shots, even on miss-hits.

There are a few instances when I wouldn’t recommend this set, and those are if…

• You only need individual irons. In that case, check out LAZRUS premium golf irons.
• You’re a beginner golfer looking for a set to start out. Try the MAZEL golf club irons set.
• You’re on a strict budget. Opt for the Ram Golf EZ3 iron set.

In this article, I’ll discuss why the Callaway Edge 10-piece golf set is the best choice for most golfers, and I’ll cover three better alternatives in certain situations. Finally, I’ll explain what factors golfers should consider when searching for the best game-improvement irons and how each of my picks scores in these categories. Read on to learn more!

Best Overall: Callaway Edge 10-Piece Golf Set

The Callaway Unisex Edge 10-Piece golf set, available on Amazon, is a high-quality unisex iron set made by Topgolf Callaway Brands, the world’s largest manufacturer of golf clubs. 

In this set, there are ten irons, including:

• A driver
• A 3 wood
• A 5 hybrid
• 6-9 cavity back irons
• A pitching wedge
• A sand wedge
• An Odyssey White Hot Pro putter

The Edge 3 wood is a specialty club that offers distance off the tee, but it will also be functional enough to hit those long shots into the air off the fairway. With the oversized titanium head, advanced perimeter weighting, and low center of gravity on this iron, you’ll see improved launch height and increased distance.

Callaway’s 5 hybrid has a more compact head, allowing more forgiveness on miss-hits. This club makes it much easier for players of all experience levels to hit long, straight shots from the tee to the green.

Irons six through nine feature cavity backs which are a must for game-improvement irons. This provides better stability, improved accuracy, and increased precision, even on imperfect shots.

When hitting with the Callaway Unisex Edge 10-piece set, you’ll notice a much wider sweet spot, smoother and easier hits, and excellent sound.

Bottom Line: If you’re taking golf more seriously and are ready to upgrade your beginner set, this is the best choice. It offers everything you need in a set of game-improvement irons. Though the set is a bit pricey, it’s far less expensive than many other Callaway sets.

Pros

• Reputable brand: Callaway is a well-known brand in the golf industry and is the world’s largest producer of golf clubs.
• Cavity backs and perimeter weighting: Irons six through nine have cavity backs with stability arches and perimeter weighting, ideal factors for game-improvement irons.
• Quality, long-lasting irons: These irons are made of steel, and they’re made to last. You can expect them to stay with you for the long haul, even with regular use.

Cons

• Pricey: These are the highest-priced clubs on this list. However, Callaway is renowned for its quality golf clubs, and the price reflects this.
• Easily scratched: The woods feature a carbon-matte finish, and if you don’t use the included covers, they could become scratched quite easily.
• Non-adjustable: These irons cannot be fitted or adjusted, which is a major con for those who prefer a different shaft flex or length.

Product Specifications

Color	Black
Flex	Regular
Hand Orientation Availability	Left or right
Length and Loft	Driver – 45” (114 cm), 10.5°3 wood – 43” (109 cm), 15°5 hybrid – 39” (99 cm), 25°6 – 37.5” (95 cm), 26°7 – 37” (94 cm), 30°8 – 36.5” (93 cm), 34.5°9 – 36” (91 cm), 39°PW – 35.5” (90 cm), 44°SW – 35.5” (90 cm), 54°Putter – 34.5” (88 cm), 3°
Primary Material	Steel
Shaft Material	Alloy steel

Best Sold as Individuals Irons or Sets: LAZRUS Premium Golf Irons

LAZRUS premium golf irons on Amazon come as individual clubs or in sets that are quality-constructed irons made of steel with an alloy-steel shaft. They’re well-built and durable, though they’re significantly less expensive than some of the top-name brands.

The set comes with irons four through nine and a pitching wedge, and you can pick up additional clubs as individual irons if desired.

What makes these irons so great is that they feature a low loft, which is ideal for game-improvement irons. For example, standard one irons feature a 16-degree loft, whereas the LAZRUS one iron has a 13-degree loft.

These irons have a premium feel and play similarly to some of the more expensive brands. You’ll find that the design improves the overall distance and accuracy of your shots while simplifying the game and consistently enhancing your performance.

Bottom Line:  These irons are an ideal option for weekend or casual golfers, as they’re not designed to withstand daily play. However, for casual golfers, they can easily shave points off your score and make the game more enjoyable. Plus, the purchase is risk-free and easily returnable if you don’t love the irons.

Pros

• Reasonably priced: These irons come at a reasonable cost compared to other golf iron sets on the market. The company offers a guarantee, so if they don’t work for you, you can send them back for a refund.
• Low loft: The low loft is ideal for a game-improvement iron as it promotes more distance on the hit.
• Excellent feel: LAZRUS created irons that feel and play much like Callaway irons. They’re sturdy in the hands, solid in weight, and sound great on the hit.

Cons

• Rough grip: The stock grip is okay, but it will not do much for you in the rain. It’s definitely not velvety and is rougher. Fortunately, you can re-grip it if you’d like.
• Aluminum: The primary material is aluminum, meaning it will not hold up as long as steel irons. Therefore, the durability just isn’t up to par with some of the more expensive brands.

Product Specifications

Color	Black
Flex	Uniflex (Regular)
Hand Orientation Availability	Right
Length and Loft	1 – 40″ (102 cm), 13°2 – 39.5″ (100 cm), 16°3 – 39″ (99 cm), 19°4 – 38.5″ (98 cm), 22°5 – 38″ (97 cm), 25°6 – 37.5″ (95 cm), 28°7 – 37″ (94 cm), 31°8 – 36.5″ (93 cm), 35°9 – 36″ (91 cm), 39°PW – 35.5″ (90 cm), 45°
Primary Material	Aluminum
Shaft Material	Graphite

Best for Beginners: MAZEL Golf Club Irons

If you’re looking to improve your swing, grab the single-length MAZEL golf club irons set on Amazon. So, what’s the deal with single-length clubs as game-improvement irons?

Well, the idea is that with same-length irons, every shot is treated exactly the same: 

• Your stance is the same. 
• The ball is in the same position. 
• You use the same swing.

Therefore, with every round of golf, you’re essentially practicing the same swing over and over. The philosophy is that you’ll get your swing down pat, improving accuracy and distance over time.

With this set, you’ll have nine pieces: 

• Irons 4 to 9 
• A pitching wedge
• An approach wedge 
• A sand wedge 

Each club length is the same as a standard 6-iron (37.5” or 95 cm).

The stainless steel construction of these irons makes them durable and reduces hand vibration during play, offering more stability and comfort. 

Bottom Line: If you’re thinking about throwing in the towel and giving up on golf because you can’t get the hang of things, these irons may just change things for you. They’re excellent for high-handicappers who consistently can’t hit. Even if you’re unsure about the single-length philosophy, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to test it out.

Pros

• Single-length clubs: Many golfers swear by this method, as it helps you perfect your swing over time. Eventually, you can switch to standard clubs, but these irons could greatly improve your performance and make golf fun again.
• Cavity backs: The hollowed designs, cavity backs, and low center of gravity provide more precision.
• Wide soles: The wider soles give more forgiveness, so you get more distance of at least 5 yards (5 m) with every strike.

Cons

• Cheap grip: The irons feature an anti-slip rubber grip, but many users complain that it feels cheap. Fortunately, you can re-grip it if it doesn’t work for you.
• Not good for intermediate golfers: If you’ve already perfected your swing, then this isn’t going to work for you. The single-length shafts won’t benefit experienced golfers.
• Factory defect: Some users have experienced a factory defect with glue leaking from behind some of the club heads. The company has quickly remedied the issue, but it’s worth mentioning.

Product Specifications

Color	Black/Silver
Flex	StiffRegularSenior Regular
Hand Orientation Availability	Right
Length and Loft	4 – 37.5″ (95 cm), 24°5 – 37.5″ (95 cm), 28°6 – 37.5″ (95 cm), 32°7 – 37.5″ (95 cm), 36°8 – 37.5″ (95 cm), 40°9 – 37.5″ (95 cm), 44°PW – 37.5″ (95 cm), 48°AW – 37.5″ (95 cm), 52°SW – 37.5″ (95 cm), 56°
Primary Material	Stainless steel
Shaft Material	Graphite

Best Bang for the Buck: Ram Golf EZ3 Iron Set

The Ram Golf EZ3 iron set, available on Amazon, is the least expensive option on this list. It’s excellent for weekend warriors and casual players who are on a strict budget. The set contains six clubs, including irons 5 through 9 and a pitching wedge. 

You’ll also receive a 4-Hybrid at no extra charge.

Each iron features a cavity back design with a lower loft and average head size, making them the ideal game-improvement irons. With every hit, you’ll notice straighter, longer shots, even if your technique is wrong and your swing is off-center. The head’s weight allows your swing to flow effortlessly, even if you’re not extremely flexible.

Bottom Line: The set is a great starter set for those looking to see if they’re interested in the game but not ready to make a major financial investment. These irons look and feel good and have solid grips, accurate lengths, and all the features you need in game-improvement irons.

Pros

• Cavity backs and weight helps with swing flow: The design of these golf irons offers better forgiveness and straighter hits. It also increases the moment of inertia (MOI) for better precision and accuracy.
• Fantastic beginner set: Excellent for beginners wanting to improve their game or those who are interested in learning golf but not yet ready to make a full commitment.
• Very inexpensive: This is the least expensive set on this list at nearly ⅕ the price of some of the best brand-name irons on the market. Despite being the lowest-priced set, you’ll also receive a free bonus 4-hybrid.

Cons

• Not for intermediate or advanced players: These are definitely beginner clubs and a first-time set.
• Not for daily players: These clubs aren’t made for daily players and are more suitable for casual golfers. If used daily, users experience some loosening on the club heads after about 8 full rounds of golf. Based on the feel of clubs after multiple uses, it doesn’t seem that these clubs will last more than a year or more than 10-15 rounds of golf.

Product Specifications

Color	Black/Silver
Flex	Regular
Hand Orientation Availability	Right
Length and Loft	4 hybrid – 38” (97 cm), 21°5 – 38.5” (98 cm), 24°6 – 37.5” (95 cm), 27°7 – 37” (94 cm), 30°8 – 36.5” (93 cm), 34°9 – 36” (91 cm), 38°PW – 35.5” (90 cm), 45°
Primary Material	Steel
Shaft Material	Steel

Factors To Consider

Game-improvement irons are typically reserved for those with handicaps of 10 or higher, though there are professionals who prefer these clubs, and there’s nothing wrong with this. They’re designed for better performance because they allow you to hit further, straighter, and higher, even if you haven’t yet perfected your technique.

When considering a game-improvement golf club, there are some distinctive features to look for, including:

• Clubhead size
• Perimeter weighting
• Shaft flex
• Lower lofts
• Price

Club Head Size

The size of a game-improvement iron’s club head should be a bit larger than a standard blade, as it offers a wider sweet spot and more room for error. If you experience miss-hits, you could end up with a pretty decent shot, and even if it’s not the best, it won’t be completely disastrous. 

Not only can this make your golf game more exciting, but it can also improve your confidence, giving you the motivation to work on your skills.

Golf Clubs	Club Head Size	Score
Callaway Edge 10-piece golf set	Edge driver features oversized titanium headGood WeightExcellent soundGreat feel	10/10
LAZRUS Premium golf irons	They feel good in the handSolid feelSounds great	8/10
MAZEL golf club irons	USG- approvedGood weightOversizedClean, crisp soundShots feel great	8/10
Ram Golf EZ3 iron set	Look goodFeel goodLarger sweet spot	7/10

Winner(s): Callaway Edge 10-Piece golf set

Perimeter Weighting

Clubheads should have advanced perimeter weighting achieved through a cavity back design. These designs take the weight away from behind the center point of the club head and move it around the club face instead. 

The weight redistribution eliminates twisting, vibrations, and other unnecessary motions on miss-hits.

Additionally, it allows for an increased MOI and a lower center of gravity to launch the ball further into the air. This provides better accuracy and improved distance.

Golf Clubs	Head Weighting	Score
Callaway Edge 10-piece golf set	6-9 cavity backWeighted differently	10/10
LAZRUS Premium golf irons	Cavity backHeavyweight	10/10
MAZEL golf club irons	Cavity back	9/10
Ram Golf EZ3 iron set	Cavity back	8/10

Winner(s): Callaway Edge 10-piece golf set, LAZRUS Premium golf irons

Shaft Flex

Needless to say, if you’re a beginner, you’ll probably need a little help with speed, so you’ll want a shaft with a softer flex. If you’re more experienced, you can opt for a stiffer shaft, but chances are you’re looking for a regular or softer game-improvement iron.

Softer flexes encourage you not to hit the ball too hard. 

Your best bet is to choose a softer flex because a shaft that’s too stiff causes a loss of control. Once you’re more comfortable in your swing, some clubs are adjustable, so you can change them out later and switch to a stiffer flex.

A regular flex (R) is the best place to start if you’re a high-handicap male golfer. If you’re consistently hitting between 230 and 250 yards (210 to 229 m) from the tee to the green, this is the flex you should go for. 

It’s the most forgiving iron, and it’s not too stiff, so it provides exactly what you need, especially in a game-improvement iron.

Older folks who are hitting between 200 to 255 yards (183 to 233 m) may benefit from the senior flex (A). Ladies hitting less than 200 yards (183 m) consistently should go for the ladies’ flex (L), though the senior or regular flex is fine, too, for women hitting further.

Senior regular (SR) is a new option that’s becoming more common. It’s between senior and regular, softer than regular but stiffer than senior. This one is becoming more popular and may also be a good choice.

Golf Clubs	Shaft Flex Availability	Score
Callaway Edge 10-piece golf set	Regular (R)	8/10
LAZRUS Premium golf irons	Regular (R)	8/10
MAZEL golf club irons	Stiff (S)Regular (R)Senior Regular (SR)	9/10
Ram Golf EZ3 iron set	Regular (R)	8/10

Winner(s): MAZEL Golf Club Irons

Loft

A golf club’s loft is the angle between the club face and the turf. Every type of club has a different loft, and it affects the distance of the ball. As such, you’ll want to double-check the loft before settling on a set of game-improvement irons.

Let’s take a look at some of the standard lofts versus what you’d like to see on a game-improvement iron:

Golf Club	Standard Golf Club Loft	Ideal Game-Improvement Iron Loft
1 Iron	16°	13-14°
2 Iron	19°	16-17°
3 Iron	21°	19-20°
4 Iron	24°	21-22°
5 Iron	27°	24-25°
6 Iron	30°	27-28°
7 Iron	34°	30-32°
8 Iron	38°	34-36°
9 Iron	42°	38-40°

Game-improvement irons typically have lower lofts to promote longer distances. The center of gravity in these irons promotes higher ball flight.

Golf Clubs	Loft Range	Score
Callaway Edge 10-piece golf set	Lower lofts	9/10
LAZRUS Premium golf irons	Lower lofts	8/10
MAZEL golf club irons	Average to high lofts	6/10
Ram Golf EZ3 iron set	Lower lofts	9/10

Winner(s): Callaway Edge 10-piece golf set, Ram Golf EZ3 iron set

Price

The last factor is price. When purchasing game-improvement irons, you must consider what you’re investing in. 

Are you planning on playing golf for a lifetime, or are you just checking out the sport to see if it’s something you’ll like? If it’s the latter, it’s probably best to stick with a cheaper set just in case you find out that golf isn’t really your thing.

If, however, you’re committed to being a life-long, serious player, then making a more significant investment is an excellent idea.

Golf Clubs	Price Range	Score
Callaway Edge 10-piece golf set	$$$$	7/10
LAZRUS Premium golf irons	$$$	8/10
MAZEL golf club irons	$$	8/10
Ram Golf EZ3 iron set	$	10/10

Winner(s): Ram Golf EZ3 iron set

Key Takeaways: Best Game Improvement Irons of All Time

After considering club head size, perimeter weighting, shaft flex, loft, and price, I’ve found that the best overall game-improvement irons for most people are those in the Callaway Unisex Edge 10-piece golf set. 

Compared to my other picks in this article and the many that didn’t make it, the Callaway Unisex Edge 10-piece golf set makes the most sense for most people. 
Check out the Callaway Unisex Edge 10-piece golf set on Amazon now.