The BEST irons for HIGH handicap golfers in 2024!

[@rafaelmartinvannostrand2084]

Takomo is the best thing that happened for beginners like me. Being able to buy a brand new set of clubs for sometimes less than a second hand premium and that even performs better is a blessing.

[@14GundamWing]

Do you feel like they've made your game better? I'm still on the fence about them

[@LONprod]

@@14GundamWing i bought the Takomo 101 irons for my dad and they feel just a slight bit better than my Taylormade Sim2 max's. Takomo are definitely more forgiving and have a better feel, but the Sim2's have more workability imo (though this might be because the takomo's are not fit for me!) If you're on the fence id say buy them, because they will definitely make your game better unless you have a premium set that released within the last 2-3 years.

[@StevelandCleamer]

@@14GundamWingthey really are that good. Shipping can be a little pricey, but they at least give you a free towel and hat too. Honestly, the quality is just too good to be true for the quality. It’s unbelievable. I have the 301 combo set and they really are THAT good.

[@AJB_17]

@@LONprodwhat would you say the durability is like for the 101s?

[@takomogolfcompany]

Thanks for the love, guys 🥰

[@owenbeck4]

Rick would love to see the 101t compared to the 101

[@Fastfishracing]

I would also love to see that!

[@brennanbrinck5719]

As a high handicapper I love my Mizuno Hot Metal JPX295!!!

[@msparkes1990]

Absolutely. Just got a set and what a difference they made for me 😊

[@ChrisGordon999]

But reviewers don't like reviewing or promoting mizuno because for one they don't get views like Taylor made, ping and Callaway do and secondly they don't pay reviewers and give free bees like the ones I mentioned do. As soon as I seen the irons that were being reviewed I never watched anymore.

[@bennorris3712]

It’s really cool that takomo makes their game improvement irons available in weaker loft options as well.

[@takomogolfcompany]

Ben 🥰

[@derbananenliebendepavian8721]

I'd love to see Wilson clubs in there. Definitely great clubs but cheaper.

[@paulmcgee1867]

Totally agree. I have just picked up the Dynapower forged

[@StevelandCleamer]

@@paulmcgee1867I looooove the look of the staff CB’s, but the head shape is a little off (maybe too boxy?) for me.

[@joshm7081]

I love my cobra darkspeeds!! Fuming

[@GentlemanJamesWin]

And the adapts, which are already out, are even better.

[@VictorVerino]

You definitely need to include Titliest, Wilson and Srixon

[@Raknae]

Wilson dynapwr forged innit

[@MrSupermugen]

mental to exclude the srixon zx4 mkII series, Im lucky enough to of played with most irons available, The Srixon zx stuff is 100% the ideal club for high HCP.

[@sk1zyb]

Titliest would get smoked on price unfortunately

[@thomhoude7815]

Think its a shame not to see the cleveland zipcore xl in that list, been wonderful for plenty golfers

[@paulmcgee1867]

My personal winners. Wilson Dynapower forged and Callaway AI Smoke Max Fast. 3rd place Ping g430

[@AndersJäderling]

so a little confusing, you mention Takomo 101 but sometimes feature the 101T... and also distance; according to Takomo the 101 7i has 30 loft and the 101T has 32 - whereas you list it at 28?

[@anttisavolainen547]

Also in the video the close pic are about 101, so ...confusing, yes!

[@jimwampler6210]

Rick, a perfect and necessary comparison would be all of the Direct to Consumer clubs. Takoma, Caley, MacGregor, Hogan, Ram etc. They all have "players distance" irons which should make it all even. This was a really interesting comparison and the big brands should take note. Thanks for all that you do. Happy New Year

[@AZstu324]

Please review Maltby Rick. You won't be disappointed

[@kennethmckinney2532]

I just got a second hand set of Maltby STI OS 701 irons recently for 100.00. The first Maltby set I have ever had. I really like them. I was a buyer and seller of golf equipment for 3 or 4 years recently but got tired of it so I have hit plenty of top brands and these perform and feel just as good...

[@timothyhuckaby8256]

I have a set of the 101Ts and i love them. Slightly stronger lofts coupled with forgiveness is an unbeatable combo

[@takomogolfcompany]

Tim 😍

[@danieljohnson9413]

I have the Takoma 101t and agree 100%. Great feel and accuracy but the pride takes a hit with the distance. However, winning bets because I'm hitting more greens helps soften that blow!

[@takomogolfcompany]

Greens in regulation is what 101t is about 😘

[@keithrafferty2060]

More of this type of content Rick, this is what most people want. The bigger brands have had a monopoly for way too longgg (yes I meant that). My neighbor just went out and bought a set of smokes, he should have watched this. I told him, honestly, wait and watch the H.I.T channel first....oh dear....

[@pearsenapier6740]

I have the takomo 101s and the ping g430s. The 101s definitely sound and feel better but the pings are way easier to hit. You can launch them super high and far and get enough spin to make them stop. I found the 101s to have a more low penetrating ball flight that would run like crazy. The ping long irons are way easier to hit

[@jeremy950]

Good review (as usual) but some big brands missing, Srixon, Titlelist, Mizuno, Cleveland and Wilson

[@carlmanns9232]

I went and got fitted for PXG gen 6 irons. I hit them well and I like them a lot

[@danielh4032]

Cleveland Zipcore XL are superb, especially given the price

[@uNkLeRaRa4]

I'd love to see RS review some Maltby irons

[@GOLFADDICT65]

Just ordered some PXG GEN 6 XP's in all chrome great deal on Hero's prices can't wait to get them ordered them on the 24th and was notified today the 26th they have been shipped wow did not expect that quick response awesome job PXG cheers from Vulcan Canada

[@joeensign8727]

I’d love to see Wilson Titleist and Mizuno irons in there I feel like those would of been fun to see

[@josephzimmerman7454]

Wilson

[@joeensign8727]

@ ?? Yea Wilson staff irons

[@armin2324]

No Wilson and Titleist is insane. Also, no word on shafts being used?

[@tburger3916]

There was shown a cobra king tech x iron in the first set of panels

[@flyingbeagles8328]

Great video Rick, I'm fixated on the T350 but price of Takomo is insanely good. Happy New Year

[@roscomannOVL]

100% agree with the feel and dispersion assessment for Takomo. Been playing 101’s for 3 seasons now. Hdcp has gone from 27 to 15.

[@takomogolfcompany]

That is great to hear! Thank you for the love and support 😇

[@bugsyboy5323]

Rght off the Tacomo website: 101 7 iron 30° loft and the 101T 7 iron 32° loft. We have no idea what you were using as you show both models in your video.

[@0228mustang]

Noticed this also!

[@tomk9894]

You were all over with the lofts. When you showed the lofts of all the clubs, the Callaway you had down at 32 the Tacoma at 28 and Tacoma’s website says that the 101s has a loft of 30 so a real mess.

[@yoandermulet3731]

Great viedeo Rick🤙

[@scottgriffiths1169]

Love my PXG XPs. Awesome clubs

[@christophersherman2437]

I’ve been playing the Takomo 101 for the last season and a half. Love them. Bought the heads and put in the shafts I fitted for. Love them. You can get the Takomo heads only for $350 4-PW. Great price.

[@jakefairbanks]

As with other ranking videos - Take away looks, and here are the rankings: Takomo 101: 19 Vice 102: 18 Ping G430 & Cobra DS: 13 Callaway Ai Smoke: 12 TaylorMade Qi: 10 If Price is also not a constraint: Vice 102: 14 Takomo 101: 13 Ping G430 & Callaway Ai Smoke: 10 TaylorMade Qi: 9 Cobra DS: 8

[@Garbox80]

Takomo's were 101s, not T-version. But that's nitpicking, nice job taking time to make this.

[@jakefairbanks]

@@Garbox80 Ah, you are correct. Fixed.

[@mcshreddy]

10 hdcp, just ordered some 101T's. Cant wait to test them against my Callaway Apex Pro 21's.

[@ronstine9039]

I would really to see what you think of the Cleveland Zipcore XL irons.

[@petetbates8111]

I think that a high handicapper like me , is least worried about the looks ( as long as they are not extremely ugly) . Usability and distance and loft is more important. I love your input normally, but I think that you should have had a high handicapper testing alongside you Rick .

[@richardmanion6132]

Distance should be scored on the deviation, not the absolute value. Comparing a 32° to a 27° is kinda silly. Having a 7 iron go 190 or 170 is worse than having a 7 iron go 178 or 182.

[@jackwilson2004]

I got the Taylor made stealth hd irons and they are so easy to hit as a high handicapper

[@JT-gy5wc]

Would love to see you check Cleveland and Tour Edge. And include some hybrids. Thanks Rick, great video as always.

[@markgarcia-d3k]

Thank you I ordered vice!

[@joemaier997]

I bought the takomo 101 and the vice vgio1 and used them both. TBH the distance of the takomo 101 iron's are incredibly consistent, but the dispersion is quite unpleasant. With the vgio1, every ball is straight, although the length varies for balls that are not hit centrally. The feeling of the vgio1 is also significantly better. I would say they are the more forgiving irons. and when I consider that the takomo 101 are comparable to the vgio2 from vice, which are considerably more consistent in distance. In my opinion, the Vice irons are the best on the market. aside from that: All Vice products were on sale throughout November. yes the whole month! vgio1 was available for around 135 euros (112 pounds) vgio2 was available for around 117 euros (97 pounds) The online fitting tools were interesting. Takomo gave me a heavy stiff shaft (probably to add length and compensate for my height) while Vice absolutely puts playability first. a light steel shaft in regular with half an inch short and 1 degree flat. I've never played it before, but it's absolutely perfect. The light shaft takes up a little distance but is great

[@EricMooreGuitar]

It is nice to see affordable DTC brands starting to win these types of comparisons!

[@EoinLyons-oi4kp]

How can one of the scoring criteria be distance when there are different lofts between sets?

[@MCChay]

I think it could work if the lofts has a certain multiplying factor to it. Unfortunately that’s not how they planned it. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Fizzyford]

This whole "test" is just flat out bad lol Looks should not factor at all because its subjective for every golfer. Different lofts for all the clubs so right away distance cant be done accurately. "Feel" of a club is completely subjective as well, one might like the feel of the cobra while he doesn't. Dispertion is stupid because one day he could be hitting the ball well and one day he could be off. The only thing in this video that could be used is price and even then he fails to mention you cant get Takomo or Vice clubs fitted which definitely matters. Just a dumb video all around imo.

[@andybt3989]

The G430’s are brilliant! Suitable for high handicaps all the way to high single figures. My mate is 9 handicap and uses them. I have a set now too!

[@MrBogieboy01]

Would be curious to see some of the other brands included, and possibly some of the more obscure japanese offerings... as a 23.5 handicapper i lucked my way into a set of Epon af703, and by far are the best feeling and most accurate and forgiving irons i have played... but no one ever talks about Epon, despite them being made in one of the largest forges in Japan, Endo...

[@Dan-hn1lx]

I went something similar in Honmo irons and they are really nice.

[@danaragon873]

I love my Srixon’s

[@joshsmith8860]

Rick, why don’t you ever put PXG into the mix? They seem to be a very premium brand that I never see you review…..

[@rightsidewarrior2010]

Agreed

[@seanwills4071]

I've noticed for a few many years, you will place a bladed looking iron right at the top for any review, as you stated it's your opinion, just something I noticed. Have a blessed one

[@brettbenton2408]

What about the T350’s?

[@justinjohnson4114]

Since you include looks, feel, and price, there’s no way Takomo doesn’t place first no matter how many brands you include. They are beautiful, cheap, and perform great.

[@takomogolfcompany]

Thank you Justin ❤

[@lukemaxwell7051]

The rankings on distance is flawed because of the lofts and doesn’t give a true review of distance. You need to calculate how far each club is carrying per degree of loft. Then pick a standardized loft number for each club (easiest to just pick the lowest lofted club which was 27*). Then multiply the yard per degree of loft to the difference of a club higher than the standard loft. Ex. Ping is 29*loft, you would say it’s 2 degrees shorter than our baseline, so we multiply the yards per degree of loft by 2. Once we get this number, you add it back to its average testing distance to give all the clubs the same degree of loft and a comparable distance number. With this method, the rankings should be the following if each club is at 27* of loft: 1) Takomo 202.34 2) Callaway 196.79 3) Vice 196.69 4) Ping 195.62 5) TaylorMade 193.68 6) Cobra 190

[@kennethmckinney2532]

Yep. That was so strange the way he did it. Takomo would have taken the prize easily...

[@owenbeck4]

Love these kinds of videos

[@V3rxus]

Another quaaaality vid, thanks Rick 👏👏

[@scottmccaig6185]

Are Titleist T350 not considered game improvement?

[@2sqnbandit379]

You should be gaming these Rick

[@clsupreme7408]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 for Takomo irons 🏌🏾

[@undergroundupholstery]

You need to get an appropriate high handicap team member to do these reviews. I’m guessing the vast majority of your viewers are higher HC. No channels really have a high hc on staff but that’s what we want

[@geoff114]

Should have all been tested at a high handicapper speed. 70 - 80 mph. I wonder what the result would be?

[@ManchesterManc123]

Thought Tour Edge E723 might have had a look in

[@robertslovikosky928]

I would love to see some more reviews on complete beginner sets.

[@simonweston9728]

Rick rick come on were are the Wilson's, pxg, Cleveland etc etc not good my friend

[@Averyravynwood]

This is an interesting test though. Vice and Takomo don’t allow for a custom fitting, but most people just starting out aren’t looking for that. The Ping irons would likely take this top spot if not buying straight off the rack and if price were not in the equation.

[@kurtcohen7011]

Titleist 350s?

[@sfjeanfrancois]

Would like a Takomo vs Stix comparison !

[@bluescoins1199]

I picked up the Taylor Made Sims 2 Max this year, replacing a set that was over 20 years old. So far is has been a game changer for me. But really thinking i will out grow them for the 2026 season.

[@sharper9009]

You left out the Mizuno 925 Hot Metal HL which you clearly thought very highly of in one of your other videos 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@DirkMaier-k5o]

In terms of Takomo there are two different levels of loft mentioned in the video (28 and 32). 28 fits to 101 and 32 to 101T. Which club did you hit?

[@peters8930]

101 are 30. 101T are 32

[@deadpool3636]

I got fitted with the Callaway AI Smokes... hope they perform well in this vid.

[@stianpedersen7281]

Why is Titleist T350 not included in this test?

[@colteberlemusic5668]

Just got Takomo 101s for Christmas

[@sod2068]

Surely the distance category could have factored in the loft .ie +/- 3yards for each ° or included ball speed off the face aswell to try and give a clearer result?.

[@YoPaulieMusic]

Would love to see a Vol. 2 version of this video featuring Tour Edge, Wilson, Titleist, Mizuno, Stix and Lazrus... and maybe CostCo just for grins. :)

[@hollisconant2566]

distance is the only thing i look for

[@steveadair7942]

I love my Takomo 201s!!

[@Dan-hn1lx]

I managed to find a nice set of Honmos Tw757 for 700 aud which is really cheap for quality irons. Im using old r9 Taylormade Irons and im about a 20-25 handicap.

[@amalfi460]

So the shorter irons were more accurate…..who would have thunk lol

[@al1356]

So the Callaway and Cobras are effectively 5 irons. Imagine that loft bias on your 9 iron smash it 170 yards, you best be hitting it a mile in the air to get some stop on summer greens. Bonkers

[@erics8180]

Question: in 0:58 you mentioned that your are pitting the takomo "101" irons with the other contenders. however at the end of the video 10:38 you announced that tied with the vice irons is the takomo "101T". i hate to nitpick but i do really want to know what is better suited to the high hcp golfer. is it the takomo "101" or the "101T"? much love and support from a long time subscriber. happy holidays and advance happy new year to you and the family.

[@justinstephenson9360]

Distance was, for the most part, a function of loft. Takomo at 32 degrees v Cobra at 27 degrees is the equivalent of testing your 7i against your 5i/6i. Similarly accuracy is at least in part a function of distance - be honest are you more accurate with your 7i or your 5i? As for the clubs, the Tokomo and Vice clubs are exceptional, just wish they had more shaft options

[@joshwilson5750]

I’m not sure if any one pointed out but the loft for the takomos was wrong. In the line up they said 28 degrees then showed 32 in the simulation hit. The 101 is 30 degrees of loft, the 101t are 32 degrees.

[@Tylermackenzie]

Love the main channel Rick, but it's hard to trust these completely when the lofts and models are wrong.

[@BANDANA960]

Sad to see the Callaway Paradym AI Smoke in last place. I got a set 10 months ago and had mahoooooosive fun with them. Plus they were £500 less than the Apex AI's so that's a big win.

[@anttisavolainen547]

ok! very easy, got to get me Takomos! second hand though

[@ryanbryce2752]

Could you please review some Cleveland irons and drivers?

[@deejh206]

Did you know you have got 2 cobras in your still shot of the lineup of clubs… 0:23

[@MCChay]

Ok i thought i was dreaming for a second

[@Vnam72]

Good video but a bit late for 2024 surely, seeing as all the new irons come out in Jan.

[@Tuheleloa]

Maltby ts3 irons

[@lewisshillinglaw8404]

Defo need to check out Srixon irons Rick. Love the ZX5’s

[@lvond555]

That would be the zx4 in this category.

[@hodgesjamesd]

You have the 101 iron but in places listed it as a 101T. The 101T is a 32 degree iron, but the 101 is 30 on their website. Curious thoughts on it since it would have actually been a 30 degree you tested I believe.

[@chaco883]

Wish I could hit Takomos. I've hit the Taylormade, Cobra and Callaway. I'm going with Callaway. The QI wasn't as pure for me and the Darkspeed felt like a sledgehammer.

[@Gordeaux]

The Vice clubs are in my sights 100% accuracy with those looks 🤤. I also think it’s a brand that separates you from your golf buddies.

[@matthewlaw8268]

Would have liked to see Caley in there and what happened to Mizuno who make some of the best irons on the market!

[@michaelgusterson5502]

For the cobra ones you should have included the Air X. They are not so strong lofted and more forgiving.

[@scottbeeman1149]

Has Rick ever done a review on golf trollies? Specifically, electric ones. I haven't found it. My kids got me a gift card for Christmas to get one, so looking for some advice.

[@richhirsh9647]

Please consider adding Maltby TS1 and TS3 irons

[@Hidden02]

My thoughts have always been, it's shame Callaway's Ai always gets tested over their Apex line. I think from a stability, consistency, etc. the APEX line dominates, the non-pro version. I got fitted the day before COVID shut down, and my APES 19s have seen from a 7 down to a 3.4 in handicap. Mishits just seem to workout and the consistency is where they shine. In know all my numbers for a full and 3/4 shot down to the yard.

[@crazeswitch986]

Hi Rick, My son is looking at some mens clubs to move into. His handicap is on the way down. Therefore, I am torn between takomo 101 and 101t irons. I am learning towards 101t as I feel they would last him longer what's your thoughts?

[@martynrollo800]

Rick I noticed u have never done anything on Lazarus clubs..? I like the irons and the wedged

[@CaptBlackjack22]

Instead of distance or maybe in addition to it you should measure precision like ik accuracy was another one but if a club is short but giving a reliable grouping everytime Id take that over an extra 10 yards thats sometimes an extra 30 to the right

[@staffanekdahl2677]

Cleveland Mizunomand titleist

[@jorgbalster6942]

Rick you mentioned the 101 but took the loft of the 101T which is 32 degrees (the 101 has 30 degress of loft). Which one did you use? From the forgiveness point of view i would guess the 101. Anyhow great review !

[@garyosborne8906]

This was a really interesting video. I see two potential flaws in the ratings. First is price. For some people price is irrelevant while for others it is everything. Only a person’s personal wealth matters when it comes to price and it has little to do with the clubs performance regardless of handicap. The second flaw is looks. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder making it unmeasurable by anything other than personal taste. While I respect the heck out of Rick, what he finds good looking is of no consequence. The only measures that should be included are the ones that can be measured. That said, for me the Takomo takes the lead. Distance does not matter as much because a person can go up or down a club to adjust for distance. Accuracy on the other hand is king. Everyone needs a club that goes where you expect it to go. I guess my point is that these various measuring points should be handicapped as well. Perhaps accuracy gets more points than distance. Distance gets more points than feel. Feel gets more points than looks. Looks get more points than cost. In this process the quantifiable measures that really make a difference in playability are leveraged. I suppose I could go in and reran by my method but I’m too lazy to do it. Would it make a difference on which club came out on top? I don’t know. It would surely be more complicated and perhaps no more enlightening. Anyway, great video, Rick. Thanks for the effort.