HONEST, IN-DEPTH comparison test (we reveal a winner!) | Best game-improvement irons of 2022

Best game-improvement irons of 2022 - ranked by Golfalot!
Which is your favourite model of the irons we have ranked?
This video review was shot at LSH Auto Car Garage, Stockport.
#Golfalot #Subscribe #Pingi230 #Review
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Thanks for watching the Golfalot Best Game-Improvement Irons of 2022

[@RCFreak32]

I just saw this… I hit all these clubs and I bought the Cleveland Launcher XL’s I thought they were the best feeling clubs, also the price helped as well!!! I wanted the Pings but with the feel, distance and the price… I went with the XLs and it was a win IMO

[@remoevans7847]

I did the same for the same reasons. I’ve had a chance to play 4 rounds in the past 10 days (76, 73, 74, 69). Expectations have been exceeded, the Cleveland Hy-Wood is a great club as well.

[@kenphillips7594]

The Ping 430 has been released in Australia and after a fitting two weeks ago, it is head and shoulders above everything else. Try it soon and be amazed Sophie.

[@GolfalotTV]

Thanks for this Ken. Very much looking forward to getting my hands on the G430 and testing soon!

[@zman7242]

I would have to agree the Cleveland launcher was a very good iron. I had demoed four out of the six, before watching your review and found the Cleveland launcher XL to be my choice. Mine were a bit more than the $500 with the upgraded shafts, but I’m very satisfied! 😊

[@abcoffee772]

Great review, Sophie. I have some Tour Edge Exotics - even those I feel like they get me out of sticky mishits more often than not.

[@GolfalotTV]

Thanks for the feedback

[@rooikatpommie8338]

Earlier in the year, went for 2 sessions looking for new irons, hit pretty much anything that could be customised, priority was getting the ball in the air better and maybe a little bit of looks. Stealth came out on top and they have proved amazing on the course, they hit the ball high despite the loft, although we’re always told that’s more about delivery. I usually lean to a more bladed iron but age is catching up with my consistency. Couldn’t get on with the Ping or callaway. Cleveland looked weird with their long head, titleist came in second but it wasn’t close. Most of the categories in your review are very subjective and we now know what you like, guess you now know what I liked.

[@GolfalotTV]

Agreed - as we always say hear at Golfalot with these videos, they are subject to opinion and should be take with a healthy pinch of salt. This is just Sophie's opinion. Thanks for sharing you findings Rooikat

[@eckathewrecka]

By far the best review on forgiveness irons I've seen. FYI I'm getting the Cleveland Launch XL.

[@onemoehit]

Did you get it? How do you like them so far? Thanks

[@josephklein4680]

I just got fitted a few months ago for new irons. Since I am no longer shopping I almost passed by this video, but curiosity drew me in. I went to my fitting fully intending to buy the Callaway Rogue ST max but the Trackman said I hit the Ping G425s better. I bought a set of the Pings and have not been disappointed. I am tall and the fitter added an inch to my shaft. It took a round or two to get used to the added length but I am hitting them farther and I am sure their forgiveness has saved me several strokes a round. Thanks for the review.

[@tomb9658]

I've never played distance irons. I just picked up Srixon ZX4 on sale with S-flex Nippon 950H NEO shaft Pitching thru 4 iron in Canada. The pitching wedge looks like a 9 iron, so I have some clue why they can be hit far.

[@chrishartney]

A nicely presented review of clubs. It's a shame that you didn't include a Mizuno.

[@kevinperry1843]

Like the review. Do you plan to review the new Tour Edge High Launch C/E 523 golf clubs (Driver, Hybrids, Irons)?

[@mikebailey2152]

Great review Sophie. Bought a set of the Ping G425 at the start of the year and love them!

[@GolfalotTV]

They'll look after you if you looks after them Mike!

[@garyt7193]

Contact.....whatever improves contact, should improve distance. Alas, with we duffers, consistent 'contact' isn't necessarily synonymous with our play. So, whatever improves the greatest forgiveness from poor contact, is likely the #1 priority in a game improvement club

[@dsrogersjr]

About to buy some irons and probably going with the Pings. Cleveland is a tremendous value, but I have no problem with height and they hit the highest. Getting the g425s will also likely have me set for life since I'm never going to be a scratch golfer

[@keithfromkent4364]

II love your reviews and especially your honesty and clarity. Its refreshing to see and hear an unbiased club review. I'm a big Ping fan and currently play the i200. I'm looking to upgrade and have looked at the i230, which I really like. Are the G425 comparable to the i230?

[@mickruban3567]

Thanks Sophie. I went for a fitting and the Wilson D9’s seemed to do it for me. P.S. I love your work Sophie, thanks for the channel.

[@GolfalotTV]

Great to hear your feedback and that you found the right model for you Mick. Please make sure you're subscribed to the channel and check out our website too!

[@EAADetailing]

I'm a total beginner to golf, and I didnt know what I was buying. I picked up a second hand set of Mizuno MP-68's and man. Blades are no joke, i definitely need something else!

[@andyreece9646]

distance is great at my age however, you need to be happy with the looks to enjoy them!

[@garethnoble11]

Excellent video. Soph, you're a star. Really appreciate the way you engage. I'm going for a fitting next week. The shop does all of the above so I'm curious as to what suits me. Accuracy/dospersion will be criterion number one. But if I can go 5 metres further with the same dispersion then I'll be an even happier man.

[@GolfalotTV]

Yes with irons it's all about accuracy but hopefully you can find something that offers you both

[@matthiasice]

I started to get back into golfing after 10+ years. I'm in my 30s, so last time I really played more was as a teenager. I'm looking for Improvement irons and I constantly hear people talk about looking down at a chunky iron and that it's "confidence inspiring". I feel the opposite. Counterintuitively, I'd rather look down at a blade (like some of my high loft wedges)....but I know that's not where my game is at. I need to go hit some of these improvement irons and actually feel them though. Maybe I'll fall in love

[@thomasjefferson7757]

Nice review. I just got fitted for Ping G425 irons to along with my PIng G425 5 wood and hybrids along with G400 Max driver. Love ping clubs.

[@GolfalotTV]

Thanks, Thomas 👍

[@user-ec5kc6fj9i]

My 4 categories would be dispersion, dispersion, dispersion and feel

[@zazhou]

Yes. Left/right dispersion; carry dispersion; total distance dispersion!

[@GolfalotTV]

With irons, it's hard to disagree with you!

[@timshears2099]

Had a fitting last week. Ordered the Pings. On my way to pick them up as I type. Just seen the video. Relieved. 😂

[@GolfalotTV]

Great choice Tim!

[@pan0568]

Feel and workability .... Thanks for all the great reviews, Sophie!

[@GolfalotTV]

Thanks for your comment 😊

[@alanspeaight3981]

Thanks for this vid as I'm about to book a fitting, Cobra has been appealing to me for a few months. I tend to hit hybrids better than irons, I get more yardage from the hybrids and so I am considering the Cobra T-rails. Thanks Sophie. I'm sure I'll find out at my fitting.

[@robertcourt8593]

I think this type of club should have a little more spacing between lofts. 5° instead of 3 or 4.

[@jfouse6134]

Excellent review, thanks Sophie. Would you say this years class is significantly better than last few years? Is there better value in buying a ‘previous winner’ from a year or two back vs. buying one of these?

[@sophiewalker2542]

They’re getting better everybyear

[@nobby6062]

I trialled the Ping, Taylormade and Callaway for a month earlier this year and I came to the same conclusions. The Callaway was rejected almost straight away, very clunky, couldn't get on with it. The taylormade was longest but not by much but had a stronger loft than the Ping. I chose the Ping because it looked best behind the ball and I was most comfortable with it. 6 months down the line I have no regrets, I love my Pings - even the sound.

[@GolfalotTV]

Thanks for sharing your testing results Nobby. Great minds...

[@christinekingham1777]

Thankyou. Ive never considered Ping from the chunky irons of yesteryear but will certainly give them a test drive soon.

[@adrianlovett3483]

No Hot Metals ? surely they win on looks and possibly feel ? For me distance and forgiveness has to be most important in this category. For someone needling help , looks and feel are nice to haves, but if you can’t hit them they are irrelevant.

[@mikepxg6406]

Thank you Sophie.

[@bobbear2252]

Would you buy the 425 now or would you wait the couple months for the 430?

[@GolfalotTV]

You'll have to wait to see our review in the new year 😉

[@rickcudmore8156]

Did you use steel shafts for the testing? Wondering if a graphite shaft might have reduced some of the noise? I was fitted for PXG 0211 DC irons this spring and they have reduced my dispersion, enabled a consistent fade and almost stopped my hooking of the ball.

[@JohnBulman-h1f]

Interesting review. I got fitted for irons last Spring. Ended up with a choice of Titleist T300 or Taylormade Sim Max. Went for the Titleists as I just liked the slimmer look as I stood over the ball. Superb clubs when Im playing well!! When I went in I was leaning towards the Pings but knew after about 5 shots that they just didn't suit me!

[@GolfalotTV]

Fair enough John, the Titleist T300 irons are great clubs!

[@allumpfa]

Thanks for the review. As a senior golfer I would like to know is there a added benefit of going to a graphite shafted iron?

[@Daniel-qr6sx]

you usually get a bit more clubheadspeed , and some say a bit more dispersion. The best thing is that it saves your hands when you dig to much into the ground, less vibrations travel up your hands and arms

[@GolfalotTV]

What Daniel said! Sometimes I find they can be just a little more forgiving in the strike too.

[@marymckenna5524]

Besides the Ping and the Titleist, will the Cleveland also grow with me as I take lessons and improve? Been thinking about using a mid-lofted iron that reveals all my faults for practice at the driving range while using game improvement sticks for enjoyment of the game on the course. Your comment on Cleveland's 'players feedback' has me wondering if these clubs could both help me and inform me at the same time.

[@JDSFLA]

Another excellent review from Sophie. However, I made a different choice - the Sub 70 model 799 which is a hybrid-iron much like the Cleveland Launcher XL Halo, for US$90 s club.

[@garry17713]

I got fitted 2 weeks ago and tried all of these except the Cleveland and Titleist. I found the Cobra and Ping very clunky and no better than my 12 year old Nike’s. The Stealth’s and Rogue’s were very similar in feel and performance but I felt the Stealth’s were slightly better and what I chose. In terms of looks, they are the number 1 out of the 6 by far.

[@GolfalotTV]

Thanks for getting touch Garry, a lot of people seemed to think the Stealth's looked great this year but for me it was the Pings!

[@JoseSanchez-yp3hj]

New subscriber !! Stumbled upon your channel and loved the content!! 👍🏾☝🏽

[@johndziedzic45]

Bought G425 last year and they are a fantastic iron

[@GolfalotTV]

They have done very well for a lot of golfers!

[@adygolf]

Thanks Sophie I was thinking about the Callaway rogue st irons as I have the driver and hybrids and I love them but now I won't lol I'll stick with my mizuno's jpx hot metal for now much less chunkiness I feel , though not too keen on the offset.

[@golfhawk18]

What about the Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal? These irons outperform the one in this review.

[@glennwalker6881]

I think there both important to be honest they need to look good in the porch at home we’re I store them but also do there job on the course

[@home4ya]

oh man.. which you added Cally Apex DCBs..most important to "me" in order is spin, height, dispersion, feel, and sound, dont care if it says 7 or 6 at the bottom! 425 winner? that sound...

[@guyr7351]

Hi Sophie pity the Takoma irons are not in here, just on price alone and they have such a clean look to them

[@Daniel-qr6sx]

indeed

[@GolfalotTV]

Hi Guy, thanks for getting in touch. We're working on having a review of some Takoma irons either on the Golfalot site or on our KZbin Channel very soon.

[@colinpenson9029]

Good review as is the norm. I would like you to concentrate on value for money. There are now quite a few brands that have iron sets under £600.00. Same goes for the other clubs in the bag.

[@GolfalotTV]

Thanks for the feedback Colin - we will keep an eye out for more value products to review in the future

[@garethnoble11]

Did I say "excellent video" and "Soph you're a star"? Well just in case .. excellent video and Soph you're a star!! You're reviews are level headed also accepting that subjectivity is subjectivity. But hell yeah - we're sometimes subjective on things like "looks". My better half also really enjoys hearing from a female reviewer. The connection is just better. Love your work. Keep it up. (P.S. how the hell do you hit it so far with a swing that looks so effortless?)

[@richardjacobs7632]

Love the review! Ping isn’t as loud with a soft ball! I have a set.

[@GolfalotTV]

Thanks Richard 👍

[@edwinlambley2801]

You know what your getting with Ping quality irons that last and last. I know people who still play Eye 2 irons. Then add the after sale service free checking and adjustment for life. I have a set of Ping Karsten II irons and they are as playable today as the day they came out.

[@neiltaylor1765]

Can't beatvthe cobra forge tec, great feel and easy to blend

[@GolfalotTV]

Tested them earlier this year and they were great, though not entirely sure the fit in the game-improvement category.

[@allenjeannette4350]

Great feedback, Sophie. Very through.

[@ondrasvrr2619]

I love the quality of Cleveland... For me is it my winner. 🥳

[@GolfalotTV]

The Cleveland were a surprising performer. Looking forward to reviewing more of their clubs in future

[@davidcole2337]

Great Video just bought some 2022 Game Improvement Irons. Went with Callaway Rogue ST OS and increased my Distant by 20 - 25 Yard and yes in my 50's and was losing distant. Also it official My Clubs Suck. :(

[@GolfalotTV]

Your clubs don't suck at all! Every iron in this review features because it is one of the best from the year. Great to hear you've gained some extra distance!

[@davidcole2337]

@@GolfalotTV I was Joking.. Enjoyed the review. When it comes to Clubs they perform differently for each player. I tried hitting my Brother new clubs the Mizuno JPX 23 he had custom fitted and didn't like them. Also I moved from Wilson D350 to the Rogue ST OS so I knew it was going to preform better.. All depends on the Player.

[@christinekingham1777]

Now we need a similar review of hybrids I think.

[@jamiecrutchfield9868]

Thank you for putting cleveland in comparison. Most underrated club on the market.

[@larryjonak3617]

I would say looks doesn't matter. I don't buy golf clubs to look at. Some of my favorite clubs have been on the ugly side. I don't hear the sound of impact when I'm hitting a ball, so sound does not matter. Good feel is nice but all I care about is performance. If it costs more then I'm willing to pay for it.

[@GolfalotTV]

Thanks for your honesty Larry - every golf is different!

[@TheRycooder]

Left out the Srixon ZX4. The TRUE Winner.

[@paulmilsom1346]

It doesn't matter what number is stamped on the club, it's the loft that matters more, and Ping have 3 different lofts avaiable in their irons, so which did you test?

[@GolfalotTV]

We tested the Ping G425 irons in the standard loft.

[@krisiboren]

Cobra airx?

[@christinekingham1777]

What would you say are the best irons for senior ladies?

[@dennishough2654]

Definitely looks

[@MrDazza64]

The Ping? Nothing to do with you being a staff player for years, eh Soph? 🤣👍 The Cleveland was the true clear winner here…and no, I don’t have any Cleveland kit in my bag.

[@keithfinley2939]

I would like to try a set of the G425/430s in retro lofts... It takes a bit of bounce and I think some of the offset off as well.

[@davidbond3772]

I had these irons and changed them for Cleveland launcher uhx irons. At less then 50% of the price they are the bargain of the year.

[@GolfalotTV]

I'm looking forward to testing the G430 irons - should be fun!

[@LA-zc9rg]

Cleveland 1/2 the price and great performance no comp!

[@randallpennington5976]

I play Ping G30 irons and my buddy has the Stealth and the Pings go farther and higher for both of us!

[@jimmahT]

Clear winner there considering the prices. Thanks for the content Sophie!!

[@MilesIzHigh5280]

Longevity? I’ve never had an iron give out on me lol that was a dumb category. All of those irons will still be hitting balls 10-15 years from today.

[@GolfalotTV]

We were referring to longevity in based on the golfers game evolving - they fit the widest target market.

[@angrybarsteward7301]

I have seen some bad club distance tests on youtube but this has to be the worst ever. Going by loft.. Ping (6i) 26.5 TaylorMade (6i) 24 . Callaway (6i) 25.5. Titleist (6i) 26. Cobra (7i) 26.5. Cleavland (7i) 29. So with the Cleveland (6i) three more yards for every degree loft it would put it at 151. That's before you then factor in a very very modest 3/4 mph clubhead speed.. then it's the longest distance club in this test by a mile.

[@markdunn8038]

Looks and Feel

[@nickmillar9651]

Stealth best looking by far

[@Muadib223]

Funny you didn't mention the Wilson Launchpad Pro series of clubs...

[@bazzer1971]

More super game improvement category?

[@GolfalotTV]

We may look to do a super-game improvement irons video...

[@thorgrimb2416]

Possibly looking at new irons as just starting back Stealth are pretty much the only ones on your list but looking at paradym x and apex forged more than the rogue but not completely ruled it out . Short game so feel is more important to me than overall distance thats where I will save shots on each hole. So yes looks does come into it if they feel good and look great you will be in a happier place than if you dont like them and only bought them because just maybe that tiny difference will save you one shot per round but how the others feel might save you 2, 3 4 or more shots a round.

[@iaindevine3799]

I'm the original ping man, have had many ping iron sets through the years. Hated these unfortunately. Went to an older mix of M2's 2016/17 models. Love them.

[@GolfalotTV]

Thanks for our feedback Iain!

[@bonolee07]

Well my mate is off 4 and plays the Ping G425s so not sure they are aimed totally at the high handicapper

[@GolfalotTV]

Every golfer is different - you're right, low handicap golfers can play these irons!

[@bonolee07]

@@GolfalotTV in fact I’ve just bought some and I’m off 6 😂😂 great reviews 👍

[@4stephl]

Distance more important than looks

[@GolfalotTV]

In this category, I think most golfers would agree.

[@petekenny3774]

Srixon zx4

[@bazzer1971]

I have the Cleveland launcher uhx irons and they are superb and were much cheaper than all the other brands. I blend in the 4 and 5 launcher xl halo irons as my hybrids. Those things are so easy to hit

[@davidbond3772]

Can totally agree with you. Used Ping 425 irons, but these Cleveland irons are something else and at less than50 % of the Pings

[@GolfalotTV]

Great to hear from you Barry - the Cleveland irons do offer an unreliable amount of value!

[@marymckenna5524]

Besides the Ping and the Titleist, will the Cleveland also grow with me as I take lessons and improve? Been thinking about using a mid-lofted iron that reveals all my faults for practice at the driving range while using game improvement sticks for enjoyment of the game on the course. Your comment on Cleveland's 'players feedback' has me wondering if these clubs could both help me and inform me at the same time.

[@bruceseaman6592]

NO WILSON ???

[@tylerbott9617]

I’ve watched a looooot of golf club reviews and this has been the most disappointing for me. The reviewer is putting their own opinions and what they prefer above all when this is supposed to be the best “game improvement iron” not “what iron I prefer”. Either get a high handicapper in there to try them and review as a fitter or put your bias aside and give us a true “best game improvement iron” video.

[@GolfalotTV]

Thanks for your feedback Tyler - this is something we will take onboard going forward.

[@davidgoodwin101]

No Mizuno 923.

[@uNkLeRaRa4]

Looks/Feel > Distance Alllllllllllll day

[@windyknot2094]

Im stumped on what I learned watching her hit balls.....

[@lawbinson]

Ping Zing 2's for life

[@pedroarguelles3197]

You forgot the Mizuno Hot Metal , you should know better , thumbs down