Filtering the best driving irons out of hundreds of clubs is no piece of cake. With so many driving irons on the market, you can accidentally purchase a set of irons that doesn’t suit you or your swing.
Considering the weight, model, type, loft, shafts, and forgiveness are crucial for any golfer looking to add a new driving iron to their arsenal.
This wide array of variables makes finding an iron that complements your game challenging.
That’s why we’ve rigorously tested the top 30 driving irons on the market. We’ve created a list of the top 5 clubs you can get based on factors such as budget, handicap, and forgiveness.
Oh, and don’t worry! All driving irons in this list are backed by hundreds of reviews from satisfied golfers like you, in addition to our independent research.
You’ll even get more from this article as we’ll give you a thorough insight into why you should use driving irons and how to find out the best ones.
So, without further ado, let’s get straight into it!
Best Driving Irons
Golfible Picks:
Editor’s Choice: Taylormade P790 UDI Iron (click to see)
Best Budget Choice: Mizuno MP-18 MMC Fli Hi Iron (click to see)
Best Driving Iron For High Handicappers: TaylorMade GAPR MID Golf Club (click to see)
Best Used Driving Iron: Ping G Series Crossover Hybrid (click to see)
Driving Iron Specification Comparison Table
| Iron Set Name | TaylorMade P790 UDI Iron | Mizuno MP-18 MMC Fli Hi Iron | TaylorMade GAPR MID Golf Club | Ping G Series Crossover Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.5/10 Top Pick | 9.0/10 Best Budget Choice | 9.1/10 Best Driving Iron For High Handicappers | 9.1/10 Best Used Driving Iron |
| Pricing | Jump To Pricing Section | Jump To Pricing Section | Jump To Pricing Section | Jump To Pricing Section |
| Iron Back | Hollow Cavity Back | Muscle Back | Hollow Back (Speed Foam-Filled) | Cavity Back |
| Iron Size | Midsize | N/A | Midsize | N/A |
| Shaft | Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX | KBS C-Taper Lite | KBS Hybrid Shaft | PING Alta CB 70 / PING AWT 2.0 / PING Tour 85 |
| Grip | TaylorMade Z-Grip Black/Grey | Golf Pride MCC White/Black | Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 | PING 5L / PING 5L Cord |
| Read Review | Jump To Taylormade P790 UDI Review | Jump To Mizuno 2018 MP-18 MMC Fli Hi Irons Review | Jump To TaylorMade GAPR MID Golf Club Review | Jump To Ping G Series Crossover Hybrid Review |
TaylorMade P790 UDI Iron
Top Pick
Rating: 9.5 /10
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Pros
- Tremendous distance with piercing low ball flight
- Increased forgiveness with larger sweet spot
Cons
- Hard to hit for golfers with high handicap and/or slower swing speeds
The Taylormade P790 UDI was our top-performing driving iron in our testing and it wasn’t close.
Hitting this club perfectly is one of the most rewarding strokes we have ever felt. Imagine the ball exploding off the club face and piercing down the fairway, then hitting the ground and rolling another 50 yards.
If this sounds like the ideal driving iron for your game, the P790 UDI is right for you.
So, how does it work?
The P790 UDI is the latest in a long line of TaylorMade driving irons that pack a serious punch, but this edition features new tech specifically designed with power and a low ball flight in mind.
How does it accomplish that increase in power?
It does have the appearance of a blade, but the P790 actually has hollow back construction with urethane foam inside. This makes the face more flexible so the ball flies off the club with more velocity.
This means greater distance for you without extra effort.
The sound on perfect shots is also unique due to this thinner face, you’ll know when you hit it just right.
In addition, the P790 features an intelligent sweet spot due to a thinner club face made possible by SpeedFoam Air, TaylorMade’s proprietary sweet spot that is 69% lighter than its previous model.
The end result is more shots hitting the sweet spot, and hitting the sweet spot with this club will produce unparalleled distance from a driving iron. The ball jumps off the club face and screams down the fairway.
What we love about TaylorMade’s P790 UDI
- This club offers more distance than any club we tested. This club is designed with the goal of creating low spin, meaning shots don’t get too high off the ground and will bound down the fairway after hitting the ground. These screaming low shots will have you reaching more par 5’s in two and also holds its own off the tee.
- Intelligent Sweet Spot makes it viable for more golfers. Driving irons like the P790 (thin, blade-style clubs) are typically designed for the upper echelon of golfers. Many of these clubs have tiny sweet spots and can be very difficult to hit for high handicappers. While the P790 still isn’t for all golfers, it is more forgiving than its competitors due to the unique tech in the club face.
- The feel of a perfect shot. We can’t stress enough how great it feels to hit this club correctly. The ball jumps off the club face and when you hit the sweet spot you can barely feel the contact.
- Driver/Wood Alternative: The club is so long that you won’t be put in many bad situations even if you tee off with it regularly. If you’re more comfortable with an iron because it lends itself to fewer slices/hooks than a driver, the P790 is a great choice to keep your ball in the fairway, a long way down the fairway.
- Fairway forgiveness. Hitting the P790 off the tee is viable because of the distance this club packs, but it’s also workable off the deck.
Drawbacks of the TaylorMade P790 UDI
Rough in the rough: The P790 is made for distance off the tee or in the fairway, but like other blade-style irons it’s not going to get out of the rough with ease.
High-handicappers beware: While the sweet spot is bigger than others, it’s still a blade driving iron. The club offers very little forgiveness if hit off the heel or the toe and mis-hits don’t go anywhere.
Won’t hold a green: The club’s design has only one goal: distance. This means if you land the ball on the green it’s not likely to stay there. The best approach with the P790 is to land it short and let the ball run onto the green (something you’ll probably be doing on par 5’s anyway).
If you are searching for a driving iron that produces long, low shots that scream past the competition then the P790 UDI is perfect for you – if you have the skill to hit it consistently.
Looking for something a little more forgiving? Check out our top picks for hybrid clubs.
Mizuno MP-18 MMC Fli Hi Iron
Best Budget Choice
Rating: 9.0 /10
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Pros
- Optimized weighting with a deep low COG for a quality launch
- Thin and fast face
- Tungsten Toe Weighting aids launch and forgiveness
- Great value for money
Cons
- Some golfers in this market might prefer a larger head
- The launch may be a bit too high for some golfers
This value for money driving iron also has a hollow body design and is a great long iron replacement. It is powerful off the tee or fairway. The MP-18 MMC has a deep and low COG for a launch that is high and easy. Golfers that struggle with a decent launch will appreciate this feature.
There are multiple technologies and design features that combine to make this an efficient and effective driving iron. Laser welding the miraging HT 770 face to the softer X-30 stainless steel body provides a thin and fast head. There is plenty of face flex for higher ball speeds and greater distance. This weight saving allows Mizuno to optimize the weight positioning for good performance.
A 20-gram tungsten weight is situated at the core in an internal pocket. This is low and forward for stability and optimal COG. Ball speeds are high with good distance and applaudable forgives.
The head is comparatively compact and classical looking at address although still manages to give the golfer confidence. Many players prefer this to the larger heads featured on many similar driving irons. It has a narrow sole but is well designed with a decent camber for good turf interaction.
The MP-18 MMC Fli Hi Irons have a finish in Satin Nickel Chrome which most golfers find to be sleek and elegant. They are durable and have minimal glare. Unlike some other irons in this category, they look like true player irons. The quality Kbs C-Taper light stiff shaft just adds to an otherwise pleasing driving iron.
TaylorMade GAPR MID Golf Club
Best Driving Iron For High Handicappers
Rating: 9.1 /10
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Pros
- Low CG
- Speed Foam
- Thin fast face
- Speed Pocket
- Effective sole width
- Quality shaft
- Impressive looks
Cons
- Somewhat pricey
- Some players took a while to adjust to the club
TaylorMade knows a lot about golf equipment and invests a large amount of time, effort and money into their product research and development. This shows with the GAPR MID Golf Club. The CG is extremely low for a good trajectory and an impressive distance.
TaylorMade were pioneers in the hybrid club market so it is no surprise that they are effective with quality driving or utility irons. SpeedFoam is used to fill the 455 Stainless steel head and this allows it to be thin and fast. It delivers good distance and has a pleasing sound and most players enjoy the feel. The face is C300 maraging steel which adds to the speed and energy transfer. Of course, it has the trademark speed pocket which makes the club even faster and longer.
The sole has a medium width which most golfers find to be handy and the face profile, while not large, still inspires confidence at address. This design also adds to the playability of the GAPR MID Golf Club.
The GAPR MID has a sole weight screw and deep head which allows for a good-sized speed pocket. This combines well with the other features for more speed and distance.
The graphite KBS Hybrid shaft is light and effective for good control and accuracy. The loft sleeve allows golfers to create the perfect gap and trajectory to suit their game. The majority of players agree that the club looks stylish in a matt black and there is a discreet yet effective alignment aid.
Ping G Series Crossover Right-Handed Hybrid Graphite Regular
Best Used Driving Iron
Rating: 9.1 /10
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Pros
- Highly forgiving
- Good workability
- Decent distance
- Extremely versatile
Cons
- Expensive when purchased new
- Takes a while to get used to
This is a relatively expensive driving iron but you can find some great deals on used equipment. They are tough and durable so there is nothing wrong with buying a used model. It will allow you to get a top club at a decent price. This is particularly good if you want to experiment with these irons but would rather avoid the budget options.
This is a versatile crossover or driving iron that works well for a wide range of players. The cascading internal sole gives you speed and accuracy off the entire face. It ties in the sole, top rail and face for forgiveness and distance.
The benefit of the crossover design is the workability and control you expect from an iron with the distance and forgiveness of a hybrid. This is a beneficial combination that, once you get used to, will add an extra dimension to your game.
The G Series Crossover is more forgiving than you would expect from a driving iron. It has a forward CG position for a high and effective launch, accuracy and good distance. Many find it to be a useful and versatile addition to their arsenal. Turf friction is reduced by the “hydropearl” chrome sole.
There is a range of lofts and shafts available to suit your swing style and speed.
More about Driving Irons
While driving irons are not entirely new, they are still a bit of a mystery to many golfers. These points will give you a greater understanding of what they are and how they can help your game.
What are golf driving irons and why use them?
While most of us are not top golfers, we still often look to the tour players for direction. Amateurs, as well as many tour players, have realized and benefited from the utility and power driving irons offer.
Most modern drivers are forgiving and offer outstanding distance and hybrid irons are extremely popular. That being said, one always has more confidence with their favorite iron. A driving iron provides the best of both worlds. Certain conditions, such as wind, make driving irons even more beneficial.
They are low lofted clubs with a bit more bulk than a traditional iron. They still have the feel and familiarity of your favorite iron and are generally easier to play than most other clubs.
While driving irons are not an entirely new concept, modern technology and design have made them more effective and useful. The longer lower irons are not the easiest to hit. Driving irons offer an equivalent power and distance while making them easier to get up and hit far with accuracy. The trajectory is relatively low but they are long and have a good roll. This also makes them great in windy conditions.
Although they are generally better suited to low handicap golfers, there are many designs that are ideal for the average golfer.
Driving iron vs driver
Many players have a love-hate relationship with their drivers. While they often have a large head and promise distance and forgiveness, many are intimidated and lack full confidence when using a driver. Driving irons might well be the solution. They lack the volume of drivers but are more familiar and easier to hit.
Each player is unique and there is no ideal for solution for all golfers. Much will come down to personal preference and what suits your swing and style.
Driving iron vs hybrid clubs
Hybrids have become extremely popular and for good reason. There are many times a hybrid is a great option. The driving iron fills a gap between your driver and hybrid that works well for many players. The recent advancement in driving iron design makes them ideal for players at all levels.
They are long and accurate. They are also exceptionally useful in the wind, a common issue during a round of golf.
While we do not recommend ditching your favorite hybrid, give modern driving irons a look. They might well be the perfect club to fill a few gaps in your game.
Features to Consider when selecting a Driving Iron
There are a number of important features and aspects to consider when selecting a driving iron. These are some of the most relevant:
- Shaft
There is generally a range of shaft lengths and flex options available. The weight and material are also important. What is necessary is that you find the right combination to work with your swing speed and abilities.
While a shorter length offers a bit more control a longer shaft has the potential for more speed and distance. In term of flex, the faster your swing the less flex you will want. Slower swingers should select a shaft with greater flex.
- Loft
One of the main purposes of a driving iron is to give you good distance. For this reason, they have a fairly low loft. The weighting, shaft, sole, face and other aspects are all designed to still give you good trajectory even off a low loft. This aspect also makes them a pleasure to use on a windy day.
- Workability
Another benefit of utility irons is that they are designed to give players with the ability more workability. If you have the knowledge and skills you should be able to achieve a decent fade or draw with a good driving iron.
- Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a welcome additional benefit found in most good driving irons. It will allow you to strike with added confidence knowing that slightly off-center hits will still carry well and relatively on track.
Conclusion
Many players will find a huge advantage to adding a driving iron to their bag. They are powerful and give you accuracy and distance when you need it most. While these are all good options the Srixon Z U85 clearly stands out as our top pick and therefore is our editor’s choice.
It is easy to use, delivers an impressive distance with great forgiveness. They look good, have a pleasant feel and are available in a range of lofts.
If you have not done so already, consider adding one of the best driving irons to your collection.
FAQ
Do driving irons go further than irons?
Yes, driving irons do go further than regular irons. This is due to their lower lofts. The lower lofts enable them to promote a low trajectory with a lot of rollout. They have low launch angles. These clubs are technologically made to increase distance versus a traditional low iron.
Are driving irons good out of the rough?
No, driving irons are not good out of the rough. Since they have such low lofts, it’s hard to make good contact in thick rough. They are thicker too, so will have trouble slicing through the grass.
How high do you tee a driving iron?
Golfers should tee their ball about a quarter-inch above the ground when using a driving iron. They can also tee it slightly higher thanks to the driving iron’s head being larger, similar to a hybrid.
Do pros use driving irons?
Yes, pros do use driving irons. Bryson DeChambeau is a prime example. Pros like to use driving irons when playing links-style courses or in high winds.
