What are Irons made out of?
Shafts on "irons" are cast today from steel alloys that allow for cavity designs that lower the center of mass, making the club easier to hit. Originally grips were made of leather strips wrapped around the shaft.
What are golf clubs made of?
By the 1980s, even the clubs known as woods would become metal. Today club heads are made of light metals like steel or titanium that allow for bounce off of the club face, as well as keeping the total weight of the club down to increase the club head speed.
What type of irons do professional golfers use?
These irons with their small clubheads are commonly found in the bags of professional and low handicap amateur players that are exceptional ball strikers. Muscle back irons also offer exceptional workability and this is one of the main reasons why professional players opt for blade irons.
How many irons are in a set of golf clubs?
Irons account for nearly half of the clubs that a golfer is allowed to carry in their bag. Standard golf sets feature 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 irons. Irons are available in different shapes and sizes and they are made out of different materials.
What metal are golf irons made of?
All cast iron clubs are made from stainless steel. Stainless steel combines iron with nickel and chromium and other trace materials. Most good quality irons are made from either 17-4 or 431 grade stainless steel.
Are iron golf clubs made of iron?
Irons. Just like the woods are no longer made from wood, these types of golf clubs are not made from iron either. Instead, they are usually made from steel. Many golfers, however, prefer graphite irons over the now predominant steel irons due to their lightweight.
What alloy are golf clubs made of?
Golf club heads can be made from many materials. Zinc and Aluminum alloys are primarily used in beginners sets and putters. HST Aluminum is a much harder aluminum and is popular in very large drivers. 431 and 17-4ph stainless steel is commonly used in professional quality iron heads.
Are golf clubs made of titanium?
Titanium is used in the club heads of drivers because it allows manufacturers to increase the overall size and the sweet spot without increasing the overall weight.
What type of steel is used for golf club shafts?
– Steel shafts They are often made from carbon steel, but stainless steel is sometimes used, and start at 120 grams. Many players will benefit from having steel irons as torque or lateral twisting found in all graphite shafts doesn't occur in steel.
What steel is used in golf club shafts?
Steel shafts are stronger, more durable and generally less expensive than graphite and are made from carbon steel, although stainless steel is sometimes used.
What are old golf clubs made of?
These golf clubs were made up of wood with the shafts being made from ash or hazel and the club heads being made from tougher wood like apple, holly, beech or pear. The club head would be connected to the shaft with a splint and then bound with a leather strap.
Why are golf clubs made out of Tungsten?
In the golf industry, golfers need clubs to be light, but strong and heavy. If they are too heavy, it will be too difficult to get a clean, fluid swing. For those reasons, many club heads use tungsten alloys to provide that necessary strength and durability without adding unnecessary weight.
Why do golf clubs use Tungsten?
Golf club head: Tungsten is used in the heads of some golf clubs because it is very heavy, so it lowers the center of gravity. This helps the ball to be struck more consistently and to give it more speed and better trajectory.
Which is better graphite or titanium?
The advantage of graphite shafts (which is really graphite combined with titanium) is that it is much lighter than titanium and therefore easier to swing. The lighter nature of the clubs also enable the manufacturers to move much of the weight in the clubs' head back further, which makes the clubs more forgiving.
Is titanium a steel?
The main difference between stainless steel and titanium is simply that stainless steel is an alloy metal while titanium is a metal. The unique characteristics of stainless steel are created by adding alloying metals to it, while titanium's characteristics are naturally found within it.
Are all drivers titanium?
Now virtually all drivers today are made of titanium or composite heads. The reason titanium became so popular is that it is strong, long lasting and lightweight.
What are the different types of golf irons?
Irons account for nearly half of the clubs that a golfer is allowed to carry in their bag. Standard golf sets feature 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 irons. Irons are available in different shapes and sizes and they are made out of different materials.
What is a forged iron?
Forged and cast refer to the two different ways that iron clubheads are made. When cast irons are manufactured hot metal is poured into a mold or a cast which gives the iron heads it’s distinct shape. In comparison forged irons are carved out of a solid piece of metal. Forging is an intricate, expensive process but the consensus amongst golfers is that it does produce a better iron head.
What is cavity back iron?
Cavity back irons offer the best of both worlds in terms of forgiveness and performance. Cavity back shaped clubheads are becoming popular features in the bags of professional golfers. The world’s best ball strikers seem to prefer the forgiveness of cavity-back clubheads over the workability of muscle back irons.
What is a game improvement iron?
Game improvement irons feature a larger profile which might not appeal to all golfers but one can’t argue with results that these oversize irons deliver. Game improvement irons offer more than just big clubheads, the design of these irons are packed with other game improvement technological advances.
Why are muscle back irons called blades?
Muscle back irons are commonly known as blades because they resemble the look of a butter knife. These irons with their small clubheads are commonly found in the bags of professional and low handicap amateur players that are exceptional ball strikers.
Why does my 9 iron fly the same distance as my 8 iron?
If all of a sudden your 9 iron and your 8 iron fly roughly the same distance then it could be that the loft on one of them is out. If your home club has a loft and lie machine it is recommended to check your lofts regularly to ensure that they are the same as when you bought your set.
What is the lie angle of a golf club?
The lie angle of the club refers to the angle between the ground and the hosel of the club. Lie angle plays a role with turf interaction which in return affects direction. If a club is too upright the toe will dig into the ground first and vice versa with a club that is too flat.
Why are golf clubs called irons?
The golf clubs called irons are so-called because their clubheads are made of metal. Of course, "woods" are now also made of metal, but that's a relatively recent development. Irons have featured metal clubheads (steel, these days) for centuries. The clubheads of irons are thin from front to back, and the clubfaces are grooved to impart spin on ...
What are the different types of irons?
Irons are generally categorized as long irons, mid-irons , and short irons. Long irons are the 2-, 3- ,and 4-irons; mid-irons, the 5-, 6-, and 7-irons; short irons, the 8- and 9-irons and pitching wedge. (Two-irons are becoming obsolete and are exceedingly rare for recreational golfers. Because of this, some sources now count the 5-iron as one ...
Why are irons called irons?
The golf clubs called irons are so-called because their clubheads are made of metal.
What is the difference between a blade and a muscleback iron?
The difference is that a blade-style features a full back on the rear ...
How many clubs are in a set of irons?
A typical, off-the-shelf set of irons will include a 3-iron through pitching wedge (advertised as "3-PW"), 8 clubs total. The clubs are identified by a number (3, 4, 5, etc.) on the sole of each club, except for the pitching wedge which will have a "PW" or "P." Other irons may be available for purchase separately, including a 2-iron and additional wedges ( gap wedge, sand wedge, lob wedge). None of the additional clubs are necessary for beginners, and especially not the 2-iron. 1-irons used to be available, too, but are now virtually extinct.
How many yards is a 3-iron?
The yardage gap between irons is generally 10-15 yards. Your 3-iron, in other words, should produce shots that are 10-15 yards longer than your 4-iron. The specifics of this gap depend on the player, but the gap should be consistent from club to club.
Which has more loft, a shorter shaft, and produces shorter shots?
That is, a 5-iron has more loft, a shorter shaft, and produces shorter shots than the 4-iron; the 4-iron has more loft, a shorter shaft, and produces shorter shots than the 3-iron. The pitching wedge has the most loft, the shortest shaft, and the shortest distance in the traditional 3-PW iron set.
Super Game Improvement Irons
The super game improvement iron category has been around for less than a decade. There have always been versions of super game improvement irons, but today just about every manufacturer offers its own version.
Game Improvement Irons
Game improvement irons are a toned-down version of super game improvements irons and they fit a much wider range of golfers. Some players can actually stay in game improvement irons for their entire golf life.
Players Distance Irons
The players distance iron genre came out of necessity and consumer demand. Golfers playing game improvement irons who found they weren't getting enough spin on their approach shots but weren't ready sacrifice distance by switching to players irons needed another option. And with that, players distance irons were born.
Muscle Back Irons
Muscle back irons are a more forgiving alternative to the traditional blade. The point of a muscle back iron is to provide feel and workability to better players while incorporating some of the offset and forgiveness found in other types of irons. The word “muscle” refers to the noticeable material you’ll see near the sole on the back of the club.
Players Irons
Players irons are another broad category, but to to put it simply, they are intended for better golfers. Players irons can take on the design profile of cavity backs or muscle backs, but they typically don’t lean towards the blade profile.
Blade Irons
Blades irons feature the thinnest top and bottom line of any golf iron you can find. They are the least forgiving, lowest launching, and overall hardest to hit. Sold yet? No worries, blades aren’t for everyone, but for advanced players, blades can be a tremendous asset to your golf game.
Iron Selecting Guide
Now that you know all about every type of iron on the market, it's time to decide which style is best for your game. Use this table to help guide you to the perfect set of irons.
MIZUNO JPX921 FORGED IRONS
Designed to replicate the feel of the Mizuno blade, but with a thinner surface and higher ball flight speed, these are the first Mizuno irons forged with Grain Flow technology in 4120 chromolybdenum. Originally used in Mizuno Hot Metal irons, Chromoly has been successfully applied to forged irons produced by Mizuno.
Callaway Apex 2021
If you’ve ever played the 2016 or 2019 models, you’ll probably love the new Apex 21. It’s worth noting that this is the first forged iron to use Artificial Intelligence in its production. This technology helps increase ball speed and add extra spin across the face.
Titleist T100 Irons
Titleist first released the T100 irons in 2019. When comparing the T100 to the previous AP2 version, we noticed a thinner top line that increased the distance of the ball by several yards. We also noted an increase in ball speed.
TaylorMade P790 Irons
With their sleek design, the TaylorMade P790 Irons are among the most visually appealing irons ever produced. Because of their simple forged design, any level of handicap will feel like they are playing.
Callaway Rogue Pro Irons
For Callaway Golf, the past two years have been hectic, with the introduction of several new iron lines. Certainly, the Steelhead X-12 and X-14 Pro Series irons set the bar extremely high, but the Rogue range is arguably one of the best that they’ve added to the shelf in the years following.
Taylormade M4 Irons
The TaylorMade M4 irons lived up to expectations following the release of the M2 irons in 2017, which failed to make any top-ten lists of the best irons.
Titleist 718 AP2 Irons
The 718 AP2s were designed with the primary goal of making them more forgiving than their 716 counterparts. And Titleist has unquestionably accomplished this. Ball speeds off the clubface at impact have improved dramatically as a result of thinner clubfaces, more durable inserts, and clever weight redistribution.
Callaway Rogue ST
We tested: Rogue ST Max: 4-PW, AW, GW, SW; Rogue ST Max OS: 4-9, PW, AW, GW, SW; Rogue ST Pro: 3-PW, AW; Rogue ST Max OS Lite: 4-PW, AW, GW, SW
Callaway Apex 21
Our take: There’s a reason that Callaway’s Apex irons are among the industry’s top selling and performing irons, year-after-year. Our testers found the Apex irons to offer a strong combination of distance, forgiveness, sound, feel and workability. If you’re unsure where to start your iron search, these are a good place to start.
Callaway Apex Pro 21
Our take: Don’t let the “Pro” name fool you. Yes, these irons are suited for low handicappers and even pros, but their forgiveness properties make them a contender for mid-handicappers, too.
Callaway Apex DCB 21
Our take: If you’re a mid-to-high handicapper who wants the look, feel and performance of an Apex iron, but don’t quite have the skill to use the smaller Apex or Apex Pro versions, the Apex DCB may be your ticket into the Apex family. They’re ultra-forgiving and have a slightly larger package to help with mishits.
Callaway Apex TCB
Our take: The Apex TCB (Tour Cavity Blade) irons offer everything that a better player wants from a blade iron in terms of looks, feel and performance, with just a touch of added forgiveness. They’re also world No. 1-approved, being that Jon Rahm used these irons to win the 2021 U.S. Open Championship.
Callaway Apex MB
Our take: Blade irons are for the golfer who wants the ultimate in precision performance, and the Apex MBs deliver both in shaping and in technology. If you hit the ball long and don’t miss the center of the face often, these could be the answer for your blade buying needs.
Callaway X Forged CB
Our take: The X Forged CB irons have a combination of control and forgiveness that suit both tour players and low-handicap amateurs alike. They’re not the smallest irons in Callaway’s stable, but they have compact shapes that produce precise workability with just enough forgiveness to help with misfires.
Why don't golf sets come with a 3 iron?
With the emergence of utility woods the long irons have become less and less popular. The 3-iron suffers from the fact that it is still quite hard to hit well consistently, for the inexperienced golfer. That is also why a lot of golf sets don’t come with a 3-iron, it is something that you need to request specifically.
What are the small numbers on a golf iron?
The small numbers are the long irons, and they will be used for tee shots or long approach shots. The middle numbers are obviously the mid irons, and they will be used on shorter par three holes and approach-shots that are not too long and require more accuracy. Mid irons are easier to hit than long irons. Then there are the high numbers, and those ...
What is the first wedge in a set after the 9 iron?
The first wedge in a set after the 9-iron is the pitching wedge. It got its name from the task that it accomplishes to well – the pitch. A short shot, often with a quarter or half swing, with a high trajectory will be perfect for the pitching wedge. It enables the golfer to land and stop the ball at a short distance.
How many slots are there in a driver putter?
If you’re looking to carry a driver, a 3- and a 5-wood and (of course) a putter you will have 10 slots left for the irons and wedges. Then you can carry a set of irons from 3-9 along with a pitching wedge, a sand wedge and a lob wedge. But if you’re looking to add a hybrid, a 7-wood or even a 2-iron, then the compromise will start.
Which is easier to hit, a short iron or a mid iron?
Mid irons are easier to hit than long irons. Then there are the high numbers, and those will be used for the shortest approach shots and some very short par threes. The short irons are the easiest to hit. Lastly there are a vast selection of wedges to choose from. These can be utilized for many shots around the green and in and around hazards.
What is the back roll of an 8 iron?
When you play more and more, you will most likely develop the ability to put a little bit of spin on the ball. Spin with an 8-iron will most likely be one of the first irons where you’ll be able to achieve a back-roll. This is where the ball rolls further back towards you, from the point where it landed.
What is the name of the shot Tiger Woods used to make his 2 irons?
The 2-iron was made “famous” by Tiger Woods when he emerged in the golf world and gave name to a special kind of shot – the stinger. It is a low-flying, penetrating shot that will make a good alternative if you’re having an off-day with the driver.
Were Golf Irons Originally Made from Iron?
- The first clubs made from iron emerged around 1750 when blacksmiths forged the early wedges or ‘niblicks’ as they were known then. Irons then slowly started to evolve at shallower angles forming the now standard set of irons. The 1870s saw the mass production of iron golf club heads as industrial processes improved. The creation of automated drop-forging allowed manuf…
Forged vs. Cast Golf Irons
- There are two distinctly different methods of creating golf irons. There are forged irons and cast irons. However, forged irons took longer and were more labor-intensive initially. However, they had more consistency and accuracy than cast golf irons. Forged golf irons are made from either 431 or 17-4 stainless steel with 17-4 grade stainless steel slightly harder than the 431 grade, and adj…
The Influence of Cast Cavity Backs on The Modern Game
- The introduction of Solheim’s investment cast irons, ‘game improvement’ or more commonly known as ‘cavity back’ irons, caught the attention of pro players, and many of them today have a mix of cavity back and forged irons in their bags. It’s usual for them to use the cavity back cast irons for the longer clubs as they have a little more forgiveness and keep the forged irons for th…
Final Thoughts
- Golf irons are not made of iron anymore but from carbon steel or stainless steel using cutting-edge molding and forging technology. The golf iron story is still unfolding from the days of having blacksmiths forge their clubs to the advent of the game improvement investment cast irons from Ping in the late 1960s and the modern-day retail market.
Set Composition
Loft, Length, and Distance
- As you go through the set, from the 3-iron to the pitching wedge, each iron has a little more loft than the previous, and a little shorter shaft length than the previous, so each club (going from 3-iron to PW) hits the golf ball a little less distance than the previous. That is, a 5-iron has more loft, a shorter shaft, and produces shorter shots than the 4-iron; the 4-iron has more loft, a shorter sh…
Long, Mid-, and Short Irons
- Irons are generally categorized as long irons, mid-irons , and short irons. Long irons are the 2-, 3- ,and 4-irons; mid-irons, the 5-, 6-, and 7-irons; short irons, the 8- and 9-irons and pitching wedge. (Two-irons are becoming obsolete and are exceedingly rare for recreational golfers. Because of this, some sources now count the 5-iron as one of the long irons. We still classify it as a mid-iron…
Distances
- Learning your distances—how far you hit each club—is much more important than trying to hit each club to some predetermined "correct" yardage. There is no "right" distance for each club, there is only your distance. That said, a typical male recreational golfer might hit a 4-, 5-, or 6- iron from 150 yards, while a typical female might use a 3-wood, 5-wood, or 3-iron from that distance. …
Hitting
- Irons can be played from the teeing ground, using a golf tee, and it is often appropriate to do so. On a par-3 hole, for example, you will probably use an iron on your tee shot. Or you might use an iron off any (or even every) tee in order to have better control over the shot. But most of your iron shots will come from the fairway. Irons are designed with divots in mind. That's why they have a …