Game Improvement Irons
Adams Idea a3 Irons Adams Idea a3 is a hybrid iron set and is one of the leaders in the game improvement (GI) class in terms of MOI. Its moment of inertia is about 70% higher than other hybrids. The 3, 4 and 5 Boxer Hybrids are designed to provide maximum forgiveness and performance. These hybrids combine with hollow-back mid irons that have progressive offset. Finally, 8-PW are cavity-back irons that provide forgiveness to those who need it, while providing playability required by better players. The center of gravity (CG) and MOI are adjusted between the hybrids and short irons for equal yardage gaps throughout the set.
Most mid-handicap golfers will find these to be a great set for them. The impact is solid and forgiving. Hybrids are easy to hit and provide some workability that you might not get with other hybrids. The hybrids have a boxy shape that allow you to square the club easily. As you can see from the picture, this is a very sharp looking set. Adams offers a Grafalloy ProLaunch Red graphite shaft that is top-notch. The drawback to this set is that some golfers do not like to have more than 2 hybrid clubs (#3 and #4).
Callaway X-20 Irons Callaway has continued to improve upon the X Series of irons. The Callaway X-20 iron set has improved upon the X-18 irons in many aspects. Engineers used a “progressive wall reduction system” which essentially lowers the center of gravity an additional 6 percent (progressively) when compared to the X-18 irons. Callaway also improves upon their Extreme Notch Weighting and 360-Degree Undercut Channel. The ENW redistributes weight to the extreme perimeter of the clubhead, creating high MOI. The 360-Degree Undercut Channel maximizes such perimeter weighting by moving the center of gravity (CG) lower and farther back in the clubhead. This further adds to the forgiveness and is a design that is being used by many manufacturers today.
 To move additional discretional weight, Callaway engineers included a Short Straight Hollow Hosel (S2H2). Some of the weight from the S2H2 is moved to the perimeter of the clubhead. They really tried to expand the boundaries of perimeter-weighting with this club. Mid-handicap golfers should give these clubs a look as Callaway has been making and improving upon game improvement clubs for some time. One of the shafts that is offered by Callaway is the Uniflex steel shaft. Some say that this shaft is good for multiple swing speeds but you might want to look at other options.
Ping G10 Irons The 17-4 Stainless Steel G10 irons were designed for optimal MOI and have a large, perimeter-weighted head to help to achieve this property. The irons have a cavity-shape and wide sole, which provides additional forgiveness at impact. Like many other game improvement (GI) irons, the center of gravity is moved away from the clubface and low in the clubhead for high launch and low spin. Ping engineers stabilized the hitting area to produce consistent ball velocity across the entire clubface. They also used an elastomer insert to help minimize vibration.
The third-generation G-series irons do not disappoint in terms of launch angle and stability at impact. Ball contact at the sweet-spot keep the ball straight and miss-hits will typically keep the ball in play. The TFC 129i graphite shaft option is an upgrade from the previous G-series stock shaft.
TaylorMade r7 Irons The TaylorMade r7 irons are a very popular set of game-improvement (GI) irons at a reasonable price. They were engineered with a deep-cavity design, which creates a low and deep center of gravity. The Inverted Cone Technology provides a higher COR, increasing ball speed at the sweet-spot and on off-center shots. Although these are in the GI genre, a wide range of players use this set. It provides forgiveness while providing great workability. If you are looking for a set to keep as you go from a high-handicap to low-handicap, this could be the one.
This is a sharp-looking set of clubs and can easily be mistaken for players irons. As far as shaft options, you have the choice of RE*AX 65-gram graphite and T Step 90-gram steel. These low weights will promote higher clubhead speed and a strong release for increased distance. The TaylorMade r7 irons have moderate offset. This feature promotes a square clubface at impact, which generates more control. One minor drawback that you will find in this set is that the difference in loft between the 3-iron and 5-iron is only 5 degrees.
Callaway FT Irons The Callaway FT irons are considered by some to be game improvement irons, but many people feel that they should be considered player’s irons. If you are low to mid handicap golfer, this set might appeal to you. This set is not cheap and definitely not be recommended to high handicap golfers. Some of the features of these irons include a thinner topline, higher toe and slightly less offset. Callaway engineers have added extreme notch weighting for increased stability. A high density, proprietary allow is installed which moves approximately 80 percent of the clubhead’s weight to the perimeter.
 Part of the sticker-shock comes from the titanium face. The low-weight material produces fast ball speed and also allows additional weight to be moved to the perimeter for added forgiveness and an increased effective hitting area. There is additional vibration dampening features included in the Callaway FT irons. If you are a low-handicap golfer, this might be an undesirable trait due to the decreased feedback on miss-hits.
Cleveland CG Gold Irons The Cleveland CG Gold irons have quite a unique design. There are microcavities in the clubhead’s top line which allows weight to be moved low and deep for added stability. The center of gravity is improved by 15%. The unique property is a “gelback” material that is inserted into the back cavity (directly behind hitting area). The end result is a club that dampens vibration on mis-hits while still providing necessary feedback desired by better players. The irons therefore have a soft but responsive feel to them. This iron set is used by low and high-handicap golfers alike.
These irons also have color-coded hosel markings to indicate if the lie angle is flat, standard or upright (bottom=flat, middle=standard, top=upright). Cleveland offers Royal Precision flighted shafts that provide a specific kickpoint for each shaft. This allows you obtain a higher ball flight in the long irons and also allows you to adjust the launch in the short irons. This is really a great set at a reasonable price.
Cobra FP Irons Cobra has re-engineered their FP irons to combine forgiveness with playability. One attribute does not take precedence over the other. The standard set comes with 4-GW. The head material is 431 Stainless Steel with Urethane Sole Insert. This insert allows engineers to move 10 to 20 grams (dependent on iron) to the heel and toe. This weight shift produces a 6% increase in MOI compared to the original FP irons. On the workability side, Cobra incorporated a mid-width sole design.
Some other niceties include a Cobra/Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip, Nippon N.S. Pro steel shaft option and Aldila VS PROTO-HL graphite shaft option. These are nice options, especially considering that you can get this iron set for under $500.
Mizuno MX-25 Irons Mizuno improved upon their best-selling iron set of all time (MX-23) to come up with the MX-25 iron set. Mizuno has engineered the MX-25 to have the lowest and deepest center of gravity of any forged iron. Additional technological advancements include a carbon steel material that provides a soft feel, High Energy Mass Impact Technology that provides maximum energy transfer from clubhead to ball, a three dimensional back cavity pad that increases forgiveness on off-center shots and modified U-grooves that produces ideal spin rate in all conditions. Furthermore, there are pockets in the rear cavity to allow 30 grams of weight to be repositioned for long irons and 20 grams of weight to be repositioned in middle irons. These design enhancements help to get the ball airborne. The short irons do not have a pocket. Instead, they have a solid bar for better feel.
Mizuno has added quite a few improvements to providing a player’s club with some forgiveness. This is not the most forgiving set and should not be purchased by high-handicap golfers or golfers with slow swings. The MX-25 irons will deliver a controlled ball flight well suited for low- to mid-handicap golfers. Providing golfers with excellent feel was obviously a high priority as well.
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