Over the last few years, the players distance iron has been the fastest growing market in the golf equipment world. Ever since the introduction of the first TaylorMade P790 iron back in 2017 golfers and golf manufacturers have been looking for the winning combination of an iron which looks great in the bag, but provides forgiveness and distance with great feedback too.
Five years on and every single club manufacturer has their own version of this iron, as they seek to tap in to this modern market. So, which one should you go for? Can anyone beat the mighty P790?
We've put together the seven best players distance irons we've tested in 2022 to help you out if you're looking to upgrade your approach game.
In no particular order...
Best Players Distance Irons 2022
Released: 29/04/2022
RRP As Reviewed: £999
Quick Hit: Cobra have done it again with a good looking, good performing and good value for money iron that you simply have to try.
The Tech: There is 20g of tungsten in the hollow forged head, which is also packed with lightweight foam to dampen the sound and improve feel. Pwrshell technology is said to increase ball speed and the head is five-times forged for a softer feel.
Golfalot Says: "This is my favourite Cobra iron I have ever tested, and it has to be right up there in my best irons of 2022."
Read the FULL REVIEW here
Released: 08/02/2022
RRP As Reviewed: £1260
Quick Hit: Excellent irons with a great look and feel and plenty of consistency... but they'll cost you.
The Tech: A variable thickness maraging steel face launches shots higher and faster, whilst a new EVA polymer in the head is designed to improve sound and feel. Precision-milled micromax grooves preserve spin in the long irons and reduce the risk of fliers from the rough. Added weight in the toe and heel of the club head maximise stability, distance and accuracy.
Golfalot Says: "I am now a players distance iron golfer, and I only wish that they were around 10 years ago. This category would have really helped my game on tour."
Read the FULL REVIEW here
Released: 04/03/2022
RRP As Reviewed: £949
Quick Hit: Great looking iron performs well at a pretty reasonable price, although doesn't quite have the same feel as the Apex range.
The Tech: An AI designed Flash Face Cup is designed to provide fast ball speeds whilst also increasing launch to improve stopping power on the green, combining with 48g of tungsten weighting to aid launch and performance across the face. Updated urethane microspheres have been repositioned to improve sound and feel.
Golfalot Says: "They are an excellent option for players looking to keep their iron spend under £1000, and the best thing is that they should last you for a good chunk of your golfing life."
Read the FULL REVIEW here
Released: 03/02/2022
RRP As Reviewed: £1400
Quick Hit: Quality blade-like looks with much more forgiveness make these a versatile option in an ever-growing market.
The Tech: Replacing the Hot Metal Blade iron of the past, the Pro 225 is made with Grain Flow Forged Chromoly and has increased tungsten weighting in the long irons to improve launch and stability. A new Cortech multi-thickness face improves ball speeds, whilst the overall profile is more compact than the original HMB.
Golfalot Says: "They are the irons that I would look to be playing, as that bit of feel that you sacrifice in not hitting a blade is insignificant compared to what you gain in performance."
Read the FULL REVIEW here
Released: 03/09/2021
RRP As Reviewed: £1149
Quick Hit: The #1 iron in golf delivers again with improvements from the 2019 model providing distance and easy launch.
The Tech: SpeedFoam Air is 69% lighter than previous generations to save weight, as well as improving the sound. A thin-wall construction means the CG can be lowered to improve launch and 31 grams of tungsten in the toe creates stability and forgiveness. The Thru-Slot Speed Pocket remains from 7 iron upwards to maintain high ball speeds.
Golfalot Says: "This is the closest that I have seen to a precision players iron with a performance element, and they have certainly improved in all areas from 2017 to 2019 through to 2021."
Read the FULL REVIEW here
Released: 04/2022
RRP As Reviewed: £792
Quick Hit: Wilson provide good looking, great feeling and very consistent forged irons at a very reasonable price - what's not to like?
The Tech: Wilson use a generative computer process to create strategically placed Power Holes for maximum speed and distance. A carbon forged head improves feel, whilst lowering the CG allows for a higher launch, increased peak trajectory for better carry and more stopping power.
Golfalot Says: "These are the most underrated irons I have ever tested."
Read the FULL REVIEW here
Released: 26/08/2021
RRP As Reviewed: £1148
Quick Hit: Ideal for golfers looking to gain ball speed without having to sacrifice on looks and feel.
The Tech: Titleist focused on slimming down the size of the T200 with a shorter blade length and thinner topline. Adding tungsten weights shifts the CG to the optimal position for each iron, whilst Max Impact technology includes a polymer core for better ball speeds.
Golfalot Says: "At the end of the day you gain a bit of ball speed without losing that sleek, players forged look. Happy days."
Read the FULL REVIEW here
Sophie's Choice...
After some thorough testing of each iron model listed above and analysis of Trackman data, Sophie picked the TaylorMade P790 Irons as her favourite Players Distance Iron of 2022...
Do you agree? Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments below!
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