An Ultimate Buying Guide to Game Improvement Irons in Golf
If you’re curious about the purpose of game improvement irons, who should use them, and why, then you’ve come to the right place. Game improvement irons are specifically designed to enhance your golf game. Whether you’re aiming to reduce a 30 handicap to a 25 or a 25 handicap to a 10, there is a wide array of game improvement irons available in the golfing world, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Who Should Use Game Improvement Irons?
In general, game improvement irons offer forgiveness and are suitable for the majority of golfers. If you struggle with distance or hitting the ball straight, game improvement irons are perfect for you. Many companies now offer a category called Super Game Improvement, which features oversized irons specifically designed for beginners or players with high handicaps.
Average weekend golfers should opt for traditional game improvement irons. However, if you consistently break 80, you might want to consider using player’s irons instead of game improvement irons.
How Do Game Improvement Irons Help?
Have you ever stopped to think about how challenging golf is? You’re attempting to hit a spot on a golf ball, roughly the size of a dime, with a golf club face about the size of a quarter. And all of this while swinging a club at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Just the thought of it is enough to make anyone want to quit!
Game improvement irons come to the rescue by slightly enlarging that small sweet spot on the club face. Even if you miss the sweet spot, game improvement irons provide a buffer zone where your shots won’t be as disastrous.
Think of playing with game improvement irons as similar to using a larger tennis racket or a bigger soccer goal. These irons make a challenging game much more enjoyable.
How Much Do They Help?
As much as we’d love to believe in the magic of clubs that instantly improve our game, such clubs have yet to be invented. Game improvement irons will indeed make a significant difference in your ability to lower your scores, but you still need to put in the time and effort to practice. Practicing is the only sure-fire way to enhance your golf game.
However, there are certain scenarios where using game improvement irons can have an immediate impact on your golf game. For example, if you’ve been playing with outdated blades from the ’80s and you switch to Callaway Mavrik irons, it will be a life-changing experience.
Similarly, if you’re using equipment that is ill-suited to your handicap, swing, age, or style, game improvement irons will make a noticeable difference. Even when switching from one set of game improvement irons to another, you’ll still need to spend some time at the range or on the putting green to improve your scores.
Do Game Improvement Irons Look Different?
Yes, game improvement irons have a distinct appearance. They are generally larger and thicker than player’s irons. The top line of a game improvement iron is also slightly thicker, while the sole of the club is more substantial. This larger sole helps you navigate challenging lies with ease.
Furthermore, the increased sole size can assist in launching the ball higher if you struggle with achieving an optimal launch. When comparing a game improvement iron to a player’s iron, the visual differences are usually apparent.
Do Any Tour Pros Use Game Improvement Irons?
The majority of golf professionals don’t use game improvement irons. They find that they don’t require the added forgiveness and distance, and the overall size of the club can feel a bit bulky. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, KJ Choi used a Ping series of irons, which were game improvement clubs. He felt comfortable with the clubs, played well, and they were certainly legal options on tour. Most tour players, though, prefer blades.
How Do I Know When To Switch Away From Game Improvement Irons?
One common question golfers have about game improvement irons is when it’s time to transition to player’s irons. There are a few telltale signs that indicate it’s time to make the switch.
Firstly, if your scores consistently drop below 80, you’re likely ready for irons that are not game improvement. Although there may be an adjustment period when first switching, you’ll need the feel and workability of player’s irons to continue improving significantly.
Secondly, if you find it difficult to shape your shots as desired, game improvement irons can be challenging to work with. While it is possible to shape the ball with game improvement irons, forged player’s irons provide a more comfortable experience.
Lastly, if you notice that you consistently hit the ball straight without much difficulty, it’s time to consider switching to irons that offer a better feel.
Advantages Of Game Improvement Irons
Game improvement irons are your best companions on a challenging day on the golf course. When your swing is slightly off, and you start missing shots left and right, these irons help you stay on track.
Game improvement irons promote straighter shots, allowing you to miss the ball slightly and still end up just a few yards off your target. Additionally, since many players who need game improvement irons also require additional distance, these irons are typically built for extra length. If you struggle with clubhead speed and ball speed and are looking to gain a few extra yards, game improvement irons are an excellent choice.
Disadvantages Of Game Improvement Irons
There are two primary disadvantages to using game improvement irons. First, if you already achieve ample distance with your current irons, you may find that game improvement irons produce shots that fly too far.
Decreased Lofts
Most game improvement irons feature decreased lofts and low centers of gravity. Consequently, a game improvement nine iron is more like a seven iron in a player’s iron set. While this allows players to achieve the desired distance without sacrificing ball flight, if your struggle lies in direction rather than distance, game improvement irons may not be the perfect fit for you.
Different Feel
Secondly, game improvement irons do not offer the same feel as forged or blade player’s irons. Feel becomes crucial when you want to shape the ball or take more control over your shots. However, as your handicap decreases and your skill improves, you will start to recognize when game improvement irons become challenging to control when attempting fades and draws.
What Are The Best Game Improvement Irons For 2020?
This year, there are some excellent game improvement irons available on the market. The top three contenders are likely the Callaway Mavrik, the TaylorMade Sim, and the Cobra Speedzone. Each of these irons is designed to help mid-handicap players become low-handicap players.
TaylorMade SIM Max Iron Set
Building upon the success of the M6 series, TaylorMade recently released the SIM Max iron set, which is also available in an oversized version known as the SIM Max OS. TaylorMade places significant emphasis on ball speed, and the SIM Max irons don’t disappoint.
One standout feature of the SIM Max irons is their feel. While the M6, M4, and M2 were all excellent game improvement releases from TaylorMade, they lacked the satisfying forged iron feel. The SIM Max comes remarkably close to offering a forged feel for a cavity back iron.
Although the SIM Max irons might not be the most budget-friendly option out there, they provide excellent value for money.
Pros:
- Easy to launch
- Great feel
- Long
Cons:
- Newer premium product pricing is high
- The top line may be a bit thick for some players
Cobra SpeedZone Irons
Cobra is well-known for creating forgiving and easy-to-hit clubs that appeal to players seeking game improvement options. The Speedzone Irons are an upgrade from last year’s F9 Irons.
The Speedzone Irons are some of the longest irons that Cobra has ever produced. They boast a new aerodynamic head shape that significantly increases speed. If you’re looking for enhanced distance and forgiveness, the Cobra Speedzone is an excellent choice.
Pros:
- Great distance
- Amazing feel
- Cobra Connect technology
Cons:
- Price is slightly high due to being a new release
- Modern-shaped head design
Callaway Mavrik Irons
The latest addition to Callaway’s lineup is the Mavrik Iron. Building upon the success of the Rogue irons, the Mavrik improves upon their predecessors’ outstanding performance. While the Rogue irons were among the longest and best-performing clubs Callaway has ever released, they lacked exceptional feel on shorter swings.
Callaway harnessed the power of Artificial Intelligence to optimize each Mavrik iron for peak performance. The lofts are adjusted to maximize distance while maintaining a suitable center of gravity for high launch.
Pros:
- Improved feel compared to previous models
- Long
- Large sweet spot
Cons:
- Pricing is still on the higher side
FAQ
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about game improvement irons.
Are Game Improvement Irons Legal?
Finding a major manufacturer creating non-tournament legal game improvement irons is quite rare. Game improvement irons are absolutely legal. Companies like Callaway and TaylorMade strive to stay within the legal limits while maximizing distance and forgiveness capabilities.
What Is The Difference Between Game Improvement Irons and Cavity Back Irons?
There isn’t much difference! Game improvement irons fall under the category of cavity back irons. Nearly all game improvement irons are cavity back. Technology has yet to develop a forged iron as forgiving and long as a cavity back.
Will New Irons Improve My Game?
If you’re using ill-fitting irons or outdated technology, then switching to new irons is likely to benefit your game. Initially, you may experience an adjustment period where you question your decision. Your body, eyes, and brain need time to adapt to the new feel and weighting of your clubs. Give it some time, and you’ll likely be more than satisfied.
Is There A Club Between Game Improvement and Blade Irons?
Yes! If you’re not quite ready for blade irons but want to transition from game improvement irons, consider forged clubs. Forged irons offer great feel, decent distance, and a good level of forgiveness. They’re slightly more challenging to hit than game improvement irons but not as demanding as blade irons.
Game improvement irons are the reason golf continues to thrive today. The majority of golfers would feel lost if they had to revert to the original clubs used when the game first began. If game improvement irons benefit your game, there’s no need to feel pressured to switch to forged or blade irons. Embrace the advantages of game improvement clubs and enjoy a more fulfilling golfing experience.
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