2009 Irons Buyer's Guide

Irons have changed a lot in the past few years. Now, you’re just as likely to see iron-woods as you are traditional blades. What gives? Well, forgiveness, accuracy and distance for starters. Irons are easier to hit than ever.

To become a better golfer, you have to become a better iron player. And to become a better iron player, you have to play with the right set. And to have the right set, you need to be custom-fitted. You dig what we’re saying?

Custom-fit irons perform better than those bought off the rack, and just about every company has some sort of custom-fitting option that you can take advantage of.

If they don’t, you always can go to an independent fitter and have them do it for you.
Either way, it’s a wise move, since a custom-fit set can turn crooked shots into straight ones in a matter of minutes. But, before you hunker down and custom-fit your irons, you need to choose the right set.

In 2009, there’s a wide range of offerings, from full hybrid sets to mixed hybrid/iron sets to cavity-backs and even forged blades (for you shotmakers out there). Speaking of which, if any of you are still hitting 3- or 4-irons, you’re missing out.

Hybrids are clearly easier to hit, and this year, more touring pros will be putting them in play. Read on...


Adams Idea Tech a4 Key Feature: A forged-iron/hybrid set? You bet. The irons feature a quad-cavity design for feel and forgiveness. Also in the set are two Boxer hybrids. Nice! What We Like: Whew, these are some good-looking clubs. The four-way cambered sole makes these irons versatile; the hybrids are easy to hit. Who It’s For: Players looking for the feel of forged irons mixed with some hybrids for added forgiveness. Specs: Comes with six irons and two hybrids equipped with Mitsubishi Javln FX shafts. adamsgolf.com \| $799/999	Bridgestone J36 Series Key Feature: Three forged-iron options—blade, cavity-back and pocket-cavity—each of which can be mixed into one set as you see fit. What We Like: The tapered-sole design is ideal for better players who need to shape shots. The progressive offset of the cavity-back models makes longer irons more forgiving. Who It’s For: Better players who want the benefits that come from having a mixed set of irons. Specs: 3-PW with Rifle Project X steel shafts. Custom options are available. bridgestonegolf.com \| $799	Callaway Big Bertha Key Feature: Golfers can choose now between either traditionally shaped long irons (3-5) or i-brid long irons. Both are equally considered game-improvement clubs, designed with huge sweet spots and plenty of offset to help golfers hit higher, farther and straighter shots. What We Like: Why not go with the wide-soled, mega-forgiving i-brid long irons? They’re so easy to hit. Who It’s For: Game-improvement seekers. Specs: 3-LW (3-5 i-brid) with Big Bertha steel or Big Bertha graphite shafts. callawaygolf.com \| $599/$799