This is our review of the best cavity back irons on the market in 2025.

I’m an avid golfer, an 8ish handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6) and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.

Our Recommendations Are Based On Our Experience.

We tested every club on this page on the range and on the course.

In this best cavity back irons review, we discuss, the benefits and features of each and our recommendations.

Our Top 3 Recommendations for 2025

Best Pure Player
Player's Distance
Game Improvement
Primary Rating:
5.0
Primary Rating:
4.8
Primary Rating:
4.8
~$175/club
~$200/club
~$200/club
Pros:
  • Exceptional Feel & Performance
  • Classic Elegant Titleist Design
  • Surprisingly long
  • Scoring MO-chines
Pros:
  • Superb Sound & Feel
  • Easy Distance & Plenty Forgiving
  • Long irons a breeze to hit
  • Launch Easily with High Trajectory
Pros:
  • Superb Sound & Feel
  • Plenty Distance & Forgiveness
  • Easy Launch & High Trajectory
Cons:
  • Nada
Cons:
  • A little pricey
Cons:
  • A little pricey
Best Pure Player
Primary Rating:
5.0
~$175/club
Pros:
  • Exceptional Feel & Performance
  • Classic Elegant Titleist Design
  • Surprisingly long
  • Scoring MO-chines
Cons:
  • Nada
Player's Distance
Primary Rating:
4.8
~$200/club
Pros:
  • Superb Sound & Feel
  • Easy Distance & Plenty Forgiving
  • Long irons a breeze to hit
  • Launch Easily with High Trajectory
Cons:
  • A little pricey
Game Improvement
Primary Rating:
4.8
~$200/club
Pros:
  • Superb Sound & Feel
  • Plenty Distance & Forgiveness
  • Easy Launch & High Trajectory
Cons:
  • A little pricey

Our Most Recommended Cavity Back Irons (Updated for 2025)

Player irons

  1. Titleist 620 CB (Remains Our #1 Pure Player Recommendation…for Years)
  2. Mizuno JPX 925 Forged Irons (Player’s Distance Irons for Better Players)
  3. Callaway Ai200 Irons (Player’s Distance – Stellar Performance & Feel)
  4. Mizuno Pro 243 Irons (Player’s Distance for Better Players)
  5. Mizuno JPX 923 Tour Irons (Pure Player)

Game Improvement

  1. Callaway Ai300 Irons (Game Improvement – Stellar
  2. Mizuno JPX 925 Hot Metal Irons (Best Value Game Improvement Irons – Great Performance – Best Sound & Feel)
  3. Callaway Elyte Irons (Best for Mid & Better High Handicaps)
  4. Mizuno JPX 925 Hot Metal Pro Irons (Best Value Player’s Distance – Great Performance – Best Sound & Feel)
  5. Cobra DS-Adapt Irons (Best for 15-25 Handicaps – Great Performance, Sound & Feel)

Super Game Improvement

  1. Ping G440 Irons
  2. PING G430 Irons (Super Game Improvement Pick)
  3. Taylormade Qi Irons (Hybrid Cavity Back & Hollow Body)

Club Reviews

Titleist 620 CB Irons

Editor's Pick - Pure Player
Titleist 620 CB Irons
5.0
Pros:
  • Exceptional Feel & Performance
  • Classic Elegant Titleist Design
  • Surprisingly long
  • Scoring MO-chines
Cons:
  • Nada
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Titleist 620 CB irons have been our favorite pure-player cavity back irons for a few years now. (I can not figure out why they aren’t more popular)

What we like:

  • They perform precisely how you would expect premium low-handicap irons to perform.  
  • They feel and play as good as they look…and they look GOOD.
  • Surprisingly long.
  • Just a splash of forgiveness with Zero harshness on mishits.

What we don’t like:

  • Not a thing.

This is the second set of Titleist irons I’ve ever tested. The first was the T200s from a couple of years ago, which I loved.

So, I had high expectations for the 620 CBs. They were exceeded

Online images don’t do justice to how beautiful these irons are.

From their minimal, elegant design to their perfectly sized compact head. Titleist knows how to do player irons

I loved them on the range and I loved them on the course. The long irons are a bit much for me, but you can order any iron combo you want.

Customer Reviews: There’s not a whole lot out there on the interwebs, but the few I found had nothing but good to say about them.

Recommendation: Try them. I bet you’ll want to keep them. I did.

Callaway Apex Ai200 Irons

Highly Recommended
Callaway Apex Ai200 Irons
4.8
Pros:
  • Superb Sound & Feel
  • Easy Distance & Plenty Forgiving
  • Long irons a breeze to hit
  • Launch Easily with High Trajectory
Cons:
  • A little pricey
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Callaway Apex Ai200 irons are our new #1 player’s distance cavity back iron recommendation.

What we like:

  • Stellar sound and feel. 
  • Loads of distance and forgiveness.
  • Excellent out of the rough.
  • Hittable long irons.
  • Launch the ball quickly and fly high and straight.

What we don’t like:

  • I prefer smaller, sleeker clubheads, but I’m nitpicking.

7-iron Launch Monitor Data

Club Speed
Ball Speed
Carry Distance
Vertical Launch
Peak Height
84
119
184
17*
69 ft

I figured the Apex i200s would be good irons with the same “clicky” sound and feel from all of last year’s Apex lineup.

Wrong.

The i200s are great irons with massively improved sound and feel. Among the best in golf.

They are among the best in the game now.  

Customer Reviews:

  • 25 reviews with an average 4.8/5. 18 of 18 customers say they would recommend the i200s to a friend.

Bottom line: Callaway nailed it.

Recommendation: You need to try them if you’re looking for a great set of player performance irons.

Mizuno JPX 925 Forged Irons

Best Player Distance Irons
Mizuno JPX 925 Forged Irons
4.9
Pros:
  • Best Sound & Feel in the game
  • Explosive & Consistant Distance
  • Launch quickly & high
  • Can handle any shot you have
Cons:
  • Naught
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Every Mizuno JPX Forged irons ever released are my favorite irons and the 925s are no different.

What we like:

  • THE BEST sound and feel in the game…including other Mizuno irons.
  • Compact, player-looking clubheads. 
  • Explosive distance when you catch them. Merely long, otherwise.
  • High launch and trajectory.
  • You can play all the shots.
  • Just a splash of forgiveness.

What we don’t like:

  • Not. A. Thing.

Set Tested: 4 iron – PW
Shaft: KBS Tour C-Taper Lite 110g
Shaft flex: Stiff

7-Iron Launch Monitor Numbers

Club
Club Speed
Ball Speed
Carry Distance (yds)
Peak Height (ft)
7
80
116
182
79

I expect demand greatness from Mizuno JPX Forged irons and I am never disappointed.  

Superb playability and the most heavenly sound and feel you can imagine are the standard.

And, they hit it time and again.

They launch high. They go far. You can shape them and flight them any way you please.

Beware: They aren’t as forgiving as most player distance irons. These are for strong, consistent ball strikers.

You can read my full review here.

Customer Reviews:

  • Mizuno doesn’t collect them.

Bottom line: Mizuno nailed it again…again.

Recommendation: I love these for better ball strikers. I found them slightly less forgiving than prior models.

Callaway Apex Ai300 Irons

Highly Recommended
Callaway Apex Ai300 Irons
4.8
Pros:
  • Superb Sound & Feel
  • Plenty Distance & Forgiveness
  • Easy Launch & High Trajectory
Cons:
  • A little pricey
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Another new addition to our list and our new #1 Recommendation for Callaway game improvement irons.

What we like:

  • Stellar sound and feel. 
  • Loads of distance and forgiveness.
  • Excellent out of the rough.
  • Hittable long irons.
  • Launch the ball quickly and fly high and straight.

What we don’t like:

  • Nada – they hit the mark for their target audience.

7-iron Launch Monitor Data

Club Speed
Ball Speed
Carry Distance
Vertical Launch
Peak Height
81
117
181
15*
62 ft

Like the i200s, I figured the i300s would be good irons and have the same “clicky” sound and feel from all of last year’s Apex lineup.

Again, wrong.

The i300s performed exceptionally well for me. I especially appreciated them out of the rough.

They launched the ball on nearly the same high trajectory as from the fairway and they held the greens beautifully.

This was an unexpected bonus and will be much appreciated by their target audience – mid and high handicappers.

Customer Reviews:

  • 26 reviews with an average of 4.9/5. 18 of 19 would recommend the Ai300s to a friend.(1)

Bottom line: Callaway nailed it.

Recommendation: Put them on your list to test if you’re in the market. You won’t regret it.

Mizuno JPX 925 Hot Metal Pro Irons

Highly Recommended
Mizuno JPX 925 Hot Metal Pro Irons
4.9
Pros:
  • Best Feel In Golf
  • Easy to hit - Easy to launch
  • Ample Forgiveness
  • Long & Accurate
  • Bargain Price
Cons:
  • Good, not Great cosmetics
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Our new favorite player’s distance iron from Mizuno.

What we like:

  • Exceptional feel – Best in golf.
  • Compact head.
  • Easy to hit and launch.
  • Accurate and consistent.
  • Good distance and can add or subtract yardage as needed.
  • Best price in premium player distance iron category.

What we don’t like:

  • Good, not great, cosmetics.

JPX 925 Hot Metal Pro Iron Specs

  • Set: 4 iron – PW
  • Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold S300 Mid 115g
  • Shaft flex: Stiff

7-iron Launch Monitor Data

Club Speed
Ball Speed
Carry Distance
Peak Height
Spin Rate
85
119
178
76 ft
4505
Club
Loft
Lie Angle
Length
4
19*
60.5*
38.75″
5
22*
61*
38.25″
6
25*
61.5*
37.75″
7
28*
62*
37.25″
8
32.5*
62.5*
36.75″
9
37*
63*
36.25″
PW
42*
63.5*
35.75″

JPX 925 Hot Metal Pros do everything well, but in a more compact clubhead. I think these may take the place of the “Forged” irons from years past.

They are a touch more demanding than the Hot Metal Pros I’ve tested in the past, but they allow for minor mishits. Just not to the degree I was used to.

The heads, though more compact, aren’t intimidating and frame the ball beautifully.

You can read more about my experience with the 925s here.

Botton Line: Mizuno never misses with Hot Metals and the 925s are no exception. They’re exceptional player distance irons.

Recommendation: 10ish handicaps and lower should give these a try if you’re in the market for premium players distance irons and you don’t mind saving money.

Mizuno JPX 925 Hot Metal Irons

Best Game Improvement Option
Mizuno JPX 925 Hot Metal Irons
4.9
Pros:
  • Superb forgiveness & distance
  • Best sound & feel in golf
  • High launch
  • Best clubs for the price
Cons:
  • Nada
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The new JPX 925 Hot Metals are our #1 recommendation for Mizuno game improvement irons.

What we like:

  • Still the best sound and feel in golf.
  • Loads of forgiveness and help with distance.
  • Helps you get the ball up quickly, even with marginal contact.
  • Really hittable long irons.

What we don’t like:

  • Nada.

JPX 925 Hot Metal Iron Specs

  • Set: 4 iron – GW
  • Shaft: Nippon NS Pro 950 NEO
  • Shaft flex: Stiff
Club
Loft
Lie Angle
Length
4
19*
60.5*
38.75″
5
22*
61*
38.25″
6
25*
61.5*
37.75″
7
28*
62*
37.25″
8
32.5*
62.5*
36.75″
9
37*
63*
36.25″
PW
42*
63.5*
35.75″
GW
48*
64*
35.25

7-iron Launch Monitor Data

Note: I don’t trust the spin numbers.

Club Speed
Ball Speed
Carry Distance
Vertical Launch
Peak Height
83
120
188
15*
71 ft

I started testing Mizunos with the 921s and they’ve been at the top of all my lists since then.

Dollar for dollar you can’t beat their performance, and no other manufacturer matches their sound and feel.

They tick every game improvement box and do it at a reasonable price.

You can read the full review here.

Conclusion: Another winner from Mizuno for the mid and high handicapper.

Recommendation – Performs with the best of them and at a better price.

Callaway Elyte Irons 

Highly Recommended
Callaway Elyte Irons
4.7
Pros:
  • Gorgeous
  • Easy, high launch
  • Long & Forgiving
  • Good Sound & Feel
Cons:
  • Nada
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A great new offer from Callaway and the best looking irons we’ve tested for 2025.

What we like:

  • Gorgeous, with compact, but not intimidating, clubheads.
  • Easy, high launch despite strong lofts.
  • Plenty of distance and forgiveness.
  • Can still play shots if that’s part of your game.
  • Improved sound and feel over the Paradym and Ai Smoke series.

What we don’t like:

  • Nada

7-iron Launch Monitor Data

Club Speed
Ball Speed
Carry Distance
Vertical Launch
Peak Height
83
116
181
17*
78 ft

Performance Review

Category
Grade
Looks
A
Sound/Feel
B
Distance
A
Forgiveness
A
Flight/Playability
A
Value
A

I like them for mid and higher handicaps because they do all the things.

So, they’ll go with you as your game improves and you incorporate shot making into your game.

Plus, they look great while doing it.

Customer Reviews

8 reviews in and an average rating of 5 stars. 7 of 7 reviewers would recommend Elyte irons to a friend.(1)

Bottom line: Callaway nailed performance and looks with the Elytes.

Recommendation: A solid choice for mid handicaps and better high handicappers.

Cobra DS-Adapt Irons

Highly Recommended
Cobra DS ADAPT Irons
4.8
Pros:
  • Superb Feel & Sound
  • Easy launch - High Trajectory
  • Great through the turf
  • Healthy Distance & Forgiveness
Cons:
  • Nada - they hit their mark
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The DS-Adapt irons are the next generation of Darkspeed irons. (A surprise favorite of ours from last year)

  • Cobra recommends them for 15-25 handicaps. We agree.

What we like:

  • Same great sound and feel as the Darkspeeds.
  • Higher launch and trajectory make them more playable for mid and high handicappers.
  • Lotta forgiveness and lotta distance.
  • Legit performance upgrade over Darkspeeds. (Rare from one model year to the next)

What we don’t like:

  • Not much. We think they hit their mark.

7-iron Launch Monitor Data

Club Speed
Ball Speed
Carry Distance
Vertical Launch
Peak Height
82
116
183
17*
76 ft

DS-Adapt irons are solid performers with better-than-average sound and feel.

Cudos to Cobra for significantly improving launch and trajectory – a major problem with the Darkspeeds despite their otherwise stellar performance.

Conclusion: Great sound and feel. Plenty long and forgiving. Higher launch and trajectory than Darkspeeds.

Recommendation – A solid choice at a reasonable price. Cobra irons deserve a chance to be in your bag.


Ping G440 Irons

Recommended
Ping G440 Irons
4.6
Pros:
  • Large, forgiving clubheads
  • Plenty distance
  • Good sound and feel
  • Launch the ball well
Cons:
  • Not a big improvement over G430 irons
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I think the G440s straddle the line between game improvement and super game improvement.

  • We recommend them for 13ish handicaps up to beginners.

What we like:

  • Large, friendly looking clubheads inspire confidence in the beginner or high handicap golfer.
  • Help with launch, carry, and distance.
  • Good ball flight and minimal loss of distance on minor mishits.

What we don’t like:

  • Not much improvement over the G430s.

7-iron Launch Monitor Data

Club Speed
Ball Speed
Carry Distance
Vertical Launch
Peak Height
80
116
181
16.7*
85 ft

This is the 4th set of game improvement irons I’ve tested from Ping. I started with the G410s and G425s side by side.

They’ve not been surpassed yet.

The G440s are solid, if unspectacular, and will serve the high handicap and beginner golfer well.

Conclusion: All the game improvement stuff you want – large heads, generous sweet spot, extra help with launch.

Recommendation – A solid set of irons at a good price. Worth testing if you’re in the market.

Taylormade Qi Irons

Golfer Geeks Approved
TaylorMade Qi Irons
4.6
Pros:
  • Solid forgiveness & distance across the face
  • Launch well w/ good trajectory
  • Good sound and feel
Cons:
  • Looks...Ok, but not great
  • Not a big improvement over recent Taylormade models
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The Qi irons are technically “cap back” irons according to Taylormade because they combine cavity back and hollow body tech.

They’re a solid choice for the average mid-handicapper and deliver exactly what you want and expect from game improvement irons in this category.

What we like:

  • Good distance and forgiveness across the face.(little to no loss of distance with strikes towards the toe)
  • Well-struck shots elevate the ball well.
  • Sound and feel are a little “clicky”, but good overall.

What we don’t like:

  • Looks are more refined than the Stealths, but they are still lacking.
  • Not a big improvement over recent Taylormade game improvement models.

7-iron Launch Monitor Data

Club Speed
Ball Speed
Carry Distance
Vertical Launch
Peak Height
Descent Angle
82.6
113.6
168.3
13.2 *
51ft
29.2*

I’m well familiar with Taylormade game improvement irons and Taylormade irons overall. I expected good results from the Qi irons, and that’s what I got.

I tested the Qi Combo Set because I wanted to try the new Qi10 hybrids too. (Love them)

The lofts are quite strong – up to 5 degrees stronger than my everyday set. But, you can still launch the ball with quality contact. I was able to hit them high, low, and in between when I needed too.

Low ball hitters should test these before you put your money down.

Conclusion: Solid game improvement irons. I’d be surprised if you’re disappointed in their performance.

Recommendation: Certainly worthy of testing if you’re in the market.

Mizuno Pro 243 Irons

Highly Recommended
Mizuno Pro 243 Irons
4.9
Pros:
  • Superb Feel & Sound
  • Long with solid contact
  • Beautiful ball flight
  • Accurate & Consistent
Cons:
  • Good looks...not the best
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The Pro 243s are player’s distance irons for better players.

What we like:

  • Exceptional sound & feel.
  • Great distance on center contact.
  • Some forgiveness on minor mishits.
  • Launch the ball easily.
  • Accurate & consistent.

What we don’t like:

  • Not the best cosmetics…but not bad.

Set Tested

  • Model: Pro 243
  • Set: 4 iron – gap wedge
  • Shaft: Nippon N.S. PRO ModusTour 120g
  • Shaft flex: Stiff flex
Club
Loft
Lie Angle
Length
4
22*
60*
38.75″
5
25*
60.5*
38.25″
6
28*
61*
37.75″
7
32*
61.5*
37.25″
8
36*
62*
36.75″
9
40*
62.5*
36.25″
PW
44*
63*
35.75″
GW
48*
63*
35.5″

7-iron Launch Monitor Data

Club Speed
Ball Speed
Carry Distance
Vertical Launch
Peak Height
Descent Angle
79.6
109.7
167.46
15.97 *
68.6 ft
36.7*

My swing is uber-rusty, but I’m working on getting it in shape. And, I’m using the Pro 243s to do it.

So, I’m mostly mishitting them, which ain’t what they’re meant for. These are precision instruments.

They absolutely sing when I make center contact. They launch quick, they go high, and they’re plenty long.

They only cover for the most minor mishits. My standard mishit – thin and toward the toe- consistently left me a club short.

Bottom line: Stellar performance and exceptional feel. You need center contact to appreciate their distance. Minor mishits lose significant yardage.

Recommendation: I love the Pro 243s for low handicaps with strong ball striking.

Mizuno JPX 923 Tour Irons

Highly Recommended
Mizuno JPX 923 Tour Irons
4.9
Pros:
  • Exceptional Feel
  • Accurate & Consistent
  • Great Launch & Trajectory
  • Player Looks & Profile
Cons:
  • Bring your distance
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The JPX 923 Tour irons are our former favorite pure “player” cavity back iron from Mizuno and a solid step up from the JPX 921 Tour irons for me.

What we like:

  • Nice feel – improved over the JPX 921s.
  • I found the long irons easier to hit – and hit well.
  • Improved looks and profile.
  • Just forgiving enough on slight mishits.

What we don’t like:

  • Good, not exceptional feel like the JPX hot metals and JPX forged irons.
  • Not short, but you have to bring your distance.

My strength is iron play, but not long iron play. I was able to hit solid long irons with good trajectory at my target time and again during my round with the 923 Tours.

I’ve improved my ball striking since testing the 921 Tours, but Mizuno has incorporated more performance in the 923s.

Customer Reviews: Early days.

Verdict: I think you should consider upgrading or at least testing the JPX 923 Tour irons if you own the 921 Tours. You may find the difference in performance worth the switch.

Mizuno JPX 923 Forged Irons

Former Editor's Pick
Mizuno JPX 923 Forged Irons
5.0
Pros:
  • Best Feel in Golf
  • Superb Distance & Forgiveness
  • Play all the shots
  • Gorgeous
  • Reasonable Price
Cons:
  • Still looking
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Mizuno JPX 923 Forged irons are our top pic for best cavity back irons for 0 – 10 handicaps.

What we like:

  • You get every bit of the playability you expect from low-handicap irons.  
  • Best feel of any iron I’ve ever put my hands on.
  • Loads of forgiveness & distance.
  • Compact clubhead & clean lines.
  • Best price for new premium irons.

What we don’t like:

  • Nada

Mizuno took everything that was great about the JPX 921 Forged irons and shoved it into a more compact and better-looking clubhead.

We had 20+ mph winds for one of the rounds I played with them. I was able to flight them down into the wind and elevate them with the wind with relative ease. They perform exceptionally well in all conditions.

Customer Reviews: Mizuno doesn’t collect reviews, but everything I’ve read on the clubs themselves is 100% positive.

Recommendation: Go to your local golf store and get your hands on them or demo a set from Global Golf. You’ll know

Ping i230 Irons

Highly Recommended
Ping i230 Irons w/ Steel Shafts
4.9
Pros:
  • Long & Forgiving
  • Superb Feel & Sound
  • Easy Launch with Great Trajectory
Cons:
  • Price
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Ping i230s are my favorite low-handicap irons from Ping.

What we like:

  • They’re solid at impact for good control
  • Have nice sound and feel with excellent feedback
  • Get the ball up easily & send it on a high-penetrating ball flight
  • Have just the right amount of forgiveness

What we don’t like:

  • Nada

Ping optimized launch, spin, forgiveness, and MOI for the i230s. And did it in a smaller clubhead than the i210s (which I also like).

I love the consistent loft gapping between clubs too. 4 degrees in the pitching wedge through 7-irons. Then, 3.5 degrees in the 7-iron through 3-iron. (I’m not sure why the change from 4-degree gapping to 3.5 degrees, though)

I prefer the i230s over the i59s and i525s because of their superior sound and feel. Not to mention I hit them better. The heads are larger than the other two, but not large. Hitting them reminded me of the G425s, which I also loved.

I was on or around the green all day during my rounds with the i230s.

Customer Reviews: 11 reviews with 100% 5-stars

Recommendation: Give them a try. If you like their looks, you’ll love the way they play and feel.

Ping G425 Irons

Former Editor's Pick
Ping G425 Iron Set
4.9
Pros:
  • So... so easy to hit
  • High trajectory
  • Great distance & forgiveness
Cons:
  • Nada
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We loooove Ping G425 irons and they will be on our lists as long as we can find a place for our readers to buy them.

What we like:

  • Supremely easy to hit and elevate
  • All the distance you need 
  • Can hit good shots all day long without needing perfect contact
  • Awesome feel and sound for a mid handicap iron
  • You can play any shot you want if you’ve got the game

What we don’t like:

  • Shut yo mouth.

I was not expecting the G425s to perform as well as they did. I play soft carbon-steel low handicap irons and I thought the 425s would feel harsh and wooden. No sir. I’m a low handicap ball striker with my irons and these did anything I wanted. 

Center contact feels great and slight mishits feel about the same, with no very little loss of distance. There’s a ton of forgiveness built into these irons.

The lofts are already jacked, but Ping offers even stronger lofts if that suits your game.  

Conclusion: The G425s are one of the best irons for the average golfer I’ve tested this year. 

Recommendation: You’re going to want to at least test these. My money is on you keeping them if you do. 

Taylormade Stealth Irons

1st Runner Up
Taylormade Stealth Irons
4.7
Pros:
  • Long & Forgiving
  • Good Sound & Feel
  • Elevates ball easily
  • Easy to hit
Cons:
  • Looks...not the best
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The TaylorMade Stealths irons are kind of a hybrid between cavity and muscle back game improvement irons.

What we like:

  • They launch the ball easily with a high trajectory.
  • Generous sweet spot for premium forgiveness and distance.
  • Clubheads are big, but not awkward looking.

What we don’t like:

  • Looks, not the best.

They’re just not quite as good looking as the G425s. Yes, that’s a silly thing, but it’s the only differentiating factor from my testing.  

Stealth irons feel great in my hands. Look great at address. And, hit the ball a ton. You can hit ’em high. You can flight them down. You can play any shot you want with these irons. 

TaylorMade Stealth irons are money and exactly what you want out of game improvement irons. They happen to be better looking than the SIM or SIM2 irons too. 

Conclusion: Neck and neck with the G425s. Ever so slightly behind in feel and looks.

Recommendation: Need to be on your shortlist if you’re in the market for new mid-handicapper irons. 

Ping G430 Irons

Recommended
Ping G430 Iron Set
4.6
Pros:
  • Easy to hit & Elevate
  • High trajectory & Straight Ball Flight
  • Great distance & forgiveness
  • Can shape & flight the ball as well
Cons:
  • Looks, not the best
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Ping G430s have all the playability, performance and feel of the G425s, but in an updated package.

What we like:

  • They’re easy to hit and elevate.
  • They want to fly high and straight.
  • You can still work them left or right, flight them down, or take off distance if that’s part of your game.
  • Same great feel.
  • Same forgiveness.

What we don’t like:

  • Big step down in looks.
  • Not as refined as the G425s

The lofts are stronger in the G430s and they’ve added more tech for distance. Well-struck shots were about half a club longer for me on the course and I got a couple of crazy-long numbers on my launch monitor.

As with the G425s, center contact is stellar, but slight mishits will get you good results too. I was on or around the greens all day. 

Conclusion: Not a significant improvement over the G425s. I don’t think that would be realistic. The G425s are too good.  

Recommendation: Keep your G425s. Test both sets if you own neither, and you’re in the market.

FAQs

Do any PGA pros use cavity backs?

Yes, quite a few PGA pros use cavity back irons – Jordan Spieth, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Sam Burns, Jon Rahm, etc.

What are the best cavity back irons for mid-handicappers?

The best cavity back irons for mid handicappers are Mizuno JPX 925 Hot Metal Irons…probably.

Do blades or cavity backs go farther?

Cavity back irons go farther than blade irons. They have better MOI and more forgiveness, thanks to their construction.

Can you shape shots with cavity back irons?

Yes, you can shape shots with cavity back irons. I’ve shaped shots as long as I’ve been playing golf, and I’ve used cavity back irons most of that time.

Final Verdict

We’ve got something for every handicap, and we’ve just added new selections for the end of 2025…

My #1 suggestion is to get your hands on them before you buy. Either at your local golf store or take advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it.  

Thanks for checking out our review of the best cavity back irons in 2025.

Best Pure Player
Player's Distance
Game Improvement
Primary Rating:
5.0
Primary Rating:
4.8
Primary Rating:
4.8
~$175/club
~$200/club
~$200/club
Pros:
  • Exceptional Feel & Performance
  • Classic Elegant Titleist Design
  • Surprisingly long
  • Scoring MO-chines
Pros:
  • Superb Sound & Feel
  • Easy Distance & Plenty Forgiving
  • Long irons a breeze to hit
  • Launch Easily with High Trajectory
Pros:
  • Superb Sound & Feel
  • Plenty Distance & Forgiveness
  • Easy Launch & High Trajectory
Cons:
  • Nada
Cons:
  • A little pricey
Cons:
  • A little pricey
Best Pure Player
Primary Rating:
5.0
~$175/club
Pros:
  • Exceptional Feel & Performance
  • Classic Elegant Titleist Design
  • Surprisingly long
  • Scoring MO-chines
Cons:
  • Nada
Player's Distance
Primary Rating:
4.8
~$200/club
Pros:
  • Superb Sound & Feel
  • Easy Distance & Plenty Forgiving
  • Long irons a breeze to hit
  • Launch Easily with High Trajectory
Cons:
  • A little pricey
Game Improvement
Primary Rating:
4.8
~$200/club
Pros:
  • Superb Sound & Feel
  • Plenty Distance & Forgiveness
  • Easy Launch & High Trajectory
Cons:
  • A little pricey