In this comparison of the Callaway Elyte irons vs
I’ve tested, reviewed, and gamed these irons extensively, and I’m here to break down what you need to know if you’re trying to decide between the two.
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Best for Better Mid Handicaps
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Best For Higher Handicaps
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Primary Rating:
4.7
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Primary Rating:
4.6
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~$150/club
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~$143/club
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Cons:
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Cons:
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- Gorgeous
- Easy, high launch
- Long & Forgiving
- Good Sound & Feel
- Nada
- Solid forgiveness & distance across the face
- Launch well w/ good trajectory
- Good sound and feel
- Looks...Ok, but not great
- Not a big improvement over recent Taylormade models
Spoiler: The Elytes are my top pick performance-wise—but there’s a lot more nuance to this decision depending on where your game is and what you need from your irons.
Now let’s break down how these two sets of irons stack up across looks, feel, distance, forgiveness, and more.
Callaway Elyte Irons
Set Tested: 4–UW, Black Dot
Shaft: Ping AWT 3.0 Stiff Flex (Made by Nippon)
Why Consider Them?
The Callaway Elyte irons are a step up from the Paradym Ai Smoke, sitting right between traditional game improvement and player distance irons. They bring elite sound, feel, looks, and performance into a single package that’s incredibly satisfying to hit.
They’re ideal for players with average to above-average swing speeds who want help with distance and launch without sacrificing aesthetics or feel.
- Gorgeous design—possibly the best looking irons I’ve tested this year. They look more player than game improvement.
- High launch and soft landing.
- Easy distance.
- Surprisingly workable.
- Good sound and feel.
Callaway Elyte Iron Specs
| Club | Loft | Lie | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 22° | 61.25° | 38.5″ |
| 6 | 25° | 61.875° | 37.875″ |
| 7 | 29° | 62.5° | 37.25″ |
| 8 | 33° | 63.125° | 36.625″ |
| 9 | 37° | 63.75° | 36.00″ |
| PW | 42° | 64° | 35.75″ |
Customer Reviews – What Others Are Saying
An average rating of 4.9/5 with 11 reviews in. 10 of 10 buyers would recommend the Elytes to a friend.(1)
The Gist:
- Several reviewers highlighted how the irons feel compact yet forgiving, with a gorgeous look and consistent distance across the face.
- Users consistently praised the refined feel, higher launch, and elegant design.
- Great feedback on distance gains and shot consistency.
- Tri-sole design got high marks for improving turf interaction.
Taylormade Qi Irons
Set Tested: 4–UW, Black Dot
Shaft: Ping AWT 3.0 Stiff Flex (Made by Nippon)
Why Consider Them?
The
They aren’t flashy—but they work. If you need help hitting straighter shots consistently, these could be your new best friend.
- Straight ball flight.
- Easy to launch.
- Big sweet spot.
- Plain look, but confidence-inspiring shape.
- Very “friendly” clubs.
Taylormade Qi Irons
Club | Loft | Lie | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
4 Rescue | 22° | 58.5° | 40.25″ |
5 Rescue | 25° | 59° | 39.75″ |
6 Iron | 24° | 62.5° | 37.88″ |
7 Iron | 28° | 63° | 37.25″ |
8 Iron | 32° | 63.5° | 36.75″ |
9 Iron | 37° | 64° | 36.25″ |
PW | 43° | 64.5° | 35.75″ |
AW | 49° | 64.5° | 35.5″ |
Customer Reviews – What Others Are Saying
An average rating of 4.7/5 with 62 reviews in. 92% of reviewers would recommend the Qis to a friend.(1)
The Gist:
- Most buyers praised the irons for their playability, forgiveness, and feel
- Minor complaints about clubhead detachment and lack of performance jump over previous models.
Callaway Elyte Irons vs Taylormade Qi Irons – Key Differences
I think they’re both technically game improvement irons, but the Elytes lean more toward player distance by their design and the way they feel and play.
The Qis are much more classic game improvement/super game improvement.
So, I think they’re meant for different players.
7-Iron Launch Monitor Data: Elyte vs Qi
| Metric | Callaway Elyte | Taylormade Qi |
| Club Speed (mph) | 83 | 82.6 |
| Ball Speed (mph) | 116 | 113.6 |
| Carry Distance (yds) | 181 | 168.3 |
| Launch Angle (deg) | 17 | 13.2 |
| Peak Height (ft) | 78 | 51 |
Takeaway: The Elyte launches higher, carries farther, and feels a bit more refined at impact.
How They Rate: Elyte vs Qi
Trying a new rating system. Check out the explanation of each category here.
Category | Callaway Elytes | Taylormade Qis |
|---|---|---|
🪞 Bag Appeal | A | C |
🎯 Sound & Feel | B | B- |
🚀 Distance | A | B |
🛟 Forgiveness | B | A |
🛫 Ball Flight | A | B |
💳 Wallet Damage | A | A |
🪞 Bag Appeal – Elytes
This one isn’t close. The Elytes are in the top one or two of best looking irons for 2025. The Qis are rather plain and uninspiring.
🎯 Sound & Feel – Elytes
This one is closer. But the Elytes are made to be more refined and they are, this includes sound and feel. Not that the Qis are bad. They’re pretty good for the category.
🚀 Distance – Elytes
The Qis are pretty true to their lofts with distance. I think the Elytes give a little more. They are definitely longer by launch monitor numbers.
🛟 Forgiveness – Qis
Nice generous sweet spot for Qi irons. Elytes are forgiving too, just not to the extent of the Qis.
🛫 Ball Flight – Elytes
Elyte irons launch higher and have a peak height greater than the Qis by about 12 yards or so. I noted in my original testing of the Qis that their low flight could be an issue. (Pretty sure I’m wrong about this according to their customer reviews)
💳 Wallet Damage – Qis
They’re both good deals, but the Qis are cheaper right now because they’ve been out a couple of years.
Callaway Elytes – $150/club new
Taylormade Qis – $142/cub new
Final Verdict
Callaway Elyte irons if: are really nice game improvement /player distance irons with stand-out performance and are serious eye candy.
Choose them if:
- You’re a better mid handicap with strong ball striking or even an upper single digit handicap that wants a little more help with launch and distance. And, at a bargain price.
Taylormde Qi irons are solid game improvement/super game improvement irons with good performance and rather plain cosmetics.
Choose them if:
- You’re a beginner, high handicapper, or a brand new mid handicapper.
- Large, generous clubheads look inviting, provide loads of forgiveness, and inspire confidence at address.
As always, my #1 suggestion is to:
- Test both sets risk free with Global Golf’s Utry program.
Thanks for checking out our Callaway Elyte Irons vs Taylormade Qi Irons comparison.
|
Best for Better Mid Handicaps
|
Best For Higher Handicaps
|
|
Primary Rating:
4.7
|
Primary Rating:
4.6
|
|
~$150/club
|
~$143/club
|
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
- Gorgeous
- Easy, high launch
- Long & Forgiving
- Good Sound & Feel
- Nada
- Solid forgiveness & distance across the face
- Launch well w/ good trajectory
- Good sound and feel
- Looks...Ok, but not great
- Not a big improvement over recent Taylormade models
FAQs
Are Callaway Elyte irons suitable for high handicappers?
Callaway Elyte irons are not suitable for high handicappers.
But… testing is the only way you’ll know for sure. They are designed for mid to low handicappers seeking a blend of distance and control. While they offer some forgiveness, high handicappers might benefit more from irons built specifically for max forgiveness—like the Callaway Elyte X or HL models.
What handicap range are TaylorMade Qi irons best suited for?
TaylorMade Qi irons are best suited for mid to high handicappers.
They’re built to keep the ball in play with straight shots and a big sweet spot. If you’re inconsistent with contact or struggling to break 90, the Qi irons are likely to make golf more fun (and less frustrating).
Do game improvement irons like the Elyte and Qi provide more distance?
Game improvement irons like the Elyte and Qi can help you hit longer shots.
Both are designed to increase ball speed and launch higher, which adds distance. The Elytes tend to be longer if you have the swing speed to activate them—while the Qis are more consistent for slower swingers.
Which iron set offers better aesthetics: Elyte or Qi?
The Elyte irons offer more premium aesthetics than the Qis.
They have a cleaner, more refined design that looks closer to a player’s iron. The Qis are bulkier and more functional in appearance—designed for performance, not shelf appeal.
Can beginners use the TaylorMade Qi irons effectively?
Yes, beginners can use the Taylormade Qi irons effectively.
They’re forgiving, easy to launch, and confidence-inspiring at address. If you’re just getting into the game and want a set that helps you enjoy it more, the Qis are a safe bet.
