10 BEST Cavity Back Irons 2023 + [Expert Buyers Guide]

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Cavity back golf clubs are packed with game-improvement technology to boost forgiveness, elevate launch and maximize carry distance.

In this guide, I unveil the 10 best cavity back irons for 2023 to help you identify the most consistent set for your swing.

By the end of the post, you will know what the top 10 cavity back irons are for this year and what to consider when purchasing them. In addition, I have laid out the best options for each lady and gentleman golfer.

Check out our time saving summary tables on the best cavity back irons:

Product
Overall Best
Wilson DynaPower Irons
Low Hcp
Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal Pro Irons
L-Hcp Women
Srixon ZX5 MK II Iron Set
Mid-Handicap
Ping G430 Irons
M-Hcp Women
XXIO 12 Iron Set
Image
Wilson Dynapower Men's Graphite Golf Irons - Right Hand, Regular, 5-PW, GW
Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal Pro Irons
Srixon ZX5 MK II Iron Set
Ping G430 Irons
2022 XXIO Women 12 Iron Set RH 7-PW, SW Graph Lady
Price
$899.99
est $1,099.99
est $1,299.99
est $1,257.99
$749.95
Prime
Amazon Prime
NA
NA
NA
-
Last Updated
2024-03-27
NA
NA
NA
2024-03-27
Overall Best
Product
Wilson DynaPower Irons
Image
Wilson Dynapower Men's Graphite Golf Irons - Right Hand, Regular, 5-PW, GW
Price
$899.99
Prime
Amazon Prime
Buy Now
Last Updated
2024-03-27
Low Hcp
Product
Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal Pro Irons
Image
Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal Pro Irons
Price
est $1,099.99
Prime
NA
Buy Now
Last Updated
NA
L-Hcp Women
Product
Srixon ZX5 MK II Iron Set
Image
Srixon ZX5 MK II Iron Set
Price
est $1,299.99
Prime
NA
Buy Now
Last Updated
NA
Mid-Handicap
Product
Ping G430 Irons
Image
Ping G430 Irons
Price
est $1,257.99
Prime
NA
Buy Now
Last Updated
NA
M-Hcp Women
Product
XXIO 12 Iron Set
Image
2022 XXIO Women 12 Iron Set RH 7-PW, SW Graph Lady
Price
$749.95
Prime
-
Buy Now
Last Updated
2024-03-27
Product
High Hcp
Callaway Paradym X Irons
H-Hcp Women
Tour Edge Hot Launch C523 Irons
Most Forgiving
Cobra AeroJet Irons
Game Improve
TaylorMade Stealth Irons
Best Budget
Cobra LTDx Irons Set
Image
Callaway Golf 2023 Paradym X Iron Set (Right Hand, Steel Shaft, Regular Flex, 6 Iron - PW)
Tour Edge Hot Launch C523 Irons
Cobra Aerojet Irons
TaylorMade Golf Stealth Iron Set Mens Righthanded
Cobra Golf 2022 LTDX Iron Set Satin Chrome-Gold Fusion (Men's, Right Hand, KBS Tour 90, Reg Flex, 5-GW)
Price
Price not available
est $559.99
$799.98
Price not available
$591.41
Prime
-
NA
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Last Updated
2024-03-27
NA
2024-03-27
2024-03-27
2024-03-27
High Hcp
Product
Callaway Paradym X Irons
Image
Callaway Golf 2023 Paradym X Iron Set (Right Hand, Steel Shaft, Regular Flex, 6 Iron - PW)
Price
Price not available
Prime
-
Buy Now
Last Updated
2024-03-27
H-Hcp Women
Product
Tour Edge Hot Launch C523 Irons
Image
Tour Edge Hot Launch C523 Irons
Price
est $559.99
Prime
NA
Buy Now
Last Updated
NA
Most Forgiving
Product
Cobra AeroJet Irons
Image
Cobra Aerojet Irons
Price
$799.98
Prime
Amazon Prime
Buy Now
Last Updated
2024-03-27
Game Improve
Product
TaylorMade Stealth Irons
Image
TaylorMade Golf Stealth Iron Set Mens Righthanded
Price
Price not available
Prime
Amazon Prime
Buy Now
Last Updated
2024-03-27
Best Budget
Product
Cobra LTDx Irons Set
Image
Cobra Golf 2022 LTDX Iron Set Satin Chrome-Gold Fusion (Men's, Right Hand, KBS Tour 90, Reg Flex, 5-GW)
Price
$591.41
Prime
Amazon Prime
Buy Now
Last Updated
2024-03-27

⛳️ Read Next: 13 Best Golf Clubs for Seniors in 2023 [Expert Buyers Guide]

Overall Best Cavity Back Irons

Wilson DynaPower Irons

$899.99 Amazon Prime

Updated on 2024-03-27

Overall Best

Overall Best Cavity Back Irons Wilson DynaPWR Men's Golf Irons

The Wilson Dynapower Irons exceeded expectations as it strives to continue the legacy of its ancestors fifty years after the last set was produced. Its high launch, leniency, and distance, coupled with the correct offset, resulted in a straighter ball flight and a soft landing.

Wilson compiles attractive, high-performing irons for a moderately affordable price. The Dynapower AI technology grabbed my attention as it accelerated ball speed on most strikes for consistent launch and carry yardage.

Speaking of launch, the engineers lowered the center of gravity (CG) in these irons to elevate your lift off the deck. In addition, it prompts a higher ball flight and sharp descent angles for greater shot-stopping power on approach.

The perimeter-weighted clubheads provided an expanded sweet spot and boosted moment of inertia (MOI) for enhanced stability. This combination prevented speed drop-off and controlled spin to maximize length and promote increased bite.

Finally, the set comprises a 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, pitching and gap wedge to cover your long, mid, and short game.

Wilson Dynapower Irons Specs

Golf ClubClub LoftGolf Club Length OffsetSwing Weight
4 Iron18°39″60°0.256″
5 Iron21°38.5″61°0.236″
6 Iron24°38″61.5°0.216″
7 Iron27°37.5″62°0.196″
8 Iron32°37″63°0.176″
9 Iron37°36.5″63.5°0.156″
Pitching Wedge42°36″64°0.136″
Gap Wedge47°35.75″64°0.116″
Sand Wedge53°35.5″64°0.086″
Wilson Dynapower Specifications Table

PROS

  • Preserves ball speed on all shots
  • Prompts a higher launch
  • Generates a soft landing
  • Optimal forgiveness
  • Ideal for mid and high handicappers

CONS

  • The set does not include a sand wedge or a 4-iron
  • Higher swing speeds may balloon shots with the enhanced launch profile.

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Best Cavity Back Irons for Low Handicappers

Low Handicappers

Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal Pro Irons

Cavity back irons do not often partner with low handicappers, but the Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal Pro is a reliable spouse. It delivers solid feedback to analyze where you struck the ball on the clubface and promotes a consistently high launch.

Low-handicap senior golfers may appreciate the Seamless Cup Face and its low CG built to increase your apex. Plus, the higher trajectory leads to steeper descent angles, suitable for forcing a soft landing to hold smaller greens.

The experts from Hiroshima upped their game with clubface material, applying an innovative 4335 Nickel Chromoly. Its thin structure proved pivotal in producing a lightning ball zip across an expanded zone.

The V-Chassis design, which is responsible for the solid feedback, also enhanced stability at contact to preserve pace and spin revolutions. Lastly, the lowest loft in the set is a 19-degree 4 iron, and the pitching wedge is set at 42.5 degrees.

Mizuno JPX 923 Specs

Golf ClubClub LoftGolf Club LengthOffsetSwing Weight
4 Iron19°38.5″0.155″D2
5 Iron22°38″0.147″D2
6 Iron25°37.5″0.139″D2
7 Iron28.5°37″0.131″D2
8 Iron33°36.5″0.122″D2
9 Iron37.5°36″0.114″D2
Pitching Wedge42.5°35.5″0.106″D2
Mizuno JPX 923 Specs Table

PROS

  • Solid feel for low handicap golfers
  • Lightning fast clubface
  • Launches high
  • Descends sharply for a soft landing
  • Expanded sweet spot

CONS

  • Pricey set
  • Higher swing speeds might struggle to control the higher launch

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Best Cavity Back Irons for Low Handicappers (Women)

Low Hcp Women

Srixon ZX5 MK II Iron Set

Low handicap golfers demand a compact set of irons with a narrow profile built to deliver a premium forged feel. While some ladies may prefer the performance of a blade-style iron, the Srixon ZX5 MK II gives you the look and finish of a classic design with the leniency of cavity back irons.

The core feature is the Mainframe technology, designed to increase clubface flex for rapid ball speed and improved energy transfer. As a result, ladies produce a more effective coefficient of restitution (COR) to generate a quick pace and controlled spin.

Srixon engineers saved an impressive quantity of mass from the club head by employing the Mainframe. This allowed them to reposition weight into the toe and sole of the iron for a lower CG to promote higher launching golf shots.

Next, the Srixon ZX5 MKII produced crisp turf interaction from every lie on the golf course. Its elevated leading edge restricts digging, while a low bounce trailing edge minimizes interaction with the earth.

Long irons in the ZX5 MKII set contain wide grooves, while the mid and short irons carry deeper, narrower lines for better spin. Finally, the lofts are standard for modern irons kicking off with a 19-degree 4 iron and concluding with a 43-degree pitching wedge.

Srixon ZX5 MK II Specs

Golf ClubClub LoftGolf Club LengthLieOffsetSwing Weight
4 Iron22°38.5″60.5°4.0mmD1 Steel
5 Iron24°38″61°3.8mmD1 Steel
6 Iron27°37.5″61.5°3.5mmD1 Steel
7 Iron31°37″62°3.2mmD1 Steel
8 Iron35°36.5″62.5°3.0mmD1 Steel
9 Iron39°36″63°2.7mmD1 Steel
Pitching Wedge44°35.5″63.5°2.3mmD1 Steel
Approach Wedge50°35.5″63.5°1.9mmD2 Steel
Srixon ZX5 MK II Specs Table

PROS

  • Moderate forgiving irons
  • Flexible clubface
  • Preserves ball speed on shots
  • Increased workability
  • Clean turf interaction

CONS

  • Priced at a premium
  • The mid to high trajectory may cause higher swing speeds to balloon shots

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Best Cavity Back Irons for Mid Handicap Golfers

Ping G430 Irons

est $1,257.99

Mid Handicappers

Ping G430 Irons

The Ping G430 Irons are a hot property in 2023 for their feedback, forgiveness, launch, and distance. In addition, I like their futuristic design and felt the club offered superb stability during the swing and at impact. Plus, mid-handicappers will appreciate the playability of these irons.

They carry limited offset through the set, enabling you to induce your desired shot shape for enhanced control on approach. It also offers an effortless launch for towering ball flight and a soft landing, brought about by the exceptionally low CG.

Ping engineered the G430 with a thinner face than previous G-series iterations to up ball speed across an expansive active zone. The slim club face is supported by the PureFlex Cavity Badge, which increases face flexibility across seven regions, boosting speed and restricting spin.

The Hydropeal 2.0 finish is retained on the G430 series, helping to repel water from the grooves for a consistent spin in wet and dry conditions. Lastly, the Ping G430 irons carry strong lofts with a 19-degree 4-iron starting the set and a 41-degree pitching wedge capping off most stock setups.

Ping G430 Irons Specs

Golf ClubClub LoftGolf Club LengthLieOffsetSwing Weight
4 Iron19°38 7/8″60.5°0.27″D0
5 Iron22°38 1/4″61°0.24″D0
6 Iron25.5°37 5.8″61.5°0.21″D0
7 Iron29°37″62°0.18″D0
8 Iron33°36 1/2″62.8°0.15″D0
9 Iron37°36″63.5°0.13″D0.5
Pitching Wedge41°35 1/2″64.1°0.11″D2
45.5° Wedge45.5°35 1/2″64.1°0.11″D2
50° Wedge50°35 1/2″64.1°0.11″D2
54° Wedge54°35 1/4″64.4°0.09″D3
58° Wedge58°35″64.6°0.08″D4
Ping G430 Irons Specs Table

PROS

  • Low CG for a high launch
  • Exceptional face flex
  • Produces superb ball speed
  • Increased playability
  • Crisp turf interaction

CONS

  • An expensive set of irons
  • The reduced offset may exacerbate slices.

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Best Cavity Back Irons for Mid Handicap Golfers (Women)

XXIO 12 Iron Set

$749.95

Updated on 2024-03-27

Mid Handicapper

XXIO 12 Irons Set

XXIO is renowned for its fast, premium, long golf clubs, and they maintain their reputation with the new 12 series. It is built to generate rapid clubhead speed on the downswing, features relatively strong lofts, and bolsters stability and control.

XXIO constructed the 12 series irons with lightweight materials to help ladies boost swing speed and power leading into contact. Plus, they applied weight under the golf grip to further improve your control on the downswing and promote optimal energy transfer.

In addition, a Rebound Frame partners with the iron’s Titanium face for further flexibility and explosive velocity at contact. Next, the engineers inserted a tungsten nickel weight in the toe of the irons for greater MOI and stability, resulting in consistent spin and speed.

XXIO opted for a progressive CG design, setting it low and deep in the long irons for a high launch. Conversely, they shifted the mass higher up in the short irons for controlled, lower ball flight. Plus, the grooves get deeper and sharper as the lofts weaken for greater shot-stopping power on approach.

Lastly, the XXIO 12 Iron Set starts with a 22-degree 5 iron and runs down to a 42-degree pitching wedge. 

XXIO Iron Set Specs

Golf ClubClub LoftGolf Club LengthLieSwing Weight
5 Iron24°37.25″61.5°B8
6 Iron27°36.75″62°B8
7 Iron30°36.25″62.5°B8
8 Iron34°35.75″63°B8
9 Iron39°35.25″63°B8
Pitching Wedge44°34.75″63.5°B8
Approach Wedge50°34.75″63.5°B9
Sand Wedge56°34.75″63.5°B9
XXIO Ladies Irons Specifications Table

PROS

  • Lightweight structure accelerates clubhead speed
  • Elevated MOI in the long irons
  • Progressive CG for optimal launch
  • Produces lightning ball speed
  • Enhanced spin in the short irons and wedges

CONS

  • Pricey set of golf clubs
  • The lightweight construction may prompt higher swing speeds to balloon strikes.

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Best Cavity Back Irons for High Handicap Golfers

Callaway Paradym X Irons

High Handicappers

Callaway Paradym X Irons, forged cavity back irons shown

High handicap golfers require a consistent, fast, long, and forgiving set of irons, which boosts distance, control, and accuracy on approach. The Callaway Paradym X Irons carry moderate offset to combat slices and a rapid clubface with a pleasant feel on mishits.

The leading feature of these super game improvement irons is the Forged 455 Face Cup responsible for higher zip. However, the support it receives from the Hollow Body and Speed Frame Construction renders it lethal.

The Hollow Body and Speed Frame Construction improve stability at contact, helping you prevent ball speed or spin drop-off. Once the ball hit the club face, the 79-gram tungsten weighting took over and prompted your ball high into the air for increased carry yardage and a steep landing angle.

Besides its distance, forgiveness, and control, the Paradym X irons delivered the soft feel of a blade iron in a game improvement club. Next, the wide sole proved pivotal from the fairway and rough, promoting a clean strike from every lie.

Finally, these Callaway Cavity Back Irons employed strong lofts for the Paradym X set to increase your approach game yardage. An 18.5-degree 4 iron kicks off the golf set and runs down to a low 41-degree pitching wedge.

Callaway Cavity Back Irons Specs

Golf ClubClub LoftGolf Club LengthLieOffsetSwing Weight
4 Iron18.5°38.875″601°6.4mmD2 Steel; D0 Graphite
5 Iron21.5°38.25″61.25°5.8mmD2 Steel; D0 Graphite
6 Iron24.5°37.625″62°5.3mmD2 Steel; D0 Graphite
7 Iron27.5°37″62.5°4.8mmD2 Steel; D0 Graphite
8 Iron31.5°36.5″63°4.5mmD2 Steel; D0 Graphite
9 Iron36°36″63.5°4.2mmD2 Steel; D0 Graphite
Pitching Wedge41°35.75″64°3.9mmD2 Steel; D0 Graphite
Approach Wedge46°35.5″64°3.7mmD2 Steel; D0 Graphite
Gap Wedge51°35.25″64°3.6mmD2 Steel; D0 Graphite
Sand Wedge56°35″64°3.4mmD2 Steel; D0 Graphite
Callaway Paradym X Irons Specs Table

PROS

  • Maximum Forgiveness
  • Elevated launch
  • Sharp descent angles for a rapid bite
  • Blistering ball velocity
  • Combats slices
  • Excellent game improvement iron

CONS

  • Expensive irons
  • The offset reduces the workability

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Best Cavity Back Irons for High Handicap Golfers (Women)

Tour Edge Hot Launch C523 Irons

High Handicapper

Tour Edge Hot Launch C523 Irons

Tour Edge is famed for crafting easy, high-launching golf clubs ideal for slower swing speeds, like seniors and high handicappers. The Hot Launch C523 set is our top pick for high-handicap women thanks to its epic distance, flight consistency, turf interaction, and feel.

VIBRCOR technology sees a premium TPU positioned in the deep cavity of the iron to enhance friction and soften the feel. By utilizing the VIBRCOR, Tour Edge engineers saved total mass, allowing them to reposition the additional weight around the perimeter to expand the sweet spot.

A sharpened high toe, thin topline, and compact shape combination helped the manufacturer reduce weight. They then redeployed the mass to create a low and deep CG, encouraging a towering launch for greater carry length and a soft landing on approach.

Next, Tour Edge opted for a toe-weighted design to improve MOI and stability at impact. I find it keeps the clubface square and imparts optimal speed and controlled spin revolutions on the ball from across the surface.

Finally, the Tour Edge Hot Launch C523 carries relatively standard lofts, which the average player will have no trouble launching. Moreover, the Power Lofting technology maximizes your apex and trajectory without hampering distance.

Tour Edge Hot Launch C523 Irons Specs

Golf ClubClub LoftGolf Club LengthLie
3 Iron20°39.25″60°
4 Iron23°38.75″60.5°
5 Iron26°38.25″61°
6 Iron29°37.75″62°
7 Iron32°37.25″62.5°
8 Iron36°36.75″63°
9 Iron40°36.25″63.5°
Pitching Wedge44°35.75″64°
Approach Wedge49°35.5″64°
Tour Edge Hot Launch C523 Irons Specifications Table

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Maximum Forgiveness
  • High launching irons
  • Promotes a soft landing
  • Generates optimal distance

CONS

  • The chunky sole may not appeal to mid and low handicap golfer
  • Minimal alternative stock shaft options

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Most Forgiving Cavity Back Irons

Cobra AeroJet Irons

$799.98 Amazon Prime

Updated on 2024-03-27

Most Forgiving

Cobra AeroJet Irons

The Cobra AeroJet are the most forgiving cavity back irons, inspiring consistent contact, higher ball flight, and straighter shots. The H.O.T Face Technology pairs with a PWR-Bridge weight and face design to produce impressive velocity and carry distance.

H.O.T Face technology highlights remarkable innovation by Cobra, as it ensures optimal pace and spin across the clubface. A.I. created variable thickness across the clubface surface to thin the material on high-impact points for desired results.

I thought the PWR-Bridge Weight and PWRSHELL Face Design paired well to amplify face flex leading into contact. It helped me produce sufficient speed across the clubface, which proved especially handy on low-face strikes.

The Cobra AeroJet Irons carry a progressive offset design, with elevated levels in the long clubs and reduced in the short irons and wedges. 

Increased offset in the long irons combat slices and promote a draw bias flight for improved accuracy on approach. However, the minimally offset short irons and wedges encourage improved playability.

Lastly, the Cobra AeroJet irons carry incredibly low lofts, starting with an 18.5-degree 4-iron and transitioning into the short clubs with a 41.5-degree wedge.

Cobra AeroJet Irons Specs

Golf ClubClub LoftGolf Club LengthLieOffsetSwing Weight
4 Iron18.5°39.25″62°5.4mmD1
5 Iron20.5°38.5″62.5°4.6mmD1
6 Iron23.5°37.75″63°3.9mmD1
7 Iron26.5°37.25″63.5°3.2mmD1
8 Iron31°36.75″64°2.6mmD1
9 Iron36°36.25″64.5°2.0mmD1
Pitching Wedge41.5°36″65°1.5mmD1.5
Gap Wedge47.5°35.75″65°1.0mmD2
Sand Wedge54°35.5″65°1.0mmD2
Cobra AeroJet Irons Specs Table

PROS

  • Promotes optimal face contact
  • Increases ball speed across the clubface
  • Offset long irons promote straighter ball flight
  • Produced impressive distance
  • Superb forgiveness

CONS

  • Expensive for a game improvement set
  • The strong lofts may take time to adjust to.

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Best Game Improvement Irons

TaylorMade Stealth Irons

Price not available Amazon Prime

Updated on 2024-03-27

Game Improvement

TaylorMade Stealth Irons

The TaylorMade Stealth Irons provide the average golfer with exceptional game improvement irons, built to optimize energy transfer, explode ball speed and heighten launch. The result is increased carry distance and a neutral trajectory for improved accuracy.

TaylorMade engineers utilized its famed Cap Back Design and paired it with a toe wrap construction. The pair improves clubface flexibility by boosting energy transfer and increasing ball speed across an expanded region.

Adding to the flexibility of the clubface is a Thru-Slot Speed Pocket specifically designed to mitigate low-face strikes. Instead, the flexible clubface transfers sufficient speed to the golf ball for a powerful launch.

Next, mass was removed from the toe of the club head and shifted lower and deeper to tone down CG and encourage higher lift. Mid-handicappers will appreciate the consistent carry distance that goes with its low CG profile.

The TaylorMade Stealth irons also deliver an impressive feel on off-center strikes, thanks to its Echo Damping System. It eradicates vibrations and keeps your palms protected. Finally, the set starts with a low 18.5-degree 4-iron and runs up to a 43-degree pitching wedge.

TaylorMade Men’s Stealth Irons Specs

Golf ClubClub LoftGolf Club LengthLieOffsetSwing Weight
4 Iron18.5°39.125″61.5°5.8mmD1 Steel; D0 Graphite
5 Iron21°38.5″62°5mmD1 Steel; D0 Graphite
6 Iron24°37.88″62.5°4.6mmD1 Steel; D0 Graphite
7 Iron28°37.25″63°4.1mmD1 Steel; D0 Graphite
8 Iron32°36.75″63.5°3.4mmD1 Steel; D0 Graphite
9 Iron37°36.25″64°2.9mmD1 Steel; D0 Graphite
Pitching Wedge43°35.75″64.5°2.6mmD1 Steel; D0 Graphite
Approach Wedge49°35.5″64.5°2mmD1 Steel; D0 Graphite
Sand Wedge54°35.25″64.5°1.5mmD1 Steel; D0 Graphite
Lob Wedge59°35″64.5°1.5mmD1 Steel; D0 Graphite
TaylorMade Men’s Stealth Irons Specs Table

PROS

  • Forgiving
  • Flexible, fast clubface
  • Promotes a higher launch
  • Drowns vibrations
  • Prompts neutral flight
  • Super game improvement irons

CONS

  • High price tag
  • Slower swing speeds may struggle to launch the strong lofted long irons

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Best Budget Cavity Back Irons

Cobra LTDx Irons Set

$591.41 Amazon Prime

Updated on 2024-03-27

Best Budget Irons

Cobra LTDx Iron Set

We close our best cavity back irons review for 2023 with the best budget set for golfers. While affordable, the Cobra LTDx Irons deliver blistering ball speed, higher trajectory, and splendid shot-stopping power. 

The PWR-COR Multi Material weighting system is the star performer responsible for an enhanced rebound into the ball at impact. This motion maximizes energy transfer from the clubface to the golf ball, imparting rapid pace.

The PWRSHELL Face backs up the PWR-COR by bolstering stability to prevent ball speed drop-off on mishits. As a result, the combination promotes improved distance control on approach.

Besides speed and distance, I found the CNC Milled clubface and grooves softened each strike and boosted spin on shorter irons shots. The enhanced spin and flight combination led to steep descent angles and fast bite to attack the flagstick.

Cobra engineers employed a progressive offset design, with the long irons carrying higher quantities than short irons and wedges. I found it helpful to fight slices on off center strikes and produce straighter shots. Finally, the irons contain strong lofts, which are fantastic for maximizing distance.

Cobra LTDx Irons Specs

Golf ClubClub LoftGolf Club LengthLieOffsetSwing Weight
4 Iron18.5°39.25″62°5.4mmD0 Steel; C9 Graphite
5 Iron20.5°38.5″62.5°4.6mmD0 Steel; C9 Graphite
6 Iron23.5°37.75″63°3.9mmD0 Steel; C9 Graphite
7 Iron26.5°37.25″63.5°3.2mmD0 Steel; C9 Graphite
8 Iron31°36.75″64°2.6mmD0 Steel; C9 Graphite
9 Iron36°36.25″64.5°2.0mmD0 Steel; C9 Graphite
Pitching Wedge41.5°36″65°1.5mmD0 Steel; C9 Graphite
Gap Wedge47.5°35.75″65°1.0mmD0 Steel; C9 Graphite
Sand Wedge54°35.5″65°1.0mmD0 Steel; C9 Graphite
Cobra Men’s LTDX Irons Specs Table

PROS

  • Affordable cavity back irons
  • Flexible clubface
  • Progressive offset design
  • Promotes a soft landing
  • Generates sublime distance

CONS

  • The increased long iron offset restricts the workability
  • The strong lofts wreak havoc with distance control initially

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Important Considerations When Purchasing Cavity Back Iron

Budget

Cavity back irons are typically priced lower than the best forged irons. However, they still vary in price. On the lower end of the spectrum, you can find a set of cavity back irons between $600 to $800. 

Conversely, some cavity back irons sets packed with innovative game improvement technology fetches upwards of $1100. Ultimately, the price varies depending on the brand and the number of clubs included in the set.

Cavity Back Irons Set Composition

Cavity back irons are offered individually or as part of a set, with the latter often offering the most affordable option. Most golf sets start with a lower lofted 4-iron and run down to a pitching wedge. However, on occasion, manufacturers do include a gap or sand wedge.

The challenge is to identify what setup is best for you. If you like long irons and intend striking the 4 and 5-iron, then the complete set is worth a look. On the other hand, if you use hybrids over long irons, you may consider a combo set or purchase the irons separately, which is more costly.

Lofts

The lofts of game-improvement golf clubs continue to strengthen as players look for more yardage above all else. Many modern sets start with a 19-degree 4 iron, which some slower swing speeds may struggle to consistently launch. As a result, hybrids are a better option.

In addition, the pitching wedges in modern sets are also super strong, reaching 41.5 to 42 degrees. While it delivers increased distance over past pitching wedges, it does not offer the elevated flight I once enjoyed from my 46-degree wedge.

If you prefer weaker lofted Pitching wedges, consider purchasing the long and mid irons as a set before seeking a pitching wedge elsewhere.

Shaft Flex and Material

The correct shaft for your swing speed produces your desired launch, ball flight, distance, and accuracy. Before we look at flex, think about your preferred material. Graphite shafts offer superior durability, feel, and increased torque.

Steel shafts generate sublime stability, reduced rebound, and typically less torque. Based on this intel, higher swing speeds are often best suited to steel shafts, while slow swing speeds thrive with graphite.

Slower swingers who produce 65 to 75 mph clubhead speed with a 6-iron should contemplate fitting senior flex shafts to their irons for extra rebound into impact. Conversely, a regular flex shaft is worth considering if you reach 76 to 83 mph with the same iron.

Offset

Finally, the offset is how far the front of the club face is to the hosel. The higher it is, the further ahead the hosel sits. This position is essential in helping amateurs square the clubface at contact, combat slices, and produce a draw bias flight for improved accuracy.

The less offset irons offer, the more playable they are, enabling you to shape the ball into the green for superior control.

While a low handicap golfer appreciates playable irons, they can exacerbate off-center hits. As a result, I suggest sourcing golf irons with higher offset levels, especially in the long irons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are blade irons forged golf clubs?

Yes, a blade iron is traditionally forged from a single piece of stainless steel. Today, most blades are fitted with added weight low in the sole to offer greater consistency than in the past.

Are blades harder to hit than cavity back irons?

When it comes to cavity back vs blades, blades are more challenging because they have refined sweet spots, compact head shapes, and no perimeter weighting. If you miss the sweet spot, you lose ball speed and spin, prompting reduced distance and accuracy.

Do any PGA pros use cavity back irons?

Yes, roughly 70% of PGA Tour pros carry a cavity back iron in their bag. However, these are generally long irons, which feature perimeter weighting and a low CG to produce a consistently high launch. Pros typically prefer the refined shape and playability of compact blade irons.

What handicap should play cavity back irons?

In my experience, golfers with a handicap of 8 and higher should play cavity back irons for their forgiveness. However, nothing can stop lower handicappers from using blades. If you appreciate forgiveness without sacrificing distance, cavity back irons are worth considering.

Are cavity back irons for high handicappers?

Yes, cavity back irons are made for high handicappers to enjoy consistent ball speed, a high launch, and optimal carry distance on all shots.

When should I upgrade from cavity back irons?

You can think about upgrading from cavity back irons when your ball striking is consistent, and you can afford to forego forgiveness. However, I know very few amateur low, mid, and high handicappers ready to give up leniency.

Final Thoughts

Our best cavity back irons review reaffirmed the value of this category of golf clubs for amateur players. They encourage consistent contact, generate higher lift off the clubface, fly high and long, and land soft. Plus, they forgive mishits for exceptional consistency on approach.

All top 10 cavity back irons finishers are worthy of a look in their respective categories. However, there is one that is better suited to the average golfer. If you are contemplating a new set of irons in 2023, ponder the Wilson DynaPWR. They delivered exceptional speed, launch, and distance to pip their competitors to the crown.

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AUTHOR

Matt Callcott-Stevens has lived and breathed golf since he was four. As a junior, he played competitively, until he discovered his talents were better suited to writing about the game. Matt holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing through the Johan Cruyff Institute in Barcelona and has provided golf game improvement tips to seniors and the average golfer for seven years.

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