The best blade irons [R] can make it effortless to play on any fairway or rough [R]!
With so many choices out there, how do you know what’s the best for you and what will give you the most return for the price?
Read our guide to the 7 best blade irons of 2021 to find out!
7 Best Blade Irons of 2021
Mizuno MP 20 Irons: Best Overall Pick
Key Features
- Satin and mirror combo finish
- Top-notch carbon steel
- Very thin and clean top line
- Well-known brand
Mizuno ball strikers are some of the most revered blades globally, and they have consistently led the way on this front. When it comes to pro equipment, this is one brand you’ll do well to check out.
Their Mizuno MP 20 is forged from a single billet of 1025E mild carbon steel then layered with their soft copper plating.
Finally, it’s finished off with their protective nickel chrome to give you their legendary feel and feedback, as well as that sexy anti-glare finish.
Note that you won’t get the same material for their more standard options. The stock Mizum irons use True Temper Dynamic Golf, which is heavier and helps keep the ball flight down.
Their impact pure technology helps give you a softer feel and dampens vibrations.
Their thinnest ball-striking irons are 0.05mm thinner than the ones before that. Its pitching wedge was also reduced by 0.15mm.
The result is UNBEATABLE PRECISION even over the longest distances, making these golf blade irons well sought-after for single-digit handicappers.
Pros
- Anti-glare finish
- Amazing precision even over long distances
- Sleek, beautiful design
- High-quality, lightweight materials
- Fantastic carbon steel shaft
Cons
- Not very forgiving
- Pricey
Cobra King 2019 Forged Irons: Best Value Pick
Key Features
- Tungsten weight inserts
- Uses their 5-step forging process
- Diamond Black Metal (DBM) finish
- Collaboration with Rickie Fowler [R]
- CNC milled face and grooves
For the ultimate precision, shot-shaping and scoring, look no further than the Cobra King Forged MB Irons.
With their 5-step forging process, you’ll get:
- Precise shaping
- More refined grain structure
- Superior feel
Their CNC mulling also delivers the most precise structure on the face and grooves for improved ball spin and trajectory.
These bad boys have the classic blade shape and design while giving you a compact look. Better golfers prefer this because the result is increased precision and workability for optimized scoring.
Its 2 tungsten weight inserts are strategically placed on the tow and center of the club head to give you added forgiveness, feel, and trajectory control.
Plus, its composition flows gradually and seamlessly from forgiving, cavity-back long irons to muscle-back short irons.
This allows you to choose the right blade length to maximize your distance control and get precise turf interaction.
They also use Cobra’s Diamonized Black Metal (DBM) finish.
The result is a beauty, with its striking black satin finish that not only looks fantastic but also works to diffuse sunlight as you address the ball.
This finish is also extremely durable, so you know it will last a long time.
Pros
- Fantastic feel
- Classic shape
- Striking design
- Superior trajectory control
Cons
- Low forgiveness
LAZRUS Premium Golf Irons: Best Budget Pick
Source: Amazon.com
Key Features
- Comes in a set of 2
- Right-handed
- Stepped steel shaft
- Regular flex with custom Lazrus grip
The LAZRUS Premium Golf Irons are an excellent option for players looking for golf blade iron sets that won’t hurt their wallets.
You’ll get a basic set of golf clubs designed for most average to novice players. You can easily use these blade irons out of the bag.
The shafts have regular stiffness and are made of alloy steel.
In use, these feel like blade irons that are more than they are worth. You’ll get a great spin, decent control, and the consistency most casual, or beginner players will appreciate.
You’ll even notice that these have a micro-milled face that enlarges the sweet spot, allowing straighter shots even if you missed the ball by a bit.
Just note that there is a catch to the price. The disadvantage here is that the Lazrus golf blade irons are a bit heavy. But considering its price, we’re okay with that.
Pros
- Extremely budget-friendly
- With a micro-milled face
- Made for novice to advanced players
Cons
- Heavy composition
Wilson Staff Model Blade Irons
Key Features
- Hollow body long irons
- High strength C300 maraging steel
- Sole weighting (7g)
If you are switching from a bladed iron combo set with higher forgiveness to a full-on blade to hit your golf balls better, this is the perfect addition to your golf bag.
It’s at that perfect middle ground between full muscle-back short irons and more forgiving cavity-back blueprint irons.
Wilson Staff golf blade irons have a fluid feel hosel that helps keep some of the weight away from the hosel to give you a more balanced set of long irons.
Another advantage of this design is that it can accommodate a slightly larger head and a wider sole.
The Wilson comes with a stock True Temper Dynamic Gold that you will see in many iron sets for more advanced golfers.
Did we mention that this also uses a hollow body made of graphite? Wilson chose this to give you LONGER distances with that penetrating ball flight for better launch angles.
These features prove that Wilson Staff can make fantastic golf equipment like cavity-back irons to satisfy the needs of almost any player.
Pros
- Classic design
- Lower center of gravity
- Wider sole
Cons
- Head is slightly larger than other options
TaylorMade P790 Iron Set
Key Features
- Tungsten weights
- Designed for experienced players
- Includes speed foam
- Bigger cavity than other TaylorMade iron sets
Another excellent feature is the TaylorMade P790 Men’s iron set. This is a forged blade iron made for more advanced players who want to hit longer distances.
While it may not look that much different from their other blade irons like the P7850 and P770, this one has a bigger cavity to give you better forgiveness despite its blade iron design.
You’ll notice that the P790 has a straighter topline along with a shallower, progressive face.
The included SpeadFoam will give you a soft feel on impact while still providing that much-needed responsiveness/feedback all golfers look for.
The result? You know when you’re hitting your shots right because of the satisfying “whack” while avoiding unnecessary injuries from too many vibrations.
These have been designed with added tungsten weighting that’s been strategically placed to give you higher inertia and better ball speeds.
The ultra-thin face also helps this along so you can maximize your swing speed and get the maximum distance possible.
Indeed, you’ll get the advantages of a good ball striker with the benefits of that larger cavity in the back for better accuracy for maximum workability.
Pros
- More responsive design
- Gives users higher forgiveness
- Speedfoam helps generate faster ball speed
Cons
- Pricey
Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Iron Set
Key Features
- Graphite shift
- A.I.-optimized design
- Tungsten weighted irons
- 360 Flash Face Cup
If you’re looking for the top-of-the-line model when it comes to that perfect marriage between cavity-back and full-blade irons, you should check out the Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrick Iron Set.
This set contains 2 oversized models that were initially made to promote one of their more compact pro models. Little did Callaway know that this was a very happy accident for golfers everywhere.
The 2020 Mavrik irons are unique from the rest thanks to their longer stock and more traditional loft at 30 degrees.
The 2020 Mavrik utilizes artificial intelligence to ensure that EVERYTHING you see on this set, even the tiniest details, has been optimized to give you the ultimate golfing performance.
This means that Callaway has adjusted the weight and the overall distribution of these mid irons based on what golfers like you need to attain MAXIMUM ball speed.
Like the other clubs Callaway has developed and manufactured, you still get urethane microspheres that help dampen unnecessary vibrations.
The result is a BETTER overall playing experience with minimized aches and pains.
Any Drawbacks?
Our only gripe with the Callaway Mavrik Iron Set is that its chrome finish on the head tends to show scratches too easily.
This can be particularly irritating for some, especially if you’re the kind of player who likes to keep their clubs in pristine condition.
Pros
- Forgiving blade irons
- Durable carbon steel
- Generates good ball speed
- Improved turf interaction
Cons
- Chrome scratches easily
TaylorMade Women’s RSi1 Iron
Source: Amazon.com
Key Features
- Uses their Face Slot Technology (3-8 iron)
- Uniform flexion across the face
- Improved Speed Pocket with ThruSlot Technology
- Graphite shaft
Nowadays, more and more women are getting into this sport and need the best blade irons, too!
And no, just in case you’re wondering, this is not just a marketing gimmick. A club head designed specifically for women is a NECESSITY because of the height difference between guys and gals.
Enter the TaylorMade Women’s RS11 iron
It incorporates their new face technology in their 3-8 iron, which will give you a bigger sweet spot. It also has a whippy shaft perfect for women.
This isn’t anything against the skill of women. We’re sure plenty of you can give men a run for their money. But for the beginners out there, this is a fantastic option.
The RSi1 also gives you accuracy and forgiveness, making it the perfect option for women looking to transition into using a player iron.
Finally, you can level up your game without sacrificing your comfort or performance. It uses fantastic TaylorMade technology in a design that’s made for YOU.
If you’re someone who has a more petite frame, this is one of the best blade irons for you.
Any Drawbacks?
When it comes to feeling, you’ll get a strong, satisfying crunch upon impact. This is a POLARIZING detail.
It can be a bit of a turn-off for some golfers since many also want a more polished feel once they hit the ball. But it’s really up to personal preferences.
Note that some players complained of inconsistencies in the performance of these ball strikers.
Pros
- Designed for women
- High forgiveness
- Whippy shaft
- Uniform flexing
- Great turf interaction
Cons
- Not the best feel
- Not carbon steel
Blade Irons vs. Cavity Back Irons
You can’t buy blade irons (aka muscle back irons) without knowing a few key differences between these because of their design. [R]
The cavity-back design will give you a hollow back, while blade irons are thin and have no such hollow, with more metal in the lower back of the head for easier shots.
Ping blueprint irons were the first to come out with the cavity-back design.
Not only is it cheaper for the golf club manufacturers to produce, but it also catered to beginners and non-pro golfers by allowing the weight to move to the base or edge of the head.
Pros of Cavity-Back Irons
You may have already heard that these irons have higher forgiveness, so it’s easier to make shots and get the ball off the ground.
Its design is user-friendly for beginners and non-professionals. This is because they moved the weight to the sides of the iron head, so even bad shots are not too offline.
For a beginner or a casual golfer with average skills, this means the distance penalty you’d get with cavity-backs is lower than with a traditional blade iron.
This is why these are also referred to as a “game improvement iron.”
Pros of Blade Irons
If you have the required skill level for it, the top blade irons are worth it.
This is the go-to if you’re looking for ultimate precision and excellent feedback, so you know whether you’re hitting the golf ball right.
You can also shape your shots because the ball will naturally travel straighter. They ain’t called “player’s clubs” for nothing. You’ll get unparalleled control and feedback along with its sleek design.
Unclear Distinction Today
Note that more recent designs give you forged blade irons with a shallow cavity in the back to improve their accuracy. In contrast, cavity-backs have a better feel and maneuverability now.
Guide to Buying Blade Irons
Your Skill Level
As we’ve mentioned, these golf club designs can be fantastic in the right hands. Your skill level will make a massive difference in the way it handles.
You wouldn’t want to spend all that money on top-notch golf blade irons, only to see it go to waste.
Shafts
Some of the best golf blade irons use a combination of steel and graphite to give you improved control and ball flight. However, there are still manufacturers that have EITHER steel or graphite in the shaft.
Carbon steel shafts will give you less flex and make you work more on your swing. This is why it’s more popular among pros who want their irons to be more accurate and consistent.
Graphite, on the other hand, has more flexibility but less feedback and more inconsistencies.
To get the best of both worlds, a combination of these 2 materials is best. You get the accuracy of steel and the lightweight speed of graphite.
Try and assess whether you want a shaft with more or less give to find out what’s right for you.
Sole
The sole of a golf club refers to the bottom of the head. This is the part of the club that lays on the ground when you address the ball.
Some irons have a wider sole, so you’ll notice that the weight is lower.
These are more common in-game improvement irons because the lower center of gravity of a wider sole will help you launch the ball higher and farther than you would with traditional blade irons.
Offset
The offset refers to golf clubs that have a leading edge that sits back from the shaft.
Imagine that the part where the shaft connects with the head is bent farther back, so the head is sitting behind the shaft.
Golf blades have very minimal offset unless you’re looking at game improvement irons.
Those will have a bit more offset, but you’ll notice that the leading edge is still in line with the hosel, which is the socket where the shaft is inserted [R].
Forgiveness
Okay, so we’ve already repeatedly mentioned the higher forgiveness in cavity-backs, but this doesn’t mean you’ll get 0 forgiveness with blade irons.
There are many designs out there that can still give you a decent amount of forgiveness, with some of the most popular ones giving you a lower center of gravity for a faster ball that can go longer distances.
Plus, don’t forget about the sweet spot that you’ll find in all golf blades. More modern forged irons will have a larger sweet spot so you can hit better the more you practice.
Responsiveness and Sound
AH, that crack as the head finally makes contact with the golf ball! There’s nothing like it in the world.
You’ll notice that golf blades will give you superior responsiveness and sound compared to game improvement clubs.
Some even use technology to give you unbeatable feedback, so you know EXACTLY when you’ve hit the right spot.
Vibration
Your joints and muscles are prone to aches and stress because of golfing, aptly called “golfer’s elbow.” [R]
This is due to the vibration that is generated the moment you hit the ball. From the head, it travels up the golf clubs and into your arms and muscles.
If you don’t try to address this issue, you’ll find yourself in pain, and your game will suffer.
This is why we recommend that you choose golf irons that have vibration dampening technology to help filter out unwanted vibrations generated by your ball striking.
Plus, you’ll also get a better feel for your shots.
Budget
The golf irons available on the market can range from relatively affordable to lots of $$$.
Of course, you can expect that an iron set that comes from reputable brands like Mizuno, Callaway, and TaylorMade (to name a few) will cost more.
However, the high price points assure you of their years of experience in creating golf clubs.
That being said, not everyone has the budget for the top-of-the-line forged irons.
We recommend assessing how much you’re willing to spend and finding the best option within your price range to get the most value out of your purchase.
A Recap of the Best Blade Irons
LAZRUS Premium Golf Irons: Best Budget Pick
If you’re a beginner or casual golfer who just wants blade irons that can give you a decent performance at the lowest possible price, this is it.
Just don’t expect any specialized technology here, and you’ll be happy with this purchase.
Cobra King 2019 Forged Irons: Best Value Pick
All the features show just how much of a great value purchase these irons.
Not only will it get you fantastic trajectory control and higher ball speeds, but also extreme resistance to wear and tear. Better golfers won’t regret choosing these ball strikers.
Mizuno MP 20 IronsL: Best Overall Pick
If you’re a pro golfer with the budget to spare, you will not regret getting the Mizuno MP 20 irons. These are undoubtedly the BEST golf blades you could find on the market.
Although they may not be for beginners or casual players, serious golfers will appreciate their fantastic precision, emphasis on ball speed, and lightweight design.
Final Words
These iron choices are different from one another, so buy one that caters to your skill, budget, and comfort level.
However, one thing’s for sure: You’ll be in good hands with whatever blade iron you choose.
We hope you pick the one that caters to your needs and brings you one step closer to enjoying the game of golf!
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