Before we even begin, it’s worth pointing out that you need a decent measure of clubhead speed and skill in order to seriously considering gaming a driving iron.
Despite all the latest breakthroughs in iron technology (mainly hollow head construction, graphite shafts, and hot iron face technology), if you don’t make a good swing with a driving iron in your hands, the club will bring you (and your ball) down to earth very quickly. In other words, a modern driving iron is less forgiving than an equivalent hybrid but far more forgiving than an old school 2 iron.
With that obligatory disclaimer covered, we can now dive into the best driving irons currently available.
Table of Contents
Best Driving Irons For Mid Handicapper
Titleist U510 Driving Iron
Launch it high and long with the Titleist U510 Driving Iron. Easy launching distance utility iron that delivers hybrid-like performance from a muscular iron shape.
- Larger, more forgiving blade than Titleist U•500
- High launch from low CG high-density tungsten weighting
- Maximum speed from a super-thin forged SUP-10 L-Face insert
- Loft Options (RH/LH): 1i (16°), 2i (18°), 3i (20°), 4i (22°)
TaylorMade Sim UDI Driving Iron
Designed with insights from the game’s best players, the Taylormade SIM UDI is truly the Ultimate Driving Iron. It can bring a new dimension to the upper end of your bag as a complement to fairway woods, Rescues or long irons.
- Tour-Validated Shape
- SpeedFoam™ To Improve Feel
- Hollow Body Construction
- Forged C300 Face With ICT
- Thru-Slot Speed Pocket™
- Loft and lie can be adjusted +/- 2˚
Cobra King Utility Iron
Classic looks blend with modern technology to create a utility iron that’s designed to execute every shot with distance, accuracy, and precision.
- PWRShell Face for a larger sweet spot and faster ball speed
- Hollow body construction
- Tungsten weighting for maximum speed, distance, and forgiveness
- Adjustable loft and lie settings (+/- 3°)
Ping G425 Crossover
On the tee or off the ground, the Ping G425 crossovers’ thinner, maraging steel face and internal geometry deliver the ball speeds to hit high-flying shots that land softly and closer to the hole. Tungsten toe and hosel weights expand perimeter weighting for greater forgiveness and accuracy. Available in 2, 3, 4.
- Tungsten weighting for forgiveness and accuracy
- Maraging Steel Face
- Black Hydropearl Finish
- Arccos Caddie SmartGrip
Best Driving Irons For Low Handicapper
This is it. If you find yourself in this section of the post, it’s time to officially pat yourself on the back for being an elite ball-striker. Your swing speed probably ranges from 105-120 mph, and you’re easily the best golfer in your regular 4-ball. When people see you hitting balls at the range, they stop, stare and admire.
Here are the best driving irons for low handicap golfers (with fast swing speeds and a proclivity to hit crisp iron shots with power and precision).
Srixon Z U85 Utility Iron
The Srixon Z U85 Driving Iron is a compact, hollow-body long iron offering more distance and more forgiveness than traditional designs, while still providing total control from the tee or fairway.
- Forged construction
- Ultra-soft 1020 carbon steel
- High-strength SUP10 face
- Fully hollow construction
- Iron-like address profile
- Laser milling for consistent spin
Mizuno MP-20 HMB Driving Iron
The Mizuno MP-20 HMB Driving Iron is one of the most desirable utility irons on the market right now. You can expect super-fast ball speeds combined with the amazing feel that the Mizuno golf brand is built on. In essence, if you’re an accomplished player, the MP-20 should definitely make it onto your shortlist of potential utility irons.
- Muscleback Design DNA
- 1025E Pure Select Mild Carbon Steel
- Low Glare Durable Plated Finish
- Tour Ready Address Profile
- Mizuno Chromoly Face And Neck
- Soft Copper Plating & Protective Nickel Chrome For Enhanced Feel
Callaway X Forged Utility Iron (2021 Version)
The Callaway X Forged UT Irons are packed with Callaway’s best technologies in a confidence-inspiring, hollow body construction. Built for better players who want a new go-to club.
- Flash Face Cup for High Ball Speeds
- Extremely Soft Feel
- Hollow Body Construction
- Tungsten Weighting For Ideal CG Position
- Wider Sole Enhances Forgiveness & Control
- Project X HZRDUS Smoke Graphite Shaft
Taylormade P790 UDI
Incorporating direct feedback from Taylormade’s top Tour pros, the P790 UDI features minimal offset, a straighter topline, and refined shaping for a clean look at address.
- Speedfoam™ to improve feel
- Tungsten weighting for lower CG and higher lauch
- Forged Hollow Body Construction
- Thru Slot Speed Pocket
- Graphite & Steel Shaft Options Available
Titleist U500 Utility Iron
Designed for the game you play. The Titleist U500 is an extremely versatile, low loft utility iron designed for superior shot-making.
- Greater balance through strategic high density tungsten weighting
- Maximum speed from a super-thin forged SUP-10 L-Face insert
- Player’s shape and sight lines
- Loft Options (RH/LH): 2i (17°), 3i (20°), 4i (23°)
Best Driving Irons For High Handicapper
If you’re hoping to find a driving iron well-suited to high handicappers, you’re in for a rude surprise. The simple truth is that high handicappers (ie 20+) are far more likely to have success with a hybrid rather than a driving iron.
Nevertheless, if you have a bad relationship with your hybrid or 5 wood, and you’re adamant about gaming a driving iron, these would be your best bet:
Final Thoughts
In the end, it’s safe to say that there are a bunch of extremely well-made driving irons on the market today. With that being said, if you still need a bit more help to make a final call, these final buying tips may help:
- Most Forgiving: Taylormade UDI, Cobra King Utility, Ping G425 Crossover
- Best Feel: Mizuno MP-20 HMB, Titleist U500
- Best Performance: Srixon Z U85 Utility, Taylormade UDI, Ping G425 Crossover, Titleist U500
- Best Value: Mizuno MP-20 HMB