What we learned...

We’ve hit a lot of new irons, so we’ve discovered quite a lot

THE TRUTH ABOUT DISPERSION

Judging by the comments we see online, there’s a real lack of understanding around shot dispersion, and it’s particularly important when finding your best fitting iron. Dispersion is just a representation of how well you’ve hit a particular iron on a particular today. Look instead at the drop-offs (variation) in ball speed, spin and carry (of a single model); these show much better the results you’ll get when hitting the iron next time. Being consistently within 10 yards of your intended distance is great control and ultimately will help lower your scores. Remember, a wide, narrow ellipse across the launch monitor screen is better than a long ellipse from 10 yards behind the green to 10 yards in front of it...

DON’T BASE YOUR CHOICE ON YOUR LONGEST SHOTS

It’s flattering to see an 8-iron carry 162. But it’s not a fair reflection of how your new irons will perform on the course, as we all know we might only hit three shots in 10 like our best. Our tests, this year more than ever, have shown how closely the latest equipment is matched. Instead of pure yardage, think about how an iron makes you feel, how much confidence it gives you.

GIVE SHAFTS YOUR FULL ATTENTION

Our test showcases brilliantly how brands use different shafts to cater each model to different players. There’s no point kitting out a very strong lofted iron with a heavy, low launching shaft, it’s just not going to work for most. As a general rule, you’ll find heavier shafts in players’ models and lighter options the closer you get to super game improver designs.

STRONG LOFTS DON’T ALWAYS MEAN SHOTS WON’T STOP ON GREENS

Lots of golfers have been told strong lofted irons don’t stop shots on a green as the ball descends at too shallow an angle. For some, this may be true, but from what we’ve seen it absolutely isn’t true for everyone. If you’re after adding some distance to your game, strong lofts can be ideal if you don’t struggle to launch and flight shots high.

HOLLOW IS WORTH EXPLORING

Forgiving “player” irons weren’t really a thing a few years ago, yet hollow heads have made them a reality. The tech also makes it possible to create a very desirable Ping G700 super game-improvement iron, too. The hot faces their construction allow are great for lots of golfers who don’t want to leave anything in terms of ball speed or carry distance behind.

DON’T GO ABOVE YOUR STATION

We’ve always stressed it’s important to find irons that don’t hamper your ability. Yet fitters regularly tell us golfers insist on buying clubs well beyond their capability. With many game improver irons now looking every bit as good as “player” models there couldn’t be a better time to choose a set which compliments your ball striking ability, rather than compromising it.

FITTING, FITTING, FITTING

Lots of 2019 sets will set you back a four figure sum, so that surely means you must get fitted. We’re not talking about exploring upgrade shafts or anything like that, but with the likes of Mizuno and Ping offering multiple shaft options at no charge now, you simply can’t buy off the rack and expect a set to be your best fit.

BUY WHAT YOU USE

With several major brands now offering the chance to buy individual irons, you only need to buy what you use. In a market where prices are soaring you’ll keep costs as low as possible, and not end up spending money on that 3-iron that has never come out of its cellophane wrapper...