#1 – PXG 2021 0211 DC Iron Set – Best Choice

First Impressions
Many players see an instant improvement in their play, often thanks to the forgiveness of these irons.
Key Features
You can tailor your purchase according to preferences. PXG gives budget buyers a range of options and then builds it according to your selection!
PXG’s Dualcor System gives you a soft polymer core, resulting in more powerful shots, since it stores energy.
Especially newbies will appreciate the large face areas, which along with an angled top rail provides you with a very forgiving iron.
At 0.058”, it has the thinnest face you’ll find on the course.
Pros:
- Multiple options
- Forgiving
- Good distance
Cons:
- Not the best for ball flight
Overall Rating: 96/100
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#2 – Callaway X HOT Iron Set – Best Premium

First Impressions
It’s great that a trusted brand like Callaway also looks after the budget buyers. In terms of their feel and the weight, they impress, feeling very balanced.
Key Features
The team engineered these in a way that you’ll love the sound of them, while appreciating how forgiving they are.
They’re especially the irons to pick for a long straight shot, while the undercut cavity is a benefit when you need higher launching. Inexperienced players appreciate the large sweet spot.
Who Should Buy Them?
This is the best iron set below $500 if you’re looking to improve your distance, or if you’re starting out but would like premium, name brand gear.
Pros:
- Great weight
- Helps with distance shots
- Forgiving
- Market leading brand
Cons:
- Not much loft adjustability
- Beware of forgeries on the market
Overall Rating: 92/100
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#3 – LAZRUS Premium Golf Irons – Best Budget

First Impressions
While not a famous brand—yet—the LAZRUS irons do perform well in terms of durability. Though inexpensive, you get real value for money.
Key Features
The irons are well made and you can change the rubberized grips, so if there’s a grip design you like, or yours has become worn, just take off and add a different one.
You’ll find the irons fairly forgiving and offering good control thanks to features like deep grooves.
The shafts are an alloy steel, so not the go-to option for graphite lovers.
Who Should Buy Them?
The sets are suited to beginners but also more advanced players shopping on a budget.
Pros:
- Premium irons at a bargain
- Good quality
- Interchangeable grips
Cons:
- Not a well-known, trusted brand
- Too flexible for some players
Overall Rating: 90/100
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#4 – Power Back T11 +2″ Iron Set – Best For Tall Players

First Impressions
This brand caters for taller players with their longer clubs, so almost anyone can shop on a budget!
Key Features
These clubs contain stainless steel and the heads are rather big, making them very forgiving. Just note they’re not that helpful if it’s distance you’re after.
New players may feel more in control thanks to the deep undercut which influences the center of gravity.
You’ll find them lightweight thanks to graphite shafts.
Who should Buy Them?
It’s a huge win for tall players, even 6’3” or taller, thanks to getting 2” more than on a standard length club. It’s also more appropriate for low swing speeds.
Pros:
- Longer clubs than standard—good for tall players
- Forgiving
- Comfortable grips
Cons:
- Not that much help for distance
Overall Rating: 90/100
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#5 – Cobra F-Max Superlite Iron Set – Best For Seniors And Slow Swing Speeds

First Impressions
It’s good to know you can have a lighter set at an affordable price, so anyone can improve their swing speed.
Key Features
Cobra manages to make very light irons at a price that’s light on your pocket. The clubs are made of alloy steel—Superlite FST steel—and your hands will hold Lamkin REL grips that prevent slipping.
You’ll find features like a deep undercut to help launching your ball and along with a better swing—thanks to holding a lighter tool—you’ll see the ball travel faster and further.
Who Should Buy Them?
Anyone hoping to improve swing speed can try it, but it’s especially good news for aging players who can no longer swing as they used to.
Pros:
- Helps improve swing speed
- Forgiving
- Trusted brand
Cons:
- Difficult to find a single iron for sale, if it needs replacement
Overall Rating: 90/100
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#6 – Japan WaZaki 4-SW Hybrid Iron Set – Best Hybrid Iron Set Under $500

First Impressions
Why not go for something different and pick this stunning black oil finish set of irons? A set that looks good can help you gain some confidence on the course.
Key Features
Get the best of both worlds by investing in hybrids, so you don’t need to buy as many different clubs. These will give you benefits of woods and irons.
On these you’ll find large sweet spots, in part thanks to the thin Speed face, making them forgiving for new players to improve their game.
The brand manages to combine various helpful features including a low center of gravity and being lightweight. With MWMF Bushikadna Shafts they’re somewhat flexible and offer good control.
All characteristics combined help many players achieve good height as well as distance. Just note they aren’t perfect for all terrains.
Who Should Buy Them?
It’s a good investment for those wanting hybrids.
Pros:
- Very stylish
- Fairly forgiving
- Improves control
Cons:
- Not for all terrains
- Some players prefer traditional irons sets to hybrids
Overall Rating: 95/100
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#7 – MAZEL Single Length Golf Club Irons Set – Best Single Length

First Impressions
The clubs look stylish with the logo surrounded by striking blue. You’re bound to notice how light they are and the shafts are very flexible.
Although a good set at a surprisingly low price, it may take some practice before you enjoy consistency across multiple shots.
Key Features
These have graphite shafts and you’ll find the sweet spot quite large. All shafts are 37.5” and there are good quality rubber grips to prevent slipping but these also absorb a lot of the shock from each shot.
Who Should Buy Them?
With relatively small grips, these are good for players with smaller hands. They’re also a practical choice for beginner players who want an inexpensive option for replacing clubs while they improve their game.
Pros:
- Very light
- Super low price
- Large sweet spot
Cons:
Overall Rating: 90/100
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#8 – Tour Edge Hot Launch C521 Iron Set

First Impressions
This iron has a toe weighted design, which means you get a longer sweet spot than on some others.
You can pick between a regular or stiff flex, so even on a budget you can have options and tailor your irons to your preferences.
Key Features
This irons set can help with various aspects of your game. From a lower center of gravity so your balls go higher, to an undercut cavity that’s been expanded upon, in order to give you stability as well as power, this one does a lot.
You’re also bound to get a bit more distance but with less spin thanks to the irons being power lofted.
Who Should Buy Them?
For an all-round improvement on your game, try these.
Pros:
- Improves play in multiple ways
- Looks stylish
- Excellent workmanship
Cons:
- Some players don’t like aesthetics of a thick top and wide sole
Overall Rating: 96/100
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#9 – Ram Golf FX77 Stainless Steel Players Distance – Best Under $400

First Impressions
You’ll make an impression just by walking onto the course with these irons, all thanks to the black, stylish design.
The elegant shape makes for great aesthetics, which gives many players confidence—and that ultimately can improve your game. And you get this with irons priced far below $500.
Key Features
The brand uses 431 stainless steel and for the shaft, alloy steel, or you can opt for graphite shafts.
The irons also undergo heat treatment and this results in impressive ball speeds as well as the irons being forgiving. That’s good news for newbies.
Another feature that makes it forgiving is the head’s hollow design. With a low center of gravity, you’ll feel it’s more stable than some other cheap irons sets.
The brand allows you to pick between stiff, regular and senior flex options, yet again giving you customized options even when shopping in a lower price range.
Who Should Buy Them?
If you want good looking AND good performing cheaper irons, these are great—even coming in at under $400.
Pros:
- Quality grips
- Price below $400
- Good stability
- Forgiving
- Exceptionally stylish design
Overall Rating: 98/100
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#10 – Cobra Golf 2019 F9 Men’s Speedback – Best Iron/Hybrid Combo Set

First Impressions
For those who appreciate hybrids, this is another valuable option, containing hybrids and irons. The chrome, black and red design is stylish and the set has many practical benefits too.
Key Features
This hybrid can help players who battle with speed and you’ll also find it very forgiving and helpful for distance. It’s thanks to features like the tungsten steel in the toe and heel areas.
Cobra added a multi material medallion in certain irons, containing acrylic foam, TPU and aluminum. Another impressive feature is the face, where the thickness is as little as 1.8mm in certain spots.
Who Should Buy Them?
It works for new players, but more advanced golfers may also appreciate them if speed is your major challenge. If you appreciate graphite in hybrids and irons, these will be a new favorite golf asset for you.
Pros:
- Better speed
- Very forgiving
- Good for distance
Cons:
- Although it’s supposed to be an upgrade, if you own the F8, these won’t make a huge difference in your game
Overall Rating: 95/100
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Conclusion
From the PXG to the Callaway, right through to Cobra, these will all serve you well. But it is about finding the best iron sets under $500 that suit your preferences.
We suggest the PXG for anyone unsure about where to start, but you can also talk to us in the comments if you want some advice from the community.
Now, get yours and see your performance improve!