The Complete Guide to Buying Golf Irons

Your irons are the workhorses of your golf bag. From long approach shots to precise chips near the green, they’re the clubs you’ll rely on most and the right set can completely transform your confidence and consistency on the course.

At ARC Golf, we know choosing irons can feel overwhelming. There are so many styles, shafts, and technologies to consider, not to mention brand preferences and budget. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive golf iron buying guide, to help you find the best irons for your game — whether you’re a new golfer, an improving player, or a seasoned pro looking for an upgrade.

What Are Irons?

Irons are designed for precision and control, covering the distance gap between your woods and your wedges. They’re typically numbered from 3-iron through to pitching wedge (PW), with each club featuring slightly more loft and shorter shaft length as you go down the set.

The lower the number, the farther the ball travels but the harder it is to hit cleanly. For example:

• A 4-iron launches low with more distance, ideal for long approach shots.
• A 9-iron launches higher and lands softly, perfect for shorter approaches or controlled shots near the green.

Modern iron sets often stop at a 5-iron or 6-iron, with many golfers replacing the harder-to-hit long irons (2–4) with hybrids for added forgiveness.

Irons are made with either cast or forged construction each with its own performance benefits, which we’ll explore below.

Close-up of golf club heads with numbers on a blurred background

The Main Types of Irons

Not all irons are created equal. The type you choose should match your swing consistency, skill level, and preferred feel. Most modern sets fall into three main categories:

Game-Improvement Irons
Designed with forgiveness in mind, these irons feature larger clubheads, wider soles, and perimeter weighting that stabilises off-centre strikes. The low centre of gravity helps you launch the ball higher with less effort — a major benefit for golfers who struggle to get consistent height or distance.

Perfect for: Mid-to-high handicappers and players who want easier launch and straighter shots.
Typical lofts: PW around 44–46°.
Popular models: Ping G series, Callaway Mavrik, TaylorMade SIM Max, Cobra Air-X.

Players Distance Irons
Players distance irons blend control and forgiveness. They look sleeker at address (similar to blades) but feature hidden technology like hollow bodies or tungsten weighting to increase distance and forgiveness. They’re ideal for golfers who are improving and want a slightly more refined look and feel without losing forgiveness.

Perfect for: Low-to-mid handicappers seeking distance and control.
Typical lofts: PW around 45–47°.
Popular models: TaylorMade P790, Titleist T200, Callaway Apex, Ping i525.

Players Irons (Blades or Muscle-Backs)
These are designed for golfers who value precision, feedback, and workability above all else. They’re compact, with thin toplines and minimal offset — letting you shape shots both ways. However, blades are far less forgiving, meaning mis-hits will be punished more severely.

Perfect for: Low handicappers and consistent ball strikers who want maximum feel.
Typical lofts: PW around 47–48°.
Popular models: Titleist MB, Mizuno Pro 221, TaylorMade P7MB.

Cavity Back vs. Blade Design

One of the key differences you’ll notice between iron types is whether they have a cavity back or a muscle-back (blade) design.

Cavity Back Irons – feature a hollowed-out rear section that redistributes weight to the perimeter. This makes them more forgiving and easier to hit, especially on off-centre shots.

Blades / Muscle Backs – have solid backs that deliver incredible feedback and feel, but only reward precise contact.

Many modern iron sets use a progressive combo design, where the long irons feature cavity backs for forgiveness, and the short irons shift toward a more compact, blade-like shape for better control and shot-making. This gives golfers the best of both worlds — distance and forgiveness in the long irons, precision and feel in the short ones.

Set of golf clubs on a grass background

Shaft Options: Steel vs. Graphite (and Why It Matters)

The shaft is just as important as the clubhead when choosing irons. It affects how the club feels, launches, and performs.

Steel Shafts
• Heavier and more consistent.
• Offer better control, feedback, and stability through impact.
• Preferred by players with moderate to fast swing speeds.

Graphite Shafts
• Lighter, helping generate more clubhead speed.
• Ideal for slower swings, beginners, or anyone who prefers a smoother feel.
• Great for players with joint pain or slower tempo.

You can also fine-tune your shafts through flex options — Regular (R), Strong/Stiff Regular (SR), Stiff (S), Extra Stiff (X), and Senior (A). The correct flex helps you hit straighter shots with more consistent distance.

At ARC Golf, we inspect every used iron for shaft integrity and performance, so you know exactly what you’re getting — whether it’s steel or graphite.

Forged vs. Cast Irons

Irons are typically made in one of two ways:

Forged Irons are shaped from a single piece of soft steel. They deliver excellent feel and are often preferred by advanced players who like to shape shots.

Cast Irons are created by pouring molten metal into a mould, which allows for more advanced perimeter weighting and forgiveness which is perfect for most golfers.

There’s no “right” choice here, it depends on your priorities. If you love buttery feedback and play often, forged may appeal. If you want forgiveness and affordability, cast is your friend.

Iron Set Makeup: How Many Should You Carry?

Most golfers carry between six and eight irons, often from 4–PW or 5–AW (approach wedge). As long irons get harder to hit, many players swap them for hybrids or high-launching utility irons.

A typical modern setup might look like:
4H, 5-PW, GW, SW, LW

The key is consistent distance gapping — ideally 10–15 yards between clubs. Poor gapping can create awkward yardages and lost scoring opportunities.

If your pitching wedge is 45°, your next wedge might be 50°–52° to maintain even distance spacing.

Fitting Considerations: Length, Lie, and Loft

Even when buying used or pre-owned irons, it’s important to understand fit:

Club Length: Taller golfers may need slightly longer shafts; shorter players may prefer shorter lengths for control.

Lie Angle: Determines how the clubhead sits at impact. A too-flat lie can send shots right; too-upright can push them left.

Loft Gapping: Ensures even distance separation between clubs.

ARC Golf’s listings include these specifications so you can make informed choices without needing a brand-new custom fitting.

Which Brand Should You Choose?

Every major golf brand brings something unique to the table. Here’s a quick overview of what we see most at ARC Golf:

TaylorMade Irons: Advanced tech for distance and forgiveness (great for most players).
Titleist Irons: Premium feel and control for better players.
Callaway Irons: Known for high launch and user-friendly design.
Ping Irons: Unmatched consistency and durability.
Mizuno Irons: Famous for soft feel and forged craftsmanship.

If there’s a specific model you’re chasing, we can often source it for you, even if it’s not currently in stock.

Browse Our Range Of Irons

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Tips for Buying Used Golf Irons in NZ

When buying used irons especially online — always look out for the following:

Head condition: Check for excessive wear or deep face marks.

Groove sharpness: Worn grooves reduce spin and control.

Shaft integrity: Ensure no bends, cracks, or rust.

Grip condition: Worn grips are cheap to replace but worth noting.

At ARC Golf, every used iron is inspected, cleaned, and graded before being listed, so you can shop confidently knowing you’re getting reliable, high-quality clubs at fair prices. We offer fast NZ shipping and free delivery over $250.

Elevate Your Game with ARC Golf

Your irons are the backbone of your golf bag, the clubs you’ll use more than any others. Choosing the right set can help you hit more greens, control your distance gaps, and ultimately shoot lower scores. Whether you’re upgrading from your first beginner set or fine-tuning your setup with pre-owned premium irons, ARC Golf has you covered. Explore our range of used golf irons in NZ today, featuring trusted brands like Titleist, Ping, TaylorMade, and Callaway — and take the next step toward improving your game.