Best Budget Golf Irons – Reviews & Buyer’s Guidez

It’s a common belief that golf is only for exceptionally gifted athletes with an enormous bank balance. However, plenty of other sources indicate that it’s not necessary to be crazy rich for enjoying the game of 18 holes.

There’s no denying that even the slightest of advantage in the gear can give you the edge in the sport. But, everyone’s not going to compete for the US Open!

For those who want to start playing the game or even get better at it, there’s an abundance of inexpensive options in terms of golfing items such as irons. Having said that, very few of those irons possess the quality that you’ll be looking for. It goes without saying that finding a golf iron on a budget can be very exhausting. That’s why we’re here to help.

Here, we will review the five best budget golf irons on the market. We’ll share our hands-on user experience so you get a clear picture of how good they actually are. We’ve also included a buying guide that’ll help you make an informed buying decision.

5 Best Budget Golf Irons Review

01 LAZRUS Premium Golf Irons for Men (Top Budget Iron Set)

Why It Stands Out to Us

As the name suggests, the Lazrus Premium Golf Irons offer a premium feel on a budget. These amazing irons are available both individually and in sets. With adaptation to the cavity back style, they feature a very attractive construction. The steel shafts are engineered for enhancing accuracy and control.

You’re less likely to miss any shots with the Lazrus Premium irons because of their large sweet spots. Even if you misplace a few hits, the incredible forgiveness of these irons will take care of it. In its price range, you won’t get a better option than the Lazrus Premium.

If you’re looking for a set that has all the features and functionalities to compete with a high-end  iron set, make no mistake and go for the Lazrus Premium Golf Irons.

Our Experience With the Lazrus Premium Golf Irons

• The Lazrus Premium irons didn’t look anything like a budget product. Rather, they looked like the Callaway Big Bertha irons, which cost three times as much as these. They came with exceptionally well put construction and the build quality was outstanding as well. The materials used in the iron seemed sturdy enough to withstand heavy blows.
• Lazrus had to cut a few corners to keep the price low. The use of steel shafts seemed like a very clever way of doing that. Though they weren’t as lightweight as graphite, these shafts offered great control and accuracy.
• The loft angle was optimum in each iron. The 4 iron had the lowest loft angle of 23 degrees, which seemed suitable for a long iron. On the other hand, the highest loft was 47 degrees in the pitching wedge.
• One of the best features of the Lazrus Premium irons was the amount of spin they offered in each shot. The additional spin kept the ball in the air for a long time, which got us 5-10 yards of additional distance with each iron.
• Due to the huge sweet spots, it was very easy to hit the ball with the Lazrus Premium irons. Though it took us a few days to get used to them, after that period, we saw a big improvement in our game.
• Despite the low price, Lazrus didn’t seem to compromise on the quality of these irons. We were pleased with the consistency of the performance of the irons. If you’re planning to improve your game, these irons are the perfect tools to do so.
• The Lazrus Premium irons were extremely forgiving. We misplaced about a hundred shots and the irons took them like a champ.
• The irons came with custom Lazrus grips. They seemed very premium and comfy. You won’t find many budget-ranged irons that come with quality grips.

What We Didn’t Like

• The swing speed was average.
• There weren’t any options regarding shaft material or shaft flex.

What Could be Improved

• Lazrus could include an option to choose graphite shafts.

Specifications

Pros

• Superb design
• Sturdy build
• Great forgiveness
• Long shafts
• Low spin
• Great control and accuracy
• Amazing grips
• Great pricing

Cons

• Average swing

02 Callaway Golf 2018 Men’s Rogue Individual (Top Budget Single Iron)

Why It Stands Out to Us

Coming from one of the leading golf equipment manufacturers, the Callaway Golf 2018 Men’s Rogue Individual Irons offer a wide range of premium features and functionalities. For starters, these irons come with an astonishing design and premium build quality that’ll have you hooked on day one. With the 360 face cup and variable face thickness technology, the Rogue series ensures a great improvement in anyone’s game.

Callaway’s top-shelf weight distribution makes these irons feel premium in the hand. They allow you to choose between graphite or steel as the shaft material. These irons are exceptionally suitable for mid to high handicappers because of the bang on accuracy and the increased swing speed they provide. Overall, the 2018’s Rogue irons are one of the best in the market if your budget meets the price tag.

Our Experience With the Callaway Golf 2018 Men’s Rogue Individual Irons

• The irons looked perfectly balanced and very well thought since they arrived. The design was eye-catching and the build materials seemed solid as well.
• Having tried both of the options regarding shaft material, we can confirm that both worked fine. However, the 60g Synergy graphite shafts felt way more premium than the 90g steel shafts. If you’re going to buy these irons for improving your game, make sure to go for the graphite shafts.
• We tested all the flex designations available and came to the conclusion that all of them offered significantly different swing speeds. The senior flex seemed to have an excessive amount of flexibility, which took some time to get used to.
• Hats off to Callaway for distributing the weight perfectly throughout the clubhead. The center of gravity seemed to be put at the right point. Every time we hit the ball with the irons, we noticed a good spin. This kept the ball airborne for a longer period, which eventually ended in 5-8 yards of additional distance.
• The forgiveness was out of this world. Even after quite a few miss-hits, we didn’t find any problem in the irons.
• Each iron of the set came with a different loft angle. Callaway did perfect work in putting adequate loft in each of the Rogue irons. The loft angles increased in a systematic order, which differentiated the functionality of each iron.
• The grips that came with the Rogue irons were fantastic. We could grab the handle firmly and they didn’t slip even once during our time with the irons.

What We Didn’t Like

• They might be a little too heavy for many golfers.
• The quality of the sand wedge didn’t seem as good as the rest.

What Could Be Improved

• Callaway could make some improvements in the sand wedge.
• Being an outdated model, the price could be lowered a bit.

Specifications

Pros

• Astonishing design
• World-class build quality
• Amazing forgiveness
• Longer  shafts
• Great for high/mid handicappers

Cons

• Weight not optimum for all users

03 Ram Golf EZ3 Mens Right Hand Iron Set (Top Budget Right Hand Iron Set)

Why It Stands Out to Us

The Ram Golf Men’s EZ3 is a great option for any golfer who’s looking to improve their game. Featuring a top-notch design and a build quality that’s out of this world, the irons of this set look nothing like a budget-oriented product. The steel shafts produce a hefty swing and ensure superior control and accuracy.

With a cavity back style, these irons offer extraordinary forgiveness that lets you get away with mishits. The manufacturers have also included a 4-hybrid, which can be really handy in achieving great distances. The EZ3 offers all these and so much more without falling too heavy on your wallet. Overall, it’s a perfect set for anyone who wants top-shelf performance on a budget.

Our Experience With the Ram Golf EZ3 Men’s  Iron Set

• Ram implemented the cavity back style in the EZ3 iron set, which gave the irons a premium look. We were satisfied with the design and the build material seemed sturdy as well.
• Though we would have loved to have graphite shafts, the steel shafts weren’t half bad as well. They offered amazing control and accuracy. These irons seemed great for beginners and intermediate players.
• All the shafts had regular flex and surprisingly, the swing speed was faster than we expected. Despite featuring steel shafts, these irons felt very lightweight in the hand.
• Having huge sweet spots, these irons seemed very easy to hit. Even the off-center shots traveled a great distance because of the cavity back design.
• The forgiveness on the EZ3 irons was superb. When we misplaced a few of our shots, these irons withstood them like they were nothing.
• Regarding distance, we were more than satisfied with the set. Especially the bonus iron, the 4-hybrid performed great. We noticed a good amount of spin on the ball, which helped to keep it floating in the air for a longer period and eventually got us 6 yards of additional distance on average.
• Ram Golf did an exceptional job in distributing the weight throughout the clubhead. The center of gravity was perfectly placed near the middle of the face.
• We loved the grips that came with the irons. They were very easy to hold and didn’t slip even once during our tests.

What We Didn’t Like

• The manufacturers didn’t include graphite as an option for shaft material.
• There was only one flex designation available.

What Could Be Improved

• Graphite shafts could be used for a faster swing speed and increased distance.
• A senior flex option would have been great for senior golfers.

Specifications

Pros

• Great design
• Top-notch build material
• Enhanced accuracy and control
• Excellent forgiveness
• Free 4-hybrid
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• No 3 or 4 irons
• No graphite shafts

04 Ram Golf EZ3 Ladies Petite Right Hand Iron Set

Why It Stands Out to Us

The Ram Golf EZ3 iron set features a total of 7 irons that are engineered especially for lady golfers. Coming with the cavity back style, these irons rock a classy look with an outstanding build. Ram Golf used high-quality graphite shafts in the EZ3 irons, which is very rare for budget golf sets. You’ll get a hefty swing speed and 5-6 yards of extra distance with each of the irons of this set.

The EZ3 offers all the features you’d like in a premium golf set. If you want the best performance for your money, there’s no alternative to the EZ3.

Our Experience With the Ram Golf EZ3 Ladies Iron Set

• Rocking the cavity back style, the EZ3 irons looked great. Apart from the design, we were satisfied with the build quality as well. The manufacturers deserve credit for putting together a premium-looking golf set at such a low price point.
• Despite being extraordinarily economical, the irons featured graphite shafts. The shafts were very lightweight and gave a deluxe feel to the set.
• Having a ladies flex, the shafts were very flexible. We were impressed by the swing speed. Any lady golfer, who’s looking to improve her game will surely be benefitted from the additional swing speed.
• The sweet spots on these irons were very large. Once you get used to them, it’s very unlikely that you’ll misplace the shots.
• In terms of forgiveness, these irons were absolutely spot on. After misplacing quite a few shots, we didn’t see any issues at all.
• All 6 of the irons (5, 6 7, 8, 9, and PW) had suitable loft angles, and the difference between them was significant.
• The included 4-hybrid was fun to play with. Having a 21-degree loft, it was very easy to hit, and we got 5-6 yards of additional distance compared to the other 4 hybrids we tried.
• The EZ3 irons came with quality rubber grips. Though they weren’t the best grips we used over the years, they did the job perfectly. The grips didn’t come off and offered a firm hold throughout the whole time.

What We Didn’t Like

• There were no options to choose flex designations.
• They’re not suitable for women of all heights.

What Could be Improved

• If the length was adjustable, a large number of tall women could use the irons.
• Other flex options could be included.

Specifications

Pros

• Lightweight
• Exceptional performance
• Easy to maneuver
• High-quality graphite shafts
• Easily affordable

Cons

• Not suitable for women of all height

05 TaylorMade 2016 M2 6 Single Iron Graphite Senior

Why It Stands Out to Us

Being a representative of one of the famous brands, the original TaylorMade M2 series from 2016 was made to achieve great distance.  Coming from the same series, the single 6 iron offers a wide range of features and functionalities that you can expect from only the best of golf irons. For starters, it features an astonishing design and build quality.

The graphite shaft coupled with a senior flex produces an extremely fast swing. You can expect 5-10 yards of additional distance compared to the other 6 irons on the market. The cavity back design makes the iron more forgiving and easy to hit.

Our Experience With the TaylorMade 2016 M2 6 Iron

• The iron came with a great appearance and an astonishing build, just what you’d expect from a Taylormade iron. The finishing looked superb and the materials seemed strong enough to last for several seasons.
• TaylorMade used graphite shafts in the M2 series and the 6 iron was no exception. The shaft was exceptionally lightweight and felt very premium to the touch.
• We used all of the flex designations available for our tests and all of them had significant differences in flexibility. The graphite shafts coupled with the senior flex made an incredibly fast swing speed.
• TaylorMade M2 being a distance-oriented series, we conducted several tests to evaluate the iron’s ability to achieve optimum distance. With a regular flex, we got about 155 yards on average,  which was already 5 yards more than an average 6 iron. With a senior flex shaft, we got 162yards on average, which seemed exceptional.
• The manufacturers distributed the weight perfectly throughout the clubhead. The center of gravity was well put near the center of the clubface.
• It was very easy to hit because of the large sweet spot. We were very impressed by the forgiveness that the iron offered. It took misplaced shots like they were nothing.
• The M2 6 irons came with high-quality grips, which offered a great grip. During our time with the iron, the handle never slipped from our hands even once.

What We Didn’t Like

• The clubhead was prone to scratches.

What Could Be Improved

• The head material could be stronger
• Hybrid shafts could be included as an option

Our Recommendations

• If you’re getting this iron for a senior player, who’s struggling with the swing speed and distance, make sure to pick the senior flex option.

Specifications

Pros

• Premium construction
• Amazing playability
• Great forgiveness
• Exceptional accuracy

Cons

• Prone to scratches

Best Budget Golf Irons – Buying Guide

1. Your Skill Level

Before you start searching for the perfect iron for yourself, be realistic and determine what level player you are in golf. This is very crucial because every level of player needs something that others don’t. Besides, every iron doesn’t feature the same functionalities. Rather, three types of irons can be found considering player levels. They are,

I) Player Irons: Made for advanced players, these irons offer just as much distance and accuracy as the player can produce with their swing. Typically, professional golfers who have mastered the swing for years choose these irons.

II) Game Improvement Irons: They’re not for the absolute newbies. However, they’re not for the pros as well. Intermediate players who know the basics of the game and are pushing for the next level mostly use these irons. They’re also the most common type of irons you’ll find on the market.

III. Super Game Improvement Irons: The Super improvement irons help the player with the swing speed, distance, and accuracy. Starters or seniors, who are either completely new to the game or struggling to find their rhythm in golf are the most common users of these irons.

2. Weight

Irons with different amounts of weight affect the maneuvering of the ball differently. As a rule of thumb, a  heavier head will always send the ball further than a lighter head. Similarly, shaft weight plays a critical role in changing the swing speed, which eventually affects the achieved distance as well.

Modern golf iron manufacturers prefer to put lighter shafts in irons, making the clubhead feel heavier. This allows the players to improve their maneuvering. However, every golfer has their own preferences regarding iron weight. Just so you know, manufacturers that produce cheap irons often fail to put the weight exactly where it’s needed. Check if the weight of the iron suits you before making the purchase.

3. Loft Angles

“Loft” or “loft angle” represents the angle between the shaft and the clubface. Loft angle is measured in degrees. The loft in any iron affects the achieved distance. Typically, long irons have lesser loft angles than the mid or short irons. In a complete iron set, the loft gradually increases from the long irons to the short irons.

Also, the forgiveness of an iron highly depends on its loft angle. Before going for a particular iron, make sure that the loft angle suits the iron designation and your requirements.

4. Material

Materials used in the iron massively influence the game. Golf iron manufacturers usually use titanium or stainless steel in their clubheads. But as the technology advances, manufacturers are leaning towards other materials to make their irons more effective.

Multi-material irons are one of the newest additions to the industry. In these irons, the weight of the clubhead is distributed perfectly by placing metals with different weights in different parts of the head. Regardless of the material you choose to have in your iron, make sure it suits your style of play.

5. Type of  Irons

a) Forged Irons

Forged irons are manufactured in a way that’s identical to the blacksmiths’ work. Manufacturers give the metal a rough and irregular form. In the next phase, the metal is beaten with hammers to the approximate shape of a clubhead. Afterward, the metal is ground, milled, polished, and given the desired form of the manufacturer.

b) Cast Iron

Cast irons are forged by pouring liquid titanium or steel into custom frames. Manufacturers can implement complex designs in their irons using this technique. It also allows them to use different materials in the construction. The simple process makes these irons more economical than their counterparts.

6. Sole Width

The width of irons soles makes a significant difference in the maneuvering of golf balls. The extra mass makes it easier for you to find the sweet spot and hit the ball perfectly. A wider sole also doesn’t dig into the ground, which makes the iron more forgiving. Wider soles are seen in game improvement and super game improvement irons.  Most amateur and intermediate golfers prefer wider soles in their irons.

On the flip side, narrower soles offer less forgiveness and often dig into the ground. They also make it difficult for amateur players to hit the sweet spot accurately. However, they come with a few advantages as well. Narrower soles offer more versatility and control. That’s why most pro golfers opt for irons with narrow soles.

FAQs

Q. 1: When should I consider buying new irons?

Ans: You might need to change your irons for different reasons. If you’re experiencing a change in your technique or swing movement, it’s time for a new set of irons. Again, if the technology in manufacturing irons gets a huge breakthrough, you can switch to a new set. Any significant damages like wear or tear in your iron will also mean that you should consider buying new irons.

Q. 2: How many irons are there in a golf set?

Ans: Generally, most sets of 14 golf clubs have 5-7 irons in total. Traditional sets contain 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 irons. However, a lot of players these days leave out the long irons (3,4) and opt for hybrids.

Q. 3: What is the sweet spot in golf irons?

Ans:  The sweet spot is the point in the face of the iron where the metal has optimal responsiveness and flex. It’s located near the center of the iron. The ball will travel to the desired amount of distance if you hit it with the sweet spot.

Q. 4: What are the easiest irons to hit?

Ans: The 8 and 9 irons, also referred to as the short irons are the easiest to hit in a golf set. Having the biggest loft angles among all the irons (1-9), they offer the most forgiveness as well.