Equipment

Predicting the hottest irons of 2016

Published

10 years ago

Dec 20, 2015

Testing a new driver is often fairly straightforward; if it’s longer and straighter, it goes in the bag. Irons are a little different. Being a successful iron player depends on hitting them certain yardages and with certain trajectories consistently, which makes changing irons a longer-term, more subjective process.

When new iron models come out, most Tour players aren’t fast to switch from the trustworthy set they’re currently using… at least right away. Even if the new irons are longer and straighter, there’s a comfort factor and a transitionary period that can’t be ignored.

With that in mind, you’ll understand why the hottest irons each year on the PGA Tour are often unpredictable. There are, however, a handful of new irons that quickly made their way into the bags of top touring pros before the start of 2016. That’s generally a good indication of an iron’s future success on Tour, and good intel for GolfWRXers to consider if they’re in the market for new irons.

Enjoy this list below, a prediction of hottest sets of irons in 2016 based on Tour presence, our early testing, and a few other factors.

King Forged MB irons

Rickie Fowler wasted little time putting Cobra’s King Forged MB irons in his bag this fall, despite winning The Players Championship with the Fly-Z Pro irons in the spring.

The new irons, which are part of a line that includes King Forged CB and King Forged TEC, offer a new look with a “diamonized” black finish that’s more durable than black PVD. The finish is a change from Fowler’s typical chrome-finished irons — but when blades look this good, wouldn’t you make the switch as quickly as possible, too?

From a tech perspective, the Forged MB irons use tungsten plugs in their toes, which raises moment of inertia (MOI) to makes the irons more forgiving on mishits.

Rickie Fowler’s custom set of Cobra King Forged MB irons.

While not necessarily applicable for the buyers at home, it appears that Fowler (See his WITB here) carried over the specially made tungsten plugs from his old irons to raise the swing weight of the clubs. See those subtle, grey circles where weight was inserted on the sole and muscleback of the iron?

Titleist 716 T-MB

Any equipment release from Titleist is noteworthy in the golf world because of the company’s widespread following, but the T-MBs may be the most significant Titleist iron release in years.

We learned in our testing that the T-MB’s are pound-for-pound the longest, highest-launching Titleist irons ever. As for their looks, the two-toned, hollow-cavity, blade-style looks irons are also something new for Titleist. Adding to their allure is that they can only be purchased as a full set through the company’s MOTO program ($1599 per set). Golfers can, however, find the tungsten-laden long irons (2-5) at retailers for $199 per club.

Peter Malnati (Sanderson Farms) won with a full set in his bag, while Jason Bohn, Ben Crane and Tim Clark are gaming full sets as well. Adam Scott and Jimmy Walker, among others, are currently using individual T-MB long irons to round out their sets.

Ping i

Like Titleist, any iron release from Ping garners attention because of its expansive following, but this iron in particular will be well-received by Ping loyalists.

The Ping “i” irons remain leaders in forgiveness in the players iron category like their predecessors, the i25 irons, but they’re made from a softer material — 431 stainless steel — to feel better, as well. Those changes, as well as their improved, progressive design, resulted in a 5-star rating from editor Zak Kozuchowski in our review.

Lee Westwood, Hunter Mahan and Alex Prugh can be spotted playing the Ping i irons around the world.

What you need to know about Ping i irons

TaylorMade Psi/Psi Tour

TaylorMade’s PSi and PSi Tour irons are the company’s second-rendition of irons with face slots. With the new release, the TaylorMade focused primarily on improving their looks and feel, compared to their predecessors. Here’s what our front page review had to say about the PSi irons:

Exceptionally long and forgiving players irons. They have thinner top lines, less offset and shorter blade lengths than TaylorMade’s RSi 2 irons, and feel noticeably softer at impact.

The softer feel of the PSi’s can be attributed to the “Distance Feel System” (DFS), which uses a material called “hybrar” that’s wedged between the face and cavity of each iron to reduce unwanted vibrations at impact.

To maintain maximum performance, the long irons (3-7) are made from 431 stainless steel and have tungsten weights in their toes to boost MOI. The short irons (8-PW), which are more compact in size than previous models, are forged from 1025 carbon steel to offer better consistency and feel.

The PSi Tour irons, which will hit retailers on Dec. 20, have been in Tour pros bags since the fall. Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia, among a slew of others, are gaming the PSi Tour irons.

Srixon Z745

If we’re talking PGA Tour wins, there’s no iron hotter than Srixon’s Z745. The irons were in the bags of Smylie Kaufman (Shriners Open), Russell Knox (WGC-HSBC) and Graeme McDowell (RSM Classic) during their victories in late 2015.

Made from 1020 carbon steel, the Z745’s use a “Tour V.T.” sole, which increases leading edge bounce and decreases trail-edge bounce to improve turf interaction — especially on sightly fat hits. The irons also have laser double milling on the face to stabilize spin and distance control, and a tungsten weight in their toes improves forgiveness.

If you’re into blades, Srixon has released its new Z945 irons, which integrate the same technologies as the Z745 irons into a smaller package. See what our Forum Members have to say about them.

Callaway Apex and Apex Pro

Callaway’s X Forged irons from 2013 its Apex/Apex Pro irons (2014) are popular around GolfWRX Headquarters. They’ve been in and out of three of our editors’ bags since their release dates. With the release of the 2016 Apex/Apex Pro irons, however, that’s likely to change.

Callaway’s new Apex and Apex Pro models are no joke according to our early testing. You can read more about the tech here, and a full review is coming soon to our Front Page.

On Tour, Matt Every and Jason Kokrak made the switch to the new Apex Pro irons this fall, and we expect several more of Callaway’s PGA Tour Staff members to put the new irons in the bag this January after off-season testing.

PXG 0311T

PXG irons are quickly becoming a household name, at least among gear heads and tour players. For PXG, it began with Ryan Moore, but now players like James Hahn (irons), Zach Johnson (lob wedge) and Davis Love III (wood, irons and wedges, and is testing the driver) are gaming the sticks.

PXG originally released the 0311 irons, which have a fairly significant amount of offset and a game improvement-like profile. The company’s newest irons — the 0311T — have a smaller chassis with less offset, and they have found growing popularity on the PGA Tour.

PXG irons are expensive, and since they’re only sold through a select network of fitters they can only be tested by appointment. But judging by the interest level of tour players, the 0311T irons are something special.

Mizuno MP-5 and MP-25s

Old school meets new school, and technology meets art with Mizuno’s new MP-25 and MP-5 irons. The company expertly blended the classic head shapes, soles and toplines that golfers have grown accustom to from Mizuno, but added in a slew of technology to make them sound, feel and perform better than ever.

Tour players have been quick to game them, and even traditionalist Luke Donald already put a set of MP-25s in the bag. The irons also received a 5-star rating from GolfWRX… impressive.

Related Topics:irons

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Andrew Tursky

He played on the Hawaii Pacific University Men's Golf team and earned a Masters degree in Communications. He also played college golf at Rutgers University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

30 Comments

Pingback: GolfWRX Predicts the Hottest Irons of 2016 | Honourable Society of Golf Fanatics
Roosterredneck

Dec 26, 2015 at 6:22 pm

I really like the C200s from WilsonStaff .Not Forged but they can compete any.

Reply Report comment
Blackwell

Dec 23, 2015 at 9:53 pm

This just proves golf is a rich mans game!

Reply Report comment
- Johny Thunder
  
  Jun 2, 2016 at 4:46 am
  
  Prices of golf clubs haven’t increased as much as houses, cars and food. Staying alive has become a rich man’s game. Also, if a less wealthy person wants to play, Titleist 975D drivers can be had for under $50 on eBay. Older 460cc models in the same range or slightly higher.
  
  Reply Report comment
KK

Dec 23, 2015 at 6:33 pm

AP2 and Ping I are blue chip as usual but T-MB looks to be a game changer.

Reply Report comment
Crabbie

Dec 23, 2015 at 12:27 pm

Metal moved around to different parts of the club are good for all, but practice is still needed to improve anyone’s game. Put an old blade in a good players hands and they can still play well. The key I have found is to be correctly fitted (no matter what brand you like) and that’s when they work the best for you…. which is the really HOT item of the year. Great club fitters.

Reply Report comment
Steve

Dec 22, 2015 at 6:09 pm

One of the best parts of having a hobby like playing Golf is the fact we can spend money on new products every year or two…How many old $300 or more drivers have you sitting under sun bleached head covers in your garage? And those sets of irons you just new would improve your game in 2010 in an old cart bag under a box of your wife’s old Tupperware. My favorite all the sleeves of new golf balls mixed in with my garden equipment now 5 or 6 years old that just had to much spin or were hard as a rock for me to shoot 89….either hit and spoon back to far or hit and ran a mile past the pin….GOTTA LOVE NEW EQUIPMENT because for sure that is all we need to shoot PAR>

Reply Report comment
- Regis
  
  Dec 23, 2015 at 12:50 pm
  
  Well said and 100% true if we are being honest. On another site, regular contributors often supplement their comments with a What’s in the Bag summary at the bottom of each post. So if your searching for feedback on last year’s Cobra driver you come upon a very emphatic post by Joe who says this club is a true beast. Matched with my BB triple X Flex Blue shaft (trimmed 1/2 inch) I can safely say this cannon is never leaving my bag. But just under the post in the WITB portion (which has been updated in the interim) you see he is now playing a Taylormade R13 with a Misubishi Kamakze white dove shaft.
  
  Reply Report comment
- Jack
  
  Dec 23, 2015 at 11:13 pm
  
  It’s easier to buy new clubs than score in the single digits. Though even if the money spent on clubs is spent on playing at the courses, we’d all improve a lot more too.
  
  Reply Report comment
Weeprogolfer

Dec 22, 2015 at 4:35 pm

We need to send in a set of the new Chikara irons for testing

Reply Report comment
Bijan

Dec 22, 2015 at 10:23 am

Recently hit he pxg set, incredible feel, distance was too far though. My standard 6 is around the 190 mark, they were flying at 200, gapping would be a struggle with those things.

Reply Report comment
- Paul Clarke
  
  Dec 31, 2015 at 7:18 am
  
  Bijan, why should gapping be an issue? As I understand it these clubs are only available through a small number of high end outlets. To that end they should have the time and skill set to fit the irons to your particular needs whether that be strengthening or weakening the lofts on various irons. Distance will be determined by swing speed, shaft length and loft angle. If your swing speed is constant but shaft length is longer and loft angle has been jacked you are probably hitting a club or club and a half longer than what you are used to. Just a point for consideration.
  
  Reply Report comment
George

Dec 21, 2015 at 4:41 pm

You are missing the 3 new Exotics irons those tungsten irons are better than the tungsten titleist irons!! The tungsten sole is almost double the weight on the titleist. I agree that the Z745 irons are going to be hot from Srixy!!

Reply Report comment
DrawDaddy

Dec 21, 2015 at 10:27 am

I have the new Apex Pro’s and I have never hit a better iron in my life. Except maybe the MP-5’s. Mp-5 and Apex Pro are easily the best looking out of the bunch with the Cobra’s close behind. Apex and Mp-5 both feel really good.

Reply Report comment
LaBraeGolfer

Dec 21, 2015 at 9:14 am

Callaway Apex line for sure, as well as the Mizzy’s, but I feel more people outside of golfwrx will be playing the Apex line. The irons I should play Apex or I line, the irons I want to play j15 MB.

Reply Report comment
Teaj

Dec 21, 2015 at 8:49 am

I shoot in the low 70’s….. any hotter I don’t like to golf

and by the way the Ping i’s are not just for scratch nor would I say the Z745’s are ether. Do you need to know how to strike a ball for the 745’s sure but there is some forgiveness there, and boy are they perdy.

Reply Report comment
.?????

Dec 20, 2015 at 9:46 pm

Can’t take this serious without j15cb…. Kuchar and snedeker play them if PGA presence matters

Reply Report comment
- mhendon
  
  Dec 22, 2015 at 6:14 pm
  
  Demoed them today, well at least the 5 iron. It had good feel, very good distance and accuracy. Over all good looks with a slightly longer blade length than I like but they are definitely on my short list.
  
  Reply Report comment
Dan

Dec 20, 2015 at 5:29 pm

I have to agree these are nice clubs, but no set of clubs retailing for $1500 is going to be “hot”… 🙂

Reply Report comment
golfraven

Dec 20, 2015 at 2:59 pm

I predict a riot!
Ok if I had to choose by looks it would be the MP25s for sure. Cheers

Reply Report comment
Deejaymn

Dec 20, 2015 at 12:01 pm

So these clubs are good for the 1% scratch golfers, how about four the rest of us.

Reply Report comment
- Bobby Stevens
  
  Dec 20, 2015 at 12:46 pm
  
  Everyone on GolfWrx is a scratch golfer. We just shoot in the 80’s.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - cb
    
    Dec 20, 2015 at 2:36 pm
    
    couldn’t have said it better myself bobby
    
    Reply Report comment
  - DatSliceDoe
    
    Dec 20, 2015 at 3:20 pm
    
    Ain’t this the truth!
    
    Reply Report comment
  - jgpl001
    
    Jan 12, 2016 at 3:56 pm
    
    Exactly, this is a scratch only site, let’s keep it that way..
    Can’t wait though for one of our loyal scratch members to tell us the new Ping G iron should be here, and how they play it, etc…….ha ha ha
    
    Reply Report comment
- Chris
  
  Dec 21, 2015 at 11:29 am
  
  Apex, PSi, MP-25, maybe even throw the T-MB in there. Those are all clubs with some forgiveness to them. No need to be a scratch to play those. MP-25 has the least among those 4 as far as forgiveness, but that doesn’t mean it’s a straight blade with no room for error.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - SBoss
    
    Dec 22, 2015 at 10:50 pm
    
    Throw in the Nike Vapor Pro Combos….great irons for better players. You get all the performance you’re looking for and some forgiveness in the smaller cavity. They’re a grand slam iron.
    
    Reply Report comment
- ken
  
  Dec 23, 2015 at 2:13 pm
  
  I’m a scratch golfer…..And I take offense to those who call us the 1%….Because I think there is a much higher percentage of amateur scratch golfers…..
  You know, Hit the shot and stand there scratching your head wondering how the heck that one came up short/in the woods…LOL
  
  Reply Report comment
  - mhendon
    
    Dec 24, 2015 at 8:00 pm
    
    Hardy har har you should do stand up. On second thought don’t quit your day job!
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Johny Thunder
      
      Jun 2, 2016 at 4:47 am
      
      Try the veal. Or the ham.
      
      Reply Report comment

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Equipment

Tour Edge unveils all-new Exotics mini driver

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2026

Gianni Magliocco

Tour Edge Golf has today introduced the all-new Exotics mini driver, engineered to deliver a powerful combination of speed, control, and versatility in the long game.

The Exotics Mini combines a titanium face with a stainless-steel body in design to balance ball speed with stability and control, creating a versatile option at the top end of the bag.

At the core of the design is Tour Edge’s proprietary Combo Brazing technology, a high-precision thermal bonding process that seamlessly fuses a titanium cup face to a stainless-steel body into a single, continuous structure. By eliminating energy loss found in traditional multi-piece constructions, Combo Brazing is designed to deliver faster face response, more efficient energy transfer, and a uniquely powerful yet controlled feel.

The multi-material construction also allows mass to be positioned lower and deeper in the head in a bid to increase stability, while the thin titanium face is engineered to maintain ball speed across a wider impact area.

“While the initial goal was to enhance control and versatility in the long game, Combo Brazing ultimately drove measurable gains in ball speed and distance within the mini driver category. In robot testing, we’ve documented higher ball speeds, higher launch, reduced spin, and increased carry and total distance compared to leading models.” – Vice President of R&D Matt Neeley

In addition to distance performance, the Exotics mini emphasizes forgiveness through a heavier stainless-steel body that shifts mass toward the perimeter. This configuration increases MOI relative to traditional all-titanium mini drivers, helping preserve ball speed and directional stability on off-center strikes. Paired with Pyramid Face Technology from the Exotics metalwood line, the design is intended to support consistent speed across the face.

To further enhance MOI, a lightweight carbon fiber crown frees additional mass that is strategically repositioned low and deep in the head in design to improve stability and promote optimal launch with controlled spin.

“We designed the Mini to be about five millimeters shallower than other mini drivers on the market. That change improves playability off the deck. From a clean fairway lie, it can function as a strong 3-wood alternative while still providing control off the tee.” – Tour Edge CEO David Glod

An adjustable hosel system allows for loft and lie tuning to dial in trajectory and shot shape, while a fixed 13-gram rear weight helps stabilize the head through impact to improve dispersion consistency. The Exotics Mini Driver is available in 11.5 and 13.5-degree lofts in right-handed models.

Pricing & Availability

The Exotics Mini Driver is available for pre-order beginning today for $399.99 USD at touredge.com, and will be available for purchase at retail outlets worldwide on May 22, 2026.

Equipment

Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2026

Gianni Magliocco

In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:

“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly.

My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”

And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”

Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”

Equipment

From the GolfWRX Classifieds: 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2026

Gianni Magliocco

At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @pianoman0123 has a 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo up for grabs.

From the listing: “2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade Combo. 4-8 irons are CB’s and the 9,PW are Blades. 5-PW have Project X 6.0 Shafts and the 4 Iron has a Steelfiber CW110 Stiff Shaft. Standard Length, Lie and Lofts. These are in very good condition the shafts just don’t work for me. Like new Lamkin Grips on the 5-PW and a stock Golf Pride on the 4 Iron. $525 OBO.”

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules