Callaway

What it does: Callaway’s Apex DCB irons combine the aesthetics of the forged Apex line with the forgiveness of a cavity-back and
a sole that is slightly wider. Like the Apex forged, the DCB features a tungsten core (weighing as much as 50 grams) that is covered in urethane with “microspheres” (tiny air bubbles encased in glass). The tungsten lowers the centre of gravity to increase the launch angle despite slightly stronger-than-average lofts.

Why we like it: The forged, carbon-steel body has the kind of feel every golfer craves, but what players in this category really want is caveman-type distance. For that, Callaway turned to artificial intelligence and hundreds of computer simulations to come up with an intricate cupface design that wraps around the top and bottom of the clubhead to produce the maximum trampoline effect in the 4 through 9-iron. Another under-appreciated distance attribute is the stock shaft. True Temper’s Elevate 85 is about a third lighter than a standard steel shaft to help encourage a faster swing speed, but it does so with enhanced stability in the tip section to keep the club rock steady at impact.

7-iron loft 30 degrees; pw loft 43 degrees