Cobra

What it does: This iron uses 431 stainless steel in the 4 to 7-iron. The hollow-body construction has foam inside, a shallow blade height and a low centre of gravity thanks to a 65-gram tungsten weight (45 grams more than Cobra’s Forged Tec players-distance model). This makes these irons play like utility irons, which can be pretty handy. The low CG and more stable clubhead help deliver a higher launch despite the stronger lofts (no game-improvement iron in this year’s Hot List has a stronger 7-iron loft). The stock steel shaft is the KBS Tour Lite, and the grip is the Lamkin Crossline STD.

Why we like it: The slightly thicker topline and increased offset provide enough confidence to offset any trepidation a shallower blade height might cause. The wide sole delivers assistance to golfers who tend to hit more than their share of fat shots. The face generates so much spring-like effect that it almost feels as if the ball is ricocheting off it. All of that is very nice, but real improvement begins with knowing your weaknesses. The ability to add Arccos shot-tracking sensors and a free trial of the Arccos Caddie app at no cost continues to be a significant value to everyday players.

7-iron loft 27 degrees; pw loft 42 degrees