Iron vs Non-Iron Golf Club Sets: Which One is Better For Your Swing?

 If you’re new to golf, there are many nuances about golf clubs that you’ll need to learn. Every experienced golfer knows that the material of the club can really impact their swing and how well they hit the ball. Yes, skills are crucial, no doubt about that. But your golf club can truly make or break your performance during your most important play. 

source: stix.golf

So, the main question is: should you choose an iron or non-iron club? Don’t worry about the options. You’ll never run out of choices as there is a wide range of golf iron sets for sale along with non-iron sets. The catch is to understand what works best for you and your playing style. 

Iron vs Non-Iron Golf Clubs 

source: golflink.com

There are many available options of golf iron sets for sale as well as non-iron alternatives. To get a clear picture of what each material offers, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. 

Iron Clubs

Distance and Forgiveness

When it comes to distance and forgiveness, there are several key distinctions you should know. First, iron clubs give you better control over your shots. You'll find them to have smaller clubheads and shorter shafts which is the very thing that allows for more precise strikes. 

However, iron clubs offer less distance, especially longer ones like 3,4 and 5. They are also less forgiving on off-centre hits, so if your swing lacks consistency, you might struggle to get the full potential of an iron club. 

Control and Accuracy

This is where iron clubs excel - control and accuracy and these are your priorities, then you should definitely buy iron sets. With their smaller heads and shorter shafts, they are easier to manoeuvre than non-iron clubs. They help you excel on approach shots. Whether you’re hitting a fade, draw or straight shot, irons give you the ability to shape your shots with greater easier. The control they offer is particularly invaluable when targeting specific landing areas.  

Course Stability

When making approach shots or covering shorter distances, you want a club that offers course stability. A club that maintains consistency in ball flight will make it easier to navigate the course, especially when you need to make precise shots in intense, tight situations. 

Whisk it can be more challenging to hit longer shots compared to their wooden counterparts, nothing beats the stability iron clubs provide in short games, particularly when approaching the green.  

Cost

Now, this is where most golfers get confused. You’d typically assume that irons are more expensive than wood clubs, but surprisingly, they are not. Irons tend to be more affordable, especially as they are often sold as part of a complete set. So, if you decide to buy golf iron sets, know that they offer better value for the money, which is great news for beginners and those on a tight budget. 

Regardless of your skill level, anyone can benefit from investing in irons as they deliver excellent performance without breaking the bank. 

Non-iron Golf Clubs

Distance and Forgiveness 

Aside from irons, you can find hybrids, woods and drivers, which are typically designed with a larger sweet spot and a more forgiving head shape. Non-iron options are better for those who struggle with consistency, as these clubs are easier to hit. They help generate more ball speed, even on off-centre hits.  

Thanks to their larger heads, non-iron options allow for more distance, particularly hybrids or woods, which are great for fairway shots or tee shots. 

Control and Accuracy

While non-iron clubs excel in distance and forgiveness, they fall a bit short on control and accuracy. Because of their larger heads and longer shafts, they are a bit harder to manoeuvre compared to irons. Non-irons can also make it more difficult to shape shots with precision. 

So, if you’re making approach shorts, non-irons might not provide the same level of control as irons. Instead, they are a better option for long-range shots, where control is less of a priority. 

Course Stability

Woods and hybrids are far easier to hit than long irons. Because they offer a more stable ball flight and a reliable distance, they are a great option for those who need a bit of help navigating difficult lines or covering long distances. However, for more precise approach shots, iron might be a better option for you. 

Cost

Well, you guessed it. Since irons are the more affordable option, woods and hybrids tend to be on the pricier side. The reason for this is that they are sold individually rather than in sets like irons and when you think about it, buying several non-irons can quickly add up in cost. 

However, if you’re looking for clubs that offer greater forgiveness, non-irons are definitely worth the thought, despite their greater initial cost.