Used Irons

Irons are classified into three categories: long irons (1-, 2-, 3- & 4-irons), mid-irons (5-, 6- & 7 irons) and short irons (8-, 9-iron & PW). Typically, a standard off-the-shelf set of irons consists 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 irons and the pitching wedge (PW). 

 Long irons such as 1-iron (also called driving iron) and 2-iron are not included in the standard set of irons because they are the most difficult irons to handle. Novice and recreational golfers are advised to stay away from 1- and 2-iron. They should even consider replacing 3- and 4-iron with higher lofted fairway woods, or hybrids, because they are easier to hit and produce comparable distance.

The higher the iron clubs, the more loft and the shorter shaft length. As a result, there is a yardage gap of 10 - 15 yards between irons. For example, a 7-iron should produce shots that are 10 - 15 yards longer than 8-iron (which is a little more loft and a little shorter shaft length than iron-7). One of the secrets to successful iron play is knowing exactly how far you can hit with each club. You should not compare with other golfers, as every golfers hit different distance with similar club. You have to learn your 'own' distances by hitting each club. The best way to find out is to hit say 50 balls with each club. Then, remove the longest and shortest five shots and take the average of the rest of the shots. That will be your average yardage.

In general, irons are used for distance that is less than 200 yards from the green. Higher number irons are used as you are closer to the green. Even though, driver is used to off the tee, but irons are also used off the tee for Par-3 or narrow & short Par-4. 

Below are few considerations when choosing a used golf iron clubs:

Iron Types

There are two types of irons:

Cast irons - Cast irons have a 'cavity back' design where the rear of the club head is hollowed out. Where the weight of the club head is distributed to the edge of the club face. This is why cast irons also known as 'perimeter weighted' irons. This 'cavity back' design has the advantage of larger sweet spot. Therefore, cast irons bring significant performance improvement for average golfers who have the tendency to hit the ball off-center.

Forged irons -  In contrast to cast irons, forged irons feature a full back on the rear of the club head. This 'blade' design has no advantage of club head weight distribution to the edge. Hence, forged irons with smaller sweet spot are less forgiving. But forged irons offer more control and extra 'feel' than cast irons. Therefore, forged irons are recommended for low handicapper.

Iron Club Head Size

Irons club heads comes in three different sizes: standard, midsize and oversized.

Standard size - Standard size club head has the smallest sweet spot. Therefore, standard size club head requires more accurate hits but it also offers better control. Thus it is best suited for more experienced players. 

Midsize - Midsize club head falls between standard and oversized. The larger sweet spot than standard size clubs is more forgiving.

Oversized - Oversized club head has the largest 'sweet spot', thus it is more forgiving even with off-center hits. Beginner or novice golfers are recommended to use oversized club head.

Irons Club Head Material

There are two types of common materials used in irons club heads: Titanium and Stainless Steel.

Stainless Steel - There are two type of stainless steels used in iron heads: 431 stainless steel and 17-4ph stainless steel. 431 stainless steel is a softer stainless steel and used in good quality iron heads. And 17-4ph stainless steel is harder steel which is used in best quality iron heads.

Irons shaft

There are two common shafts available in the market: Graphite and Steel

Steel - Steel shafts are cheaper and heavier than graphite shafts. It is commonly used by most of the Tour pro as it offers more control.

Graphite - Graphite shafts are more expensive than steel but their price has come down a lot just two or three years ago. Graphite shafts are lighter than steel can reduce the overall golf club weight which is a goof news for all golfers, especially for weaker players such as senior and women. Graphite shaft irons allows an average golfer to swing the club faster that could add extra distance. You are strongly recommended to use graphite shafts in your irons if your golf swing is slow.

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