Best irons for elite players | ClubTest 2025

As part of ClubTest 2025, we reviewed the top new irons to determine the best irons for elite players. But what do we mean by “elite players” when it comes to irons?

Also known as “performance” irons, these iron models are for the best-of-the-best players in golf, whether they play on Tour or dominate your local club championship. These traditional blade irons allow better players to work the ball any way they wish. But they lack the forgiveness technology found in irons designed for mid- to high-handicappers. Of all the clubs tested, these four irons proved to be stand outs when it comes to elite performance. To help our effort, we had a group of low handicaps test the newest performance irons at Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, Ariz.

See something you like? Click through and buy your new irons on Fairway Jockey today. For additional exclusive insights on new irons from leading brands, join InsideGOLF for only $40/year. Want to overhaul your bag for 2025? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf. 

MORE CLUBTEST: BEST GAME IMPROVEMENT IRONS | BEST PLAYERS DISTANCE IRONS | BEST BETTER PLAYER IRONS | BEST SUPER GAME IMPROVEMENT IRONS

Bridgestone 220 MB

*Bridgestone’s 2020 MB irons were awarded 2025 ClubTest Game Changer status for their outstanding performance in the best elite players irons category.

Bridgestone 220 MB Irons

Bridgestone’s 220 MB features a forged players muscleback clubhead design. Tour Groove Design with super precise .02mm groove for stable consistent spin on all shots.

$1,050/set from www.bridgestonegolf.com

THE BASICS: There are three ultra-premium Bridgestone Golf iron models to choose from in the new line. First is the 220 MB, a traditional muscle back design featuring Tour Groove Design for consistent spin and maximum shotmaking versatility. The 220 MBs come equipped with Nippon PRO Modus3 Tour 120 steel shafts. Knowing that Bridgestone collaborated with Japan-based Endo Manufacturing to develop these new irons, it’s a safe bet these have the potential to be among the elite forged irons of 2025.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF BRIDGESTONE’S 2025 IRONS

Miura MC-502

Miura MC-502 Custom Irons

  New to the MC-502 is an increase in face progression (less offset), which has always been a welcomed look for the better player. Additionally, a softer, more rounded top line and toe profile found their way from the sketch pad to the final product. The result is an iron that is easy to align while delivering an unrivaled level of confidence and playability. There were no compromises when it came to the new design. The sound, feel and performance, which have been hallmarks of Miura irons since 1957, embodied the finished product. MATERIAL Premium S20C Soft Carbon Steel FINISH Satin Chrome

$350 from Fairway Jockey

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THE BASICS: The newly reengineered Miura MC-502 brings together the looks and performance of a blade with the playability of a smaller forged cavity-back iron. What separates the MC-502 from the previous design is less offset through the entire set along with a more rounded top line and toe profile. By combining these characteristics, it creates a compact, easy-to-align iron that inspires confidence at address.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF MIURA’S MC-502 IRONS

Mizuno Pro 241

Mizuno Pro 241 Custom Irons

The Mizuno Pro Irons are the result of a longstanding connection between Mizuno’s club engineers and the legendary Grain Flow Forging plant in Hiroshima, Japan. Every fraction of a millimeter and subtle curve has been meticulously considered, shaping the future of golf club technology. KEY FEATURES OF THE MIZUNO PRO 241: Grain Flow Forged HD in Hiroshima, Japan Soft Copper Underlay for enhanced feel Center mass for enhanced feedback Aggressively tapered blade for an ideal trajectory Thinner, tour preferred topline More compact short irons Increased bounce angle for improved turf interaction Full Satin Brush finish

$200 from Fairway Jockey

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THE BASICS: The biggest focus for the Mizuno design team with the new 24X line was to dig into what each iron truly means to the golfers it’s intended for, and after taking positive and constructive criticism about each model, the engineers went to work with no stone left unturned to make sure each model was a better fit. The Mizuno design team stressed every possible detail they could to make sure each model lived up to the lofty expectations bestowed upon them, and with that in mind, they believe they have delivered on those, while also making each iron slightly smaller than the previous generation. The Mizuno Pro 241 blade is just that, a pure-as-can-be muscle back intended to deliver the utmost in feel, control and looks for the discerning golfer.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF MIZUNO’S 2025 IRONS

Wilson Staff Blades

Wilson Staff Model Blade 2024 Custom Irons

Tour-proven performance is the hallmark of the Wilson Staff Model Blades. Designed for advanced players looking for the ultimate control, the Blades feature soft Forged 8620 carbon steel with precision-milled grooves that generate maximum spin. Precise toe weighting keeps the club face open until impact allows it to square with the ball, helping to eliminate hooks and resulting in more forgiving shots. THE PURSUIT OF PURE The finest clubs in our bag have proven their worth on tour and every course they play. Wilson Staff Model Blades offer absolute control to the advanced golfer, allowing them to shape each shot precisely as they see fit. PRECISE TOE WEIGHTING Eliminating the low left shot, the precise toe weighting keeps the club face open while maximizing forgiveness and ultimate control shot after shot. FLUID FEEL HOSEL Designed to eliminate unused weight, the Staff Model Blade hosel is an adaptation of our classic Wilson Dyna-Powered irons. It redistributes weight toward the toe, elevating its overall performance.

$171.43 from Fairway Jockey

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THE BASICS: Better players don’t necessarily want a set of sticks packed with technology throughout the set. If you’re sitting at home nodding along, then Wilson’s Staff Model Blade could be in the wheelhouse. Designed for the golfer who puts a premium on precision, workability, consistency and clean aesthetics (reduced offset and a minimalist look), the Staff Model Blade is a traditional muscleback blade.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF WILSON’S STAFF IRONS