The Fully Equipped team at GOLF recently conducted extensive robotic testing on a variety of irons and highlighted their top picks in the latest episode of their podcast. With numerous impressive options available, selecting just one favorite was a difficult task. However, they managed to identify the irons that stood out for various reasons. Here are their notable choices:
Cobra Darkspeed
According to Gene Parente, founder of Golf Laboratories, the Cobra Darkspeed is a rock-solid iron that caters to the average golfer. He personally finds it appealing and believes listeners should consider its characteristics and potential benefits.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke
Parente also gives a nod to the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke iron. Similar to the Cobra Darkspeed, it impressed him as a club that he would personally choose to play. Again, he encourages listeners to explore its features and performance.
Cleveland ZipCore XL
Kris McCormack, VP of Tour and Education at True Spec, singles out the Cleveland ZipCore XL as his favorite among the options. McCormack praises the iron for its versatility and emphasizes the wide range of players it can work well for. He acknowledges the abundance of great products in the market but explains why the ZipCore XL stands out.
Ping G730
Jonathan Wall, GOLF’s managing equipment editor, selects the Ping G730 as his top choice. The iron boasts impressive ball speed and exhibits one of the tightest heel-toe carry deltas. Wall notes that it is one of the few irons with a single-digit carry delta on both heel and toe misses. Additionally, he appreciates the clean profile and limited offset, making it suitable for higher-handicap golfers who prefer a refined look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What makes the Cobra Darkspeed and Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke unique?
A: Both the Cobra Darkspeed and Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke irons stood out during robotic testing due to their exceptional performance and solid design. These clubs cater to average golfers, delivering the characteristics they desire.
Why does Kris McCormack prefer the Darkspeed?
Kris McCormack appreciates the Darkspeed for its impressive performance as a sleeper in the drawer. He highlights its versatility, stating that it can benefit a wide range of player types.
What makes the Cleveland ZipCore XL a valuable option?
Ryan Barath, GOLF.com’s senior equipment editor, acknowledges the ZipCore XL as one of the most cost-effective irons on the list. Despite its reasonable price, the ZipCore XL delivers excellent performance and features an oversized design. It is a standard cavity-back iron that suits mid-handicap golfers looking for a hollow-bodied option.
What sets the Ping G730 apart?
Jonathan Wall considers the Ping G730 as one of the top choices due to its outstanding ball speed, tight heel-toe carry deltas, and clean profile with limited offset. It caters to higher-handicap golfers who prefer a refined iron without compromising on forgiveness.


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