Cavity back irons have grown popular in the golf community. Their construction assists players in achieving better gameplay and higher scores, and they also look premium and aesthetically pleasing together with their top-notch performance on the course.

Choosing the right golf club to use can be a stressful and mind-boggling process.

For that very reason, we created this article to inform you about the advantages of cavity back iron golf clubs and how they can improve your overall gameplay and handling.

Coherence between your skills, the club, and the ball can definitely help you in honing your skills more on the course. In this article, we aim to help you reach that goal. Let’s begin. 

Top 10 best cavity back iron clubs

Mizuno MP-20 MMC Cavity Back Irons

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The Mizuno MP-20 MMC Cavity back irons will grant you the feel of playing with a multi-metal club head.

Golfers want to retain the distance and ball speed while also adding more stability to their off-center strikes and that can be achieved with the construction of the Mizuno MP-20.

The forged metal is made of Pure Select steel coated with copper plating and finally enclosed within a protective nickel chrome.

The top line plate is made of thick premium titanium where the ball really hits, and the weight is evenly distributed throughout the club for forgiveness.

The sleek satin and mirror chromatic design gives it an elite and expensive look that does not give off too much glare. This is one of the top choices in the market today. 

Pros

  • Clubhead structure is fine-tuned for optimal feedback and feel
  • Multi-material construction optimizes forgiveness and launch
  • Tungsten weighting for a higher launch angle

Cons

  • Can only be enjoyed by golfers who already have good strikes
  • Less distance compared to others

Cobra Golf 2020 Speedzone One Length Iron Set

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If you’re looking for a lighter club so you can increase the speed of your hits, then the Cobra Golf Speedzone would work well for you.

The engineering is focused on the weighting of the toe and heel. The science behind it is that there is a lower pull from the center of gravity that results in a higher impact upon the momentum of inertia.

To put it simply, the lighter it is, the better angle you can make on launch. It also has a unique and comfortable feel because of the Co-Mold Medallion, which reduces irregularities in vibrations. 

Pros

  • Light carbon topline lowers CG to increase ball speed
  • SpeedBack shaping makes for straighter shots
  • PowerShell technology also improves ball speed

Cons

  • Low spin rates make shorter irons difficult to play
  • Bulky topline is not appealing to everybody’s taste
  • Strong lofts

Titleist T100 Irons

Precision is guaranteed with this genius creation from Titleist. Intended to reduce scores, these tour-quality performance irons cover optimal distance and speed.

This is attributed to the reduced thickness of the club face, which also improves the resilience of the shot as well. Titleist is a known brand in the golf world that comes up with quality equipment that helps players reach their full potential.

The forged cavity gives the handler good control and offers impressive distance. 66g is added to the heel and toe, and tungsten is the material used to produce a dual density that gives it more stability.

There is good interaction between the turf and the soul due to the thin topline, decreased offset, and improved camber.

Other features that come with the Titleist are the innovative blade and hosel lengths and sole widths that result in CG positioning of the cast iron. 

Pros

  • Most blade-like look
  • Thin top-line
  • Traditional look with forgiveness
  • Premier iron that is easy to hit
  • Minimal offset

Cons

  • Titleist look is not favorable to everyone
  • Short blade length
  • Iron does not improve overall gameplay

TaylorMade P790 Irons

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Power and aesthetics combined in one feature-packed forged iron. Those are the things that TaylorMade brought to the golf community when they released the P790 cavity back irons.

Made with high-density tungsten for improved forgiveness and ball speed.

The integrated SpeedFoam technology in the P790 gives a soft feel upon impact but this does not mean that the speed and distance are jeopardized.

The last feature that this product boasts is its ultra-thin face that provides a unique rebound effect and more distance to the club head. This is one of the brilliant creations of forged iron club heads in the market today that has impressed a lot of veteran golfers. 

Pros

  • Forged hollow-bodied construction maximizes forgiveness
  • Ultra-light SpeedFoam improves feel
  • Low-profile tungsten weight for higher launch
  • Speed Pocket increases ball speed
  • Progressive I.C.T. preserves max. ball speed on mishits

Cons

  • None

TaylorMade SIM2 MAX Irons

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TaylorMade SIM2 MAX Irons provide outstanding distance and are ideal for mid-handicappers looking to improve their swing speed.

The SIM2 MAX irons give outstanding consistency at a reasonable price for a first-rate set, thanks to several of the company’s notable innovations, such as the Thru-Slot Speed Pocket and Cap-Back Design.

The set also improves launch for long-distance carries, which translates into greater yards. Each iron has a large sweet spot, which encourages forgiveness and keeps off-center strokes on target without sacrificing speed.

The SIM2 MAX collection, a fantastically powerful set for mid handicappers, gives a great foundation for enhancing your game from the fairway.

Pros

  • New Cap Back design
  • Sweet spot Optimized
  • More forgiving, distance, and feel
  • Easy high and long launch

Cons

  • The topline is a bit thick
  • Wide sole is not for everybody

Wilson Staff D7 Forged Golf Iron Set

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Now we have the Wilson D7 Forged Golf Iron that is slowly climbing up the popularity ladder among tour-level golf players because of its unique Power Hole technology integration along with the innovative head design.

The forged iron of the Wilson D7 went through various tests and combinations that would make for an optimized clubface deflection and contact time between the club face and the golf ball.

For players with a slow swing, the D7 can help in boosting your confidence because of its length, speed, and forgiveness. An added bonus is its justifiable price.

The D7 is engineered as the middle man for game improvement and tour-level club irons.

The manufacturer also took into account the complaints and constructive criticisms for the previous version and applied it to this one so there is a guaranteed noticeable improvement. 

Pros

  • Forgiving cavity-back construction with a traditional feel
  • Power Holes enhance distance, speed, feel, and sound
  • Thinner topline and compact clubhead for Tour-level play

Cons

  • Not suitable for beginners and average golfers

Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Max Iron Set

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The right golf club can definitely improve a player’s gameplay and overall performance.

The Callaway Mavrik Max Irons are designed to improve shot accuracy and lengthen the distance covered by the strike by about 10 yards of your average score.

The forgiveness that it brings makes it worth the price. Because of the emergence of artificial intelligence and the 360 Face Cup technology, the resulting product is without a doubt one of the topnotch performers in the market today. 

Pros

  • Special face architecture boosts spin robustness and ball speed
  • Tungsten-infused weights optimize ball flight and launch
  • Patented urethane microspheres reduces unnecessary vibrations

Cons

  • Chrome heads will mark quite easily 
  • Standard Mavrik iron model increases distance

Callaway Mavrik Pro Irons

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This is the most popular bundle by a lot of players who seek workability and control to match their skills and impart a boost to their gameplay.

The Callaway MAVRIK Pro Irons possess a compact head shape, low lie angle, and topline, along with the same 360 Face Cup technology as its sibling that we previously mentioned.

The patented urethane microspheres are efficiently positioned in the club head for overall improvement of the feel, swing speed, and consistent distance.

It is also made of quality tungsten material.

The elongated irons provide more distance and playability compared to mid and low irons, which give a different type of gravitational center and control when shooting. 

TaylorMade P760 Irons

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The TaylorMade P760 cavity back iron is the one that golfers usually go after if they seek assistance in the use of long irons or want to improve their precision in short irons.

The Speedfoam technology is developed for a boost in forgiveness and adds distance for players who usually miss the cut by a few yards.

It is forged out of a 1025 soft carbon steel combined with a leading edge CoMold Medallion that resembles the feel of ultra-thin iron blades so that the player gains better control of the shot while the ball flight retains consistency after the shot. 

Pros

  • Forged construction for a soft feel
  • Lighter design for additional accuracy, distance, and playability
  • SpeedFoam generates a faster speed
  • Redesigned sole geometry improves turf interaction

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Distance is not that impressive as the P790

Callaway Big Bertha B21 Iron Set Golf Clubs

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The AI-designed Callaways Flash Face Cup generates high ball speed at contact and greater spin robustness.

The 360 Face Cup, which flexes and releases at impact, boosts ball speed even more. A wider sole improves confidence over the ball and interacts well on all turf conditions.

More offset has been added to the head, resulting in a smoother launch, lower spin, and straight flight.

The extra tungsten weighing positioned perfectly lower in the head for low CG increases the high launch.

On mis-hits, the unique urethane microspheres absorb undesirable vibration. The ball speed is maintained, and the feel is superb.

This is a distance club that should appeal to many players looking to enhance their game with the best technology on the market. It’s a visually appealing set that will deliver.

Pros

  • First designed with AI
  • Engineered for ball speed
  • Easy to launch
  • Better spin for golfers with a higher handicap
  • One of the most forgiving iron options available on the market.
  • A fantastic option for golfers in desperate need of game-improvement irons.
  • One of the market’s longest-lasting lines of cavity-back golf irons.

Cons

  • Bulky head look
  • Wide sole not for all

What is cavity-back golf iron?

Perimeter weight is a distinct feature in the cavity back golf irons. This is the major contributor to the improvement of off-center shots that allows players to defy their limits and develop their overall gameplay even further.

The club head of golf irons is made with quality metal. For cavity-backs, the back portion of the club head is hollowed to form a cavity.

The non-hollow kind is referred to as a muscle-back iron. The principle behind this type of engineering is to make the club lighter to inflict more impact on the perimeter.

It alters the contact between the golf ball and the golf club. You can attain a better and stronger hit.

Cavity back golf iron has proven its capability to enhance gameplay and is the most preferred type by mid to high handicap players. Pro golfers also use them, especially during incidents where they need to set their error hits right.

Cavity-back vs. muscle-back irons

Forgiveness is definitely better in terms of golf. The term means “construction and design elements in golf clubs that lessen the effects of bad swings and poor contact with the ball.” And guess which one is capable of this? If you answered cavity-back iron, you are right.

Everything mentioned in the definition, like better contact as well as longer distances, are achieved by cavity-back iron club heads because of the perimeter and tungsten weight and the wide sole.

The muscle-backs, also known as blades, are ideal for advanced and more experienced players because they already have a good handle on the flight and trajectory of the ball and how to line their shots. Fade and draw shots are better achieved with blades. 

Buyer’s guide for your perfect cavity back iron 

Every golfer’s play is unique. You should not disregard your instincts and preferences when you try out different golf clubs or cavity back irons.

Your performance is always optimized when you use equipment that matches your skills and comfort. Here are the factors you need to consider in choosing the cavity back iron that works well for you. 

Cast vs. forged cavity back irons 

This comparison pertains to the method of manufacture of an iron head. The making of cast irons involves the pouring of hot metal into a mold to form the shape of the club head. Forged irons on the other hand, are made by carving the club head from a larger piece of metal.

The latter cost more and also has a different feel that a lot of golfers tend to favor. Forged irons are also more adjustable in terms of lie and loft.

Cast irons can be flexible as well, but they have a higher chance of snapping the heel part due to the rigidity that it developed over the course of its manufacture. 

Design 

Cavity back irons are being patronized by professional golf players. Muscle backs are still being used for the unique characteristic that they possess as well, but when it comes to forgiveness, cavity back irons are the ones most preferred by a lot of players for the great feel that it inflicts upon strike.

The only difference between the cavity back and muscle back is the hollow carved on one side of the club for the former. 

Shaft

Beginner golfers may not be able to appreciate yet the importance of the shafts of the golf club that they use when it comes to their gameplay. The material, flexibility, weight, torque, and kick point all play significant roles in the distance, the force of the strike, and the accuracy of the shot.

There is a right shaft flex that goes well with your swing speed. You can refer to the table below to know what shaft flex is right for you. 

Flex

There is a direct relationship between shaft flex and swing speed. That means that the lower swing speed you have, you need a higher shaft flex, and higher swing speeds need a lower shaft flex.

Below is the table we mentioned for reference. 

Shaft flex Average driver swing speed (mph)Average ball speed (mph)
Ladies flex (L) 53-62>100
Senior flex (A)63-76100-110
Regular (R)77-92110-139
Stiff (S)93-107140-160
Extra stiff (X)  108+160+

Handling a cavity back iron like a pro

Rhythm

Experienced strikers would do even better with cavity back irons. Rhythm is a vital aspect in a lot of fields and sports. Developing a natural rhythm in your movements helps in achieving consistent and accurate shots.

A swing with a graceful rhythm can also help you make the most out of the capabilities of your golf club. Combine this good rhythm with quality cavity back irons and you are sure to reach new limits of gameplay. 

Angle of attack 

The well-designed profile and engineering of a cavity back iron allow for minimal interaction with the turf. A good angle upon attack ensures that the club head moves smoothly along the turf without contact.

A downward angle is important so that the ball does not hit the pointed edge of the club upon impact for a bladed shot. However, an overly steep angle will also lead you to hit the turf at one point and perform a duffed shot. 

Use of cavity back golf irons

Because of the slightly hollowed-out shape on one portion of the club head, weight is reduced in the central portion of the golf club head.

The rest of the weight is distributed towards the sides or perimeter of the club head, which is referred to as perimeter weighting in golf terms.

Even though it may seem insignificant, this actually greatly affects the amount of impact inflicted by the club and received by the ball. This kind of construction increases forgiveness and momentum, among other aspects.

Hooks and slices are still possible to achieve with this kind of club head but are less likely compared to muscle back irons. 

FAQs

Just like every decision you make in life, selecting a good golf club is not an easy decision to make. We have laid out below answers to your most commonly asked questions.

How long do golf irons last?

With proper care and maintenance, cavity back irons can last more than five seasons regardless of the frequency of use, whether in actual games or just practice rounds.

Over time, the groove on cavity back irons can show wear or scratches, and you may notice lesser spin rates. These are indicators for replacement. 

Where is the sweet spot on cavity back irons?

The center of gravity often referred to as the “sweet spot” of golf clubs, particularly cavity back irons, is right in the middle of the club face.

When a golfer hits this spot, there is a high guarantee that maximum impact is inflicted, there is also less twisting, and the ball speed is at its highest possible velocity.

There are some blade-style irons with sweet spots situated near the heel part to lessen the chances of overdraw ball flights and speed. 

What are game improvement irons?

These are simply bigger cavity back irons with a low center of gravity and increased perimeter weighting. It means the groove or hollow is not that deep and this makes for a higher launch and covered distance even with low swing speed.

Game improvement irons are great for players who aim to increase the distance in their shots. 

How do you clean golf irons?

The groove of cavity back irons, the club face, and the grip should be wiped with dry fabric after every shot made.

For regular maintenance and clean-ups, regular dish soaps and warm water can be used to wash the iron face. Use a club brush to remove debris and dirt from the groove.

Do not immerse the club face in hot water as this can result in the degradation of the epoxy that glues the shaft and club head together and cause the two parts to breaking apart. Also, do not keep them in the trunk or back compartment of a car.

Do professional players play with cavity back irons?

Players have the liberty to choose whatever golf club type suits their preference. However, since the olden days, professional players typically use muscle blade irons for reasons such as workability.

But since the invention of cavity back irons and the promise that it has shown in improving gameplay, some professionals and veterans have favored it because of its forgiveness. 

Can a high handicapper or beginner play with cavity back irons? 

Definitely, beginners and high handicappers usually need game improvement irons, and those are cavity back irons.

The design is intended to give the best forgiveness and distance, which is vital in improving gameplay for beginners and high handicappers.

Is a forged cavity back iron set better than a cast iron cavity back set? 

A: Forged and cast are merely methods of manufacture for cavity back irons. However, there are some distinct differences between the two.

For example, forged irons have been shown to have a unique feel, and cast irons are more durable and sturdy. In terms of design, there is no comparison.

So which one should you go for?

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right kind of golf club for you. Aside from the make of the club itself, you also have to ensure that it matches your abilities and style of gameplay.

It will take some time for you to adjust to using new equipment.

You are always free to customize your golf club and combine different parts to form a hybrid type club that caters to your skill level and swing speed. You can simply purchase the iron you will use and the wedges that go with it, and you are good to go.

Make sure to match the club head, shaft, and grip because these will determine the reliability of the connection to the iron, which also affects your consistency in scoring. 

We highly recommend testing out different models first, along with other combinations of shaft and grip, before making a final decision. There are pro shops that provide fitting services for golf club irons that will help you figure out what works best.

Be open-minded. Do not hesitate to try out other options because you never know what possibilities lie ahead. Thank you for your time in reading, and we hope we have provided you with the information you are looking for. Happy playing!