Not everyone can hit a blade—in fact, even a lot of the best players in the world shy away from a blade set. The next options usually involve muscle back or cavity back irons that offer a touch more technology and additional perimeter weighting to make it easier on mere mortals. The good thing is there are plenty of versions on the market from a variety of manufacturers, allowing you to find a cavity back iron that fits your specific abilities. Add the fact that forged cavity back irons have the same smooth feel as blades, and you have a winner, especially for the better golfer.

 TaylorMade P7MC

TaylorMade updated its P7MC line in 2020, offering the best players a cavity back option for those seeking something beyond P790 or P770.  While the muscle back version of the clubs—the P7MB—was created for the world’s best ballstrikers like Rory McIlroy, the P7MC targeted those tour golfers while also appealing to the better low-handicap players who still want a tour look, but prefer the muscle cavity back performance. You get some advanced tech and forgiveness in these sharp irons, but truthfully these are clubs for an exacting player.

Are they for you?

Do you have your name on your bag, or that’s your goal? Then you’re going to want to check these out.

Cobra KING Tour MIM

What do you do when forging isn’t providing the feel you want? If you’re Cobra, you create a new process called Metal Injection Molding (MIM), which the company says is the most precise way to make an iron that really dials in the distance.

The MIM process is an evolution in manufacturing that is used to create the most precise and intricate shapes. Cobra says the result is a pure, soft iron aimed at truly discerning golfers.

Are they for you?

Like everything Cobra does, this provides an alternative for the better player. While the company is known for offering game improvement irons, KING Tour MIM proved the company could offer the top recreational golfers an option as well.

Callaway X Forged CB 

Using an innovative multi-material construction process that includes a buttery 1025 mild carbon steel body, Callaway’s X Forged CB irons provide premium performance features that will most benefit low handicap players. By incorporating the latest technologies for a more forgiving face, and strategically placing weight throughout the club head for improved feel, the new X Forged CB delivers a look and consistency worthy of being played by the game’s best.

Are they for you?

If you think you need something beyond this year’s Apex irons, you’ll want to check out these sexy cavity back options. Forgiving and aesthetically pleasing, these will work for most better golfers.

Srixon ZX7

Srixon says their ZX7 is offering “incredible feel” with great shot shaping ability. Like many player’s irons, these offer a mix of speed and control, in this instance they feel like a blade, with the tech you find in most cavity back sets. The irons use a multi-material construction in the long irons through to the 7-iron, but offer the feel and forgiveness you typically don’t find in clubs aimed at better players. Some reviews have said the level of forgiveness in ZX7 made the irons “special,” and they offer the exacting results good players demand.

Are they for you?

A sleeper many might overlook, Srixon is played by a lot of the best on the PGA Tour. Worth investigating.

Mizuno JPX 921 Tour

The previous version of JPX’s tour irons were used to win major championships, often by players who weren’t under contract to play them. The new version continues the expected precision expected from Mizuno, with enough stability from off-center strikes. But who are we kidding—these are aimed at the best players, or those who aspire to be counted among them. Forged from 1025E Pure Select Mild Carbon steel, the JPX921 Tour provides the tour feel one would expect, while the stability frame provides the toe bias weighting that promotes a straighter, more consistent flight.

Are they for you?

Mizuno’s forged irons are renowned the world over, which is why you see unsponsored PGA Tour players use them to win major championships. If you’re a good player aspiring to be great, these are sure to be an option.