You could gain 33 yards just by switching to these golf irons
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Click the arrow to see how we conducted our 2025 golf irons test
We tested 69 irons across every major brand to find out which models go the furthest. Here we reveal the longest golf iron of 2025, plus the pros and cons of these distance-boosting models.
There’s a lot more to choosing the best golf iron than distance.
You’ll want to consider things like forgiveness, spin rate, peak height, launch and descent angle, plus head shape, turf interaction, feel, and more.
We’ve covered all that in our guide to the best golf irons, but if you just want to know which models fly the furthest, you’ve come to the right place.
The longest golf iron of 2025
If you’re chasing pure distance, nothing outshone the Cobra DS Adapt in our 2025 golf iron test. With a 7-iron carry distance of 194.3 yards, this thing is a rocket launcher. It outperformed the next longest model, the Wilson Dynapower, by over a yard, was 19.2 yards longer than the test average, and a whopping 32.8 yards longer than some models.
So what makes the Cobra DS Adapt irons fly so far?
- Ball speed was the highest on test at 129.5 mph. Ball speed determines potential distance. The test average was 120.2mph and some models produced just 113.7mph, which results in significantly less distance.
- A loft of 27° plays a big part. Stronger lofts typically mean more distance, which is why a 6-iron goes further than a 9-iron. Strong-lofted irons will almost always fly considerably further than irons with more ‘traditional’ lofts. Several of the 7-irons tested have 34° loft, so some would argue these 27-28° options are more like 5-irons in disguise, at least in comparison.
- Launch angle (15.6°) and spin rate (4,667 rpm) were relatively low, helping to reduce ballooning and keep the ball penetrating forward.
- But, despite that hot flight, it still peaked at 33.5 yards with a descent angle of 46.2°, so there’s enough stopping power for most golfers.
This is a seriously strong option for golfers who prioritize distance over workability or feel.
Pros
- Optimized TECFLO™ design for versatile performance
- Foam-filled hollow body improves feel and sound
- SPEEDSHELL and H.O.T. Face boost distance and speed
- Customizable shaft options for better fit
Cons
- Less forgiving than DS-ADAPT MAX irons
One possible downside to the Cobra DS Adapt irons
Whilst the 4,667 rpm spin rate wasn’t the lowest on test, it was significantly below the test average of 5,327 rpm. At our tester’s swing speed, that wasn’t a problem, as he generated enough spin to keep peak height and descent angle at a playable level. But golfers with slow swing speeds and low spin rates may struggle to generate enough spin to get the most from this iron. That’s not to say they’ll definitely be no good for you – it all depends on your individual swing and impact characteristics – but it’s something to keep an eye on if you go and test them.
The other longest golf irons of 2025
The Cobra DS Adapt wasn’t the only iron we tested that delivered impressive carry distance numbers.
| Model | Loft (º) | Ball Speed (mph) | Carry (yds) | Spin (rpm) | Descent Angle (º) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cobra DS Adapt | 27 | 129.5 | 194.3 | 4,667 | 46.2 |
| Wilson Dynapower | 28 | 127.8 | 193.1 | 4,882 | 44.9 |
| TaylorMade Qi | 28 | 125.9 | 187.0 | 5,231 | 47.3 |
| Callaway Elyte X | 28 | 125.6 | 187.9 | 5,088 | 46.8 |
| Cleveland Zipcore XL | 29 | 125.1 | 187.4 | 5,322 | 48.1 |
All of these irons are part of the game-improvement category – strong-lofted, hollow-body designs built for speed and forgiveness.
Here’s why you might choose each one…
Cobra DS Adapt
The fastest and longest iron in the test. Ideal for players with slower swing speeds who need launch and carry help alongside extra distance – provided they can generate enough spin. It’s also one of the most modern-looking, with a tech-heavy design and lots of ball speed built in. Read our full Cobra DS Adapt irons review.
Wilson Dynapower
The second-longest iron in the test features a low center of gravity to boost launch and plenty of offset to stop shots carving off to the right. They generate huge distance easily, while the low spin will be a treat for some but a problem for others. Read our full Wilson Dynapower irons review.
TaylorMade Qi
A strong, high-launching iron with surprising height and spin for its category. It flew far, but what stood out is how playable it felt – a good blend of power and control for mid- to high-handicappers. Read our full TaylorMade Qi irons review.
Callaway Elyte X
Very similar to the Qi in loft and performance. It carried long and felt hot off the face, but Callaway irons often bring a slightly softer feel thanks to their urethane microspheres. If you want distance but feel matters to you, this is a top contender. Read our full Callaway Elyte X irons review.
Cleveland Zipcore XL
A bit of a sleeper pick. It combines distance with an unexpectedly high peak height and steep descent angle, helping it hold greens better than most in this distance bracket. Read our full Cleveland Zipcore XL irons review.
Why distance isn’t everything: The drawbacks to power irons
Yes, it’s tempting to chase the longest iron possible – especially if your ego takes a hit when your buddies hit 9-iron while you’re reaching for a 6-iron on a par-3. But before you rush into buying the longest model on this list, consider this:
- Stronger lofts usually mean lower spin. For some golfers, that can make it harder to get the ball in the air sufficiently. And for some golfers, on some courses, lower spin can make it harder to control shots and hold greens, especially if the ground is firm or you’re coming in from distance.
- Flatter descent angles make it harder to stop the ball. Several of the longest irons here launch low and come in shallow. That’s fine if you play soft courses but can be a problem if you regularly play on firmer, faster greens.
- You’ll need to adjust your bag gapping. If your pitching wedge now carries 150 yards, you might end up with a big jump to your gap or sand wedge. At the other end of your bag, you may find you have multiple clubs that fly similar distances.
- Forgiveness often comes at the cost of feedback. Hollow-bodied or wide-soled distance irons often feel loud, clicky, or a little “dead” compared to forged or players-style models.
- Irons are for hitting a target, not just as far as possible. Accuracy, spin, and consistent launch windows may help your scores far more than a few extra yards.
The bottom line
When choosing the best golf irons for your game, distance is a factor – but it shouldn’t be the only factor. Look at your own game. If you already hit it high and far, you might benefit more from spin, precision, and tighter dispersion. If distance is your main problem, one of these distance-boosting irons could be a game-changer and help you reach more greens.
Want more than just distance?
Check out our full Best Golf Irons 2025 guide, where we rank and compare irons for feel, forgiveness, shot shape, value, and more.
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What is the longest golf iron in 2025?
