3 Unexpected Player’s Irons That Surprised Us in Testing
Hey there, golf enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you eagerly await the latest gear and innovations to elevate your game. When it comes to player’s irons, you probably have a few brands in mind that always seem to dominate the discussion: the big names that have been around forever and are basically household staples in the world of golf. But here’s the scoop—sometimes, under-the-radar brands come out swinging and surprise us all. In today’s article, we’ll dig into three unexpected player’s irons that really made us take notice this year.
Vice VGI01: The Dark Horse of Distance
First up on our list is the Vice VGI01. Now, let’s be honest—a direct-to-consumer brand that challenges the heavyweights? Sounds unlikely, right? But hold onto your golf bags, because this beauty smashed expectations by scoring an impressive 9.7 in distance, the best out of 22 competing irons! Priced at $799.99, this iron is not just a pretty face—it’s also one of the most wallet-friendly options on our list.
Sure, accuracy and forgiveness numbers could be a little better, but for those of you who are confident ball-strikers hungry for distance, this could be your new best friend. Just keep in mind, if you’re looking for that extra help with consistency, you might want to explore other options.
- ✅ Shortest iron in the test (Distance Score: 9.7)
- ✅ Fabulously priced under $800
However, if your game needs a little more help with accuracy or if you’re seeking consistency, you might want to look elsewhere.
Toura SCB-1: The Accuracy Champion
Next, let’s give a shout-out to the Toura SCB-1. At just $750, this iron came into our test like an underdog—but boy, did it deliver! It scored impressively with 9.4 for accuracy and a jaw-dropping 9.5 for forgiveness. Yes, you heard that right. Although its distance score didn’t blow anyone away, landing last in the distance department, it stood strong in precision and consistency.
For those players focused on hitting greens in regulation rather than chasing long yardage, the Toura SCB-1 was an unexpected frontrunner, even tying for the best forgiveness score in the entire test!
- ✅ Top-notch accuracy and forgiveness
- ✅ Best value for a forged, tour-caliber CB at $750
Just a heads up though—if you’re someone who craves stronger lofts or distance help, this may not be your cup of tea. Also, the limited brand exposure might make some folks a tad skeptical.
Orka RS10 CB: The Undercover Contender
Last but not least is the Orka RS10 CB. If you were surprised that Vice and Toura had made a name for themselves, just wait until you hear about Orka! Finishing third overall in our player’s iron test, this iron boasted excellent scores with 9.3 for accuracy and 9.4 for forgiveness. It even bested big brands like Titleist, Mizuno, and PING!
While its distance performance might have been a bit lackluster, scoring an average 8.1, its tight shot patterns and steady performance are what players crave in their irons. Just a little bump in the road—if you’re a player who dislikes offset, you may want to check this one out in person before committing.
- ✅ Stellar top-three finish overall
- ✅ Fantastic accuracy (9.3) and forgiveness (9.4)
However, don’t overlook the price point—this one comes in at $1,350, making it one of the more premium options in the running.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Sleep on These Irons
The player’s iron test always brings some surprises, and this year was no different. If you’re in the market for new sticks, don’t write off these lesser-known names just yet. Sometimes, they offer a refreshing change from the usual suspects we all know and love.
If you’re still not sure if any of these options are right for you, don’t fret! We’ve got a complete guide to the best player’s irons of 2025. So, whether you’re hitting the greens for fun or something more serious, it’s always smart to explore!
Happy golfing, folks! Keep swinging and remember, it’s not always about the big names—sometimes, the surprise packages can take your game to the next level.
