Menu
The cavity silhouette is a popular club head design used in golf. Basically, the design is characterized by a hollowed area along the back of a club head. It was first developed around 50 years ago, and has since been considered a major game changer in the world of golf. So there really is no wondering why cavity back irons have become so popular throughout the years.
The extensive selection of cavity back irons available guarantees that there’s something for everyone. Unfortunately, the variety of choices also makes it difficult to find the right one. How exactly can you pinpoint the best cavity back iron for your skill level and playing style given the hundreds of different picks that satiate the market?
If you’re having a bit of a struggle trying to figure out which cavity back iron is best suited for you, our complete guide on these revolutionary clubs should help you find the ideal one in no time.
As you may already know by now, a cavity back iron is a golf club that features a hollowed surface along the back. This ‘scooped’ out silhouette adds weight to the periphery of the club’s head - a feature commonly called “perimeter weighting.”
What this seemingly basic and unimportant change does is it shifts the weight distribution along the hitting surface of your club head. By reducing the rear load, you get a larger sweet spot that efficiently focuses weight, momentum, and force over a larger area. Ultimately, what you get is greater forgiveness and a larger sweet spot.
Cavity back irons can be used by all users of different levels of expertise and skill. However, they are most recommended for beginners who want to maximize the returns of their swing despite not necessarily having such a polished method. Even then, there are lots of professionals who have also adapted the cavity back iron design simply because it works to improve performance and swing outcomes.
If you’ve got a slow swing speed, you might want to invest in a cavity back iron, too. Because of the way these clubs focus power over a larger surface area, they can produce long shots even with an effortless or low speed swing.
Cavity back irons are popular because they can produce acceptable, perhaps even ideal shots, without requiring the perfect swing. As we all know, achieving the optimal method in golfing isn’t necessarily as easy as it seems, so we could all benefit form a club that could forgive possible issues with our swing.
However, not all cavity back irons are made equally. Some of these clubs might work better for you than others. Now, with that piece of knowledge, you might ask - how can I find the right cavity back for me? Take these tips.
This pertains to the depth of the hollow in the back of the club head which dictates the extent of peripheral weighting. The greater the hollow, the wider the reinforcement along the off-center impact points. This essentially means that even if you don’t hit the ball right on the center of the head, you can still produce a relatively accurate shot.
Cavity depth can come in three varying depths. Shallow depth cavities are what some might call semi-blades, because of their relatively sleeker design compared to mid and full cavity blades. These club heads don’t offer such a large striking surface and have just a slightly larger center point. So they work well for professional golfers who admit that they might not be experts at wielding a blade club, but don’t necessarily need the outright ease that mid to full cavities provide.
To figure out the best depth for you, consider your level of expertise. For those with polished skill but require some assistance with accuracy, a shallow depth can be a great way to leverage your capabilities. Mid to deep cavities are often best suited for players who prefer the comfort of a club that can help them maximize the returns of their swing - whether or not it was the perfect hit.
The material of your club’s shaft also plays a role in its performance. There are three main materials that can be used for a shaft, namely graphite, steel, and combinations of these two.
Generally speaking, graphite is much more lightweight. This lends reasonable flexibility to the design which can improve the transmission of force through the club.
The downside of graphite is that it can reduce the feel of the shot. Upon impact, a flexible club will reduce feedback, so you may not be able to replicate the shot later on. This results to inconsistent shots, especially if you’re a first timer. What’s more, graphite shafts tend to be more expensive compared to steel.
Steel club shafts on the other hand are more common. They’re cheaper, heavier, and less flexible. Professional golfers often prefer steel because of the feedback it provides, allowing users to better adapt their skill to generate specific outcomes. They’re durable and affordable, but they’re often considered better suited for larger players with stronger swings.
Combination shafts use both graphite and steel, and typically incorporate the flexible material into the tip of its length. The steel improves feedback while the graphite adds a touch of flexibility to give a little extra oomph upon impact. These shafts might take some getting used to, but they are versatile and suitable for both beginners and professionals.
Do you fancy yourself a professional player, a beginner, or an intermediate golfer? Do you play often, or are you only on the green when the guys invite you to a game? Understanding how often you play and how you play will let you know how much you should spend on your clubs.
Unless you’re truly invested in the game, you might not actually find too much of a purpose to expensive clubs. If you really want to join the pros though, you might find better performance and more room to improve with a club that lets you explore your potential with premium design and construction.
Coming from one of the most prominent brands in the golf market, the Callaway Strata Complete Set is one of the finest cavity back club sets you’ll find. This 12-piece set features a 5 cavity back irons from 6-PW to cater to a wide range of swing strengths.
What we particularly appreciate about the Callaway cavity back irons is that they’re designed with mid-depth hollows that increase the striking accuracy for easier, more forgiving shots. But at the same time, they do offer a bit of a learning opportunity so that players don’t rely solely on the club to produce accurate shots. They’re exceptionally durable, made with a combination shaft that features the flexibility of graphite and the durability of steel.
As the most expensive clubs on our list, the Callaway Strata Set is a bit of an investment. That said, they’re ideal for users who expect to spend more time on the green, or who want to improve their performance with a premium set that allows the ability to learn new skills.
Looking for a set of cavity back irons that’s right on the budget? The Prosimmon Golf X9 V2 Tall +1” Graphite/Steel Golf Club Set might just be what you’re looking for. With combination shafts, these clubs allow impressive feedback while still adding a touch of power to each swing. So what you get is a set that allows consistency without dampening the distance of your shots.
The cavity back irons included in the set range from 5 to 9, and include one putting wedge to give you a collection of clubs for a variety of situations. The long shaft’s are great not only for taller players, but for golfers who might experience some back pain and limitation of motion that could impede their capability to achieve the ideal posture during a swing.
On top of all that, the clubs are exceptionally affordable. At just slightly over 200 dollars, you’re getting a set of clubs that includes everything you might need to visit the green, and offers superb performance despite its light price tag.
If you want just the irons, then the 10-piece Single Swing Golf Iron Set could be a good pick. These clubs range form 4-9 irons, and include two wedges to boot. They’re practical, simple, and offer an adjustable shaft length so you can achieve the optimal height to meet your postural needs. The Single Swing Golf Clubs also feature a durable construction that combines both graphite and steel for the ideal marriage of flexibility and feedback.
For beginners, intermediate players, and recreational golfers, the Single Swing Golf Iron Set can be a great pick. They minimize the risk of inconsistencies, provide the opportunity to learn, and add a few features to help you get the perfect swing even if you don’t necessarily have the perfect skills.
Cavity back irons are an ideal choice for beginners who want to learn, and more advanced players who don’t necessarily have all the confidence to guarantee a great shot each and every time. There are tons of choices out there - which one do you like best?
If you ask us, the Callaway Strata Complete Golf Set might just be the ultimate choice. Made from premium materials, and boasting a mid-depth cavity, these clubs provide both control and versatility, making them perfect companions on the fairway. So in many ways, they’re not just the best cavity back iron set, but also the best game improvement irons to help step up your swing.
