Golfweek

There was a time, not so long ago, when virtually all irons were blades or musclebacks, meaning they didn’t have cavities in the back.

This changed dramatically in the 1980s and 1990s after Karsten Solheim introduced the legendary cavity-back Ping Eye2 in 1983. Most irons today have cavities, or pockets, in the back. Generally speaking, these irons provide more forgiveness on off-center hits and allow golfers to hit their iron shots higher. This is possible because much of the weight is moved from the center of the iron head to the perimeter.

Not that blades and musclebacks have disappeared. Based on several generations of musclebacks and blades, Mizuno Golf has built a worldwide reputation for excellence. Nike Golf thought so highly of blades that it named a set after Tiger Woods.

A muscleback contains a hunk of metal, or a muscle, on the back of the iron. A blade looks clean and sharp like a knife. Usually they are made of forged carbon steel and feature a small amount of hosel offset and a thin top line.

Perhaps it is predictable that the only persimmon-wood club manufacturers left in the United States – Louisville Golf and Joe Powell Golf – have continued to sell customized noncavity irons that recall an earlier era. PGA Tour players frequently say they can achieve better distance control with blades and musclebacks, and they often add that they can maneuver the ball (left, right, high or low) more easily. The following blades and musclebacks meet the 2010 condition of competition specifications for new grooves.

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Titleist 2010 MB

The skinny: Featuring constant blade length along with minimal offset and thin top lines. This is the latest addition to Titleist’s long-standing muscleback family.

Cost: $899.99 (3-PW, steel shafts)

Available: Immediate

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Miura Forged Blade 2007

The skinny: Miura is a famous name in Japanese clubmaking, and Miura irons have been used by many touring pros. The company boasts that it has the “industry’s most consistent hosel” thanks to a “spin welding” process.

Cost: $1,600 (3-PW, optional 2-iron, steel shafts)

Available: Immediate

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Louisville Persimmon Blade 304

The skinny: This is a unique blade that is not forged but rather is cast with 304 stainless steel. The clubheads are larger than traditional blades, which is designed to increase forgiveness on off-center hits. Custom built by master clubmaker Ron Just.

Cost: $799.99 (3-PW, optional AW and SW, steel shafts)

Available: Immediate

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Callaway Tour Authentic X Prototype

The skinny: Designed by well-known clubmaker Roger Cleveland. This is a completely different club than Callaway’s X-Forged and Diablo Forged irons.

Cost: $999.99 (3-PW, optional 2-iron, steel shafts)

Available: Immediate

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Wilson Staff Fg59

The skinny: The Fg59 is a classic blade based on the old Fg17 iron, designed by famous clubmaker Bob Mendralla. Wilson Staff irons have long been popular among touring pros, and the Fg59 initially was inspired by the 59 major championships won with Wilson irons. (That number grew to 61 with Padraig Harrington’s two 2008 major victories, but Wilson decided to keep the 59 designation.)

Cost: $899.99 (3-PW, steel shafts)

Available: Immediate

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Adams Idea Pro Black MB

The skinny: Plated with a black nickel iron finish for a distinctive look. Among the thinnest of soles for muscleback irons.

Cost: $999.99 (3-PW, steel shafts)

Available: Immediate

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Nike Victory Red Forged TW Blades

The skinny: Used by Tiger Woods and several other Nike staff players. Built for shot shaping.

Cost: $899.99 (3-PW, optional 2-iron, steel shafts)

Available: Immediate