Review: Honma TR21X

Overview:

The Honma TR21X irons strike a perfect balance between the sleek aesthetics of a players iron and the forgiving nature of a game-improvement club. They’ve got the looks to impress and the technology to back it up, making them a standout option for golfers who want it all.

The Tech:

If you’re familiar with the players distance category—like TaylorMade’s P790—you’ll recognize the recipe here. These irons feature a hollow-body construction filled with proprietary foam and strategically placed tungsten weighting: 42 grams in the 4-iron, 50 grams in the 5-7 irons, and a hefty 73 grams in the 8-11 irons. The face, a super-thin 2.2mm made from C300 material, delivers high ball speeds, while the L Cup design (on the 4-7 irons) boosts the sweet spot and minimizes distance loss on lower-face strikes.

Honma offers two in-house graphite shaft options to pair with the heads. The Vizard TR-20 (65g) is a counter-balanced shaft that boosts swing speed, with a touch of mid-shaft stiffness for better clubhead control and consistency. The Vizard IB-WF85, meanwhile, blends stainless steel fibers with Bolfur® metallic fiber to mimic the feel of steel shafts, offering a unique vibration-dampening effect and a rigid profile for high launches and versatile short-game shots. For traditionalists, there’s also a steel option: the Nippon NS Pro 950GH neo.

The Look:

Honma’s reputation for craftsmanship shines through with the TR21X. At address or from the back, these irons could easily pass for a pure players set—clean, sharp, and refined. The only hints of their game-improvement DNA are the slightly visible cavity in the 4 and 5 irons and a subtle offset when viewed from the top. Still, they’re undeniably gorgeous.

The Test:

We tested a set from 6-iron through 11-iron—yep, 11. The inclusion of a 10 and 11 iron (think pitching and gap wedge equivalents) is a refreshing touch; traditional letter markings on irons can feel outdated, so this numbering system is a win in our book.

The lofts are on the stronger side—the 7-iron clocks in at 30°—and when you catch one pure, the ball rockets off the face like it’s got somewhere to be. What sets the TR21X apart is how it marries that explosive feel with a premium sound. Launch and spin are well-balanced too, keeping the distance in check rather than letting these turn into uncontrollable distance beasts—which we appreciate.

The Conclusion:

The Honma TR21X irons are a brilliant blend of style, forgiveness, and performance. They look like they belong in a low-handicapper’s bag but play with enough leniency to suit a wide range of golfers. With smart tech, thoughtful shaft options, and a feel that’s as good as it gets, these irons deliver on their promise without overcomplicating things. If you’re after a set that’s equal parts sophisticated and practical, the TR21X is tough to beat.