Vice and Wilson vs Titleist, TaylorMade and Srixon Irons

Can a cheaper golf iron compete with some of the biggest names in the game? That is the question behind our latest EP Golf Studios comparison, putting Vice and Wilson alongside Titleist, TaylorMade and Srixon.

We tested the Titleist T150, TaylorMade P770, Srixon ZXi7, Wilson Staff Model XB and Vice VGI03. To make the comparison more meaningful, we used the same shaft throughout and equalised loft and lie as closely as possible.

The aim was to look beyond the badge and examine what each iron head was doing. We considered ball speed, launch, spin, carry distance, flight, dispersion and consistency, rather than treating the longest shot as the whole story.

Does spending more actually get you more? This test explores that question through performance, with the same principle that guides our fittings: find the equipment that works for the golfer holding it.

Which irons did we compare?

Our comparison brought together five models:

• Titleist T150

• TaylorMade P770

• Srixon ZXi7

• Wilson Staff Model XB

• Vice VGI03

Vice and Wilson were the lower-cost alternatives in the question we set out to investigate. Titleist, TaylorMade and Srixon provided the established-brand comparison.

However, the purpose was not simply to divide the clubs into expensive and cheaper options. We wanted to understand whether there was a meaningful performance difference once some of the biggest specification variables were controlled.

That distinction matters when you are choosing irons. A familiar name might get a club onto your shortlist, but it does not tell you how that club will perform in your hands.

How we tested: the same shaft and matched specifications

An iron comparison needs more context than a model name and a carry number. Our approach was to use the same shaft and equalise loft and lie as closely as possible, so we could focus more closely on the heads.

This was a controlled head comparison, rather than a comparison of five untouched, standard-specification clubs. It was also not a separate, fully optimised fitting for each model. Those are different questions, and it is useful to know which one a test is answering.

Why use the same shaft?

We used the same shaft throughout to remove a major equipment variable. Otherwise, a comparison could involve a different head and a different shaft at the same time, making it harder to identify what was behind a change in performance.

For this video, the focus was the iron head. In a fitting, we take the next step and test the wider setup, including different shafts, to find what works for the individual golfer.

Why equalise loft and lie?

We equalised loft and lie as closely as possible because differences in specification can distort an iron comparison. The objective was to give the heads a more consistent starting point and make the performance discussion more useful.

“As closely as possible” is an important part of the method. We are not claiming that every variable was removed or that the clubs became identical. We controlled the stated specifications to help isolate the head comparison more closely.

What performance did we look at?

We examined the complete picture, including:

- Ball speed, launch angle and spin rate.

- Carry distance, peak height and descent angle.

- Front-to-back dispersion and overall ball flight.

- Forgiveness and consistency.

These are the areas we wanted to assess across the five irons. The comparison asks what you get for your money across those measures, rather than reducing value to one headline number.

Speed and carry distance

Ball speed and carry distance are central parts of the comparison, but we considered them alongside the rest of the flight. A distance figure on its own cannot explain the complete performance of an iron.

Our question was not simply which model could produce the longest individual shot. We wanted to look at how each head performed across the measures in the test and whether any apparent advantage remained convincing in that wider context.

Launch, spin and landing flight

Launch angle, spin rate, peak height and descent angle were all included. Together, those measurements give the comparison more depth than distance alone.

For a golfer researching new irons, this is why watching the full ball-flight discussion matters. The useful question is how the different parts of the performance fit together, and how that picture relates to what you need from your irons.

Dispersion, forgiveness and consistency

We also looked at front-to-back dispersion, forgiveness and overall consistency. Those areas keep the comparison focused on the wider pattern of performance, rather than allowing a standout shot to define a club.

When reviewing the video, consider the repeated outcomes alongside the strongest shots. The aim is to understand each option more fully and decide what deserves further testing for your own game.

Are more expensive irons worth it?

That is the central question, but price alone cannot answer it. Our comparison was designed to investigate whether the premium names offered a measurable performance advantage and how closely Vice and Wilson could compete under the stated test conditions.

We did not set out merely to crown one iron “the best”. We wanted a useful discussion about value: what the heads actually did, which differences mattered, and whether paying more translated into more useful performance.

The same approach applies when you visit us for a fitting. A club has to earn its place through testing. The brand on the back should not decide the recommendation before you have hit it.

What this iron comparison means for your fitting

A controlled comparison is a useful starting point for researching equipment. It can help you ask better questions and consider options you might otherwise overlook.

It cannot replace testing with your own swing. The best-performing club in a particular test may not be the best-performing club for you, and a shared test specification is not necessarily your ideal fitted specification.

At EP Golf Studios, we benchmark your current equipment before exploring alternatives. We test heads, shafts, lofts, lies and setups, analyse the complete ball flight and explain why an option performs better for you.

We do not choose your equipment simply because of your handicap, swing speed or what a fitting chart says you should use. We use your performance in the fitting to guide the process.

Questions Golfers Are Asking

Can cheaper golf irons compete with premium brands?

That is the question our Vice and Wilson comparison investigates. We tested them alongside Titleist, TaylorMade and Srixon using the same shaft and closely equalised loft and lie. The purpose was to assess measurable performance rather than assume the answer from the price or brand. For your own purchase, compare the options in a fitting and consider the complete results.

Which Vice and Wilson irons were tested?

We tested the Vice VGI03 and Wilson Staff Model XB against the Titleist T150, TaylorMade P770 and Srixon ZXi7. These are the specific models in this comparison, rather than a verdict on every iron each manufacturer makes. The test focused on how these five heads performed with the same shaft and loft and lie equalised as closely as possible.

Why use the same shaft in an iron comparison?

Using the same shaft removes one of the equipment variables that could otherwise complicate a head comparison. Our aim was to look more closely at what each head was doing. A personal fitting has a wider purpose: at EP Golf Studios, we also test different shafts and setups to understand which combination performs best for the golfer.

Is the longest iron always the best choice?

Distance was one part of our comparison, alongside launch, spin, peak height, descent angle, dispersion, forgiveness and consistency. Our aim was not to name a winner from a single carry figure. When choosing your own irons, assess the complete performance in a fitting and ask why a particular setup is being recommended for your game.

Can I book an iron fitting in Newbury, Berkshire?

Yes. EP Golf Studios offers professional custom fitting in Newbury, Berkshire. We benchmark your existing equipment, test different heads, shafts and specifications, and explain the performance differences using the complete ball flight. If you want to investigate which irons work best for your game, visit our website and book a fitting with the team.

Find the irons that perform best for you

The question behind this test is simple: does paying more actually get you more? The way to explore it is through a meaningful comparison, with clear test conditions and a complete view of performance.

Our Vice and Wilson test puts that approach into practice alongside Titleist, TaylorMade and Srixon. Watch the video to follow the comparison, then use it as a starting point for your own equipment questions.

If you want a thorough, honest and data-driven fitting, come and see us at EP Golf Studios in Newbury, Berkshire. We will benchmark your current clubs, explore different options and explain exactly why a setup performs better for you.

Book your custom fitting at EP Golf Studios.

For more equipment comparisons and fitting discussions, subscribe to the EP Golf Studios YouTube channel.