I do not see it as that simple. Yes, lofts are stronger on newer game improvement irons but the technology of moving CG lower and using tungsten weighting allows stronger lofts to launch higher and spin more. I agree that people put too much emphasis on the number on the bottom of the club and really should concentrate on knowing their own distance and setting up their irons based on consistency and trajectory. That said, there is no denying that technology improvements are real and no one wants to go back to playing the game every day with the old clubs from the 1960’s.

I think there is a little more to it than just the loft and club number. What if my T350 6 iron goes 15 yards past, with higher launch than my old 5 iron? Same with my T200 short clubs. My new 9 iron goes further and higher than my old 714 8 iron.

The 620 irons haven’t changed lofts - you are correct that any additional distance would be from jacking the loft. Starting with the T150 through the T400’s, the lofts being jacked is not the sole technology to increase distance. Moving to forged faces and redistributing the mass by adding tungsten, the lofts can achieve similar launch and descent angles to the old lofts. In effect, the 6 iron plays like a 6 iron but is longer.
When it comes to woods, there are restrictions on distance by limiting COR or CT. Each release Titleist tries to get out another 1-3 yards for the robot. For those of neither a robot nor Tom Watson on hitting on center by the size of a dime, the GT line will markedly improve distance, direction, and spin for off center hits compared to a 917. Not to mention the improvements in shaft technology from 8 years ago. Personally, I try not to wear a spot on the face by hitting across the entire face…

To assume that a new release will change a handicap from the last release is overly optimistic. But saying a current release is all marketing over 3-4 releases ago misses the point as well. I have been an AP1/T300 user forever, but my 3rd generation T200 irons have been a joy. Alas, my pitching and putting have not taken advantage of iron shots to dramatically change my handicap

It's mostly marketing. I could care less if I hit a new model 10 yards further. I care about consistent distances and knowing how far the ball is going to go. That said, some models (such as T150) have stronger lofts because weight is moved lower in the club head, increasing loft and spin. The reduced loft is necessary to counteract that increase. Other models and brands are just designed to go further, and nothing else.

Each of the responses make valid points. Changes in club face materials and adding/removing weight does play a part in how far a ball will travel when struck properly.
I believe woods have improved more than irons. It was 20-25 years ago when woods still came with steel shafts.

Good points team Titleist. Most change the loft on their's anyhow to gain extra yardage when they order them. If you ask the average golfer what they want, consistency/accuracy or distance and most would choose distance.

You are so correct, Brother. Todays golf industry focuses exclusively on distance. When is the last time you heard an iron advertisement say "this is not the longest iron, but is the most accurate". I will take accuracy over distance any day. I still play a set of miz MP 57 irons (6 iron is 31 degrees).

My thumbnail is a mix. The images below have two Sunday bags.

I can hit my Apex Plus 9 iron the same distance as the MB. My T100S 9 iron (39*) and the MB 8 iron (38*) swing exactly the same.

The difference in drivers and fairways is noticeable. Ditto with putters.

I was using the newest titleist clubs, and I just went back to 975D with an x100 shaft, napa putter, and 690.mb 2 through PW.

Golf is what you want it to be.