Short answer: for most golfers, magnetic iron covers are the better choice. They go on and come off with one hand, they have no hook and loop strip to wear out or snag your glove and towel, and they stay quiet in the bag. Velcro covers can hold a little tighter on oversized clubheads, but the closure loses grip and collects lint over time.
How each closure works
Magnetic covers have a small magnet sewn into each side of the opening. When the cover is on the club, the two sides pull together and close around the hosel. To take it off, you pull the cover and the magnets let go.
Velcro covers use a hook and loop strip across the opening or a flap. You press the strip closed after the cover is on and peel it open to remove it.
Side by side
| Magnetic | Velcro | |
|---|---|---|
| Putting on and taking off | One motion, one hand | Two steps, often two hands |
| Noise | Quiet | Loud rip every time you open it |
| Wear over time | Magnets do not wear out | Hooks fill with lint and grass and lose grip |
| Snagging | Nothing to catch | Can catch gloves, towels and bag fabric |
| Hold | Secure on standard irons | Can be cinched tighter on large clubheads |
Why golfers switch to magnetic
Speed between shots
Iron covers only help if you actually put them back on. A cover that snaps shut in one motion is much more likely to go back on after every shot than one you have to line up and press closed.
No hook and loop to wear out
Hook and loop strips are the first thing to fail on most covers. Grass, sand and lint fill the hooks, the grip weakens, and covers start falling off in the cart. A magnet keeps the same pull season after season.
Quiet on the course
Opening a Velcro cover makes a loud rip, which some golfers find distracting at address or on a quiet tee box. Magnetic covers open silently.
When Velcro still makes sense
If your irons have very large or unusually shaped heads, a Velcro cover with an adjustable strap can be cinched tighter. If you mostly keep covers on for travel and rarely take them off during a round, the closure matters less.
What to look for in a magnetic iron cover set
- Numbers on both sides so you can read the cover from either side of the bag and use it for left handed clubs.
- A full set that matches the irons you carry, usually 4 iron through LW.
- A soft lining to protect the clubface from chips and scratches.
- Wipe clean material such as PU leather, which shrugs off rain and dirt.
Our magnetic leather iron covers check every box: 10 covers from 4 iron to LW, hidden magnetic closure, numbers embroidered on both sides and a soft lined interior. Not sure what fits? See the head cover fit guide.