There are as many opinions about which clubs are the best as there are different brands of clubs. What you need to look at is "What you need in a set of clubs". Do you need a club that is more forgiving on off-center hits, or clubs that help you get the ball higher in the air, or ones that help you close the face better at impact? You, and whom ever is teaching your or giving you guidance in your swing, need to figure out what you want/need out of your clubs. (Sorry...no-miss-hit clubs are not available yet). Then you start looking at the brands who make clubs to fit that purpose that are still in your price range. Ping, Callaway, Cobra, Mizuno, Cleveland, ect....all make good clubs. It's finding what looks good and feels right to you. There are also good clubs that run a little cheaper than the ones mentioned, like Tour Edge, which comes with a lifetime warranty! Unless it's very evident your smacked a tree or your golf cart in anger they will replace your broken club and/or shaft for free.
Once you figure out which brands you want to look at then go somewhere where you can actually hit, say a seven iron of each brand. You will notice differences in feel, looks, and how each club reacts to YOUR swing. From there YOU will decide which brand is for you.
I have three sets that I utilize, a Tommy Amoure set, A Tour Edge set, and a King Cobra set. I like them all, but find I can do better with one set over another on different courses.
That's my 2 1/2 cents worth! Good luck on meeting your goals!