Lots of good advice through experience here. Take them and filter out for what works for you at the moment. Some might not be making any sense right now but it will eventually down the journey.
One word for distance, Quote Ben Hogan who was regarded as the GOAT for iron play. “Accelerate through the golf ball”.
Chew on this for a few moments, the top speed of your golf swing is not at the golf ball but pass it. Just like the divot from the iron play, should be in front of the golf ball.
The heavier static weight hindered your ability to accelerate through. Not only physically but mentally you have to train yourself to accelerate the club head through the golf ball with a heavier weight. It is not just a mere 20 grams of extra weight sitting there, swinging the extra weight with 70-90 MPH meant a lot more weight felt. There is a formula to calculate the equivalent weight but I’m not digging it out of the far corners of my mind from college classes.
If you’re not physically limited from age or condition, you will get the distance back and more when you get used to the new set up. Don’t let that worry you. If you are physically fit to swing a heavier set of irons, you will love it.