I like Ping woods but would choose Taylormade irons, but a lot will depend on what sort of iron player you are and whether you expect/have capacity to improve. I'd rate the Speedblades quite highly along with the Callaway Apex. In both instances you need to be aware that the manufacturers have created apparent improvements by changing the numbers on the bottom. So a new 8 iron would have the loft, and almost the length, of an older 7 iron. Despite this being well known, and clear to read on club specs, it's surprising how many people get sold on how far they hit their new '8' iron.
With an 18 handicap then, unless you plan on a great deal of practice, would stick with game improvement style irons and preferably steel shafts.